Spirit - Girls' Division Magazine 2018-19

Every year at Bolton School we like to try something new. This year, the innovations were the involvement of the Octagon Theatre in our Middle School Production, the Alumnae gathering for International Women’s Day, and the introduction of competitive water polo in Girls’ Division. All three were stunning successes. I was astounded by the Director’s ability to get such mature performances from the young cast in ‘Great Expectations’ in the Autumn term. The assembly featuring Stephanie Barwise QC on IWD was described by one member of staff in a tweet as ‘the best ever I have attended’. (So much for my efforts every Tuesday!) Finally, winning the National water polo trophy in our first year of playing competitively is pretty amazing. I am privileged to work in a School where the girls are so able and committed to their different activities and where the staff work so hard to ensure that the pupils have every opportunity to shine. I wonder what next year has in store?

Miss S Hincks, Headmistress

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

This year has seen Bolton School receive a number of accolades on the national stage, the highlight of which was surely being named Independent School of the Year by both the Times Educational Supplement (TES) and Independent School Parent magazine. However, the year has also been filled with quieter moments to celebrate: our young musicians and actors have provided a wealth of memorable concerts and drama productions, girls have broadened their horizons with trips and enrichment activities, and volunteering projects have strengthened ties with the local community. I hope you enjoy looking through the memories contained in this year’s edition.

Miss A Bradshaw

INSPECTION REPORT

In March, the Girls’ Division received its three-yearly Inspection. This was a Compliance Inspection for the majority of the Division, with passes achieved throughout. A more detailed inspection of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at the Nursery and in Beech House Reception was carried out at the same time, and provision was found to be ‘Outstanding’ in every category.

Top Awards for Bolton School

Bolton School has been named Independent School of the Year at the prestigious TES (Times Educational Supplement) Independent Schools 2019 awards with unanimous backing from the judges. The School also won the Senior School of the Year category.

In addition to academic, sporting, musical and creative accomplishments, the School’s community relationships particularly impressed the judges. From acting as the Northern SCITT hub for MFL, Maths and Physics as part of the government’s teacher recruitment drive to 10,000 hours of volunteering completed by the Sixth Form to hosting public enrichment lectures and organising broad outreach activities such as the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award, Bolton School is deeply involved in the life of the local area. Lead judge Dr Helen Wright said Bolton School was chosen as the overall winner because of “their impressive outreach and the way in which they involve the whole community in a plethora of enriching events.”

The School’s TES Awards were collected by Headmistress Sue Hincks and Headmaster Philip Britton at a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Miss Hincks commented, “It was a wonderful evening and we were incredibly proud to pick up our awards on behalf of everyone who is part of the Bolton School family. Aside from strong academic results, we were delighted that both our extra-curricular provision and work in, and with, the local community was recognised as these are areas that are very important to us.”

The TES accolade followed on from the inaugural Independent School Parent magazine’s Independent Schools of the Year Awards in December 2018, where the Foundation as a whole scooped the top prize of Independent School of the Year and was Highly Commended in the Community Outreach section. The Girls’ Division was Highly Commended in the Girls’ School of the Year category, while the Boys’ Division won the Boys’ School of the Year Award. The School’s community involvement, pupil volunteering and the wide range of academic and extra-curricular achievements were again applauded by the judging panel.

More recently, the 100 Campaign for Bursaries won the IDPE (Institute of Development Professionals in Education) Schools’ Fundraising Campaign of the Year Award at the IDPE Development Awards 2019. The campaign was launched in April 2015 in honour of the School’s Centenary: when he re-endowed the Foundation in 1915, it was Lord Leverhulme’s intention to provide an excellent education for every child of ability, irrespective of financial means. In September 2018, the 100 Campaign reached its target of £5million raised for the School’s Bursary Fund. One in five Senior School pupils currently receives financial support with their fees.

Bolton School has also made it through to the final of the student-led Goldsmiths’ Company Community Engagement Awards in recognition of work undertaken in the local community.

A group of Sixth Formers presented the

School’s programme of engagement and volunteering at the regional final, impressing the judges not only with the impact and impressive integration of activities, but also with how these activities in turn have affected pupils’ views and offered them opportunities to grow and develop.

