Hot News
Hot News
Welcome to the Hot News page.
This page will have news of events that have taken place during the college year and if you would like to see what happened in College in past years, why not have a look at our Archive News.
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July 2010
Year 11 Prom
Year Book and Hoodies that have been order can be collected and MUST be paid for on Results Day. Tuesday 24th August. 
UCC 2010 leavers wristbands are still available - £1.50 Each available on Results Day
Also CD’s of ALL the Prom Photographs will be available “FREE OF CHARGE”
Year 6 Induction
June 2010
Sportsday
May 2010
Passing Out Parade for College Firefighters
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April 2010
MOCK INTERVIEW DAY
All Year 10 students took part in a Mock Interview Day where 30 local employers came into school to carry out the interviews. The employers were from a range of businesses including Dodd & Co Accountants, the Environment Agency, Penrith Co-op, the Army and Kiddlywinks Day Nursery.
The students were prepared for the day in their Citizenship/CoPE lessons where they completed letters of application and CVs which were sent to the interviewers in advance of the interviews. The students also took part in role play exercises and other activities.
The response from the employers was extremely positive and many commented on the quality of the letters and CVs and also on how well prepared the students were. ‘Excellent’, ‘brilliant’ and a ‘credit to the school’ were all terms used by our visitors.
This was a really valuable experience for the students and, while many of them were very nervous beforehand, they enjoyed their interview and found it very beneficial.
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March
UCC Gymnasts Continue to Perform at a High Level
For the second year running, Ullswater Community College over 13 gymnasts have won the team medal in the Cumbria Schools Gymnastics Association, County Competition, held on Saturday the 20th March, at the Richard Rose Central Academy, Edghill Road campus.
This achievement means that they are the best “school” gymnasts, as many of the winning team benefit from additional training at Carlisle Gym Club. The College team has trained all year for this competition under the direction of their coach, Mrs Celia Whittam, who has generously volunteered many hours of her time.
Recently, in the CSGA Novice Competition, two of the gymnasts won individual medals which rewarded their commitment and efforts to improve their skills. Sarah Kidd won the individual silver medal and Sophie McCandlish the bronze.
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Students and Staff raise Funds for Charity
A number of events have been held recently in College to raise money for good causes as well as the College.
A non-uniform day raised £1300 for Haiti
A talent show raised between £400-£500 pounds
Three events were held to raise money for Sports Relief;
Staff netball match
Penalty Shoot out
Hockey Match
All of these events were well supported and £630 was raised for Sport Relief.
Well done to all who supported these events
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Year 7 Animation Workshop
Fun was had by all!!!
Four of our Year 7 students took part in an animation workshop held at QEG’s this week.
They were joined by a number of other primary and secondary schools from across the Eden Valley which gave them the chance to work in teams with different people – what great team players our UCC students were!!
The workshop was very successful and there were some fantastic imaginative ideas ending with a presentation of all the animation that had been created that day. Everyone involved had a great time and if you want to see a couple of the films our students made, click on the link below
Fair Trade Coffee Morning
Higher Sports Leader Award Students Complete Disability Module
at Portland School Sunderland
To complete their module on disability the 5 HSLA students Lucy Ballantyne, Megan Ellery, Fiona Jackson, Emma Threlkeld and Tristan Venus were off to Portland School, Sunderland. None of them knew what to expect and it was on a snowy and fog bound morning that they set off. They were met by blue ski and sunshine in Sunderland and where quickly absorbed into the workings of the school.
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Portland is a Secondary Special School, which caters for 140 children between the ages 11 - 19 years who experience severe learning difficulties. Some students also have profound and multiple difficulties including complex medical needs. The school offers day provision on a co-educational basis. The students where going to be involved in a variety of activities with a range of students, including the Primary feeder school.
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The morning involved a round robin of fencing, goal hockey, curling and African dance. All students rotated round each activity and loved the opportunity not only to work with the students but to try new sports. They were able to see how their games had been adapted for use with the students with special needs and several were talking about how they could use them in their other work placements which include working with children and in the community.
After a manic lunchtime the students had volunteered to assist with the extra curricular club, Judo. The school has five students involved in the World Championships held in Amsterdam in three weeks time. They put on their jackets and were immediately put in place by the more experienced and much younger and smaller experts! Having been thrown around for over half an hour the students were thrown into the deep end.
