Made exclusively from British stamps this image was created to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Bedford Modern School’s Art Technician Anne-Marie Stijelja’s latest art collection is being exhibited at Bedford Art Centre.

Anne-Marie who has been at Bedford Modern School for over six years, also runs the School’s Textiles Club and teaches some of the School’s Art & Craft Holiday Activity Courses.

“In my spare time I am a practicing artist and have had my work featured and well received in numerous exhibitions,” said Anne-Marie.

“My latest work is a collection of images on canvas using vintage used stamps from around the world. These are currently being exhibited at the Bedford Art Centre, where I am artist of the month and runs throughout the month of May.

“The Queen’s head image was made exclusively from British stamps and was created especially to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee. This was entered into the Best of Britain postcard competition and selected from 300 worldwide entries to be published in a book called the Jubilee Postcards,” commented Anne-Marie.

Anne-Marie has studied fashion design and worked in the industry for many years before settling down and concentrating on her young family. As they have grown older her passion for textiles and art has re-surfaced and she is regularly working on new projects as well as being an active part of Creative Bedfordshire and We are Bedford groups.

Last year, Anne-Marie led Bedford Modern School’s successful taster day for pupils from Goldington Green Lower School, introducing them to the art of felt-making. The children and teachers all thoroughly enjoyed themselves so much so that Bedford Modern School is running the session again this year for children at Edith Cavell Lower School and Livingstone Lower School.

For more information about Anne-Marie’s work please see www.amstijelja.com

Graeme Swann vivists Oundle School

A new cricket coaching initiative – supported and financed by the MCC Foundation – was launched by international cricketer, Graeme Swann at Oundle School, Northamptonshire, on 24 April 2012.
Graeme saw MCC members in a match against Oundle’s 1st X1, joined MCC and ECB officials along with Head of Cricket, John Wake, staff and Headmaster, Charles Bush for lunch, took part in a Q&A session and spent time in the cricket nets with pupils as well as MCC and OTCC members.
Oundle School has been chosen as one of seven MCC Foundation Hubs because of its long term continued good practice with the School, local state schools and the local cricket club working together to provide cricketing opportunities for young people. Oundle joins five other independent schools across the country in this new project, promoted and funded by the MCC Foundation, (the charitable arm of MCC), the others being King’s Taunton, Bolton School, Dauntsey’s,  Silcoates and Tonbridge. Lord’s itself forms a seventh Hub.
Oundle School will launch a three-year pilot scheme whereby the independent school’s outstanding cricket facilities and first-class coaching expertise can be utilised by local state school pupils.

Maintained schools with gifted and talented pupils have been canvassed and those nominated will join the scheme which encompasses an Under-14 ‘Outreach’ coaching group and an Under-16 Advanced level Academy.

Pupils will be able to use Oundle School’s excellent indoor nets during the winter, and play on the extensive outdoor cricket facilities during the summer season.  Coaches will include Ray Swann (ex-Bedfordshire CCC and England Amateur XI), Andy Roberts (former Northants CCC) and Oundle School’s Head of Cricket, John Wake (ex-Bedfordshire CCC) – all specialists in specific areas of the game – and their coaching will be funded by the MCC Foundation which means the youngsters themselves incur no fees.

The coaching programme provides high-quality coaching and playing opportunities for local children.  It forges links between the local schools, both private and state-funded, and the local cricket club, who all encourage talented and enthusiastic youngsters to stay involved in the game to reach their potential.

The scheme hopes to uncover a rich seam of cricket talent that would otherwise have lain dormant in the school playground.  It may discover another Stephen Harmison, James Anderson or Graeme Swann for England – all of whom made their way in the game by joining their local cricket clubs.  At the very least, the scheme should uncover some potential athletes, channel them into cricket clubs and develop them for the District and County representative sides.

