the brooksbank school sports college magazine summer 2016

THE BROOKSBANK SCHOOL SPORTS COLLEGE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
AS STUDENTS HOLD
EU REFERENDUM 2016
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FRENCH VISITORS
ENJOY THE BEST
OF BRITISH!
14 - 15
CYCLING
INTO SUMMER
AT BROOKSBANK!
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ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
STUDENTS FROM BROOKSBANK
JOIN IN UNIQUE BBC
SHAKESPEARE RECORDING
A LEVEL STUDENTS FROM THE BROOKSBANK SCHOOL TOOK PART IN AN EXCITING
BBC RADIO 4 BROADCAST ON FRIDAY, 6TH MAY. APTLY NAMED “BREAKING BARD”,
THE EVENT FEATURED ACTING AND DISCUSSION TO DELVE DEEPER INTO
SHAKESPEARE’S FAMOUS TRAGEDY: “OTHELLO”.
BREAKING BARD UNITES STUDENTS AND ACTORS.
Students and an invited audience joined
actors, Karl Collins (“The Bill” and
“Hollyoaks”) and stage and screen actor,
Jonjo O’Neil; theatre director, Tom Cornford;
Professor Carol Rutter (Professor of
Shakespeare and Performance at Warwick
University) and Programme Producer, Fiona
Lindsay, for the recording.
Beginning with a ‘read through’, Karl took the
part of Othello, whilst Jonjo picked up Iago.
Between the lines, there was an exploration
into the play’s many themes: jealousy, race,
gender, manipulation and betrayal.
DIRECTING PROCEEDINGS:
A LINDSAY.
PROGRAMME PRODUCER, FION
Extracts from Act 3, Scene 3 came under
particular scrutiny as the read through turned
quickly into live improvisation. Suddenly
students, found themselves in the thick
of it when they swapped places with the
actors to tease apart the dialogue, line by
line. Then discussion deepened into the
play’s Elizabethan context and its continuing
resonance with today’s society. Members of
the audience joined in by posing their own
questions for the protagonists.
“Breaking Bard” was a fascinating and
insightful experience to mark Shakespeare’s
400th anniversary. The programme will air
in July.
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK 3
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
AS STUDENTS HOLD
EU REFERENDUM
TURNING THEIR ATTENTION TO THE NATIONAL EU
REFERENDUM DEBATE, BROOKSBANK’S JUNIOR DEBATING
CLUB HOSTED ITS OWN EU BALLOT ON WEDNESDAY, 22ND
JUNE - JUST 24 HOURS AHEAD OF THE NATIONAL VOTE.
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: STUDENTS VOTE IN SCHOOL’S OWN EU REFERENDUM.
Organised by Ms Bucknall and Miss
Cross, every student in Year 8 and 9 had
the opportunity to express their views on
the EU Referendum question – should
Britain remain in the EU or leave? “Our
referendum brought two significant learning
opportunities. It engaged our students in a
critical national debate and it demonstrated
how the democratic voting process works,”
said Miss Cross.
Just one week before the all-important vote,
a ‘Question Time’ styled debate was held in
Drama Studio 3. Debating Club members,
Jamie Booth (8N), Adam Ryan (8R), Archie
Donnelly (9D) and Conor Skeffington (9U)
guested on the panel which was chaired by
Mr Webb. A specially selected audience of
students took turns to field their questions
and – just like the BBC – the whole debate
was filmed by cameraman, Oliver Chapman
from 8N.
On the day, students discovered at first hand,
the procedure of polling cards, voting booths,
and sealed ballot boxes. Voting took place
during form period with students from 9D and
9Y acting as polling officers. Both forms did a
fantastic job to ensure that the voting process
ran smoothly. Miss Cross said, “We have seen
democracy in action and enabled our young
people to get involved in politics and voting;
especially when the turnout can be low
amongst the young electorate.”
The results of the vote were as follows: for
Year 8, ‘Remain’ received 55 votes, while
‘Leave’ received 121 votes; for Year 9, 67
students voted to ‘Remain’, while 88 voted
to leave the European Union. “Overall, this
proved to be an enjoyable, educational
experience for the students, who saw
mature and vibrant debate. As a result
of the campaign, they now have a better
understanding of the EU and democratic
voting procedures,” said Ms Bucknall.
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ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
BROOKSBANK
AND BRIGHOUSE
TRIUMPH
AT YORKSHIRE
PANATHLON
A WINNING COMBINATION! THE TEAM FROM BROOKSBANK AND BRIGHOUSE HIGH.
CALDERDALE HAVE BEEN CROWNED CHAMPIONS AT THE INAUGURAL PANATHLON
CHALLENGE YORKSHIRE AFTER WINNING THE COUNTY’S MULTI-SPORTS FINAL AT THE
ENERGISE LEISURE CENTRE IN YORK.
The team, drawing athletes from The
Brooksbank School and Brighouse High
beat teams from Kirklees, York and
Rotherham with a grand total of 52 points.
Sarah Pearce, from Brooksbank, who
coaches the Calderdale team said, “It was
great to bring together the best athletes
from Brooksbank and Brighouse High to
represent Calderdale. We hosted a number
of training and practise sessions and
the work really paid off! The team spirit
between the two schools has been fantastic
to see.”
Calderdale were well ahead of runners up,
Kirklees, who scored 43 points. As the
winners were announced, Calderdale (who
were expecting to a second place) were
ecstatic to hear they had come first. “It
was a jaw-dropping and very emotional
moment,” said a very proud, Mrs Pearce.
Hosts York, the North Yorkshire champions,
came third with 40 points while South
Yorkshire winners, Rotherham, gained
fourth place with 34.
Sam Chadwick, from Brooksbank said,
“I could not be more proud to win a gold
medal, not just for myself, but for the
whole team.”
A special highlight for Thomas Green, also
from Brooksbank, was racing head-to-head
with five-times Paralympian, Daniel West.
“That was brilliant!” said Thomas. Daniel,
who had been following events on Twitter,
said, “This is a wonderful opportunity,
because the young people can start at local
contests and know they can progress on to
regional finals like this.”
AS THEY GO HEAD-TO-HEAD
CHEERING THOMAS AND DANIEL
IAN.
WITH THE FIVE TIMES PARALYMP
SAM TAKES HIS WINNING THR
OW.
