Hummingbird ROCKS Rockingham - Plymouth High School for Girls
Transcription
Hummingbird ROCKS Rockingham - Plymouth High School for Girls
Spring Term Issue February 2016 Hummingbird ROCKS Rockingham PHSG storms into the top 10 of Formula 24 Library The Dr Glas and Learning Centre Opening Times Contents ■ 26 From the Headteacher Mary Utton 5 The skills required of Governors The Governing Body in relation to PHSG 6 Monday to Thursday - 08.30 to 16.45 Friday - 08.30 to 16.15 National Poetry Day 2015 Light 7 36 Teenage Cancer Trust Plymouth High hosts a variety of events raising money for the schools’ nominated charity 8 Children in Need PHSG raises £932.04 for the annual BBC appeal 9 Going for GOLD Recycling rubbish to create a fantastic fashion show 10 Dress a Girl around the World Making dresses for girls living in poverty in the developing world 15 Hummingbird ROCKS Rockingham PHSG storms into the top 10 of Formula 24 16 GRAPHIC DESIGN Rob Banks | Plymouth High School for Girls A Level Photography Workshop At Plymouth University 26 The Eden Project GCSE Art Trip 28 ARTCLUB From painting and mono-printing to origami animals 30 Year 11 Paintings inspired by David Hepher 32 The PHSG Sports Council Becoming an Arkwright Scholar 14 PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS St Lawrence Road, North Hill, Plymouth PL4 6HT T: 01752 208308 email: [email protected] website: www.phsg.org Gaining inspiration from artists and their artwork 24 Inspiring the future The Arkwright Scholarship TALK A Level London Art Trip Year 12 Career Speed Networking 13 COVER IMAGE: Team Hummingbird at Rockingham Race Course PHSG’s partnership with Ahantaman continues to grow 20 Mock Interviews Preparing students for the future 12 New Books now available GHANA 2015 Life Drawing 34 Another successful year for the PE department’s student representatives 36 Individual Competitor Options in KS4 Choosing the right pathway in PE 38 From the Headteacher Spring Term 2016 Mary Utton Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of PHS KNITTING CLUB Fridays 1.45 - 2.25 RS Office or A29 (depending on numbers) ‘My sense of pride in our young people is immense. I fully appreciate how privileged I am to lead this school and interact with such inspiring young individuals’ As always I have enjoyed reading this edition of our TALK magazine. TALK provides an opportunity for me to reflect on the myriad activities that take place at Plymouth High. My sense of pride in our young people is immense. I fully appreciate how privileged I am to lead this school and interact with such inspiring young individuals. However I also know that for some of our students who face adversity, their achievements aren’t always easy. Their resilience makes their success even more admirable. I have no doubt at all that resilience is something worth having as a young person, and from time to time every student needs to demonstrate this. The problem is that some seem to have this attribute naturally, while others have to be helped to develop it! When life provides challenges, one’s response alone can nudge it towards being a learning opportunity or a hindrance. I am always delighted when a young person faced with a challenge is able to bounce back from failure with a positive attitude, reframing the problem, practising and developing new approaches - and all the while retaining a handle on reality. Students have to be able to consider, expect and plan for the positives in any situation or possible future while preserving strategies to deal with the difficulties; they have to accept set-backs as opportunities to understand issues more deeply; and they have to recognise this is the well-trodden road to becoming better at something. Our Wellbeing curriculum, which we deliver to year 7 students, aims to give them mindfulness as a life-skill. They can then use this skill to feel happier, calmer and more fulfilled; get on better with others; improve concentration and learning; cope more successfully with stress and anxiety; perform better; be mindful and have strategies to respond any situation, whether it be good or bad. We recognise that by helping our younger students develop some essential strengths for engaging successfully in the changing world of the 21st century, they will be more capable of handling the challenges and the workload required of them throughout their school career. I am sure this edition of TALK will once again provide you with much enjoyment as you read about some of what has gone on over the past few months whilst reflecting on our girls’ resilience.■ Yours sincerely Mary Utton, Headteacher ........................................................................... 20 GHANA 2015: PHSG's partnership with Ahantaman continues to grow TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 5 The skills required of Governors National Poetry Day 2015 The Governing Body in relation to PHSG Light I n the modern age of school autonomy the role of governors is increasingly important to ensure that procedure and process are brought together in a consistent way. The National Governors’ Association considers it essential for all governors to have a commitment to improving education for all and the ability to work in a team to take collective decisions. This requires a willingness to learn, a commitment to the school’s vision and skills in literacy, numeracy and IT. It is also necessary that additional skills should exist within the collective governing body, such as an understanding or experience of governing, previous work on a board of governors in another sector or other school, experience of chairing a board or committee and experience of professional leadership. If the above sets of skills can be identified across the whole governing body then it should be fit for purpose and capable of discharging its responsibilities well. The detail of the governors’ work can be broken down further into four key areas. Each one should not be the provenance of a single governor but rather a combination of two or more governors who can take some ownership and control of each aspect. 1 - Vision and strategic planning This requires understanding and experience of strategic planning combined with the ability to analyse and review complex questions. The identification of problems and the inception of proposals to consider innovative solutions are coupled with experience of reviewing the impact of new ideas and initiatives. 2 - Holding the School’s Leadership to Account Communication skills including being able to discuss sensitive issues tactfully, the ability to analyse data and to question and challenge 6 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 3 - Financial oversight This skill set sits clearly with financial planning or management, experience of procurement or purchasing, experience of premises or facilities management. People from business, accountancy and other areas of financial services can add significant value to a governing body. 4 - Knowing your school community ‘In the modern age of school autonomy the role of governors is increasingly important to ensure that procedure and process are brought together in a consistent way’ come to the fore here. It is also ideal if there is experience of project management and / or performance management. The appraisal of someone else or experience of being appraised or performance managed oneself is a good background to have. Links with the community, links with local business and knowledge of the local or regional economy are a good basis to come from. Those working or volunteering with young people and particularly those with an understanding of special educational needs are also highly valuable. At PHSG there are two supporting committees to the Governing Body. The Teaching and Learning Committee take aspects 2 and 4 as its main focus and the Personnel and Resources Committee take aspects 1 and 3 as its main focus. These two committees take on the burden of the operational aspects of the school. The Governing Body as a whole oversees this work and takes a view on all school issues as may become necessary from time to time.■ Mr Philip Braide, Chair of Governors ........................................................................... On Thursday 8th October, the school held its annual National Poetry Day event. As usual, this took place in the library but this year. In addition to Miss Harris’ excellent decorating skills, we were also lucky enough to have some special lighting effects - to suit the theme - provided by Dr Van Es. There was a large turnout (possibly tempted in by the glow sticks), with sixth form students particularly well represented, and many students - and staff - were happy to read their efforts aloud to an appreciative and highly supportive audience. A wide range of styles were covered and we even had a poem in German. A record number of poems were submitted to the contest this year, helped by form tutors sharing inspiring light-based resources, and choosing winners was very difficult. Eventually it was decided that Valerie Mason (8BIS) should be awarded best Key Stage 3 poem and Thea Bourton (11ROU) should be awarded best Key Stage 4 and 5 poem.