The Bridge July 2016 - Bridgewater High School

Transcription

Bridgewater High School
THE BRIDGE JULY 2016
THE BRIDGE
PRINCIPAL’S
MESSAGE
The KS3 Awards Evening held last week
was a great opportunity to celebrate a wide
variety of achievements by our students.
The main speaker was Ben Holder, a
former Bridgewater and Appleton College
student who had taken time out of his busy
schedule to talk to our students. The theme
of his speech was “Follow your dreams”
and he himself embodies just that
commitment.
Following a degree from Oxford, Ben is
currently forging a career in the theatre.
When I met him in Bridgewater’s equivalent
of the “Green Room” (Mrs Hatton’s office!)
before the evening began, he modestly
informed us of just how successful he has
been. Not many people can say that they
discussed the subject of their speeches
with the likes of Sir Kenneth Branagh but
Ben did since he is currently working
alongside him at the Garrick Theatre in
London where he is providing the musical
direction.
What was particularly impressive about
Ben’s speech was how he reminded
students of what helps to forge success.
Perhaps the most memorable thing he said
to the many students sat awaiting their
prizes was that “the world needs more
brilliant people from schools like
Bridgewater.”
Another highlight of the evening was the
opportunity to present two awards in
memory of significant people linked to
Bridgewater. The first was the Frank
Prosser photography award and the
second was the River Reeves Music
July 2016
Award. Members of both families were
there to hand out the prizes and as Mrs
Hatton said, “It is a privilege that we as a
school have been entrusted with a role in
preserving their memories here at
Bridgewater.” We were delighted that
one parent wrote to us after the event in
recognition of the special ethos
embodied by the evening. “values such
as appreciation, humour, inclusiveness,
respect, community, energy, dedication,
effort, skill and a sense of responsibility
to the wider world came across”.
The achievements of Bridgewater
students never cease to amaze and I
hope you enjoy reading about them here.
I realise that there is every possibility
that there are many other students
whose success we are unaware of and
so if this applies to you, please set aside
your modesty and let us know! This
applies to our current students and also
those who have moved on. We are
always delighted to learn of your
successes, wherever you are in the
world. In the meantime, enjoy a wellearned summer break.
Guest speaker and former Bridgewater pupil,
Ben Holder
April 2016
Inside
this
issue:
Solvay
Awards
p5
Iceland and P10-11
Venice Trips
STEM News p17
Cheshire
Book
p26
Individual
Achievements
p28
Frank
Prosser
Award
p37
Sporting
News
p42
Special
points of
Interest:
 Mr. Parker and Mrs.
Neacy p2
 Art and Textiles p6
 Conway Trip p8
 Trinity Exam p14
 Earl Russell p33
 Luke Elsworth p34
 Excel Award p38
The Bridge April 2016 page 1
BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL
Farewell to Mr. Parker and Mrs. Neacy
Amongst those staff retiring this summer, are two of our senior colleagues who are well-known to pupils and
parents. Deputy Head Teachers, Mr. Roger Parker and Mrs. Bridget Neacy will be clearing their offices and
waving goodbye to us on Wednesday afternoon. We caught up with each of them before they went their separate ways and asked them a few questions about their careers, their time with us and their plans for the future…
Mr. Roger Parker
Mrs. Bridget Neacy
What made you become a teacher in the first place?
RP : The absolute truth is that although I trained
as a teacher, the negative impression of some
early Teaching Practice placements left me anti
the profession. However, after doing a year as a
trainee production manager with McVitie’s on
their gradate trainee programme and being stuck
inside a factory for 8 hours a day, I decided that
maybe the grass on the other side of the fence
might not be as brown and patchy as I had first
thought. As they say, the rest is history…
The Bridge July 2016 page 2
BN : I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to
be a teacher. As early as primary school that was
what I wanted to do. My heart was always set on
junior school but then in secondary, I became
more involved with sport and decided PE was my
vocation. I never considered another job!
Where were you before Bridgewater? Can you please give us a potted history of your
career?
RP : Mine is not a career path to follow!
At the end of O’levels, my grammar school
became a comprehensive and they struggled
greatly with the transition arrangements. So,
even though I started A’levels there, I quickly
realised that I needed to get out before I
became another of its casualties. I was taken
on as a trainee land surveyor with British Coal
and spent 2 years working and studying in the
North East. That enabled me to gain the
qualifications to get back into Higher Education
in Sheffield. I trained as a teacher, but as I said
earlier, I turned my back on it for a further year
to see if McVitie’s could rescue my career. It
didn’t!
So, I returned to teaching and became a class
teacher, then Head of Department, Head of
Year and Director of 6th Form at Garforth
Comprehensive School in Leeds before being
appointed as Deputy Head at Bridgewater in
1996
My teaching career began at Buxton Girls’
School in Derbyshire (sadly now no longer
existing). I stayed there for 2 ½ years. I then
decided that I wanted to travel so left and lived
in America for a year. I came back having had
a fantastic time, broke with no job so went back
to Birmingham to the Hotel of Mum and Dad! I
worked in two schools there, Washwood Heath
High School and what was at the time, the
largest school in the country: Great Barr High
School. I left Birmingham to come to Wigan
when I was getting married and went to work at
Byrchall High School in Ashton-in-Makerfield. It
was here that I got my first taste of pastoral
work and knew immediately that this would be
the way my career would eventually take me.
However, it went on a bit of a winding route and
five years after arriving in the North West, I got
a job as Head of PE at what was then Newtonle-Willows Community High School. As
coincidence would have it, I arrived there as
Head of PE on the same day that a certain Mr
Long arrived as Head of English! I stayed at
Newton (now Hope Academy) for 11 years,
progressing from PE into pastoral work via
Head of Year, Head of School and on to
Assistant Head. I then moved to Bridgewater as
Assistant Head later Deputy Head, in
September 2005
How has teaching changed during your career?
RP : Immeasurably and in too many ways to
comment on comprehensively here!
However, the two main areas for me are:
1. that the performance and achievement of
pupils are more accurately monitored and
judged, which in turn becomes just as true for
teachers
2. at the risk of being controversial, I believe
some of the fun and broader elements of a
pupil’s personal development are in danger of
being lost along the way.
BN : Hugely. There was nowhere near the
amount of accountability when I first started. No
National Curriculum, no targets, no league
tables etc. The downside of this was that some
schools didn’t push children to reach their full
potential, which can never be a good thing. I
think I have always worked hard, but teachers
have never worked harder than they do today
and unfortunately, some of the time that they
would like to spend with pupils now has to be
spent carrying out other tasks that are arguably,
not as important. Despite the stones that
sometimes bar the way, I still think that teaching
is a great career!
What will you miss most about Bridgewater?
RP : Without question, the times out and about
chatting to the pupils and staff because people
always matter more than things!
BN : Many things – the pupils who have given me
so many happy memories (I think I am in a job in
which I can honestly say, I am never bored!) and
the colleagues and friends I have met and made
along the way!
I can’t resist… What will you not miss?
RP : The endless measuring, assessing, scrutiBN : Driving over Bridgefoot Island or the M6!
nising and judging of the academic performance
of pupils, often to the detriment of discussions
about how they are developing as a human being… But don’t blame us, blame Ofsted! Oh, and
the bells, the bells, the bells!
What is one of your strongest memories of your time at Bridgewater?
RP : Conducting a remembrance service in the
school hall following the tragic death of one of
our pupils in a road traffic accident
BN : Impossible! There are far too many to
choose from: happy, sad, funny moments ranging
from day-to-day happenings to wonderful occasions like the prom and seeing all the delighted
faces on GCSE and A level results day.
What will you be doing and where will you be at 8.45am on 6th September?
RP : That’s not a question I can easily answer
BN : I have absolutely no idea! The thought of
since it will represent a major crossroads in my
leaving at this moment still doesn’t seem real!
life and not one I have negotiated before. I susOne thing is for certain, it wont involve a bell!
pect it will be a sober time of reflection over a flat
white on what has passed and what is to come.
Maybe me and Bridget will have a “working
breakfast” together.