“There are kids out there who have athletic ability and might not even be playing cricket at the moment,” explains Oundle’s Head of Cricket, John Wake. “It’s a matter of finding them, involving them in the game and developing the talent they’ve got, hopefully for the benefit of cricket – and themselves. We’ll be looking to discover where the talented athletes are, and get those in for coaching on Saturday mornings and the better cricketers will be put into an MCC Foundation Academy on Sundays to get them involved with top-level coaches.”

Headmaster of Oundle School, Charles Bush, commented, “I am delighted that we can help to provide opportunity through working with the MCC Foundation and bringing on young cricketing talent.  I hope both boys and girls will go on to play representative cricket and that we shall have been able to assist them along the way.”

The new MCC Foundation cricket coaching initiative, supported by the ECB, will complement The Cricket Foundation’s ‘Chance-to-Shine’ initiative which has operated in Oundle for the past 5 years.

John concluded, “We are very grateful to Graeme for helping to launch the hub today. The partnership between Oundle School, OTCC and the maintained sector is continuing to do its bit for the ECB’s widely-publicised development agenda. The Government’s idea of a Big Society has yet to be translated, but this model surely makes a start.”

Oundle School CCF trip to Wales

Over Easter, the Adventure Training section of the Oundle School Combined Cadet Force went to Capel Curig in Wales, where they carried out their annual training camp for present and future adventure training cadets.

During the week, the cadets carried out a range of activities including mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and walking. On the camp this year there was also a group of four Fifth Form (Year 11) boys who completed their silver Duke of Edinburgh walking expedition.

On the first day the cadets were required to complete a 2-Day expedition in which they climbed the last two peaks in the 14 Peaks challenge and after camping out that night walked back to camp throughout the day. Over the two days the cadets walked for roughly 6 hours each day experiencing some amazing views and weather along the way.

Cadets, Milly Ward (15) and Ben Ellis (16) commented, “After returning from the expedition and having our first night in the training camp we woke up early the next day to experience a day of kayaking, in which we were able to attempt the activity for the first time. The day was set out to be a good one as the sun was finally shining in Wales, and after a quick insight into the day ahead we set off onto the lake. In the morning we started on a collection of large lakes developing our skills. Later on in the afternoon we had a chariot race across the lakes, where pairs of cadets join their kayaks together and attempted to paddle in a straight line. We then travelled down the river from Plas-y-Brenin and finished about a mile downstream.”

The next day some of the cadets had the opportunity to climb Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales while another group had a day of climbing. The walk up Snowdon was challenging especially with snow at the peak but all cadets reached the top. The climbers did a range of activities involving caving, and abseiling.

Milly and Ben added, “We then moved onto mountain biking where we completed the Marin Trail just outside Betws-y-Coed. The trail is 25km long with an overall climb of 450m; it is an off-road single track high speed course for intermediate and advanced riders. We found it challenging but completed it with few injuries apart from a few scratches along the way!”

On the last day the cadets woke up to a large amount of snow covering the ground and so went to an indoor climbing wall where they experienced a range of climbing challenges and completed various bouldering courses.

Milly and Ben concluded, “Overall the trip was a great success with us learning new skills which we will practice when joining the section next year. “

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Sophie Hillier has won the Ladies' County Golf Championship

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Sophie Hillier has won the Ladies’ County Golf Championship and was awarded the Lady Ludlow Cup.

The Championship was held at The Bedfordshire and County Golf Club between Thursday 10 and Sunday 13 May. Qualification for a place in the Championship final came through playing in two preliminary rounds, with the top 16 golfers going into the knockout stages.

17 year old Sophie, who plays off a golf handicap of five, will be taking up a golf scholarship at Murray State University, Kentucky, USA, after completing her A Levels this summer.

Sophie is a member of John O’Gaunt Golf Club and has been playing golf for six years. In 2010, she won the Girls’ U18 Bedfordshire Schools Scratch Golf Championship.