■ Mr Rutherford, English Teacher ........................................................................... Light I am a dandelion planted in the middle of the ocean I gave birth to. I am a cocoon left dangling after the butterfly has grown. I am the splinters of glass from the windshield that kissed the oak tree. I am the footsteps left on a snowy pavement. So go ahead and ask me about life: I will tell you tales of breaking. No sugar coating, no soft words. Just ruptured letters. Thea Bourton, year 11 TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 7 Teenage Cancer Trust Children in Need Plymouth High hosts a variety of events raising money for the school’s nominated charity PHSG raises £932.04 for the annual BBC appeal T he week commencing 28th October saw Plymouth High School for Girls host a variety of events in order to raise money for the nominated school charity, Teenage Cancer Trust. Throughout the week students and staff enjoyed various raffles and cake sales and entered competitions such as guessing the number of sweets in a jar, matching baby photos with teachers, and competing against teachers at various sports. Over £180 was raised from the week’s events before the mufti day on Friday. Winners of the Baby Photo competition were, Ruth McCulloch, Katy Gaston, Katie Law, Jess and Katie Scott. These girls correctly matched all 17 teachers to their baby/toddler photos. The winner of Guess the Sweets in the Jar was Katie Dibb, who correctly guessed 157 sweets. Her prize was the jar of sweets. Some of the most entertaining events of the week were those that involved staff taking on students at various sports. We began the week with teachers v students table tennis and Tuesday saw the school go dance mad at lunchtime. The week’s sporting activities finished with the staff v staff netball match. The game was a grudge match between the rest of the school and the maths department, who won the last teacher v teacher netball match for Sport Relief back in 2014. The maths team consisted of six players Mrs Carter, Mr Goodchild, Mr Law, Mrs Randell, Miss Roughton, Mrs Payne - honorary member and Mrs Warland - honorary member. The ‘Rest of the School’ team (ROTS) included seven players - Mrs Alford, PE; Mr Baines, Psychology; Mrs Barrett, PE; Miss Bishop, Science; Mrs Leonard, A01; Miss Moore, PE; Dr Van Es, Science and Mr Varrell, Art. As you can see from the list, the ROTS had a sub that they were able to use when a member 8 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 ‘Throughout the week students and staff enjoyed various raffles and cake sales and entered competitions’ of staff needed a five minute time out. The match began and ROTS team quickly scored a goal. Within minutes the maths team had equalised but then suffered an injury during this non-contact sport! Mrs Warland was helped off the court after coming into contact with an opposing player. We found out later on that she tore four ligaments in her ankle… ouch! The match resumed with the maths team down to six players, whilst the ROTS still had seven players and subs! Lesser teams might call this unfair. The match continued with some very dodgy refereeing from some year 11 students. This included giving out yellow and red cards to some teachers. Goals were scored at both ends but mostly by the ROTS team. The final score is still in dispute but we think it was about ROTS 12 and Maths 7. A great time was had by all teachers who took part, although on the following morning a few were nursing bruises and some sore muscles. Friday saw the students wearing mufti and enjoying a cake sale organised by year 8 student, Ymma Thomas. She raised over £40 from her sale of cakes and buns. The total amount raised across the week was £935.46. THANK YOU to everyone who took part, bought a raffle ticket or ate cake.■ Miss Roughton, Charity Coordinator ........................................................................... B BC Children in Need is the BBC's UK corporate charity. Thanks to the support of the public they are able to make a real difference to the lives of children all across the UK. The vision is that every child in the UK has a childhood which is, safe, happy and secure, allowing them the chance to reach their potential. On Friday 13th November PHSG raised a grand total of £932.04 for the annual Children In Need appeal. Students wore mufti to school, baked cakes and bought raffle tickets. Other students were sponsored to spend the day in complete silence, using mini white boards to communicate in lessons. Georgina Nicholl (pictured right) in year 11 came to school dressed as Pudsey and raised a total of £134.57 by making and selling her now legendary Children In Need mice. She also held a raffle and a competition to guess ‘Where in the world is Pudsey?’ Who would have thought that Pudsey was hiding out in Antarctica! A big thank you to my team of bakers for the delicious cakes and thank you to everyone who contributed in some way to the grand total. ‘Every penny from the money you raised or donated will go towards helping disadvantaged children’ YMMA THOMAS: Raised over £40 from the sales of her cakes and buns Every penny from the money you raised or donated will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. Children In Need are able to make this promise because they use investment income and Gift Aid to cover all running costs, meaning you can be sure your money makes a real difference. Thank you!■ Miss Donna Roughton, Charity Coordinator ........................................................................... TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 9 Going for GOLD Recycling rubbish to create a fantastic fashion show W ith Rio 2016 less than a year away students at Plymouth High School for Girls embraced the concept of the pending opening ceremony by creating their own national costumes using recyclable materials including newspapers and rubbish bags through a vibrant enterprise day with the Enterprise and Skills Company. 120 year 8 students put into 24 different countries were represented in a fantastic fashion show at the end of day with amazing colours and cultural twists. Karen Arnold from the Enterprise Skills Team said, “The girls not only used their imagination to create these fabulous outfits from waste materials but also learnt more about countries that perhaps fall outside of the classroom syllabus including Belarus, Kazakhstan and other more unusual destinations.” ‘The girls not only used their imagination to create these fabulous outfits from waste materials but also learnt more about countries that perhaps fall outside of the classroom syllabus’ Mary Utton, Headteacher remarked that, “The whole day was an around the world tour of stunning designs, cultural presentations and dynamic involvement which will enhance the students’ knowledge of the world and different cultures.”■ Heather Longford, Careers and Work Experience Coordinator ........................................................................... 10 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 11 Mock Interviews Preparing students for the future O n 17th and 18th November year 11 students had mock interviews in order to ready us for real life job opportunities. First of all, we had to research our employer to gauge what they would want in an employee and to be prepared if we were asked if we knew anything about their business/company. In my case, I looked at my employer’s business online (their website) - at the same time taking notes on anything and everything. By the end of my interview I had not been asked anything regarding my knowledge of their business, so I gave my notes to my employer to show that I had put in effort. This is a good interview technique as the employer can see you are interested in the job and you’re organised as well as prepared for any situation. The interview itself was definitely the most daunting part of the process. Having never had a proper interview before, myself and many others had almost no idea of what to expect. There were eight different interviewers from a wide range of career fields, with each student getting an employer related to their desired future career. My desired career is medicine so I was interviewed by Rachel Kay from Peninsula Medical School. She asked me questions on an ethical situation I had been given a few days 12 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 before the interview. Being asked a variety of questions on this situation and my specific skills made me realise how much preparation and experience helps in an interview, allowing you to give examples and think quickly on how