weather report - Weatherhead High School

Transcription

Weatherhead
High School
WEATHER REPORT
A high performing academy providing excellence for all
Spring 2015
Oliver Production
Brings the House Down!
E
xcitement for the school production
of Oliver reached fever pitch in
December with three sell-out
performances, enjoyed by almost 1,000
audience members. The Performing
Arts Department, led by Director Mrs
Henderson, produced an impressive
showcase of student talent in this much
loved musical. The robust audition process
ensured a strong cast, with three of our A level
Drama students taking lead roles. The pairing of
Hannah Whiting as Oliver and Olivia Ord as the
Artful Dodger was a huge success.
A moving performance by Emily Beresford, as
Nancy, won rave reviews. Connor Robson’s Fagin
had the audience in stitches with his rendition of
Reviewing the Situation, and George Jones played Bill
Sykes in a convincingly menacing fashion.
Applied Business students ran a successful tuck shop and raffle,
raising an amazing £1,100. £100 was also raised at the Evening
of Performing Arts in November, and £132 from the lunchtime
Christmas concert organised by Year 13 BTEC Music students.
Combining this with a donation from ticket sales, Mrs Henderson
was delighted to make a donation of £1,500 to Barnardo’s.
The final night performance saw a standing ovation for the cast and
Mrs Henderson. The production was a real credit to the tremendous
effort and hard work put in by everyone over the past term to bring
this performance to life. After their amazing performances, we wish
Year 13 Drama students, Emily and George (Nancy and Bill) all the
best as they both hope to gain places at top Drama colleges and
follow a career in the arts.
The fifty strong supporting cast of students from
Years 7 to 11, who played roles as orphans, Fagin’s
boys, pickpockets and Londoners, were also brilliant,
as were Miss Chappell’s talented dancers as performing
tavern girls. Highlights of the show included Nancy’s
powerful ballad As Long As He Needs Me, and the whole
cast rendition of Consider Yourself which brought the house
down.
The whole production was a real team effort, with student
input across acting, dancing, music, back stage crew, technical
support and front of house marketing.
Window on Weatherhead
Headteacher’s Welcome
I
am delighted to present the latest edition of Weather Report. In the past term there have been so
many activities and events to report on and we have tried to include most in this edition. I hope
you enjoy reading the articles and share with me in congratulating the students on their many
talents. Weatherhead students have so many opportunities available to them and I am grateful to
all our staff who give so much of their time to make all this possible. My very best wishes to all our
readers and a Happy Easter.
It’s Official! Weatherhead is
Top Performing School Nationally
W
eatherhead High School is fast becoming renowned as a beacon of success. The school was rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2012 and in
September 2014 became a Teaching School. In the recently published 2014 School and College Performance Tables, Weatherhead was
top nationally, compared to schools of a similar intake. 76% of students achieved 5 A* - C at GCSE level (including English and Maths)
which is an astonishing success against a national and local trend that saw results declining. The new tables reflect more challenging GCSEs where
the examination component has been increased and coursework reduced, and the grading of papers has been more rigorous and challenging.
At Weatherhead, we have worked very hard to ensure that teachers have prepared the students for these new challenges and we have always
put a great emphasis on success in the basics of literacy and numeracy. The students are hardworking and ambitious and they are supported
by a highly skilled team of hardworking teachers. This focus has been rewarded with increased success across all subject areas and reaffirms
our position as an Outstanding school which gives us confidence and encouragement as we move forward to becoming a centre of excellence
on the Wirral as a Teaching School. Our Governors, parents, students and staff are very proud of the success achieved. For a school such as
Weatherhead with a comprehensive intake to be topping a national league table is something very special and the success exceeds that of some
very prestigious schools in other parts of the country.
KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Year 5 Open Evening Thursday 18th June
Year 5 Open Morning Friday 19th June
Summer Sizzler
Tuesday 23rd June
Summer Sizzler
Wednesday 24th June
Year 10 Work
Experience Week Monday 29th June Friday 3rd July
KS3 Awards Evening
Tuesday 7th July
New Intake Day
Wednesday 8th July
Year 7 Conway
Residential Monday 13th Wednesday 15th July
A Level Results Day
Thursday 13th August
GCSE Results Day
TERM DATES
INSET
Monday 20th April
School opens
for students
Tuesday 21st April
School closes
Friday 22nd May
Half TermMonday 25th Friday 29th May
School opens
Monday 1st June
School closes
Thursday 16th July
School OpensThursday 3rd September
(Years 7 - 12)
Friday 4th September
(Year 13)
2
WEATHER REPORT
Year 7 Round-up
Christmas Charity Champions
F
ollowing on from the success of last year’s
Year 7 charity appeal, Miss Brough and Year 7
Charity Captains coordinated the mammoth
task of collecting, making, decorating and delivering gifts
to residents of local care homes. Once the appeal was
launched, a dedicated group of Year 7 students spent every
lunch time during November and December designing
and creating Christmas decorations, hand making cards,
collecting and wrapping gifts, all helped by their Sixth
Form Friends. Staff and students generously donated gifts
of toiletries, scarves, hats, gloves, puzzles, books and CDs
and metres upon metres of wrapping paper! Miss Brough
accompanied 55 girls to Eaton Court, Mariners Park,
Sandrock and Victoria House Care Homes during the last
week of term to deliver personalised gifts to over 200
residents and to spread some Christmas cheer. Rebecca Isaac
kindly donated a handmade gingerbread house whilst Asha Cockcroft brought in freshly baked
scones with jam and cream.
The girls certainly showed the true meaning of Christmas and brought smiles to so many
faces. The experience is also an important part of our intergenerational and community work,
encouraging our girls to think of others. Head of Year, Miss Smith, said, “The students wanted
to develop a charity initiative that supported the local community. We cannot thank everyone
enough for all their support. I am very proud of the students for the time, effort and special
contributions they have made to ensure our local elderly community feels valued this Christmas.”
Prima Ballerina
in the Making
T
Prima Ballerina
alented ballerina, Emma
Jackson, won a part in the
coveted English Youth Ballet
production of Sleeping Beauty last
year. English Youth Ballet tours the
UK offering 100 young dancers the
opportunity to perform in full-length
classical ballets alongside international
principal artists. Having successfully
auditioned for a part in the chorus,
playing a Cryonite and Honesty, Emma
was delighted to be awarded a
scholarship which contributed towards
performance, travel and hotel costs.
Emma, who has been dancing since she
was four, attends monthly workshops
at the Northern Cecchetti Associates
where they teach contemporary
dance, jazz, character dancing, as well
as classical ballet. Emma was also cast
as an orphan and one of Fagin’s boys
in the school production of Oliver!
Asha gives Mary Berry
a run for her money
A
sha
Young baker,
Cockcroft
Asha Cockcroft
has been
making headlines
in the local press
for her cake baking
and decorating skills.
Asha recently won
a silver award in the
Under 12 Birthday Cake category at Cake International, a Cake
Decorating and Baking Show at the NEC, Birmingham. Asha
began baking at a young age, baking traditional dishes like Apple
Pie and Cornish Pasties, and in the summer holidays helps out
at her great aunt’s cake decorating business, Patchwork Cutters.
Inspired by her great aunt, Asha put her skills to good use and
helped raise £1,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice at the
Patchwork Cutters Christmas coffee morning by demonstrating
how to decorate snowman cupcakes. Asha, who is a huge Great
British Bake Off fan, used her baking skills to spread joy in the
community when she joined fellow Year 7 girls visiting nursing
homes where she distributed homemade scones with jam and
clotted cream for residents.
For all the latest news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk
3
Year 7 & 8 Round-up
Year 7 Halloween Disco
Halloween Hi-jinx!
S
ixth Form students made a huge effort to dress up
in impressive costumes including nuns, pumpkins,
skeletons, and as celebrities such as Liam Gallagher,
the Blues Brothers, Scooby Doo and Cruella de Ville, to
inject some Halloween fun into celebrations for Year 7
students who were invited to a devilish disco - a great end
of first term treat for the girls after settling into Year 7 so
well. The Sixth Form team created a fantastical, fun filled
night with a little help from IceRadio DJ, Connor Robson. The
hair-raising fancy dress and spooky staging got everyone in
the mood for a great night. Year 7 girls and Sixth Formers
took part in
dance offs, dance
competitions and
games, with the
party going on
into the night - a
spooktacular
success all round.
The Year 7 girls
pulled out all the
stops for their
costumes with
popular choices
being zombie
school girls,
frightening devils,
wild witches and
6th Form dress up for Halloween
creepy clowns!
Skills Test Success
Y
ear 8 skills tests took place at the end of February in
Maths, English, Geography and History. The tests are
an intrinsic part of keeping students focussed and
motivated to progress through their studies. Well done to
all Year 8 students on all their hard work, composure and
attitude - we look forward to some excellent results.
4
WEATHER REPORT
There’s No Business
Like Show Business
Y
ear 8 dancer, Emily McGlynn, and her troupe from the Works
Academy, beat off stiff competition from 30 dance troupes from
across the region to win first place in the Under 14s category
at the North West That’s Show Business regional finals at the Winter
Gardens in Blackpool. The troupe performed six different dances with
six costume changes to be crowned overall winners. Their routines
included a contemporary dance to Kelis’ Milkshake dressed as
waitresses.
Year 8 Rush In
A
s part as of our Drugs Education Programme, Year 8 students
participated in a visit to the Liverpool Maritime Museum for the Rush
Drugs Awareness Programme and Seized exhibition. The programme
provides a unique opportunity for students to explore the issues associated
with drug misuse within a neutral, safe environment. Students watched a
specially written drama piece and explored the
issues raised through theatre workshops and
handling collection and gallery exhibits which
broadened their understanding of drugs and
their impact on the community.
Girls Enchanted by Aladdin
A
s a reward for their efforts, achievements and hard work last term,
150 Year 7 and 8 students were invited to watch Aladdin! at the
Liverpool Empire. Students and staff took a magical virtual carpet
ride and were transported into the fairy tale world of panto starring a
host of local favourites, including Ray Quinn
as Aladdin. The theatre was transformed with
stunning sets, glittering costumes, wonderful
songs and dazzling dancing - plenty of laughs
and audience participation made for a
wonderful night.
Year 9 & 10 Round-up
Something to Write
Home About
E
nglish teacher, Miss Cooper, was delighted
that one of our talented young poets,
Tamzida Begum, won the Highly
Commended award in the 11-16 category in the
Chris Salmon Poetry Competition.Tamzida’s entry, on
