Buzz Magazine Summer 2016

Summer 2016
The magazine
from Beckfoot
Students
Alumni
Special
SEUSSICAL
the MUSICAL
Sport
Relief
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the summer Buzz, the final edition
of this school year. And what an edition it is, featuring:
fantastic writing competitions in and outside school;
student leaders and ambassadors talking to the Minister
of State for Schools and the leader of the Green Party;
and students getting hands on with STEM, business and
sports activities.
from the BuzzTeam
Tom Caink, Year 12
Our summer cover promotes our forthcoming production
of Seussical the Musical to be performed on 18, 19 and
20 October 2016. Tickets will go on sale in the autumn
term. Thank you to cast members Harry
Longbottom, Tegan Horsfall, Lydia Bain, David Hollis,
Abi Baylis, Kiesha Smithson, Jacob Campbell-Kealy
and Evie Kitching for the picture.
Word from
the Head
Here is the final Buzz of
the year and it’s definitely
the best yet! A huge thank
you to the editorial team, led by
Editor-in-Chief Tom Caink, for raising the
Buzz to another level.
It is a great read from start to finish and
makes me feel so proud to be a Beckfooter.
I particularly loved the alumni section and the
interview with Jordan Keighley, which was
inspirational. These were all amazing students,
what they say is so wise, and it is rewarding
to hear them acknowledge how Beckfoot
helped them grow into the adults they are.
Finally, I don’t think I have ever seen a better
student-led fundraising project than the Sport
Relief event this year. Raising that sum of
money was astonishing but, more important,
was the way in which the entire community
got involved. That tug of war though was
painful ... and we lost!
There is so much more I could comment on
but the editors will say I have exceeded my
word limit.
Enjoy!
David Horn
SPORT RELIEF GOES THE
DISTANCE ...TO SYRIA!
Sport Relief was an amazing, week-long, community event. We beat our
fundraising total from two years ago, raising £6,240 - our biggest amount ever!
We set ourselves the challenge of travelling the distance from Beckfoot to Syria –
4,569km – and successfully exceeded the distance, achieving a total of 4,992km!
It was a mammoth effort from students and staff, who ran and took part in Just
Dance, tug of war, rowing, badminton and netball to tot up the kilometres.
Special thanks go to Phoebe Francis, Jess Bambrough, Olivia Francis and Georgia
Pilling who took the lead with planning and organisation, supported by Lucy Porter,
Alex Verhoven, Josh Weatherill, Olivia Auker, Matthew MacKenzie, Amani Ali,
Bav Kang, Alex Smeele, the whole Year 10 netball team; and many others who
pitched in setting up and running break-time activities.
Thanks also to Buzz photographers Oliver Oddie, Sonny Auty and Lily Taylor for
capturing the events throughout the week.
WORLD BOOK WEEK
gets into character
World Book Week was a great success. Students took part in the Great Beckfoot Write-Off Competition. On World Book Day, we held
our annual Swapathon, and staff and Sixth Form dressed up as book characters. Winner was Sophie Parkinson, Year 12, kitted out as
Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targaryen, complete with dragon and egg!
Winners
7
Report by Katie Smith, Year
through to the
Sophie Taylor in Year 7 has made it
ual writing
second round of the 500 Words ann
young people
competition run by BBC Radio 2 for
ies, the
entr
,400
aged 5 to 18 years. Of the 123
next
the
to
ugh
thro
judges picked 4,500 to go
w.
belo
y
stor
ing
mov
round. You can read her
Mum
of the
Great t
BeckfoOoff
WrCoimtpeeti-tion
y the
judged b
culty:
a
F
h
Englis
Mum’s the word
SIXTH FORM
Simrah Asghar
with Mine
YEAR 10
Tegan Horsfall
with a Vague Beginning
YEAR 9
Lucia Doddy
with Night and Day
Scared of the Lig
ht
YEAR 8
David Hollis
with Blood Boy
YEAR 7
OVERALL WINNER
His senses tingled, he could see not
hing. The darkness wrapped around
him like a warm
embrace. His toes twitched, fingers
flinched, and his eyes darted desper
ately. He could smell
his own fear, fear of the light. The swe
at dripped into his eyes, rolling dow
n the wrinkles of his
forehead. His black suede boots squ
eaked as the soles hit the dirty, blac
k
hollow floor as he
paced back and forth. He knew he
should stay still, not alert the watche
rs to his presence
in the gloom. Dave knew they were
waiting for him. He knew they were
there, he could hear
them scrabbling around, hating the
lack of light. Their rustling was loud
showing their
restlessness, and the crunching from
their collective teeth built the terror
inside him.
