Spring 2014 - High Storrs School

HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Spring 2014 Newsletter
Headteacher: Ian Gage
‘Sandy’ - back at
High Storrs after 40 years
teacher David Tuck, now retired, was involved in planning the day. The
school was thrilled to learn that not only did he remember the day in
great detail, but he had also kept endless memorabilia, including a
poster, a programme, a letter from the recording company, and,
crucially, actual evidence: the original Sheffield Newspaper
photographs!
David recalls, “It all started with an idea to get in touch with Sheffield
night club, Club Fiesta. The club could hold over a thousand in the
audience and had all the big names of the time.” They told David that
Olivia Newton John would be at the Fiesta for all of that week in July,
and supplied the contact details of her management team.
The year is 1973. It’s the middle of a glorious summer in Sheffield,
and one very lucky school is about to welcome a huge star to the
opening of their annual summer fête. High Storrs School in the
1970s had a reputation for fantastically extravagant summer fêtes,
and 1973 was certainly no exception. We had somehow managed to
secure none other than singer and future star of Grease the movie,
Olivia Newton John, to open the fête.
On the big day of Saturday 14th July, she appeared through the
double doors at the back of the school to a massive crowd of giddy
teenagers. She then said a few words and the fête was open. In the
end, she stayed at the fête for much longer than the agreed one
hour. There was an enormous number of requests for autographs,
so in the end she was relocated to one of the smaller halls to sign
for everyone.
The memory of Olivia Newton John coming to High Storrs School all
those years ago had almost been erased from memories; indeed
there are currently no current members of staff who were teaching
at the school in 1973. So it wasn’t until we announced that our
summer production at the Crucible theatre would be Grease that
the memories of ex-students and staff were jogged. People soon
started coming forward with anecdotes, as well as conflicts over the
year in which it happened!
But at this stage it was all still a bit of a mystery. How on earth did
we secure such a big star to open the fête? But it wasn’t long before
we found someone who could answer these questions. Former
So who would have thought on that sunny day, that over 40 years later
Sandy would be returning to High Storrs School? ‘Grease-Mania’ has
taken over Performing Arts, with auditions for the show seeing over
200 students (an impressive 1/8th of the school) coming to auditions.
Following a tough casting process, the production team announced the
cast of around 50 lucky students. The role of Danny has gone to Y13
student Sam Henderson (18). Sam wowed the team with his strong
vocals, acting and dancing. Sam said “I’m so excited to have been given
this part. It’s a dream role and I intend to put everything in to the
show”. We’re sure Olivia Newton John would approve of the team’s
choice of Sandy – Alex Jones in Y13 has clinched the sought-after role.
The super-talented 18 year old brings years of dance, acting and
singing experience and will be a great Sandy.
Rehearsals are now in full-swing, including a big production team of
staff and students making the set, props and costumes. The music
Story continued on page 3...
HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Page 2
‘Let’s keep it simple: High Storrs is about teachers,
teaching as well as they can as often as they can.’
has become a vibrant resource for
the whole community. Of course the
best resources the school and its
parents provide for the community
are
the
bright,
articulate,
considerate young people who leave
High Storrs at the age of sixteen and
eighteen.
Whenever a new Ofsted Chief Inspector is appointed, an election is
approaching, or a new Government Education Secretary is appointed,
teachers all over the country hold their breath in anticipation of change.
They await the passing of what is best described as the ‘headline
grabbing season’ and wonder which local plans and curriculum initiatives
will be halted, as politicians and civil servants chase the publicity that will One big challenge at this stage of the
secure their place in the public memory or the social network ‘hits year is encouraging the older
parade’.
students to consider life after
Once the new incumbent feels established, High Storrs and all other secondary school. Parents are all too
schools are able to move forward, continuing with what they do best: aware of these tricky conversations
teaching young people and ensuring that your children understand how with teenagers who sometimes don’t even want to plan what they would
to make a contribution to society as a growing adult. We support the like for tea that evening, never mind anything longer term. The
work parents do at home in terms of teaching young people what is fair, discussion isn’t helped by our own understanding that the type of person
just and possible. The best way to describe High Storrs School: a local I am at sixteen is very different from the person I become at twenty four,
authority school trying to teach as well as it can to improve the life thirty four, etc. Nevertheless for any learner the motivation of having a
goal can act as a powerful encouragement to the hard work that is
chances of its students and help them to achieve their potential.