The Goal ball coach had not turned up and would the students mind running the session. Not a problem – the five got together and quickly came up with an adapted game of rounders. They adapted it for both the able and wheelchair users. They demonstrated great leadership qualities and the students had a great PE lesson.
To finish it off the students attended the after school club of football and assisted the coach from Sunderland football club. It was a very tiring day but the students were a great asset to UCC and received praise and commendations throughout the day. They have volunteered to help out on future residential and sports day.
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February
Passing Out Parade Success for Ullswater Junior Firefighters.
The success of the Carlisle and Eden Young Firefighter Phoenix Project was celebrated at a passing out parade with students from the college.
The course included some fantastic activities as well as Fire and Rescue Service training.
The passing out parade was held at Penrith fire station and it offered an insight into the activities undertaken, achievements and drill demonstrations as well as the presentation of certificates. The students then enjoyed a buffet.
The passing out parade was a proud day for our young students, their guests, the instructors and all who were involved form the fire services.
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100,000 John Muir Award Presented to Ullswater Community College Student
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We are proud to announce that Jake Atkinson has been presented with the 100,000th John Muir Award to have been achieved since the environmental award scheme was launched by the John Muir Trust in 1997.
Jake was part of a group from College who completed their wildlife garden project this month and hosted a special presentation on February 1 to mark the milestone.
Cath Clarke, Chief Officer of Cumbria Youth Alliance said: “We’re really pleased that the 100,000th John Muir Award is being presented in Cumbria. Our partnership with the John Muir Trust has enabled us to encourage many young Cumbrians to recognise what an outstanding county they live in and to take up volunteering opportunities to care for their environment. The John Muir Award helps us engage young people in a very positive way with the environmental agenda.”
The John Muir Award was set up in 1997 by wild land conservation charity the John Muir Trust to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, enjoy, and care for wild places. The popular environmental scheme has extended from its Scottish origins to become established across the UK. The Award has been hosted in Cumbria by Cumbria Youth Alliance since 2002 to promote the involvement of young people, schools, outdoor centres and community groups in the varied landscapes of Cumbria.
To celebrate the pupils’ achievements – and the landmark certificate - a special commemorative certificate was presented by Dick Allen, Cumbria based Trustee of the John Muir Trust, on Monday 1 February. An oak tree was also planted in the wildlife garden by pupils.
An impressive amount of work has been undertaken by pupils during the project, including hedge laying, dry stone walling, tree planting and identification, pond construction, as well as creating animal habitats, water features and sculptures.
The wildlife garden has enabled pupils to enjoy being outside, find out more about local biodiversity and work to increase the variety of local wildlife.
They have also experienced a variety of outdoor activities in the Lake District National Park and worked with the Field Study Council at Blencathra to maintain their centre garden and the Forestry Commission at Whinlatter to increase diversity of woodlands.
Jake, 13, has been helping a range of students with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) for the past two years. According to Jake, one of their most daunting tasks was to move 22 tonnes of clay.
Jake said: “Moving 22 tonnes of clay is really hard work! But what I enjoyed the most was helping the year 6 students to achieve the tasks that they were given in the garden. I also enjoyed working with my friends in the eco garden and learning new skills to take home and use on the farm. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know new people but most of all having fun.”
Mandy Middleton, Eco Activity Leader, said: “Jake is a worthy recipient of this significant Award. He has shown himself to be a fantastic leader and very supportive of other pupils. He’s helped them not only to achieve their own John Muir Awards, but to have a fantastic experience and feel good about their time at school.”
The College has been involved in the John Muir Award for five years. Headteacher Mr Pattinson said: “I am delighted that Jake’s efforts have been rewarded by this John Muir Award. Ullswater Community College is aware of the responsibility we have for developing awareness of the importance of our environment, giving students an opportunity to learn about conservation and extending links into other curriculum areas.”
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December
Eamont Block Christmas Performance
Click here to see "Wizard of Oz" photographs.
College Election Results
The following students have been duly elected to the College Council 2009-10. Congratulations and well done to all. Commiserations to those who were unsuccessful.
