Dartmouth`s football success!

Dartmouth’s football success!
Thursday 29th of March saw yet another
successful House Competition. This time it
was a fiercely competitive football match!
120 students from all year groups took part
and Dartmouth destroyed the competition!
Goodwill Moyo said he really enjoyed it even
though half way through the match, Ronaldo
Nan missed a key goal. Despite this,
Dartmouth still managed to push through
and win overall.
The House Team commented “It was
amazing to see so many students enjoying
themselves and competing. It was a great
sight to look across the school fields and see
loads of green, red, yellow and blue shirts
running around.”
The next house event is a Rounders
competition taking place on Wednesday 2nd
of May.
Daniel Black, from 9SA, reported “I really
enjoyed the House Football Competition. I
got to play against different teams – it was
great!”
Lewisham Win House Competition for Term 2
Every term at Bruntcliffe pupils
compete against each other for the
House Competition. They compete by
trying to win reward points and also
for their participation in House Events,
like football or the quiz.
In Term 2 the House Competition was
won by Lewisham with 30941 points.
Second came Scatcherd with 26048,
third Dartmouth with 25863 and
fourth was Springfield with23453.
iPod nanos were given to the student
with the most house points in each
House, as well as £15 of White Rose
vouchers for the students with the
most House points in each year group.
The top prize of an iPod Touch went to
Charles Dhliwayo 7SG (Dartmouth)
who achieved a staggering 318 House
Points. He commented “I’m so happy
to have won the iPod Touch. It’s really
nice to be rewarded for the hard work
I’ve put in!” There were also prizes for
the form groups who achieved the
highest attendance in each House and
for those students who won the House
Science Competitions.
All in all, £1000 has been spent this
term on rewarding students. The end
of term also saw the second rewards
trip to Showcase Cinemas. Over 170
students enjoyed the day, especially
the pupils who went to see the
critically acclaimed ‘Hunger Games’.
Mr Hirst, who accompanied the
students to the cinema, commented
“Young people get quite a bad press in
society at the moment. But when you
looked around the cinema that day all
you could see were hard working
pupils- who deserved a reward for a
term’s worth of hard work.”
Mr Taylor, who organised the cinema
trip, commented “The rewards trip
went really well. All the students
enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to
organising the final trip to Alton
Towers at the end of the year.”
Well done to all pupils who won a
place on the trip, or who won a prize.
History remember the fallen in Flanders Fields
As part of the GCSE History course, we provide the
opportunity for pupils to experience a taste of what
happened during WWI. The Battlefields trip provides
the perfect platform for this.
This year 53 young Historians embarked on a trip
filled with fun, culture and emotion. The sensitivity
and maturity that was displayed by our pupils was
remarked upon by our fantastic tour guide Raul and
the coach driver, whose work usually involves seeing
the pupils at their worst on the long coach journey.
Throughout the trip, all pupils conducted themselves
impeccably.
The trip is designed to marry the educational aspects
of the GCSE course with an extra curricular, cultural
activity. Pupils visited notable memorials such as The
Menin Gate and Thiepval, as well as visiting the
pretty Belgian town of Ypres, and the massively
impressive Bruges.
Notably, pupils were moved on the visits to the
monuments. Seeing family names and the graves of
relatives in the Battlefields region brought to life the
reality of what happened nearly 100 years ago.
A special thank you should also go to the staff – Mrs
Healy, Mrs Bowe (headcounter general), Miss Hall
and Mr Hillary.
Ski trip 2012= a massive success!
On Friday 30th March, 50 pupils
and 8 members of staff left
Bruntcliffe for a 9 day skiing trip.
The destination was Wagrain,
Austria. The resort is part of the
Ski Amade, Austria's greatest ski
paradise with 860 km of ski
slopes, 270 ski lifts and 25 ski
resorts. The trip included a great
variety of pupils, ranging from
Year 9 to Year 12. It led to a great
trip with all pupils being able to
ski successfully at the end.
