Mark Rutherford Upper School & Community College

The A2 Product Design course requires that students seek out a client and address a Design need that they have. They then have less than one year to design a solution to their client’s specification and model it or produce it as a full size prototype.

Matt Barnes has followed the course from AS to A2 and approached Richard Millard (Senior Deputy Head) to be his client. Last year the students were asked to complete a survey covering many aspects of their interactions within the school. One of the issues raised was the type and number of seats available at break and lunch time around the school grounds. Therefore the Brief set was to review what already existed and design a new form of seating which needed to be made as a full prototype. It had to be reasonably cost effective, comfortable, reflect the Corporate Identity of the school and also be weatherproof and low maintenance.

Following an extensive review of existing products, manufacturing techniques, material availability and meetings between Matt and Mr Millard to discuss design proposals, a final design was selected and the prototype was formed. The assistance of a local manufacturing company on Elms Farm Estate helped to identify production implications and types of appropriate finish which the Designer then had to consider.

The final product illustrated, is made from 6mm aluminium plate and angle bolted together with stainless steel nuts and bolts. The seating is made from boards manufactured from recycled plastic bags and is supported from the wall on 8 rawlbolts.

Over the first few days, the bench has attracted a great deal of interest from students and staff alike with many being keen to test it out.

Mr Millard stated that it matched all the criteria he had requested and he was considering rolling the design out over other areas of the school.

Year 11 students enjoyed a visit to the ExCel centre in London to explore all sorts of Career Opportunities and find out about Apprenticeships, training and college courses. There were opportunities to have a go at Abseiling, hand massage and beauty treatment, Formula one simulator, Gardening, thatching and tiling roofs and much more.

Year 11 had the opportunity to talk to 6th formers and staff about their choices of subjects to study in the 6th form.

Year 9 student voice representatives visited the Diploma Roadshow held at the University of Bedfordshire to find out about the new Diplomas which will be running in Bedfordshire from Sept 2009. To find out more about these exciting developments go to the website: www.forward-together.org

Students held a small service to remember lives lost through war. Two minutes silence was respected throughout the school, and the last post was played by Matthew Gaunt.

Mrs Unwin, Careers Co-ordinator and Mr Peacey, Headmaster receiving presentation of “Investors in Careers” commitment award from Rosemary Sutton, Connexions Bedfordshire. The school will be working towards the Interim award throughout the year to show its commitment to careers education at Mark Rutherford.

In September, a group of Sixth Form students went to Parliament as part of their Government and Politics course. The day consisted of a walk through Whitehall, tour of the Palace of Westminster and question and answer session.

During the tour students went to both Houses of Parliament. Highlights were the enrobing areas used by the Queen, mention of the first flush toilet and the chance to see the damage inflicted in WW2. As with all politics conversations in September Carla Bruni was mentioned.

This year, we were fortunate enough to have Lembit Opik MP (Montgomeryshire) address the students. In his usual way he was very entertaining and we were lucky to have him as he had just breached transport laws by riding a ‘Segway’ to the transport department. During the discussion students were a credit to the school and asked a series of questions.

Last term Year 10 VGCSE art and design students had their work judged by professionals representing highly regarded companies in the field of art and design. Click here to find out more.

Mark Rutherford Students to create the Newnham Promotional Video

A group of 15 students from Yr9 (who went to Newnham Middle school) have been selected to help students in MRUS sixth form to produce a promotional video to play at their Newnham Open Evening.

Researchers from the University of Bedfordshire to carry out a study on health and fitness at Mark Rutherford

Researchers from the University of Bedfordshire are to carry out a two year study looking at physical activity levels, fitness, body compsition and psycho-social well being in 13 - 14 year olds. Some students in Y9 have volunteered to take part in this study. It is hoped to provide some valuable information about today's teenagers.

On June 25th, Sixth Form students travelled to Middlesex University for the regional Higher Education Convention. This convention formed part of our ongoing advice to students about the opportunities available at university. Exhibitors included Oxford, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Durham and Swansea Universities as well as ‘year out’ providers. In addition to the universities, students could listen to a variety of talks on topics such as student life, Oxbridge entry and Social Sciences. The afternoon was a great success.

Other activities included in preparation for HE, included visits by former students. Tim Napper spoke about his experience at Cambridge University, whilst Adam Wright described his time at Essex University and Elmina Ferguson spoke about English and Drama at Birmingham. I would like to thank them for their time.

