Biddenham is proud to announce that it has entered the '10:10' initiative.

As part of this initiative, Biddenham has pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 10% in a year starting in 2010 (a short term, achievable goal to get us well on the way to cutting emissions by 80% by 2050).

We are currently calculating our emissions from last year and will start implementing fuel saving measures this year. For more information about the 10:10 initiative, visit www.1010global.org/uk or click the image below.

The Youth Sports Trust who steer the policies relating to Physical Education and School Sport asked Biddenham Specialist Sports College to participate in the making of a DVD that will be distributed at a National Conference as part of a strategy to try and increase the physical activity of 14-19 year olds. Calum Simpson, the current PE Technician; who is a good example of someone who is continuing to participate in sport led on this project and with advice selected a range of Biddenham students from International athletes to those who had recently begun to pursue sport to be  involved in the filming last Tuesday. The identified students were asked a range of questions and  the focus was on why they took part in sport, what motivated them to get involved and what impact it had on them as individuals. As you can imagine there was a real variation in their responses which was really pleasing for those creating the DVD and Emma Cannell , the Youth Sports Trust consultant was “excited in what she heard and was really pleased with the Biddenham students honesty and thoughts”

Students involved in this exciting day were:

Alongside this exciting day two sixth form media students were able to observe the film company at work and get first hand hints at what is involved. We have been promised the uncut footage as well as the actual DVD so it is hoped that these students will be able to apply their knowledge and use the additional material for future presentations within school.

The DVD will be prepared for the National Conference in November and given out to both students and to those involved in all the School Sport Partnerships who are responsible for increasing participation in this age group.

Maggie Jackson
Director of Specialism - Community

Biddenham Upper School is pleased to announce the winners of an essay-writing award on the theme of sustainability in memory of John Crookall-Greening.

John Crookall-Greening, who sadly passed away earlier this year, founded the Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum (BCCF) ten years ago.

Originally called the Bedfordshire Renewable Energy Forum its purpose is to consider environmental issues peculiar to Bedfordshire, providing information, widening horizons and contributing to what is the most important debate for the early 21st century in a positive and independent way. It also acts as a critical friend, offering a focussed viewpoint free from considerations of profit or self-advancement.

Following John’s passing, his widow, Grace and the new chairman of BCCF, Tony Mitchell, have provided Biddenham Upper with a fund to hold an essay-writing award in John’s memory on the theme of sustainability.  Last term all year 9 students were given the opportunity to discuss the issues in Citizenship and Science lessons as well as being given support in English lessons to write their essays.

Students were given four essay titles from which to choose:

• ‘We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children’ (Native American Proverb)
  Given that previous generations are responsible for creating the unsustainable society that our generation now lives in, what does the proverb above mean to you and how does it make you feel?
• Are our own personal actions just as important as national and international agreements when it comes to saving the planet?
• If humans are not responsible for climate change, should we abandon costly sustainable development?  Why?
• How could the people of Bedfordshire create a sustainable community?

The fund is to be used to award the most inspirational essays with a £10 book voucher.

In addition to this, after hearing of the award, local businessman Dr Jan Telensky has generously offered a grand prize of a long weekend to stay at Aqua City in Slovakia, the world’s leading green resort. Another local businessman interested in promoting sustainable thinking in young people, Alisdaire Lockhart, has also generously offered £100 for a second place award.  Following this the school decided to create a third place award of £30.

The Winners

The ten finalists are as follows:

1st place

Jack Broughton – for detailed consideration of ideas including solutions that Biddenham Upper could implement.

2nd place

Kayleigh Wiltshire – for a well-expressed and thoughtful argument with a good grasp of the issues in a global perspective.

3rd place

Emma Kerr – for creative writing that gives perspective over a young person’s life.

Weronika Golda – for very well researched essay with a good historical perspective.

Zara Habib – strong argument for the importance of individual action.

Holly Tapley – for a very well written essay with a good range of examples and an awareness of the importance of biodiversity

Jessica Copeland – for encapsulating the meaning of sustainability.

Louis Flashman – for awareness of many of the issues involved in personal action.

Hannah Fisher - for a good exploration of sustainable practises and encouraging all to take part.

Yusef Atta – for a bold approach to answering the question that challenges the negative perception of climate change.

A2 Drama students at Biddenham , Alisha Denton, Zoe Harbour and Abbie Aldridge took part in a mock-up crash as part of a drink drive campaign. These students were victims of a staged drinkdrive crash and were rescued from a car last Saturday night.

The campaign was also featured on local-news.tv:

This was a great acting opportunity for our students to take part as if they were involved in an actual accident and really tested their work in role. Not only did this demonstrate the students professionalism but also gave students an opportunity to do their bit for the community acting in an important partnership using theatre to educate.

Well done A2 Drama students, I am glad it was only a class act though!! The A2 Drama group will be on tour next week with their Theatre In Education act. They will be performing to 9 schools in Bedfordshire as part of their drama course.

Mrs Brahmachari
Head of Drama

Why Would We Like to Work With You?

Working with employers and career professionals in education can help to develop better skilled and employable young people. This plays an important role in maximising our students’ chances of succeeding at College, University and in work.

What you can gain from working with us:

• Enjoyment and personal fulfillment, knowing that you are making a positive difference to young peoples' learning, development and aspirations.
• Developing skills such as communication, mentoring & coaching and leadership.
• Learning from and influencing education.
• Becoming a company ambassador in the community.

Potential benefits to business owners:

• Improved recruitment and retention.
• Young people are more likely to be ‘work ready’ and have the knowledge and skills needed for the work place.
• Employers will be able to influence the career choices of the future work force.
• A raised business profile within the local community, with links to schools, parents, teachers and tutors.
• Social and community responsibilities are more easily met.

How You Can Help

Some ideas:

• Work experience and Work shadowing. Providing placements and helping to prepare students prior to work experience.
• Visits to a workplace for students/staff.
• Coaching of teachers.
• Mentoring of classes/individual students (including e-mentoring).
• Career information talks to small or large groups.
• Information and advice about skills needed in your career sector.
• Job interview preparation/mock interviews, providing an insight into employer expectations.
• Support in lessons (e.g. participating in activities with students to share knowledge).#
• Providing equipment or materials to support learning.
• Case studies, providing real-life examples.
• Reviewing & providing feedback on students’ performance (e.g. during enterprise challenges).
• Providing progression opportunities for students.

Are You Intersted in Getting Involved?

If so, please contact Elizabeth Armstrong (Personal and Careers Education Manager).