They were hungry for him, any hint
of weakness and they’d rip him to
shreds.
There was a man in the room with
him – blank-faced, staring at a dar
k screen. Dave tried to
ask him what he was doing there but
the man would not respond. He beh
aved as if he could
only move if instructed to do so by
some higher power. A marionette stas
hed
to one side,
awaiting the puppeteer. A vibration
came from the wall beside the man,
he
came to life. The
vibration seemed to last forever, awk
ward, filling the darkness, interrupting
the quiet place in
Dave’s head and jangling his nerves
. He closed his eyes, his anxiety buil
t as he feared what
he was about to face. He could feel
the adrenaline buzzing in his body.
He
needed it, he
welcomed it. His heartbeat was so
powerful it felt like a drum roll in his
ears.
The man loomed large at his shoulde
r filling the space, gesticulating wild
ly; suddenly he
boomed out Dave’s name. He jum
ped, he wasn’t ready, convinced he’
d be unable to face
the glare. Too late, the light was com
ing; he had no choice, and knew it
was time. He braced
himself for the brightness. The wat
chers stopped their munching. Sile
nce
fell. Dave’s
courageousness soared in his sou
l. He was Dave the brave. He was
Dav
e Jester. He left the
safety of the inky blackness and step
ped into the beam, into the glory, into
the thunderous
applause of his adoring audience.
He began his comedy routine.
“Doctor, doctor, I feel like a bridge.
”
“What’s come over you?”
“So far … three cars, a lorry and a
bus.”
Charlotte
Murie
with Scared of
the Light
Sophie
Taylor
kicked off my
It had been a long day and I was tired. I had returned home, as usual,
where Mum
kitchen
the
s
toward
way
my
make
shoes, as usual, and I had started to
called out,
mum
my
hall,
the
through
it
made
was always waiting for me. Before I had
“Had a good day at school?”
Mum’s tone was different. This strange voice didn’t sound like Mum’s.
r eerie cry
In curiosity, I padded down the narrow corridor towards the kitchen. Anothe
sounded: “Ellis?”
.
Yes – this definitely wasn’t Mum. It sounded as flat as a deflated balloon
in the door,
The floorboards squeaked as I cautiously peeped through the crack
which led to the kitchen.
like Mum. But
The woman, who was where Mum should have been, certainly looked
something told me it wasn’t her.
imaginary plate
This strange woman was facing the window at the sink, scrubbing an
g – just
anythin
seeing
be
not
to
with her sponge. Her eyes were glassy and seemed
staring into space.
I walked solemnly into the kitchen, whispering: “Mum?”
No answer.
“Mum?” I said a little louder, shaking her arm slightly. Still no answer.
what she is
This was very unlike Mum. She usually jumps in to answer or tells me
thinking.
always, but her
Mum was wearing her flowery apron and her hair in a messy bun like
merry smile had gone and there was no spring in her step.
“Hello!?” I yelled in her ear. Still nothing.
I waited for a minute just staring at her in disbelief and horror.
who had
Just as I was about to give up hope of her ever answering, the woman
ry
imagina
the
doing
(still
heels
her
on
turned
replaced the mum I knew and loved
look.
glassy
ing,
unblink
same
that
with
me
through
washing-up) and looked straight
“Did you say something child?”
rollably. In a
I gulped and stepped back slightly as my heart began to race uncont
hand on her
my
placed
moment of courage I tried to move towards her and gently
tand.
unders
t
couldn’
I
arm. She flinched and started to mutter to herself; words
help, or just
What was I to do? Should I call my dad at work, run outside to look for
back?
ignore it and hope my ‘real’ mum comes
lly I ran and
Just then my thoughts were pierced by the phone’s shrill ring. Thankfu
down my
grabbed it and as I heard my dad’s voice, tears of relief ran effortlessly
cheeks.
and her mental
“Don’t worry son,” I heard him say. “I know your mum is not very well
health nurse will be arriving very soon.”
in this way once
I slumped down the wall in despair. I had only ever seen Mum unwell
bad. Would
this
seemed
never
had
she
before, which had been very frightening but
and live
go
to
have
I
Would
better?
they take her away? Would she be able to get
s.
answer
no
t,
with Dad? So many questions but at the momen
Past students on your future
We recently caught up with some of our alumni (ex-Beckfooters)
to see what they are currently doing and ask them if they had any
words of advice for our current Beckfooters.