ALL EYES ON JOSH.
NING KURLERS.
PRECISION PLAY IN POLY BAT.
HIGH FIVE TO OUR WIN
LEPRA FUNDRAISING
SMASHES PREVIOUS RECORDS
STUDENTS IN YEAR 7 HAVE RAISED
A PHENOMENAL AMOUNT OF CASH
FOR THEIR CHOSEN CHARITY, LEPRA!
RAISING A GRAND TOTAL OF £2,489.65,
THE YEAR GROUP HAVE SHOWN A
FANTASTIC LEVEL OF COMMITMENT AND
CONCERN FOR PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN
THEMSELVES.
THUMBS UP FROM EMMA AND LILLE BELLE!
7D’S FANTASTIC CHARITY FUN FAIR.
The fundraising challenge began with a
visit from LEPRA representative, Debbie
Richards. Debbie delivered a detailed
presentation about the lives of people in
India and Pakistan, and other parts of the
world, who are affected by leprosy. She
focused particularly about the effects of
leprosy on young people and discussed
the important role that education plays in
preventing the disease. Students learned
that leprosy is easily preventable if sufferers
get access to the drugs which control the
condition. Students also heard that patients
can be treated for as little as £25 a person
for a whole year.
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“Debbie’s presentation, along with studies in
PSHE lessons, proved a fantastic catalyst in
getting students fired up for fundraising,” said
Mrs Futrell, who organised the crusade. “Every
tutor group devised their own plan of action –
and the results have been tremendous!”
Students carried out so many activities that
it would be difficult to list them all here!
Here are some examples beginning with
a fantastic Charity Fun Fair organised by
7D. Among 7Ls activities were a bake and
lemonade sale, a five-mile swim and a walk
around three lakes. 7N raised over £90 by
selling lollies at break time. Quinn Austin,
Korey Fitzgibbon, Acaymo Santana-Ambler,
Alfie Sutcliffe and Brody Walker organised
the sale and the lollies were kindly donated
by Dobson’s of Elland, who wanted to
support the worthy cause.
There are also a group of students to whom
we would like to offer huge congratulations.
The following students raised some amazing
amounts individually: Finlay Owen Smith
in 7N; James Bushnell also in 7N; Isabelle
Bloem in 7L; Viera Jessop-White in 7E; Beth
Johnson in 7A; Max Norcliffe also in 7A;
Alexandra Ainley in 7D; Luisa Crossley in 7Y
and Maisie Conroy in 7S.
ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
STUDENTS SPEAK
UP ABOUT LBGTQA
ADAM, CONNOR AND MARIA RECEIVE THE REGIONAL FINAL TROPHY.
THANKS TO THE PASSION AND FORESIGHT
OF FOUR STUDENTS IN OUR SIXTH
FORM, EVERY STUDENT AT BROOKSBANK
HAS HEARD A HEART-FELT PLEA FOR
MORE EDUCATION, IN OUR SCHOOLS,
ABOUT LGBTQA. CONNOR FAHEY, MARIA
GOMEZ, PHOEBE MCMAHON AND ADAM
CROWTHER, SPOKE CONVINCINGLY TO
STUDENTS IN EVERY YEAR GROUP.
LGBTQA stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Questioning and Asexual,
although there are numerous variations of the
acronym, which began simply as LGBT in the
1990s. Connor, Maria, Phoebe and Adam
have become advocates for improving the
ways in which children and young people learn
about people who are LGBTQA. They decided
to use the Rotary Youth Speaks Competition as
a platform to bring about changes to the way
LGBTQA is taught to in schools.
What began as a discussion with the
Headteacher, Mr McCallion, led to writing a
formal letter addressed to him. That quickly
escalated to presentations to all year groups
and multiple presentations in the Rotary’s
public speaking competition.
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK
“Many young people and children are
unaware of the term because they do not have
access to information. We believe that this
information should be readily available so that
we can all be open minded about the subject,”
says Adam. “I believe that it is time to forge
a new path in the rights of LGBT people and
to help make their lives a little easier. Many
young people are fixed with outdated views
of gender and sexuality. They believe that the
only options available to them are ‘boy,’ and
‘girl,’ and ‘gay,’ and ‘straight.’ It is our belief
that students should be educated about the
fact that gender and sexuality are spectrums,
and there are many labels available to them.
At present sexual and health education is
taught, but only in terms of heterosexual
relationships, and as a result, LGBT people
often feel neglected and marginalized.”
Winning the Youth Speaks Yorkshire Final
was a proud moment for the Sixth Formers.
The team were up against seven others
who spoke about the refugee crisis, mental
illness, industrialisation and education in the
developing world. The National Final, followed
on Saturday, 7th May at Kirkham Grammar
School, Preston. “We knew we were up
against some very accomplished performers
from others schools and did not expect to win,”
said Adam, who spoke for six minutes on the
subject. “The judges, and the audience, really
seemed to engage with what we were saying which was great!”
“We just want people to be aware that there
are many orientations and everyone should be
accepted for who they are,” said Connor.
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SYMPATHY FOR
THE DEVIL IN
DOCTOR FAUSTUS
OUTSIDE THE SWAN THEATRE IN STRATFORD.
STAR REVIEW BY OLIVIA LITTLE.
SIXTH FORM LITERATURE STUDENTS WENT TO STRATFORD-ON-AVON RECENTLY,
TO EXPLORE SHAKESPEARE’S HOMETOWN AND TO WATCH MARIA ABERG’S
COMPELLING PRODUCTION OF “DOCTOR FAUSTUS” BY CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE.
The performance took place at the Swan
Theatre, with its deep thrust stage. Olivia
Little was among the party looking to
discover more about the set text, which
students had been studying in detail,
across the Autumn term.
Sixth Form Literature students went to
Stratford-on-Avon recently, to explore
Shakespeare’s hometown and to watch
Maria Aberg’s compelling production of
“Doctor Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe.
The performance took place at the Swan
Theatre, with its deep thrust stage. Olivia
Little was among the party looking to
discover more about the set text, which
students had been studying in detail,
across the Autumn term.