necessary for success. Unfortunately success and happiness in life
In High Storrs the Governing Body and staff are clear about the type of doesn’t happen for most of us as it is presented at the cinema, on the TV
school our parents want for their children and this certainly helps us talent show, or in a news headline. It has to be built and individuals have
interpret the national directives: A school where visitors are made to feel to develop resilience, friendship and emotional well-being in order to
welcome, where each student is known and cared for, where individual support individual ability and ambition.
talent is nurtured and encouraged, whatever it may be: a school where
each young person develops ambition and dreams for their future: one As we move towards the examination season, it’s particularly important
where individuals understand the importance of playing a positive part in that our students are involved in conversations which help them to
the community, giving and receiving respect: a school which helps young balance their well-being, with the need to study well, and conversations
people understand the importance of their family and a school from which reassure them that they will be supported by the school and home
as they try to achieve the very best for themselves. If we all do our bit
which young people leave having achieved or exceeded their potential.
this will guide them on their way to the success they deserve!
At High Storrs we try to create a school where everyone learns, including
Ian Gage, Headteacher
all of the staff. I am particularly pleased that over the last two years we
have been able to develop our community provision so that the school
You Said...We Did
We often ask parents and students for feedback on how the school is operating. Over the
last few months we responded to these requests:
You Said… ‘Eating areas during the exam season are overcrowded’
We… Immediately opened up two more classrooms, accommodating a further sixty
sandwich eaters and youngsters looking for somewhere warm to sit and chat.
You Said... ‘Dining areas are still too busy’
We… Spoke to the Governors who have agreed to fund an extension to the Main Dining
Area for the next academic year.
You Said… ‘The website is looking a bit old fashioned and dated’
We... Have redesigned the site and hopefully it is more user friendly and inviting. Watch out
for our new community lettings page coming soon!
You Said… ‘Reports are too complicated and don’t give us the information we want.’
We… Have started to review the report format and will contact you soon in regard to this
matter.
You Said… ‘Can we have more sports for girls?’
We... Spoke to the PE staff who so far have offered: U13 Girls Cricket, U15 Girls Cricket, U16
Netball, Girls Tennis, Sports Leadership Opportunities, Cross Country Competitions, U14
Girls Football, Trampoline Club, Badminton and a half term Ski Trip! As well as all the other
usual sports.
You said… ‘Can we help with learners who need support with literacy’
We… Have given pupil premium funding directly to teachers and support staff, to spend on
helping students with their literacy. We are also trying to establish a language class at
Wolsey Road Mosque.
From April 2014 Governors have agreed changes to the
staffing within the four Houses at High Storrs School. Each
House will from 1st April be supported by a Head of House,
a full time Student Support Assistant and the usual team of
Tutors. Parents will be able to contact House Staff in
exactly the same way as they have always been able to.
The new arrangements will combine the experience of the
existing House Heads with staff who are available
throughout the whole week.
Ian Gage commented, “Some other local secondary schools
only use Support Staff to manage and deliver pastoral
support, but at High Storrs we feel this is the best way
forward. We can combine the educational expertise of our
teaching House Heads with the life experience and all day
commitment of the Student Support Assistants.” Our
thanks must go to the Deputy House Heads who will move
into other duties from April: Mr Hughes will become
Subject Leader for Film: Miss Ingleton will undertake
leadership responsibilities within English on her return:
Mrs Campbell will be undertaking some pastoral
development work, and Mr Bennehan has agreed to
undertake work within the PE team.
Page 3
Spring 2014
Olivia Newton John story continued from front page...
department have a big show on their hands, and have embraced the
challenge whole-heartedly. Music teachers James Waiters and Joan
Spencer are looking forward to involving our musically-talented
students and maybe even one of the school’s bands. Dance will
benefit from two very committed Dance teachers choreographing the
numbers. This team includes Leader in Learning for Dance, Moyra
Lee, and relatively new addition to the team, Sean Selby. Sean has
enjoyed a very successful career as a professional dancer and
choreographer, including playing the lead role of Tyrone on the West
End and touring company of Fame! Direction of the show will come in
the form of Claire Pender and Carl Jeffrey, both bringing years of
experience and a great mix of enthusiasm and ideas.
The school is thrilled to be performing at the Crucible theatre on
Friday 4th and Saturday 5th July. What better way to get you in the
mood for a fabulous summer? Originally we were only allocated the
Friday night slot, however after an unprecedented levels of sales
seeing a sell-out in just one week, the Crucible has given us a second
date of Saturday 5th July.