OMAR ANWAR (2004-2010)
KATIE UNSWORTH (2008-2014)
I left Sixth Form two years ago to start
an apprenticeship at High Park School,
Heaton, a special school for children aged
3-19 with behavioural and communication
difficulties. I completed my Level 2
apprenticeship within five months instead
of twelve, and stayed on for my Level 3,
which I completed in six months instead of
eighteen. I couldn’t have asked for better
co-workers, they were so welcoming and it
was nice to be treated like an adult at work.
I never imagined being this far ahead in two
years. I recently got a new job as a
teaching assistant at Cottingley Village
Primary School and am looking forward
to the future.
My advice is: “An apprenticeship was the
best thing for me, and I would highly
recommend it to those who would like to
follow a different path instead of going to
university. There is such a wide range out
there and you get paid while you learn.”
I started an Aviation Management degree in
2010 but it wasn’t for me, so I left the course
and worked that year. I then went on to study
Sports Business Management at Leeds Metropolitan
University. During my second year, I completed my
work placement at Beckfoot and discovered my love
for teaching. From 2014-2015, I worked as a supply
teacher before starting my PGCE year at Beckfoot in
2015-2016. Beckfoot then offered me a permanent
contract.
My advice is: “Do your best, be your best, achieve
your best and, in the end, choose what you want to
do for the right reasons. I chose aviation thinking
about money but it wasn’t right for me, so know
what your ‘why’ is.”
HARRY TAYLOR (2008-2015)
I am currently in my first year at Oxford University studying
Earth Sciences. At Beckfoot, I worked on the Buzz,
photographed school events and ran the Gamemaker club.
I have continued my passion for photography at Oxford
joining its photography club. In June, I hope to come back
to Beckfoot to talk to the Sixth Form about applying for
Oxbridge.
BEN HIGGINS (2008-2014)
students
I’m currently a teaching assistant at Hazelbeck School where I support
of my
part
e
favourit
The
es.
difficulti
who have a range of disabilities and learning
feel I am
me
makes
it
as
,
learning
enjoying
and
school
job is seeing the students in
lives.
their
to
ce
making a real differen
galas
At Beckfoot, I took part in football and rugby, and swam regularly in school
Chef
Rotary
Bingley
the
won
I
10,
Year
– I was swimming captain for two years. In
One
re.
Yorkshi
in
schools
other
against
e
of the Year award and went on to compet
part
take
to
nity
opportu
the
given
being
was
t
Beckfoo
of the biggest highlights at
this as it
in the National Citizen Service. I really value the experience I gained from
and
made me a much more confident person with improved team working
interpersonal skills.
coach. In
I also volunteer at Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure as a swimming
one-to-one
g
providin
s,
busines
ing
swimm
own
my
up
set
the future, I would like to
nce
experie
and
training
the
use
to
hoping
also
am
I
s.
session
training and group
young
and
I have gained at Hazelbeck to provide swimming classes for children
adults with disabilities.
you. I was not
My advice is: “Don’t worry if traditional routes of education aren’t for
be proud of.
to
lot
a
have
and
way
long
a
come
have
I
feel
I
academically strong yet
ty,
Everyone is capable of achieving what they want in life, whether it’s universi
hard
work
to
d
college, work or vocational training. You’ve just got to be prepare
and it will definitely pay off in the end.”
KATIE HOLMES (2007-2013)
I am currently in my final year at Leeds
Beckett University, studying for a degree in
Sports Coaching. Since leaving Beckfoot in
2013, I have continued to engage with the
PE department and have completed over
70 hours teaching and leading after-school
netball clubs. This practical experience
has been invaluable. PE was one of the
biggest parts of my life as a Beckfooter and
is the reason I am so passionate to pursue
a career in teaching PE. In September, I
return to Beckfoot to start the School Direct
teaching programme.