“The theatre’s intimate design brought
us extremely close to the action, which
enhanced our connection with the play,”
says Olivia. “We watched from a small
box which amplified the intensity even
more - we were literally breathing down the
characters’ necks! As the play unfolded, a
sense of claustrophobia developed - along
with a desire to escape the dark force at
play and Faustus’ battle with them! I felt
much more connected watching the live
performance; it plays with your senses far
more than film ever can - you can see, hear
and smell the action!”
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Faustus is a brilliant academic, who has
exhausted the boundaries of human
knowledge. In order to further his studies, he
decides to pursue magic with the help of two
angels, one good and the other, bad. Faustus
is persuaded by the bad angel to resort to
black magic to progress his quest and he
conjures up a devil named Mephistopheles.
He instructs Mephistopheles to make a deal
with Lucifer, despite warnings about the
horrors of hell. In exchange for twenty-four
years of unlimited power and knowledge,
Faustus offers up his very soul – a deal he
signs with his own blood.
“I find the play’s themes fascinating,” says
Olivia. The choices individuals make in their
lives, be they good or bad. Faustus faces
many temptations, just as we do today.”
HERE IS OLIVIA’S REVIEW OF “DOCTOR
FAUSTUS” BY THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE
COMPANY …
The Royal Shakespeare Company performed
an intense, frightening and thought-provoking
production of Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus”.
The bond between Faustus, the damned
scholar and the devil, Mephistopheles is
emphasised at the very beginning when the
two lead actors, Sandy Grierson and Oliver
Ryan strike matches to decide who will be the
one to take the eponymous role. The other
takes the role of Mephistopheles.
In this play, Faustus isn’t so much damned
to hell - he is dragged there! Faustus (played
by Sandy Grierson) is a sensitive scholar who
is utterly bored with his life. Mephistopheles
is a bullying presence who does everything
in his considerable power to ensure Faustus’
damnation. The equally persuasive Lucifer
plus the hilariously-musical Seven Deadly
Sins, all work together to persuade Faustus
(and the audience) that committing sin and
going to hell aren’t so terrible after all.
Grierson plays Faustus’ tormented soul with
mastery. He is tempted by wealth, power
and lust, yet is dogged by feelings that he
has made a horrendous choice. The good
angel and bad angel are fitting symbols of his
split mentality regarding the deal, on which
Faustus is clearly having second thoughts!
The struggle for his soul is a genuine one.
Whenever he attempts to repent, he is again
bewitched by Mephistopheles and his fellows.
As the play unfolds, Faustus’ doubts and fear
of damnation drive him to despair and we
watch his mind and resolve slowly crumble
to dust. At the end of his twenty-four years,
Faustus is overcome by fear and remorse.
He begs for mercy, but it’s too late. Watching
the performance we genuinely feel surges of
pity for poor Faustus in what is an intense and
gripping play.”
ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
ELLIE’S MOVING
POEM WINS
TOP ACCOLADE
CONGRATULATIONS TO ELLIE TELFORD IN 9T ON BECOMING OUR POET LAUREATE FOR
2015 -16. ELLIE’S POEM WAS CHOSEN AS THE BEST OUT OF THE WHOLE YEAR GROUP.
CALLED “365 DAYS” ELLIE’S CLASS MATES AND ENGLISH TEACHER WERE MOVED TO
TEARS WHEN THEY HEARD HER READ IT ALOUD.
“We were asked to write about
something personal,” says Ellie “I knew
the poetry competition was coming up
and it was a sad time for me, so this is
what I came up with. I never expected
to win because the whole group was
competing for the prize.” Ellie’s teacher,
Mr Lomas, had played the Simon
and Garfunkel classic, “I am a Rock”,
during an English lesson not realising
that Ellie just happened to be a huge
fan. “My dad first introduced me to
their music and I have enjoyed them
ever since.” It’s not the first time that
Ellie’s poetry writing has stood out from
the crowd – as a youngster in Year 7,
Ellie wrote a poem that featured in our
school Christmas Show. I can’t even
remember what it was about now!” she
smiles. Here is Ellie’s winning poem.
365 Days
365 days of saying goodbye.
The needles don’t hurt, it’s seeing my wife cry.
My grown up girl, my baby, my daughter,
I know my days are counted but that doesn’t stop me.
The only thing in my way is this cancer that’s got me.
The candle, once flickering has gone out in the breeze.
The hurdles we jump just make us stronger.
I’m not ready to leave, there are things yet to see.
I’m sorry I can’t see you walk down the aisle.
The doctors have told me I won’t see the summer.
Instead it’s you, watching me, holding a brave smile.
I’m not going to be there, to sing you lullabies
That’s okay, Darling, ‘cause we still have each other.
So lay down in peace and close your sweet eyes.
I regret nothing except the things I didn’t do,
I’ve known for weeks, I was hiding it away,
I should have told you I love you every single day,
I couldn’t bear to tell you on a day like today.
I tell you now because there’s a world to see,
Don’t lock yourself up, get out, be free.
but everything happens for a reason, it’s true.
I’m sorry I didn’t, I just never knew what to say.
I have to go now as I can no longer breathe,
Please remember the things that we have achieved.
Unfortunately, our 365 days are now up.
Goodbye for now and with all my heart, ‘good luck.’
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK
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MADE ‘016:
A FEAST OF COLOUR
AND VITALITY
ASPIRING GCSE ARTISTS HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING THE END OF THEIR COURSES IN FINE
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY WITH AN INSPIRATIONAL ART EXHIBITION. THE SHOW, DUBBED
MADE ‘016, HAS BROUGHT TOGETHER A FEAST OF COLOUR AND VITALITY THAT HAS
BEEN CRAFTED AND CREATED BY GCSE FINE ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS.
A RIOT OF COLOUR INVADES THE ARTHAUS.
On Thursday May 12th, Made ‘016 opened
its doors to around 120 students and their
families, so that everyone could enjoy the
spectacle and appreciate all the effort that
has been put into the final creations. The
show encompassed a wide variety of media
and techniques ranging from painting and
photography to sculpture and 3D work.
We were especially delighted to have graphic
designer, Rupert Cooke with us to open the
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show and present prizes. Rupert has many
great names, such as Saatchi and Saatchi and
Vista, in his design portfolio and now runs his
own design company in Halifax. In September
2016, Rupert will be leading on a brand new
GCSE Graphic Communication course for
students at Brooksbank.
Examined arts courses at Brooksbank
regularly achieve outstanding results; last
year sixty four per cent of students achieved a
Grade A or A*. “This is not because it’s easy!