Can you give us a taste of your retirement plans?
RP : They are still a work in progress but will surround family, friends, voluntary work, hobbies,
travel and personal fitness and health
BN : I’m not sure exactly what I plan to do yet. I
would like to travel and see more of family and
friends. I do intend to work in some capacity and
whilst maybe not in a school, I cannot imagine
doing something that doesn’t involve day to day
contact with people.
Finally, what message would you like to pass on to our young people?
RP : Truthfully, I think the 7,000+ pupils I have
had the privilege to share messages with over
my Bridgewater career will be sick of Parker’s
messages. If you push me though I will always
default to “You are, and will be, the sum total of
all the decisions you have ever made in your life”
BN : Be happy and be the best you can be.
Thank you to both colleagues for their commitment to our young people at Bridgewater. We wish
them both every happiness in their (early!) retirements
Compère BBC’s
Steph
McGovern
Chemical Association Awards 2016 - St
Georges Hall, Liverpool
I was very pleased to be invited to the ‘Chemical
Association Awards 2016’ at St George’s Hall in
Liverpool on 30th June, by our sponsor, Craig
Barraclough from ‘Solvay Interox’. It was presented by the very witty Steph McGovern, Business journalist for the BBC.
Craig and Mike Lancaster from C.I.A. came into
school to meet Y10 students and discuss their
ideas with them earlier in the year. Craig Barraclough confessed ‘It was really difficult to
choose from the models presented by the students as they were all so different’.
Yet again, our year 10 Product Design students
designed and made a fantastic range of awards
using acrylic, aluminium and a range of hardwoods. The award winners I spoke to during the
evening loved the fact that each one was different and asked to pass on their thanks for the
high quality of work produced. ‘It’s great to receive something that will stand out in our display
cabinet instead of just a dull glass cube!’
Well done Year 10. We are very proud of you!
Some of the Yr10 Product Design students who designed
and made the CIA Awards:
Mrs. J. Garry. Head of D&T Faculty
Above: The beautiful candlelit setting of Liverpool’s St
George’s Hall. Left: Young Ambassador of the Year Winner
[Left] with Mrs Garry
Fabulous Art, Textiles and Design and Technology Exhibition- May 2016
Yet again, students from years 11, 12 and 13 wowed parents, staff and visitors with their amazing work
during the latest exhibition. Here are just a few of the fabulous pieces that were on show. Sorry, we were
unable to fit them all into this issue. Well done to all those involved for another
great show! Mrs. J. Garry
[Head of D&T Faculty] Dr. E.
Letheren [Head of Art] and all
the Technology and Art staff.
Work by Amy
Ditchfield,
Anna Smith,
Jess McNab,
Kim Sibert,
Zara Rashid
and Eleanor
Dailey.
Year 11 Prom 2016 M r. Norman writes...
Thursday 30th June brought the most eagerly awaited event in
the Year 11 calendar, The Prom. This year, students
celebrated the end of their GCSE exams and their High School
career at The Pavilion Suite of Chester Race Course. After the
short coach journey, students were greeted by a welcoming
(non-alcoholic) cocktail followed by a fun packed evening
which included formal photography as well as an Informal
photo-booth. Students then enjoyed a three-course course
meal followed by coffee and chocolates before dancing the
night away with the added attraction of a confetti canon. All
students and staff returned just after midnight, tired but happy.
Year 10 students have a great night to work towards on Thursday 29th June 2017. Look out for details from
Mrs Pennington from September 2016.
For the formal and informal photographs of the prom, see the following links:
http://www.events.angelphotography.co.uk/gallery/bridgewaterprom2016/
http://www.events.angelphotography.co.uk/gallery/bridgewaterbooth2016/home
Make it Digital
The BBC launched a Make it Digital initiative to inspire a new generation to become creative with coding, programming and digital technology. As a result, the BBC micro:bit was produced by the BBC and its partners.
This is a very simple computer which is programmed by using another device to write the program. This is then
compiled and downloaded onto the BBC micro:bit, which will run the program. The device is made up of 25
LEDs and some simple input controls. The BBC micro:bit is designed to be a starting point to get young people
interested in coding.
The BBC micro:bit was given out to every year 7 student across the school, to have and to hold. The pocket
sized coding device has been used within our computer science lessons, enabling our year 7 students to experiment and code with their devices, creating a range of their very own coding projects. The device can be
coded to control external devices, make games and
music play on a smartphone and includes Bluetooth,
enabling communication with tablets. The students
enjoyed their lessons using their BBC micro:bit,
Emily Kelly and Katie Wiegand said “It’s pretty
cool to see what you’ve done on your micro:bit”.
Students were able to code and create their programs, then run them on their mico:bits. Abby Quinn
-Wright created a love heart on her micro:bit and
said “It’s very creative”. Addyson agreed and added
“There are lots of things we can do with it”. Samuel
Hampson (pictured left) said “It’s really fun and
easy to use, I made a banner with names on”. Overall, the students thoroughly enjoyed the coding aspect and are looking forward to creating images,
games and playing music using their very own micro:bits!
Trips
Year 7 Conway Experience
During the summer term, it is part of Bridgewater High Schools rites of passage that year 7 embark on
their annual pilgrimage to North Wales and the beautiful Island of Anglesey. This year was no different.
At the end of May, myself and Mrs Mackay with our band of committed helpers set sail for foreign
shores. The first stop on this epic adventure was the quaint coastal town of Beaumaris. This remarkable
town boasts a huge medieval castle, ancient court house and Victorian jail, all perfect for our year 7 adventurers to explore.
After this minor detour, we sailed on to our ultimate journeys end - The Conway Centre. Whilst there,
our students undertake many different teambuilding activities and fun challenges, not to mention
‘Bridgewater's Got Talent’ and the now famous last night disco.
All in all we, returned back to school tired, sun-baked but very happy and safe in the knowledge that we
had enjoyed the time of our lives. As for me, I now have the added benefit of thousands of photographs
that I can produce in their leavers’ assembly in the summer of 2019 when they can be used to settle a
few scores… Mr. Morrison
Year 7 enjoying various aspects of ‘The
Conway Experience’ back in May.
“Spring” time in Conway - the best trip ever!
The Designated Provision Students went to the Conway
Centre on the school minibus. We went to the Welsh
mountain zoo on the way. At the zoo, we saw lots of
animals, including the penguins. The penguin show was
cool because they brought them right up to us.
At the Conway centre, we did lots of different things. We
did the night trail, orienteering, building a rocket from a
drinks bottle and we also went on a boat on the Menai
Straits. On the first night, I watched ‘Bridgewater’s got
Talent’ and watched Kirri-Jo Clerkin sing on stage. She
was fantastic!
My favourite activity was the water pipe task. I got really
wet but it was good fun! My favourite part of the whole
trip was when we got to play on the playground outside
the centre. We did this three times.
I think the Conway centre trip was a great experience. The food was enjoyable but the bed wasn’t very
comfortable and I could feel the springs! I still wish I could go again next year!
By Lewis Cotterill, 7CO
Iceland : Easter 2016
During the Easter holidays, we went to Iceland for 5 days as part of a Geography and Biology trip. We
had a tour guide for the whole trip, who took us on a
tour of a small area of Iceland, looking at the
spectacular natural environment, like the geysers and
mud pools, the Eurasian—North American Plate Rift
and volcanic craters, as well as the towns of
Reykjavik and Keflavik and a marine biology centre.
My favourite parts of the trip were the natural Fontana
Spa which had amazing geothermal pools and seeing
Humpback and Minke Whales ‘bubble-netting’ in the
sea. Overall it was a fantastic trip, most definitely a
once-in-a- lifetime experience. I would recommend it
to anyone who has the chance to go
Emily Bennett Year 12
While we were in Iceland, we spent time exploring the western
coast, visiting hot springs, waterfalls, geysers and so much more!