to portray your best assets. After the gruelling twenty minutes of trying to sell our skills, we had a small feedback session. This involved our employers telling us what improvements we could make in order to (hopefully) be employable individuals in the future. Our CVs were reviewed with us and swiftly picked apart. I’d never written a CV before and the entire thing seemed like rocket science. Not too long, but make sure the employer knows all your skills. Not too short, but keep it concise. Don’t use too much colour. No, use a bit more colour. How often do we use bullet points? Which telephone number do we provide? Who do we ask to do our references? And, the most common question, why should we even bother? And, the answer to that question is: because it’s the perfect time to practise. If the first time I write a CV is when I’m applying for a job, then I wouldn’t have the best chances. But now we’ve been told what to tweak in order to make a good impression. Not only that, but we were also informed as to how well we presented ourselves in person. They say that the CV only gets you an interview - the interview is what gets you the job. It’s important that we’ve brushed up our blazers and perfected our intonation. I believe that one of the most important things to be done after the interview process is to set aside some time to reflect. I had an interview ‘Having never had a proper interview before, myself and many others had almost no idea of what to expect’ with someone from the NHS and looking back on the experience I can focus on what went well and what I could have improved on. I feel I answered the questions quite well, trying to present varied examples to best answer what was asked and on reflection I am more confident with what kinds of questions I could be asked in the future. Also, the feedback that we were given individually (both positive and negative) about the interview itself and our CVs helped me understand what employers will be looking for in the future. For me, reflecting on this extremely interesting day was really significant and I feel it will be a key to success in future interviews.■ Abigail Russell, Beth Hembury, Rosalind Phillips and Lola Beal, Student Leaders, year 11 ........................................................................... A wide range of employers from across the city volunteered to give the year 11 students the opportunity of a mock interview including representatives from Peninsula Medical School, The Army, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Cornwall College, Bailey Partnership, Calweton Veterinary Practice, University of St Mark & St Johns, Bond Dickinson Solicitors, Natwest, KPMG, The Herald, Babcock, Frontline Image & The NHS. PHSG Careers is now on twitter! For up to date tweets about career talks, events and much more please follow PHSG Careers @PHSGcareers inspiring the future Career Speed Networking O n 20th November Plymouth High School hosted an Inspiring the Future ‘Career Speed Networking’ event run by national education charity Education & Employers. The purpose was to inspire students to consider careers in the transport sector. Fifty students from years 11, 12 and 13 were invited to take part in this event. The aim of career speed networking is to help students gain insights into different careers and raise student aspirations. It is informal and gives students the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from different sectors and who are at different stages in their careers, from apprentices to CEO’s of big companies. Students are seated in small groups with volunteer networkers and are given the opportunity to ask questions about their educational route, jobs and sectors. Approximately every 10 minutes the students will move onto the next table to meet with a new group of volunteers. Lord Ahmad, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, was due to take part in the career speed networking event but regrettably had to cancel his Plymouth visit. His additional role as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Countering Extremism) required a renewed focus on security in the UK due to the tragic events in Paris which had just occurred. John Parkinson, Director; James Lloyd, Policy Official; and Fiona Douglas, Private Secretary visited Plymouth High as Lord Ahmad’s representatives from the Department of Transport. Lord Ahmad, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Transport, said, “The government is investing billions of pounds in improving our transport network, and as a result, is creating thousands of high-quality new jobs. I hope ‘The aim of career speed networking is to help students gain insights into different careers and raise student aspirations’ that this career speed networking session will inspire young people here in Plymouth, showing them the great opportunities that a career in transport has to offer. We’ve set out our ambition to create 30,000 apprenticeships across the rail and road industries over the next five years and I hope sessions like these will attract Britain’s best young minds to these exciting roles.” Mary Utton, Headteacher at Plymouth High School for Girls said, “We were delighted to be able to host the Department of Transport’s visit with their team of volunteers for a speed networking session with the students. A high quality careers provision is essential in today’s complex and changing employment market. Plymouth High signed up to Inspiring the Future in 2013 because we wanted different professionals to visit and help inspire our students and give them an insight into different careers. Volunteers help students acquire the skills, attitudes and abilities they will need to chart their path through life with confidence and to be effective in a variety of adult roles. Plymouth High School for Girls is constantly looking for ways to develop students' experience and knowledge. The profile of the event truly supports Plymouth High School’s motto “For life, not school, we learn”. Rebecca Buckingham is a 19 year old Signalling Design Apprentice at MGB Engineering Ltd. She says, “I am taking part in this event because I embrace the opportunity to provide young people with something I was never given; inspiration. Inspiration to try something new, inspiration to make a career out of something they enjoy, inspiration to exceed the expectations placed upon them.” Career speed networkers included, John Parkinson, Director Department of Transport - Andy Moore, Urban Transportation Control Practice Manager, Atkins Transport - Millie Coombes, Apprentice, Atkins Transport (former Plymouth High Student) - MGB Engineering, Ltd., apprentices - Oonagh Maguire, Royal Navy Petty Officer, Royal Navy - Network Rail, employees and Wrigley, employees.■ Heather Longford, Careers and Work Experience Coordinator ........................................................................... TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 13 The Arkwright Scholarship Becoming an Arkwright Scholar M y name is Amelia Adams. I am a student in year 12 and I am an Arkwright Scholar. The Arkwright Scholarship is a prestigious Engineering Scholarship for students who are aspiring to an engineering career. It is an opportunity which is too good to miss because of the massive number of benefits it provides, including work experience, a personal mentor, just over £1,000 of financial help, and an achievement that really stands out on a CV or personal statement. The process of becoming an Arkwright Scholar involved many steps, starting with being recommended by my teacher, although you can always approach Dr Van Es yourself if you think this is a route you want to take. Next is an application form, showing your predicted grades and a short statement about why you think you’re suitable for the role. Dr Van Es, the Head of Science, will guide you through this process and will also send off his own statement about you from a teacher’s perspective. After this, the next stage is a two hour exam which tests both your technical knowledge and also your imagination. If you pass this stage, you are then invited to a formal interview at a University. Although this involved a long drive for me, it was definitely worth it. I went to Southampton University where we spent the day doing a group activity after several interesting talks from University lecturers. Parents were also welcome to attend. Throughout the day, you are called out individually to talk to a panel of engineering experts. Although this may seem scary, they were very nice and welcoming to me. You are asked to bring a project with you to the interview, so 14 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 Dress a Girl around the World Making dresses for girls living in poverty in the developing world W e dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress! Dress a Girl around the World is a campaign under Hope 4 Women International, making dresses for girls living in poverty in the developing world. The idea of 'Dress a Girl' is to make a simple dress, from fabric or a pillowcase, which will be distributed to a child in need. The children in these countries own very little and the dress will often be the only pretty item of clothing that they own. They have donated 18,500 dresses (and shorts for boys) in the three and a half years they have been going! ARKWRIGHT SCHOLAR: Amelia Adams aspiring to a career in engineering you talk about this project as well as your future career aspirations. After the interviews, you return home and the long wait begins to find out if you are to become an Arkwright scholar. For me, the experience so far has been amazing and although the process was challenging it has already been extremely beneficial. I have attended several interesting seminars and have already met up with my mentor who will help me through the next two years. I wish you all the best with your applications!