Anglo European School

It was particularly apt that the students found common ground through music, as the school has been filled with joyful sounds this week, rehearsing for the Eisteddfod on Monday and performing on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

The Eisteddfod, the traditional Welsh festival of the Arts, can be traced back to 1176 when it is said that the first Eisteddfod was held, under the auspices of Lord Rhys, at his castle in Cardigan. There, he held a grand gathering to which were invited poets and musicians from all over the country. A chair at the Lord’s table was awarded to the best poet and musician, a tradition that prevails in the modern-day National Eisteddfod. Eisteddfod means “Sitting together” and therefore this is a celebration of togetherness and the sharing of special experiences, which creating lasting memories.

In our 50th year and in celebration of our golden anniversary, Anglo European School gathers the very best musicians, poets, thespians and dancers to a very special celebration of the Arts. Our Eisteddfod also celebrates what makes our school distinctive; its international curriculum and ethos. This week we have enjoyed performances that originate from all around the world, many performed in different languages, reflecting our students’ open-minded, global perspective and appreciation of different cultures, languages and traditions.

This week we have welcomed back Year 10 students from Lyon, Frankfurt and Madrid and hosted students from Wiesbaden and Tokyo at Anglo European. As ever, these experiences have been transformative and hugely appreciated by students, who have gained international friends and developed their confidence, linguistic skills and resilience. We have really enjoyed listening to the students’ stories of amazing experiences on their return and there was much excitement when our Italian students received their partnering forms today and were sharing news of their partners at lunchtime today. The visits season 2024 is in full swing! We’ve also heard from parents who have seen the impact of the visits on their children. One parent wrote,

“As a parent, witnessing my son's confidence grow after being put out of his comfort zone since last year's trip to Germany and this year in Lyon first-hand has been immensely gratifying. I am deeply appreciative of the collaborative efforts between the international office, the school staff, and the school in Lyon in creating such a meaningful and impactful experience for our children.”

As the cherry blossom blooms in our dining room courtyard, we know it is time to welcome our good friends from Chuo University Junior High School in Tokyo once again. They have spent a week in the UK, spending time in school interacting with our students in Art, English, Drama and Technology lessons, as well as Japanese lessons with students from Years 9-11, in addition to specialised English tuition. They also enjoyed visits to the British Museum and Mitsubishi Corporation. Our Japanese learners really enjoyed hosting their peers and practising their language skills in conversation.

At the conclusion to the visit, the Japanese school met with us to teach us a song which we performed together (see video below). The words of the song are very moving; the chorus means:

“I will move forward

Always reflecting on the joy of our encounter

One year ahead, ten years ahead,

For Years and years to come.”

There were certainly some life-long memories created on this visit and we’re grateful to Mr Marshall, Mrs Shin and the International Office for co-ordinating this visit.

Year 11 students said: "It was amazing to be able to use the knowledge I have collected across the years, and dive right into the language with the students It was so exciting to practice and improve my speaking skills with the students and connect with them!" Another said: "I enjoyed talking with the students, we found we had a lot in common. The best part is that I made new friends and can keep in touch with them on social media."

Mrs Gee recently met with a group of Year 7 and 8 students who, in January, assisted an elderly lady who was injured in her garden. The students heard her cries for help and went to her aid. The emergency services who attended to the lady commented particularly on the swift and effective support our students had provided and told us they were a credit to their school. Mrs Gee met with the students to share with them two letters of thanks that she had received; the first from the lady and the second from her children to express their gratitude to the students. The lady wrote, “I do not know what I would have done if they had not heard me calling out for help on a cold and frosty morning. My situation would have been a lot worse.” Having spent 3 weeks in hospital and rehabilitation, we were all glad to hear she is now back at home recuperating. Our students were a real credit to our school and their families and we are incredibly proud of them.

We welcomed a film crew from the British Council who are putting together 2 separate videos. The first to share the achievements of the Mandarin Excellence Programme and the second to highlight the importance of language learning. We were extremely proud of our students who spoke so eloquently and with passion about both their experiences at the Anglo and the opportunities that learning a language has given them. We look forward to sharing the final production of these videos.

Students have thoroughly enjoyed creating this beautiful Easter table, purposefully designed to promote wellbeing and mindfulness. This has ignited numerous uplifting conversations. It has been a joy to watch this creative project evolve. We look forward to seeing where their creativity will take them next term.