the theme of Light, was selected from over 850 entries. As a prize,Tamzida
attended an award ceremony at Bromborough Civic Centre in March where
she recited her poem and collected £100 prize money.Tamzida is also invited
to attend a bespoke poetry workshop with a local well known poet. Along
with other category winners,Tamzida has the opportunity to be voted the
overall winner and crowned Wirral’s Young Poet Laureate …. so watch this
space! All winning poems will be published in an anthology, which is available
to buy from Wirral Libraries - all proceeds will go to The Christopher Salmon
Foundation.This is a huge achievement for Tamzida - well done!
World of Work Careers Fair
Selection Success
K
een footballers, Jodie Ballard and Lois
Campbell, have recently been selected to play
for Merseyside School Girls. The girls travel to
Liverpool after school on a Tuesday for training at
Walton Park and every Wednesday for matches. The
Under 14 squad is made up of elite sports girls from
schools across Wirral and Liverpool, and it is a real
privilege to be selected. The team play in a county
league against teams from Lancashire, Shropshire,
Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Winners of the
Northern League will play in the national finals at
Wembley, to be crowned national schools champions
later in the season!
PE Students Have a
Sense of Adventure
Understanding the World of Work
S
tudents in Years 9 and 10 were given a greater understanding of the
world of work through a speed dating style carousel event where they
had the opportunity to interview a variety of professionals about their
field of work. Representatives from local organisations, as well as our own staff,
were on hand to answer questions about their professions. The event created
a buzz amongst the girls as they moved around the theatre interviewing the
professionals and later consolidating their findings in their PSCHE lessons.
The afternoon was completed with a University of Liverpool talk to students
about university life and higher education, whilst our STEM ambassador gave a
presentation on how to prepare for a job interview.
A
group of intrepid PE students demonstrated
outstanding resilience when they embarked on a
weekend of adventure at the Oaklands Outdoor
Education Centre in North Wales last term. The girls took
part in three team-building activities across the weekend:
canoeing, underground exploration and gorge walking which
also involved somersaulting from rocks and sliding down
waterfalls! The weekend was fantastic for raising self-esteem,
overcoming fears and challenging the students throughout
the physically demanding two days. It was also a lot of fun
in the process. Check out the video under the latest news
section of the school website and see for yourself!
He’s Behind You!
Y
ear 9 and 10 students enjoyed a lively performance of the legendary
alternative Rock n’ Roll panto Red Riding Hood
which returned to the refurbished Liverpool
Everyman Theatre in December. The panto proved as
zany, funny and fast paced as ever which the girls loved!
Students enjoy Oaklands
5
Year 10 Round-up
Georgia
Makes
Waves
G
eorgia Barratt
has been
awarded
the prestigious title
of Commodore
at the Bridgewater
Motor Boat Club in
Runcorn. Traditionally,
Commodore is the
title for an officer
assigned to command
more than one ship
at a time. This is a great honour and, at such a young age, is an even
greater achievement as Georgia has been named the youngest
Commodore in the country. Georgia has worked hard in her spare
time organising and fundraising for the club, including hosting charity
dinners. Other duties included organising cruises, attending regional
meetings, and promoting information about the North West canal
system. To mark the occasion, Georgia hosted a special celebration
lunch, along with her family, who are long standing members of
the club. Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Bainbridge, who attended the
celebratory lunch said, “This has been a very special occasion and we
are very proud of Georgia’s achievement. Throughout the lunch she
showed her ability to organise and lead a large team of people to
ensure the smooth running of the event, and she was very confident
and articulate when giving her speech to the group. We all wish
her well in her role as Commodore and I am sure she will be great
inspiration to many of our students at Weatherhead.”
Weatherhead Apprentices
L
evel One Child Care students held a fair as part of their first
module themed on the The Apprentice. Once responsibilities
were allocated, the girls worked in groups to decide on the types
of activities, stalls and games that would feature at the fair. The girls
learnt the importance of advertising the event, as well as how to plan
and run an event. Taking their roles seriously, the girls practised their
customer service skills on each other and were delighted that, on the
sound of the bell, students and staff flocked to the room. The fair raised
just over £200 and, after a lesson researching the suitability and safety
of toys, each student was given £25 with which to buy new toys for
Weathertots - the school Mums and Tots
group.
Diversity
Y
ear 10 started the year by participating in workshops
run by Diversity Role Models, a charity which actively
seeks to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying
in schools. They aim to stop bullying before it happens
by educating young people about difference, challenging
stereotypes, and addressing the misuse of language. The
workshops were well received by our girls and work on
the same themes was
continued in PSHCE
lessons and Anti-Bullying
week.
Looking on the
Brightside
Charlotte Brightside cheque donation
Y
ear 10 students chose to support a local charity dear to
Weatherhead’s heart - the Charlotte’s Brightside CLC in
New Brighton - and raised just over £100 through a cake
sale. Volunteers from the year group, under the supervision of
Miss O’Hea, gave up their spare time to bake cakes and cookies
which were sold for 50p. Named after ex-student, Charlotte
Churchill, and her favourite Killer’s song Mr Brightside, the centre
(which now features a recording studio, chill-out areas, table
tennis table, milkshake bar and a cafe area) offers a great place
where teenagers can hang out and meet new friends. Chamber
Choir also performed at Charlotte Fest, New Brighton’s very
own mini festival in Vale Park, set up by Charlotte’s friends in her
memory.
Chamber Choir performing at
Charlotte Fest
6
WEATHER REPORT
Year 10 & 11 Round-up
Flying High
The Real Deal
F
ive GCSE Business and Communication Systems
students travelled to the Museum of Science and
Industry in Manchester to participate in the North
West Regional Final of the Real Business Challenge, run by
Coca Cola Enterprises. Weatherhead was one of eleven
successful schools chosen to compete from approximately
8,000 applicants. The girls met with a representative from
Coca Cola in the morning and
spent the afternoon producing
a PowerPoint presentation, a
poster and an app in support of
the “Special Olympics”. At the
end of the day, the projects were
presented and, although Team
Weatherhead did not get through
to the final in London, they
still had lots of fun and it was a
fantastic experience.
Working
9 to 5
S
R
AF Air Cadet, Katie Ormston, spent her half term attending a
Drill and Ceremonial course at the RAF Halton training base
in the Chilterns. Having completed the intensive course, Katie
is now a Drill Instructor at her squadron and is fully qualified to teach
foot drill and rifle drill to other Air Cadets. The 273 Wallasey Squad
meet twice weekly to practise drills, flying and air rifle shooting. The
squad take part in Remembrance Day parade and visit RAF bases
around the UK, including RAF Valley in Anglesey where Katie recently
flew a Hawk, the same aircraft used by the
Red Arrows! Katie has been committed to
the Air Cadets for two and a half years and
hopes that her experience will help her join
the RAF.
Order in the House!
Y
ear 11 Sociology students visited the Houses of Parliament to see
how the Palace of Westminster and Parliament have developed over
the centuries, and to find out what Parliament does today. The group
were given a guided tour to see where our democratically elected MPs
meet to debate and make laws in the House of Commons. After learning
about past Prime Ministers, the girls visited the House of Lords where
members check and challenge government to think harder about its laws
and policies. The group were also treated to a flight on the London Eye
and view the capital’s landmarks from a great height. To finish the day, they
walked past (and had a quick glimpse of) 10 Downing Street and visited
Trafalgar Square before experiencing the Tube and heading head home.
tudents and parents
turned out in large numbers
to support the Year 10 Work Experience information
evening. The evening provided further information on the
placements available, what students should expect and what
they can hope to achieve. Preparations are now well under
way to ensure that our girls experience a meaningful week
(from Monday 30th June - Friday 3rd July) within the
work place, and gain valuable knowledge and understanding of
a variety of career paths and settings.
Students enjoy the London Eye
For news updates follow us on Twitter @WeatherheadHigh
7
Year 11 Round-up
NCS Life Experience
L
ast year, Melissa
Hardman took
part in the
National Citizen Service
youth programme.
Phase one involved a
five-day residential to
Scotland, followed by a
camping expedition to
Thurstaston for Phase
2. The residentials help
boost confidence,
encourage students
to make new friends,
develop and learn
life skills, explore
new challenges and
create unforgettable memories. Phase 3 involved planning
a community project and fundraising for a chosen charity.
Melissa and her team chose Alzheimer’s UK and spent time
helping residents at a care home in Bromborough. The group
aimed to improve activities for residents and bought new
board games and DVD players for the rooms. The group
successfully moved on to Phase 4 - graduation!
Last summer, over 50 Weatherhead students took part in the
NCS summer programme. Over the course of four weeks the
girls took part in outdoor pursuit adventures, went camping,
participated in workshops delivered by Merseyside Police
and Merseyside Fire Service, and spent the last two weeks
planning, fundraising and delivering community projects across
Wirral. We are delighted to have almost 60 students signed
up for this summer’s programme.
Headteacher, Mr Dyment, was invited to a lunchtime
reception at the House of Commons, to celebrate the
successes of the National Citizen Service. He joined other
Headteachers, MPs and business representatives to share
experiences about NCS and spoke about the positive impact
that NCS has played at Weatherhead and in the wider
community.
Tapas Treat
T
o celebrate the end of the mock examination period,
during which students knuckled down, worked hard
and conducted themselves in an exemplary way, Year 11
were treated to a trip to La Tasca in New Brighton. The girls were
treated to a special menu enabling them to try an array of tapas
dishes including chorizo, albondigas (meatballs) patatas bravas
(spicy potatoes), traditional paella and churros (a Spanish style
donut) with hot dipping chocolate as dessert. The girls enjoyed the
opportunity to relax, dress up and socialise.
8
WEATHER REPORT
Hold Fire!
A
bbie Owens completed a six week course with Wirral
Fire Cadets where she completed many tasks, some more
challenging than others. The course aims to promote selfdiscipline and self-confidence, encourage team work, and improve
knowledge and practical ability. The tasks included how to roll out, connect
and operate a hose, how to stand a ladder correctly and climb safely.
Abbie completed a portfolio which enabled her to pass the course with
written work and research on health and safety checks and fire tasks.
