USH Newsletters

6th May 2016

  • USH wins the Faraday Challenge

    Five USH students had an exciting technological adventure at Southampton University on Thursday 28th April.

    The Year 7 students were talking part in the Institute of Engineering and Technology’s ‘Faraday Challenge’. The day was hosted by the Computing and Electronics department of the University in their state-of-the-art Mountbatten building.

    The students were asked to design and build a solution to a real-life engineering problem using the new BBC ‘micro:bit’. The micro:bit has been supplied by the BBC to schools to help Year 7 students engage with computer coding.

    Upper Shirley High was one of six schools taking part in the day. They were up against teams from the Isle of Wight, the New Forest, Bitterne Park and Romsey.
    Our team, Ben Farmer, Hugh Baldwin, Becky Rees, Charlotte Morris and Finbar Harvey-O’Keefe, worked independently (the teachers were only allowed to observe) as a team throughout the day and presented two inventions to the judges. One product measured body temperature and suggested ways of keeping comfortable. The other product was an innovative operating system which allows the micro:bit to do a variety of different things from making phone calls to playing games.

    To their credit, the team were very composed and erudite in the presentation of their products.

    The judge was impressed with the team’s products and praised their ability to explain their design choices and techniques.

    “We were on the edge of our seats when the winners were being read out” said Charlotte.  They jumped for joy when the judge said ‘Upper Shirley High’.

    “I’m delighted that the team was so successful” said Mr Harvey, head of Computer Science at USH. “We have been invited back to the University for another micro:bit day that will be laid on just for us” he continued “the micro:bits will be part of the Computer Science scheme of work after half term and Year 7s will be able to book one out and take it home to experiment with.”


  • USH Zany Zebra

    USH Zany Zebra is well under way. The design was created by Ellie Keenan in Year 9 and a team of students have been extremely busy painting it.

    The design is based on an aboriginal artist; students wanted to go for something abstract and eye catching. The zebra has been painted using acrylic paint and is now having the finishing touches added using collage and sharpie pens.

    Our zany zebra will be delivered back to Marwell Zoo mid-May and then will be exhibited in Southampton town centre with all the other school entries.

    Mrs De Ruiter

  • The new Tutor Group system

    Our students have spent some time this week finding out about the rationale for changing the tutor groups and being able to consider which students they would like to be with in September.

    We have explained to them the importance of finding a system that keeps the benefits of the House tutor groups as well as those of a year group system.

    As you are aware, the new system will be based in year groups. This means that we can improve the bespoke support from the tutors through the Prep system, allowing focus on ideas to help the specific year group of students. This will include further support for Year 11 to create applications for college as well as practical tips for all students for revision. It will also allow Year leaders more time with the students in their year group as they will be able to visit just 6 tutor groups rather than all 30 tutor groups.

    All of the students have now been able to identify friends they would like to be with in September and we will ensure that parents and students are notified of their new group as soon as possible.

    Mrs Floyd

  • Year 10 Work Experience - Commencing 11th July

    As you are aware work experience paperwork was due in on 11th April.  Approximately 90 work experience forms have been handed-in.  As we believe work experience provides an invaluable insight into life after school and informs future choices we have extended the deadline for handing-in paperwork.  Please continue to help your son/daughter to secure a placement and return completed paperwork as soon as possible.

    Replacement forms can be downloaded  http://uppershirleyhigh.org/letters_and_forms

    Thank you

    Mrs Anderson

  • University of Southampton Year 10 Challenge – Infectious Diseases

    Eight schools took part in the challenge – The USH team came 2nd (pipped at the post, by 1 point!).  The students worked extremely well as a team, they demonstrated excellent Research, Teamwork, Communication and Presentation skills.

    Congratulations to the team, a great effort!

    The team members were: Kamil Balin, Justin Basham, Stanley Blunt, Lara Clements, Alex Davis, Thomas Hayter, Carina Janning, Rachel King, Oliwia Kowalik, Isi Levene, Ola Leszek,  Isaac Mittoo, Alice Parsons, Emma Shutler and Lara Williams

    Mrs Anderson

  • Paris Trip 2016 (for Current Y7 Parents)

    Just a reminder: letters went out last week confirming the final price for the Paris Trip, which is £310.  The first instalment of £150 is due by May 20th and sent to the travel company.  Late payment will result in the loss of your child's place on the trip.  There will be a Parents Information Evening this term, which we have provisionally booked for May 24th - I will write to you confirming the date and time as well as informing you of what documents you need to bring along.

    If you have any queries, please get in touch: Martin.Perry@ushschool.org

    Mr Perry

  • JET STAFF AND PARENT CHOIR

    WE NEED YOU!!!

    All schools in the Jefferys Education Trust will be collaborating, once again, to stage the 2016 JET PROM at 7.00 pm. on Wednesday 15th June at Central Hall.

    The event will be featuring the Jet Staff and Parent choir which you are invited to join. No previous experience is necessary and we welcome mums, dads, grandparents, ex-students, teaching staff, office staff....everyone! Join in the fun, raise your spirits and help to bring our JET community together.

    Rehearsals will take place in the music department of Upper Shirley High School on the following dates.

    We would like you to ideally attend three of the rehearsals including the final practice.

    MONDAY 23RD MAY  5.00-6.30pm
    THURSDAY 26TH MAY  5.00-6.30pm
    MONDAY 6TH JUNE  5.00-6.30pm
    THURSDAY 9TH JUNE  5.00-6.30pm
    FINAL PRACTICE MONDAY 13TH JUNE  5.00-6.30pm
    PERFORMANCE WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE  7.00 - 9.15pm

    Please note, for those with child-care issues, children are welcome to come along to rehearsals, ideally with something to do quietly by themselves.


  • Summer Term Medical Reminder

    Now that the Summer Term is upon us and the pollen count increases, please can you ensure that your child has their antihistamine medication before coming to school.  Also. with the Athletics Season under way, all asthmatics should carry their own inhalers.  Please can you also ensure that your child has a bottle of water and some sun block and a hat in their bags.

    Thank you.

    Mrs Kelly