My advice is: “Make the most of your time
at Beckfoot. Make it count. You are
extremely lucky to be part of such a fantastic
school community. You are privileged to be
a Beckfooter.”
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
TO CHANGE YOURSELF
Interview with Jordan Keighley - by Martha Bayliss,
Qais Hussain and Katie Smith, Year 7
Ex-Beckfooter, Jordan Keighley,
returned to school to speak in
student assemblies about the
importance of ‘resilience’, an
important quality in the Beckfoot
learner. Jordan has a severe stammer,
which he has learned to control
through the McGuire Programme.
He is an inspirational speaker and
proves that if you take a leap of faith
you can truly achieve.
Do you think your stammer has
improved a lot?
Yes, it has improved. I now feel about 90%
in control. Occasionally, when I am tired or
I relax too much, I find that the stammer
gets worse. My speech was controlling
my life and I still have to work really hard to
keep it under control. If I don’t keep on top
of it, my speech will go back to how it was.
It will take years to completely overcome
but just like any sport, the more you
practise the better you become.
When you were struggling to speak, did
you know which words you wanted to
say?
Yes, I found it hard to join in with
conversations and jokes with my friends.
Not being able to find the words quickly
enough made it very hard to take part. I
found it easier to say the minimum number
of words possible. I was very sensitive
when my friends joked about it and my
confidence dropped. I found the best way
to deal with it was just to try to laugh it off.
What did you do to cheer yourself up?
When I was at school, I found it very
difficult to read out in class or answer
questions. The pressurised environment
made my stammer worse. This made me
feel unhappy but I felt better when I went
home. I relaxed by playing on the
PlayStation and playing or watching
football. This helped to lift my mood.
Did it affect your education?
I found it harder as I got older. It was tough
to contribute to any discussions in lessons.
My favourite subject was Geography but
at A Level you have to speak out in lessons
and do presentations. This was very
difficult, so I just had to adapt. I set myself
small targets and broke everything down
into manageable pieces. I was very lucky
to attend such a supportive school.
What advice would you give to someone
who is very shy?
The best advice I can give is to be brave
and talk to someone. Ask people for
help and advice. A useful technique I
was taught is to speak to someone you
wouldn’t usually speak to, even if it’s only
a few words. I always advise people to
take a leap of faith. I stood up and made
a speech at my nan’s funeral. This was a
very important moment for me, as I felt I
found my voice at that moment. It was a
very emotional moment for me and I felt
proud that I had pushed myself.
Why did you decide to go on the
McGuire Programme and has it been
helpful?
I realised that I needed help if I were to be
successful in finding work. The course was
life-changing! I was very sceptical at first,
but the course leader was inspirational and
everyone on the course was very supportive.
I was taught techniques, such as breathing
correctly, pausing to think about what
you want to say and pronouncing words
clearly, which we practised with others on
the course. It was an intensive four-day
course, staying at a hotel, and working
from 9am to 10pm. On the final day, our
families were invited along to our graduation.
It was very emotional and made you
realise how much your whole family is
affected. You become a lifelong member
and can call on them for help and advice
whenever you need it. It’s very reassuring
to know that you always have that support
network around you.
Do you have any regrets?
Only that I didn’t enrol for the course
sooner. I was 18 when I decided to try it.
Life could have been much easier if I had
made the decision earlier.
What are your future career plans?
I currently work at McDonald’s*. When I
started working there I did not want to deal
with any customers and worked behind
the scenes. As my confidence grew, I
gained more control of my stammer and
asked for more customer interaction. I
am hoping to be promoted soon and
want more responsibility as my speech
continues to improve. In the long term I
would like to be a firefighter. In Year 11 at
Beckfoot, I did a young firefighters course
and really enjoyed it. My speech limitations
would make that difficult at the moment,
but who knows in the future? I would also
consider being a course instructor to help
other students to overcome their stammer.
*Since this interview, Jordan has been
appointed as a full time Teaching Assistant
here at Beckfoot. He continues to work
at McDonald’s in the evening.