Abbie thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend anyone that
is interested in joining the fire service to sign up today!
Tall Ship Adventures
L
ast year, Victoria Cooper joined other Wirral teenagers on
the North West Adventure voyage, organised by the Tall Ships
Youth Trust. The voyage was more about fun, adventure and
taking on a challenge - no sailing experience was required, just a
willingness to get stuck in! Training started straight away, learning
knots, climbing the rigging and collecting their equipment for the
week ahead. With training complete, the ship set sail on their first
leg, Liverpool to Anglesey. As the group’s confidence grew, they
took turns in taking watch, taking the helm, and mastering new
knots. After anchoring in Anglesey overnight, the third day was
tough making their way to Dundalk Bay in Northern Ireland but the
majestic scenery, friendship and thrill of the open waves saw them
through. The final leg,
from Dundalk Bay to
Warrenpoint, was made
easier with a relatively
calm sea. Once safely
docked, the crew were
allowed ‘shore leave’
and went off exploring
the Warrenpoint shops
and local area. Victoria
enjoyed this once in
a lifetime experience
which proved amazing,
Tall Ships adventure
fun and challenging!
Sixth Form Round-up
Weatherhead Welcome to Sixth Form
T
he Year 12 New Intake Breakfast in September
was an opportunity for students joining
Weatherhead from other schools to meet
one another, Sixth Form staff and enjoy a bacon butty.
Students had an opportunity to talk within smaller
groups, get to know one another, meet a wide range of
staff and feel welcomed into the Weatherhead fold. The
SSLT were also on hand to share tips and advice on
settling in and Sixth Form life. An array of team building
activities were laid on to break the ice for our new
Year 12 students and help them build relationships and
share creative thinking for a positive start in Sixth Form.
From Origami to Circus Skills to Samba Drumming and
Dance, students were kept on their toes and challenged
to develop new skills and make new friends along the
way. Even getting up close with some unusual creatures
in the Creepy Crawly Show workshop did not put them
off, which bodes well for the future to take on the
challenges that Sixth Form study offers.
Holding Out for a
Hero
American
Girl
F
Y
ollowing an incredible year of achievement, including a winning
performance at the UK Nationals, where she secured first place
on Floor and Vault, first place on Bars and second place on
Beam, Year 12 student Kirby Holsgrove will join a select group of elite
gymnasts travelling to Palm Springs, California, to compete at the World
Championships in June. Gymnastics Coach, Miss Chard, said, “This is an
incredible achievement for Kirby and we are all so proud of her. She
has contributed to Weatherhead’s team triumphs in elite gymnastics
and is an inspiration for many younger students coming up through the
ranks”. Besides being an inspirational sporting ambassador and one of
the school’s Community Sports Leaders, Kirby is studying PE, Dance,
Psychology and Media at A level. She hopes to study Sports Science and
this latest development may lead to her getting a sport scholarship from
one of the leading American universities.
ear 12
student,
Samantha
Edwards, was
joint recipient of
the prestigious
Outstanding
Bravery Award
at the 2014
Wirral Golden
Globe Awards.
The awards
recognise
a range of
community
heroes with
a glittering ceremony at The Floral Pavilion, attended by local
stars and hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter, Roger Lyon.
Samantha was nominated by her mum, Rachel, for dealing
with challenging and demanding family circumstances. She
helps care for her brother and dad and despite this, managed
to pass all of her GCSEs (including an A in Performing Arts)
last summer. Her Mum described her as “a teenage tower of
strength”. Samantha followed her passion for acting, taking a
lead role in Oliver! with a rousing and comical performance as
Mr Bumble.
Follow Sixth Form news and Future Choices alerts on Twitter @Weatherhead6th
9
Sixth Form Round-up
Young Scientist in the Making
O
ne of our Year 13 Physicists, Bradley Cottrell, was named Young Physicist of the Year by the
Wirral and Chester Ogden Trust, a charitable trust aimed at promoting the teaching and
learning of Physics, offering scholarships, and funding teaching programmes. Bradley and his
family were invited to receive his award at a special ceremony at the local space themed visitor
attraction, Spaceport in Seacombe. Bradley is now eligible to apply for a special bursary to assist
with his university fees to pursue a degree in Physics.
Young Physicist of the Year
Grade 8 Trio
Looking to the Future
Y
Students Make the Grade!
ear 13 students have been preparing for university by
getting involved in a variety of activities outside of the
curriculum. Many students spend time volunteering within
school and in the local community to develop skills and gain
relevant experience in their chosen field of study. Others support
school events and departments by running their own clubs for
younger students (including Dance and MFL) and offering peer
to peer coursework and revision sessions. There is also our ever
popular and successful Sixth Form Friends programme where
Year 12 students are allocated to a form and meet the Year 7
students once a week to help the form tutor and offer guidance,
support and friendship to Year 7 girls.
Y
ear 13 musical talents, Emily Beresford, Jenna Doswell and Emily
Williams, all achieved their Grade 8 in Musical Theatre - the
highest grade awarded and the standard required for entry
into Music College. This is a significant achievement by the girls
alongside their A level studies and credit must also go to their tutor,
Miss Jackson. Securing Grade 8 singing, with distinction, is the icing
on the cake of a successful year for Head Arts Ambassador, Emily
Beresford, who took the lead role of Nancy in the school production.
Whilst accomplished dancer, Emily Williams, is hoping to gain a place
at the Urdang Academy in London and has shown great commitment
having taken up singing only six months ago. Jenna is hoping to pursue
a degree in Sports Science at Leeds Beckett University and credits
her unconditional offer with a diverse range of skills she was able to
demonstrate in her application, including her Music study.
Sam Kydd recently passed his Grade 7 Guitar. Sam, who has
mastered contemporary composition as part of his BTEC in Music,
is now looking to continue his Music studies at the British and Irish
Institute of Music in Manchester (BIMM), where the talented Tom Odell
and George Ezra both
studied. Sam has already
enjoyed recognition with
his band, 23 Fake Street,
which has played at the
East Village Arts Club in
Liverpool. We wish the
students all the best
with their university
applications, A levels and
future careers.
10
WEATHER REPORT
Looking
to the
future
How to Make a
Good Impression
A
dmissions staff from Liverpool John Moores University
visited school to talk to students and advise them
on how to write a personal statement. The session
focussed on the important information required to ensure
that students make the right impression and promote
themselves. LJMU also gave a talk to those students
interested in following a career in primary education
providing helpful information and guidance. Weatherhead
staff are also available to check and guide students with
their final personal statements. Thanks to Mrs Smith, Mrs
Bainbridge and Mrs Jones
for all the invaluable support,
advice and guidance they give
our students.
Sixth Form Round-up
Festive Fayre
In the Pink
P
ink Day, Weatherhead’s annual charity fundraising event,
raised over £1,000 in aid of breast cancer awareness
charities. Year 13 Health and Social Care students
organised a host of activities, including a pink fancy dress photo
booth, loom band workshop, cake sale, raffle, quizzes and a
sell-out Sixth Form talent show with performances by Emily
Beresford, Courtney Campbell, Sam Kydd and Connie Roberts.
Staff and students dressed in pink to support the event and
Year 13 Health and Social Care students delivered breast cancer
awareness sessions in class. Organiser and Head of Health and
Social Care, Mrs Roden, said, “A huge thank you to the school
community for all the support the Health and Social Care
students received and the generous donations which raised so
much for charity.” Generous donations of £518 were made to
both Breast Cancer Care and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
T
hree Year 12 students studying for their BTEC in Work Skills
planned and ran a Christmas stall as part of their coursework.
The girls made a variety of gifts and goodies to sell, including
Christmas cards and baubles, loom band bracelets, necklaces and key
rings. Once they had covered their costs they donated all their profits
to charity. The annual Christmas stall is a fun and invaluable exercise
for students in how to plan, market, cost up and run an event. The
trio visited Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in February to deliver a cheque
for £57. The girls were given a tour around the Oncology Unit, with
access to specialist wards and the chance to meet the charity team. The
students found the trip very rewarding, as they got an insight into how
their donation will be used by the charity.
BTEC students at Clatterbridge
Bridging the
Oxbridge Gap
A
A Woolly Fantastic Day
S
taff joined Sixth Formers and pulled on
their warmest and most festive woollies
on 12th December to take part in
national Christmas Jumper Day and raised nearly
£150 for a local charity close to their hearts,
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
cohort of Year 12 students interested in applying
to Oxbridge attended an Introduction to Oxbridge
event, hosted by Weatherhead, for Wirral schools.
Representatives from both institutions explained the application
and interview process and
gave an insight into life
at these universities. Our
own Oxbridge Alumni and
Weatherhead staff, Mr
Hawkins (History) and Mrs
Kirby (Science), also hosted
a ‘What is Oxbridge really
like?’ session which the
Students attend Oxbridge talk
group found fascinating.
KEY DATES FOR SIXTH FORM
Year 13 Leavers’ Lunch
Thursday 21st May
Year 12 Higher
Education Information
Evening
Tuesday 12th June
Year 13 Prom
Thursday 25th June
A Level Results Day
Follow Sixth Form news and Future Choices alerts on Twitter @Weatherhead6th
11
Global Perspective
ConCERNed
about the
Future Science!
Students visit CERN
K
een Year 12 scientists partnered with a
group from West Kirby Grammar School
and the Ogden Schools Science Partnerships
to visit CERN, the European Organisation for
Nuclear Research in Switzerland.
The aim of the trip was to bring Science alive and
to consider how scientific theory, research and development allow new technologies to
evolve. Students observed experiments, listened to presentations by world-renowned
scientists, and visited the famous Hadron Collider. The group were excited to learn
that CERN have just appointed their first female Director General and that the World
Wide Web was created at CERN by British Scientist, Tim Berners-Lee. As a fluent
French speaker, Mr Riley led the group round Geneva and to visit the famous Lake.
Since returning, Mrs Garner has maintained the students’ enthusiasm and passion for the
subject by creating a Physics Book Club to encourage students to widen their study and
interest in the subject.
Favolosa Venezia
22
French visitors to school
Year 12 Fine Art and Textiles students visited the stunning
floating city of Venice to help them gain inspiration for
their AS practical exams. The group visited the stunning
Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) which dates back to the 14th century
and features some of the best examples of Renaissance architecture.
They experienced the opulent design of the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica
and the world famous Accademia Galleria which houses Michelangelo’s
magnificent statue of David. The group soaked up the sights, sounds and
culture of the city on a gondola ride through the canals and sampled
traditional Venetian cuisine including polenta, fettucine and ravioli.
Bienvenue a
Weatherhead
W
eatherhead was visited by French Sixth Form students
and staff from Lycee Uruguay in Fontainbleu who
were interested to learn more about careers in
education in England. The group toured the school, met with
staff and students and observed lessons. They were guided
around school by our A level French students who made the
most of the opportunity to brush up on their language skills. The
visit was part of a cultural exchange programme and our MFL
department are keen to develop the relationship with the Lycee
through an organised pen pal programme. Assistant Headteacher,
Mrs Bainbridge, who organised the day said, “It was a pleasure to
welcome our visitors and we hope to meet with them again in
the future.”
12
WEATHER REPORT
Students enjoy Venice
Gondola ride
An Eventful
Subject
TimeMatters
at Weatherhead
European Day of Languages
W
eatherhead celebrated all things European to encourage students to understand the value of languages. Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed
multi-lingual karaoke, the French-British animated comedy L’Illusionniste was screened at lunchtime in the theatre (complete with
popcorn), and IceRadio broadcast an MFL-themed show. Staff were also treated to a delicious continental tapas style breakfast with
Spanish chorizo and tortilla, German rye bread and sausage, Italian olives, French pastries and Madeleine cake.
The pièce de résistance was the Great European Bake Off. Talented bakers overwhelmed MFL staff with an amazing array of beautifully crafted
cakes, all European-themed to mark European Day of Languages. Staff were impressed by the response and talent of students who offered
up muffins, cupcakes and sponge cakes decorated with maps of Europe, flags, European phrases and even a flamenco dancer! After much
deliberating the winners were announced: 1st place Olivia Churchill and Annie Chapman (Year 8), 2nd place Ellie Roberts (Year 7) and 3rd place
Autumn Townsend and Poppy-Leigh Heron (Year 10).
Duke of
Edinburgh’s Awards
Ceremony
1st
2nd
Bake Off
Winners
Gold Award recipients
SSLT and guest Speaker at Sports Awards Evening
Sports Awards Evening
W
eatherhead hosted its inaugural Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award Ceremony for family,
friends and staff to celebrate the hard work
and commitment of over 100 students who have
completed their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. A
staggering 19 Gold Awards, 25 Silver Awards and 76
Bronze Awards were presented by Headteacher, Mr
Dyment to our own students, as well as Mosslands
boys who participate in the scheme. The scheme is
led by local youth worker, Chris Vernon Jones, and a
team of dedicated volunteers (including Weatherhead
staff). A former student, now studying Law at Chester
University, who is an active D of E Volunteer,
congratulated all the students on their achievements
and spoke of her own pride and the value it had given
her in achieving the Gold Award.
!
T
he PE department hosted the sixth annual Sports Awards Evening
with this year’s guest speaker, elite hockey player, Charlotte Hartley.
Charlotte has represented England at both junior and senior levels,
competing in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and winning gold
at the Sydney Youth Olympics in 2007. There were a record number of prizes
awarded to students in all year groups and at all levels, and the evening featured
a fantastic display by our elite gymnastics squad, coordinated by Miss Chard.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
T
he Senior Leadership Team baked an array of delicious cakes, biscuits,
scones and brownies as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in
October raising just over £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
SLT bakers
Anyone interested in The Duke of Edinburgh
programme should contact Assistant Headteacher,
Mrs Bainbridge on 0151 631 4400
For news updates follow us on Twitter @WeatherheadHigh
13
An Eventful Time at Weatherhead
Senior Awards Evening
W
eatherhead’s annual Senior Awards Evening was an
opportunity to celebrate how hard our students in Years
11 to 13 work to achieve success, both in and out of
the classroom. The event was attended by over one hundred and
fifty award winners, parents, teachers and Governors. This year’s
guest speaker was ex-teacher, Jan Murphy, who is now Director
of Education and Professional Learning at Liverpool John Moores
University. The evening included performances by Weatherhead’s
Dance Company, who performed to Stronger than Ever by Lily Allen,
Chamber Choir’s rendition of Lego House by Ed Sheeran, and a
reading of William Ernest Henley’s Invictus by Jessica Hesketh in Year
11. Year 10 students, Jessica Henry and Hannah Roberts, sang Riptide
by Vance Joy, with Hannah on guitar, whilst soloist Emily Beresford
sang as the audience arrived.
SSLT at Senior
Awards Evening
Year 11
academic achievers
Disability Awareness Week
N
ow a firm fixture in
the school calendar,
we marked Disability
Awareness Week with a variety
of workshops and talks for
students. Local ex-soldier and
Paralympian, Pete Dunning,
gave an inspirational talk to
Year 9 students about the highs
and lows of living with and
overcoming his disability. Lynette
Proctor from Guide Dogs for the
Blind Association (accompanied
by her guide dog) spoke to
Year 7 and 8 classes. Year 8
watched a thought provoking
and emotional performance by
the disabled troupe, Dark Horse
Theatre Company. Local charity,
Vision Support, taught braille
to Year 7 classes, whilst Mrs
Parsons taught sign language
to some of her classes. Once
again the event proved a huge
success, increasing awareness of
the many abilities of the disabled
in our community and was well
received and supported by our
students.
Safer Internet Day
I
n February, Weatherhead joined hundreds of schools
and organisations across the UK in celebrating Safer
Internet Day and promoting the safe and responsible
use of technology. This year’s theme, ‘Let’s create a
better internet together’, was an opportunity to focus
on both the creative and positive things that young
people are doing online, as well as the role that we all
play in helping to create a better internet. As part of the
PSHCE curriculum, students looked at the issues and
concerns that young people have when they are online
and the practical solutions and digital good deeds that
would help create a better online community. As well
as e-safety assemblies and form time quizzes, students
made individual pledges to acknowledge their role in
creating a positive online environment. For parents and
carers we hosted an online safety information evening
and daily e-safety drop-in sessions. Everyone has a role
to play in creating a better internet. It’s up to us!
What will you do? For ideas, visit our dedicated e-safety page at
www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/e-safety
14
WEATHER REPORT
SID
pledges
Guide Dogs visit
Weatherhead
Peter Dunning
talks to
Year 9
An Eventful Time at Weatherhead
No Place for Bullying
Spot the difference
Y
ear 8 DJs
IceRadio anti-bullying show
Ellie Jarvis,
Kate Vinten
and Caitlin Walters
broadcast friendshipthemed messages
and song requests to
underpin Anti-Bullying
Week. The most
popular song requested was The Rembrandts’, I’ll Be There for You,
made famous by the 90’s sitcom Friends. As well as anti-bullying
themed assemblies and form time activities, students were invited
to submit posters for the Bully Busters poster competition,
create friendship pledges for an anti-bullying tree and take part
in a slogan competition. The week serves to positively reinforce
how Weatherhead does not tolerate bullying and that students
feel happy and safe at school.
Weatherhead Gets Crafty
A
fantastic
festive fair
was organised
by Weatherhead’s PTF
in November putting
everyone in the Christmas
spirit and providing a great
showcase for local talent,
with stalls selling pottery,
festively wrapped gifts, cakes and decorations. Our committed
PTF members ran a café offering tea and coffee, mince pies and
doughnuts, whilst our talented Choir and Orchestra entertained with
festive music. Thanks to the PTF team, along with the local businesses
and organisations who donated raffle prizes. The event was a great
success and proceeds will go towards a new trampoline for the
PE Department and the extra-curricular programme. PTF Chair,
Ann Blundell, presented a cheque to students at a recent parents’
information evening for £400 with another £800 presented to the
cast on the first night of Oliver.
PTF donation
Children in Need -
Wear Spots Day
S
tudents and staff were invited to wear spotty accessories
and join in Spotty Day in support of Children in Need.
Students donated 50 pence to wear Pudsey ears, badges
and glasses, adorn spotty ear-rings and hair bows, wear sporty
socks and scarves and some students even decorated their shoes
with spots! The most popular accessory by far was an array of
beautifully decorated
spotty nails. Staff and
students from the
Food department
raised extra funds by
selling homemade
spotty pepperoni
pizza for 50p at
lunchtime. Together
we raised an
impressive £544 for
Pudsey sponsored
projects.
Spot the difference!
Card Free Christmas
S
taff generously donated almost £400
to Claire House instead of sending
each other Christmas cards. Mrs Jones
organised a mince pie and coffee break at the
beginning of December where staff were able
to exchange Christmas tidings and make their
donations.
!
New PTF members are always welcome! For more information click on the Parents,
Teachers and Friends tab under the Parent Section of the school website
15
Subject Matters
Students have a fresh perspective
ART
Sixth Formers Get Sketching
I
an Murphy revisited
Weatherhead last term to work
with our A level students on a
large scale piece to include in their
coursework portfolio. After an
introduction into the theory and
technique, and a demonstration,
Sketch book work
our students experimented
themselves and by the end of the
session were able to produce some impressive sketchbook drawings. It
was a fantastic opportunity for our students to access personal tuition
from a professional and to gain a deeper insight into the way an artist
produces his work and the inspiration behind it. Some excellent work
was produced that students can add to their portfolios.
A Festival of Fashion
Y
ear 11 and 12 Textiles
students visited the
2014 Clothes Show Live
at the NEC in Birmingham.
The event offered a unique
opportunity for students
to find out more about
the range of creative roles
Students show off their goodie bags from
within the fashion industry,
Clothes Show Live!
university options and
courses available. But the highlight of the day was the Designer
Catwalk which played host to inspiring designs and trends from
established designers, including Dame Zandra Rhodes and Julien
Macdonald OBE, who presented their signature pieces on the
catwalk.The day was completed with visits to Vintage Avenue,
Designer and Cheap and Chic outlets to purchase the latest fashions.
It’s a Fine Life
Y
ear 10 and 11 Art and Textiles
students attended a fantastic Fine
Art workshop with local artist,
Caroline Dangerfield, to learn new skills
and techniques to help them with their
GCSE coursework. Caroline’s workshop focussed
on elements of nature and landscape. By the end
of the session, the group had gained a whole array
of new skills, including a deeper understanding into
colour mixing and colour schemes, developing their
painting skills, exploring surface texture and how
to build layers plus creating different printing and
painting techniques. The day was fruitful, students each produced