The trip saw pupils skiing
everyday with experienced
Austrian instructors, and the
pupils skied across five different
mountain ranges in the week.
They saw a great variety of skiing
and some amazing sights at the
same time. Every evening the
pupils took part in a variety of
evening après ski activities.
These included rock climbing,
disco, tobogganing, swimming
and a pizza night.
The trip was a massive success
and will give the pupils’ some
memories they will never forget.
It was a chance of lifetime for the
pupils and one they might never
have experienced without a
school trip.
Greg Barker, Year 11, reflected on
the trip, saying, ‘It was the best
holiday I have ever had. I will
definitely be going next year
when I’m in Year 12- I can’t wait!”
The plans for next year are well
underway; See Mr Harris for
more details if you want to come
along.
The buzz through the school
On Thursday 29th March, four
year seven students from
Bruntcliffe School were
entered into ‘The Times
Spelling Bee’ online heats.
This resulted in an
outstanding score of forty
three words spelt correctly.
Their determination was
something to be admired
and now they are preparing
for a live semi-final on 24th
May at Cineworld,
Manchester.
Isabelle Aldridge, Amy
Kitchingman, Rowan Stocks
And Jason Field has to
conquer incredibly hard
words like: predetermined,
subterranean and
insubstantial. Obviously, their
hard work has paid off.
nearer the year seven
students are, literally, as busy
as bees practising the hardest
words they can think of;
meanwhile fingers stay
crossed that luck will be with
them during the challenge at
Cineworld.
If the students champion the
semi-final (like they did in the Written by Isabelle Aldridge.
online heats) they will then
battle with ten other schools
from around Leeds at a Grand
Final in London.
So, as the semi-final draws
The Visitor brings down the house!
Stepping into Bruntcliffe Hall on
29th March was like going back in
time as the drama department
introduced us to the world of “The
Visitor”. Based on a play by Friedrich
Durrenmatt, “The Visitor” takes
place in a town appropriately named
Gullen (meaning manure in German)
within central Europe.
A highly sophisticated play that deals
with themes such as love, revenge,
deceit and greed, “The Visitor” was
a real test for the young cast. It was
a challenge they met as , over two
nights, they brought authenticity,
composure and plenty of dramatic
skill to the stage. All aspects of the
production from set design to sound
and lighting were thoughtful and
well executed.
The cast was led by Jake Johnsone
(Anton Schill) and Beth Avison (Claire
Zachanassian) who played the lead
roles and were supported by
another 30 plus actors (as well as
several people behind the scenes). It
was directed by Miss Stevenson and
Miss McKillop from the drama
department. Miss Stevenson had
this to say, “Working with such a big
cast had its difficulties but the way
students gave up their weekends
and spare time showed real
commitment and is an insight into
what they can achieve in the future.
To pull together like they did shows
real skill.”
The play was a labour of love for
Miss Stevenson who had wanted to
perform it for a long time due to its
relevance and significance to today.
It deals with the issue of credit and
greed and the destabilising effect it
can have on societies. It is a play that
continues to teach lessons despite
its age.
Robbie Gaskell (Year10), who played
Second Townsman, commented, “It’s
a good storyline and my first theatre
experience. I was very nervous but
excited. I really enjoyed it and felt
good at the end.”
Bruntcliffe Students have a Tour de France
Over the Easter holiday staff from
our fantastic Modern Foreign
Language Department took a group
of students, from Year 12 to Year 8,
to Paris, France for four days.
The trip gave students the
opportunity to visit one of the most
beautiful cities in Europe. They had
chance to see the sights and taste
some of the local cuisine. In
particular, the students were
fascinated, if a little disgusted, by
the traditional French snails on offer.
They didn’t spit too many out!
along the Seine gave pupils the
chance to see the beautiful bridges
and architecture of Paris. Pupils
even went into the Louvre and saw
the world renowned Mona Lisa by
Leonardo Da Vinci.