There were miles of uninterrupted, beautiful landscapes right outside
our hotel, and although we had all prepared for an Arctic style climate,
the weather was probably better than it was in England! Despite this
excellent weather, we unfortunately did not get to see the Northern
Lights, but seeing whales in the wild definitely made up for that! The
best part of the trip was the geothermal spa; it was so surreal sitting in
40 degree pools whilst looking at snow-capped mountains in the
distance. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all who went. Jess Burke
& Ben Sutcliffe Year 13
The trip to Iceland helped me to develop my understanding of vulcanicity, a topic I was studying for A level Geography, meaning that I more prepared for my A
level Geography exam. Also, during the Iceland trip, we
were able to learn about Iceland's history and culture.
The trip allowed all of us to interact with people from other years, helping us to get to know each other better
Harry McKenna Year 13
What wonderful, rare and beautiful weather we had! As a
result, we all could see miles across what initially
seemed like a barren landscape but turned out to be a
fascinating experience, witnessing lava flows and different types of layered, cooled lava across different peninsulas.
Interested in putrified shark meat? Only a few actually
liked it, including Alex. It definitely had a very weird aftertaste…
However, the best was yet to come, for we all enjoyed a
very rare opportunity: We saw whales with the aid of binoculars (and our cameras, of course) from the coast.
What a spectacular event! Such a fascinating hour or
two, all topped by miraculous sunsets in the evenings,
made for an awe-inspiring trip. The climax had to be
Ása, our wonderful tour guide, who we respected for her
extensive knowledge, cultural awareness and expertise
in the traditional and unique Icelandic culture (including
one about exploding whales).
We had a truly breath-taking experience, which would have been impossible without the staff. Thank you
to Mr Knight and Mrs Evans, and of course Mrs Shaw who masterminded it all.
Alex Wan, Year 10
French and German exchanges
While the German exchange is still away in the Black Forest this week on the return visit, it is worth taking a moment to think about the exchanges for the next academic year and to let you know that information will be coming out about them early in the autumn term.
The German exchange will be happening again and will involve years 7 to 9 hosting their pupils in May
and visiting the Black Forest in July. A full report should be in the next edition of the Bridge.
Following a number of enquiries about the French exchange, which unfortunately couldn’t take place
this year, the French school we are twinned with in Burgundy is keen to try again during the next academic year. We are still awaiting confirmation of dates (as the French schools have already broken up
for the summer!) but will confirm details early next term!
Mr. Glew
Venice 2016
During the May half term, we travelled to Venice for
the latest English Literature adventure. The trip allowed pupils to experience texts in their actual settings of Venice and Verona and to visit the University
of Padua. We also spent time in Lido di Jesolo, shopping eating pizza and soaking up the Italian culture.
Four teachers and thirty-four pupils from years 10 and
9 set off early on a cold Sunday morning to be welcomed by glorious sunshine in Italy. We spent the first
afternoon relaxing on the beach and settling in.
Our Venice day began with a boat journey to the city
itself where we were met with the stunning Venice
skyline bathed in golden sunshine. We visited the Palace of the Doge, St Mark’s square and spent time exploring the exquisitely beautiful, winding streets of
Venice.
Pupils enjoyed spending time in Verona, visiting the
amphitheatre and having lunch in the square. Juliet’s
balcony held all of the magic and romance that we
expected and many of our pupils could be heard quoting the play’s famous lines to tourists below.
Outside the Doge’s Palace, Venice.
Our final full day was spent in Padua where pupils
were given a tour of the second oldest university in
Italy. The anatomy theatre was fascinating and pupils were given the unique opportunity to sit in the
Great Hall where Galileo lectured. The day ended with freshly baked pizza, ice-cream and a game of crazy golf. A relaxing stop at Desenzano on Lake Garda, provided the perfect end to what was a spectacular trip.
The pupils, as always, behaved impeccably. It was a privilege to run another successful trip to Italy and we all
returned to England relaxed, rejuvenated and promising to return.
Mrs. Jarvis
Left: The group outside the amphitheatre
in Verona
Congratulations to Emily Garratt, Year 10, whose poem, ‘Unwritten History’ has been published by The Poetry Society and is reproduced below. Greys Court, referred to in the poem and pictured above, is a Tudor
manor house in Oxfordshire.
Unwritten History by Emily Garratt
Behind our eyes, are the stories we’ve never told.
We lay witness to the past but are silenced by an internal voice.
Our voice may be shielded by the longcase clock, whose presence resembles a time once forgotten.
But those rhythmic ticks only fulfill our heart-beat, of memories.
Yet we remember beneath your prying eyes we dance,
Tuned with the hypnotic power of the lute.
Our humble lives bode little pretence, to your judgment.
But our positions, are marked in the dust of time.
Time.
Through our tainted windows we hear,
Lively chatter, once held dear.
To flames of coloured dresses of courtly masques.
We stop, to cheer.
The patter of tick tock rains down, just like snow.
Each fleck catches at the glass,
Yet the family don’t turn to see,
For their Christmas cheer warms their sports.
Time.
Tick, tock,
Our tiny hearts are racing,
Through our house and up the stairs,
Be careful, we shout,
For those medieval remnants of the past,
Have not escaped your notice,
Francis Knollys, designer of this manor,
Lives on through Greys Court.
Time.
Our first family settles down tonight,
As they shut their eyes, on fourteenth century life.
We close our doors too.
Another tour of our house, in its grand simplicity echoes through our hand-stitched home.
Time.
Time, has turned our homemade bodies old,
Time, is erasing our own stories.
Yet fragments of the past will never go unnoticed.
So if you leave to seek other toys,
Just remember,
You can always scratch beneath the surface, to find fragments of the past,
You just have to look beneath our painted layers, which are starting to crack.
‘Fresh’ Christian Union is Changing Venue.
From September, ‘Fresh’ will be meeting every TUESDAY after school, 3.15 – 4.15pm at the new
Broomfield’s Youth Centre, behind the leisure Centre. The BYP Centre is a great new space, full of
brand new equipment such as a games room, football table, pool table and loads of sofas to relax with
a hot chocolate from the café. We are OPEN TO ALL, every Tuesday 3:15-4:15pm. ‘Fresh’ will also be
running a lunch time club open to all students on lower site, on Tuesdays in Room 104. Come along,
bring your lunch and bring your friends. For more information see Marie Aitken, your Youth Worker
based in school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or add us on Facebook at Warrington YFC.
Maria Aitkin, Youth For Christ.
Trinity Performing Arts Exams 2016
Around Easter each year since 2011, Y9 cohorts have started work on the Trinity Performing Arts Exams.
This is a wonderful culmination to the work done in Art, Dance, Drama and Music at KS3. We have a
visiting Examiner in school for a full five days in order to see all the 60 groups, 5 pairs as well as two solo
pupils, all of whom were entered for grades ranging from Grade 3 to Grade 5.
Pupils select from a range of themes such as Poverty, Fame, Current Affairs, Teenage Life or Love, Hope
and Loss. The choice of a theme is the starting point for a collaborative piece of works which allows pupils
to demonstrate their skills in the Expressive and Performing Arts subjects, crafted in such a way as to
illustrate their chosen theme in an engaging and convincing way. Ideas worked on included the Oscar
Pistorius Trial and experiences surrounding the battle of the Somme.
I know from speaking with the Examiner that he hugely appreciated all the hard work that went into the
performance pieces and that every Exam Presentation was different, even though they had all begun from
the same range of themes. The students themselves found the experience enjoyable and worthwhile, as
can be seen from some of their quotes below.
The EPA staff are very proud of the way that Y9 rose to the challenge of this Exam, leading to some
outstanding results.
Miss Wolfenden
It was fun,
exciting,
inspirational and
a new
experience!
We really enjoyed the
experience though at times
we were unsure if we’d be
able to pull it off!
We felt nervous before we went in but
realised the Examiner was very
welcoming which calmed our nerves.
Focus on Maths
Triple Triumph for Turing’s Trio!
