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Camborne Science
& International Academy
Community News
Colours from around the world!
Top Performing Cornish State School
for the Second Year Running!
CSIA celebrates topping, for the second year running, the official
government GCSE league tables for all Cornish state secondary
schools, with an outstanding figure of 71% 5A* - C including English and
Mathematics - First Entry.
(This being the official key performance indicator
for all schools nationally.)
A Fantastic Achievement! Congratulations, One and All!
Issue 50 March 2015
Top Performing State School in the County!
Year 11 students celebrate their excellent examination results, on Results Day last August.
In February, the Department of
Education released to the media
this year’s National League Tables.
It was great to see Camborne
Science and International Academy
heading up the Cornwall state
schools league table, not only in
our local press, but also in many
of the national daily papers.
Academy is thrilled. I think all
associated with our school and the
community felt very proud of our
students, their achievements, and the
National recognition we received.”
“Recent changes to the league
tables have had minimal impact.
Our outstanding results are a
testament to the dedication,
commitment and hard work of our
staff, students and the unstinting
“As a school, our priority is to support of our parents/carers.”
always provide our students with
wonderful opportunities to meet
their potential and to succeed
Principal, Ian Kenworthy, said: in
fulfilling
their
ambitions.
“Camborne Science and International
£5000 Grant for work with Disadvantaged Students
Camborne
Science
and
International
Academy
has
been awarded £5,000 by the
government in recognition of its
work with disadvantaged pupils.
Every school has won at least
£5,000 and eligible schools
will now be invited to apply for
prizes worth up to £250,000.
Final prizes will be awarded at a
ceremony hosted by Deputy Prime
It is one of eight schools in the south Minister Nick Clegg in March.
west to have been praised for raising The pupil premium is extra
the achievements of these students. funding schools receive for
every
disadvantaged
pupil
Schools Minister David Laws they teach and is worth £2.5
congratulated
the
schools billion nationally this year alone.
that have qualified in the
2015 Pupil Premium Awards Schools Minister David Laws said:
following Key Stage 4 results “The pupil premium is building a fairer
published at the end of January. society with opportunity for everyone.
“I would encourage all of the
secondary schools in the South
West which have received a prize
to share their successful approach
with other schools so they can
learn from their experience.
“I hope all schools will continue
to learn from this excellent
practice and ensure they are using
their pupil premium effectively,
so that they too may be in the
running for a prize in 2016.”
Athletics Champions get Outstanding Results
Alice P., Ryan W. and Rebecca G.
On Sunday 4th January three of our
talented Year 11 students competed
in the South West Indoor Athletics
Championships at the National
Indoor Arena in Cardiff, in the U17
Age Group, with outstanding results.
Rebecca G set a new Cornwall
County Indoor Record for the 60m
hurdles, with a fantastic time of
9.15 seconds. Unfortunately she
missed a medal by 0.02 seconds
but then went on to achieve a
personal best and Silver medal
in the Long Jump, with a jump of
5m04. After a 4 hour wait for other
competitors to complete lower
heights, Rebecca then won Gold in
the Pole Vault with an accomplished
3.20m jump, which gives her a
current UK ranking of 2nd place.
Alice P won Gold and set a new
Cornwall County Indoor Record
in the Shotput, with a distance of
9m35, which was a respectable
distance, given that the equipment
and surface are different to those
she trains with in Cornwall. Alice
also took part in the Long Jump
and Triple Jump, jumping 9m05 in
the Triple Jump, which places her
5th in the ‘All Time Cornwall Indoor
Rankings’ for that event and a
current UK ranking of 10th place.
Ryan W won Gold in the Triple
Jump with a distance of 11m79,
giving him a fantastic current UK
ranking of 1st and 6th in the ‘All
Time Cornwall Indoor Rankings’
for that event. He also took part
in the 60m sprint for the first time
achieving a time of 7.81 seconds.
All three athletes train at Carn Brea
with Cornwall A C and are working
towards representing Cornwall
again this year in the SW, National
and International competitions,
whilst studying for their GCSEs.
Netball Success
Two students from Camborne
Science
and
International
Academy recently took part in a
tournament for Storm Netball Club.
Beth F. in Year 8, Caitlyn O. in
Year 9 and their teammates
took on a massive challenge
fighting for a place in the
regional
qualifying
finals.
With only the top four teams
selected from the league, they
were battling it out for the
remaining two places up for grabs.
Beth said: “Our team, Thunder,
started the day with a match
against Penryn. The game ended
30-19 to the opposition. We
knew we had to win at least two
games to qualify and with just two
games left it suddenly became
even more of a tense tournament.”
“We then took on the Saints second
team knowing that only a win
would be good enough. Although
we were losing by the end of the
first half, we managed to pull it
back to win 25-16. Walking off
the court we knew that we had to
get ready for the toughest game
of all against Saints first team.”
Beth F. and Caitlyn O.
reduced our lead to just one goal.
However, we then managed to score
five unanswered goals. The final
hooter went off signalling the end
of the match and victory for Storm.”
As they walked on for the match, both A spokesman from Storm Netball
teams knew that whoever won the Club said: “Caitlyn and Bethany are
game qualified for the next round. both in our Thunder squad which
recently qualified for the South
Beth added: “After scoring the first West South Regional U14s Finals.
goal of the game, we piled on the These take place on Sunday 1st
pressure taking the score to 3-1 to March at the University of Exeter.”
us, but then they pegged it back to
3-3. We were still drawing at 8-8 “Both girls also play for Thunder in
when we began to move ahead. the Cornwall Junior League and the
We ended the first half at 13-10. “ team is currently second in the table.”
“The Saints came out fighting, “Caitlyn also plays up an age
scoring two quick goals, which group in our Tornadoes squad
which is taking part in the South
West U16 Regional League 2.