Individual staff were celebrated at this year’s Bolton News School Awards. Mathematics teachers Mr Heppleston and Mr Hitchin won the Hayley Mathieson Fundraiser of the Year Award for their Well Good charity. This venture encourages children to answer maths questions on the Well Good website to improve their own skills while simultaneously raising funds for wells and water provision around the world: the more questions answered, the more money the charity’s sponsors donate. Mrs Gore, the long-serving PA to the Head of Beech House, received the Unsung Hero Award at the same event.

Finally, Miss Hincks has been appointed President of the Girls’ School Association (GSA) for 2019. She pledged to make improving the prospects for disadvantaged pupils a key focus of her one-year tenure in the post and pointed out in her opening remarks that independent schools can make an impact on social mobility in many different ways, whether that be through open access via the financial support of bursaries or more broadly through working in tandem with local state schools to provide a vibrant programme of interaction and partnership.

Well Good Fundraisers of the Year

Mr Hitchen and Mr Heppleston

Goldsmiths’ Company Community Engagement Award Team

Receiving the IDPE Schools’ Fundraising Campaign of the Year Award

Dream Big and Never Give Up

The Girls’ Division was delighted to host one of two Girls Schools’ Association (GSA) Girls Go Gold sports conferences this year. Keynote addresses bookended a day of sporting inspiration, which was attended by 200 girls in Years 10 to 13 from local state schools and top independent schools across the country.

In their keynote speeches, Olympic 5000m and 3000m athlete Eilish McColgan told girls to “dream big and never give up” while Olympic medallist and GB’s most successful female artistic gymnast Beth Tweddle said: “If you have a dream, don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve it. With determination, you can achieve it.”

Both sportswomen recapped their careers and recalled trying out various sports before focusing on running and gymnastics respectively. They each spoke candidly about the rigorous training regimes required to succeed and remembered their experiences on

Team GB. Beth attended Olympic Games in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 where the roar of the home crowd spurred her on as 20 years’ work was condensed into her Bronze medal winning 35 second routine. Eilish was not called to the GB team until she was 21, but since then has taken part in London 2012, competing in the 3000m steeplechase, and in Rio 2016 where she reached the final of the Women’s 5000m. Beth and Eilish offered the young athletes helpful advice and encouragement for the future.

The day included further presentations and activities. John Walker, a BBC Sports Reporter, talked about his career in outside broadcasting and working in the studio. Victoria Cotton, an editor for BBC Sport, spoke about her 19 years’ experience of covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events and her drive to bring 500 hours of women’s sport to TV. Dr Lindsay Hill, who works for the NHS and Axis Podiatry, discussed her career in assessing foot and ankle

problems, including working for professional athletes and clubs. Phil Owen and Suzanne Bass from Manchester Thunder Youth Academy delivered a netball masterclass. The attendees also spent time at the University of Bolton learning about sports rehabilitation and sports science.

Mrs Heatherington said: “The day has instilled in girls the need to stay focused and to believe in themselves and has also shown them that there are a wide range of career opportunities in sport.”

Headmistress Sue Hincks said:

“The Girls Go Gold event was a huge success and a testimony to Mrs Heatherington’s vision and organisational abilities. I was delighted that so many girls from across the country could attend and that there was also wonderful representation from our school and local schools including Smithills, Thornleigh, Canon Slade, Turton and St Joseph’s.”

Eilish McColgan

Netball Workshop

Beth Tweddle

Inspirational Evenings

It has been another fine year for the Girls’ Division series of public enrichment lectures, which were once again well attended by pupils, staff and members of the local community alike. Several of the evening events saw pupils from nearby state schools come along to absorb the messages from Arts and Sciences speakers.

The year drew to a close with a celebration of creativity in the form of the annual Poetry Festival. Young poets from all age groups read their own work alongside acclaimed poet Liz Berry, who entertained the audience with a wide selection of joyful and cheerful poems from her award-winning book ‘Black Country’ and her pamphlets ‘Patron Saint of School Girls’ and ‘The Republic of Motherhood’. The final Sciences event of this academic year took place in the same week and saw science communicator Dr Pete Edwards from Durham University explore ‘The Dark Side of the Universe’. He discussed what we know, and more importantly what we don’t yet know, about dark matter and dark energy in an accessible and fascinating lecture which also touched upon the Big Bang, Einstein’s theory of relativity, gravitational lensing, the cosmic microwave background and the structure of the early universe.

In the Spring Term, Tim Bouverie offered his insights into how the policy of appeasement failed in the run up to the Second World War. A political journalist turned author, Tim’s address was based on his first book ‘Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War’ which was launched just days after his visit. He gave an eye-opening overview of the 1920s and ’30s and drew strikingly relevant lessons from the failures of the politicians of that time.