■ Amelia Adams, year 12 ........................................................................... ‘The Arkwright Scholarship is a prestigious Engineering Scholarship for students who are aspiring to an engineering career’ the dresses to Ahinkoji Primary school and St Theresa Primary School and we are really looking forward to seeing some photos of the dresses being worn. There is nothing quite like the feeling of making a garment for someone less fortunate than ourselves. The year 9 students have worked incredibly hard to research and design a garment that will be suitable for the girls in Ghana, as well as adding something special. They have taken time over the quality of the garment, putting their utmost effort into their work. Using recycled materials has taught students that not every item of clothing has to be bought and new. They can upcycle and make unique garments of their own! It has been exciting to see the results.■ Gemma Westaway, Textiles Teacher ........................................................................... ‘This project was so much fun! There is a lot that goes into it but knowing the dress is going to someone less fortunate made it all worthwhile’ Mollie York Year 9 Textiles students at Plymouth High School for Girls are showing their support for the charity by creating their own dress designs for girls in Ghana. Our link school in Ghana, Ahantaman High School, will be delivering TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 15 Hummingbird ROCKS Rockingham PHSG storms into the top 10 of Formula 24 L eaving Plymouth at the rather civilised hour of 9am, Team Hummingbird set off ‘up north’ for the Greenpower International F24 finals at Rockingham. We were joined for the weekend by school governor, Roger Burnett. A smooth drive took us through Devon and Somerset, into the wilds of Gloucester and Worcester, and a briefly through Warwickshire before reaching our destination county of Northamptonshire. As always we have to say a big thank you to Mr Cope and Mrs Warland who drive the school mini buses to make sure that the team get to the races on time and safely. We arrived at Rockingham race course at around 2.30pm and set up camp on a balcony overlooking the pit lane. This was an excellent vantage point from which to monitor the race and time the cars, both Hummingbird and our closest competitors. The pit crew and drivers began work straight away ensuring that we successfully went through scrutineering. At 4pm the track opened for practice and first in the car was Fran. The track is unlike any other that we have raced on before as it is simply oval in shape. The aim for all drivers is to hug the inside of the track, which is easier said than done when you are trying to overtake, or prevent others from overtaking… preventing them in a legal way of course! Fran found the track was faster than any other track that she had raced on before and was able to pass on words of wisdom to the other drivers. Meredith, Issy, Jess and Thalia all then took their turns in the car to check out the track. All of them returned to the pits with smiles on their faces… they loved this fast track. We stayed for the award ceremony celebrating the success of the teams in the Kit Car final that had taken place earlier that day. We cheered with gusto the team from Cornwall who 16 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 won this category, ‘Retro Rocket’ from Sir James Smith’s School in Camelford. Following on from this we got back on our minibuses and travelled the eight miles to our very plush hotel, the Holiday Inn Express, Rockingham. Paul and Fran from our sponsors, Timstar, met us there when we checked in and Paul commented that he was looking forward to seeing the culmination of this year’s hard work in the finals. We had about an hour to kill before we were to head out for dinner, so some of us watched Strictly, others watched the X Factor and a few of us watched Wales get beaten by Australia! At 7.30pm we all congregated in reception and walked across the car park to the Harvester; our dinner reservation was awaiting us. We were joined by Mr Hedley and Ben, father and brother of one of our drivers, Issy. They had been with us all afternoon at the circuit, watching the practice laps. After being well fed and watered, the team returned to the hotel to rest. Sleep crept in and team members were soon dreaming of overtaking and clean driver changes. Morning saw the team roused at 7am and eating a delicious continental breakfast. Whilst we ate our breakfast the duty manger approached Miss Roughton and asked if he could have a word! We were a little panicked… we had been good, honest! He told Miss Roughton how impressed with us he was. He commented on the politeness of the team, how mannerly we all were and how well behaved we had been during our stay. He said that we were a true credit to our school. At 8.30am we left the hotel to venture back to the Rockingham speedway. After a short journey we arrived back at the track to find it much busier than the day before with, 67 teams preparing their cars for the days races in the pits. On arrival we quickly took control of base camp, which we had set up partially the night before. Practice had begun, but as we had arrived yesterday this was our opportunity to watch the other teams and plan our tactics. Our extended team of supporters began to arrive, including individuals from the Harland, Nicholls, Smith and Cocker families. We then prepared for the parade before the first race. The parade was a true spectacle with teams from all over the UK and even two from the USA taking part. Team Hummingbird made sure that the Timstar umbrellas were flamboyantly shown in the parade. Once the parade was over we took our place on the grid. We began the race in 12th position on the grid. Our first driver was Meredith. After a rolling start we were off. Meredith was averaging a lap time of three minutes and six seconds. She was driving well and overtaking cars, gradually working her way up through the field. After the required first driver change Meredith said, “That was my last race as a driver because I am getting too tall, but I loved it. I intend to stay with the team and become a communications buddy.” Issy had taken over from Meredith and was continuing the consistent lap times and driving well, avoiding trouble and overtaking when she could. Spectator’s eyes were then drawn to a squirrel on the track; he was not going to beat Team Hummingbird! The final driver change saw Fran take the wheel. The car was slowing and the performance team was getting concerned. The batteries were not performing as expected. We were slowing drastically and our last lap took forever! Despite losing speed we still managed to overtake a few cars around the final bend and when Fran crossed the finish line we were in 21st position. On leaving the car Fran said, “When I was going up the back straight, there was a slight uphill bit and I nearly stopped. Luckily the home straight is slightly downhill and I was able to build up speed and cross the line with almost no power.” Our fastest lap in race one was two minutes and fifty nine seconds. Our slowest lap in race one was 5 minutes and forty two seconds. Following the first race we held a team conference where the master plan was revised, ready for race two. Between the two races the team was able to explore the various trade stands at the track. These included the exam board OCR, Seimens, various universities and of course our very own sponsors Timstar. Their stand was, of course, the best one there! We all returned to base camp with bags full of freebies, the obligatory free pen along with mini motors made out of batteries and paper clips, message bugs, sticky notes and much more. The team was in place for 2.30pm when race two began. Once again we started in 12th position on the grid and, despite the issues in race one, we