Their last game was a 63-19 win
away to Yeovil. The squad has three
more games to go and is in with
a chance of winning the league.”
“Caitlyn has also been playing
in our senior teams all season
and has recently turned out for
our first team in Division One.”
Girls U14’s Football
On Wednesday 25th February
two of our talented Year 8
students were selected as part
of the 20 player representative
squad
for Cornwall Schools
Girls U14’s team, to compete in
five games during the season.
Molly C. and Katie B. attended
a training session on Friday 28th
November and travelled to
Wiltshite on Friday 12th December
to compete in the National Cup.
Furthermore,
the
two
girls
were then asked to travel to
Berkshire on Wednesday 25th
February to play for the squad.
Wiltshire won 4-1 however, the
girls said: “Even though we lost
it gave us a great experience
and we really enjoyed the day!”
On Friday 27th February four
Year 8 girls had the privilege
of walking out with the England
U18 and Wales U18 Schoolboys
team at Truro City Football Club.
The girls were selected because
they won the U12 Girls County
Cup last year. Rachel AH, Katie
B, Caitlyn F, and Molly C arrived
at the game at 4.30pm to be
greeted by county officials.
The girls then had a practice with
the flags, along with the Penrice
boys who won the U12 cup last year.
At 6.50pm the girls led the teams out
onto the pitch and held the National
a skills session which they all England won 2-0 as well which
Flags whilst the National Anthems
completed exceptionally well. finished the evening on a high.
were playing. This was a very proud
moment for the girls and CSIA.
It was a fantastic achievement for the Well done girls!
girls to win this cup last year and they
At half time the girls were
received a brilliant reward for it.
invited onto the pitch to have
Primary Sports Alliance
Two hundred students from
the Camborne Science and
International Academy Primary
Sports Alliance congregated for
the annual Sports Hall Athletics
event last week. Hosted by CSIA,
two competitions were held for both
Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 students
from visiting primary schools
and supported by 20 Year 7/8
Sports Leaders from the Academy.
The Sports Hall Athletics was
split into boys and girls track
and field and saw teams of 18
students taking part in 2 track
and 2 field events each, with
individual
placings
counting
towards the final team scores.
Alliance Cluster runs over 30 events
throughout the year for all ages
and abilities, with a mixture of fun,
multi-skills festivals and individual
sporting events, with several events
acting as qualifiers for the Cornwall
School Games, happening in June.
“Our students ran each activity
with confidence and enthusiasm,
setting a fantastic example to everyone who attended” said Tamsin
“From foam javelin to standing Hosking, Primary Sports Alliance
long jump, the team obstacle course Co-ordinator at CSIA. “All those
to the 4 x 1 lap relay, all com- who took part worked incredibly
petitions were hard fought and the hard throughout the sessions.”
victorious teams showed skills across
the board” said Mrs. Hosking. “It The top team from each event
was such a great opportunity to will now go through to the School
showcase the exceptional talent Sports Partnership Finals at Penthat we have within our community ryn on Tuesday 17th March.
and encourages more students
to take part in physical activity.” The Camborne Primary Sports
“All of these events and activities
help to develop key skills within
the students and prepare them
for the future” said Mrs. Hosking.
“Sport and academic studies
go hand in hand here at CSIA.”
“Sport is a catalyst for improving
confidence, self esteem as well as
physical and mental health and
wellbeing” added Ian Kenworthy,
Principal at CSIA. “We commend
our students who helped to make
the day a tremendous success.”
National Triathlon Winter Finals
Year 10 student Freya H.
recently
travelled to Milton
Keynes to
compete in the
National
Triathlon
Finals.
large teams from Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland.
Over 100 girls competed in
the junior age group category
which consisted of 7m turning
She qualified for this event by target
shooting,
a
1500m
finishing in the top two of a run and a three minute swim.
championship competition of the Freya had a great competition
triathlon winter series. Only 4 and
finished
37th
overall.
girls from the South West could
qualify and she joined another This is the end of the winter series
Cornish athlete and two Somerset for Freya and she now goes onto
athletes to compete against the the summer series which adds crossother regions in England and country riding to the competitions;
making them a Tetrathlon. She
has a busy summer ahead and
has already been selected to
represent the South-West of
England at the Junior Regionals in
Warwickshire at the end of May.
Girls Badminton
The Key Stage 4 Girls’ Badminton Team
took back the title as the best in the
South West on Thursday 12th March
2015. After successfully becoming the
County Champions, Kellen M, Amy P,
Ellie W, Martha R and Holly C took on
the challenge of competing against the
best county teams in the South West.
Arriving at The University of Exeter
Sports Park for CSIA’s 3rd trip in as
many years, the girls were excited
and anxious all at once. Whilst Kellen,
Amy, Ellie and Holly had all reached
this stage in previous years, Martha
was finding the experience entirely
new. Furthermore, Martha had not
been able to attend previous rounds
and so was re-joining the team
perhaps with an extra set of nerves.
If this was the case, she certainly
didn’t show it! Martha stepped to
the court for her first game with Ellie
to secure a convincing win against
Kingsmead School, Somerset (21-10).
All the girls did their bit in this match,
to walk away with a 5-0 victory.
All games are played first to 21 points,
with no setting, meaning that at 20-20
the next point wins. Amy P kept us on
the edge of our seats in our second
match, with a 21-20 win over the
Isambard School number 2. This game
proved to be a turning point for Amy as
she continued through the competition
with increased confidence and won all
subsequent matches. The results against
Isambard School were yet another
convincing set for the CSIA team.
