Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Possible Return To School

  Wed 20 May 2020

  Dear Parens/Carers

  RE:  Possible Return To School

  As you may be aware, the government has asked secondary schools to provide Years 10 and 12 with some ‘face to face support’ with their remote learning from June 1^st.  They are not, however, making a final decision on this limited return until the next meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group For Emergencies (SAGE)  has taken place on Thursday, 28^th May.  Consequently, although we are currently preparing to meet the government's request, we do not consider it feasible to open for any of Year 10 or Year 12 on June 1st.   Final site modifications will still need to be made during that week and staff must be inducted into new ways of working.  

  We intend our 'face to face' support to begin on Monday, 8th June.  This would not be school as we know it but very small groups of students in each year group attending on a rota basis over the course of  each week. 

  If the government does announce that such  ‘face to face support’ is possible, I will be in contact with Year 10 and Year 12 parents in the week beginning 1^st June with full details of how this will be organised and, most importantly, the measures we have put in place to minimise the risks for students and staff.

  In the meantime, I would like to wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable  half-term break.  

  Yours sincerely

  Miss Mead

  Headteacher

• Former student Sophie P tells us what it takes to win a place with the National Youth Theatre

  Tue 19 May 2020

  Earlier this month former student, Sophie P, won a place with the prestigious National Youth Theatre, over 6000 people auditioned. NYT has a world renowned alumni including Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ed Sheeran and Ed Westwick, to name a few. Here Sophie tells us what it takes to become part of the NYT and gives some fantastic advice, no matter what career path you plan to take. 

  When applying to a place in which you care about it can always seem like a daunting task. However, as long as you know that you’ve done the best you possibly can through sheer hard work and determination, nothing will stand in your way. This February, I auditioned to become a member of the National Youth Theatre. ‘NYT is a youth arts charity. They have been centre stage for over 60 years, inspiring people, and audiences alike in the importance of theatre. A few months later I found out that I was successful and was asked to join the company. I wanted to use this opportunity to share with you my experience of auditioning for a company such as NYT, as well as the path I’m now making for myself.

  Theatre companies are always looking for unique individuals who will bring something new. This is why it is important to always stay true to yourself and to make sure you are getting involved in everything you possibly can. Before my audition I attended two separate one-week courses in London with NYT, covering audition and Shakespeare techniques. Not only did this broaden my knowledge it also showed my eagerness to be a part of the company. From partaking in the masterclasses that NYT offered it also helped me to gain insight into who NYT are, so I knew that it was something I wanted to be a part of. Different theatre companies always work off of different styles, therefore not every organisation will work for you. No matter where you may be looking at joining it is important to remember that opportunities are never going to come to you, you have to go out and seek them. The casting panel are always looking for people who are committed and outgoing. It is important that you watch as much theatre as possible and research heavily into the places that you are auditioning for. That way you are prepared for any questions about the organisation and you also gain your own personal judgement of the work they produce. It is okay to dislike certain elements, if anything it shows that you have your own unique voice and aren’t just following everyone else.

  Once I knew that NYT was something I wanted to be part of, I applied for an audition on their website. I found the venue that was best suited to me and started all my preparations. The audition day consists of a 3-hour workshop in the morning where you participate in games and different activities with the rest of the auditionees. In my group there were about 30 of us. In the afternoon you then have to wait for your allocated one to one session slot. In this time, you will be able to talk with the panellist. They will ask questions about you, such as your hobbies and what you have to offer. Always remember that they want you to do well. The panel are rooting for you, they not there to try and catch you out, so stay confident and try your best. You will then have to perform a 2-minute monologue of your choice, the panellist may or may not redirect you. After your individual session you are free to go home and wait for the results day.  My biggest piece of advice for the audition day is to be open and willing to try anything. Whilst they’re looking for talented individuals, they also want to see how well you can take direction and work in an ensemble. NYT are ensemble lead so being a team player is of great importance. I also want you to know that this industry is extremely competitive, and rejection will become your best friend, it’s part of the job. However, without it you would never grow. You can’t let the rejection push you down, you must always use it as the next step on your ladder.

  Following my future career with NYT I’m hoping to gain a place at drama school and secure a space with an agency. My main aim is to start creating and producing work, getting myself out there and known to the acting industry. I’m currently writing my own play and collection of monologues to keep creative during this lockdown period! At some point in the future I would love to take some of my work to the Edinburgh Fringe festival. So, my overall biggest piece of advice I can give, is to do things at your own pace and never compare yourself to those around you. Everyone will be taking different paths but that doesn’t mean you’ll end up at different destinations. Make sure that you want to go into the industry because you have a genuine love and passion for it. If you want to become an actor for the fame and money, you’re looking in the wrong place. 