What would you say your motto is?
My motto is: ‘If you don’t challenge
yourself, you won’t change yourself’. My
course instructor told everyone this, as he
overcame a stammer himself. In simple
terms, it means that you must push
yourself out of your comfort zone in order
to make your life better. The more you do
this, the easier it becomes.
YOUNG
MUSICIANS
Beckfoot
Young
Musician
2016
Chris Adsett
Year 13
Hit the high notes
SNOW
YES,
BORED
NO
The quality of musicianship at this year’s Beckfoot Young Musician
2016 competition was stunning, with some brilliant performances
from our finalists.
Ben and Theo Leleux
Winners:
By Oscar Bain,
Year 7
Most improved player
Alia Woodhouse
Players’ player
Tegan Horsfall
On 12 February, a coach-full of students
and five teachers, set off on the 25-hour
coach trip to Wagrain, Austria. Luckily, on
arriving at the hotel, we had the afternoon
to unpack and relax.
The next morning everybody went out on
to the slope just outside the hotel. I was
in the beginners group and remember
spending more time on the floor than on
my skis. That night, we had a traditional
Austrian meal.
KS3 Audience vote
Ethan Ramsden
KS4+ Audience vote
Anna Hattam
KS3 Ensemble
Ben and Theo Leleux
KS4+ Ensemble
Chris Adsett, Dave Adsett,
Jude Connolly, Jake Jones,
Greg Williamson
Photo by Sonny Auty
KS3 Commended
Ethan Ramsden
KS3 Winner
Evie Kitching
KS4+ Commended
Jake Jones
Political engagement among young people is crucial and the
opportunity to hear Natalie Bennett first-hand was a great
privilege. She spoke about climate change and student finance,
as well as stating anyone can get involved in politics just by
reading newspapers or watching the news. The Green Party has
come a long way since its founding in 1990, and is an inspiration
to many groups of people. It was a pleasure to have Natalie in
our school and the Greens are certainly a party to watch in the
near future.
• A cockroach will live nine days without its head, before it starves to death.
• All porcupines float in water.
• Approximately 11% of the world is left-handed.
• Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms.
• In space you cannot cry because there is no gravity to make the tears flow.
There are still a few spaces available for
our next trip in February half term 2017,
leaving on Friday 17 February 2017 and
returning on Saturday 25 February 2017.
Please speak to Miss Smith for further
information.
On 2 February, the leader of the Green Party, Natalie Bennett,
came into school to talk to us about what the party stands for
and the importance of politics as a global issue.
’s
Sonny
Facts
• During its lifetime an oyster changes its gender from male
to female and back several times.
• There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.
• A lizard can cut off its tail for protection. It grows back after a few months.
• What is called a ‘French kiss’ in the English-speaking world is known as an ‘English kiss’ in France.
• Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different.
Join us next year
Sophie Russell, Year 12
Photo by Sonny Auty
Here's my fourth lot of facts, hope you enjoy.
Charles Walton-Allen, Year 8 agreed:
“It was really fun and exciting.”
HEAR YOUR GREENS
Chris Adsett when asked by Oliver Oddie what it felt like to
have won Beckfoot Young Musician, said: “It’s the best
feeling ever after all of my hard work.”
KS4+ Winner
Chris Adsett
Rebecca Ho &
Evie Kitching
The following morning, we set out for
another day of skiing further up the
mountain. We skied at a different resort
the day after, which was a fun change.
We had a few activities at night, from
swimming and sledging, to enjoying a
pizza night turned disco-party-rave.
The trip was an awesome experience I’ll
never forget, and I hope I can go again.
I got to know lots of people I would never
have met otherwise.
Photo by
Oliver Oddie
Thank you Minister
On 25 February, Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools
met with student leaders and ambassadors Leo Bunting,
Rory Kunz, Mia Lockyer-Majid, Oliver Oddie, Ella Peace,
Tom Caink, Ruby Oddie, Attiya Aksar, Benjamin Markey,
Raahat Rahman and Esther Butterworth.
Ruby Oddie, Year 7 said: “We talked mainly about how
Beckfoot is such a great school. He also discussed going into
politics as a career and gave us some great advice:
‘The harder you work at this stage of your life, the better your
life will be.’ and ‘Every hour you work will make your standard
of living a notch higher.’”