2016 saw continued success for Bridgewater’s cryptography team. For the third year running, the ‘Bridgewater
Boffins’ triumphed in the Alan Turing Cryptography competition organised by the University of Manchester. The
‘Boffins’, better known as Sam Bealing, Jack Baker and Callum Robinson (Y11), competed against over 1000
other schools to win 2nd place in this national competition. This means that over the last three years, they have
had two second places and last year secured the top spot to become national champions! The boys have developed a reputation within the maths faculty at the university and in recognition of this amazing achievement, were
invited as VIP guests to a presentation ceremony during the - now annual - live cryptography challenge held at
the University of Manchester.
The Boffins’ success continued with the ‘Maths Bomb’. This is a stand-alone competition and sister to the Alan
Turing competition which was introduced this year. The puzzles in this competition span the whole spectrum of
mathematics, from fiendish logic puzzles to the application of pure mathematics in real-world settings. Despite
being aimed at sixth form students, the ‘Boffins’ (pictured below) rose to the challenge and won several stages of
this competition, collecting yet more prizes!
Sam Bealing has experienced individual success. Not only did he make it through to the Olympiad rounds of both
the Intermediate and Senior UKMT Maths Challenge competitions, he was also awarded certificates of distinction
and was also amongst the medal winners in these follow-on rounds. He actually scored 100% in the Intermediate
Olympiad! Sam’s talents’ have not gone unrecognised. He has been invited to attend two national maths summer
schools for gifted mathematicians at Leeds and Queens College, Oxford, and with it, the possibility of securing a
place on the prestigious UKMT International Team! Sounds like it is going to be a very busy summer for Sam.
We wish him the very best of luck.
Over 600 entries were sent in to various individual and team competitions this year, with many students gaining
prizes and invitations to attend maths events at both Liverpool and Manchester Universities. Our students have
an amazing record in the UKMT Challenges and this year they collected 19 Gold, 48 Silver and 88 Bronze
awards between them. Special recognition must go to the following students who achieved ‘Best in Year’ awards
in the UKMT Maths Challenge competitions:
Year 7 – Lucas Evans Year 9 – Harry Imisson
Year 10 –Tom Linforth Year 11 – Sam Bealing
Year 12 – Tom Morse Year13 – Abbey Lawrence
Each Maths Challenge has follow-on rounds for which the students must qualify. Congratulations go to the following students who made it through to the Kangaroo and Olympiad stages:
Jack Baker, Sam Baker, Sam Bealing, Lucas Evans, Connor Hamlett, Yi Chen Hock, Tom Linforth, Ashley
Pearson, Sam Robison, Archie Shaw, Sarah Shrewsbury-Gee, Chloe Todd and Jack Tyldesley.
This year also saw the introduction of a special competition aimed at girls with Yi Chen Hock (Y11) proudly representing Bridgewater in the first Maths Olympiad for Girls. Following on from their success in the Intermediate
Maths Challenge, Harry Imisson and Holly Baker (Year 9) were invited to attend a Maths Masterclass at Liverpool University. This gave students the opportunity to extend their mathematical experience with a day of exciting
and stimulating maths activities and lectures.
Year 9 students have also been taking part in the ‘Maths Hub’, a competition organised by Winstanley College.
This competition runs throughout the year with the college releasing problem rounds on a monthly basis. We still
await the results but our position on the leader board is looking good!
Our maths teams have also been in action this year in the prestigious surroundings of the Great Hall at Manchester University, where they were put through their paces. Our junior and senior teams puzzled and pondered
over a plethora of problems in the UKMT Team Challenges.
Another new competition this year was the Maths Feast which our Y10 team took part in. Here they were able to
sample mathematical starters, mains and afters – very tasty! These team events allow students of different years
to work together and experience mathematics in a fun and exciting way.
Junior Team
Harry Imisson and Sam Baker (Year 9), Jake Hulse and Luke Powney (Year 8)
Senior Team
Nathan Taylor-Wilson (Year 13), Tom Morse (Year 12) Yi Chen Hock (Year 11) and Alex Wan (Year 10)
Year 10 Team
Ealish Green, Tom Linforth, Sam Robison and Alex Wan,
Well done to all our teams. You did us proud!
Are you up to the challenge?
Here is a question from this year’s Intermediate UKMT competition.
The net shown consists of squares and equilateral triangles.
The net is folded to form a rhombicuboctahedron as shown.
When the face marked P is placed face down on a table, which face will be facing up?
Good Luck! See Mrs McIntyre for solution...
STEM news
STEM extra-curricular 2015/2016
STEM is the acronym used within educational establishments to describe any activities which integrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Sir Michael Tomlinson, former chief inspector for
OFSTED, says that the integration of STEM skills across the curriculum could help address the enormous shortage of STEM graduates. We at Bridgewater recognise the importance of STEM and endeavour to provide opportunities for all pupils to experience STEM subjects via a huge range of activities.
We recognise the importance of introducing STEM to youngsters at an early age in order to help challenge a common misconception among schoolchildren that these subjects are difficult and only lead
down a specific career path such as being a ‘’scientist’’. Actually, STEM subjects open up a variety of career options. As result,we have run a large number of activities this year across all three Key Stages,
which will continue into the next academic year.
STEM Club achievements:
Miss Peters in the Maths Faculty has worked extremely hard this year to bring STEM to life at KS3. She
led a number of projects with year 7 and 8 pupils, ranging from programming and building robots through
to Dyson engineering. The STEM members are growing year by year. During the course of the next academic year, we will be running a club on each site as there is a growing demand for STEM activities. Pupils are becoming more eager to take part in the enjoyable, unique yet challenging experiences that we
provide for them term on term.
YEAR 8 STEM DAY
Mrs. Barber organised and led the STEM careers day for the
whole of year 8 this year. Mrs Barber invited a number of STEM
ambassadors for the day. They spent the entire day working with
small groups of pupils. The idea was to give them the opportunity
learn what STEM careers are like from those individuals currently
working in related jobs. Pupils had the opportunity to talk to the
STEM ambassadors and ask questions relating to their careers.
This was followed by numerous workshops, which also gave
pupils an insight into STEM subjects. The day was a huge
success and many of our pupils gave positive feedback and
reported that they felt more informed about STEM careers.
to
YEAR 9
ENGINEERING DAY
The development of sustainable energy is one of the engineering
challenges of the 21st century. To help highlight the importance of
sustainable energy and the vast number of job and research opportunities
available in that field globally, I planned a related STEM workshop for the
year 9 pupils. Pupils built and programmed a solar-powered car which they
raced at the end of the day to see which could go the fastest. Pupils learned
not only to program and engineer the vehicle, they also learned about the
drawbacks to solar energy and how engineers try to combat these
challenges.
BELGIUM EURO SPACE
Euro Space Centre is a space-themed discovery and recreation park which offers
pupils a multitude of fun activities aimed at helping them discover space, astronaut
training and the technologies of space exploration. So when it came to selecting a
venue for our STEM residential, Euro Space was the number one choice.
Pupils travelled to Belgium on 28th May and spent three nights there with five
members of Bridgewater staff. The experience was remarkable and I am sure will
leave long-lasting memories. Pupils took part in many activities, their favourite
being the space shuttle mission. Here, our youngsters experienced all of the actual
procedures involved in a space rocket launch: lift-off, orbiting, satellite launch,
docking with the Space Station, re-entry into the atmosphere and landing. And, of
course, they attended a mission briefing.
Above in the mission control room.
Left, pupils receiving mission
briefing before
flying into space
Right : Ms Dannan’s
space team triumph
on the day as they
completed the whole
of the space mission
in record time.
Before they can fly in space, astronauts have to undergo hundreds of
hours of training. This includes sessions aimed at keeping them in top
physical condition. This, in turn, allow them to carry out their mission
efficiently and competently. At the space centre, pupils were given the
opportunity to experience some of the types of training that astronauts
take part in, such as using a multi-axis chair, moonwalking, using a
rotating chair as well as shuttle arms and zero-gravity wall. The whole
experience of Euro space was fantastic so we will be running another
trip in February 2018 for interested pupils in year 8 and 9.
Right: about to experience zero gravity and
take part in satellite repair and maintenance mission.
Experiencing the moon walk.