So if you haven’t got your tickets yet, hurry up and order yours from
Sheffield Theatres Box Office to avoid disappointment. They are
priced
at
£12/£8.
Call
0114
2496000
or
visit
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
Although the school was physically transformed with the refurbishment
and new build work, we are always keen that the buildings continue to
meet demands for space both in and out of lessons. Last summer there
was building work which provided additional classroom space and
Many of you will know that in summer 2012 the governors undertook
governors have now agreed a proposal to extend the main dining room
an informal review of what academy status would mean for the school
area that will give students additional space at lunchtime – it is planned
and our unanimous decision was to take no further action. However we
this extension will be completed for use in September.
agreed that given the ever-changing nature of education, we would
review this decision annually in the Spring term. You will therefore be Finally, we are really looking forward to the Performing Arts production
interested to learn that having fully discussed this issue at our meeting of Grease in the summer term and trust as many of you as possible will
last March, there was again unanimous agreement for no further action come to see what will be another high quality performance by High
at this point in time.
Storrs students. Andy Child, Chair of Governors
High Storrs’ Governors- Continuing Investment in
High Storrs Education
New Faculties -
2014-15 Term Dates
More Power to Subject Leaders
The following term dates and holidays have been agreed for the 201415 academic year.
During the Autumn and Spring terms this year we were involved in
detailed consultations with staff and Governors in regard to our
Teaching Staff Structure. During the Summer term we will begin to
review our support staff structure. As a result of the teaching staff
review we have strengthened the role of subject leaders and revised
the Faculty structure. From 1st April the new Faculty structure will be as
shown below:
Monday 1.9.14
Inset Day
Tuesday 2.9.14
Inset Day
Wed 3.9.14—Thur 23.10.14
1st half Autumn Term
Fri 24.10.14
Inset Day
Mon 27.10.14—Fri 31.10.14
Half Term Break
Faculty Number
& Name
Head of
Faculty
Subjects within the Faculty
F1 - English
Ms Fisher
English Language and English
Literature, Language
Development
Mon 3.11.14—Fri 19.12.14
2nd half Autumn Term
Mon 22.12.14—Fri 2.1.15
Christmas Holiday
F2 - Maths
Mrs Wright
Maths and Statistics
Mon 5.1.15
Inset Day
F3 - Science
Mr Hogan
Biology, Physics, Chemistry
and General Science
Tue 6.1.15—Fri 13.2.15
1st half Spring Term
Geography, History (Ancient &
Modern), Classics & Latin, RE,
Sociology and Politics
Mon 16.2.15—Fri 20.2.15
Half Term Break
Mon 23.2.15—Fri 27.3.15
2nd half Spring Term
French, German, Spanish and
Urdu
Mon 30.3.15—Fri 10.4.15
Easter Holiday
Mon 13.4.15—Fri 22.5.15
1st half Summer Term
F4 - Humanities
Mr Kettle
F5 - Modern
Foreign
Languages
Miss Young
F6 - Social
Sciences
Mr Rockliffe
Computing, Business,
Economics and Psychology
Mon 4.5.15
Bank Holiday
F7 - Well Being
Mr Griffiths
PE, Child Development, H&S
Care, PHSCE
Mon 25.5.15—Fri 29.5.15
Half Term Break
Mon 1.6.15—Fri 17.7.15
2nd half Summer Term
F8 - Creative &
Performing Arts
Ms Tiffin
Art, Textiles, D&T, Food,
Music, Drama, Dance & Film
Fri 17.7.15 2.55pm
Start of Summer Holidays
HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Page 4
Celebrating Sixth Form Success
Celebrating our previous students’ successes every year is very important to our
Sixth Form, and this year was no different. Students who left in 2013 and their
families filled the school hall just before the Christmas break for an evening of
celebration, award and certificate presentations, entertainment and catching up
with old friends. Cabaret style tables with balloons set the scene, and the
young people and their families enjoyed musical entertainment from current
and previous students.
We were very pleased to welcome our Guest of Honour, Anton Phung. Anton is
a well-known alumnus of High Storrs School, and we are very proud of his
achievements as a dancer and choreographer since leaving school. In 2013,
Anton was crowned Red Bull UK Breakdancing Champion. With a very hectic
work schedule, we were very privileged that Anton could spare the time to
come to the presentation evening. After giving an inspirational speech and
showing a video of his work, he presented the former students with their
awards and certificates.