Year 7 Robbie Hebson 7CPB |
Year 8 Matthew Sullivan 8RD |
Year 9 Charlotte Stobbs 9SBI |
Year 10
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Year 11
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Year 12/13
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Chakula Kizuri Opens
On Friday 4 December, Ullswater Community college played host to a one-night-only restaurant, Chakula Kizuri. Run and organised by students Nick Hall, Mark Robson and their team of Year 7s, 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s and Yanwath school students, staff and guests received a 4-course meal as well as canapés and mince pies. A total of 52 people booked to eat at the restaurant, which raised money for the college’s partner school in Tanzania. A massive £975 was made on the night, with more money to come through donations. Visiting chef John Crouch worked alongside Head Chef Nick Hall, offering his expertise and help to the students.
The fabulous mouth-watering menu consisted of:
Starters
Scallops with leeks in a chilli butter sauce
Mushrooms with ricotta cheese
Figs with creamed stilton
Soup
Pea and pepper soup served with homemade bread rolls
Main course
Herb crusted lamb cutlets
Marinated salmon with chilli, lime and honey
Wild mushroom crepes with tarragon sauce
Almond, pistachio + apricot pine nut roast
Dessert
An assiette of desserts which include Orange sorbet Chocolate torte White chocolate + whisky croissant pudding
Coffee and Mince Pies
November
The college was strongly represented at the ‘Switch-on of the Penrith Lights’ event, where students showed real enterprise with some of the products they were selling, many linked to the college’s Eco Garden. A wonderful group of cheerleaders and a 6th form music group provided some excellent entertainment on a rather wet and windy afternoon!
As part of the Christmas Light switch on celebrations, the Penrith Lights team held a competition to design a picture for a T-shirt. The prize for the winner was £50.
Ullswater students designed posters and the best six posters were chosen to be entered into the competition. The students who were successful were able to take their designs down to Lakeland Embroidery and they printed they picture onto a t-shirt. These were then displayed before and during the light switch on evening and the winner were announced.
Congratulations to Marieke Evans, a year 7 student, who won the competition and received the £50 prize.
These are the best designs which were chosen for the competition.
Marieke Evans won the competition with this design. Congratulations. |
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November 18th
Chakula Kizuri
Ullswater Community College and Yanwath Primary School have joined forces to open, for one night only, a restaurant named Chakula Kizuri.
The name means Good Food in Swahili and this name was chosen because of the schools’ link to Tanzania.
Year 5 students from Yanwath arrived into college to work along side staff, catering students and celebrity chef Mr John Crouch, to help prepare food ready for the opening night. They started to prepare the canapés, which included scones, pinwheels and mince pies and then went on to make bread.
The afternoon then saw the students learn about running a business. They looked at how to finance, advertise, present and prepare for the evening.
Staff and students from UCC travelled to Tanzania earlier in the year to meet with our two link schools and decided to open this restaurant to raise funds to help finance the Tanzanian students return trip to Cumbria.
Chakula Kizuri will be open on the 4th December in the colleges Westmorland Hall. The evening will start with a drinks and canapé reception, followed by a four course meal and finishing with coffee and mince pies.
If you would like to support the students by attending the evening then please contact Mrs L Turney or Head Chef Nick Hall on 01768 242160.
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Click to see the college trip to Tanzania
November 5th
Students Create Bonfire Menu
The challenge was set for Year 7 and Eamont Block students to design a Bonfire Themed Meal Deal. The winner would receive a MP4 player and have their meal served to the staff and students on the 5th November.
The competition was to design a themed menu, which had to include a Main Meal or Soup and Sandwich along with a pudding. They then had to design an A4 poster promoting their meal.
They came up with some very imaginative dishes; Smokey Bangers, Catherine Wheel Spag Bol, Roman Candle Squash, Chocolate Parliament Sponge.
The winner, Esther Nelson, was chosen by our catering staff and along with second and third prise winners they were presented with their prises in assembly.
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October
October 22nd
Business and Enterprise Awards Evening
The College held its Business and Enterprise awards and celebration evening at the North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith.
The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of a cross-section of students, both for academic achievement and for high levels of creativity, enterprise, innovation, motivation, optimism or teamwork.