remained confident. Thalia was the first driver out. She maintained a very good consistent lap time of just over three minutes for the first twenty minutes of the race. Our second driver out in race two was Jess. She produced the fastest lap of three minutes and two seconds on her lap out from the pits. Driver three, Fran, took over next, knowing the issues we had faced in the first race with our batteries. Her first lap out was fine, three minutes and ten seconds. Then she slowed to three minutes and twenty seconds, but she maintained this for the rest of the race. As Fran began the last lap the American team was ahead of us; they were in tenth place and we were in eleventh. Fran was told over the comms to go for it. We followed her progress around that final lap as she got closer and closer. As she approached the final corner she was right behind the American team (who are sponsored by NASA by the way). As they headed down the home straight Fran moved out from behind the American car and then… SHE OVERTOOK THEM... The team erupted on the stands above the pits. The finishing line was in sight, could she hold on…? YES. She beat them by two seconds, finishing in 10th place. The team was amazing; as soon as the second race finished, all hands were on deck as we packed up camp, loaded the trailer and then congratulated the drivers, pit crew, performances team and timers for the superb team effort. We then headed off to the presentation ceremony. As always we enthusiastically cheered and applauded all winners in the various categories. We were absolutely delighted to receive a Special Commendation for our portfolio. As we walked away from the track, through the tunnel and back to the mini buses Paul from Timstar commented, “It is great to see how far the team has come from the kit car in year one to the design that it is now. Well done to all involved.” The team left Rockingham after a great day. Maybe not as winners of any races but winners none the less. We know we are the best TEAM and we can say with confidence that we one of the top 10 teams in F24. As we left Rockingham the light was fading and a lot of us fell asleep, dreaming of what might have been if those batteries had lasted in the first race. Stopping for a comfort break in north Somerset, we refuelled with fast food and then travelled on back into Devon. The school choir may well get a few more members as the → TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 17 → singing on the buses on the way back was ‘tuneful’. Listening to some classic eighties tunes ensured that the team were buzzing when we finally saw the lights of Sainsbury’s. Monday morning saw the team back at school ready for a day of learning, although maybe not quite bright eyed and bushy tailed. A debrief was held at lunchtime by Dr Van Es. He welcomed us to the gathering, “Yesterday was incredible. It was amazing with surges of disappointment and then mega highs of elation. The aim was to beat the American team, which we did. The problem with the first race and the batteries has to do with the micro-processor in the car. We’re not sure that it is calibrated properly and investigations will need to be done before next season, but well done to you all.” Mr Thackray then spoke to the team about some key data facts from the weekend. “We achieved great things over the weekend. We achieved 32 mph at one point in the practice on Saturday, something we never thought we would do. Our national rankings are getting better year on year; 51st in year one, 23rd in year two, 12th in year three and now 10th, our best ever finish. A tremendous effort. We are 50 yards behind the car in front and a mile and half in front of the car behind us. We can do it next year!” We also had a note from our Governor, Roger Burnett, “Thanks for the opportunity to join you all at the Greenpower International Finals. It was a very enjoyable well organised weekend. The racing was very exciting, especially the last race, the company was good and there was a great group of girls who are a credit to the school. Finally my personal thanks to you all for the teachers’ enthusiasm, commitment, hard work and time sacrifice to enable the girls to benefit from this extra-curricular activity. You should be very proud of the team’s achievements.” As the meeting drew to a close and the 2015 season came to an end, we all left the science lab thinking about how we might go even faster next year. The aim is for a single digit number finishing position and we are poised on the brink in 10th.■ Meredith Berriman, Eleanor Burkey, Emma Cocker, Ruth McCulloch and Rebecca Tremaine, year 10 ........................................................................... ‘We achieved 32 mph at one point in the practice on Saturday, something we never thought we would do. Our national rankings are getting better year on year; 51st in year one, 23rd in year two, 12th in year three and now 10th, our best ever finish. A tremendous effort’ Team Hummingbird 2015 18 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 19 GHANA 2015 PHSG’s partnership with Ahantaman continues to grow O ur partnership with Ahantaman Senior High School (AHSS) in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana, is now into its 13th year. Every two years the schools have an exchange of staff and students working on a joint curriculum project. The theme in 2015 was ‘Health and Wellbeing’. Students from AHSS taught two Ghanaian games to our year 8 students when they visited in March 2015. Our students lead lessons in tennis and rounders to promote more exercise at AHSS and delivered a lesson on healthy eating. Most people are in bed fast asleep at 11.59pm on a Monday night - not the group travelling to Ghana. This was just the beginning of a trip that was to be filled with experiences of facts, sights, tastes, contrasts, memories and so much more. We covered so much in such a short time it is difficult to describe it all but here is a very brief outline of our time away. Day 1 The motto of ‘sleeping is cheating’ from Mr Moisob was soon changed to ‘sleeping is cheating but meditation is allowed’ as we all tried to catch up on our sleep when we could after our midnight departure from Bretonside bus station and our long awaited journey to Ghana. We finally arrived in Accra at 8pm and spent our first night at the GNAT hostel where the girls were able to try out their mosquito nets, get accustomed to the smell of DEET and have the first of many cold showers! ‘Our students lead lessons in tennis and rounders to promote more exercise at AHSS and delivered a lesson on healthy eating’ background of the lake and the effect of the low water levels on the electricity supplies in Ghana. We then joined a walking tour of the dam followed by a lunch of a local favourite, Tilapia fish, eaten with our fingers. Mrs Osei, former Headteacher of AHSS, treated us to our first home cooked Ghanaian meal on our way home. Day 3 Today we left Accra for Sekondi-Takoradi. En route we stopped at Winneba National Sports College to donate tennis rackets and balls to the tennis coach, Mr Noah Bukari, who was overwhelmed and touched that people from so far away in England had thought to give them equipment to use. Finally we arrived at AHSS and were given their amazing ‘celebrity’ style welcome with the students cheering, singing and dancing. We spent the rest of the evening settling into our new surroundings and getting to know new friends. Day 4 Day 2 Everyone managed the 5.30am wake up time to leave for our visit to the Akosombo Dam. Martin Hiles, former manager of the Volta River Authority, gave a very informative talk on the 20 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 For those of us who could make a 4.30am start there was Morning Devotion - song and prayer outside the dormitories in the courtyard, a very moving experience. Today’s visit was to Kakum National Park. We were given an informative talk on the forest and conservation before walking through the rainforest that led to the seven bridges roped canopy walk, 30 metres high above the trees. This was one of the highlights of the trip. In the afternoon we visited El Mina slave fort, taking a very emotional tour of the castle to learn about the appalling conditions endured by the African slaves held there before being shipped to other countries. Day 5 Nothing like a session of aerobics at 6am to start the day! After this our girls lead sessions in tennis and rounders as part of the joint curriculum project between the two schools. We all then participated in Ghana v England tug of war, hockey and sack races. In the afternoon we walked around Takoradi market circle to experience the very busy and cramped atmosphere of the narrow ‘streets’, full of people selling and buying all range of things. Our evening was spent watching short performances of dancing, drama and singing by students from each class in the school. For