Many of the prizes and awards are monetary prizes donated by people or organisations associated with the school. Nine of these awards
were presented to the recent leavers and thirty-six subject awards were given. Shown here are Cole Johnson and Evie Doughty being
presented with their subject awards for Dance by Anton Phung.
Our search for previous
students of
High Storrs School
We are continuing our efforts to
re-connect
with
previous
students—or ‘Alumni’ - of High
Storrs School. Getting back in
touch with leavers from all
decades will mean that we can
build up a community of High
Storrians. We hope this will
enable us to keep our Alumni
informed of school news,
events, reunions and so on. It
will also encourage leavers to
keep the school informed of
their various achievements and
career choices as they go
through life; and in turn inspire
our current students going
through school.
The database is growing by the
day, and we’re keen to capture
as many High Storrians as we
can. Were you at school here? If
so, take a look at our website
www.highstorrs.co.uk/
ourschool/alumni were you can
see the many ways in which you
can join the community. If
you’re on Twitter then follow
@HStorrsAlumni
My name is Tom Barclay and I left
the school in 2002.
I’m a research scientist at NASA’s
Ames Research Center in the San
Francisco Bay Area. I work on
discovering new planets with the
Kepler spacecraft. My goal is the
detection of Earth-like planets
that orbit other stars. Some of my
achievements
include
the
discovery of the 5 planets
including the smallest known
planet.
I’m Tom Lawson, I studied at
High Storrs until 2007. At
school I discovered my passion
for cooking and began my
NVQ level 1 in Food
Preparation. I left school with
9 A*-C GCSE's and a
distinction in my Level 1 NVQ.
I enrolled in the Modern
Apprenticeship
scheme
through Sheffield College and
have
been
cooking
professionally since the day of
my final GCSE exam. I recently
fulfilled
a
dream
and
purchased Rafters Restaurant
in Sheffield.
I’m
Jessica
Bloy-Dawson
(previously Stokes). I left school in
2000.
I’m now living in Spain and am the
head of design for a web design
agency. Last year I ran the Paris
Marathon in April and had my first
child in November.
I still remember now in my end of
year report one of the questions was
“where do you see yourself in 15
years?” My answer was I want to own
my own restaurant. It took me just 7
years.
Spring 2014
Page 5
Dance Off!
The Y12/Y13 Dance Off is fast becoming an annual
tradition. Usually held just before we break up for
Christmas, the students in each year group battle against
each other in front of a crowd of students in order to win
the title.
This year’s dance off saw very strong performances from
both groups, with diverse, skilled and entertaining
routines. But it was Y13’s attempt that clinched the title.
The crowd were in hysterics with their micky-take of
their Y12 colleagues; particularly Dipo Ola’s striking
impression of Mr Selby teaching the class.
We are already looking
forward to seeing
what next year’s lot
have got in store for
us!
Students dominate local theatre
At High Storrs School, our
students are no strangers to
being involved in dance,
drama and music in school.
But it’s the sheer number of
our students treading the
boards out of school in local
theatre that sets us apart
from other schools.
This spring we are very
proud of the numerous
students who have been
involved in shows at the
Crucible. The recent hit
dance-theatre adaptation of
Kes featured Ned Cooper,
Jonny Aubrey-Bentley, Alex
Flaherty, Tom Nugent and
Elliot Goodhill; and Hearts,
by
Sheffield
People’s
Theatre, included Billy Ashcroft, Charlie Norburn, Joe Pass and Lydia
Harrison. Both shows received huge commendation and our
wonderful students did their school proud.
Last Christmas was no exception. We were thrilled when 8 of our
pupils got parts in Oliver! at the Crucible, which played to thousands
over December and January; and 4 lucky students were part of the
cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at The Lyceum too. From street urchins
to chorus members; and dancers to singers, High Storrs pupils
impressed the audiences and professionals with their talent and
dedication.
In Oliver! were: Isabelle Baker (Y11), Joe Bacon (Y9), Shelby Foster
(Y10), Imogen Gledhill (Y10), Jessica Bailey (Y8), Georgia Crossland
(Y8), Sam Robinson (Y8) and Maia Bradley-John (Y7). In Jack and the
Beanstalk were: Leah Tucci (Y10), Olivia Robinson (Y9), Lola Sutton
(Y8) and Heidi Goodhill (Y8).
When asked what the best thing about being in the shows was, the
overwhelming response was meeting so many new people, and
performing on a regular basis. Jessica (Y8) said “The whole
experience has been amazing! From the thrills of being applauded on
stage, to the new friends I have made along the way; I really can’t
fault it!” Isabelle (Y11) found she enjoyed “working with such
amazing actors and directors such as Daniel Evans, Jonathan Gill and
Alistair David to name a few.”