exceptional pieces of work which we hope will help them achieve
the highest grades at GCSE.
16
WEATHER REPORT
Students Have a Fresh Perspective
S
taff were delighted that work from our talented Year 12
and 13 Fine Art and Textiles students was chosen to be
displayed at Port Sunlight’s Lady Lever Art Gallery. The work
formed part of the Gallery’s prestigious Fresh Perspectives exhibition,
which showcases a diverse selection of outstanding works including
paintings, photography and textiles work from local schools. It is
the second time that the exhibition, which runs biennially, has been
held at the Gallery. Works will be displayed across three rooms,
showcasing the breadth of creative talent held by young people in
Wirral. There’s still time to visit the exhibition which runs until
19th April.
DANCE
Dancing for Joy
O
ur Dance
students
were
put through
their paces
last term with
workshops with
three renowned
Dance
institutions.
6th Form Dance Workshop
Anthea Garrett
from the
Hammond
School of Dance came in to lead a contemporary dance session with
Year 13. Anthea was accompanied by a trio of students, including
former Weatherhead student, Sophia Ingam, who is now in her second
year. The session also provided students with information about the
Hammond’s new degree course starting in September 2015. AS and
A2 dancers were joined by a dancer from the Akram Khan Dance
Company, who came in to join one of their Dance classes, generating
much excitement. Our A level students were also treated to a
Saturday session with a dancer from the renowned Matthew Bourne
Dance Company focussing on the Nutcracker.
Subject Matters
Desh Dance Trip
DT
Students meet Akram Khan!
Decoupage Workshop
T
O
ur A level dancers were fortunate to secure tickets to see
Akram Khan’s widely acclaimed performance of Desh at the
Lowry Theatre in Manchester. Students study his innovative
Indian Kathak inspired contemporary dance style which inspires
and informs their own solo exam pieces. The solo performance
was visually exciting and thought-provoking, sharing stories of life in
Bangladesh and the relationship between a father and son. The girls
were thrilled to bump into Akram and one of his dancers, Jose, who
had previously visited Weatherhead to run a workshop. This was
such a privilege and the icing on the cake after a wonderful evening!
he Design
DT workshop
Technology
department
hosted a decoupage
workshop for AS and A2
students, as well as Year 10
students opting for Product
Design. Decoupage is the art
of decorating with paper was
first used by the Victorians.
Visiting designer, Martin Holder, who
runs his own business, Geekcycled, creating bespoke decoupage
designs using comic book graphics, came in to share techniques and
demonstrate his skills.The workshop contributed towards the
students’ coursework of practical investigation into different art and
techniques.The students loved trying their hand at decoupage and
were able to enhance their own portfolios in the process.
ENGLISH
Rock n’ Roll is
Here to Stay
D
ance students were in for a
real treat when they went to
a performance of Christopher
Bruce’s Rooster, an exciting celebration
of the swinging sixties by the
celebrated Rambert contemporary
Dance company. Sharp-suited men and powerful women
performed dazzling dances to some of the Rolling Stones’
most famous tunes, including Sympathy for the Devil and Little
Red Rooster. The inventive choreography (by one of Britain’s
leading choreographers), live music, world-class dancers and
the audience whistling and cheering, made the performance
particularly memorable for our girls.
Look Sharp!
M
usical theatre lovers in Years 7 to 13 enjoyed a spectacular
performance of modern fairy tale Edward Scissorhands at
the Liverpool Empire. The contemporary ballet, based on the
Tim Burton classic 80’s film, was brought to life by New Adventures
and the talented choreography of Matthew Bourne. The girls were
enthralled by the touching love story, big company numbers, stunning
sets and impressive costume
design by Olivier Award winner,
Lez Brotherston. The show was
entertaining and edgy with an
unforgettable finale laced with
theatrical magic.
English A-A* workshop
University Session Boosts
Confidence
F
ifteen Year 11 students
attended an English
Literature A-A* booster
masterclass at the University of
Liverpool with Mrs Walton and
Miss Woolsey. The girls enjoyed a lecture focussing on Steinbeck’s
Of Mice and Men to boost to their GCSE exam preparation. The
girls enjoyed meeting first year English students for a Q&A session
about university life. The event gave girls the chance to experience
English Literature taught in a university environment, deepened their
understanding, and tested their knowledge of the text.
Keep up to date with all the latest Dance department news via Twitter @WHSDanceDept
17
Subject Matters
Students Go Potty for Potter
S
ince September, the Harry Potter Club has been a
welcome and popular addition to the Extra Curricular
timetable. Every Tuesday, Harry Potter fanatics meet
for a lunch time of magic, mystery and mayhem. Whether
it is creating new captivating characters, casting stupendous
spells or working wonders with their wizarding wands, there is
never a dull moment! On Thursday 5th February, students had
the exciting opportunity to celebrate Bloomsbury’s first ever
worldwide Harry Potter Book Night. The LRC was transformed
into our very own Hogwarts, and celebrated with a night of fun,
games and food. The night started with a sorting ceremony complete with sorting hat - to form the four houses. The four
teams; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, competed
to win points through a variety of activities. They tested their
Harry Potter knowledge with some History of Magic challenges,
tapped into their imaginations with Defence Against the Dark
Arts Boggart-Busting, cast spells on Miss Evans in Duelling Club,
and mixed up some concoctions in Potions Class. While all the
points were being added up there was a fabulous feast, complete
with butter-beer, chocolate frogs, and jelly slugs! There was also a
chance to look at the new editions of all the books, with fantastic
cover designs by illustrator Jonny Duddle. After a brilliant night,
Slytherin was named our first ever House Cup winning team,
with each house member winning their own box of Bertie Bott’s
Every-Flavour Beans. LRC Manager, Miss Grainger said, “It was a
truly magical night, and all the girls really entered into the spirit of
things with their spectacular costumes and limitless imaginations!”
If you are a Harry Potter fan and would like to join in the magic,
go along to C205 on a Tuesday to see what it’s all about.
H
undreds of creative students have had a busy few
months writing poetry and entering competitions.
The first competition was War of Words, a national
competition organised by Young Writers. Students
wrote their own poems based on the theme of “Conflict”. From
haiku to sonnet, the English Department received over 100
poems and were very impressed with the quality of entries and
so were Young Writers! They wrote to 67 of our students to
request permission for their fantastic poems to be professionally
published in a regional anthology. The English Department also
received 85 poems for the Christopher Salmon Poetry Extravaganza,
a local competition, organised by The Christopher Salmon
Foundation and Wirral Libraries. The theme this year was “Light”
and there were impressive entries from across all year groups.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Weathertots
O
Wands at the ready
ur Mums and Tots group, Weathertots, continues to be popular
within the community. The new toys, bought by Level 1
Childcare students, have certainly been enjoyed by the children
and made the Christmas party very successful. This term has also
seen our A level Health and Social Care students implementing
their own activities in support of their coursework. The girls have
been busy planning and making a range of activities for the children,
including play dough, jigsaws, frogs game and the alphabet game.
Level 2 Childcare students have been supported by our most
experienced Level 3 students during their Wednesday morning
session, which has provided a great opportunity for peer mentoring.
The Year 13 students have passed on their knowledge and expertise
and encouraged the Level 2 students to try new games and activities.
The children had an exciting morning with ‘gloop’ which was one
activity enjoyed by the Tots and our students in equal measure!
!
18
WEATHER REPORT
If any Mums and Tots would like to join Weathertots, please
contact Mrs Hearn or Mrs Roden on 0151 631 4400.
Subject Matters
Tapas Tapas
MUSIC
I
n December, Health and Social Care, Childcare and Food
Technology staff accompanied our GCSE Childcare students
to La Tasca for the evening. It was a fun packed night with
light Spanish music playing in the background and a delicious
selection of mouth-watering tapas to sample. The laid back
Mediterranean atmosphere made for a pleasant evening to mark
the end of a busy but constructive term of hard work.
Seasonal Cookery Club
T
he seasonal Cookery Club is
open to all girls in Year 7 and 8
and runs every Thursday lunch
time. The Club’s menu is determined by the
seasons, which allows the girls to experiment
with many different cooking techniques. The
students who attend the club also improve their confidence, become
more independent and develop friendships. The students have
already baked Christmas fairy cakes, a chocolate log, biscuits and
scones and have made sausage rolls. If anyone is interested in joining
- please see Mrs O’Hea for further details.
Musicians are Bold as Brass
W
eatherhead’s talented musicians were delighted
to go out into the community and to help create
a special festive moment for patients and staff at
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. The performance was arranged
by former student, Jasmine Scarisbrick, who is now studying
Music at university and is a volunteer at both Weatherhead
and Clatterbridge. Music teacher, Mr Brown, said, “The students
performed to a very high standard and the staff and patients
were very appreciative and have asked Weatherhead to come
back soon. It was a very humbling experience to see the
amazing work the staff and volunteers do at the hospital.”
Brass Band visit Clatterbridge
HISTORY
A Time to Remember
42
A level History students attended
the Wirral Holocaust Memorial
Day commemoration service
held at the Floral Pavilion. They were fortunate
to hear a testimony from 84 year old Rudi Oppenheimer, one of
the last generation of Holocaust survivors to commemorate the
70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz this year. Rudi spoke
to students about his wartime experiences in Holland and Belsen
concentration camp, and then took questions. The students felt
privileged to hear his emotional and moving story. The event proved
highly thought provoking, emphasizing the importance of never
forgetting those who suffered during the Holocaust as well as ensuring
that similar atrocities are never repeated.
MFL
It’s Beginning to Feel
a Lot Like Christmas
Y
ear 13 Musicians put on a lunchtime
festive concert to kick start the
Christmas celebrations and raise
additional funds for Barnardo’s. The event was
planned, marketed and organised entirely
by the students as part of their BTEC Music
course. With performances from Year 10, 12 and 13 musicians the
show certainly put a sparkle into the last week of term and raised
£132 in the process.
MFL Dishes up a Treat
S
ixth Form linguists visited La Tasca in November to enjoy
a night of Spanish food and to launch the MFL Christmas
Fair. The paella was particularly delicious and inspired
Masterchefs, Melissa Malpeli and Emma Segar, to create their
own. The department held a Christmas Fair and introduced Years
7 and 8 to European festive customs to develop their cultural
awareness alongside a passion for languages. The event literally