Lydia Bain, Year 9 commented: “It was really interesting to
hear him talk about the country’s situation and he took a
genuine interest in our opinions.”
PRISON ME!
NO-WAY!
electronic tagging and more. There was
also an interactive, role-playing activity
about drinking under-age, trespassing and
how social media can affect young people.
We discussed how being with the
wrongdoer and not telling the police or
doing anything to stop a crime can earn
you the same sentence.
By Emma Taylor and
Cherie Pratt, Year 9
On 2 February, Year 9 had a Wider Learning
Day led by the charity ‘Prison Me! No
Way!’. We had different activities and talks
throughout the day, including learning
about drugs, fires, magistrates’ courts,
A prisoner called Clifton came with the
team to tell us about his life and how he
ended up in prison. His story stirred our
emotions and made us think about how
important school is and how not to follow
the same route as him.
Overall, it was a very interesting and
informative day. It made us consider our
actions, how we feel about school and
how lucky we are to have the opportunities
we do.
Photos by Oliver Oddie
Views from high up
By Bethan Harris, Year 12
On 3 March, twelve Year 12 students,
travelled down to London for an unmissable
experience provided by HSBC.
Our first day in London was very hectic after facing the chaos of the London
underground, we went up to the 72nd
floor of The Shard. The views of London
were absolutely breathtaking; though
brought about a few waves of vertigo
among some members of the group.
After lunch in Borough Market, we took
in London’s major attractions, including
Buckingham Palace, the Houses of
Parliament, Westminster Abbey and 10
Downing Street. The next day, we
travelled the short distance to Canary
Warf, dressed in our smart attire, ready
to enter HSBC Tower for a day of activities
to improve our CVs, presentation skills
and group work.
The day began with a question and
answer session with Ian Stuart (Head of
Europe, Commercial Banking), who gave
us advice and answered our questions
about HSBC, getting jobs and his
own past experiences. He was a very
welcoming and interesting host, and
provided the whole group with important
advice and inspiration, as well as giving
us an insight into what it is like to be in
his high position.
The rest of the day was led by some of
the bank’s graduate employees, who
helped us understand what HSBC does
and the options for people coming into
banking from university. We also worked
on case studies to improve our problem
solving, teamwork and presentation skills.
After lunch, the group was given a tour
of the HSBC Tower, the facilities were
amazing. It had everything anyone could
possibly want under one roof, including
a gym, art gallery and canteens. The
views from the 40th floor were incredible;
even The Shard looked small! Finally,
the last session of the day was a CV
workshop with an expert who helped
us develop and structure our CVs to be
more impressive and attractive to future
employers.
FUTURE
TECHIES
By Emma Taylor Year 9
Since the start of this year, Year 9 students,
at an after-school club, have been busy
creating a project to enter for the TeenTech
awards. In this national STEM (science,
By Josh Weatherill, Year 11
and Tom Caink, Year 12
technology, engineering, maths) competition, secondary students of
all ages have to come up with an idea to improve life in the future. It
was our chance to get creative, while refining and developing our skills
for life and work.
At the TeenTech Innovation Day in Doncaster, we spoke to
representatives from STEM-based businesses, came up with ideas
on future energy, and saw how companies work. In an Innovation
Session against the other schools, we won the award for ‘Best
Gadget’, where we had to come up with an object which could
make life easier for people. It was called ‘Underwear Underlayer’
and was designed to respond to changes in body temperature.
Overall, it was an enjoyable day, where we learned about applying
our skills to the real world and just how many careers are STEM or
engineering-based.
After qualifying events across the district,
the first annual Bradford School Games
took place on 9 February. Eighty Beckfoot
athletes from Years 7 to 11, accompanied
by Beckfoot’s Leadership Academy and
teaching staff, travelled to Bradford
University to participate in events, ranging
from netball and basketball, to table tennis
and athletics. Co-organised by ex-Beckfoot
student Saif Hussain, the day was
excellently run and fantastic to participate
in. Our Leadership Academy teamed up
with other schools from across Bradford to
officiate and run the games.