His talk followed an inspiring address from Dr Emily Grossman, who explored the challenges she has faced as a woman in science and discussed the importance of combating stereotypes, and a valuable lecture about careers in law from barrister Sophie Cartwright. Earlier in the year, the Girls’ Division hosted talks from leading entrepreneur Jo Fairley on ‘The Rollercoaster Story of Green & Black’s’, Old Girl Dr Joyce Tyldesley on our collective obsession with Queen Nefertiti, and Dr Jack Heal on synthetic biology or the human engineering of biological systems.

Dr Pete Edwards exploring ‘The Dark Side of the Universe’

Tim Bouverie addressing the Great Hall

Liz Berry with Girls’ Division young poets

Enterprising Youngsters

The Young Enterprise Company Programme is a national competition designed to introduce teenagers to the world of business. Our Year 10 team had the opportunity to set up and run our own real company whilst still at school. Although initially quite difficult, we were guided through the process by our Centre Lead, Mrs Foster, who helped us make tough decisions throughout the competition.

The first step on our journey was to find a great product through the masses of ideas from all our team members. In the end, after a couple of false starts, we decided on writing a children’s book. We thought this would be quite easy, as it isn’t too hard to write a story, and the illustrations would take barely any time. We couldn’t have been more wrong! Drafts took a long time to write as many team members had different ideas, and the illustrations were delayed because we only had one illustrator. However, after quickly remembering our Adobe Draw lessons, a couple of team members took on the responsibility of drawing the simpler images. Unfortunately, once the book was almost finished the actual draft of the book was deleted, due to technical difficulties. Devastated but keen to make another quick duplicate, we devoted all of our time as a team to writing the new book, re-drawing the images, and actually developing a newer and better copy in just one week!

Our team have really bonded and got to know each other throughout this process, with all of us learning what it is to be a team, to share the ups and downs with each other, and the dedication

required. We raised money for the books by having two stalls at Bolton School’s Firework Night, and each team member contributed £15 to the business. The first competition we had was the Bolton and Bury Area Final. Despite half of the teams being older than us, our team pulled through, owing to the many extra hours we spent perfecting our interview and presentation. We won two awards on the day, Best Presentation and Company of the Year, meaning we got through to the next round.

The Greater Manchester Area Final was definitely a more nerve-wracking competition because of the incredible products our competitors had devised. However, to our amazement and pride we came Runners Up resulting in our progression to the county finals!

Getting through to the North West Finals developed our confidence but again, there were many great products and teams, and only one team could get through to the National Final. Unfortunately, it wasn’t us! However, we won the Disney’s Award for Creativity, so we went home happy. We have won some incredible awards on our journey, including Runners Up in the National Trade Stand Competition. We have also achieved £600+ in profit, but more than that we have made new and close friendships, shared fantastic experiences and developed key teamwork and leadership skills. I would definitely recommend the YE Company Programme to anybody considering it and good luck to next year’s participants!

The Explore Team: Imaan Bhad, Amerleen Hundle, Madihah Jiva, Summer Kay, Sanjanaben Patel, Yuxuan Qu, Katie Schaffel, Fabeha Shafaat, Fizaa Valli & Hui Shan Wen

Receiving the Disney’s Award for Creativity at the North West Finals

Patterdale

The year began with a trip to Patterdale, making memories that no will doubt last a lifetime. Activities included canoeing on Ullswater, scaling the indoor climbing wall and strengthening friendships through team-building.

Mission Christmas

A sponsored silence in the Autumn term raised over £3,700, which Year 7 used to support Hits Radio’s Mission Christmas. The charity reps visited a local toy shop for a lunchtime ‘trolley dash’ and the items they purchased were donated to the appeal, which provides Christmas presents to less fortunate children in the Manchester region.

Formby Sculpture

Despite the breezy, cool conditions (and the unforecasted rain), Year 7 had a great field trip using anemometers to discover the microclimate of the beach and the dunes, investigating the natural ecosystem of the area, and spotting red squirrels. They finished the day with a geographical sand sculpture competition, which was won by the group who combined the ecosystem and location with a current hot topic - plastic pollution.