“I was so pleased that my new coach, Simon Garner PGA, Brocket Hall Golf Club, was there to see me win on the 17th hole; his commitment to preparing me for this competition was key to my success. Simon’s dedication to developing me as a player over the last three months has been exceptional. I am also very grateful to my fitness coach, Dan Hartwell TPI, Harpers Health Club, for keeping me in shape for golf over the last few years,” said Sophie.

Former Bedford Modern School student Adam Ingledew is preparing to take up his place at Cleveland State University, Ohio

Former Bedford Modern School student and prolific swimmer Adam Ingledew has been offered a place at Cleveland State University, Ohio.

Adam won Gold at the IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) in the 50m Freestyle Swimming two years running whilst in the Junior School and became British National Champion for Boys (13 years) in 2006 for 100m Freestyle. He was a finalist in the 200m Freestyle and the 100m Backstroke; National Finalist in the 100m Freestyle in 2008, 2009, 2010; Double Bronze Medalist at the School Games in 2009; Double Silver Medalist at the School Games in 2010 and Double Silver Relay Medalist at the British National Championships 2010 with Hatfield Swimming Club. Between 2006 and 2011, Adam was part of the English Talent Development programme.

19 year old Adam, who has nine GCSEs and three A Levels, left Bedford Modern School in 2011. Since that time he has been on a Gap year training with Hamilton Swimming Club in Dubai. Adam has been part of their elite squad and has also been working part-time teaching swimming to children aged between three and 12 years.

“I was offered a place at Cleveland State University as well as two other Universities,” said Adam. “I chose Cleveland State because they have a large swim team, which is well funded and professionally run. Also I will be competing at Division 1 NCAA level, the highest level for universities in the U.S.A.

“I was seeking a full United States’ University experience in a city and was delighted to be offered athletic sponsorship at Cleveland who offers good support services in terms of nutrition, physiotherapy and strength & conditioning,” he added.

Adam is intending to major in Health Sciences BSc with a Pre-Therapy track (Physiotherapy) for four years – one foundation year which all U.S. Universities do and a further three years of study. Following his completion of the degree, Adam intends to undertake a Doctorate in Chiropractics, Physiotherapy or Athletic Training.

The Head Coach at Cleveland states that Adam is a freestyle standout with versatility that helps teams win championships. “Adam has had experience with working with some of the best programmes in the sport, which should allow him to excel in college. We are excited to see what he will do next season!”

Thomas Munno will work as a sound engineer and musician as he follows the Olympic Torch on its journey around the UK

In the week that the Olympic Torch starts on its journey around the UK, Bedford Modern School Year 11 pupil Thomas Munno will be following the route of the torch for the last four weeks of its journey to the Olympic Park in East London.

16 year old Thomas will be working as a sound engineer and musician on an open top bus that will be travelling from location to location on the same day as the Olympic Torch as part of the national ‘More than Gold’ programme. On each day of its trip, the bus will be the base for up to three local church bands that will perform in their community as part of the torch relay celebrations.

Thomas is sitting his GCSEs this term and is keen to follow a career in sound technology. For the last two years, Thomas has been closely involved with managing the live and recorded sound for drama and music events both at Bedford Modern School and outside of school.

     Colonel Kelly reports: “St Benedict’s School CCF provided a first class biennial inspection day at Longmoor Camp on Friday 16 March 2012. The detachment was in excellent spirits with 60 cadets on parade. The school has a thriving CCF and have very successfully embarked on a partnership with Cardinal Wiseman RC School. I had the opportunity to meet cadets and teachers from both schools and praise all concerned for this excellent partnership which is fully supported by the Headmasters; both were present at the inspection day.  

     Captain Finch has proven to be a very capable OC and through his guidance the CCF has continued to grow in strength and numbers. The contingent provides challenging and rewarding training opportunities at the weekly CCF events and this was ably demonstrated during the biennial inspection. Capt Alistair Grant, the SSI, was particularly impressive and is to be congratulated on his hard work and dedication to the Unit. Additional adult support comes from a number of teachers and it was encouraging to see the level of support from both schools.

