Earlier in October, Mrs Norman, from the Languages Department took 3 Year 11s, Akhina, Mirren and James to a Modern Languages enrichment day at Girton College, one of the colleges at the University of Cambridge. We were very fortunate to get places as it was very limited. Students looked at translation, foreign cinema and how to apply to Oxbridge.
Akhina tells us about the trip:
What did you get up to in Cambridge?
First, we had a lecture on language degrees and what it’s like to have a year abroad while doing a language course. Right afterwards we had a translation workshop where we attempted to translate “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll while keeping the rhyme scheme and exact meaning. We resumed after a short break where we were all split up into groups based on different language workshops we were assigned to. We had French as our 2 workshops. In the 1st workshop we watched clips of ‘divine’ and discussed how France is made to be viewed by the world vs the harsh realities. In between the chosen workshops we had an amazing lunch by Girton and got to explore the campus a bit. And this is where we figured out they have a whole museum and an actual mummy called Hermoine!! It was so cool. In the 2nd workshop we studied French painting based on their types, colour schemes used and les point focals (the focus points). We concluded our day with a further insight on the admission and application process and a Q&A with Girton students.
What did you learn?
We were able to gain a huge amount of knowledge on what university is like. It allowed us to realise that college and university life doesn’t have to be scary and how many endless possibilities are out there for us! We also now have a deeper understanding of how even the slightest detail in a movie or painting can have a big meaning behind it.
What did you enjoy the most about the day?
I definitely enjoyed the 1st languages workshop the most because the lecturer was so nice and I felt like her words carried a lot of power and meaning. It also allowed me to get a wider knowledge of how easy it is to believe everything that is portrayed in the media, even when it’s far from reality. The view was also another highlight. It was so calming and just beautiful everywhere you turn your head to.
Has it sparked your love of languages?
Definitely. I’ve realised that I am able to understand lots of unfamiliar sentences in French by knowing a few words and connecting the rest. I have learned so much about not just French but also Anglo-Saxon history and how it has shaped the English language we all use on a daily basis today.
We like to celebrate successes here at Northgate and so want to say well done to Jasmine, Year 7. She is a new member of the Northgate News Team and recently told us that she’d earnt her 6 year Scout badge. In our latest blog, she tells us more about her Scouting journey.
Why do you enjoy going to Scouts?
I like doing Scouts because I get to see all my friends and Scouts is a really good place to go and learn new things weekly.
What is the most exciting thing you have done at Scouts?
Norjam – In august I took part in a worldwide week long camp at the Royal Norfolk Showground. Norjam happens every 5 years and I learnt modern and old skills like bushcraft.
Has there been anything that you have done at Scouts which has challenged you?
Dragon Slayer which is a 7 miles hike. This year it was from Mattishall to East Tuddenham and back. It was hard because there was a checkpoint every 2 miles. My group came 4th out of 6 teams.
What new skills have you learnt whilst being part of the Scouts?
I have learnt a lot of different knots like a sailor man knot, reef knot and figure of 8 knot.
What else would you like to achieve during your time at Scouts?
I would like to achieve my Chief Gold Scout Award, the highest Scout award possible. After that I would like to become a young leader.
Finally, why should others consider joining the Scouts?
People should consider joining Scouts because Scouts is fun, and you meet a lot of new people. You can get a badge like a challenge badge that goes towards the highest badge like the Gold. Some of the challenges are team leader, teamwork and more. You also get year badges for each year you are in Scouting. Recently I got my 6 year Scouting badge which means I have been a Scout for 6 years. You can get up to 18 years.
We are pleased to introduce our November bulletin. In our bulletin this month there’s sporting updates, information about the Social Team’s upcoming fundraising week, the Harry Potter quiz night, updates from trips, celebrating successes and more!
We hope that you are able to take some time to have a look at all the goings on at Northgate from the last month and enjoy seeing what we’ve been up to. Please share with your friends and family via our Facebook and twitter pages.
Miss Theobald (School Council Coordinator) + Northgate School Council.
A group of Year 10 students recently had the unique opportunity to attend the Model United Nations Conference in India. A couple of them tell us about the experience.
Imogen O, said of the trip, ‘The first I heard about the trip was when my friend Ellie said “Immy you’re going to India!”, which I was pretty sure she was joking about! Later that day, however, Miss Brooks called me out of my lesson to ask if I had a valid passport and if I would like to attend a Model United Nations conference in India in 6 weeks! When I learned how small the shortlist was of students who were chosen to represent the school I felt overwhelmed with pride and a few nerves for good measure!’
‘For me the trip fell into three main elements; the people, the conference and the sights. From the moment we arrived at the airport in India we were made to feel so welcome and that feeling carried on throughout the trip. The warmth and friendship of my fellow delegates and teaching staff was incredible and since returning home I have kept in touch with several of the delegates I met and was lucky enough to be sent a video of the fireworks at the university for their Diwali celebrations.’
‘The conference itself felt like a whirlwind and day one was brilliant and exhausting in equal measures as we all tried to understand the procedures and expectations of the event. I was selected to represent Australia in the Drugs and Crime conference. Thankfully my speech on the first day went well and I was able to answer the associated questions, although seeing Miss Brooks and Mr Mason walk into my room just before I began to speak made the number of butterflies in my stomach multiply! By the second day I had a much better handle on how it works and felt confident building alliances, asking questions and giving further speeches. The party at the end of the conference will stay with me forever as I danced with some amazing Indian girls who were teaching me Bhangra dancing and were so kind.’
‘The sightseeing element of the trip still seems so surreal so I’m very glad I took photos! Unsurprisingly visiting the Taj Mahal was definitely a massive highlight of the trip and it’s hard to describe how bright it was in the midday sun. India Gate, Red Fort and Dilli Haat were also incredible places to visit, the sights and sounds were like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I must admit I was rather grateful to be back on British roads when we returned though as it’s a free for all on the roads over there!’