The next match for the CSIA girls was
to be our toughest yet. The Gordano
School team from Avon consisted of
four county level players, who regularly
play together. Having watched their
previous games, we knew they would
be a tough team to beat and that
each of the rubbers were crucial. Ellie
W stepped up in her role as doubles
player to secure a win with Amy P. The
cool and collected player on court
seemed a different person to the
nervous junior seen the year before.
Ellie demonstrated composure on
court which reflected her experience
in the competition over the past few
years. The final results show just how
much the girls had to put in to make it
through to the gold and silver play-off.
Realisation began to sink in; a place
at the finals in Centre Parks would
be the result of a fourth consecutive
win. Each of the players knew how
much they wanted it and stepped on
court prepared to demonstrate their
desire for the finals. Kellen M had
coach Cliff Morcum and Miss Flitney
nervous as she appeared to let shots
pass against highly ranked B.Pike
of Queen Elizabeth School, Devon.
Feeling a slight niggle in her knee
(a recurring injury for some time),
Kellen had decided to sacrifice the
singles game in order to be able to
give everything in her doubles match
with Martha. Kellen was ahead of the
game with this risky strategy, and it
very nearly paid off, finally resulting
in a nail-biting doubles which ended
19-21 to Queen Elizabeth. Martha
and Ellie showed a strength throughout
the team that the Devon school could
not contend with, winning their doubles
21-06. Amy P secured the second
rubber with a 21-12 win over their
number two. Everything rested on the
final rubber; Amy and Ellie’s doubles.
It really was crunch time. Joy and
excitement spread through the team as
the final doubles game finished 21-09.
The CSIA KS4 girls team head to
Centre Parks, Sherwood Forest on
9th May for the National Schools
Badminton Championships Final. In
reaching this round the girls have now
earned the title of one of the top 8
teams in the country. The finals will
be the opportunity to see quite how
high up in the 8 the girls can get.
Equestrian Event
Four students from Camborne
Science and International Academy
fought off stiff competition at
the 2015 Cornwall Schools
Show
Jumping
Competition,
winning the team trophy and
1st and 2nd individual placings.
“Teams of four from schools across
the whole county entered this very
competitive event which sees some of
the best riders in Cornwall take part”
said Emma Haase, Vice Principal at
CSIA. “We are very proud of our
riders who weren’t fazed at all,
they rode fantastically and were
a real credit to our Academy.”
Held on Sunday 8th February at
Resparveth Equestrian Centre in
Grampound Road, the competition
is run by the Western Hunt Pony
Club. CSIA’s team of four consisted determination to name just a few.”
of James S. (Year 12), Olivia
H. (Year 12), Jessica B. (Year Olivia H and James S also qualified
12) and Charlotte V. (Year 8). for the Area finals of the Pony Club
Dengie Championships which is to
“All four students rode clear in round be held in Totnes in March, they join
one and in round two, they finished on Rowan Burgess in Year 12 who has
a score of only four faults to take the also qualified. The top 4 from this
title with three fences in hand” said competition qualify for the National
Emma. “Olivia and James went on to Finals in Warwickshire in April.
qualify for the jump off, both riders
delivered excellent performances “The sheer hard work and
with James taking the overall title dedication these students have
and Olivia finishing in second place.” shown to their sport is to be
commended” add Ian Kenworthy,
“Our CSIA team came away Principal at CSIA. “They join the
with the team trophy, 1st and long list of talented sportspeople
2nd individual placings and 2nd we have at our Academy.”
in the Tack and Turnout section”
added Emma. “They demonstrated
all the key skills we instil in our
students; self-confidence, discipline,
County Success for CSIA Dance Students
In September our Dance students
had the opportunity to audition for
the prestigious Hall for Cornwall
Youth Dance Company. #HFCYouth
Dance audition students from all
over the County to join their elite
company. The day involved a
technique class and demonstration
of their own choreographic and
creative capabilities. #HFCYouth
Dance provides opportunities for
young people to develop their
choreographic and performance
skills with a wide range of
choreographers
from
across
the Country. There are many
opportunities to perform and venues place with the highly sought achieved and continue to achieve.
include London, Exeter and Truro. after
#HFCYouth
Dance. Good luck as you undertake
It is a fantastic opportunity and this
wonderful
opportunity.
All eleven students that attended Miss Mitir is incredibly proud
the auditions were offered a of what the students have
Pathways to Health
On Friday 6th March, 44 students
across Years 10, 11, and VI Form
attended the Knowledge Spa at
Treliske Hospital to attend ‘Pathways
to Health’; Cornwall’s largest
interactive healthcare exhibition,
which
featured
innovation
and technology in healthcare.
Students explored and interacted
with a range of healthcare
professionals and took part in a
variety of workshops involving the
Armed Forces, Cornwall Stroke
Service,
Plymouth
University
School of Psychology, University
of Exeter Medical School and the
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS trust.
Students also had the opportunity
to attend a number of workshops
with the Royal Society of
Chemistry,
which
included
operating department practice
and a simulated hospital ward.
Students Make Music at Professional Recording Studio
Singing in a professional recording
studio isn’t an every day occurrence,
but that’s exactly what four music
students from Camborne Science and
International Academy did recently.
Having won the House Music
Competition 2014, Hannah E.,
Nicola B. (both Year 11), Tanni
S. (Year 8) and Megan L.J. (Year
10) were given the experience
at Plymouth Music Collective, a
community based Recording Studio
run by Plymouth Music Council.
“We are committed to providing
the best opportunities available so
this whole experience was fantastic”
said Steve Martin, Head of Music at
CSIA. “The studio was very impressive
which meant our students could show
the best of their vocal capabilities.”
Nicola B. singing At Last by Etta James
Tanni S. singing Skinny Love by Birdy
The trip held on Friday 6th
February gave the students the
chance to record in a real music
studio accessing industry-level
equipment, facilities and work
with ‘Doc’; a Sound Engineer.