gave students a taste of delights from around Europe with such
a fantastic paella!
For all the latest Music updates, follow us on Twitter @WeatherheadMusicWHS
19
Subject Matters
A RARE
Opportunity for
Students
G
CSE Music students enjoyed a three hour music composition
masterclass with RARE’s Jez Wing (the keyboard player from
popular seventies Liverpool group, Echo and the Bunnymen),
and lead singer/songwriter for Cousin Jac. Mrs Rees’ Music students
were able to improve their composing skills, gained invaluable
experience from an industry professional and thoroughly enjoyed the
workshop.
PERFORMING ARTS
Students Ride the
Tidal Wave of Success
Y
ear 11 GCSE Performing Arts students planned and
performed in an evening show entitled A Voyage of Discovery
which staff, family, friends and local primary schools pupils
were invited to watch. The theme was Oceans and the girls worked
hard to create a beautiful performance of song, dance and delightful
puppetry. The performance was attended by an external examiner
who marked the girls on their performance, front of house
organisation, marketing of the event and technical support (including
lighting and sound). The girls also coordinated a mini Science fair and
Art exhibition with entries from primary school children and our
own students. The girls’ hard work paid off and the evening was a
huge success which we hope will provide them with well-deserved
top grades.
Primary pupils’ artwork
20
WEATHER REPORT
Brian McCann visits school
Students Overcome
Writer’s Block
B
irkenhead based scriptwriter, Brian McCann, visited
school to run a workshop on script writing for our
Year 11 Drama students. Brian is a prolific writer,
composer and director, scoring many successes with his
Theatre in Education piece Bully, as well as performances at the
Edinburgh Fringe and the Royal Court. Brian was able to use his
vast experience and knowledge to help our girls understand
the process of script writing, script development, how to use
different styles and influences and how to create a piece of
theatre. The workshop was invaluable to the girls who will use
this to help to write their own script for the devised section of
their GCSE Drama exam.
An Evening of Performing Arts
P
erforming Arts students put on a fantastic Evening of
Performing Arts in November. This annual event gives an
opportunity for GCSE and A level Dance, Drama and Music
to showcase their work whilst GCSE Performing Arts students were
assessed as part of their course as performers, back stage crew
(operating lighting, curtains and sound) and front of house team.
The evening was well attended by family, staff, friends and younger
students, keen to see what they could achieve at GCSE and A level.
The audience enjoyed a selection of dance performances, including a
beautiful Toy Story themed duet, trumpet and cornet solos from two
of our talented musicians, and a strong rendition of Lucy in the Sky
with Diamonds by
the Year 12 band.
GCSE students
entertained with
a musical theatre
number as well as
a sneak preview of
a few big hits from
Oliver.
Subject Matters
Pure Theatrics!
T
he Drama department had a busy term
offering theatre trips to the Lowry and
the Royal Exchange in Manchester to
watch the critically acclaimed Sweeney Todd and War Horse. Students
loved the dramatic and emotional performances which they will
review as part of their written GCSE and A level exams. For some
of the younger girls, it was the first time they had seen a professional
theatre performance. Sixth Form students were also delighted to visit
the newly refurbished Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse to enjoy a
performance of the comedy She Stoops to Conquer.
Brook Bitesize
L
ocal organisations Brook, Response and The Youth Offending
Team returned to Weatherhead to run a series of
important workshops for our Year 9 and 10 girls regarding
substance misuse, relationships and homelessness.
SCIENCE
PSHCE
Student Health
and Well-Being
A
s part of Weatherhead’s commitment to ensuring our
students are well supported in all aspects of school
life, we have joined with Wirral Child and Adolescent
Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to provide a peer mentoring
programme. Year 12 and 13 students joined students from West
Kirby Grammar, Upton Hall and Birkenhead High to undertake
a Mental Health First Aid training course. The training will enable
them to deliver an information session to Year 9 students during
PSHCE lessons and to support students across the school
alongside Year Leaders, Learning Mentors and the Well-Being
Coordinator. Due to its success, this local initiative is in the
process of being rolled out across the country. We are delighted
that our students are part of such an important, worthwhile and
innovative scheme.
PSHCE staff underwent training with Response Wirral who
offer support, counselling, help with drug and alcohol misuse,
and help with benefits and housing issues to young people
aged 13 - 19. The training centred around homelessness and
provided staff with knowledge to educate students about the
dangers of leaving home and where they could go for help and
support. Our staff also undertook Level 1 and 2 Relationships
Education training with Wirral Brook. The focus of the training
was to ensure that staff have the skills and knowledge to deliver
effective relationships education which will help our students
face the challenges of the 21st century.
Year 12 Peer Mentors
Rocky Shores
A
s part of their Ecology and Managing the Environment
portfolio, the Year 13 Applied Scientists visited Anglesey.
The group spent the first day investigating the abundance
and distribution of species living on sheltered and exposed rocky
shores. The sun was shining and the students quickly got to know
the organisms of the rocky shore (a large sea kelp became the
mascot for the day which was named Dave!). The group researched
the effects of wave action on the size of different snail species and
were amazed at the variety of life on the shore and the various
Latin names that scientists use to identify them. The students stayed
overnight in their own wooden cabin at the Anglesey Outdoor Centre
and headed back to the shore next morning to complete their
individual investigation.
Work Experience
Opportunity
S
ix Year 13 Scientists visited Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)
to take part in a Science at Work Day. The day aimed
to educate interested students about BMS and the
pharmaceutical industry. During the day, students were given a
short introduction to the industry and met members of staff
at the site, hearing about their academic histories and careers.
The majority of the day was devoted to a series of interactive
workshops, during which students worked hands-on with
different teams to simulate drug product formulation and
manufacture and design a clinical trial. The students thoroughly
enjoyed the day, learnt a lot and were provided with a great
insight into the world of pharmaceuticals.
21
Subject Matters
We’re All Going to the Zoo
22
Year 12 Applied Science students attended an Education
Session at Chester Zoo as part of their Applied Science
coursework, to complete a project on a Science based
company. During the session they found out about the history of the
Zoo, the services that they provide and the amount of visitors they have
per year. The session explored the positive impact that Chester Zoo has
on the surrounding area and the conservation work that they complete
in this country and other countries around the world. The students had
an opportunity to ask questions and touch a giant snail, rhino horn and a
python skin! After the session the group had time to explore the Zoo and
had one of the first glimpses of tiger cubs born two weeks before, plus the
very pregnant Rhino that gave birth three days after our visit.
A QUESTION OF SPORT
Students Spring
into Action
19
students took part in the regional round of the National
Schools’ Trampolining Championships at Robin Park Sports
Centre in Wigan. Each group performed a compulsory
and voluntary routine and demonstrated excellent technique
resulting in both teams achieving third place in their age categories
- a brilliant achievement, just missing out on progressing into the
National round. Year 7 students, Maylin Tsang and Anya Wilkinson,
were placed 6th and 15th respectively in the Under 14 age group
out of 120 competitors, which was something to be proud of.
Other outstanding performances came from Jody Diamond, Caitlin
McGreary and Megan Smyth who were all ranked in the top ten for
the Under 19 age group placing them 7th, 8th and 10th respectively.
Weatherhead
trampolinists
Students Land Top Places
Under 16 gymnastic squad
W
ell done to the Under 16 Elite Gymnastics Squad who
competed at the Milano Team Regional Championships
in Walton-le-Dale. The girls were required to perform
individually in the Floor and Vault categories, as well as in a trio
on the Floor. With over 50 gymnasts in the mix, it was a tough
competition that required nerves of steel and consistency across the
disciplines. The Weatherhead squad did themselves and Miss Chard
proud, with our trios finishing in 4th, 5th and 7th positioning in the
region. Congratulations girls!
Volleyball
O
ur Year 9 and 10 volleyball teams fared well in the Under 15
Wirral Schools’ Volleyball Tournament held at Wirral Grammar
School for Girls in October. They were placed 4th and 5th
respectively after tough competition from Prenton, South Wirral,
Wirral Grammar, Woodchurch High and University Academy
Birkenhead.
Volleyballers
22
WEATHER REPORT
Subject Matters
Netball Results
footballfocus
Our Netball squads, led by Miss Thomas, continue to go from
strength to strength and have all had a successful season so far.
Under 13 squad meet
Tranmere players
The Year 7 Netball team played their second game of the
season against UAB and were just beaten in the last minute
when the UAB team took a 4-3 lead. The squad’s success
continued when they won their match 8-3 against the Kingsway
Academy
The Year 8 team,
plus Elysia Gee and
Melissa Molyneux
from Year 7, were
victorious against
UAB with an
impressive 14-0 win!
They went on to
beat the Kingsway
Academy 10-1.
Year 8 Netball squad
Kinder+ Sport Football
League Girls’ Cup
Year 9 Netball squad
The Year
9 team, plus
Year 8 Ella
Greaves, gave
an excellent
performance
against Kingsway
Academy with a
6-0 victory! They
continued their
winning streak
winning 7-5 against Woodchurch High and came away with a
5-5 draw against West Kirby Grammar. Particular mention goes
to Georgia Williams for a notable performance as Goal Defence.
The Year 10 team’s first netball game of the season was against
a talented squad from West Kirby Grammar. The girls fought
back until the end but unfortunately did not come away with a
win. Despite the loss, it was an excellent squad performance. The
squad later lost 8-7 against Woodchurch after a tense and close
match, which the team were very unlucky to lose.
The Year 11 squad were gracious in their 17-3 defeat to Hilbre
High Sixth Formers. The girls put out a strong performance
against this talented squad and never gave up despite an early
and strong lead by their opponents.
A mixed team of Year 10 and 11 students played the Kingsway
Academy in January and came away with an impressive 32-4
victory - an outstanding squad performance!
W
eatherhead’s Under 13 football team beat ten other
local teams in the Kinder+ Sport Football League Girls’ Cup
hosted by Tranmere Rovers FC. The squad won seven
out of their ten matches, beating Wirral Grammar 1-0 in the final.
This is the third consecutive year that the Under 13 footballers have
emerged victorious in the club finals and as a result went on to
represent Tranmere in the Regional Area Finals.
Tranmere players Jay Hunter, Michael Ihieke, Luke Pilliny and
Max Power took time out from their training schedule to visit
Weatherhead to congratulate the girls on their success and wish