‘I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and, while it will take some time to process it all, I feel an enormous sense of pride for what I achieved there and have developed skills that will help me for the rest of my life. The biggest thing I’ll take from the trip is that although we were so far from home, with different sights, sounds, smells, religious beliefs and demographics, I felt so connected to the people I met and our shared enjoyment of the whole experience. The world feels smaller in a really lovely way.’
Finley said, ‘The India trip for me has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life. I’ve been able to visit places I never would have dreamed of going, tried some amazing food and made friends and connections for life. Over the course of a week, I had the chance to do so much, visit the Taj Mahal, experience culture and foods, travel with my friends, and it’s really impacted how I view the world, not just as a whole, but also the world around me, comparing the UK and Norfolk to Delhi, and I think that’s really healthy, as having a broader view of the world can help so much in life. It’s also been incredible that I’ve been able to visit with my friends, and I think it’s deepened our friendships as well. On top of that, we all made so many new friends, like the students from Leicester that travelled with us and students from the Manav Rachna university we stayed in. Overall, the whole trip has been a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget, and I want to thank the school for making that possible.
You can see a slideshow of some of the photos below. Just click on the image and then scroll through.
Connie and Jasmine, Year 7, are new members to the Northgate News Team this year. They decided to interview Miss Gostic from the History Department. Here’s what she had to say in response to their questions:
What was your favourite lesson at school, when you were a child?
History or English – I had some really good teachers and the subjects are interesting.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
I wanted to help children do their best and feel included.
If you did not teach, what other job could you see yourself doing?
I would work in a museum – which I have done before, working in archives is really fun.
What hobbies do you have in your spare time?
I love drawing, cooking and reading lots of books!
What made you want to be a history teacher?
I wanted to keep learning and pass on my love of history to others.
Where is your happy place?
At the beach with a hot chocolate and a good book.
What do you like the most about Northgate
How nice everyone is and it feels like a real community.
Describe Northgate in three words
Inclusive, supportive, busy.
Quick fire:
Pasta or Pizza? Pizza
TV series or film? Film
Plane or Train? Train
Have hiccups all day or sneeze several times each hour? Sneeze several times each hour
What is your favourite season? Autumn
Thank you to Miss Gostic for taking the time to meet with Connie and Jasmine to answer their questions.
Jacob and Saskia, new members of the Northgate News Team, took on their first assignment of interviewing a member of staff of their choice. Here’s how they got on.
As you may know, Miss Gardner is one of our newest Art teachers at Northgate and it has come to the Northgate News Team’s attention how well she has been doing. Because of this, we (Jacob and Saskia) had the idea of doing an interview with her so we could ask her how she is doing so far. Here’s what she had to say.
What made you want to become a teacher?
Because I love art and teaching pupils. My goal is to inspire others to be creative anytime, anywhere.
You have had many roles at Northgate before, what were they?
Previously, I was the Communications Officer which meant I was in charge of things to do with the school website and social media page. I also had a job as an Art Technician which meant I organised resources for Art and Photography lessons, helped students with their work and put it on display in the school foyer for everyone to see.
Have you got any favourite artists?
My favourite artist is Ansel Kiefer because I love his unique and textured paintings. Once, I even travelled all the way to Venice to see one of his exhibitions!
As you know, Northgate has an outstanding library and is very keen on its books, what would you say your favourite read is?
It’s a very hard question but I would say my favourite book is Matilda.
What is your favourite style of art?
Inspired by my favourite artist, I am drawn to abstract art.
What is your favourite subject to teach students?
I like to teach my students anything they enjoy and I love watching them do something they’re really passionate about.
Are you enjoying your time at Northgate?
Of course, I am thrilled to be working here. It definitely helped that I had worked here beforehand and I feel that Northgate is a brilliant community.
What is the best thing about working at Northgate?
There are always so many different things going on and exciting things to get involved with! Whether it be poetry slams, art exhibitions, performances or gardening in the Orchard.
If you had to describe Northgate in 3 words, what would they be?
Community. Creative. Caring.
What hobbies do you have in your spare time?
I like to keep busy, so I have lots of different hobbies! I enjoy crocheting, gardening, dancing, going to the gym and concerts, as well as travelling to museums and galleries.
Earlier in October, Mrs Norman, from the Languages Department took 3 Year 11s, Akhina, Mirren and James to a Modern Languages enrichment day at Girton College, one of the colleges at the University of Cambridge. We were very fortunate to get places as it was very limited. Students looked at translation, foreign cinema and how to apply to Oxbridge.
We like to celebrate successes here at Northgate and so want to say well done to Jasmine, Year 7. She is a new member of the Northgate News Team and recently told us that she’d earnt her 6 year Scout badge. In our latest blog, she tells us more about her Scouting journey.
What new skills have you learnt whilst being part of the Scouts?
‘The conference itself felt like a whirlwind and day one was brilliant and exhausting in equal measures as we all tried to understand the procedures and expectations of the event. I was selected to represent Australia in the Drugs and Crime conference. Thankfully my speech on the first day went well and I was able to answer the associated questions, although seeing Miss Brooks and Mr Mason walk into my room just before I began to speak made the number of butterflies in my stomach multiply! By the second day I had a much better handle on how it works and felt confident building alliances, asking questions and giving further speeches. The party at the end of the conference will stay with me forever as I danced with some amazing Indian girls who were teaching me Bhangra dancing and were so kind.’
Jacob and Saskia, new members of the Northgate News Team, took on their first assignment of interviewing a member of staff of their choice. Here’s how they got on.