“It was really helpful to experience
a professional studio” said Hannah.
“It was so enjoyable and reminded
me of why I love performing.”
Tracks from well-known shows
Les Miserables and Wicked
were performed by the students, my life and made me even more
plus challenging songs by artists passionate to persue a career
including Ed Sheeran, Etta in singing.” commented Nicola.
James, Adele and Beyonce.
“The benefits of a strong musical
“All four students blew us away education reach far beyond the
with the quality of their singing academic setting, so we’re delighted
and ability to harmonise together to offer our students unique, inspiring
so beautifully” said Steve. “They and unforgettable experiences
commented how enlightening the like this one” commented Ian
day was, serving to further their Kenworthy, Principal at CSIA.
passions for music even more.”
Plymouth Music Council aim to
“It was the best experience of enhance the range and quality of
musical opportunities available
to children and young people.
“I was so impressed with the girl’s
singing” added Doc, Sound
Engineer at the Studio. “Especially
as it was their first time in a studio
which can be quite daunting!”
Youth Speaks Competition
Students from Camborne Science
and
International
Academy
(CSIA) have been taking to the
stage presenting their opinions on
controversial topics as part of The
Rotary Youth Speaks Competition.
lots of flying related puns Ruben. M (vote) who spoke about
to make the audience laugh. Drones and students Charlotte. V
(chair), Jessica. C (speaker) and Ellie.
In the speech Alex said, V (vote) who talked about Ebola.
In the Ebola speech Jessica said,
“Sorry to drone on, but we must
address the key issues surrounding “I know how to solve Ebola. Yes, me,
It is a four stage competition, the use of personal drones, including: a thirteen year old girl has the key to
designed
to
support
and privacy, air space and safety.” cure Ebola. Guess what it is? Talking.”
encourage
development
of
effective communication skills. The Year 9 team persuasively talked Jo
Greet,
English
Teacher
about the mature and sensitive topics and
Coordinator
of
KS3
The first round of the competition of Striking and The Retirement Age. said
of
the
participants,
took place in school in front of an
audience of teachers and students. The second round, which was “I am incredibly proud of
also held at CSIA, was judged our students, their hard work,
The stand out speakers included by members of the Rotary Club. commitment and courage to stand
the Year 7 team who spoke
up in front of a large audience and
about Slavery. Student Asia K They selected two teams, both deliver such professional and mature
was confident and delivered from Year 8, to go through to presentations. The Rotary Youth
this controversial topic fluently. the Area Round at Penryn on the Speaks competition is a fantastic
24th February.
opportunity for young people to
The Year 8 boys’ team discussed
share their opinion on the topic of
the topic of Drones, with The selected students are Jack. their choice and we look forward to
Alex. W managing to include B (chair), Alex. W (speaker) and competing in February at Penryn.”
Students Shaping the Future of CSIA
Students at Camborne Science
and
International
Academy
are shaping the future of their
school. They have a dedicated
Student Council addressing a
range of matters including sports
facilities, uniform and learning.
“It’s so important that our students
have a say in the way their lives
are run - the Student Council are
policymakers in training” said
Paula Tippett, International and
Student Voice Coordinator at
CSIA. “Different sub-committees
meet every day to discuss a range
“Our School Council provides of school affairs, from refining the
structure and the means to take school lunch menu to becoming
student views into account. We are more environmentally friendly.”
never complacent and continually
strive to improve provision for One of the most instrumental
our learners and our community. developments brought about by
It’s about listening to our students CSIA’s Student Council was the
and using their experience to change in the school uniform from
continually improve what we offer sweatshirts to blazers and ties.
and how we function” said Mark
Fenlon, Vice Principal at CSIA. Other duties of the Student Council
include being invited to interview
Each year, every form group prospective teachers, learning
democratically elects two students walks, peer mentoring, international
to represent their class, with affairs
and
fundraising.
between 19 and 26 students for
each year group. Two ‘Head of “The Student Council organise at
Year’ students are then appointed least one activity every term to raise
by their peers, with ten in total. money for various charities or school
causes” added Paula. “Through
novel and innovative events, they
raise between £3,000 and £5,000
every year. The most recent being
a Valentine’s Treasure Hunt!”
“As students, it’s brilliant to have
an impact on our school and how
things are run” said Molly C., Year
9 Representative. “What I enjoy
most is seeing the results of our
ideas and thinking. . .‘we did that’!”
“The Student Council is the perfect
opportunity for students to get
involved in how the Academy
operates” said Ian Kenworthy,
Principal at CSIA. “It is to benefit
the whole school community
providing opportunities for students
to communicate their feelings as
well as influence decision-making.”
“The Student Council promotes
fantastic collaboration between
year groups and links between
the
students
and
staff.”
House Events
Niamh S., Brandon W. and Miss Jones
After an exciting end of term, the Callum W (Masai), Tanni S (Masai),
Masai House has kicked off the New Niamh S (Masai), Meghan L-J
Year celebrating a double victory. (Abenaki) and Kyle N (Abenaki)
all made it through to the grand
Last year’s events calendar was jam- finale. After being judged on both
packed and the annual Camborne the quality of the performance
Musician of the Year competition and the entertainment factor,
proved our most popular of all. the winners were revealed…
After weeks of lunchtime heats,
finalists were selected and invited 1st – Niamh S
to perform in the semi-finals before 2nd – Tanni S
going through to the grand final 3rd – Kyle N
in the main hall. The live student
audience and the judges: Mr Emery, Musician of the Year was a real
Miss Sidney, Miss Ferris, Paige C success and we look forward to
(Head Music Rep) and Kayleigh more students sharing their talents
W (Deputy Head Music Rep) next year. Alternative events are
were astounded with the talented also run during lunchtime and the
performances. Every year group calendar has included the Maths
was represented and it was fantastic challenge, Countdown and currently
to see a range of performances. excitement is building for ‘University
Challenge’ and House Rounders.