Spanish Cookery

After their exams, the whole year group took part in a morning of Spanish cookery with Mrs James and Mrs Barrow. Girls prepared and cooked a range of tapas dishes including Paella, tortilla and Spanish orange cake. It was a great morning learning about the different dishes and of course eating them at the end!

Patterdale

The girls’ outdoor learning expanded with their second Senior School trip to Patterdale Hall. The girls braved the gorge walk, went sailing in the sunshine, spent a night under canvas and improved their teamwork and communication skills on the low ropes course.

YEAR 8

Ambleside

In the Summer Term, girls had a lovely sunny field trip to Ambleside to look at the impact of tourism in the village. They enjoyed their walk around the park and were extremely enthusiastic all day. A great bunch of Geographers!

Spanish Independent Learning

Spanish independent learning activities involved lots of cake as the year drew to a close.

Numbers Game

A fascinating interactive presentation about maths and physics revealed how mathematics is used every day, often without anyone realising it! One of the highlights was meeting MIA the miniature interactive automaton and discovering more about her programming. Year 8 also had fun discovering the maths and physics behind each of the demonstrations and were interested to learn more about the many different kinds of engineering jobs available today. ‘It’s a Numbers Game’ was presented by BAE Systems, the RAF and the Navy.

A final field trip for Mrs Waters after 12 years

YEAR 9

Bronze Award

Girls started work on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards with walking expeditions taking place for the whole year group. They enjoyed good weather in May for their qualifying expeditions and strengthened friendships as they navigated routes around Rivington and spent a night under canvas.

Young Speaker of the Year

Earlier this year, Hannah McKee was named one of the English Speaking Board (ESB) Young Speakers of the Year 2018 from a field of 30,000 candidates. She impressed the adjudicator in her first ever ESB examination, earning her a place in the final. Following further consideration from the judges, she was chosen as one of twelve young people to receive the award, which recognises her outstanding oracy skills.

Meet Tommy Atkins

Pupils learned more about typical soldiers who fought in the First World War through a one-man play written and performed by Peter Gill. The tale of “an ordinary man who was caught up in an extraordinary time”, ‘Meet Tommy Atkins’ portrays both the trenches of the First World War and its aftermath, including the life-long impact on so many of the soldiers who came home and the changes that generation made to the UK.

PAFE

The Parents’ Association Future Entrepreneurs competition challenged girls to come up with innovative healthy snacks, create a viable business plan and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Well done to the overall winners, Doc Industries, and the three other groups who made it to the final: Cocoon, Pop ‘n’ Noms and Vegan & Eco.

YEAR 10

“Year 10 has been full of challenges; the increasing workload, the Christmas Post event and for some people their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award too. The teachers have been very supportive by helping us complete these tasks and we are very grateful. At the beginning of the year, the change in form groups seemed daunting, but as the year has progressed I think we have all managed to settle in well, with the Christmas Post event being a real catalyst for this.”

Silver Award

Duke of Edinburgh is a very tough process and from my experiences I can say that the most challenging thing was the sense of independence being thrown at us as we were tested on a variety of skills, including map orienteering and teamwork. However, the expedition is a very rewarding and liberating experience, teaching you life-long skills and allowing you to enjoy the weekend with your peers. From my own struggles, my advice would be not to overpack and to think about the weekend ahead logically and plan accordingly. Laweeza Ali

Oxford University Trip

Zena Logan & Emily McGrail

Thirty excited Year 10 girls listened attentively on our tour of Pembroke College: the old buildings were beautiful, some dating from the 1600s, and they helped create a calm and tranquil atmosphere. After a detailed and informative talk about student life, we enjoyed lunch in the dining hall, reminiscent of Hogwarts. With full stomachs, we made our way to the Pitt Rivers Museum, where an enthusiastic tour guide introduced us to anthropology and the mysterious objects contained within the building. We were fascinated to discover how cultures can be analysed by examining simple objects. We met up with three Old Girls at Lady Margaret’s Hall. Cerys Baines, Alex Hopkinson and Amy Lyons gave us a tour and told us about their life at University. We were particularly intrigued by the college ‘parent’ system. We would all very much recommend the trip, even with the journey!

Christmas Post

For a Year 10 who had just been switched up into a new form, Christmas Post was a great but nerve-wracking way to bond with people I had known for three years but not really been good friends with. I will admit that there was some disagreement but eventually we all realised we had to pull through because there was no way we were going to go up on the huge stage and make complete fools out of ourselves. Thankfully it went amazingly! Christmas Post is a fantastic tradition, which I hope carries on. It is so nice that we get to do it while raising money for charities that are going to help so many people!