There were more than 30 award categories, including Debating, Make a Difference day, Dragons Den, Charity Day and Contribution to Sport.
All the award-winners had demonstrated a businesslike approach and it is their attitude and effort that makes Ullswater Community College such a special place to work and learn at.
Mr John Owen, President of the English RFU, was the guest speaker. He gave an informative talk about his duties as president of the Rugby Union and also his link with children through fostering. He then went on to present some of the awards.
Other guests from a range of local organisations provided sponsorship for the evening and for some of the awards. These included HSBC, Primasonics International Ltd, Kiddlywinks Day Nursery, Armstrong Watson and Penrith Methodist Church, North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Bells, Co-op, Kendal College and Westmorland Ltd.
The college is very grateful to all those who sponsored the event and especially to the North Lakes Hotel and Spa, who once again hosted the evening and provided a champagne reception.
At the end of the event, cheques were presented to charities which had worked with some of the college’s Year 7 students over the last year, namely Penrith Mountain Rescue team, Hospice at Home, Eden Mencap and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Pictured are some of the students who received awards. |
October 19th
Baba Brinkman Raps into College
Year 10 and 11 students were treated to a performance of “The Rap Guide to Evolution” by the Canadian Rapper Baba Brinkman.
The rap explored the history and current understanding of Darwin’s theory, combining hilarious remixes of popular rap songs with clever lyrical storytelling that covers Natural Selection, Sexual Selection, Evolutionary Psychology, and much more.
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National Poetry Celebrations
Year 7 students were enthralled to celebrate National Poetry Day with performance poet Levi Tafari. Levi performed his humorous rhythmic poetry to a backdrop of reggae rhythm, with lots of audience participation. The afternoon session showcased the Year 7’s enormous talent for Dub performance poetry, with an entertaining X Factor style judging form Levi. He declared the winners to be Christopher Whitford and Aimee Martin.
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September
College Trip to France
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Hired of Fired?
It was with great delight that budding entrepreneurs from Ullswater Community College welcomed Sophie Kain, former contestant on the hit BBC show The Apprentice. Sophie talked to the students about her passion for life and business, which inspired students to develop a UCC Sports Kit from design to launch. Sophie’s experience and advice provided students with invaluable insight into the world of business, leaving students in no doubt what skills and qualifications they need to have to get ahead.
Tantalisingly, Sophie revealed juicy tit-bits of life on The Apprentice show and the characters involved, as well as hinting at top secret work for the MOD!
All in all, the day was a huge success and, should Sophie Kain ever return to UCC then, in the words of the great Sir Alan Sugar, it would be a unanimous shout of “You’re Hired!”
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Students Present Money to Charity
Our current year 8 students took part in the “Top Gear Canoe Challenge” as part of their Year 7 Enterprise experience.
They had to complete a course on Derwentwater and competed against each other to see who could get the best time. Part of their challenge was also to collect sponsorship money, which would then be donated to a charity chosen by the year group.
At the start of this new academic year the students presented a cheque to the charity of there choice; “The Pride of Cumbria”, air ambulance. The college is very proud of our year 8 students who collectively collected £1000 for the charity.
The cheque was presented to Mrs Jan Hawkins, fundraiser for the Pride of Cumbria, during assembly. She gave a very informative talk to the students outlining what the service did and the cost involved flying the air ambulance. She finished her talk by thanking the students and the college for donating their sponsor money to the charity.
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Year 7 Residential September/October 2009
As a Business and Enterprise College we are constantly striving to develop a range of enterprise skills in all our students, from Year 7 to Year 13. We believe that these skills, which include communication, problem solving, creativity, decision making, turning ideas into action, financial literacy and evaluation, will help to prepare our students for life in a fast changing society.
We now have a very successful programme of enterprise activities running in all years and one of these is the Year 7 Residential. As well as it being important in terms of establishing the value of enterprise in our curriculum, the residential is also very beneficial in terms of giving the students the opportunity to establish a sense of belonging, while socialising in their new tutor groups in a different environment away from school.
The year 7 students and their form tutor stay at Helvellyn Youth Hostel at Glenridding. The residential involves a one night stay and two days of team building activities.
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