• Prime Minister’s Announcement Regarding The Opening Of Schools

  Mon 11 May 2020

  Dear Parent/Carer,

  I hope that you and your family are well. 

  As I am sure that you aware, the Prime Minister announced last night that some secondary school students may return to school before the end of this term.  We are currently awaiting more detail about the government’s  plans for schools and I will be in contact with you again once we have received and digested this.

  In the meantime it is ‘business as usual’ with staff engaged in home learning with your children and the school open for keyworker and a small number of other students to attend should they wish to do so. 

  Yours sincerely

  Miss J Mead

  Headteacher

• Moulsham High School and Chelmsford City Football Club launch new Academy

  Tue 05 May 2020

  Moulsham High School, in partnership with Chelmsford City Football Club, is proud to announce the launch of its very own Academy.

  The unique nature of the new Chelmsford City F.C Academy, which will formally launch in September, will allow all students to follow their own educational path, whether that be studying for A Levels, taking a vocational course or a combination of the two, at the 'Outstanding' (Ofsted 2020) Moulsham High School Sixth Form, part of the Bridge Academy Trust.  The Academy is open to anyone aged 16-18, you do not have to be from the Chelmsford area, however all students will be required to meet the school’s rigorous entry requirements in order to gain a place, regardless of their footballing ability.

  Working within the local community, the Academy will further develop the skills of young footballing talent while also increasing their coaching and knowledge of the game. Simultaneously, the Academy will work with students to ensure their academic achievements match those of their achievements on the pitch. 

  Training sessions and matches will be integrated within the academic timetable and, as part of the Chelmsford City F.C. Academy, players will join a squad which is not only coached by the Chelmsford first team staff but also ex professional footballers Mickey Spillane & Elliott Ward. Participants will also have access to training with the First Team and a clear pathway into that team, should they show enough all-round ability.

  Mark Farmer, CEO, Bridge Academy Trust said: “We are delighted to be launching our brand new Academy in partnership with Chelmsford City F.C. MHS Sixth Form is an outstanding establishment which we believe offers a real opportunity for all of our students to achieve success. We are very proud of our Sixth Form and the school’s strong reputation in the community. Community is at the heart of our school and we know it’s incredibly important to the team at CCFC too, which makes this the perfect partnership.”

  Steve Shore, CCFC Chairman added: “We are a family at Chelmsford City. Our family is the thing I have always been most proud of at this club. We already have teams across a range of ages, genders and abilities but in line with our values, we constantly strive to grow our Club and those associated with it to achieve the success they deserve. Therefore, the launch of an Academy with Moulsham High School is an important milestone for both the Club and our Community. Enhancing our family with the addition of an Academy is of huge significance to all of us, because Chelmsford City F.C. is more than just a football team.”

  Moulsham High School is a thriving, inclusive community that welcomes students, parents, staff and visitors from all backgrounds. The school’s three core values which are inextricably linked, are that our students should Enjoy, Enrich and Achieve. An Ofsted inspection earlier this year noted that as well as the Sixth Form provision, the quality of education and personal development opportunities at the school are both outstanding. The full report can be read here.

  If you’re interested in joining our new, exciting Academy please contact Moulsham High School Sixth Form on 01245 260101 or email sixthform@moulshamhigh.org to discuss entry requirements and Chelmsford City FC on 01245 290959 or email shan.toms@chelmsfordcityfc.com about the Academy programme specifically.

• News from MHS

  Fri 01 May 2020

  Dear Parent/Carer,
  
  I hope you and your family are well.  
  
  During this second week of the Summer Term staff have continued to work hard supporting students with their home learning.  
  
  Teachers of Years 11 and 13 have also started the process of awarding the centre assessed grades which are replacing G.C.S.E.s and A levels this year.  I am overseeing this important work myself and have had a number of very positive meetings with Heads of Faculty and Subject Leaders. They are being exceptionally thorough and conscientious as they consider which grades to award.  The exam boards have changed the date on which we can begin to submit our grades from 29th May to 1st June.  We are still awaiting the outcome of the Ofqual consultation on how BTEC and Cambridge National grades are to be awarded.  
  
  Finally, please could you check that your son/daughter is using their 365 microsoftaccount. This has emails and messages to them from their teachers. They must also check the "groups" section of their email, not just the inbox. This can be found at the bottom left hand corner
  
  Yours sincerely,
  
  Miss J Mead
  Headteacher
  Moulsham High School