Photo below: a few of the Oliver and Jack & the Beanstalk cast.
HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Page 6
Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark for
Maths
At the start of 2014, we were honoured to receive
The Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark for our
Mathematics department.
The Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI) recognises and
rewards school departments that develop inspirational ideas and activities which enhance
teaching regardless of their pupils’ backgrounds or abilities. It is run as a membership
group for school departments that choose to commit to increasing the challenge of their subject provision.
Our Mathematics department received the Mark in recognition of the work that we have done to promote the subject within school and
across the city. This has included collaboration with primary and secondary schools in the area, encouraging students to engage more with
mathematical literature and creating cross curricular mathematical projects, for instance ‘The Olympics 2012’ and a ‘Maths in Art’ project.
We have also organised a series of guest speakers, such as Dr James Grime who delivered fantastic code breaking workshops to Y8 students
and then an evening event open to the public where he gave an inspiring talk and brought a genuine Enigma code breaking machine.
Mr Gage said, “We are delighted to have been awarded the PTI Mark for our Mathematics department’s innovative work, and will be proud
to carry the Mark on our stationery and website as evidence of our commitment to inspirational teaching.’
brainpower to negotiate four rounds of fiendish
Mathematics problems finishing in a highly creditable
Four talented Year 8 Mathematicians recently competed
10th place. Many congratulations to Lola Gripton,
in the regional heat of the UK Team Maths Challenge.
Rebecca Marsden, Ryan Elliott and Charlie Copley for their
Against a field of 28 teams, many of whom were Year 9
excellent representation of the school.
students, they successfully harnessed their collective
UK Team Maths Challenge
Senior Mathematics Challenge
Many of our A-Level Mathematics students recently took part in the Senior
Mathematics Challenge. They sat an extremely demanding exam testing their
mathematical ingenuity with more than half succeeding in securing Gold, Silver and
Bronze certificates. Special mention should go to Mingfei Yao and Thomas Stephens
who qualified for the Senior Kangaroo round which puts them in the top 3000
candidates in the UK.
Bronze Certificate Winners: James Barnett, Rachel Bessant, Jack Helliwell, Samuel Read,
Charlie Norburn, Holly Almond, Robert Basu, James Maughan, Joshua Naisbitt, Nathan
Holyoak, Joseph Scalisi, Daniel Chaib, Samuel Jones, King Yee Cheung, Adam West,
Phoebe Teal-Spicer, Eddie Hookham, Matthew Trimby, Arthur King, Jackson Banks,
Edwin Ashman & Alice McLennan.
Silver Certificate Winners: Samuel Harwood, Thomas
Brooke-Smith & Elizabeth Horsey.
Gold Certificate Winners: Mingfei Yao, Thomas
Stephens, Lizzie Bensa, Matthew Chaib, Shian Harris &
Alistair
Mowbray.
Page 7
Spring 2014
Sheffield Federation of School Sport Basketball
Champions 2014
Well done boys!
South Yorkshire Champions
The Year 7 girls Sports Hall Athletics team are now South Yorkshire
Champions. They beat strong competition from other schools from
across South Yorkshire at the recent School Games Competition at the
English Institute of Sport. There were some great performances both
on the track and field.
Congratulations to all the girls on your gold medal performance—you
can now say you are South Yorkshire Champions!
The team: Keziah Wroe, Amy Coan, Isobel Hodkinson, Gabby Metz,
Rebecca Darragh, Tom Peretz and Molly Connaugton.
Thanks to Andy Chubb Photography for the photographs.
Unbeatable? The Sixth Form boys’ 1st XI football team (right)
continue their unbeaten record, currently standing at 26 games
won. Will this winning streak ever end?
In February the High Storrs Ski Trip departed for a week-long trip to
Courmayeur in Italy. 35 students and 8 staff piled onto a coach for the
long drive to the snow with a great deal of excitement and some
trepidation.