To add to the excitement of the trip,
students even had chance to visit
the famous Disneyland Paris and try
out all the rides and activities on
offer. From the breathtakingly scary
to the teacups, the students enjoyed
them all. Although, Mr Corbley stuck
to the children’s rides- as he is
scared of roller coasters.
Students had chance to sample
some of the amazing sights Paris has Mr Corbley commented that
to offer, such as climbing right to the “Bruntcliffe students were immense
top of the Eiffel tower. A boat trip
and we were very proud of them.
Seeing them enjoying the city so
much was fantastic for all the staff .”
One student who particularly
enjoyed the trip was Kate Dufton in
Year 10 who reported “It was the
best school trip I’ve been on. It was
so lovely that everyone from all
years got on and we made new
friends.
Year Nine Carried on Camping!
At the weekend the PE
Department ran a rewards trip for
students in the Year 9 GCSE PE
group and girls who recently
competed in the Rock Challenge
Event.
The students from Year 8,9 and 10
left school on Friday, a little
delayed as the minibus battery
was flat! Tents were pitched,
rooms allocated and tea was
cooked. Students decided whether
to camp or sleep in and
surprisingly lots wanted to camp!
At this point there was no rain. Tea
was prepared by Chef
Blanchflower and the rest of the
evening was extremely calm.
On Saturday, after a full cooked
breakfast, the group set off for
Lightwater Valley. The rain was
falling, however that did not stop
the fun as the staff took to the
white knuckle Ladybird ride. The
students had a great time and the
Ultimate unsettled many nerves.
In the evening Mr Burgess cooked
great burgers for tea and then the
competition really began. Pupils
played dunking apples, cereal box
game and the celebrity guess who
game.
Miss Martucci commented that
“The students who attended this
weekend were an absolute credit
to themselves, they had
exceptional manners and were a
pleasure to be with”
Thanks to all staff who gave up
their weekend to attend.
Bruntcliffe staff and students scale new heights
On Saturday 21st of April, staff
and sixth formers went to the
Yorkshire Dales to take on the
Yorkshire Three peaks
challenge in aid of Help the
Heroes.
group set off at a prompt
7.00am to face the gruelling
day. The weather was not
perfect. The group faced wind,
rain and even sleet and snow!
Charlotte Gumbley, in Year 13,
This challenge involves
commented ““It was the
walking 25 miles, which spans hardest thing I have ever
three peaks: Pen-y-ghent,
done, I was in so much pain on
Whernside and Inglebrough; it the third peak. I wanted to cry
is not for the faint hearted.
but I knew I had to keep going
as so many people had
The trip was organised by
sponsored me.”
Reece Thompson in Year 13.
along with Miss Rodger. The
The group managed to finish
in under 12 hours, with plenty
of blisters. Mr Hirst,
hilariously, had to wear flip
flops with his suit on the
Monday after.
The group raised over £1000
for Help The Heroes and will
be planning another charity
event soon.
We will, we will rock you!
On the 24th April 50 students from Year 7 to
Year 10 took part in the Rock Challenge
National dance and drama competition, in St
George’s Hall, Bradford. Students won two
awards, one for the best soundtrack and one
for the best originality in theme and concept.
Students and staff were there from 10am11pm that night. Apparently, it was like an
under-eighteens disco, with the teachers up
on the stage dancing and showing the pupils
how it was done!
All students have put in a huge amount of
effort this academic year to prepare for this
competition. Students have attended Rock
Challenge since September. They have been
training twice a week and during the holidays.
The pupils have made the entire set, designed
the costumes and created the choreography.
All this hard work definitely paid off with the
awards that were won that night.
Miss MC Killop, who runs Rock Challenge,
commented “The students had an amazing
time. They were so enthusiastic and energetic.
They really showed the spirit of Rock
Challenge.”
Rebecca Drake, in Year Eight, said “We had a
brilliant time doing Rock Challenge. We cant
wait for next year.”
Mrs Connolly has a book free for all!
On Monday 23rd April pupils
from Bruntcliffe School
received a free book, ‘The
Damned United’ by David
Peace as part of World Book
Night 2012.
code that allows the reader to
track where the books ends
up.