many of us, however, it had to be an early night as we were so tired from our non-stop schedule and early mornings. Day 6 Morning worship at 6.30am (for those who could make it) to hear 500 plus girls singing - just incredible to listen and see the energy they give to their worship. Today was set aside for a day of rest relaxing at Africa Beach Hotel, swimming in the pool, sleeping on sun loungers, reading and walking along the beach. Day 7 Our students led a lesson on diet and exercise as part of the joint curriculum project. We made → TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 21 ‘I think a key thing I gained from the trip was perspective, with a little more understanding, however slight, of the challenges and successes (past and present) of Ghana and its people’ → an official visit to the Chief Nana Ahinkofi on whose land AHSS is built. Following this we walked to Ahinkofi village primary school where our girls engaged in a drawing activity with the children. A later visit to St Peters Primary school, a private school, showed a complete contrast in terms of resources and facilities available to the pupils at the two schools. In the evening we were guests of honour at the residence of the Metropolitan Chief Executive and treated to fabulous traditional food, music and dancing. We tried to show off our best moves Ghanaian style! Day 8 Another early start, this time heading to Nzulezu village. To get there we had to canoe for 45 minutes along canals, through mangrove swamps and into open water to reach the village. It is built on stilts with a population of 600 people living ‘on’ the water. It was interesting to hear how the village came about, to ask questions and wonder at the way of life here. We watched as young children, barely a year old, sat and played close to the edge of the walkways with no one unduly worried about their safety. This is simply how life is in the village - no health and safety guidelines here! In the evening Mrs Ocloo, Headteacher of AHSS, laid on a ‘dansette’, an evening of food and dancing for ourselves and Ahantaman staff, students and PTA members involved in our partnership. Day 9 A farewell assembly was held by AHSS with visiting dignitaries and schools. We presented our findings from the curriculum project and gave our thanks for the hospitality we had been shown. Our last night was spent at Big Millys Backyard by the beach - a relaxing atmosphere 22 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 Student comments from the trip It's difficult to capture the awe inspiring sight of the Akosombo dam in a photograph, or to put into words the feeling of elation as you walk across rope bridges high in the canopy of Kakum rainforest, the gut wrenching tour of El Mina fort, canoeing across a glassy lake to Nzulezu village. These were the big things, but there were countless other details that made the trip so special - playing Ampe in the roasting heat of the yard, being taught how to hand wash our clothes, having the chance to talk to some of the students about issues as diverse as religion, body image, and careers. For me, these personal right from the start with its sand floors and collection of small huts. Some of us spoilt ourselves with eating lobster or barracuda in the evening and sleeping under the stars on a balcony - a memorable way to end the trip! Day 10 Our last morning in Ghana was spent watching the fishing boats come in, playing table tennis and doing a little shopping in the local stalls. A stop at the craft market in Accra meant we could get last minute souvenirs before having our last Ghanaian meal and setting off for our flight home. It would take too long to mention everything that happened on the trip as we did so much. Just looking out of the window travelling along the roads is fascinating - the food, the people, the animals, the houses - an education in itself. I cannot write about all the laughs we had along the way, the deep conversations about what we were learning as we went along, the inspiration the girls got from visiting places and meeting people, how pleased people were to receive items donated to them, the fresh mangoes and pineapple, the loud horn on the school bus, the bumpy roads, the heat, and looking forward to a long cold shower to cool down! The list really does go on. The girls we took this year were superb and totally immersed themselves, willing to try everything and anything on offer which is exactly what is necessary to get the best experience from a trip like this. A big thanks goes to everybody who has helped behind the scenes in the planning and fundraising for the trip, both here and at Ahantaman, to Mr Baines and lastly to Mr Moisob, without whom we would find it very difficult to keep the partnership going. Jessica Randell, Ghana Link Coordinator moments with the girls were in some ways just as memorable as the outings to beautiful places - it gave a brief insight into their lives as students, women, and Ghanaian citizens. The experience was non-stop, but each day was exhausting and enjoyable in equal measure. I think a key thing I gained from the trip was perspective, with a little more understanding, however slight, of the challenges and successes (past and present) of Ghana and its people, it’s become easier to see, in a time of global development, how big an impact we can all have on our own communities and others worldwide. Lois Raines, year 12 What an experience. I've never felt so welcomed and special than when we arrived in Ghana. The greetings of smiling faces in the boiling hot sun was phenomenal and the new experiences never ended. From the fresh mango on the side of the road to the cold showers and random power cuts, the Ghana trip keeps you on your toes. The trips to the Akosombo Dam, Kakum National Park and Nzulezu stilt village were breathtaking, and the visits to the local schools were an eye opener. Going to Ghana makes you appreciate what you have and you’ll never look back. I wish I could do it all over again! Lizzie Burnett, year 13 I have been looking forward to the Ghana trip for so long, having heard girls from previous trips talk so much about how incredible it was, but it still beat all expectations. It was truly the most eye opening experience. I have never learnt and done so much in 10 days! The kindness and welcome we were treated with was overwhelming and I cannot describe how lucky I feel to have been a part of it all and met so many wonderful people. Manon Louis-Puttick, year 13 Everyone tells you how hard A Levels are but you don't really understand until you study them. The same thing applies to Ghana. You won't understand how truly incredible it is unless you experience it for yourself. Drinking from coconuts on white sand beaches, discovering a village on stilts after a morning of canoeing and dancing to African drumming are just a handful of things that make Ghana amazing. It has inspired me in so many ways and has been the best way to end my seven years at PHSG.■ Phoebe Farrant, year 13 ........................................................................... TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 23 A Level London Art Trip Gaining inspiration from artists and their artwork A rt can be a daunting subject to start as there are so many different directions you can take your artwork. This can reach a point where you have no idea what you are going to do. That’s where the London trip was really useful to me; it showed me what direction I wanted to take my work in. I was inspired by the vast variety of artwork held within the Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery. I discovered artists and art movements which I was previously unaware of and also discovered how many amazing pieces of art were within movements I had previously dismissed. We didn’t just focus on the art in London, but the people too. The second aim of the trip was to capture the extraordinary within the everyday through street photography. London was the perfect city for this; it’s packed with people from all walks of life, from the rich to the poor, the young to the old, the tourists to the workers. Such variety and contrast allowed us to capture really interesting and thought provoking photographs, just from the everyday lives of the people of London.■ Isabelle Harris, year 12 ........................................................................... 