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22 Jun 2010
 

 Australian HeadsIn early June, Notre Dame hosted a visit by 14 Headteachers from Catholic schools in Melbourne, Australia. The groups were taking part in a tour looking at leadership in English education organised by the Southern Educational Leadership Trust.

As part of their tour, the group visited a number of schools as well as attending conferences in London and Birmingham. The visit to Notre Dame focused on the development of ‘Ubuntu’, the school’s transition subject taken by all Y7 students.

During the day they watched lessons, toured the school, spoke to staff and spent time talking in detail to students. Despite the early start and long day, the visitors were left with a positive impression of Notre Dame. They described it as an optimistic school of ‘happy children’ who were proud of the opportunities they had.

 

30 Apr 2010
 

Notre Dame Young Enterprise winnersCongratulations to the two Notre Dame Young Enterprise groups who won awards at the annual Plymouth Young Enterprise Presentations.

Young Enterprise group ‘Xela’ won two awards, the Briitish Telecom Trophy for Endeavour and the Bond Pearce LLP Trophy for Environmental Awareness. ‘Harmony’ won the Larry Speare Shield for Team Work.

Notre Dame is very proud of the students’ achievements and would like to thank them, and the staff and local business advisers involved, for their valuable contributions.

 

28 Apr 2010
 

 Indian danceStudents at Notre Dame got the chance to sample a range of different cultures recently as part of the school’s Respect Week.

Organised by Senate members Hollie Garbett and Amanda Jury, the week featured daily workshops on a range of topics which students signed up to participate in. The aim of the week – which is an annual event – is to develop understanding of different cultures and thereby build respect for them.

Each workshop was run by a visiting speaker and, across the week students were able to take part in Indian dance, Italian cooking, African drumming, Mexican storytelling and also those most traditional of English sports, football and rugby! Indian Dance African drumming Italian food Mexican storytelling Football Rugby

 

23 Apr 2010
 

 Dorothy StangWe have a special place in our hearts for Sister Dorothy Stang. Our Humanities block and one of our Houses, bears her name. We are glad to hear that at last justice has been seen to be done in respect of her murder. This article raises again the profile and plight of those she worked so hard to protect. Sister Dorothy epitomised the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur which is encapsulated in this extract from their mission statement :

'Each of us commits her one and only life to work with others to create justice and peace for all.'

May she rest in peace.

Fiona Hutchings

 

29 Mar 2010
 

 As You Like ItNotre Dame, Devonport High School for Boys, St Boniface College and Holy Cross Primary School brought together a complete version of William Shakespeare's As You Like It as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Shakespeare Festival.

The project took 3 months to complete and was designed to increase the enjoyment of Shakespeare. It grew out of the RSC's Stand Up For Shakespeare campaign which encourages students to see Shakespeare live, start it earlier, and put it on its feet in the classroom.

The Festival was about bringing different people together as one and about creating performances that use only Shakespeare's words. There have been 11 festivals nationally, with one school from each getting the chance to perform at the RSC in Stratford later in the year.

The Notre Dame production involved both English and Polish students and a mix of ages. The cast were dressed in black and white to show the symbolism of the ying and yang in the play and to focus on the importance of love and forgiveness.

 

19 Mar 2010
 
 Year 12 were given the opportunity to travel to Exeter to the HIgher Educaiton Fair. Here is what they had to say:
 
We had a fantastic day at Exeter meeting people from many different universities and finding out about courses and fees. We found it helpful as it opened our minds to new opportunities. It was a successful day as it helped towards making those decisions for our future. (Orla and Charlotte)
The HE Fair was great for gauging just what is expected if you are to get onto the course of your choice. Some universities were very helpful (others not!) and overall a useful day.
It was a helpful eye-opener and helped us to make some very important back-up plans (Nikki and Nicky)
This was a great was a great way to compare universities and the different courses available. We feel that it has helped both a lot and we got free stuff!! (KayC and Megan)
 

14 Mar 2010
 

 Y10 Drama studentsYear 10 GCSE Drama students at Notre Dame have created a play about confidence and self-esteem as part of their studies and have been performing it to primary school children.

The play, called ‘Moving On, Moving Up’, deals with issues relating to self-esteem, confidence, bullying and the transition from primary to secondary school. The objective is to explore these issues and worries through drama and the performances end with the primary children involved in a workshop with the older students. The work is based on Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) which is a key part of the primary school curriculum.

Drama student Georgina Stuart said, “I’ve really enjoyed the chance to create a play that will help younger children become more confident. It has been great to see how much they have enjoyed the performances so far – and how much they have learnt.”

Andrea Casey, Head of Drama, said: “A key part of the Drama course is about creating performances with a real purpose. Our students have really benefited from having to create a show that will entertain and educate younger children.

 

“The project is one of a number of community events we are involved in as part of our Humanities Specialism.”

 

There have been four performances of the play, presented to Year 5 and Year 6 children from Holy Cross and Keyham Barton schools.

 

01 Mar 2010
 

 enterprise logoThe Young Enterprise Spring Trade Fair is almost here and Harmony, a group of students from Notre Dame RC School studying the new Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design, has come bouncing into Spring with some brilliant products.

The group will be selling handmade jewellery made out of pewter, wood, acrylic and enamelled copper. All products, which include bespoke necklaces and bracelets, have been designed and manufactured by Harmony.

The company are keen to promote their green image by using recycled materials from the previous trade fair to help make the new products and thereby lowering their carbon footprint.

Lizzie Proctor, Managing Director, of Harmony said, “All our products will be pitched at affordable prices and we would encourage you to treat your mum for Mothering Sunday with something special and unique from our stall.”

If you would like to know more about Harmony or if you want to buy one of our products please email us at harmony@notredame.plymouth.sch.uk

The Spring Trade Fair will be held in Plymouth City Centre in Armada Way near to the Sundial on Saturday 6th March from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Members of Harmony hope to see the Plymouth public there to help them win the Young Enterprise competition. Please remember that these products will be available only for a short period of time and when they’re gone they’re gone!

 

22 Feb 2010
 

 a time for reflectionLent is a period of reflection before Easter. It is characterised by a focus on three distinct approaches to life: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In this spirit, each of the five Notre Dame Houses has chosen a specific charity to support during Lent.

Students in each House will learn more about each charity through presentations during assemblies. They will be invited to reflect on the needs of those helped by the charities, and to use prayer, fasting and almsgiving as ways to offer their support.

Through prayer and reflection, students will come to a better understanding of the needs of others. Through fasting - or giving up something during Lent - they will be able to donate (give alms) to help those thier chosen charity is focused on.

The charities being supported include:

St Vincent de Paul

Disaster Relief for Haiti

Cafod

 

30 Jan 2010
 

 Youth ParliamentThe next Plymouth UK Youth Parliament Elections are on Saturday 30 January 2010. Twelve candidates are set to battle it out to become one of four young people to represent the city's youth at a local and national level - and three of these candidates are proud Notre Damers!

The election will take place in the Council House on 30 January when there will be a chance for voters to meet the candidates and talk to Local MPs from midday. Voting will begin at 1pm and go on until 7pm when the Lord Mayor will announce the results.

All 11-18 year olds living in Plymouth and the surrounding area are eligible to vote.

Click here for more information.

UPDATE :
Congratulations to Katie Taylor for being elected as Youth MP and a hearty 'well done' to Lucy Fowell for standing.

 

 

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