– skill, creativity and dedication are needed
in huge amounts to gain these grades, said
Ms Lumb, Head of Art. “We also have an
outstanding team of staff who are committed
to achieving the very best from their students.
Made ‘016 is our gift to our budding young
artists, designers and photographers and
their families, whom we welcome to view the
fantastic results.”
ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
SKETCHBOOK
CIRCLE SURGES
WITH CREATIVITY!
BROOKSBANK’S SKETCHBOOK CIRCLE HAS SEEN A
SURGE OF CREATIVE ACTIVITY SINCE ITS FORMATION
LAST SEPTEMBER.
Founded by Deputy Head of Art, Yvette
Hughes, the Circle has been hugely
successful in inspiring members of staff
at the school to work together creatively.
“I was already working collaborating with
another artist and had seen my motivation
soar as a result. It occurred to me that
colleagues at Brooksbank might like to give
it a go too. I floated the idea thinking five
or six might join - I never expected fortytwo prospective ‘sketch bookers’ to come
forward!” says Yvette.
The project has enabled the development
of a creative community, who have been
empowered by the venture. Working in
groups of six and furnished with an A5
sketchbook and their own choice of media,
members could fill as many pages as they
wanted and ‘pass on’ the spiral-bound
pages at the end of every month. “The
project created such a buzz!” says Yvette.
“Suddenly, we were all chatting happily on
corridors about our creative ideas rather than
our usual day-to-day routines of marking
books, providing data and wondering when
Ofsted were going to appear!”
The variety of talent and ability quickly
became apparent as people divulged
their hitherto private artistic leanings. We
discovered we had a Chemistry teacher who
is a silversmith and makes her own jewellery;
a Deputy Head who is a wiz with her sewing
machine; an IT Technician who is a skilled
stained glass maker; a PE teacher who loves
doodling and a History teacher who makes
music, to name just a few.
SKETCHBOOKERS SHOW THEIR CREATIVITY.
“The diversity is unbelievable!” Yvette
continued. “Our Chemistry jeweller crafted
a silver clay bird and passed on to an Art
teacher, who created a piece of weaving
and passed on to our History Musician, who
wrote a piece of music and passed on to our
Art technician photographer who set about
shooting some trade-mark imagery.”
Casual drop-ins, meet-ups with sketchbook
students in Year 9 and a sketchbook day,
have all served to inspire members and
keep the creative fire burning throughout
the year. “It’s been a fantastic experience!”
said our Marketing and Events Co-ordinator.
“I love to experiment with print, pattern and
ageing techniques - the circle helped me
to progress my ideas much more quickly
than I would have done when working solo.
Working together at a day-long workshop,
which saw eight of us make, share and chat
about our work, was another memorable
highlight,” she added.
An exhibition of Circle work was presented on
13th June when Brooksbank’s DRIVE Team
discussed ways of enabling more creativity.
The project closed with a final flourish on the
fringe of Prime ‘016.
“It has been a fascinating learning curve,”
says Yvette, who leaves Brooksbank to
become Head of Art at Ryburn Valley in
September. “I had planned for the Circle
to run like clockwork but - due to our busy
work/life schedule - ‘passing on’ proved a
little more haphazard. My main ambition - to
enrich staff creativity at Brooksbank - has
been achieved, with fantastic results!”
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12 ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
PASSIONS ENTWINE
AT CAMBRIDGE
EMMA.
WHEN EMMA SMITH LEFT BROOKSBANK IN 2012, IT WAS TO EMBARK
ON A DEGREE COURSE THAT TICKED ALL THE RIGHT BOXES. EMMA
ENJOYED STUDYING HISTORY, SCIENCE AND TEXTILES ENORMOUSLY
AT BROOKSBANK AND, WITH ENCOURAGEMENT FROM A FAVOURITE
TEACHER, SHE APPLIED TO READ ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
AT EMMANUEL COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. EMMANUEL WAS FOUNDED IN
1584 BY QUEEN ELIZABETH I’S CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AND
HAS A RICH HISTORY OF HIGH ACHIEVEMENT.
SIXTH FORM STUDENTS HAD A FANTASTIC
DAY DISCOVERING CAMBRIDGE.
EMMA IN HER ROLE AS SCHOOLS’ LIAISON
OFFICER.
Emma specialised in Archaeological Science
at Cambridge, but also found herself drawn
to access work. “Before I went to Cambridge,
I had a very warped view of what it would
be like – I think in part the media makes
us believe that it is a world which ordinary
people don’t fit into. However, after starting
there, I realised this is absolutely not the
case, and realised how important it was to let
others know that.”
One thing leads to another, as they say, and
Emma’s access work has transpired into full
time employment after she graduated with
a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology. She
became a Schools’ Liaison Officer for Selwyn
and Homerton Colleges (also part of the
University of Cambridge). She works closely
with schools across the country, including
West Yorkshire, to raise awareness regarding
Russell Group and Oxbridge Universities. “It
was fantastic to welcome a party of students
from Brooksbank, currently in Year 12, earlier
this year,” smiles Emma.
Emma also keeps up with archaeology;
she excavates at the Ness of Brodgar in
Orkney, and also does part-time research
work for the PROCON project, which studies
textile production and consumption in
Mediterranean Europe during 1000-500 BCE.
She is hoping this will allow her to build up the
experience to undertake a Masters in Textile
Conservation at the University of Glasgow.
Emma has some useful advice for students
who are working towards higher education.
“I think the most important part of going to
University is finding a subject you absolutely
love, and getting really passionate about
studying it, and that’s something students
can be exploring now. I think my main advice
however is don’t get too stressed!” she says.
“Obviously, you want to be working hard on
your GCSEs and A Levels, but they are not the
‘be-all and end-all’, although it’s easy to feel
like they are at the time. Remember to take
breaks and have fun and enjoy life too. I was
massively stressed at school, but learnt to
calm it down at university and I still came out
with a good degree and a job!”
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK 13
TRIP
TO THE
DENTIST
PROVES
LIFECHANGING
FOR
HASSAN
HASSAN’S MISSION IS TO HELP PEOP
LE SMILE.