24 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 25 A Level Photography Workshop At Plymouth University A s part of the photography unit of A Level Fine Art, year 12 students had the opportunity to attend a mini-workshop at Plymouth University to explore and develop our photography skills. Due to changes in technology, large and medium format cameras are not something we come across in daily life, where an iPhone can take a relatively detailed and well-focussed shot in a matter of milliseconds. However as part of the workshop we were able to use, model in front of, and examine a large format camera. We were then shown the University darkroom where we developed our negatives by dipping the paper in a variety of solutions. This was something the majority of us had never had the opportunity to do in our life, so it was an incredible learning experience. It was truly fascinating to watch the image develop onto the paper in front of your eyes; it felt more involved, more real, than using a digital camera. Whilst this was the key point of interest for me, we also took part in a variety of other mini-experiences such as using a professional standard camera set up with rigged lighting and an infinity background (something we, sadly, are not equipped to do at school!) The photography lecturer running the workshop was full of concepts and little ideas for us to use during our turn behind the camera. It was inspiring to see photography as a medium applicable in the real world as opposed to something limited to the classroom.■ Tegan Louis-Puttick, year 12 ............................................................. 26 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 Photography with Dom Moore Dom Moore is an award winning, Plymouth based, freelance photographer. He specialises in portraiture, brand styling, print material photography and press photography. He came in to show us the work he has done and let us experiment with the apparatus he brought with him. It meant we could fully explore the way we can use light to create different photographs. I really loved looking at the potential of photography and learning about how he has developed as an artist. The workshop really enabled me to take some good shots for my art project and gave me a little insight as to how few limits there are in photography.■ Poppy Collingwood, year 12 ........................................................................... Navy Base Photography Workshop We had the opportunity once again this year to visit the Naval Base Photography unit to experiment in the studio. Our year 12 students produced some stunning photographs that they will be using as part of their Extreme Emotions project. Miss Watts, Art Technician Having been to the Navy Photography workshop, we were able to experience what it was like to take photographs in a professional studio. We were given the opportunity to take photos in the style that we wanted and allowed to use the lighting and backdrops to our advantage. We were able to capture some amazing images that we could use in response to the photographers that we are studying. We also had the chance to model. The entire experience was very different to what we are able to capture in school.■ Lara Caglayan, year 12 ........................................................................... TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 27 the eden project GCSE Art Trip R ecently, my GCSE Art class took a day trip to the Eden Project as part of our coursework. We are currently studying ‘Natural Forms’ and to really understand the subject matter we are exploring Georgia O’Keeffe, a natural forms artist. The majority of her paintings are of flowers and skulls. One of her most powerful quotes is, “When you take a flower in your hand, and really look at it, it becomes your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to really look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not.” The Eden Project started out as a disused china clay pit in 1995. Tim Smit began developing an idea to completely rebuild it into a green space. It has different biomes which contain different environments for plants to grow, and its whole identity is for everything to be ecofriendly. The many different habitats enable a large variety of flowers and plants to grow, which meant it was an excellent location for us to visit and photograph for our projects. At the beginning of our visit, we were told a brief history of the Eden project. Walking around afterwards, I found it fascinating to consider how much work must have gone on behind the scenes to make the place able to run. It was very inspiring to see people with such seemingly impossible ideas create what they dreamed of. Also, they have managed to create an area that really benefits many people. Whether it is just a walk in nature or an educational trip, it is a truly amazing place to visit. For anyone given this opportunity I really would recommend going. It was such a great experience for myself and my friends.■ Aimee Louis-Puttick, year 10 ........................................................................... 28 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 29 ART CLUB From painting and mono-printing to origami animals W e are coming to the end of our roles as Art Captains. In the past year we have been running the Art Club as well as helping out the art department with installing exhibitions and promoting art in the school. Throughout our time as Art Captains we have held Art Club every Thursday at lunchtime. Art Club gave us the opportunity to get younger students more interested in art and to lead them in different artistic activities including, painting and stitching on images of celebrities, mono-printing, creating adorable origami animals and relief printing famous buildings. At the beginning of this academic year we had a group of close to 30 girls attending the club and that high number has carried on throughout this term, resulting in the artwork becoming more impressive in scale and more girls becoming interested in the club. Our favourite project has to be the Monet and Van Gogh inspired piece, created by the girls through finger painting. This was the first week we had a large group and it resulted in all of us working together to get the huge piece finished. Art Club 30 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 has been a huge part of our role as Art Captains and we have really enjoyed it. Another part of our role was to help out with setting up art exhibitions. We particularly enjoyed installing the A Level Art Exhibition last July because it was a chance to properly look at and appreciate the works of art that fellow students had created. Most of these were extremely good and made us hugely proud to be a part of the artistic community within the school. There was an incredible range of diverse artworks from huge controversial feminism pieces to small, elegant acrylic landscapes. The other art exhibition was Art2Day, held at Plymouth University and showcasing work from post 16 students across all Plymouth secondary schools. Plymouth High School featured heavily and we both realised just how good our school is at art. Some of the best artworks in the competition were by Plymouth High students and we felt proud to be representing our school through these incredible works.■ Elaine Sinclair and Lizzie Collingwood - Art Captains, year 13 ........................................................................... TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 31 Year 11 Paintings inspired by David Hepher ELSIE TATE MOLLY POWELL JEMIMA RAE TRINITY ADAMS JORDAN HARDY AMELIA HAWTHORNE BETH HEMBURY 32 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 RAHIMA BHATTI TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 33 Year 12 Life Drawing SASHA EGONU SASHA EGONU SOPHIE SEMMENS ANASTASIA BASKERVILLE-HICKS SELWIN HULME-TEAGUE ANASTASIA BASKERVILLE-HICKS 34| TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 POPPY COLLINGWOOD TEGAN LOUIS-PUTTICK TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 35 The PHSG Sports Council Another successful year for the PE department’s student representatives G C SE P E T he PHSG Sports Council achieved a lot last year. By organising fundraising events we were able to contribute towards painting the changing rooms which were in need of freshening up! We also listened to feedback from students and consulted with the PE department staff which resulted in leggings being included as part of the PE uniform. This year the Sports Council is hoping to do much more. So far, we have organised inter-house netball competitions and we will be leading football and dodgeball competitions which will take place later in the year. We also hope to encourage students to join clubs available both in and outside of the school and aim to encourage pupils to exercise more. We are open to any ideas to promote a sporty atmosphere at the school. Izzy Machpherson - Sports Council member, year 8 ‘Forty year 10 students planned and led PE sessions in different primary schools and taught over 120 year 5 and 6 children in total’ running station, parachute games, ball skills and team building. Both of our sessions went well; everybody listened, enjoyed themselves and all the Sports Leaders gave good advice, motivation and constructive criticism to make sure people got the most out of the sessions. We gained a lot of experience from these sessions to help us in the future. We know how to plan and get the most out of our time.” Orlane Mbahin said, “On 23rd November we went to Compton Primary School and on the 30th of November we went to Plymouth University and taught Hyde Park primary students. Zoe and I were running the team building activity; the other groups lead different exercises. This experience enhanced my confidence and ability to motivate and engage children. However, sweets helped too!”