Meanwhile, the termly Top 50
draw took place in the final days
before Christmas. In our Christmas
Celebration
assemblies,
Mr
Kenworthy awarded Masai Brandon
W (7RM) with his prize. What a
great early Christmas present.
Well done
an exciting
Masai for such
start to 2015.
The CSIA Prefect Team 2014-15
CSIA Prefects
Prefects with George Eustice MP at the re-opening of the Donald Thomas Day Care Centre in Camborne
Camborne
Science
and
International Academy has a wellestablished culture of promoting
student leadership opportunities.
Joining
the
prefect
team
is one of the opportunities
offered to students who are
both enthusiastic learners and
committed to the school community.
The Academy is proud to
have a prefect team of
over 70 Year 11 students.
The application process to become
a prefect is fierce: a letter of
application, an interview and a
trial period needs to be completed
before they are appointed.
Assistant Principal, Director of Key
Stage 4 Mrs Naomi Godolphin
said: “Prefects fulfil an essential
role within the Academy. They
support the school at lunchtimes,
monitoring the corridors and
supporting students where needed.
“They also support school events
such as Parents’ Evenings and Open
Evenings. They organise the Year 11
Prom, create the Year Book and set up
the annual Year 11 Alton Towers Trip.
In recognition of their commitment
to their roles, prefects are
rewarded with a team building
trip in the Autumn Term and are
invited to attend a meal with the
Academy’s Senior Leadership
“Their contribution to the school Team in the Spring Term.
community cannot be underestimated.
Younger students regard the prefects Mrs Godolphin said: “We are
as role models and aspire to become proud to recognise the achievement
like them when they reach Year 11.” of so many mature and confident
students in their roles as prefects.
A group of prefects had the The team of 2014-2015 is one
recent privilege of being invited of the strongest prefect teams yet.
to support the re-opening of
the Donald Thomas Day Care “The students will undoubtedly be
Centre in Camborne.
At this able to draw on their experiences
event, prefects and clients shared as prefects in the future. They
experiences clearly enjoying each will remember the importance
other’s company. Prefects will be of being role models for others
looking for more opportunities to and will remember that being
support future events in the local part of the wider community
community. The school received is an invaluable experience.”
a very appreciative letter from
George Eustice, thanking the
prefects, and stating they were a
real credit to their school and town.
World Book Day
World Book Day took Camborne
Science and International Academy
by storm on Thursday 5th March.
Staff dressed in imaginative
attire to reflect a range of
famous literary characters and a
wonderful buzz filled the school.
Literacy across the curriculum plays
a vital role at CSIA and staff
always embrace an opportunity
for creativity. Characters ranging
from The Lorax, a Puffin bookshelf,
Miss Havisham, Eliza Doolittle and
Professor Trelawney from Harry
Potter could be seen teaching and
supporting students, to promote
a love of books and reading for
pleasure. Staff shared ideas about
their favourite stories and books
that have changed their lives, in
order to inspire students to consider
their own feelings towards reading.
As part of the World Book Day
celebrations, all students in Years
7-10 completed a Big Read, which
involved a shared reading of The
Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier. The
Silver Sword is a classic story about
how the Balicki family is torn apart
by the Germans from their home in
Warsaw, Poland, in 1940, and how
they succeed in reuniting themselves
in Switzerland at the end of the
war. Of course, after five years
of extraordinary deprivation,
fear and grief, the Balickis are
not much like the people that they
were before the war started.
Chapters of the novel were spread
out across the week with staff from
all subjects reading to their students
in every lesson until the novel was
completed. Responses from the
students have been incredibly
positive, with comments such as:
The Maths Department’s as Where’s Wally
“It was an amazing book. I might read it again.” - Neda N.
“It was so good and I loved it.” Lacey J.
“It was an amazing book. I would definitely read it again.” - Josh T.
“Brilliant story.” - Samantha M.
“Good book, really want them to make a movie!” - Elliot H.
“It was really good and fun to listen to.” - Thea P.
“It was a very heart-warming story to listen to.” - Hayd’n B.
“Best story ever?” - Owen W.
“Interesting and you never knew what was coming.” - Billy G.
“Five stars. Great book.” - Scot K.
All students have been given a £1
voucher which will allow them to visit
participating retailers to choose
from the selection of £1 books as
part of the national scheme for
World Book Day. Alternatively,
any book can be selected with £1
deducted from the cost. This is a
great opportunity to get reading
and enjoy such a wonderful
pastime which could broaden
understanding of the world,
improve concentration and focus, for
entertainment and escapism, and to
reduce stress and improve memory.
In addition to the Big Read, tutor
groups in Years 7 - 11 took
part in the Decorate a Door
competition which involved students
decorating their form room door
in the style of their favourite
book or collage. The doors were
judged on group involvement,
creativity
and
eye-catching
design.
Finished results were
incredible, demonstrating artistic
ability, imagination, creativity
and flair. They are a welcome
addition to the school, clearly
reflecting the positive atmosphere.
World Book Day has been a
massive success at CSIA this year,
clearly igniting the enthusiasm
of students and staff alike
with all of the team looking
forwards to next year’s events.
Singapore Welcomes CSIA
Singapore is a country small in size,
but huge in ambition. The country has
taken great strides in the last few
years; the rapid growth is clearly
mapped onto the city’s impressive
skyline, which is a hybrid of breathtaking skyscrapers and colonial
buildings. Eating and shopping
are fundamental elements of the
Singaporean lifestyle and there’s a
mindboggling variety of foods and
shops to choose from, incorporating
cultural influences from China,
Malaysia, India, Indonesia and
Japan. Singapore is a small island
that spans only fourteen miles
across, but urban planners have
been hard at work for decades,
planning to ensure that there are
plenty of open spaces and green
areas. Impressively, the country
protects and allows a variety of
large established trees to thrive
in the city centre and some of the
beautiful, unique buildings are
designed to work around them.