Sophie Bracegirdle

Young Film Academy

In November of 2018, Year 10 had a day of film making with the Young Film Academy. We had sessions on fight choreography and on the history of film. We learnt how to use a camera and wrote scripts for our own ten-shot silent movie. The day ended with an ‘Oscar’ ceremony for the winning film which was ‘Snatch-a-by-baby’. This short piece followed a mother who rescued her baby after it was kidnapped. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about techniques of the film industry as well as having the opportunity to develop valuable teamwork and communication skills.

Muryum Binte Fahad

Presenting the money raised to Rossendale Special Ski Club

YEAR 11

It was a jam-packed year for our Year 11 students. In January they celebrated the end of their mock exams with a trip to Bolton Lads and Girls Club, where they were introduced to the NCS volunteering scheme. Later in the year pupils met star of the small screen Hannah Mifratab, an

Old Girl, as part of their PSHEE programme. Finally, Year 11 celebrated their time in the Upper School with an end of year assembly, where they received their end of year statement from Miss Hincks and paid tribute to each other and their form teachers.

Year 11 enjoyed “speed dating” to practise their GCSE Spanish oral questions

Discovering more about NCS

An inspiring afternoon with Hanna Miraftab

YEAR 12

BEST Day

The Autumn Term opened with the annual Business Enterprise and Skills Testing (BEST) Day. Following a keynote address on Risks, Failure and Resilience from entrepreneur Nadia Rae, the year group split into teams to complete a series of workshops designed to improve business skills and acumen: a presentation on body language, a team-building initiative and leadership session and two start-up challenges.

Schools Mace

Issy Plant and Rebecca McGinty made it to the Regional Finals of the English Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace Competition. In their qualifying round, the girls debated in favour of the motion, ‘This house would weight votes such that the younger the voter, the more powerful their vote’. The Schools’ Mace is the oldest and largest debating competition for secondary schools in England and hones a student’s ability to persuade, influence and inspire in a fun, competitive environment.

Business Challenge

Continuing on the business theme, girls teamed up with their Boys’ Division counterparts for the Business Challenge. The teams came up with innovative ideas and backed them up with detailed business plans before pitching their concepts to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel of judges. The best four teams went through to the final, which was won by NAPEE, a company offering scented biodegradable nappies available for delivery as a monthly subscription.

This year’s Prefects’ Panto was entitled ‘Bolton School: A Series of Unfortunate Events’

Creative Corner

Hairline Fracture Only

I am homesick for middle age, as then times had been tough and all I knew was how to hide, To smile, be polite, laugh never cry, but don’t laugh too much.

And due to these misconceptions and my preconceptions I hid, I hid, A desperate housewife not so desperate, a discontented woman content.

So I smiled and I lied and of course I never ever cried.

Why? I’m the backbone of the family a fractured spine, hairline fracture only, no back brace, not allowed visible signs.

So still I could hide and I hid, yes I did. Days now are longer and I long as they grow longer to travel back in time, just because I wonder and I ponder all these long nights…

If I had smiled or laughed or cried, who could I have inspired, Who could I have taught to speak their mind, to move into the light…

And now I’m homesick for another chance for change for that woman having done all the change that she could know, having known.

Lauren Pursey Year

The heart of the dead

Written for Holocaust Memorial Day

12

Not All Can Be

All cannot be said.

Your solitude is poison, yet you sit in it so.

It is early, not brightening, though. Nothing can be said.

All cannot be done.

Your silk coat and ochre hat look stiff.

The table is blue. You are blue. Nothing can be done. All cannot be true.

The radiators are not warm, or rusty, or odorous.

You can smile sweetly today.

Nothing can be true.

All cannot be seen.

Your shoes are red, and shimmer, and your underwear is lace.

Your shame is only slight. Nothing can be seen.

All cannot be false.

Your cab will be waiting, soon, and you prefer being here.

The floor is slippery.

Nothing can be false.

All cannot be undone.

The skin on your cheek smarted, and you reeled.

You reeled so far back, you ended up in here.

My Country

The Crimson petal curled in my palm, Smooth like velvet and as soft as a pillow.

I tugged the flower for another, then Thud – thud, thud – thud, thud – thud, I turned at the unmistakeable sound of footsteps.

There stood a boy with hair like flames and eyes of ice, His mouth twisted cruelly.