■ The PE Department ........................................................................... Sports Leadership Our Year 10 Sports Leaders have been developing their leadership skills to enable them to successfully plan, lead and review activities suitable for primary children. Forty year 10 students planned and led PE sessions in different primary schools and taught over 120 year 5 and 6 children in total. The schools involved were Compton, Hyde Park and Mount Street primary schools. Miss Allen commented, “they excelled themselves in their ability to lead a session and received excellent feedback from the primary school teachers.” The sessions contribute to the year 10 students’ Level One Award in sports leadership. Lucie Prior said, “Over these two sessions we had a variety of different stations available; a 36 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 DEVELOPING THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS: PHSG Sports Leaders TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 37 Individual Competitor Options in KS4 Choosing the right pathway in PE O lder students in the school will already be aware that when moving into Key Stage 4 students are offered options and can choose what they want to do in their PE lessons for the year. We offer a number of different pathways that they can opt for; e.g. team games, health and fitness, creative etc. One option is the Individual Competitor pathway. This was introduced as we appreciate that not all students enjoy playing competitive games and being part of a team every week. Some enjoy being active but in more individual activities. If that sounds like your type of thing then this is the pathway for you! The activities included in the year are often physically and mentally challenging and it is great to see students rise to these challenges and, in some cases, overcome their fears. It has been great to work with a year 10 group this term that have been doing just that. Their first activity was on the water rowing at the Mountbatten Centre. There was a definite air of nervousness to begin with but it was brilliant to see their confidence grow over the weeks and eventually see them getting the boats in and out of the water as if they had always been doing it. They all became competent rowers well done. The next activity was climbing at the YMCA Centre. Again there were a few that were genuinely scared and nervous of going very high and being off the ground just attached to a rope! They have all persevered and achieved their own individual successes, which has been fantastic to see. As the year progresses the students will also be taking part in trampolining, badminton and mountain biking. This is a great pathway to opt for if these are the type of activities that interest you. Keep it in mind when it’s time to choose your options at the end of year 9! Mrs Alford, PE Teacher 38 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 In the 3rd game, against Plymouth College, the girls stepped up their game to win 6-4 but unfortunately lost on goal difference when it came to progressing on to the semi-finals. Both Ivybridge and Plymouth College went on to win their semi-finals and will represent the Plymouth area in the county finals. The girls may have just missed out this year but have something to aim for next year! The year 9 girls who have played this year include: Ellie Childs, Jasmine Weaving (Captain), Abbie Smith, Sophie Ferrett, Emily Law, Charlotte Lazarus, Olivia Barry, Mia Steele, Rebecca Sims, Esther David-West, Tegan Tunnicliffe and Sophie Grange. Mrs Barrett, Head of PE Hockey Round-up The U13 hockey team played in the Plymouth Schools tournament at Lipson during November and December. They had some very competitive games and despite playing without a goalie and without training together as a team, they did really well. They came 5th out of 7 teams, finishing above Plymouth College after beating them 2-1 with some fantastic goals from Poppy Moore and Caitlin Hine. They also beat DHSG B team 1-0 when Robyn De Jager was quick to pounce on the rebound from the keeper’s first save. They were unlucky to lose to Lipson after beating them in a warm up friendly match but then losing 1-0 despite some excellent defending from Claudia Baulf and Zara Taffs. The team Netball Round-up The year 8 netball team has built on last year’s unbeaten season by winning the Plymouth Schools Central Venue League. They had convincing wins over Plymstock A and B team and beat DHSG 5-3. They beat Hele’s 8-6 and had a close game against Stoke which ended in a 7-7 draw. Those who played in the team include: Caitlin Jackson (Captain), Amber Bishop, Charlotte Smith, Tharuny Sivasothy, Phoebe Goodsell, Evie Jones, Mariam Khan, Lily Ambler, Abby Fishleigh, Izzy Macpherson, Ellie Brewer, Matilda Irving de Andres, Achala Sharma, Issy Rowland and Fran Hanson. Since winning the League they have played in a few friendlies; the A and B team played against Ivybridge, both losing by a couple of goals in the end but it was good experience for all those who played. They came back to finish with a strong win against Plymouth College (19-6) before Christmas which was a fantastic result against a very good side. The year 9 team have had an up and down season. They ended up coming 5th in the Plymouth Schools Central Venue League, finishing above DHSG after beating them 10-0. They did however do a lot better and rose to the occasion of the U14 National Schools Cup competition. They were in a tough pool with Plymouth College, Ivybridge and DHSG. They started off really well beating DHSG 7-5. Although they played fantastically against Ivybridge, the opposition was too strong for us in the second half and they beat us 11-5. also included, Catherine McGougan, Niamh Mills, Megan Whittaker, Daisy Murphy, Izzy Macpherson, with a few games being played by Megan Cornish, Fran Hanson and Jess Maxwell. Mrs Barrett, Head of PE English Schools’ Swimming Association The PE Department made their annual trip up to Millfield School in Somerset on Wednesday 23rd September to take part in the English Schools’ Swimming Association’s Secondary Schools’ Team Relay Championships. This year we took two intermediate teams and a senior team to compete against the rest of the region in the medley and freestyle relays. As always the girls were a credit to the school, behaving brilliantly throughout the trip. The journey passed uneventfully and we arrived in good time for the warm up. The first of the freestyle heats saw the intermediate girls A and B teams swim strongly, achieving times of 2.02.77 and 2.20.13 respectively. The senior girls swam well with a time of 2.07.12. In the medley relays, the teams again worked well together and achieved 2.20.67 and 2.43.89 with the seniors achieving 2.21.40. The regional competition was as tough as ever with Plymouth College and Millfield winning every event (Plymouth College swam a 1.44.20 in the senior free!) and some strong times from Mount Kelly and Bournemouth Collegiate. We missed out on travelling to Leeds for the final which was won overall by Plymouth College Seniors and Millfield Intermediate teams. Well done to the following girls: Lauren Howard, Victoria Adams, Lara Caglayan, Abigail Cooper, Emma De Jager, Corrie Fairbairn, Amber Francis, Tess Harland, Rosie Milburn, Lucie Prior, Mia Steele, and Beth Thompson. Thanks also to Mrs Alford for accompanying us and doing most of the driving! Mrs Goolden, PE Teacher Cross Country On Tuesday 10th November, 17 students from years 7, 8 and 9 went to Staddiscombe to compete in a Plymouth Schools Cross Country competition. All girls competed and ran very well despite the poor weather and muddy conditions. Well done to all 17 students who took part; the junior girls came 3rd and the year 7 girls came 4th out of 11 schools that competed. Congratulations to the three girls who have been selected to represent Plymouth in the Devon Schools Cross Country competition. These include Jenny Milburn, year 9, who achieved 3rd place overall out of 63 in her age group, and Alice Bickley and Olivia Sullivan, both year 7, who came 8th and 15th respectively out of 55 in their age group.■ Ms Moore, PE Supervisor ........................................................................... ■ TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 39 Folk Band Mondays 1.55 - Room M2 Band members are staff and students All levels of ability welcome