them luck before they played in the regional finals at Shrewsbury
Town Football Club.
It was day of great football on a cold January day as Weatherhead,
playing as Tranmere Rovers, went from strength to strength. Facing
four teams in the group stages, the girls held their nerve to secure
a nail-biting final game against Coventry City. A 3-2 victory put
Tranmere through to the semi-finals on goal difference where they
met Shrewsbury Town. However, history was to repeat itself as the
game again went to penalties, with Shrewsbury edging the victory to
progress to the Final.
PE teacher and coach, Miss
Lilburn said, “Many thanks go
to Tranmere in the Community
and everyone who supported
our girls. It is great that our girls
are making such a mark on the
football scene and they should
be proud of their performance
throughout the tournament.
They never failed to give less
than their best regardless of the
outcome, both on and off the
pitch. The girls did their school
and Tranmere FC extremely
proud!”
For all the latest sports updates, follow us on Twitter @WeatherheadPEdept
23
Subject Matters
English Schools’ Football
Association Playstation
Schools’ Cup
ESFA
Schools’
Trophy
The PE department were delighted to have three teams entered
into the prestigious (ESFA) Playstation Schools’ Cup this year. The
Under 13 squad just lost out in the Cup with a nail-biting penalty
shoot-out where the final score was 4-6 in Fazakerley High School’s
favour.
he Under 18 squad
made a superb start
to the competition with a 5-3 win against Lymm High
School to put Weatherhead’s Under 18 football team through to
Round 2. The squad cruised through to the next round with a 3-1
win against Ormskirk School. However, fierce competition in Round
3 from Llanfylin High School ended this year’s cup campaign.
The Under 14
squad made it to
Round 5 but sadly
their impressive
winning streak came
to an end when they
met Thomas Telford
School and despite
Under 14s
superb skills and
stirring performances they bowed out of the Cup gracefully after a
0-3 defeat.
The Under 15 squad faced tough competition to reach Round 4.
They held the home side Ormskirk at 0-1 until the final few minutes,
when a penalty was conceded, sealing their fate and ending their
campaign. The squad should be immensely proud of their efforts and
composure during such a tough game.
The Under 16
winning streak
continued in Round
2 after an exciting
4-3 win against
Birchwood High
School. Sadly the
squad bowed out
in Round 3 after a
match full of action
Under 16s
where the girls lost
1-5 against Maricourt Catholic High School.
!
Keep up to date with all the teams’ progress at
www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/ExtraCurricular/
Physical/Education/SportsNews
Football Interform
O
ver 500 students across Years 7 to 11 took part in the
Interform Football event in the Autumn Term. Working
together as forms, and with the support of their form tutors,
it was a positive experience for all the girls and encouraged team
spirit and promoted sportsmanship. Our CSLA sports leaders
were a great asset in helping manage the event which was great
fun with some great results.
24
WEATHER REPORT
T
The Merseyside Cup
T
he Under
13 squad had
a smashing
start to the tournament
beating Holy Cross
Family Catholic High
School 10-0 in a
fast paced game.
The magnificent win
ensured that the team sailed through to the next round to play
local rivals St. Mary’s, whom they beat in an impressive 7-1 win
putting them through to the Quarter Final stage.
The Under 16 squad were firing on all cylinders for their first
game of 2015, when they faced St. John Bosco Arts College in
the Quarter Finals of the Cup. Great goal keeping skills from
Georgia Hepke and goals from Tyra Gordon, Melissa Hardman
and Jessica Spilsbury ensured that we closed the first half with
a healthy lead. St. John Bosco managed two goals in quick
succession in the second half, but fortunately, Weatherhead got
their heads back in the game quickly to dominate the remainder
of the game, with an additional goal to seal a 4-2 victory and
book a place in the semi-finals!
Miss Lilburn was delighted that the Under 13, 14 and 16 squads
all made it through to the Quarter Final stages of the Cup.
Results Table
Year 7 1st - 7NSE, 2nd - 7SPO, 3rd - 7LHK, 4th - 7JFO
Year 8 1st - 8RMN, 2nd - 8MTA, 3rd - 8DR, 4th - 8CDN
Year 9 1st - 9PGR, 2nd - 9AWS, 3rd - 9LCO, 4th - 9KCH
Year 10 1st - 10LCY, 2nd - 10LRY, 3rd - 10TR, 4th - 10JP
Year 11 1st - 11NB, 2nd - 11KB, 3rd - 11MWI, 4th - 11GRO
Weatherhead Plus!
Homework Club
Extra Extra
(Curricular)
A
ll students are encouraged to attend at least one extra-curricular club,
which aim to help students settle down to life at Weatherhead quickly
and are an ideal way of making new friends and becoming involved in
school life. The clubs help students to learn new skills and improve confidence
- all essential life skills when preparing for life after school and at university or
the workplace. Whilst academic success is important, it is essential to have the ability
to get on with others, communicate effectively and be confident by experiencing
new things. Popular new additions this year include Animation Club, Harry Potter
Club, History Club and Puzzle Club, as well as firm favourites Basketball, Chamber
Choir, Chess Club, Film Club, Gymnastics, IceRadio, Orchestra and Yoga. Our Active
Playground scheme, which is supported by our Community Sports Leaders, continues
to provide playground games and activities to girls, including skipping ropes, giant
sized Jenga and Connect 4, balance beams, racquets and balls.
There are also a plethora of curricular based support and drop-in clinics and
revision classes to help students in Years 10 - 13 all year round, and
especially in the run up to exams. GCSE and A level students are
encouraged to make the most of these support sessions. Students are
also able to complete their homework in the library or the computer
suite which are open until 5.30pm Monday to Thursday.
!
IceRadio
For more information on our Extra Curricular provision visit
the school website www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk
and click on the Extra Curricular tab at the top of the page.
On the Plus Side
Year 7 Cookery Club
W
e also run a successful and popular Extra Curricular
Plus programme offering free lunchtime and after school
activities specifically for Year 7 and 8 students. Clubs on
offer this year include Art & Craft, Cheerleading, Cookery, Dance,
Drama, Football, Trampolining and Zumba, with over 100 students
currently signed up for Plus clubs!
Year 7 Cookery Club is a great experience for all budding chefs
and bakers - girls are given the opportunity to make all sorts of
delicious treats and goodies, including cakes, chocolate muffins, pizzas,
flapjacks, brownies and cookies which they get to take home. One
student commented, “You can chat and relax with your friends if
you’ve had a busy day. The best thing is, you don’t have to bring
ingredients as Miss Kell provides everything for you. All you have to
bring is a container. Amazing!”
School Council Have Their Say
M
embers of the School Council and Sixth Form representatives joined hundreds
of secondary school students from across the Wirral at a Youth Parliament event
at Wallasey Town Hall in November. The group enjoyed taking part in a carouselstyle rotation of activities, watched a performance by Wirral Youth Theatre, and took part in a
Q&A session at the end of the day. The event was organised to consult local young people
on important local issues, find out their point of view and find out what young people really
want. The group enjoyed the day and felt they played a part in the bigger picture.
25
Read All About It
Students enjoy
author week
Cathy Cassidy
By the Book
W
eatherhead’s annual Author Week yet again
proved popular with five jam-packed days of
book readings, workshops and book signings.
Students from all year groups had the opportunity
to meet visiting authors and get books signed over
lunchtimes. All five authors were incredibly generous with
their time and ink, signing over 700 autographs between
Ross Montgomery
them! The week was a huge success helping to generate
real passion for reading in our students. The books have
proved as popular as the authors behind them, with library copies flying off the shelves. There were also dozens of entries for the Author
Week writing and drawing competitions, with a fabulous top prize of five signed Author Week books.
Students were treated to fun writing workshops with fashion-blogger-turned-author Natasha Ngan. Natasha very generously gave away
copies of her gripping book The Memory Keepers for some outstanding pieces of writing. Ross Montgomery joined Year 7 and Year 8
classes, where he introduced students to the power of the unknown, from the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean. He then
demonstrated the effectiveness of keeping your readers in the dark by reading a passage from his brilliant book The Tornado Chasers. Firsttime author Jenny McLachlan shared the journey of a book from first ideas to front cover designs. Her fun book Flirty Dancing has already
been incredibly popular in the LRC and students were thrilled to learn it is the first in a series of four books. Jenny very kindly gave an
interview for Ice Radio, where she talked about her favourite books, as well as the importance of reading from a young age. There were
queues into the LRC when popular author Cathy Cassidy spent lunchtime signing books and reading from Sweet Honey, the latest book
in her Chocolate Box Girls series. She also took two thoroughly entertaining classes, telling girls about her life and how she combines the
ideas for her books. To complete the week, author and illustrator Dave Shelton talked students
through his career and shared some of his wonderful illustrations and ideas. He also left pupils
eager to pick up his latest spooky book Thirteen Chairs when he read a couple of passages that
sent an eerie chill through the room!
The authors had many positive things to say about Weatherhead, with plenty of lovely tweets,
emails and a hand-drawn thank you card. Miss Grainger, LRC Manager said, “What a fantastic
week! Each author offered a fresh and unique insight into their life and work, and the students’
response was excellent. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the positive effects of these
thoroughly entertaining visits.”
26
WEATHER REPORT
Read All About It
Writing in a
Winter Wonderland
T
he festive writing and drawing competitions
proved as popular as ever with over
110 entries for the Winter Wonderland
writing competition and a fantastic 145 entries for
the decoration drawing
competition. Miss Grainger
had the difficult decision of
choosing winners aided by
70 keen student voters who
voted for their favourite
decoration designs.
World Book Day
T
he LRC was a hive of activity in the run up to
World Book Day (WBD). Students were able
to buy some of the most popular books and
discovered some fantastic new titles at the Scholastic Book
Fair which ran from 23rd February to 27th February.
Students were given a £1 WBD voucher and there was also an array of
stationary which sold out! Our annual Readathon was launched which runs
until the Easter break. Students were invited to challenge themselves to read
something new, a series of books, a new genre, a new author, four books in
a month and to raise money for charity at the same time. During the week,
students packed out the LRC to watch book trailers and author videos.
Students were also able to take part in the Weatherhead Book Awards by
completing a voting form and returning nominations to Miss Grainger before
World Book Day. Categories include Best Book EVER, Best Film Based on
a Book and Character I’d Most Like To Be! Look out for the results in the
library next term of all the latest competitions.
New Year
World War 1
Literature Breakfast Diary
Y