The National University of
Singapore High School (NUSHS)
specialises in Mathematics and
Science, as an independent,
specialised coeducational school
for students who have high
aptitude and deep passion for
these subjects. Offering its own
six-year diploma programme, the
school was set up in 2005 by the
Ministry of Education. The school
aims to nurture well-rounded
and world-ready scientific minds,
allowing them to develop a global
outlook and learn to operate in a
multi-national setting in the future.
With a warm welcome from NUSHS,
our group arrived in late January to
an average temperature of twenty
nine degrees centigrade, eighty
percent humidity and a great deal
of sunshine. Eager to embrace
this multicultural experience, our
students soon adapted to this
climate. The NUSHS student buddies
were a delight, taking our students
to lessons in the mornings and joining
us for some of the excursions. A jam
packed itinerary offered plenty
of new experiences and we could
not possibly justify the breadth of
them in this short article. However,
Singapore city highlights would
include: Haw Par Villa, Marina
Bay Sands Hotel, Gardens by the
Bay and highlights from within NUS
include: the NUSHS Demo Lab,
Tai Chi and Calligraphy lessons.
Our
students
experienced
boarding school life, in addition
to staying with their buddies’
families over the weekend. The
homestay arrangement ensured
that the students solidified lifetime
friendships; Megan B. explained
that “the homestay immersed us
into the many diverse cultures of
Singapore and made us more
confident”. All the students believed
that the homestay enabled them to
experience Singaporean life “not
as a tourist, but more as a local”.
We would like to thank Dr Hang
for his ongoing commitment to
this incredible opportunity for our
students and Ms Sion Hwei Hoon
Chloe for organising such a wide
variety of exciting experiences.
Furthermore, our thanks go to Mr
Norman Dominique & Mrs Chong
Ai Lin for being such gracious and
entertaining hosts - we look forward
to welcoming them to Cornwall in
June. In addition, Miss Tippett and
Miss Phillips would like to recognise
the excellent comportment of
the students from Camborne
Science
and
International
Academy, who at all times met
the outstanding expectations of
our school and were exemplary
international
ambassadors.
Thai Students Visit CSIA
Ian Kenworthy, CSIA Principal welcomes the Thai Students and Teacher
In March we welcomed ten
students and one teacher from
our partner school in Thailand.
We have been undertaking an
annual student exchange programme
with Mahidol Wittayanusorn School
for
approximately
10
years.
This is probably one of Thailands
most prestigious Science Schools.
Upon arrival, students spent two
days in London, before travelling to
Camborne. The Thai students stayed
with CSIA student familes. During
their stay the Thai students took
part in CSIA lessons and activities
and in addition took part a wide
range of cultural visits to many of
Cornwall’s iconic visitor attractions.
Super Global Forum - Kyoto
In January two VI Form students
from Camborne Science and
International Academy visited Kyoto
in Japan to attend the inaugural
Ritsumeikan Super Global Forum.
CSIA have been organising
exchange trips with Ritsumeikan
High School for over a decade
but this is the first time that
Cornish students have attended
the
Super
Global
Forum.
CSIA representatives Jodie G. and
Joe H., along with students from
Japan and Taiwan, tackled a range
of issues affecting the modern world
including: looking at the causes of
poverty, how to improve recovery
from natural disasters and what is
necessary to realise world peace.
English teacher Tom Ashley, who
accompanied the pair, said,
“Each student gave a presentation
on one of these issues to start the
forum, before working in groups
to complete further research
and create another presentation
using their combined experiences,
knowledge
and
perspectives.”
VI Form student Jodie G. said,
“We were fortunate to listen to
lectures on global poverty from the
CEO of Cocowell, recovery from
natural disaster by a patron of the
Japanese International Cooperation
Agency and the relationship
between global warming and
natural disasters by a professor
from
Ritsumeikan
University.”
Fellow VI Form student Joe H.
added, “We were also able to visit
the Japanese Earthquake Research
Centre in Kobe to better understand
the effects of natural disasters and
issues that prevent fast recovery.”
The final presentations were a great
success and watched by an audience
of around 300 people including
staff, Principals and Governors
from both Ritsumeikan High
School and Ritsumeikan University.
Japan Junior World Summit
Earier in February, 8 Year
9 students along with Mr
Lane and Miss Doolin flew
nearly 6000 miles to Japan to
attend the Japan Junior World
Summit. There was a lot of
excitement as their plane landed
in Osaka, Japan, where they
spent their first day, visiting the
famous Osaka Castle. It was here
that they met many of the other
schools taking part in the Summit.
The next day saw the performance
of the much anticipated cultural
performances. CSIA’s performance
went down a storm thanks to
Matthew B’s and Samuel N’s jokes.
The other students really enjoyed
learning about Cornwall and CSIA,
and particularly enjoyed seeing
the images of the storms of 2014.
which included students from every
school that participated. Ross W’s
speech was particularly memorable
and he was a fantastic ambassador
for CSIA. Everyone was thoroughly
entertained by the Ritsumeikan Brass
Band who were very impressive.
Afterwards, the students enjoyed
an afternoon of shopping in
Other trips during the week Kyoto. A particular favourite was
included visiting shrines and temples Nikishi market; it sold every food
all over the city of Kyoto. The under the sun and was surrounded
Arashiama district was a popular by shops and market stalls.
excursion due to the Bamboo
forest and views of the river with Well done to all the students who
the mountains in the distance. made the trip enjoyable, and
helped make CSIA’s participation in
The students also had the the Junior World Summit a success!
opportunity to stay with host
families and together they visited
Universal Studios over the weekend.