Mrs Connolly, who organised
the free books, said “Many
people think that I don’t like
This was part of a nationwide reading because I’m a maths
scheme to encourage people
teacher but I have always
to fall in love with reading.
loved a good book. It’s great
Over 2 million books were
that Bruntcliffe are
given out to 80 000 people.
encouraging reading by taking
Once the pupils have read
part in the Accelerated
their copy the idea is that they Reading Scheme too, which is
give it to someone else and
helping many students
encourage them to read it.
improve their reading age.”
Each book has an individual
Jason Field, a year 7 pupil, said
‘It’s ace getting free books.’
Books are available for all
pupils from Bruntcliffe to take
out of the library for two
weeks at a time. Why not pick
up a book today, like these
year seven pupils?
Bruntcliffe’s football lads are through to semi-finals!
Our football team have a 100%
win record this year and are
through to the semi-finals of the
League Winners Cup.
After being crowned champions
of their League, the Year 11 boys
took part in the League Winners
Cup Competition and drew Carr
Manor in the Quarter Final.
Although dominating the
majority of possession the lads
missed a penalty and ended up 2nil down to some sloppy team
defending. However, the boys
maintained their composure and
eventually got a goal back
through Greg Woods.
With two minutes remaining
Callum Hepworth scored a
stunning solo equaliser after
going past three defenders and
curling the ball over the keeper
into the far corner from a tight
angle. This took us into extra
time.
The boys went onto seal the deal
with a further headed goal from
Greg Woods and neat finish from
Brandon Yates.
Braden Hunter, in 11RD,
commented “The lads showed
great courage to come from two
goals down to win and book a
place in our first semi final which
is a great achievement.”
The semi-final is taking place on
Monday 14th May and is
Bruntcliffe vs Wetherby.
All fingers are crossed for the
team’s success in their first ever
semi-final.
War! What is it good for?
Quite a bit as it turns out. In fact, forty
Bruntcliffe students, primarily Year 10,
discovered over two wet April days that
it’s good for: understanding how
history can help pass your English
GCSE; learning of the struggle faced by
war poets such as Wilfred Owen;
inspiring one of the best theatre
productions around right now, and
realising the importance of wearing
sensible shoes.
The overnight trip began with a visit to
the Imperial War Museum, where we
experienced an amazingly realistic
mock-up of a World War I trench,
complete with foul smell, eerily dim
lighting and mannequins from Wigan.
Dinner at Planet Hollywood followed
before we made the, for some, painful
trip across Covent Garden to the
theatre: in the rain, in high heels. Many
of the girls can now identify with the
pain soldiers experience with trench
foot.
And then, the highlight: Warhorse.
With prime front row seats, we
watched the heart-rending story of
Joey, the horse forced to join the
frontline in 1914. If tears were flowing
by the interval, there was outright
sobbing by the end, with Luke Chandler
putting what many were feeling into
words: “I’ve never been to the theatre
before and I feel privileged this is the
first play I’ve seen.” It really is that
good.
The next day was spent examining real
guns, grenades and bayonets, while
dressed in full World War I uniforms in
the National Army museum. All too
soon, however, it was time to leave.
There were various attempts to spark a
sing-song on the way home, but most
of us were too full of new information,
experiences and haribos after our
whistle-stop tour highlighting the
brutality of man and spectacular nature
of live theatre.
So, informative, educational and
entertaining – the BBC would be proud
– as we were of our fantastic students
who were an absolute credit to the
school and themselves. Future trips
were being planned by Miss Pitts, Miss
Gibson, Miss Barnes and Mr Simpson
before we’d even arrived back in Leeds.
Bruntcliffe scientists thrown in at the Deep end!
This year the science department have been so
impressed by the enthusiasm for science
shown by the Year Seven pupils they decided
to feed them to the sharks... No not actually!
They decided to take them to The Deep in Hull,
for a scientific day out!
Five members of the science department ran
the trip with 42 Year Sevens, who had no
behaviour point or detentions.