ear 12 English Literature students took part in a World War 1
themed wider reading festival in the LRC with Mrs Walton and
Miss Grainger. The group met to read, discuss and learn from
World War I text and poetry. The group thoroughly enjoyed the event
and plan to continue their studies by meeting up three more times to
share their resources and swap ideas.
Competition
I
nspired by Jeff Kinney’s popular series, Diary of a Wimpy
Kid, Miss Grainger launched the Diary of a Weatherhead
Kid competition which attracted hundreds of entries
with some great stories about life and experiences at
Weatherhead! Winner: Holly Segar (8JJA) Runners Up:
Nina McDowell-Daly (7LHK) and Hafina Thomas (7HF).
Special Commendations: Shauna Crook (12KCS), Olivia
Evans (8DR), Holly Gorman (8DR), Rebecca Isaac (7JJ),
Millie Nicholls (7SPO), Sophie Walch (8BMC).
27
Leadership
Teen Takeover
T
Teen Takeover Team and performers
en Year 12 students took over the Museum of Liverpool as part of the National Teen Takeover initiative which gives young
people the opportunity to experience and contribute to the arts. The planning and running of the day was left entirely to
the students who were determined to show off their leadership and creative skills gleaned as volunteers every Wednesday
afternoon for two months, as part of the Year 12 enrichment programme. They pulled together their resources and worked as a team
to create a fun-filled day for all ages. There were special performances from Weatherhead singers and dancers, a football quiz and
museum trail. Over 130 museums and galleries throughout the UK ran a Teen Takeover event this year with more than 3,600 young
people taking part. Actor and Patron of the initiative, Michael Sheen, commented, “Young people sometimes get a raw deal, yet Take
Over Day proves that, given the chance, they can take on roles within the arts with imagination, responsibility and commitment.” Our
students certainly proved they were up for the challenge and delivered their activities with passion and enthusiasm.
Young Artists in Residence
S
ix Year 12 students have been working with representatives from the
Museums of Liverpool on an initiative aimed at training our students to
lead tours around the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight. Students
have been engaged in sessions tailored to improving their confidence and
presentation skills as well as developing their knowledge of the gallery
collections. The students have taken part in gallery based tasks that have
included research, planning and hands-on art activities and in December they
each delivered a gallery based tour to 30 of our Year 7 girls. The girls thoroughly
enjoyed the tour which opened their eyes to a local hidden treasure and the fine
art, tapestries, sculpture, furniture and Chinese and Wedgewood pottery The
Lady Lever houses. The Young Artists in Residence Programme is firmly embedded
in our Year 12 enrichment programme and continues to attract and engage our
students encouraging them to become confident young leaders.
Young Artisits in Residence
28
WEATHER REPORT
Gifted & Talented Programme
GIFTED GATEWAY TO WEATHERHEAD
Aboriginal Art
Pupils Rise to the
Challenge
Y
Ingeniously Indigenous
A
rt teacher Miss Stewart hosted an Art masterclass for eighteen
Year 5 primary school pupils to launch the 2014-2015 Gifted
Gateway to Weatherhead programme for Year 5 Gifted and
Talented pupils. The group explored Aboriginal art, developing their print
skills and creating designs based around traditional Aboriginal art. The pupils
were really engaged in the whole process and impressed Miss Stewart with
their talent, interest in art and beautiful designs.
ear 5 and 6 pupils from local primaries were invited to
take part in two Gifted and Talented Challenge Days.
The first Saturday involved a Maths and Science day
at Mosslands, where pupils took part in fun experiments and
solved challenging problems. The following Saturday, the pupils
returned to Weatherhead for a carousel style event in English,
Maths and Performing Arts. The pupils engaged in a Drama
workshop focussing on freeze frame and still imagery, followed
by a creative writing workshop in which they researched and
wrote their own piece inspired by the Titanic, plus mini Maths
competitions and puzzle solving activities. At the end of the
day, parents were invited to attend a creative writing and
poetry reading where pupils shared their work.
GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAMME AT WEATHERHEAD
A
new cohort of 15 keen Year
7 linguists joined our Latin
programme last term, which
continues to be successful in its fourth
year. The group meet weekly with
tutors from the University of Liverpool’s
innovative schools outreach programme,
as part of the Classics for All initiative. The
girls have enjoyed studying this ancient
language and understanding its relevance
and importance today. Our Year 8 and 9
Latin students visited the Lady Lever Art
Gallery in February to read, understand
and translate Latin inscriptions from
pieces of art. The girls had great fun
discovering art and were very successful
in their translations.
Bombs Away!
T
en budding Year 9 Chemists spent a day at the Chemistry at Work event at the
Daresbury Laboratories to learn about cutting edge scientific developments
and to explore STEM careers. The Laboratory is one of two national science
and innovation campuses, and is renowned for its world leading scientific research in
the field of bio-medicine, physics, chemistry, engineering and scientific computing. The
event promoted STEM opportunities for women and helped the girls understand how
to pursue a career in the Sciences. A workshop conducting chemical analysis challenged
their problem solving skills and gave a fascinating insight into forensics. The highlight of the
day for the girls was
creating baths bombs,
Bath Bomb Making
looking at the science
behind the cosmetics
industry and creating
their own designs
which they were then
able to take away as
gifts for Christmas!
For all the latest news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/parents/gifted gateway
29
Gifted & Talented Programme
Counting profits
Year 8 tycoons
Teenage Tycoons
I
n the Autumn Term, a group of promising Year 8 entrepreneurs were invited to take part in the Tycoons for Schools competition,
launched by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones. The competition aims to encourage the UK’s budding entrepreneurs and enterprising
young people to get involved in business. The group successfully applied for a £750 start-up loan (which must be repaid) to run
a school based business. The girls decided to run a sweet shop which they named Global Goodies, selling internationally sourced
confectionary (predominantly from the USA). The girls made a healthy profit of £100 after paying back their loan which they are
donating to charity. They have now submitted their business plan, final report and portfolio which will be judged by Peter Jones and a
panel of top business moguls. Winners are to be announced in Spring.
Scholars’ Programme
A
t Weatherhead we are committed to supporting our Sixth Form students in successfully applying to top universities including Oxford,
Cambridge and the Russell Group. The Scholars’ Programme is designed to stretch and challenge our most able students. Currently up
to 40 students across Years 12 and 13 take part in the programme meeting every fortnight to debate topical issues with staff. Themes
have ranged from crime and punishment and the sensitivity of religious satire, to media coverage of Ebola being too focussed on the western
world. A similar debating programme is run for Year 10 Gifted Gateway students, to develop their critical thinking and communication skills.
Scholars’ Programme 2015/16
March
Scholars’ debate
Oxbridge Student Conference/Roadshow at Haydock Park
Cambridge subject specific Study Days
June
Merseyside UCAS Convention at the University of Liverpool
June/July
Oxford and Cambridge Open Day visits
August
Sutton Trust Summer School at Cambridge
UNIQ Summer School at Oxford
September
Mock Oxbridge interview preparation, mentoring and personal statement preparation
!
30
For more information on our Gifted & Talented Programme - visit the school website
www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/gifted
WEATHER REPORT
Primary Liaison
Arts Leaders
Get Creative
F
Follow the Leader
A
s part of the Sixth Form enrichment programme,
Year 12 Arts Leaders spent half a term honing their
leadership skills, playing and creating their own Drama
based games to deliver an afternoon workshop with local primaries.
The group visited Leasowe Primary and New Brighton Primary
over the course of a term to play a series of games, including
everyone’s favourite Fruit Bowl, Corners, Chair Tag, Detectives,
and the ever popular Splat Bang which the pupils loved! The
games aim to introduce pupils to the key elements of Drama in
a fun and informative environment through playing games.The
group showed maturity, developing their communication, team
work and leadership skills, by successfully maintaining control and
concentration with Year 4 and 5 pupils.
ollowing the success of their Drama Games workshops, the
Arts Leaders embarked on a Creative Literacy event in the
LRC to offer to our partner primary schools. The group
decided on a pirate theme and, after designating pirate names and
discussing costumes, the group spent several weeks researching
and creating activities including word searches, word jumbles and a
crossword. Two groups of Year 4 pupils from Liscard Primary School
visited the LRC for an afternoon and enjoyed a carousel style event,
moving between work stations to complete activities and find out
which member of the pirate gang stole the treasure and where they
buried it. The Sixth Formers led the games brilliantly ensuring that the
pupils had a fun but challenging afternoon. The highlight was the pirate
masterchef and the chocolate gold coins!
Curtains Up!
Ian Murphy
W
e were delighted to
welcome over 300
Year 5 and 6 pupils
from Leasowe, New Brighton,
Somerville and St. George’s
Primary Schools to Weatherhead
for the dress rehearsal of Oliver.
New Brighton Primary performed
their own production of Oliver
last year and this provided them
with an opportunity to watch
other students taking the roles
and was a treat for all their hard
work this term. Leasowe Primary
recently created a Victorian street
scene as part of their studies of
the Victorians and watching Oliver was a chance to see Victorian
London brought to life. The pupils were captivated by the
performance and were particularly captivated by Bill Sykes as he
weaved his way through the audience!
Art Workshop
L
ocal artist, Ian Murphy,
delivered a Saturday
morning Art workshop
last term for Year 5 and 6 pupils
from Great Meols and Greasby
Primary Schools. The pupils had
a great time learning sketchbook
skills and drawing techniques used
by Ian, and all produced a fantastic
collage and pen piece of art based
on architecture. For many, it was
the first time they had worked
with a professional artist and they
showed that there were definitely
some budding artists in the making!
Art workshop
For Primary Liaison updates visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/parents/primary liaison
31
Oliver Photo Gallery
Weatherhead High School Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 3HS
Tel: 0151 631 4400 Fax: 0151 637 1805 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk

weather report - Weatherhead High School

Transcription

Similar documents

Invitation - Girls Write Now

Mentone Girls` Grammar School Strategic Plan 2013 –2017: Great

BWPB 3v3 Tourney - Black Watch Premier

17magazine`s

No Body`s Perfect - Christian Schools Australia

two russian girls - The Transcontinental

SCIOTO SHOE MART

The children played very well over the 3 day carnival held at

niñas mal - Sony Pictures Television

Volume 2 Issue 4 - Menorah Academy