MANY OF US FILL WITH FEAR AT THE THOUGHT OF TRIP TO THE DENTIST,
BUT FORMER BROOKSBANK STUDENT HASSAN ADNAN, FOUND HIS VISITS
TO THE DENTIST INSPIRATIONAL.
At the age of fourteen, Hassan had to
undergo complex dental treatment, but
instead of being filled with fear, Hassan
was inspired by the experience. “The
professionalism and communication skills
of the dentist impressed me greatly,” says
Hassan. “It made me want to pursue
dentistry as a career so that I could offer the
same experience to patients of my own.”
Hassan thought about changing tack and
aiming for another medical-related degree,
but his family, his teachers and especially his
uncle, urged him to persist. “It was a tough
year spent re-writing my personal statement,
carrying out extra-curricular activities and
sitting the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test).
Finally, I received an offer to study dentistry at
Plymouth University. I was elated!”
However, finding a university course wasn’t
particularly easy. After seven memorable
years at Brooksbank, Hassan emerged in
2012 with a clutch of grade As in Biology,
Chemistry and Physics. “I soon found out
that competition for university places was
intense,” he remembers. “I had no choice
but to take a gap year purely because I didn’t
receive any interviews to study for a degree
in Dentistry.”
Hassan is now in his fourth year as a dental
student at the University of Plymouth and life
could not be more different. “It has offered
so much more than I expected,” says Hassan,
who especially enjoys the clinic work which
provides dental treatment to patients in the
southwest. “The medical aspects of dentistry
and the personal interactions keep me
motivated to do well. Plus providing patients
with a healthy, happy smile reassures me that
dentistry is the right choice for me.”
In five year’s time, Hassan sees himself
undertaking postgraduate studies, in order to
become an oral surgeon. “I thoroughly enjoy
the surgical areas of dentistry and want to
practise in a hospital setting.”
Does Hassan have any advice to offer to
students when the going gets tough?
“My advice to students applying for any
degree - not just dentistry - is to never give
up on your ambition. Keep in mind your
goal and work towards it every day. It’s also
important to respect your teachers, as they
only want the best for you. I would like to say
a special ‘thank you’ to all the staff at The
Brooksbank School. Without your efforts
and faith in me, my achievements would not
have been possible.”
WE WERE SO PLEASED TO SEE OUR VISITORS FROM PERPIGNAN IN JUNE! THE PARTY
FROM COLLÈGE MAINTENON TOUCHED DOWN AT LIVERPOOL AIRPORT ON MONDAY,
THE 6TH TO ENJOY THE BEST OF BRITISH AND THE BEST OF BROOKSBANK! WITH THIS
EXCHANGE NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR, THE ITINERARY HAD BEEN PRIMPED TO SHOW
OFF SOME OF THE LESSONS THAT WE ENJOY MOST. MIX IT UP WITH VISITS TO SOME
OF BRITAIN’S TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS AND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH OUR HOST
FAMILIES AND YOU HAVE A RECIPE FOR A TOP EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE. HERE ARE SOME
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS FANTASTIC WEEK.
DRAWING WITH TREES!
14
POSING WITH PEN PORTRAITS.
ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
CATCHING SOME SUMMER
D.
SUNSHINE AT FLAMINGO LAN
NAVIGATING THE NAVIGATOR!
“SCONE ANYONE?”
A HAPPY ELLAND-VISION SONG CONTEST.
Taking advantage of some lovely summer
sunshine, Tuesday afternoon was spent
in and around the arthaus with Ms Lumb
creating some unusual drawings. Did you
know that trees can draw? Well they can –
and Ms Lumb showed us how! We stepped
out into the warm sunshine, headed to the
woodland that skirts the sports field and
became absorbed with the poetry of tree
drawing. “We don’t do anything like this at
schools in France,” said a surprised Madame
Miffre, who teaches English at Collège
Maintenon. Our French visitors also enjoyed
their very first game of rounders with games
organised by Mrs Whiteley on the playing
fields. “We have passed on instructions on
how to play, the French school has invested
in equipment and now they are playing the
game in Perpignan,” said Mrs Whiteley.
Wednesday was also packed full of activities.
In the morning we headed off to the National
Coal Mining Museum for a dark descent into
a deep mineshaft, had fun with team-building
activities at Brooksbank in the afternoon and
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went bowling at the Electric Bowl, Halifax, in
the evening. On Thursday, we had a fantastic
day out at Flamingo Land, while Friday was
spent at Brooksbank with two fun-filled
talent competitions designed to bring out our
musical and baking skills: the Elland-vision
Song Contest (in the morning) and the Great
Brooksbank Bake-off, in the afternoon.
Le Weekend was spent “en famille” when
our visitors stayed with their English hosts.
Monday reached a climax with a spot of
retail therapy at Trafford Centre and a trip to
Old Trafford in the afternoon to discover the
stadium and find out all about Manchester
United.
On Monday evening, the exchangers
gathered in the arthaus for some farewell
celebrations before departing the following
morning. It had been a fantastic learning
experience, with lessons never seen in
France, some great days out and plenty of
time to enjoy English pastimes.
15
16 ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
EXPEDITIONS AHEAD
FOR DofE ADVENTURERS!
THIS SUMMER, AROUND
SEVENTY YEAR 10
STUDENTS WILL TAKE
IN THE DUKE OF
EDINBURGH’S BRONZE
AWARD SCHEME. THE
DofE AWARD IS THE
UK’S LEADING YOUTH
CHALLENGE AWARD WITH
AN IMPRESSIVE SEVENDECADE HISTORY. IT
AIMS TO BROADEN THE
HORIZONS OF YOUNG
PEOPLE AND IMBUE THEM
WITH MANY PRACTICAL
AND SOCIAL SKILLS
SUCH AS LEADERSHIP,
RESPONSIBILITY AND
INDEPENDENCE.
DofE students are required to complete
three aspects of the Award, volunteering,
learning a new skill and participating in a
physical activity, on their own. The final
part of the Award is to take part in an
adventurous group expedition!
Following practice walks in the rugged terrain
of Hardcastle Crags, near Hebden Bridge,
the two groups will embark on a more
ambitious, two-day camping and adventure
trek in the Yorkshire Dales beginning on 10th
June and 15th July. On their trek, students will
carry all their own camping gear, plus food and
water, and learn how to be self-sufficient out
in the open.