Fear spread throughout my body like fire.

As though he could sense my unease, He leaned closer with a snarl.

‘Go back to where you came from.’

He said it with such authority I almost agreed.

But then anger rippled through me, I shuddered with rage, ‘This is where I come from!’

Asilah Hasan Year 8

Traveller’s Tale

A beating heart is safe and sound, By satin ribbons tightly bound, The warmth of crimson love is bright, With homes and hearths betrothed to light.

But eyes will flash and lips will curl, As ribbons tightly bound unfurl, As crimson love is lost from sight, And homes and hearths condemned to night.

A beating heart, no longer bound, Its satin ribbons grace the ground, Alone the heart will weep and stay, Till shadowed hands steal it away. Ribbons change to metal bars, A heart is blind, forgets the stars, The chamber comes, the oven heats, And now the heart no longer beats.

Ananya Ajit Year 9

Nothing can be undone. All cannot be unsaid.

You told the gentleman what you needed to, and he said nothing at all.

Nothing can be unsaid.

Ella Kaut-Howson Year

12

Wrinkled eyes, sand dunes from afar. His hands, cracked and aged from time away.

Carrying a traveller’s heart, attached Not too long-distant.

Spoken word, pages

Written word a traveller’s tale. Words travel like a hat in the wind, Gone from sight, butStill whispers- carry voyages.

-traveller- travelled words to an yeng sister,

Left by wisdom, an old friend, Words whistle in trees, kettle sound.

-traveller- travelled to an ancient man, They struck a different chord- like The dropping of a cup Shrill, pitchless

They carry little meaning. Travellers make- believe.

Kate Hailwood Year 11

Writing on an Ullswater Steamer during the Creative Writing Retreat

Charitable Causes

Charitable giving in the Girls’ Division is always generous and this year was no exception. In the Autumn Term a mountain of food items was donated to Urban Outreach as part of the annual Harvest Festival and, as Christmas approached, pupils’ efforts kicked into overdrive. The whole of Year 7 embarked on a sponsored silence, raising over £3,700 to buy toys for Hits Radio’s Mission Christmas Appeal. Their ‘trolley dash’ around a local toy shop provided presents for less fortunate children across the region. Five enthusiastic teams of Year 12 students rose to the annual Hamper Challenge: in just four weeks, their efforts amassed 2,782 selection boxes for Urban Outreach to include in festive hampers

for families in need and an extra donation of £202.40. The Prefects’ Panto raised £368.05 for Freedom4Girls, a UK charity fighting period poverty, and the Year 10 Christmas Post raised £1,307.32 for Rossendale Special Ski Club.

As Spring progressed, Charity Action Club held an Easter sale in the Girls’ Division and a gift sale for members of Hesketh House. The resulting £264.23 was donated to Derian House Children’s Hospice. Year 9 pupils supported Help Refugees through their Geography homework: in pairs, they created ‘volcano cakes’ which were then sold at break and lunch time to raise £200.03 for the charity. On World Book Day, as well as

celebrating books and reading, the School raised £387.81 for Books2Africa, a charity working across Africa to improve the quality of children’s education by donating books and educational resources.

Girls’ Division non-uniform days raised £1,501.48 for Fort Alice Ltd and £659.00 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and pupils raised a further total of almost £3,000 for a range of other charities: Bolton Hospice, Bone Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Care, Children in Need, Comic Relief, Derian House, Macmillan Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Muslim Hands, OXFAM and Teenage Cancer Trust.

A Year in History

Of History Club’s many endeavours, commemorating one hundred years since the end of the First World War has been a particular highlight. To begin with, Mrs Pritchard and her team of Sixth Form helpers did some pebble painting – pupils added their own messages of remembrance to the stones, which were collected in person by Mrs Pritchard from a beach in South Wales! Shortly after this, we were delighted to welcome Sue Loftus, an Old Girl of Bolton School who delivered a stimulating talk about her family’s contribution to the First World War.