During the summer, Y13 students need to move ahead with their applications. Parents may find it useful to log onto www.ucas.ac.uk for further information.

A group of year 10 students took part in ‘The Big Picture’ on Saturday 28 June 2008 at the Harpur Suite in Bedford. They painted sections of a large portrait which was then put together to create a large painting which will be displayed around Bedfordshire.

36 students from year 9 and 4 members of staff visited the Army Careers Exhibition at Bassingborne Barracks in Royston to find out about careers in the Army. We had a great day, taking part in mini assault courses, building walls, constructing a toilet, having mock wounds made (see gory photos!), watching parachute and motorbike displays and much more.

Stephen Hare got the Top Score among 3,683 students from 1,120 UK school in the European Kangaroo Maths Challenge!

Twenty students from MRUS joined 202,554 others to participate in the UK Intermediate Mathematical Challenge.

Three students qualified for the next round – Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad and kangaroo (IMOK).

Although none of them qualified for the Olympiad Papers, they all scored enough marks to be eligible for the European Kangaroo competition.

Among the 3,683 scripts returned and marked from 1,120 Uk schools, Stephen Hare had the Highest Score!

On Thursday 29 May, Mark Rutherford Upper School was visited by Chief Examiner for History, Malcolm Chandler. He conducted 2 intensive revision sessions with our year 11 students which were intended to boost performance in their GCSE-exam.

For many years, Mr Chandler has been running these revision sessions. A combined number of 30,000 students have benefited from them. Schools who have used Mr Chandler in preparing students for exams have often seen their examination results leap upwards within just a few years.

Both of the revision sessions Mr Chandler conducted at Mark Rutherford were very well-attended, and Mr Chandler commented that he was impressed with the dedication of our students in being willing to come into school during their half-term holidays and also said that our students compared well with similar schools he had visited.

BLUE PERIS 2008
Another memorable visit to Blue Peris recently took place which involved 36 Year 9’s and 4 Year 12 students. Blue Peris is an outdoor activity centre in north Wales situated within Snowdonia National Park. It is a fantastic place giving students opportunities to participate in exciting, challenging and often scary activities within a wonderful natural environment. Bperis

Whilst the Yr 9’s chose to go on the course for the great experience and fun, the Yr 12’s went along as part of their Sports Science BTEC National Diploma Course.

They were required to study four activities in depth; Canoeing, Climbing, Mountain Walking and Orienteering. For each they researched the main skills and techniques required, the organisation and Governing Bodies involved, where to take part. During the week each student supported each teacher and group of year 9’s, assisted each Centre Instructor and developed their own skills. On their return the students have begun to complete two more assignments, completing the work by analysing their own performance in the four activities.

Other activities completed during the week:
Bperis

Abseiling
Gorge Walking
Problem Solving
Indoor Rock Climbing
White Water Rafting
Caving
Night walking - slate mine
Night Line (Blind Folded activity)

The photos included should give you a great idea of the fantastic we Bperis

ek. The group this year were excellent –

everyone was willing to have a go at everything.
All chores were completed with a smile (I’m lying about that one) and only one injury (falling from a bunk bed!).
By completing these activities the students were challenged both physically and mentally – they learnt much about themselves; their resolve, leadership qualities, teamwork skills etc. Certainly skills required later in life.

Thank you to the students for making this a very successful week. New information for next year’s trip will be distributed in September.

Thursday 24 April, 6th Form Psychology students went to a conference organised by the OCR exam board. The afternoon session was a hypnotist which students loved.

Two students involved in the Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership(BLEBP) programme have done particularly well, Daniel Gorin & Simona Gatward. Boths boys will be receiving platinum awards. Daniel has been working at Lingers Butchers for 2/3 days a week. He has a 95% chance of being offered an apprenticeship at the butchers, they have never had a student as keen as Daniel - he will even clean out bins with a smile!! Since Simon started his work experience he has grown in confidence and is much more positive about life!

Mrs Denton who has been working with these boys says “I am so proud of them!”

The Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership (BLEBP) provides a quality innovation and brokerage service to employers, schools, colleges, communities and volunteers who need help, support, advice and guidance.

Partnerships between education and business have a key role to play in meeting the challenges of the new millennium. Their key 'drivers' and those of the government are:

In order to achieve the above, they manage, co-ordinate and deliver a number of programmes across Bedfordshire & Luton helping young people from ages 4-19.

Core values are: