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BVC debaters union treat

Senior debaters from BVC travelled to Cambridge to visit the world-famous Cambridge Union debating chamber. The students were invited to attend one of the union's weekly debates by the President of the Union, Will Smart. The trip was a celebration of the end of the debate season which saw the students successfully compete in a number of debating and public speaking competitions. They were accompanied by Mrs Daniells and Mrs Lynn. Now the oldest debating society in the world, and the largest student society in Cambridge, the Union remains a unique forum for public debate. In the past the Society has hosted such great figures as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and the current Dalai Lama. BVC students were lucky enough to sit in on the hustings event for the forthcoming Union elections, listening to a cross section of University of Cambridge students pitch for positions on the Union council. Guest debaters for the evening included Sr Chris Ham, former Chief Executive of the Kings Fund; Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, founder of the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice and one of the most influential nurses in the NHS; Eleanor Smith, Labour MP and former theatre nurse; and Baroness Jolly, Lib Dem spokeswoman for Health. Their motion was This House Regrets The NHS's Status As A National Religion. The photograph (right) shows BVC students with Dame Anionwu (centre).

Heads appeal for funding

BVC Head of School Vickey Poulter has joined with colleagues across the country to ask parents for their support in lobbying for more cash for schools. The repeated refusal of ministers to discuss school funding has resulted in headteachers issuing a letter to parents, accusing the Government for failing young people. Ms Poulter said: “Unfortunately, despite intense lobbying of the Government and Department for Education, matters remain extremely challenging.  Schools are still not being provided with adequate funding and resources to deliver the level of provision and support that is expected and that our families and children deserve.” Experts say that since 2010 school budgets have been reduced in real terms by 8% and by 20% at post-16 with class sizes rising and schools are being asked to support children’s emotional health and wellbeing with inadequate resources. Ms Poulter added:”Often, the most vulnerable students in our schools – those from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – are bearing the brunt of cuts and schools are struggling to provide the levels of support that they are entitled to. “These issues are not simply affecting a few schools.  They are common features across our education system up and down the country. “Levels of concern are so widespread amongst Headteachers that we are all working together to tackle the issue.” As a group, Headteachers across England and Wales have written to the Secretary of State for Education on three separate occasions since September 2018.  All requests were refused, with a junior civil…

Spanish visitors to BVC

It has been a busy week at BVC with students playing host to their Spanish Exchange students. 22 students from Escolapios Albacete visited the college on the return leg of our Spanish Exchange. Accompanied by teachers Lola Martinez and Francoise Alessandri, the Spanish students stayed with families in Bassingbourn and the surrounding villages, having been matched previously when the BVC students visited Spain in October last year. The Spanish students spent time with their English counterparts in school enjoying such delights as a traditional cream tea and board games, a treasure hunt, a creative arts presentation by the BVC college captains. One of the highlights was a geography lesson when English and Spanish students alike discovered the complexities of Cockney rhyming slang. An evening event was held in college with students and host families alike enjoying a buffet and ... a game of bingo! In addition to free time spent with their English families, the Spanish group also visited Cambridge and London, packing lots of sightseeing and experiences into their trip.  

Feminism almost wins the day

Our younger public speaking team did brilliantly when they took part in the Cambridge finals of the Rotary’s Youth Speaks competition. Well done to Year 10 students Katie, Beth and Ciara who were taking part in their first series of public speaking competitions. Katie spoke on the topic Feminism and why it should be encouraged. The BVC team acquitted themselves well and were praised by the judges for their performance - the winning team was from the Perse School. The event was held at Lodge of Three Grand Principles, Bateman Street, Cambridge, and attracted schools from all over East Anglia.