Getting ready to spin on the
multi-axis chair
STEM future at Bridgewater
Many events are planned for next year, starting in October when we intend to take a group of KS3
pupil to the Lake District to experience the wonders of the universe. The trip will focus on star gazing
using state-of- the-art telescopes operated by experts in the field of astronomy. Pupils and parents
who are interested in participating should contact me directly via email and information letters will be
available in September. We welcome all volunteers who wish to support the STEM project whether it
is by supporting the activities that we run at the STEM club, volunteering on trips or making a small
donation to help pay for equipment and activities.
Next year we also plan to take part in Tomorrow’s Engineer’s Lego challenge, which is open to KS3
pupils. Those wishing to take part will need to join the STEM club in September. The STEM club is
equipped with 20 Micro-bits and some raspberry Pis as well as a weather station. This is all available
to pupils who have an interest in coding and wish to learn more.
Miss Dannan
Y12 STEM Workshops Mrs. Edgeley writes...
On 28th of June, all year 12 students studying Maths or Science had the opportunity to go to the University of Liverpool to sample university courses in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Environmental Science and Engineering. Students were able to attend two workshops, which could be different aspects of
the same subject. Alternatively, they could choose two completely different subjects to try out. All the
workshops were delivered in a university-style of teaching in order to give a true impression of what it is
like to study Maths, Sciences, or Engineering within Higher Education.
As well as trying out new things, the workshops also gave students the opportunity to work with young
people from other schools. As one member of our group said: “It’s pretty easy to just get on with it when
you are with new people, because we’re all doing similar things at A level and have the same kind of interests”. A highlight of the day for a number of the students was the opportunity to work with ‘real’ things.
For example, real rock samples in Geology, making a real sample of local anaesthetic in Chemistry, and
real particle collision data in Physics. Students were also able to perform experiments they only see
demonstrated in school, making use of more sophisticated equipment than is usually available to them.
Overall, the day provided a fantastic insight into what life would be like for the students if they choose to
study a STEM subject in Higher Education.
Above: Finding out what the shapes of tracks in particle detectors (like this cloud chamber) tell us about the subatomic particles that form them.
GO4SET STEM COMPETITION Mr. Cronin writes...
A team from Bridgewater high School has successfully completed a
project as part of the Go4SET initiative.
The team got together once a week for almost three months, to investigate how the school could make money from being eco-friendly;
the title of their project was “The Business of Recycling”. Altogether
two trips to Manchester University took place with a further visit to a
relevant workplace in the pipeline.
Hollly Baker, Charlotte George, Isaac Lukey, Laurence Monks, Harry Imisson and Mollie Parker , all from
year 9, worked hard alongside James Richards, a chartered engineer from Network Rail. The students developed their teamwork, organisational, creative and analytical skills. The report they produced was hailed as one
of the most detailed and comprehensive in the competition. Well done the ‘Bridgewater Biscuits’ as they styled
themselves for the day!
APPLETON COLLEGE NEWS
Picture Courtesy of South Warrington News
Appleton College Give Stockton Heath a Spring Clean
Year 12 students took part in a Stockton Heath Village
“Spring Clean”. The students were joined by Mr Lambrianides, Head of Appleton College and representatives
from Stockton Heath Parish Council. Mr Lambrianides
said “All the students were fantastic and demonstrated
great endeavour. They showed just how generous and
thoughtful many young people are today”.
An Insight into Studying A Level Politics
Politics is the most dynamic, modern and fast-changing subject on the curriculum. Studying politics can
give you a unique insight into the world that surrounds us and there has never been a more genuinely
exciting time to study it. Currently in the UK and the USA, we are in a state of political turmoil and looking
back in years to come, students will be studying this very period in history classes. We are actually living
through it! Politics is the history of today and allows us to understand the quick-paced events which happen on the news every day whilst experiencing it in reality.
Government and Politics was a new subject at Appleton College for the beginning of 2015, giving us a
fresh new perspective with which to study the course. Unit I deals with ‘People and Politics’ and focuses
on four main subject areas: participation, political parties, pressure groups and voting systems. These
topics allow us to understand what different political parties stand for, how we can influence politics and
how and why people vote in elections.
Unit 2, which is ‘governing the UK’, also studies four key areas which include: Parliament, the Prime Minister and government, law and the constitution. This unit particularly focuses on how government operates and who has the power to make decisions affecting our lives and why. An added benefit in the second year of A2 is that you will study politics in the USA. So unlike other subjects where you could have to
start again from scratch, you can translate everything you’ve learnt from the first year to the USA .
One of the highlights of the course is the trip to London and the Houses of Parliament which helps bring
the subject to life. You can get a guided tour through Parliament and even enter the House of Lords and
sit in the public gallery above the House of Commons as MPs debate real issues before your eyes. Travelling to London and experiencing politics in action can really help you understand the course and enhance your passion for the subject.
Studying politics also goes hand-in-hand with other subjects, particularly essay-based options like History and English. This will help you naturally to improve your interpretation, evaluative and analytical skills
whilst also improving your general quality of written expression at the same time. Studying politics allows
you to debate current issues and discuss them in class, developing your ability to write fair and balanced
essays which are crucial at A-level.
Government and Politics is a very pro-active course with regards to engaging with the outside world.
Next year, there will be speakers coming into the college, hopefully including our local MP, David Mowat,
who Y12s and Y11s were lucky enough to meet last year in Parliament. We also have a Twitter account
which is used to inform students, via social media, of current events and what to look out for, giving students the cutting edge on current affairs.
In the aftermath of the EU referendum, we’ve witnessed some upheaval on the news, the resignation of a
Prime Minister, turmoil in the Labour Party and a revived possibility of Scotland leaving the UK. The turbulent picture is mirrored across the USA. In short, there has never been a more interesting time to study
politics and there is no better place to study it than at Appleton College.
Liam Robinson – Y12 Politics Student
PAPYRUS DONATION 13CY
We would like to thanks members of 13CY for their generous donation of £100 to ‘Papyrus’ the national charity for the prevention of young suicide. The organisation draws on the experience of many who
have been touched personally by young suicide across the UK and speaks on their behalf in campaigns and in endeavours to save young lives. ‘Papyrus’ delivers awareness and prevention training,
provides confidential support and suicide intervention through HOPELineUK and empowers young
people to lead suicide prevention activities in their own areas.
13CY students chose the charity themselves and contributed from their own pockets on a weekly basis, giving up spare change and snack money for the cause. Once again, Appleton College students
have shown awareness of the need to engage with the wider community and they are to be applauded
for this.
Mr Yates
Annual Art Exhibition
Having finished their artwork, the GCSE and A level students got to showcase their work for families and friends
to celebrate what they had achieved throughout the year. On the 24th May, the school foyer, corridor and art
rooms were transformed into a gallery and the continued quality of the work was shown once again at our annual
Art Exhibition. The creativity in both painting as well as sculpture and textiles was exceptionally high this year
with some stunning results achieved using a broad range of media, including interesting portraits and transformed images. The evening was well attended by families, friends and the community and a positive atmosphere flowed throughout the night.
Head of Appleton College and Art and Design Teacher, Mr Lambrianides, said "The work this year was amazing
and we are very proud of the students, they've done extremely well"
Holly Knight- Parfitt Year 12
KS3 Music Showcase wows again!
Another very successful KS3 Music Showcase evening wows audience!
Once again, our very talented musicians from Years 7-9 were given the opportunity to do what they enjoy most –
perform to an appreciative audience at our KS3 Music Showcase, organised by Head of Music, Ciara O’Flanagan. What was very apparent was not only the extremely high standard of performance, but also the variety of
styles on offer: Folk-influenced songs, songs accompanied by a ukulele, funk drumming, rock guitar, classical
cello… it was all in there!
Well done to all performers – you did yourselves and Bridgewater proud. Many thanks to everyone involved, particularly Ciara O’Flanagan and our host for the evening, Tilly Parry. We remain in awe of what our young performers can achieve.