“The expeditions are designed to be
exciting, challenging and fun – and they
certainly are!” says Mr Lomas, the DofE
leader at Brooksbank. “DofE expeditions are
often where students get their very first taste
of surviving in the great outdoors. Success
with Bronze enables students to step up to
achieve Silver and Gold. Here the challenge
ramps up, with longer, more ambitious stays
in other beautiful locations.”
Form students who are working towards
their Gold. Holly Mayfield, Kerry Bottomley,
Tegan Emmott and Max Dawes stepped
forward to describe some of the activities
they had undertaken and to say how excited
they were about their Chamonix expedition
in July.
The Silver expedition is an exciting three-day
affair in the awesome mountains of the Lake
District, while the Gold group will head off
on July 17th for four days of trekking in the
Chamonix region of the French Alps.”
To all our current DofE students, “Well done”
for all the effort you have put in, so far...
we promise you that the expeditions that
lie ahead will be experiences you will
never forget!
On Wednesday, 25th May, Paul Bateman,
from the DofE, came in to school to
promote the Award to Year 9 students in
their assembly. Paul told the year group
about the many benefits that the Award
can bestow. Also on hand were four Sixth
To all those in Year 9 who are thinking
of embarking on the award, get your
applications in quickly, places are limited
and demand is high!
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK 17
KARTING KING BRINGS
HOME THE SILVERWARE
FOUR-WHEELED KARTING KING, GABRIEL BUCKLEY, HAS A WINDOWSILL STACKED HIGH
WITH SILVERWARE THANKS TO HIS PASSION FOR KARTING! GABRIEL, WHO IS IN FORM
8Y, DISCOVERED HIS NEED FOR SPEED WHILE ON HOLIDAY WITH HIS PARENTS, WHEN HE
WAS JUST SIX YEARS OLD. “AFTER TAKING A MINI BUMPER CAR RIDE, I DECIDED TO GIVE
KARTING A GO!” HE SAYS.
For the next eighteen months, Gabriel
practiced as much as he could, in a 60cc
(53mph) Cadet kart, at local-ish clubs, such
as Wigan, Barnsley and Cheshire. As a
special treat for his eighth birthday, speed
king Gabriel sat his Arcs test - a practical
and theory examination based on driving
ability and understanding of the marshals’
flags and racing rules. Gabriel passed with
flying colours, and with his MSA motorsport
racing license, he was ready to tear up even
more tarmac.
Gabriel’s first race followed just five days
after his test, at Shenington Kart Racing
Club in Oxfordshire, where he won Fastest
Novice. “All new drivers must do a minimum
of fifteen races on black (novice) plates and
start at the back of each race before they
can go on full yellow (qualified) plates,” says
Gabriel’s number one fan - his dad, Craig.
For the next two years, Gabriel learned and
honed his race craft.
Big wins began in 2013, when Gabriel won
the Cadet Championship and numerous
trophies throughout the North of England.
Success meant rising to the Junior Class,
one year early. “It was a big jump for him going from a top speed of 53mph to one just
shy of 90mph! We quickly realised that, with
the increased speed and G-forces, Gabriel
had to work on his strength and stamina to
cope for the duration of a full race.”
Yet more silverware followed with numerous
trophy wins and Gabriel was now making
quite a name for himself at clubs across the
North including South Yorkshire, Cheshire,
Manchester and Buxton Kart Clubs.
2015 brought even greater rewards.
After a hard fought season, racing against
fourteen and fifteen year-old competitors,
Gabriel achieved Vice Champion in the
Junior X30 class at MBKC. Naturally, Gabriel
and his family were over the moon with his
fantastic achievement!
“The adrenalin rush is beyond belief!”
says Gabriel. “Plus, I like to win – and the
trophies are massive!” This year, Gabriel
decided to race in a national event; the
NKF Championships. Suddenly, we were
up against some of the best drivers in the
country, and there was another huge hurdle
– cash! Funding an expensive hobby, like
karting, doesn’t come cheap!” confides dad,
Craig. We wish Gabriel every success in his
karting adventures.
CYCLING INTO
SUMMER AT
BROOKSBANK!
CYCLING FANS OF ALL AGES FLOCKED TO THE BROOKSBANK CYCLE CIRCUIT ON SUNDAY,
8TH MAY, FOR OUR SECOND FREE-FOR-ALL OPEN DAY. HUNDREDS OF ROADIES, CHASERS,
PUSHERS AND SPINNERS TURNED UP TO TASTE THE ELEGANT DIPS AND CURVES OF THE
SILKY SMOOTH CYCLE CIRCUIT IN THE BRIGHT SPRING SUNSHINE.
The event, which was co-hosted by
Pedalsport bike shop at King Cross, invited
cyclists to race, test their skills and spec out
the latest bikes. There was also a ribboncutting moment when Calderdale Councillor,
Dot Foster, declared the brand new facilities
building “open!”
“It’s a truly fantastic cycling facility – and
extremely rare among schools,” said cyclist
and travel writer Andrew Sykes, who came
along to support the event. Many have
18
read Andrew’s best-selling books, ‘Crossing
Europe on a Bike Called Reggie’ and ‘Along
the Med on a Bike Called Reggie’, in which
he comically recounts the highs and lows of
touring in the saddle, and if you haven’t – we
highly recommend them.
Off the track, there was plenty of delicious
food on offer from Temujin Restaurant
(Kangaroo, anyone?), ice cream to cool us
down and coffee to pep us up.
“It truly was a brilliant day,” said Mark Ragan,
Director of Community Sport at the school.
“We’ve had hundreds of visitors and the
weather could not have been better. For
safe, traffic-free riding in a beautiful setting,
Brooksbank’s track is unbeatable!”
We would like to express huge thanks to
Sport England and the National Lottery for
contributing to the construction of the circuits
new facilities. The building complete a
fantastic resource for cyclists of all ages.
ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
INSPIRING
JEWELLERY
DESIGNERS
ADD A BIT
OF BLING!
THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH A SILVERSMITH PROVED
HUGELY POPULAR WITH SOME OF OUR AMAZING YOUNG
DESIGNERS IN TECHNOLOGY RECENTLY. THERE WAS AN AIR
OF EXCITEMENT AS THIS SPECIAL WORKSHOP BEGAN.