Young Artists Exhibition

The Cambridgeshire Area Young Artists exhibition is being held at Sawston Village College during the February half term. Sponsored by the Arts Society, the exhibition is now in its fifth year. Over forty schools are participating, including BVC, with each school submitting up to two pieces per key stage. Over 150 pieces of work will be on display. BVC is represented by Elise Anderton and Stella Morris for KS3 and Ben New and Eve Morris for KS4. Judges include representatives from Kettle’s Yard and Norfolk and Norwich Festival Bridge. The exhibition takes place in the Henry Morris Hall, 22-23 February, and winners will be announced at a special prize-giving at 3.00 pm on 23 February. The exhibition is free and we warmly invite everyone to come along and see it.

Ed is ESU Top Speaker

Well done to Year 11 students Ed, Cassie and Becca who competed in the Cambridge and Welland Valley branch finals of the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition at Cambourne Village College. They were up against tough competition from Wellingborough, Oundle and St Bedes schools with Oundle being overall winner. However, true to form, BVC didn't come away empty-handed as Ed was awarded Best Speaker of the evening for his speech: It is not the role of Art to entertain, but to critique and debate. Thank you to students from all years who came along to support the team.

NCS Gold Award for BVC

Representatives from the National Citizenship Service visited BVC to let Year 11 students know about the brilliant opportunities they can sign up to after their summer exams. Whilst they were here they also presented Assistant Principal Miss Hields with a GOLD award, recognising the large number of BVC alumni who have taken part in NCS activities. The NCS is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people in Year 11 and Year 12. With all places funded by the government, it is the biggest youth development programme in England, giving young people the opportunity to develop new skills and make new friends whilst having fun over school holidays. NCS participants embark on an outdoor adventure residential taking part in activities such as climbing, archery and zip-wire. They then continue their adventure with activities that will enhance their personal skills, including practical workshops, and visiting local organisations. For further information visit www.learnbydesign.co.uk/ncs-school-link-east-ea1/ to find out more and sign up.

Churchill Victory

Many congratulations to our Year 11 trio who competed in this week's Churchill public speaking competition at The Perse school, Cambridge. The BVC team - Ed, Cassie and Becca - were awarded Best Speaker (Ed), Best Questioner (Cassie) and all three went through to next round. Whilst this was Ed's third time taking part in the competition, Becca's polished performance belied the fact that it was her first attempt at public speaking. Ed chose to speak on the topic: It is not the role of Art to entertain, but to critique and debate​. The trio are photographed above with James Scruby, ESU Governor, and Mrs Boxall who coached the team alongside Mrs Daniells and Mrs Lynn. Competition during the evening was tough with the Bassingbourn speakers competing against teams from The Perse, St Mary's and St Bedes. The BVC speakers will compete alongside St Bedes "A" in the District finals held later this month. Organised by the English Speaking Union, the national competition is open to students in years 9-11 and culminates in the final held in Churchill College, Cambridge, in April.

French students visit BVC

Au Revoir to our French exchange students who returned to Collège Joseph Bédier today (Friday). Over 70 students spent the week in England, with almost 20 students staying with their BVC exchange partners. They have had a great time with their BVC families and spent a busy, busy day at BVC on Tuesday. The French students took part in a number of organised trips - the highlight of which were a visit to the Globe theatre in London and a trip to Granchester Tearoom in Cambridge for a traditional afternoon tea. One day was spent at BVC where the students and their hosts enjoyed lots of activities including a treasure hunt, composing spells in Latin and even making scones!

Cadet Assembly

Year 8 welcomed Flight Sgt Nick Buckle from 2484 Bassingbourn Air Training Squadron to their assembly this week. Flt Sgt Buckle spoke of the many opportunities available to those who joined up to the cadets which meet several times a week at Bassingbourn Barracks. Weekend adventure camps, Duke of Edinburgh Award, BTeC qualifications and more caught the imagination of the young students. A number of BVC students are already members of the squadron and also spoke to students after the assembly. There is further information on how to join on their website: http:2484aircadets.org

Bassingbourn Village College

South End, Bassingbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 5NJ

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