Monday morning students and staff strapped on skis and boots – many
for the first time - and took to the slopes. The 3 beginner groups left for
the baby bowl where they would spend the next few days learning to
stand up, turn and stop before being let loose on the main slopes. The
advanced skiers disappeared to ski red and black runs on the other side
of the mountain leaving the intermediate groups to re-find their ski legs
and develop their skills. All students and staff made amazing progress
and by day 4 the advanced skiers were losing themselves and skis in
chest-high powder, whilst the newly promoted advanced group
consisting of the three musketeers – Etienne Soubes-Goldman, Jack
Fearn and Eleanor Brown — were soon jumping and racing through the
snow park. The beginners were no longer beginners and could turn,
stop and ski red slopes with the best of them, whilst the intermediate
group skied on the edge of the piste doing tighter and tighter parallel
turns and jumps. Crash of the week went to Jake Bennett-Young who
managed to ski between two trees losing a ski on the outside of each
tree.
‘Apres-ski’ the group went for Italian pizza and ice cream, followed by
sledging, a disco and the award night, where students and staff were
given their star awards. Even Mr Mallaband was awarded his level 1
award despite skiing with the advanced group all week. Well done to
him and all students who developed and improved their skills. An
exceptional week was had by staff and students alike with the
behaviour of all students being exemplary and showing exactly what
High Storrs is about. Thanks to all the staff who gave up their holiday to
come on the trip and ensure that the students had such a great time.
The PE department are now planning the ski trip for 2015 – watch this
space!
HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Page 8
One of the Y8 English schemes of work
involves writing song lyrics, particularly love
songs. This is a song written by Hamza
Hussain in Mr Wells’ class
“You’re everything that’s nice!”
I saw you in the café, sipping on your tea,
You were the most beautiful woman I could ever
see,
So I went into the café, got my coff-ee,
And you were sitting there, staring at me!
Chorus
You’re the cheese on my cracker,
You’re the seed to my soil,
You’re the password for my hacker,
You’re the shine on my foil;
You’re the switch to my lights,
You’re the curry on my rice,
You’re the stopper of my fights,
You’re everything that’s nice!
Your eyes are something special and also is your
hair,
Every time I walk past you, I have to stop and
stare,
Every time I see you, I feel warm inside,
So when you walk past me, please don’t try to
hide!
Chorus
We might even get married and we will never
break apart,
And I will promise you that I will never break your
heart,
We will travel to different countries and see
animals of the wild,
LRC News
We are participating in the Stan Lee Excelsior Award again this year and are
nearing the end of the reviewing period. By Easter we will have had to
complete the rating forms and submit them to Ecclesfield School where Paul
Register the Librarian will be collating the results.
This year the students talking part are:
Callum McLean, Moya
Barnett, Kieren Downing,
Sam Forbes-Fairfax, Harry
Foster-Major,
Dylan
Galliah, Felix Hodgson,
Emily
Hodgson,
Hal
Honer, Orson Honer,
Khairul Hussain, Lilac
Lovett, Louis Macreath,
Adam Majeed, Owen
McCartney, Ismail Mir,
Gareth Owen and Maisie
Tay.
Picture: A recent Breakfast meeting
We have had regular breakfast meetings in the LRC during registration where
the conversation has been lively and informative. The culmination of all this
will be visiting Ecclesfield in July to find out the winner.
Tickets are flying out the
box office like
Greased Lightning!
At the time of going to print ticket
sales for the Crucible performance
on Friday 4th July are sold out! The
Crucible have agreed to a second
date of Saturday 5th July, so order
yours without delay!
Tel: 0114 24960000 or
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
visit
Priced at £12/£8
Musical Sensations
In March, the local community was treated to an evening of
a wide breadth of our students’ musical talents. The
Greystones Pub’s ’Backroom’ hosted a gig featuring six of
our students’ bands and groups. The gig was a great success
and the audience really enjoyed it. Pictured above are The
Mayfields (formally The Soul Band) who closed the show
with an encore.
Spring 2014
Page 9
Big Challenge Commendation
Two of our Big Challenge teams were recently awarded with Highly Commended
for making a Flying Start to the Big Challenge. They each won £25 to put back into
their businesses. There were 60 applications from the 140 teams to have entered
the Big Challenge this year who put in an entry for this interim competition. Our
winners were one of the 7 teams shortlisted. A fantastic achievement.
The students were: Woody Collins, Dylan Lloyd, and Christian Snelgrove of
'FunDoh' and Isaac WIlson, Isaac Green, Oscar Bandmann and James Coates of
'Cogs'.
The same teams have all won a prize in the Big Challenge final and will be
attending the prestigious award ceremony with their families at the Royal Victoria
Holiday Inn. The teams are FunDoh: Dylan Lloyd, Christian Snelgrove and Woody Collins, and Luckey: Joe Bacon, Tom
Phelps and Fred Hallows. Good luck to the boys - watch this space for their prizes!!