The following day was the opening
ceremony for the Junior World
Summit at Ritsumeikan Junior High
School. All the schools that came
to event gave presentations on
life in their country and at their
school, which was a fascinating
insight
into
their
cultures.
Afterwards, the students were
put into mixed classes. This
allowed them to get to know The final day saw the closing
each other through fun activities. ceremony
of
the
Summit,
Amazing Adventures in Iceland
The
Geography
department
at Camborne Science and
International Academy organised
a fieldtip to Iceland for 40 GCSE
and A Level students from the 12th
to the 15th February 2015. Our
students were impeccably behaved,
they were a credit to the school.
We flew from Bristol to Keflavik
arriving
mid
morning
with
temperatures of -6°C. Not fazed by
these temperatures we immediately
went for an outside swim in the
legendary Blue Lagoon.
The
students and staff were revitalised
by this impressive geothermally
heated lagoon. All members of
the trip were soon wearing mud
packs and sipping smoothies and
slushies and we hadn’t even got
to our accommodation. Enroute
to the hotel we stopped at the
highest point in the city to get our
bearings and the biting wind at
-9°C gave us a taste of the Arctic
conditions Iceland experiences
in the winter. Once checked in to
the Hotel Cabin we walked into
downtown Reykjavik via the scenic
seafront, a fjord with snow-capped
mountains in the background.
students where the rocks were
too hot to touch and you could,
if careful, warm your hand in the
almost boiling water. We watched
Strokkur erupt twice. Next the
group moved onto Gulfoss a
glaciated river with a massive
double waterfall 32 metres tall with
a 70 metre gorge at its base. It was
partly frozen. It has been voted the
third most beautiful waterfall in the
world and we could all see why.
Some students and staff took the
opportunity with this breathtaking
scenery to have a spontaneous
“catalogue” style winter fashion
shoot. Much posing ensued not
least by Miss Finn and Mrs Haase.
On the Friday we visited the
Þingvellir National Park, the most
visible place in the world to view
a constructive plate boundary. The
Mid-Atlantic ridge is separating
and is an example of sea-floor
spreading. The North American
plate is drifting westwards and
the Eurasian plate eastwards. The group then went to Frioheimar
Geothermal Farm were the
We then drove to the Geysir geothermal heat from the soil is
Hotsprings Area which has many taken advantage of along with
boiling, bubbling and gushing cheap geothermally generated
fumaroles, one of which Strokkur electricity to grow tomatoes all
“ The Churn” erupts about every year round, even with snow outside.
5 minutes to a height of 15-30 We had an interesting talk from the
metres. Mr Keddie showed the owner, tasted some fresh tomatoes
and quickly said hello to the Iceland
ponies in the nearby stable. Then
onto the geothermal power plant
of Hellisheidarvirkjun one of the
largest geothermal power stations
in the world. After our visit a 41
person snowball fight ensued to the
delight of the students, who living in
Cornwall rarely get deep, powder,
snow. Mr Keddie lost the snowball
fight outright; 40 against 1. Back
to the hotel for food, some rest
and then that night we visited the
local geothermally heated public
swimming pool. Crossing the snow to
go down an ice laden water slide in
the open air at -2°C at night is an
experience in itself. We returned
to the hotel tired but exhilarated.
On Saturday it was Valentine’s Day
and also Billy’s 15th birthday. It
was to be a day he will hopefully
remember forever. Our planned
walk on the Solheimajokull Glacier
Tongue that morning with crampons
and ice axes had to be cancelled
due to gale force winds and driving
sleet. Instead Mr Keddie managed
to rearrange the schedule so that
the students could go lava caving
underground instead. We were met
by our caving guides, everyone
donned helmets and headlamps
and we headed across the snow
and ice covered lava towards the
lava tunnels. The wind was so strong
we were literally sliding across the
ice and snow. Straight out of Alice
in Wonderland, we all had to slide
down a very narrow snow tunnel
into the cave. The lave tunnel was
pitch black, slippy and full of icicles.
Mr Kenworthy and Mr Keddie went
with a group each. Our students
were fearless and had to crawl on
their stomachs along the floor of
the lava tunnel in some places as
the roof was so low. On exiting the
cave the wind had picked up and
we had to fight our way back to the
coach against the driving sleet, the
smaller students, linking arms with
the guides and teachers to stop
them getting blown across the snow
and ice. It was extreme geography
and everyone was ecstatic about
the experience. Our coach nearly
got snowed in with drifting snow
across the road and the whole coach
shook from the blizzard outside.
We drove along the South Shore
towards the volcano Eyafjallajökull
and the glacier. The weather
turned from sleet to driving rain
and sadly visibility was so poor we
couldn’t really see the volcano or
glacier. We did however manage
to see the spectacular waterfalls
of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss
which drop 60 m from the relict
cliff above. Frazer H. (Year 12)
said “ Iceland was a truly amazing
excursion, as a geographer I found
the country’s natural features breath
taking, a trip I will never forget.”
Our last destination of the day
was Skogar Folk Museum to
see how Icelander’s used to live
in stone houses with turf roofs.
Upon returning to the hotel we had
dinner, gave Billy a birthday cake,
sang happy birthday and again
immediately headed out to the
local geothermally heated public
swimming pool. This time as the
snow had thawed the bigger water
slide was open with its flashing lights
and twisting turns. We returned to
the airport on the Sunday, flew
back to Bristol and returned to
Cornwall, tired but happy. The only
disappointment was not being able
to see the Northern Lights due to
cloud cover at night. Ellie B. (Year
12) said ‘Iceland is now the furthest
north I’ve been, I loved the country
especially the amazing landscape!