Whilst there, pupils took part in a research
activity based on great white sharks and
developed skills that would benefit them back
in the classroom.
The pupils then got to explore the wonders of
the Deep and experience, up close, animals
they have previously only ever seen on a TV
screen. Jason Field, in Year Seven, reported “I
liked being able to see all the animals and
going round with my friends. I liked being able
to experience it first hand without just being
told stuff.”
The next science trip will be to Chester Zoo.
Rocket club soon to be launched
The science club members are continuing to
develop their skills and imagination. This term
they have finished off inventing mechanisms
for their Rube Goldberg machines. These are
contraptions which are deliberately overengineered to perform a very simple task in a
complex fashion. They have also been
researching airboats and designing their own.
With the help of their sixth form team leaders
they will be testing out their designs shortly to
see who’s come out top in a range of
categories.
They have had some fun making and launching
their own Stomp Rockets with a clear winner
going twice as far as the other rockets.
The students are also looking forward to
practising their ideas for the STEM busking, on
the 11th July, when they get the chance to
compete against our sixth form helpers.
Rocket Club will be launching soon for pupils to
learn how to make their own rockets. This is
thanks to a grant we have secured from the
institute of Physics. Watch this space.
Science fair: coming to a town near you!
The science department have arranged a Science
Fair, which is taking place on 8-10th July for Year 7
and 8. We are also running the fair for pupils from
our feeder primaries which will be taking place on 511th July.
primary school pupils an opportunity to experience
the joy of science and take part in activities that we
do not always manage to fit into lessons. To add to
the experience of the day other departments in the
school are getting involved highlighting the links
between their subject and science.
Students will be taking part in a series of workshops
and challenges designed to inspire and enthuse them Sixth formers who study science and technology
with science. One of the highlights is that we have
have already expressed an interest in being involved
two clowns coming in who will be leading a
and will be on hand to support the students.
workshop on the science of the circus.
In the run up to the event there will be a competition
We have a massive range of experiments, workshops to design the programme cover and a logo.
and activities including; airzookas, dusterbots, mega
tetrahedron, balloon science, DNA bracelets, slime
bouncy balls, Van der Graaf, wind turbines and air
gliders; to name a few!
We want to give both Bruntcliffe pupils and local
Gifted and Talented Cricket Development Programme
Bruntcliffe’s PE Department have
discovered around 30 students from
across the school who have shown a
desire and interest to develop their
talents in the wonderful game of
cricket.
With support from the Gifted and
Talented Co-ordinator in school and
the allocation of some funding for this
Gifted and Talented Project, the school
has been able to purchase some
specialised cricket equipment and
utilise the cricket nets in the Sports
Hall.
It has provided the opportunity for
these students to be coached
individually in a range of cricket skills
on a Wednesday night. The school has
also entered into several local schools
cricket competitions and the Under 15
Team had their first fixture on Tuesday
1st May against Allerton Grange, where
they performed really well.
The Under 14 Team play Roundhay on
Tuesday 8th which is being kindly
hosted at Gildersome Cricket Club.
The department are also looking
forward to hosting the Primary School
Kwick Cricket Tournament on
Wednesday May 9th.
A special thanks must be given to
Gildersome Cricket Club for the strong
community club links they have
created with the school, throughout
this year. Furthermore, for the two high
quality indoor cricket mats they have
donated to the school.
This gesture has opened up
opportunities for the school and
community clubs to train indoors.
Thanks also go to Morley Cricket Club
who have also recently expressed an
interest in forming a partnership with
the school and have donated a bag of
cricket equipment for our forthcoming
cricket matches.
Connor Ward is one of the pupils
selected due to his skill in cricket. He
reported “I am really enjoying being
involved in the cricket this year and it
has been great fun training in the nets
on a Wednesday night. I can’t wait to
play against Roundhay on Tuesday.”
This venture is proving how working in
partnership can benefit the needs of all
parties concerned and provide better
high quality experiences for Bruntcliffe
students and the Morley community.