High Storrs Becomes a School of Dreams
For two days in December, groups of 11-13 year olds were involved in
a ‘thinking skills’ workshop with Honda. The School of Dreams
programme helps young people to understand the importance of
pursuing their dreams, and teaches skills and strategies to help turn
their dreams into reality.
The workshop was challenging but great fun. Teachers and students
worked at the same level in small groups finding out how to turn their
dreams into a reality by learning from real-life examples of people
who have achieved their dreams, as well as developing new skills.
In June Y12 student Genesia Kalsi will be having her beautiful
head of hair shaved off to
raise money for Target
Ovarian Cancer. Her target
is to raise £3000, and has
so far raised 1/3 of this
total. You can sponsor
Genesia at
www.justgiving.com/
GenesiaKalsi
Numeracy Club
This year the Maths department started a new initiative to help support our Y7
students. Together with over 30 6th form volunteers we have started a
numeracy club during registration time. The idea of the club is to help students
reinforce their basic numeracy skills, the foundation of good progress in Maths.
Each Y7 student has been allocated a mentor from Y12 or Y13 who works with
them one morning a week using a variety of resources, focusing on different
basic skills and also how to answer the more challenging wordy questions. The
majority of Y7 students have found these sessions really helpful, comments
include; “It’s been going well and I have learned some new things and it’s
definitely helping me” and “My Maths mentor is really nice and she helps me
understand difficult things” We have even had students requesting a Maths
mentor when they realise how much they are helping other students.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the 6th form students
involved. Without their help and dedication this essential project would not be
possible. Mrs Heggs and Miss Brown
AS Geographers on their recent fieldtrip to Scarborough,
investigating rivers and villages.
HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Page 10
contact High Storrs as
this was the school
both Dorothy and
The pain of losing her only brother has never gone away for 89 year
Douglas
attended
old Broomgrove Nursing Home resident, Dorothy Sharpe, even
during the war.
though it was over 70 years ago.
A Hero’s Tribute found at High Storrs
We were soon able to
Her pilot brother, Douglas Rowley Blake, was lost over the North Sea
confirm
that
yes
during World War II, so there has never been a grave for Dorothy to
indeed Douglas’ name
visit and she has no idea what happened to her brother in the last
was recorded on our
few hours of his life.
World War II memorial in the 1930s school hall.
The nursing home saw
how this pain was
affecting Dorothy, so
took it upon themselves
to find a record of his
death somewhere to see
if this would help with
her grief. They decided to
In an emotional visit to the school in December, we welcomed
Dorothy and her nursing home staff. The moment she saw her
brother’s name on the memorial, it was plain to see the closure it
brought her. As well as spending some time being interviewed for
local press, Dorothy was able to soak in the atmosphere of her old
school which brought back many fond memories for her. She said
“I’m overwhelmed. I can’t believe what they’ve all done for me. This
has finally brought closure now that I’ve seen a memorial to Douglas.
Daniel Evans pays us a visit
In March the school was honoured to
welcome actor and Sheffield Theatres Director
Daniel Evans. He spent an hour watching Sixth
Form Theatre Studies students preparing for
their upcoming performance exams. Mr Evans
then spent another hour giving a thorough
and very informative Question & Answer
session to students. The pupils were very keen
to quiz the theatre expert, and asked some
insightful questions. Mr Evans said “I was
completely inspired by my visit to High Storrs.
They are committed, talented students
working in a safe, open, warm and vibrant
school.” Praise indeed.
Food Bank Generosity
At the end of last term, Merlin house spearheaded a campaign to make a large donation to
the S6 Food Bank. There was a great response, and each of Merlin’s forms donated a massive
box of food items, as did
the Learning Support Unit.
Mr Fahidi (Head of Merlin
House) is photographed
here with Student Support
Assistant Carolyn Andrews,
the Y11 Merlin House
Captains, Roger Rubamba
and Josie Norburn, Andria
Le Page from Learning
Support
and
representatives from the S6
Food Bank.
END HUNGER FAST is a
national
campaign
to
highlight the rise in use of
food banks by more and
more people.
In March, Mr Williamson
signed up to fast for 24
hours (6pm – 6pm). He
managed to raise £61.63
(including donations from
pupils), which was donated
to the local food bank. He
will also take part in the
National Day of Fasting on
4th April.
Please check the website
(endhungerfast.co.uk)
to
find out more.