Prince's Trust Achievements
Since January 2016, our Prince's Trust team - consisting of 9 members of Year 10 - has completed an
Enterprise project based on The Lion King. The project included the team selling merchandise, running a
bake sale and taking part in a Triathlon to raise money for the World Wildlife Fund. The merchandise they
sold consisted of keyrings and badges with Lion King designs, created by the pupils themselves. The Triathlon was a mix of swimming, cardio and yoga events. They have now raised £343.14 which has been
sent to WWF. Following on from this great project, their second unit is based on Careers. Pupils have already started work on this subject, exploring their chosen career paths, application letters and job interviews. They will complete this course in Year 11 and be given a Princes Trust Award Qualification.
Cheshire Schools’ Book Award 2016
At the start of the 2015-16 school year, pupils from years 8 and 9 were given the opportunity to participate in the 10th annual Cheshire Schools’ Book Awards.
The process consists of reading seven books over a course of seven months. The books cover a variety
of genres which this year included horror, paranormal and real-life. After reading each book, groups of
pupils discuss their reading with each other and a teacher who has also read the same book.
This year, the nominated books were: ‘ Cuckoo Song’ by Frances Hardinge; ‘Afterwalkers’ by Tom
Becker; ‘13 Days Of Midnight’ by Leo Hunt; ‘Phoenix Rising’ by Bryony Pearce; ‘The Door That Led To
Where’ by Sally Gardner; ‘Finding Audrey’ by Sophie Kinsella and ‘One’ by Sarah Crossan. After everyone had read each book, we individually voted for our favourite. The most popular choice within
Bridgewater was ‘Finding Audrey’ with ‘One’ being a close second.
On 28th of June, we went to the Awards Ceremony at Winsford Academy where the overall winner
across the country was announced, with six of the authors present for the occasion. They are based
mainly in Cheshire and two of them were previous winners of the award. Sally Green won last year with
‘Half Bad’ and Bryony Pearce who won with ‘Angel’s Fury’ in 2013. Also attending the event were authors Curtis Jobling, John Mayhew, Leo Hunt and Tom Becker.Tom, Leo and Bryony were nominees for
this year’s Cheshire Schools’ Book Awards. Tom and Leo were voted in a position of joint third. Second
place was awarded to Sophie Kinsella with ‘Finding Audrey’.
The overall winner of the 2016 Cheshire Schools’ Book Award was Sarah
Crossan with her book ‘One’. The book is about the struggle of conjoined
twins and how they cope with going to school for the first time, after being
home-schooled, making friends and trying to be normal teenage girls. The
book is set out in a poetic style with extremely short chapters. Personally,
we all enjoyed the winning book, however, one of us found its style a little
difficult..
When we arrived at the event, we were greeted by a representative of the
host school who showed us to the main hall where we were able meet and
speak with those authors present, as well as buying their books directly
from them. There were refreshments and small bites to eat, making everyone feel welcome. There was an area for all
students and teachers to sit whilst the authors
spoke about their work. This was followed by a
question and answer session.
This was a fun and successful experience,
where we were introduced to new authors and
genres that we wouldn’t normally select ourselves. We hope to take part in
this event again in year 10, as we enjoyed it so much.
If you would like to take part in the Cheshire Schools’ Book Award next year,
either talk to Mrs Peters our librarian or your English teacher in September.
By Maria Howard, Rebecca Wells and Megan Haley (Year 9)
Individual Achievements
British Soap Awards success for Ruby!
Bridgewater High pupil scoops prize at the British Soap
Awards 2016
Congratulations to Y10 pupil, Ruby O’Donnell who has received the award for Best Young Performer for her outstanding portrayal of Peri Lomax in the soap
Hollyoaks. Ruby has always shown a real interest in Performing Arts at Bridgewater and has been
seen in a number of arts performances throughout the year, recently including the Y10 segment within
the BTEC show all “Our Memory’s a Stage”. A huge “Well done” from all at Bridgewater, Ruby
Orienteering Champions: Jake and Sam Williams
“On Sunday 3rd July, I took part in the Yvette Baker Trophy, which is the
premier Junior Inter-Club competition for English and Welsh orienteering
clubs. It is named after Britain's first World Orienteering Champion, who
won Gold in the Short Distance event in Scotland in 1999. My brother Sam
and I had to travel down to Wormley Woods in Hertfordshire where I took
part in the Men’s Yellow course (2.4km) and Sam competed in the Orange
course (3km). It was a sunny day and competition was fierce with 55 of the
best boys running against me.
In orienteering, you are given a map and have to run and find all the orange and white kites (known as controls) which have an electronic box that
you have to check in at. This records how long it has taken you to run from
control to control. You receive an over-all time and the best time wins the
course colour.
Sam and I were both running for Deeside Orienteering Club and altogether we came 8th out of the 13
regions taking part – which is not bad considering other clubs had many more competitors than we
did. I won the Men’s Yellow course with a time of 17m: 03s.
Orienteering is a really fun sport and you get to go to new places. In addition, it doesn’t matter how
young or old, or how fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course at your own pace. It isn’t like
the orienteering at residentials where you use a piece of paper and stamp it. Club orienteering is more
advanced and uses technology. Why not give it a try?
Jake Williams 7AE
Meg Perry – National Netball Championship
Well done to netball player Meg Perry in Year 11 Meg recently played for
Tameside in the National Club Championship final in Newcastle and her team
won! They are now National Club U.18 netball champions, which is an excellent achievement!
Charlotte Robinson – Cheshire Youth Cricket
We are delighted to learn that Charlotte Robinson, Year 10, has been selected to represent the
Cheshire Youth Cricket County Girls Under 15 squad for the 2016 County Season. As Charlotte’s team
coach rightly says “This is a fantastic achievement and one that you can be justifiably proud of”. Well
done Charlotte. We look forward to hearing of your future successes!
Gemma Cuthbertson took part in a dancing championship back in April. Well done Gemma!
Toby Fox – Champion Swimmer enjoy further successes.
Champion swimmer, Toby Fox of Year 10, is no stranger to these pages and he deserves further recognition for winning the Warrington Dolphins 2 mile open water junior championships at Budworth Lake on
Saturday 4th June. On 25th June, he competed for the 4th year running in the North West Regional
open water championships at Salford Quays and won the 3k, non-wetsuit event for the first time. By winning the North West Regional 15yr age group contest, he automatically won the Lancashire County
award. Toby has now qualified for the national 3k open water championships on Sunday 24th July at
Rother Valley Park in Sheffield. We wish him every success and look forward to further news. Well done
Toby!
Megan Bradley
to appear in
crime drama for
Sky TV
AN aspiring actor is to make
her Sky TV debut just days
after being accepted into the
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).
Bridgewater High School pupil Megan Bradley has one
of the main parts in Sky
One's crime drama, The Five, which starts on April 15.
It is crime writer Harlan Coben’s first original story for TV and follows five friends who are united
by a terrible incident. Megan, 16, plays a young version of actor Sarah Solemani's character, Pru.
The Walton resident has been a member of Little Stars stage school since she was seven.
"I'm very proud of Megan," said primary
school teacher Lauren Kelly, who runs the
group.
"She's been accepted into the LIPA sixth
form which is amazing and a testament to
her talent. She also took her grade 8 musical
theatre and scored 92 per cent.
"Taking her from grade 1 through to grade 8
and seeing her go from doing her first performance at Appleton Parish Hall, then to see
her on stage at the Palace and Opera House
in Manchester and now to see her on Sky TV
is amazing.
"She's a real example of a success story."
Megan filmed her scenes for The Five last
year around Liverpool, the Wirral and Runcorn. Numerous scenes were also shot at
Eastham Country Park. She said: "It was amazing and reminded
me that this is what I want to do. It was the best experience." (Photograph and Article, courtesy of Warrington Guardian)
Jake Hibbert – youngest golf champion
Keen golfer, Jake Hibbert in Year 10, (pictured right) recently played
in the Warrington Club Championship and was the youngest member
ever to win this competition which is open to players of all ages with a
handicap of 5 and below. Accordingly, his name will be displayed
alongside other champions on a commemorative board in the clubhouse.