Led by jewellery maker and silversmith
Vince Hudson, the workshop aimed to
introduce students to the art and craft
of jewellery making. “It was an amazing
experience,” said Barney, one of our
aspiring young designers, at the end of the
successful day. “I am really proud of the
things I made,” said Josh.
Students were taught a range of jewellery
making techniques and went on to put their
new skills to the test, by making a variety of
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK
silver and copper rings and bracelets.
“I have designed and made a bracelet for
my sister, and a ring for my mum,” said
Ollie. “It was such an amazing experience
and I loved it loads. It has really inspired
me to take Resistant Materials as one of my
GCSE subjects.”
Students were encouraged to explore new
materials and techniques and challenge
themselves. Twisting and plaiting, cutting
and shaping, filing and drilling were
all techniques used. “Lots of fabulous
products were produced and it was a joy to
see them slipping on their shiny bracelets
and rings,” said Mrs Robertshaw.
A final hour of enamelling and polishing
lead to smiles of delight as the final shine,
on the jewellery, was revealed. “Learning
how to make new things is brilliant,” said
Tom. “If you work hard and challenge
yourself, you can be really proud of what
you achieve,” said Grace.
19
SWAPPING HOODIES
FOR SUNNIES, ON OUR
FOOTBALL TOUR TO
BARCELONA
ECSTATIC TROPHY WINNERS.
WE ALSO ACHIEVED A FANTASTIC FIRST AND SECOND PLACE, IN A TOURNAMENT WE’LL
NEVER FORGET! OVER THE SPRING BANK BREAK, A GROUP OF THIRTY BOYS HEADED
FOR BARCELONA FOR A FIVE-DAY FOOTBALL VACATION. “THE TRIP WAS THE FIRST OF
ITS KIND AND ONE WHICH WE WILL REMEMBER FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!” SAID TRIP
ORGANISER, MR QUINN. HERE’S A FLAVOUR OF WHAT HAPPENED...
Boarding a 7am flight from Liverpool airport,
we were soon transfixed by the stunning
approach towards Barcelona as the plane
banked and then glided down on to the
tarmac. The Spanish sunshine felt great and
we soon swapped our hoodies for sunnies.
After checking in to Hotel Samba, we
quickly unpacked and headed for the
beach. “Lloret De Mar was just a short
walk away and that warm Mediterranean
sunshine felt great!” Homework on the first
evening was bliss – when we watched our
national team play Australia!
20
Not surprisingly on our first day, the big
city was calling us and our first sight was
the Torre Agbar – a 38-storey skyscraper
along the lines of London’s gherkin. “The
tower lights up in millions of red and blue
lights every time Barcelona score!” said
an impressed Mr Quinn. Students found
Barcelona’s modernista architecture hugely
impressive and the name of everyone’s
lips was that of architect, Antoni Gaudí. “It
was great discovering how just influential
Gaudi has been to the city’s landscape. We
marvelled at the Sagrada Família and at the
fact that it’s still twenty years off completion
– even though work first began in 1882!”
Next on the agenda was another “must
see” destination - especially for soccer fans
– Estadio Camp Nou, or Nou Camp, to us
Brits; home of FC Barcelona. With its seating
capacity of 99,354, it is the largest stadium in
Europe. The boys took a multi-media journey
through FCB’s history. “It was packed with
video footage and pictures of all those games
and goals that form their incredible history.
Viewing Barca’s trophies, including Copa del
Ray [won an incredible 28 times!]; gasping at
Lionel Messi’s golden boots and the Ballon
d’Or; standing in the player’s room; walking
down the famous tunnel and glimpsing the
chapel where players can pray before a
game, totally filled us with awe!”
ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
The excitement continued as the party
headed pitch side to stand where the likes of
Cruyff, Guardiola and Barca’s current head
coach, Enrique, operate - in the technical
area. “Climbing the steps up to the media
box gave us a view of how massive Nou Camp
really is!” The last stop was to exit through
the stadium shop, which was huge and
packed with football merchandise.
After an adrenaline-pumping day out at
Water World, days 4 and 5 were dedicated to
seriously raising our boys’ game. After 7am
alarm call, they were on the training pitch
by 9.00 in two teams, being put through
their paces by coaches from West Ham
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK
Academy. “We worked on possession and
close control, whilst acclimatising to some
very warm conditions!” After lunch came
an afternoon of fixtures on an impressive
football pitch.
Tuesday morning was spent developing
attacking and finishing skills ahead of a
tournament after lunch. “In the afternoon,
both teams knew they were in with a chance
of winning the overall competition,” beamed
Mr Quinn. “We had faced each other the
day before with the B team running out
1-0 winners. Then the two sides met again
which resulted in a 1-1 draw. This meant
that our B team would get a crack at the
final! They met Hereford School and beat
them with ease! It was thrilling to think
that we had come first and second in the
tournament!” said Mr Quinn, proudly.
All too soon it was time to pack and head
back to the airport for the return journey
home. “The trip had been a huge success
and has left us with some wonderful
memories. We proudly carried the trophy
through the airport and lots of people asked
us where we had been and what we had
won,” glowed a happy, Mr Quinn.
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22 ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
SUPERB SKILLS ON
SHOW IN DISNEYLAND
NETBALL TOUR
AT 5.30AM ON 30TH MARCH, A GROUP OF YEAR 8 AND 9 STUDENTS GATHERED AT
VICTORIA ROAD, FULL OF EXCITEMENT FOR THE JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL NETBALL
TOURNAMENT IN DISNEYLAND PARIS.
A VISION IN PINK HOODIES!
The girls looked a vision in pink (hoodies!)
as they departed Elland by coach. After
a smooth ferry crossing, they arrived at
Davy Crockett Ranch on the Wednesday
evening. Any apprehension that they were
“staying in sheds”, turned to glee when they
discovered that their miniature homes were
kitted out with every comfort!
had a mixed first day, but all qualified for
the different titles on offer and were very
proud of their achievements. Both the
U14 and U13 teams made it through to the
Shield competitions in the Showdown and
Challenger tournaments respectively, whilst
the ‘C’ team qualified for the Challenger
Bowl and the ‘D’ team the Challenger Vase.
The girls were divided into four teams on
the first day, with some starting their netball
campaign in the Showdown Tournament,
whilst others had a fun morning in the Park,
meeting various Disney characters and
daring to ride the attractions.