Spring 2014
Page 11
RATS raise aspirations
at the youngest year groups to boost
the self-esteem of pupils who have
struggled with the transition between
Primary to Secondary school. Identified
students are referred to RATS by their
teachers to take part in this short term
intervention. RATS has had incredible
results with the pupils involved with a
proven track record of its positive
impact on long term engagement with
education.
Alongside this group, which runs
during the school day, is an after school RATS group that is open
to all year groups who can refer themselves, or become mentors
for the younger pupils. This group has been working tirelessly to
produce this video which aims to promote confidence and selfworth, demonstrate what the group is all about and ‘normalise’
the work of this invaluable team.
Have you heard of RATS? If not, where have you been?
The RATS group (Raising Aspirations and Targeting Self-esteem)
have been working hard for the last two years to produce a
promotional music video to publicise their important work.
RATS is a 12 week, solution focused, activity programme aimed
Please note than after Easter,
years 7-11 students will be
taught
SRE
(Sex
and
Relationships Educations) in
their PHSCE lessons.
Anyone with any queries
regarding this should contact
Mrs Hetherington or Mrs
Raven.
The video has been entirely produced in school; stars members
of the RATS group, filmed by A Level Film students and edited by
talent members of staff; a true collaboration between students
from all year groups and subject areas.
The group is the brain-child of Nicola Walker who is a Learning
Mentor at High Storrs. If you’d like to find out more about RATS,
please get in touch with Nicola.
Well done to Eleri Kirkpatrick
(Y11) shown here 2nd from
left who has recently been
elected as a member of the
Youth Parliament for Sheffield
West. Doing her school proud!
Also in January, girl group MO came back
to school for the 2nd year to perform in
the school hall. It was a great show and
many of the pupils got on stage to sing
with the girls. One of the members of
MO, Annie Ashcroft, used to come to
High Storrs, so was thrilled to be back.
In January, students in Y8 and Y9 were
given a special presentation by South
Yorkshire Police on gun and knife crimes.
The aim of the talk was to help students
understand the dangers guns and knives
present, and the work the police are
doing to reduce these crimes.
Page 12
HIGH STORRS SCHOOL
Website Survey
Stay Connected…
Here at High Storrs, we have numerous methods of
communication with students and their families. In the summer
we introduced our new-look website (www.highstorrs.co.uk),
which we have had great feedback about. We update the site
regularly with news, events, information, photos and urgent
news. You can subscribe on the website to an email alert which
goes out whenever we put up a news post. Have a look and see
for yourself.
We’d love to know what you think about our new look
website, how you’re finding it, what you like and what
you dislike. We’ve launched an online survey that should
only take a few minutes to complete and we’d love to hear from you.
The survey is on our website www.highstorrs.co.uk under ‘Our
School’.
Email about Letters Home
We have started a new initiative to keep parents informed of
letters being sent home via students and post. Each week we
will send out an email to all parents on our database with a list
of letters that have been sent to entire year groups or whole
school. It will also direct you to the website where you can view
copies of these letters. For this reason, if you
haven’t already supplied us with your current
email we’d encourage you to get in
touch.
If you are a fan of social networking, the school also has an
official Facebook page (search for High Storrs School). We are
also finding that Twitter (@highstorrs) is a great way of
communicating news to the wider community, as well as
everyone at home. Our PE department also tweets from
@HighStorrsPE and we have an account for our ex-students
@HStorrsAlumni. We regularly update both Facebook and
Twitter, so if you want up to the minute news and updates,
follow us!
www.highstorrs.co.uk
Key Dates this Spring term
Mon 28th April
School opens for staff and students
Thurs 1st May 6-8pm
D&T and Art Exhibition Evening
Mon 5th May
May Day Bank Holiday—school closed
Sun 11th May 10am-2pm
PTA Car Boot, Plant Sale and Craft Fair
Fri 23rd May
Y11 & Y13 leave
Mon 26th—Fri 30th May
Half-term holiday
Thurs 12th June 6-8pm
Y13 A2 Art Exhibition
Mon 30th June
Y10 Work Experience Week begins
Mon 30th June
6th Form Prom
Tue 1st July
Sports Day at EISS
Fri 4th July
Activities Day
Fri 4th July 7pm
Grease at the Crucible
Sat 5th July
Grease at school
Thurs 10th July
Y12 Art Trip to London
Wed 16th July
Sports Presentation Evening
Fri 18th July
Term Ends
@highstorrs
@HStorrsAlumni