Jake joined Warrington Golf Club when he was 10 years old as a junior member. He practices and plays regularly in the junior competitions. Over the years, as his handicap has gone down, he has started
to join in the men's open age competitions. He represents Warrington
in a team squad as well as individual games and has also represented
Cheshire in the under 14's and under 16's squad. He has been asked
to play on the 18 July for England schools. Good luck Jake and congratulations on your amazing achievements so far. We look forward to hearing of your future successes!
Bridgewater boys make top ten in Rowing Semi-finals
Michael Lee and Angus Stewart, both in Year 10, recently rowed in a quad boat for Warrington Rowing
Club at National Schools Regatta. This is one of the largest regattas for junior rowers. For this particular
quad event, in their age category of J15, there were 34 other boats competing.
The J15 Warrington Quad came 6th out of 35 in the initial time trial. The top 12 boats from the time trial
gained a place in one of the two semi-finals, so the Warrington boys progressed to the semi-finals. Unfortunately they didn't come in the top 6 in the semi-finals so progressed to B Final rather than A final. At
the end of the day they were placed 9th out of 35. Although no medals came their way on this occasion,
they were pleased to have finished in the top ten against very strong competition. We hear that Louis
Molloy and Alastair
Eaves of Year 11 also row for
Warrington and understand that Alastair was in the
J16 Warrington Quad
crew which gained a Bronze
Medal in the semi-finals.
This was a very hard fought
race and their award is a
great achievement. Well done
to all these boys and to
their teams!
We are always delighted to report on
the success of our pupils, both in and
out of school. Do please let us know of
your child’s successes and we will
make every effort to include them in
these pages. It does not matter whether it is something in the public eye or
something more obscure. We want to
celebrate success! Please email details
to Mr. McCahey on
[email protected] and
remember to include any photographs
that you are happy to share! Thank you
Catch-up time…
Team GB for ex-Bridgewater student Earl Russell
Former Bridgewater pupil and top Basketball player, Earl Russell,
has gained a sponsored place at University in Wyoming. Earl, who
went on to study at Myerscough College in Preston after Bridgewater, is currently back in the UK for a couple of months and has
now been asked to train with Team GB. We caught up with Earl who
was kind enough to take part in a short interview about his basketball success:
Earl, how did you first become involved with Basketball?
I used to play rugby for Bridgewater and Warrington RUFC. Some of my team-mates played basketball and invited me to come and try it out. I ended up loving basketball and have played ever since.
How did playing for Cheshire Wire prepare you for your current place at the University of Wyoming and
your place on Team GB?
Playing for Cheshire helped me to build up my confidence and hone my skills on the court. My time at Cheshire
allowed me to be recruited to Myerscough College in Preston and after playing there, I was recruited to play in
Wyoming.
How is life in the USA different from life in the UK?
Life isn't very different in the US when compared to the UK. The main difference in my opinion is the sheer size
of the country. Some away games can be as far as 12 hours drive away.
Any abiding (and hopefully good!) memories of your time at Bridgewater?
I had a lot of good memories playing for the rugby team and playing against other schools.
What advice would you give to our budding young sportsmen and women currently at Bridgewater?
Surround yourself with positivity and like-minded people with similar goals to you. They will help motivate you to
succeed.
What are the challenges and hopes that lie ahead for you?
In the years to come, I will complete my degree and continue playing for my college team.
Many thanks Earl and congratulations on
your Team GB selection! We wish you all
the very best!
Luke Elsworth
Follow your dreams……many of
our readers may have seen the
recent article in the Warrington
Guardian about one of our past
pupils, Luke Elsworth. He is
aged just 19, has become Europe’s youngest pilot.
Luke spent all his secondary
school life at Bridgewater and later Appleton College. From the
start, he was always absolutely determined that one day he would achieve his dream and follow in his
Dad’s footsteps to become an
airline pilot. To that end, Luke
studied really hard. As he has
said himself, it was not always
easy. But having something
that is your passion, that you
really want to do, makes studying and making the sacrifices
necessary to be successful,
completely worthwhile.
Luke did not follow the traditional route of university, but
on leaving school, left home
and went to the USA to train.
The age range of the people
he studied alongside was 24-50 years old, so at 19, Luke was by far the youngest. That did not deter
him. Luke rmained focused and resolute as he set about achieving the qualifications necessary to fly.
Through his own unwavering commitment and efforts, Luke is now well on his way to achieving a first
class BSc honours degree in Pilot Studies, certified by Middlesex University and has gone on to secure
a position as a pilot for EasyJet, working out of Gatwick Airport. He is keen to point out that apprenticeships of this nature are increasingly available to young people in search of a different, more unusual career path.
Luke is an inspiration to us all. He shows where dedication and perseverance - even when the going
might get a bit tough - can lead. As a school, we are immensely proud of this “old boy” and we know
that his family members are equally proud. We wish him every success in the future. As you set off for
your holidays this summer, listen out for the name of your pilot; if it’s First Officer Elsworth, I’m sure he’d
love it if you said hello! And remember everybody, keep following those dreams!
Support your PTA by shopping online via The Giving Machine at your favourite stores e.g. Amazon, Morrisons and Next.
There is no cost to you, but each purchase you make will provide a
cash donation to the PTA! Just follow these easy steps to sign up:
Go to : www.thegivingmachine.co.uk
Click ‘Join’
Select ‘Join as a Giver’
Search for ‘Bridgewater High School
PTA’ as your cause
LIFE SKILLS
The ‘Life Skills’ group hosted a tea party on the final Thursday of the Summer term. The pupils involved
were Elena Rigby Alice Jones and Eleanor Laing. The girls had gone to great efforts organising the party.
They designed and printed invitations to staff and also created the menu themselves. Working to a budget, they shopped online using different supermarkets to compare the best prices, then formulated their list
of required ingredients. The girls invited their teachers, many of whom came along and enjoyed a cup of
tea and such delights as Eton Mess or a cream scone. The girls enjoyed every aspect off the day
from shopping, to making cucumber sandwiches and the various sweet treats available. The staff thoroughly enjoyed being waited on. “We could get used to this!” was one comment overheard. Thank you to
those teachers who came along to support the girls. It was very much appreciated.
GCSE and Beyond Day. Year 10 students took a taster workshop in A-level Product Graphic
Products. They had 40 minutes to produce a point of sale for ‘Um Bongo’. D&T staff were impressed by what they came up with in the short time given. Lots of fun and eye-catching work
was very much the order of the day. Well done to all concerned!
The Frank Prosser Memorial Award
This is a photography competition open to all students at Bridgewater High School and Appleton College. The
Prosser family had decided that the theme for this year would be "Peace" as their father Frank was involved in
the local peace initiatives after the Warrington bombings in 1993. The winners were announced at our Lower
Site Awards Evening in July and are listed below, alongside their stunning photography. We are sure that you will
agree with us that the images are really beautiful and thought-provoking. Thank you to all who took part and
thank you to the Prosser family for making this award available. Mrs. Shaw
Above : KS4 3rd place - Sam Bealing
Y11
Above : KS3 3rd place - Ed Moore Y7
Above : KS4 2nd place - Niamh Lafferty
Y10
Above : KS3 2nd place - Charlotte
Wright Y8
Above : KS4 1st place - Lucy Whitehead
Y10
Above : KS3 1st place - Olivia Kavanagh
Y8
Going for Gold!
Congratulations to our Gold Excel Award Winners in Year 9. These students have excelled in all areas of school
life consistently over the past 2 years. We are very proud of all of their individual achievements. We believe that
our unique Excel Award has enabled these students to shine and it has provided us with the perfect vehicle in
which to recognise such high attainment in all areas of school life. In particular, we congratulate Mia Richardson,
who has gained the highest points of all.
Gold Goes to London
Our ‘Golden 50,’ the pupils who have gained the highest number of Excel points across Years 8 and 9, have
been invited to celebrate their success for a special day out in London. On 18th July, 50 pupils will gain special
access to a behind-the-scenes exclusive educational tour of the Houses of Parliament. After lunch, what better
way to top off a day out in the capital, than with a trip on the London Eye?