The second day started back at the netball
venues with the masterclass coaching
run by England Netball. The players were
able to work on a variety of skills including
shooting, passing, defending and attacking.
“The coaches were great and provided the
girls with lots of challenge and in-depth
knowledge about the game,” said Miss
Nutter.
“We soon realised that the netball
tournament was going to be a difficult one,”
said tour organiser, Miss Nutter. “There
were lots of club teams, plus a number
of independent schools. All four teams
The final day gave the squads a chance
to put the training into practice and each
team made it through to the semi-finals of
their respective competitions. Both the
‘A’ and the ‘D’ teams finished on a high
winning their third and fourth place play
offs and the ‘B’ team narrowly missed out
on another third place.
When the ‘C’ team took their turn in the
semi, they succeeded in producing the
most exciting game of the tour. “The scores
were equal at full time, so two minutes extra
time each way was added. The girls played
extremely well together and the netball
flowed up and down the court. After extra
time, the scores were still equal - so we
faced Golden Goal time. The ball travelled
at speed up and down the court and the
girls gave 100% effort to ensure they
intercepted the ball at every opportunity.
Suddenly, Amelia “Didi” Horsfall received
the ball in the circle, turned and flicked
WWW.BBS.CALDERDALE.SCH.UK 23
NETBALLERS NET
CALDERDALE
TROPHY
OUR NETBALL TEAMS IN YEAR 8 HAVE ENJOYED A
VERY SUCCESSFUL SEASON THIS YEAR, REPORTS
MRS WHITELEY. BETWEEN TWENTY AND TWENTY-FIVE
GIRLS HAVE REGULARLY ROLLED UP FOR NETBALL
PRACTICE, FORMING TWO SQUADS.
CLOWNING AROUND WITH OUR COACH, MRS WHITELEY.
the ball high in the air and down it went,
straight through the hoop! Team ‘C’ were in
the final and we were elated!”
The final was played at breakneck speed.
The Brooksbank spirit was unmistakable
as the girls held their rivals to 1-1 at half
time. This continued into the second half
as we netted an early goal. Suddenly, a
particularly tall attacker equalised and
another followed up with a repeat. We
ploughed on relentlessly, but were unable
to level the score as the final whistle blew.
“Coming second in a tough group still gave
the girls plenty to celebrate. I am really
proud of the girls. They worked really hard
to prove themselves,” said Miss Nutter.
The hugely enjoyable tour came to a close
with more fun in the Park and a memorable
presentation dinner.
OUR PROUD AND UNBEATEN A
SQUAD.
The A team remained unbeaten
throughout the season and picked up
the U13 A Calderdale Netball League
Trophy. This now qualifies them to
participate in West Yorkshire’s Invitation
Tournament in September.
The B team also remained unbeaten in
the League and brought home the U13
B Trophy. “I am immensely proud of all
the girls! We are already looking forward
to the 2016-17 season, which starts in
September.”
EN B SQUAD.
OUR PROUD AND UNBEAT
PLAYING IN THE A SQUAD WERE:
Phoebe Hook (8L), Poppy Squire (8D),
Amelia Weston (8L), Emily Jagger (8T),
Sophia Fellows (8S), Harriet Grace (8N),
Phoebe Suthers (8S), plus Ella Nicholls
(8L), Daniella Orlic (8A) and Scarlett
Tooby (8D), who are also in the B squad.
B SQUAD PLAYERS INCLUDE:
Ella, Daniella and Scarlett plus Amelia
Horsfall (8D), Aleah Prince (8L), Aimee
Ramsden (8L), Cora Lawson (8D), Emma
Plant (8A), Ella Noakes (8L) and Morgan
Akroyd-Helliwell (8U).
24 ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
CALDERDALE CUP VICTORY
AFTER BROOKSBANK
DOMINATE IN SECOND HALF
BROOKSBANK’S YEAR 7 FOOTBALL TEAM HAVE ENJOYED A WINNING FIRST SEASON IN
THE CALDERDALE LEAGUE AND ARE NOW PROUD TROPHY OWNERS OF THE CALDERDALE
CUP, FOLLOWING A TENSE FINAL AGAINST RYBURN VALLEY HIGH.
LIFTING THE TROPHY.
WAS THIS A “HAIR DRYER MOM
ENT”?
The Cup Final, which took place on
Wednesday, 4th May was a tough one.
Brooksbank got off to a relatively slow start
in the first half and came under constant
pressure from opponents, Ryburn. The
signal for half time brought forth some salient
‘words of wisdom’ from team coach, Mr
White. Whether it was a hairdryer moment,
we will never know, but it certainly did the
trick! The team returned to the field, only this
time with revitalised will to win!
Beginning with a series of well-worked
attacks, an intricate series of passes, thanks
to Brooksbank’s Morgan Gannon, set the ball
up for Myles La Bastide, who netted it at close
range. Brooksbank continued their 1-0 lead
until the final whistle blew.
It was with great pride that the Brooksbank
youngsters lifted the Calderdale Cup. “The
boys worked their socks off in the second
half to secure their 1-0 win,” said Mr White.
“It was a thrilling comeback and a muchdeserved victory. I have been very proud to
coach this promising young team so far and
am looking forward to even bigger and better
things from them in the future.”
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SCHOOL CLOSES
SCHOOL OPENS
SCHOOL CLOSES
SCHOOL OPENS
SUMMER
Wednesday, 20th July 2016
Tuesday, 6th September 2016
MAY DAY
Monday, 1st May 2017
AUTUMN HALF TERM
Friday, 21st October 2016
Monday, 31st October 2016
SPRING BANK
Friday, 26th May 2017
CHRISTMAS
Friday, 16th December 2016
Tuesday, 3rd January 2017
SUMMER
Friday, 21st July 2017
FEBRUARY HALF TERM
Thursday, 16th February 2017
Monday, 27th February 2017
STAFF TRAINING DAYS
Monday, 5th September 2016 Friday, 30th September 2016, Friday, 17th February 2017, Monday, 24th July 2017, Tuesday, 25th July 2017
Monday, 5th June 2017
THE BROOKSBANK SCHOOL SPORTS COLLEGE VICTORIA ROAD, ELLAND, WEST YORKSHIRE HX5 0QG
tel (01422) 374791 email [email protected] www.bbs.calderdale.sch.uk