     The cadets on parade were extremely well turned out and the honour guard had spent some considerable time on their drill and appearance – well done. All were thoroughly enjoying the experiences and opportunities provided by the CCF. During the inspection I had the opportunity to view various levels of training in skill at arms, range work, section attacks, assault course and helicopter drills and flights. I was particularly impressed with the senior cadets and staff sergeants, and had the opportunity to promote a very confident and competent cadet sergeant-major. 

     Overall this was a very successful inspection which brought the very best out of a well-motivated and supported CCF. The schools and cadets are clearly proud of their CCF contingent. 

Excellent – well done.”     

     Commanding Officer Captain Richard Finch commented: “It was an outstanding day. Our cadets gave 100% and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils were visited by author, Tom Palmer

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 5 and 6 pupils had an opportunity to meet author Tom Palmer on Thursday 10 May.

Tom Palmer is the author of three Puffin fiction series for children. His first novel ‘Foul Play’ was short-listed for the 2009 Blue Peter Book Award. Tom’s latest novel ‘Black Op’ published on 03 May 2012, is about The Squad: teenage spies trying to protect the England Team at Euro 2012.

Reading about football was the turning point in Tom’s life. Tom has always been an avid football fan and when Tom was younger his mother encouraged him to read about football in newspapers, magazines and books. From that point Tom’s life changed and he wanted to know everything about books. He began writing stories, poems, diaries and books before having one of his football stories for children accepted by Puffin.

As part of Tom’s presentation to the pupils, Tom hosted an interactive quiz called the Football Reading Game with the winners taking part in a penalty shoot-out. After this, there was plenty of time for the children to ask Tom questions including how long it takes to write a book; what research is undertaken and where Tom gets his ideas from before Tom Palmer signed copies of his book for the children to take home.

Chris Barrow, the Year 6 teacher who organised the visit said: “Tom provided the children with a lively and fun-filled experience. It was great to see the pupils respond with enthusiasm because of his actions and words. I know they will enjoy reading his literature in the future.”

More information about Tom Palmer and his publications can be found at www.tompalmer.co.uk/

See more photographs of Tom Palmer’s visit in our gallery section at http://www.bedmod.co.uk/gallery/314

Earlier this year, Oliver achieved a distinction in his grade 8 trumpet exam, with 140 marks out of 150. He also achieved a distinction in his grade 5 trombone exam, after only learning the instrument for 18 months.

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils brought history to life in their Build a Tudor House Workshop

Bedford Modern Junior School staff and pupils were delighted to welcome back Charlie Lupton and his Build a Tudor House Workshop (www.buildatudorhouse.co.uk) on Tuesday 08 May.

Girls and boys from Year 5 were asked to come to school in Tudor costumes before building a piece of living history themselves with the construction of a Tudor House made out of 95 individual pieces of wood.

Throughout the day the children learnt how to use carpenters’ marks to assemble the Tudor house; how to make wattle panels and daub them; how to shape the pegs used to pin the house together and how to tile and thatch a section of roof.

Year 5 Francesca Greenlees said: “I enjoyed learning how to thatch part of the roof of the house. Getting involved in the interactive workshop was a fantastic way of learning about Tudor life. I am sure I will remember far more from the workshop than I would if I had just read about it in a book.”

James Russell, another Year 5 pupil added: “The Build a Tudor House Workshop was brilliant fun. We learnt about how the Tudor houses were made and the difference between a poor person’s house and a rich person’s house in Tudor times.”

Thank you to Charlie Lupton for visiting Bedford Modern Junior School and delivering such a wonderful, informative and exciting learning experience for our pupils.

A selection of photographs from the Year 5 Build a Tudor House Workshop are available in our Gallery section at http://www.bedmod.co.uk/gallery/310