The Gold Excel Award Winners Congratulations
Mia Richardson
Samantha Davis
Rachel Allen
Benjamin Marshall
Katherine Ho
Illona Reid
Tegan Doherty
Noah Eden
Jess Sholl
Joy Whyte
Erin Bailey
Dev Seth
Benjamin Beresford
Darcey Nolan
Madeleine Howard
Alexander Knowles
Leo Roberts
Tom Ledger
Samuel Williams
Emily Palmer
Isabelle Hanna
Beatrice Godber
Charlotte George
Rebecca Wells
Mia Stephens
Ella Richards
Lydia Blundell
Kinga Boczkowska
Lily Davies
Nathaniel Girdharry
Matthew Barber
Melissa Dutton
Alicia Haigh
Thomas Gray
Harry Leyland
Michael Fulwell
Mollie Parker
Isabel Williams
Harry Imisson
James Mahon
Katie Morrow
Eva Wan
Evie Marsh
Daniel Corner
George Hatfield
Adam Miller
Harley Barratt
Eve Woodall
George Bogg
Victoria Kirkby
Achievement for All
Congratulations also to our Silver and Bronze Excel Award winners. All pupils in Year 9 achieved their Excel
Award. Well done on another successful year at Bridgewater.
Red carpet welcome for Year 13
The Year 13 Prom took place this year on Wednesday 6th July at Statham Lodge. Guests enjoyed a red
carpet welcome and mocktail on arrival and after their meal showed off their moves on the dance floor!
As ever, it was a fantastic evening enjoyed by staff and students alike.
À la carte cook-off
On Thursday 19th May, our Y7 students were treated to a culinary cook-off. This event is part of a
national road show which encourages children to think about the food they eat and the importance of
fresh fruit and vegetables. The teams are made up of two students and a teacher.
Against the clock, they use the fresh ingredients to conjure up a delicious dinner. The
students then vote for the tastiest looking
creations using their red and green cards.
Tilly Davies and Lucas Howitt in the Green
Team supported by Mr Glover certainly
cooked up a storm with their vegetable pasta. Yummy!
Mr. Glover, flanked by pupils with some of
the culinary offerings below.
A “Wicked” Day Out in London! Y9 Performing Arts students travel to London
to see the hit West End musical:
A group of Y9 students with a passion for musical theatre was treated to the West End experience on our
trip to London to see ‘Wicked’ on Wednesday, 13th July at the Apollo Theatre. The pupils set off bright
and early and arrived in London at around 12pm. This gave them time to soak up the London atmosphere
and take in the tourist sights. After browsing some of the London shops, they made their way to the
theatre for a spell-binding matinee performance of ‘Wicked’. It was only partially ruined by a giant man
sitting directly in front of Miss O’Flanagan!
After the show, pupils experienced the full rush-hour experience of the Capital City as they travelled to
Planet Hollywood for their meal, before returning home late that evening. Thanks to Miss O’Flanagan for
organising the event and Mrs McEwan for accompanying the students. The pupils were, as ever,
exemplary in their conduct and a credit to the school.
Sporting News
Athletics
Town Sports Athletics Thursday 9th June
Well done to all Bridgewater Athletes who competed at the Town Sports Athletics competition. There were some
excellent individual and team performances on the day. The following pupils won their event to become Town
Sport Champion.
Thomas McKean Minor Boy 100m/Long Jump
Amelia Coogan Minor Girl 100m
Ella Grocott Junior Girl 100m/High Jump
Becca Hardy Inter Girl 100m/Long Jump
Declan Kernahan Minor Boy 200m
Joshua Herrington Junior Boy 300m/High Jump
Chloe Mason Inter Girl 400m
Nathan Bass Minor Boy 800m
Lucy Roberts Inter Girl 800m/High Jump
Ashley Nemits Minor Girl 1500m/High Jump
Overall Results
Minor Boy 1st place Minor Girls 2nd Junior Boys
5th Junior Girls 2nd
English Schools Cup
Results County Round
Junior Boys 5th 263 points
Junior Girls 6th 230 points
Inter Girls2
nd
288 points
Inter Boys 8th 209 points
The Inter Girls team was very impressive and progressed to the regional North West round. There were fantastic
displays of athleticism both on the track and field by Ella Grocott, Mollie Parker, Mya Bass, Abbi Griffiths,
Lucy Roberts, Chloe Mason, Jess Sholl, Lily Ward, Becca Hardy, Tegan Doherty, Ilona Reid and Emily
Palmer.
The highest point scorers for the Bridgewater Inter girls team were:
Ella Grocott 100m and High Jump
Lucy Roberts 800m and High Jump
Becca Hardy Hurdles and Long Jump
County Athletics
The following students were selected to represent the Warrington town team at the Athletics county cup.
Lily Ward Thomas Mckean Joseph Hadland
Lucia Meloni David Olojugba Becca Hardy
Ella Grocott Declan Kernahan Joshua Herrington
Charlotte Lampkin Nathan Bass Ben Hammond
Abbi Griffiths Amelia Coogan Phil Rattigan
Ilona Reid Jessica Connolly Lucas Hayes
Chloe Mason Ashley Nemits Sam Rostron
Lucy Roberts Daisy Struthers Joshua Hadland
Isabelle Trevithick Isaaq Ataullah
County Champion 1500m
Cheshire Schools Athletics
Congratulations to Lucy Roberts (800m), Becca Hardy
(Hurdles) and Joshua Herrington (High Jump) who were selected to represent the Cheshire Schools Athletics team at the
Mason Trophy event at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham on Saturday 18th June.
Joshua achieved a personal best at this competition with 1m
84cm and came a well-deserved 1st
Joshua Herrington
Joshua (pictured left) competed at the English Schools National
Competition on Saturday 9th July at Gateshead. Joshua performed exceptionally well and finished in second place overall
with 1m 81cm in the High Jump. Joshua has trained very hard
this year at his athletics club, The Liverpool Harriers.
Quad Kids
A team of year 7 boys and girls were entered into the Warrington
Schools Quad Kids athletics competition on Friday 17th June at Victoria Park. The team consisted of 4 boys and 4 girls. Each team
member was required to do the 100m, 800m, Long Jump and a Vortex Howler throw followed at the end with a 4 x 100m relay. The
Bridgewater Boys and Girls Quad team were the winners of the
Warrington Round and then went onto represent Warrington at the
Level 3 Summer Games at
Orford hub. The team finished in second place at this
event.
Rounders
Well done to the Year 9 Rounders team who won the Warrington Schools competition. They progressed to the Level 3 School games were they narrowly missed out in the final against Sandbach
Sports Leaders
Bridgewater Year 9 sports leaders were involved in the delivery of several Primary school cluster competitions throughout the year. They did a fantastic job and gained valuable leadership skills.
Jess Sholl Mollie Parker Abbi Griffiths Andrew Kellett Mia Richardson Lucy Baxter Amelia
Stansfield Sam Baker Amy Humphries Tegan Doherty Joe Higgins Riley Jones
IIona Reid Zara Muskett Fraser Stewart Jack Shaw Daniel Slack Mack Clarke Calum Clayton
Ben Hammond
Year 10 sports leaders were tennis umpires at the primary tennis cluster event at Stockton Heath Tennis
Club. Well done to the following:
Lara Spiteri Amelia Nash Rose Robinson Miah Lindop Abigail
Collins Bethany Castle Lauren Park- McCann Charlotte Smith
The following year 10 pupils helped out in the smooth running of the Bridgewater Sports day field
events.
Jessica Sutton Chloe Archer Charlotte Smith
Amelia Nash Katie Allinson Ellie Watson
Abigail Collins Megan Coleman Charlotte Melvin
Megan Bromley
Year 10 sports leaders also helped officiate at Broomfields primary school
sports day.
We enjoyed a gloriously
sunny sports day back in
June and wish to congratulate the following tutor
groups who came first in
their respective year
groups.
7RA 8CLM
9CH 10TAP
Page 32

The Bridge July 2016 - Bridgewater High School

Transcription

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