I’m definitely going back one day.’
Students and Teachers in Reykjavik, Iceland, on this years CSIA Geography Department Trip to Iceland.
Duke of Edinburgh
The popularity of the Duke of
Edinburgh award continues to
increase with the help of a large
number of students making full
use of the VI Form enrichment
programme. We have three times
the number of students taking part
in the gold award and twice the
number of students doing the silver
award this year than last year.
On the 18th April, over 8 teams
will take part in the Bronze twoday practice expedition along the
coastal paths around Lands End and
camping at Sennen. Students have
been attending weekly meetings,
completing their route cards
and learning about campcraft
and navigational skills they will
need for successful expeditions.
A large number of VI Form
volunteers have been supporting
Miss Dalton at these after school
DofE meetings. Other Bronze
events will include walks around
St Agnes and camping overnight
at Porthtowan on the 27th June.
We will have 5 teams, completing
the
Silver
award
practice
expedition on the 20th March.
This will involve students walking
for over seven hours a day on
South Bodmin Moor, and later on
this year on 20th June they will
do another three day qualifying
expedition on North Bodmin
Moor. Students have been very
busy preparing for both of these
expeditions in between attending
subject after school meetings.
In October, Year 12 students
completed the Silver qualifying
expedition with praise from their
assessors, and all students have now
gone on to achieve the full award.
Almost all have continued on to
begin their Gold award. They will
be completing a 4 day expedition
across Dartmoor on 1st – 4th July,
and another 4 day expedition in the
Brecon Beacons on 12th – 16th July.
Ten Tors Challenge
Training for this years Ten Tors
challenge began with a very
windy expedition on Dartmoor
and students have been attending
monthly training events since then.
This has included day walks and
overnight camps on Dartmoor,
Bodmin Moor, and St Michael’s Way.
to participate. For the first year
ever, we will have a mixed gender
team taking part in the event in
May. This will see the team walking
over 50 miles independently.
This training for all three DofE
awards and the Ten Tors challenge
has been supported by a small
army of teachers and volunteers
who have given their weekends
to support the students to ensure
The routes have been changed they enjoy the experience
this year to avoid dangerous river and
achieve
their
success.
crossing and ensure the safety of
The popularity for this years Ten students in unpredictable weather.
Tors award was evident in the Unfortunately this means that
number of students who applied students may have to walk further.
Year 7 Camp – Porthpean
For the first time ever, Year 7s will have the opportunity to take part in an activity camp at
Porthpean OEC on 8th – 10th June. Students will be able to experience high ropes, archery,
climbing, kayaking/canoeing, coasteering, and problem solving challenges. They wll also take part
in a variety of evening activities that will hopefully will include beach activities and team challenges.
Medieval Mysteries! - Super Saturdays
Presented with a crime scene
and armed with detective
notepads, Year 5 and 6 students
from partner primary schools
became special investigators with
the help of Camborne Science
and
International
Academy.
‘Doctor, Doctor’ role-play which
produced some highly entertaining
and informative results!” commented
Susan Gellatly. “All the students left
with plenty of ideas on how to cure
future illnesses, analyse evidence and
had a very good time in the process!”
Harry Potter on 21st March.
“Our Super Saturday programme
enhances learning, giving students
the opportunity to experience subjects
in unique and engaging ways”
added Ian Kenworthy, Principal
at CSIA. “The workshops are great
As part of the ongoing programme There is one further Super fun but also highly educational and
CSIA
have
with
partner Saturday
workshop
planned effective in developing interpersonal
primary schools, on Saturday this term, a Creative Writing and
communication
skills.”
7th March the students were master-class
themed
around
invited to solve the mysterious
murder of Sir Thomas Becket.
“Students got to work on making
observations
and
collating
evidence from the crime scene”
said Susan Gellatly, Deputy
Director of KS4 at CSIA. “Once
all the information was gathered,
the students used their detective
skills to draw their conclusions with
all agents deciphering the crime
and identifying the murderers!”
The second part of the workshop
involved students focusing on
medieval medicine, taking the role
of doctors to meet the challenge
of solving the Black Death.
“The students couldn’t believe that
medieval doctors used to taste their
patient’s urine to diagnose their
illnesses” said Susan Gellatly. “And
those who were brave enough tasted
some apple juice to give them a
flavour of how it would have been
to make a diagnosis back then!”
After looking at some of the
cures that were tried and tested
at the time, students made
medicines with ingredients such as
‘mouldy bananas’ and ‘rat’s tails’.
“To show their understanding of the
symptoms and their suggested cures,
they worked in teams to create a
Primary Science Workshops
Students from partner Primary Schools
have been visiting CSIA to take part
in the Primary Science Workshops.
Led by Ami Deacy, these workshops
have included experimenting with a
Van de Graaff generator, studying the
theory of Evolution, uncovering bones
and fossils, and purifying rock salt.
Students have been challenged
with activities such as making
different electrical circuits, dissecting
daffodils and making their own
fossils from plaster of paris.
Throughout the workshops the students
showed excellent teamwork. They were
enthusiastic and engaged with the
workshop by asking brilliant questions
about the subjects they were studying.
The Van de Graaff generator was
a particularly popular activity.
“The excitement was palpable as they
felt their hair start to stand up. It’s
wonderful to see how Science can
enthuse young people.” said Miss Deacy.
“From static electricity to lightening
strikes, the students witnessed firsthand what an exciting subject Science
is. They were all fantastic, showing real
enthusiasm and were very knowledgable.”
“We hope that through experiences
like this one, the younger generation
can be inspired by the endless
opportunities that lie ahead” added
Ian Kenworthy, Principal at CSIA.
“Of which they are endless!”