At the end of the day, students converged
on the under-16 boys’ basketball final.
Everyone was singing and chanting, and
urging the team on to seize the win; the
atmosphere was electric, like being at an
NBA game.
It must have helped; it was a brilliant day
for Beckfoot athletes with all three
basketball teams moving through to the
West Yorkshire finals. As Mr Barnes put
it: “The whole point is to enjoy and get
involved with sport; winning comes as a
bonus.”
It was all round a successful day for Beckfoot
with a clean sweep of all basketball
tournaments: first in the under-14 girls; first
in the under-14 boys, including an overtime
winner from Karl Redmond in the final; and
first in the under-16 boys’ tournament.
Beckfoot also finished second in the table
tennis against strong competition, as well
as securing two third places in the athletics.
More events are coming up with the
Bradford School Games summer finals on
24 June at UAK (University Academy
Keighley). The Leadership Academy
always has space for new people keen
on sport, if you are interested, email
Mr Brooks at [email protected]
THE BIG
All rise for our
trial champions
Beckfoot has won the local heats of the
Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition
for the fourth year in a row!
Congratulations to our victorious team:
Lydia Bain, Daisy Brown, Iris Buckley, Dom
Chapple, Anna Chamberlain, Charlotte
Clarke, Theo Connolly, Olivia Francis,
David Hollis, Rory Kunz, Charlotte
Mawson, Lucy Porter and Lukhi Soren
Spelling abeille,
biene, abeja
Amina Ali, Year 7 is through to the national
finals of the Spelling Bee competition, which
will take place in Cambridge in July. Spelling
Bee is a national competition for Year 7
students to practise and improve their
vocabulary, spelling and memory skills in
French, German or Spanish. Viel Glück Amina!
BUNS BRING IN
THE BUNCE
By Mia Bambridge and
Izzy Longstaff, Year 8
Photos by Oliver Oddie
Wrong! Splat!
By Mackenzie Slinger, Year 9
On 26 February, our form 901 decided to
do something in memory of Mrs Dyson.
We wanted to do an event for a cancer
charity, something fun and enjoyable. We
plumped for a pie-face event, where we
asked teachers questions and if they got
it wrong they received a pie in the face. It
lived up to our aims. We thank everyone
who watched and got involved, and all
the staff who supported us. We raised
£82.36 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Swimmers
to the
four too
Cross country
Superstar
Niamh Conroy, Year 7, has had an
amazing cross country season, coming
second in Bradford, in the top 10 in the
county and selected to represent West
Yorkshire in the national finals.
Beckfoot Swimming Squad:
By Jess Hutchinson, Year 12
We have been crowned champions of Bingley
schools’ swimming gala for the fourth year running.
To add to this amazing achievement, we also won
the secondary schools’ relay championship by just
a few tenths of a second – the first time Beckfoot
has won this trophy. A special well done to our
relay team: Eve, Luca, Holly, and John-Luke.
Diving to the top
Ruby Bower
From 7 March, we held a week of
fundraising activities for Cancer Research
UK. On the Monday we had a bun sale
(rescheduled because of the snow). Then
across the week, we sold raffle tickets
and badges to reach our goal of £150.
Our lucky raffle winner was Emily Watson,
Year 8, who won a free manicure voucher
at Mirror Mirror salon. We exceeded our
target and raised an amazing £204.
We would like to thank everyone who
supported us and brought cakes in to sell.
We really appreciate the help you gave us.
Year 7 Joey Backhouse, Luca Curini, Ruby Oddie, Josh Jones, Eve Midgley
Year 8 Emily Watson, Ruby Klarzynska, Oliver Smeele
Year 9 Rory Kunz, Holly Marsden,
John-Luke Hutchinson
Year 10 Sam Backhouse, Ruth Hollis
Year 11 Alex Smeele, Becky Fuller
Year 12 Grace Anderton
Team manager - Jessica Hutchinson
Ruby Bower, Year 12, has won her first GB gold medal
at an international diving competition in Dresden. She
will now represent the GB Junior Diving team at the
European Championships in Croatia in June.
To keep up-to-date with all the buzz at Beckfoot
visit: www.beckfoot.org Tel: 01274 771444 Email: [email protected]
Beckfoot School, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16 1EE