Welcome to the 7th issue of your student newsletter. Following on from the last issue’s spooky Halloween feel, you may have noticed that it’s Friday 13th today. If it’s not a significant date in your culture, then you may be surprised to know that some people are superstitious about this date! It is a relatively recent fear, although one theory is that it stems from an ancient Norse (from Scandinavia) myth of 12 gods sitting down to dinner when a 13th uninvited guest, the mischievous Loki, arrives to cause chaos around the earth. But 12 is a complete number (think of the 12 months of the year, the 12 hours in the clock, the 12 apostles of Jesus, the 12 signs of the zodiac etc) and 13 is just plain strange. But you can relax, it’s just a myth!
Student Events Coming Up…
Film: UP (animation) Friday 13th November
70-something retired balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner) decides to use his twilight years to fulfil his lifelong dream of travelling through the wilds of South America. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, he lifts off for his big adventure - only to discover that he has inadvertently brought a stowaway along with him in the form of Russell (Jordan Nagai), an eight-year-old wilderness explorer who is desperate to earn his 'Helping the Elderly' merit badge.
Meet at college 12:45 or at Vue cinema, Gunwharf at 1pm.
Play: Moonfleet Wed. 18th Nov
"As in life, so in a game of hazard, skill will make something of the worst of throws"
This production by the touring Angel Exit theatre, inspired by J.Meade Falkner's classic novel, Moonfleet is an exciting show for everyone with a sense of adventure. Featuring live music, storytelling and puppetry.
Synopsis: Orphan boy John Trenchard's peaceful life suddenly changes when he finds a secret passage leading to a famous pirate's cave. Can John escape with the treasure he discovers? Or, between the excise men and the smugglers, will he be lucky to escape with his life?
Meet at College: 7 pm
Victorian Festival of Christmas Sat 28th Nov
Victorian entertainment and colourful characters, the largest Christmas market on the South Coast, and lots of snow! Highlights include a Victorian Father of Christmas (complete in traditional green dress!), a snow covered Victorian Street, Nativity Farm, Punch & Judy shows, Parlour Games, Victorian School Room, Carol singing, Fagin’s Tavern, Lantern Parade, a Ride on Railway, Victorian Fairground and other great Christmas entertainment. Browse a fine range of unique gifts, art, crafts and festive food and drink and get all of your Christmas shopping done in one go!
Venue: The Dockyard, Portsmouth
Cost: £10.50 students.
Meet at College: 10 am
Student of the Month
This month’s winner is Saud. He was selected as our winner due to the fact that he's very hardworking, keen to learn as much as possible and always participates in class. A model student!
Students Visit Largest Bonfire in Portsmouth
Bader went with the college to the fireworks display at George V, Cosham on Wed. 4th Nov. He told our reporter, “we went there by taxi because there was a big queue of people at the train station going to the fireworks. We got there before our friends who got the train! When we got there, there was a very big bonfire in the middle of the field. It was very crowded - there were lots of families and the children were having fun. There was also a music group singing and dancing. I liked some of the music. They had a radio station there too. At 7:30 the fireworks started. There were lots of them and it lasted about 10 mins; but I thought the fireworks at Gunwharf were better because they played music with them. It was a good night because I got to go with my teacher and friends to talk and see everything”.
Got a Suggestion?
Don’t forget to drop in your ideas into the suggestion box in reception. Don’t be shy! We want to know what excursions you’d like, or perhaps what facilities you think would be useful to you in the college.
Book Readers
Why not read all about the play, Moonfleet, in one of the Penguin reader books. Books are available through reception.
Football! Thurs 19th Nov - 4.30pm
Would you like to dribble a ball like a premier league player? Do you love kicking the ball in to goal? Or perhaps you just need a bit of exercise! Whatever your level, from complete beginner to expert, why not get some practice with Spinnaker College? All are welcome.
Sign up on the noticeboard in reception.
How to make your student budget stretch furtherThis week we will look at the possibility of saving money when shopping for clothes. You can buy quality clothes at cheaper prices and can therefore make your student budget go further. Even with a limited budget of, for example £50, it is possible to buy a complete outfit. There are many great deals out there, depending on what you are looking for. If you want to buy essentials, such as pullovers, socks and pyjamas, one of the best places to go is Primark. A great place for sportswear is Sports World, which offers leading brands for less. Undoubtedly, the highlight for the ladies is New Look. It is perfect for finding an outfit for a night out, for example tops can be found for just £10! All of the shops mentioned can be found in Commercial Road, just a short walk from Spinnaker College!
(Research courtesy of Aleksandra from Austria)
Events Around Portsmouth
Farmers’ Market
15th November 2009 – all day
Palmerston Road, Southsea
Admission - FREE
A great chance to buy and taste some of the finest produce Hampshire has to offer.
Gunwhart Quays Snow Village
14th November – 24th December 2009
Admission - FREE
A great attraction with events such as tobogganing, a 45 foot snow slide and band-stand entertainment.
Christmas Lights Switch On
14th November 19th November
Gunwharf Quays Or Commerical Road
FREE. FREE
Join in with the friendly atmosphere and entertainment as the magical Christmas lights are turned on.
Beethoven – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
19th November 2009
Portsmouth Guildhall
Adult Ticket - £9
Some of the finest musicians play Beethoven’s Eighth.
Authors of Southsea
22nd November 2009
2:30 pm
Portsmouth City Museum
Adult Ticket £3
A charming guided walk exploring Portsmouth’s connections to world famous authors.