Lower Sixth students took part in Talk2Nish mentoring training sessions this week. The programme involves training students to deal with peer wellbeing issues, to talk to them in the first instance and signpost them to help and advice. Participants are trained to recognise warning signs of mental ill health and use tools to feel confident to guide someone to get the appropriate support in times of need. This will be the second year that we have worked on the Talk2Nish programme. If you need find out more about Talk2Nish visit their website.

https://www.talk2nish.com/

Year 9 students worked creatively on a languages marketing workshop. The group firstly considered the 4 Ps of marketing, product, price, promotion and place as well as the additional considerations needed to market abroad. Secondly, they explored the concept of transcreation of slogans that companies use to market their products globally or why in the case of Audi, choose to keep their slogan in German. The students' main task was to market Jelly Babies, drawing on their history as post-war peace babies which were created to celebrate all colours and creeds. Our students' flyers were praised for their link to the history of this well-known sweet and their use of their languages stills to trans create their slogans, use alliteration and rhyming.

Mr Rankin watched Romeo and Juliet with around 50 keen Year 9 students, who absolutely loved the play. When he spoke with students afterwards they praised the athleticism of the actors during the fight scenes, in particular highlighting the actors' use of bicycles on stage to represent violence and power. It was a huge success, with a new love of Shakespeare and the Globe clearly evident on a lot of tired yet satisfied faces by the end of a long evening.

Thanks to the dedication of our students and staff, the Anglo Garden is now bursting with the vibrant hues of spring. Their tireless efforts have transformed this space into a serene oasis, radiating tranquillity amidst the array of spring colours.

All Year 10 students are studying Macbeth for their English GCSE, please consider attending this live performance of Macbeth, details below:

University of Essex's East 15 Acting School

MACBETH by William Shakespeare

Date: Saturday 25 May 2024

Time: 3.00pm - All tickets must be purchased in advance.

Venue: Copped Hall, London NW5 2SD

All tickets are £10.00 per person via Ticketsource. Further information -

https://www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk/index.php/services/28-events-2024/239-macbeth

In celebration of Pi Day (14th March), Year 9 students were challenged to estimate the length of the circumference of a circle they were given. The catch was, they were not allowed to use a ruler in any way! Students showed a range of creative ways to develop their estimate and of the 168 entries, 61 students managed to give an estimate within 5 mm of the accurate value. A special mention must be given to the 3 students, Ethan, Bonnie and Dylan, whose estimate was closest to the accurate value, just over half a millimetre out!

As we reach the end of this Spring Term, we would like to wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable break. For many of our families, you may be setting off on holidays or to visit family and friends and we wish you safe travel.

When the students return to school on Monday the 15th April, they will do so on Day 1 of their timetable. As we did in January, we thought it useful to remind students to be fully prepared by packing school bags before the 15th, making sure they have all their correct books, including a reading book, essential items of stationary/equipment and for some, their PE Kits. Please remember to take PE kits home at the end of term for a full wash! For students engaging in public examinations, this preparedness is especially important and we would remind students of the need to have a clear, transparent pencil case for all examinations. Please make sure they have a full pencil case with pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, calculator etc. It would also be beneficial for them to make sure they know where their uniform and school shoes are to avoid a rush in the morning of the 15th. A reminder that students eligible for the pupil premium grant can liaise with Mrs Edge-Baron at any time if they need support with essential supplies and uniform.

We appreciate that a few of our students will take the opportunity to wear false nails, false eyelashes and jewellery over the next couple of weeks. So please support us by reminding your child that they are not part of our uniform code and must be removed (this may require an appointment towards the end of the holiday to manage this expectation) before arriving at school on the 15th. Students are also not permitted to wear jewellery with the exception to one pair of plain gold or silver stud earrings when they return.

In response to student voice feedback, we have introduced the option of wearing a polo shirt in the summer term, instead of the shirt and tie option. This option is for the Summer Term only (Monday 15th April to Friday 19th July). Please can you remind your children that the shirt must be tucked into their trousers or skirt and worn with a blazer as they are walking around the school site. If you have not ordered your polo shirt and wish to, please see https://price-buckland.co.uk/ for details. This is optional and there is no expectation that this should replace the current uniform offer.

As the temperatures rises next term, we would also remind you to ensure students are using sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities and are carrying a refillable water bottle to keep themselves hydrated.

This week we are focusing on Media and the specific career pathways for students to consider.

Mrs Gee met with Year 7 student Beatrix this morning to congratulate her on her amazing triumph at the recent Cross Country event where she won by some margin! Beatrix is an elite athlete; she is a member of the Chelmsford Triathlon team, Brentwood swim Club, Chelmsford Athletics Club and also cycles competitively. She loves running competitively and trains for cross country runs at Writtle College. We’re really looking forward to watching her perform during the Athletics season and at Sports Day where she is hoping to compete in the 1500m or 800m on the track and in the relays.

She also discussed the possibility of raising funds for a school Athletics team kit and a review of PE socks for the summer season, which Mrs Gee promised to bring up with Mr Cuff! Beatrix is a real star of the athletics track events and we’re all looking forward to Athletics starting again in PE after the break.

The Year 7 boys basketball team finish their season undefeated, with a 24-4 win. The boys have worked well as a team throughout the year, and we are all looking forward to their continued success in the Year 8 league. Well done boys!

The Year 7 girls' football team wrapped up their season undefeated, capping it off with a 1-1 draw. Talia and Isla shone brightly, earning the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. Congratulations to all the girls for their outstanding performance and teamwork this season!

The Lower Sixth played the Upper Sixth in the annual Tom Smith cup football match, in memory of the former student who sadly passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer. The game was played in good spirits but the Upper Sixth were dominant throughout and won 3-0 thanks to goals from Henry, Jake and Louis. The money raised will go to Sarcoma UK. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated.

(Allergens – Gluten & Dairy)

The main ingredient here is mince lamb. Lamb is rich in protein, rich in iron and vitamin B12. It is beneficial for those who suffer from anaemia and helps muscle growth.

This recipe for lamb is versatile – you can use it and make patties for those summer BBQs, turn it into a Indo-Italian spaghetti bolognaise or simply have them with my cooling mint chutney, warmed naan bread and a salad.

Happy Cooking & Happy Easter

Mrs Prema–Gadhia

Ingredients;

• 500g mince lamb
• 4 cloves garlic - finely chopped
• 2 green chillies - finely chopped
• Thumb size piece ginger – finely chopped
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1.5 tsp cumin powder
• 1.5 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chilli powder (optional)
• 1.5 tsp black pepper powder
• 1.5 tsp Himalayan pink salt
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tsp’s fresh mint leaves finely chopped
• Large handful freshly chopped parsley
• Large handful freshly chopped coriander
• 3-4 tbsp of freshy squeezed lemon juice

Method:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix together.
2. Marinate overnight if possible and roll into balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the meatballs keep shape.
3. Cook in a non – stick pan, on a medium heat tossing occasionally until the meatballs are cooked.
4. Enjoy with warmed naan bread, a salad of your choice and my cooling mint chutney drizzled on top. Recipe below:

• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp of shop bought mint sauce
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of sugar

Add all of the ingredients to a bowl, mix together. As easy as that!

If anyone is looking for a studio flat in Ingatestone we have details of one that has become available. Please email enquiries@aesessex.co.uk for more details.

15 April - BACK TO SCHOOL

15-23 April - Year 10 Blanes exchange students at AES

15-24 April - Year 8/9 Avignon exchange students at AES

16-25 April - Year 10 Heidelberg exchange students at AES

17 April - L6 Physics Day

17 April at 5pm - Meet the Head Students - virtual webinar

18 April - Year 7x parents' evening - virtual event

23 April at 6.30pm- Year 10 Paris residential parent's briefing - virtual event

23 April at 6.30pm - Year 8/9 Italy/Spain parents' briefing - virtual event

23 April - Panathlon Inclusion Event

24 April - 1 May - Year 10 Girona exchange students at AES

24 April - U6 IB Last Day

25 April - Year 7/8 Maths Challenge

25/4 - Year 7y parents' evening - virtual event

2023/24 Key Dates - https://www.aesessex.co.uk/home/parents/key-dates-and-term-dates/

Finance - finance@aesessex.co.uk

Admissions - admissions@aesessex.co.uk

Attendance - use Edulink

Email: enquiries@aesessex.co.uk
Website: aesessex.co.uk
Location: Anglo European School, CM4 0DJ, Willow Green, Ingatestone, UK
Phone: 01277 354018