Sue’s talk was inspired by the November meeting of the Historical Association. The Bolton Branch has, for several years, met in the Sutcliffe Studio. To coincide with the centenary of the Armistice, Charlotte Czyzyk from the Imperial War Museum North delivered a talk about the ‘Lives of the First World War’ project. This digital memorial allows members of the public to piece together the lives of people who experienced the First World War through sharing anecdotes and digitising material that has hitherto been hidden away. Having spoken to Sue at the talk, Mr Owen was keen to recruit Girls’ Division pupils to help upload her family records. Sue was the first to admit that her computer skills were rather limited in comparison to current pupils in the Girls’

Division. Therefore, having given her talk with the aid of various photographs, war records and other official documents, the pupils set about uploading scanned versions to the IWM website. The process was quite tricky, with pupils working hard to ensure that provenance information was correctly recorded. However, they did get an important taste of archival work and the challenges and rewards involved when working with primary source material.

Regarding our other clubs, History MasterChef proved very popular in its inaugural year. Pupils created dishes from different eras in history: Ancient Greece, Tudor England, rationing during the Second World War, and the British Empire. The photo shown features a “traditional” recipe with an “empire twist”. Next year, the focus will be on the histories of different countries – we look forward to your suggestions!

‘Pens and Swords’ students blew us away with their Historical stories this year. There was one set in 1605 at the time of the Gunpowder Plot after all! We stepped inside a world of romance, intrigue, and there were even some German spies. Students gained an insight into how to craft and redraft their creations, and we were particularly impressed that students chose topics from their own interests to research. Congratulations to Du’a Quedwai,

Elena Bartallotta and Evie Owens, whose stories have been selected to enter the Historical Association’s Fiction Competition. Good luck, girls!

Politics Club continued to strengthen its association with Bolton Council’s Youth Voice. Early in the year we conducted a senior school poll on what matters most to pupils. The results contributed to a nationwide poll which precedes the annual meeting of the UK Youth Parliament in November. For Bolton School pupils, the most pressing issue facing the country is knife crime.

Speaking of the UK Youth Parliament, we were delighted in November to be visited by Jonathan Owen, of Thornleigh Salesian College, Member of the Youth Parliament for Bolton. He came with Jess Gill of Westhoughton High School, who (along with Lily Rimmer in Year 11 and Lucy Stiles in Year 12 in the Girls’ Division) is a member of Bolton Youth Council. They spoke about how young people in Bolton can get involved in local democracy, as well as their most recent campaign: #Bekindtomymind which attempts to combat the stigma surrounding mental health.

Also, in June 2019, four pupils from Year 8 (Ayesha Ahmed, Iman Javaid, Adithi Prasad and Safia Adam) took part in the Bolton Youth Vision Conference. They competed in various challenges

Mr Owen Head of History

and missions related to the future development of Bolton in the years leading up to 2030. The conference culminated with a presentation to a panel of local leaders, including the Mayor of Bolton, Executive Head Teachers and community leaders.

In our trips this year, Year 8 pupils visited Speke Hall, where they toured the property built during the reign of Henry VIII, and sampled some Tudor costume. Year 11 visited the People’s History Museum in Manchester where, in addition to the tour and a performance by an actor portraying the suffragette Hannah Mitchell, they were shown some of Manchester’s historical highlights on a brief walking tour. This included the site of the infamous ‘Peterloo’ massacre of 1819. Named after the Battle of Waterloo four years earlier, the massacre at St Peter’s Fields (today known as St Peter’s Square and the site of the Manchester Central Convention Complex, the Midland Hotel and the Central Library), which included the deaths of 18 people, was a notable landmark on Britain’s journey towards becoming a democracy. Shortly after the trip, Mrs Leech gave an interview to BBC Radio Manchester in which she discussed its omission from the GCSE exam specifications and the importance of its inclusion in school History lessons.

Youth Speaks

Two teams of Girls’ Division pupils made it to the District Final of the Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition. The Intermediate team faced stiff competition from seven rivals at the heats before presenting their topic: is beauty skin deep? Alina Ahmed (Year 7) acted as Chairperson and introduced the group before Maryam Ali (Year 8) delivered her arguments in a six-minute presentation and answered challenging questions from the panel, followed by a vote of thanks from Poppy-Grace Stebbings (Year 7).

Their success was followed by the Senior team. Asiyah Patel (Year 12), Fabeha Shafat and Audrisha De (both Year 10) won through their heats after debating the topic of ‘Introverts’.

At the District Finals, both teams enjoyed further success with Alina and Audrisha both winning Best Chair prizes in their respective age categories.

Sixth Form students also made use of their strong debating skills in the oldest and largest debating competition for secondary schools in England at the start of the year. Year 12 students Issy Plant and Rebecca McGinty reached the Regional Finals of the English Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace Competition after debating in favour of the proposition, ‘This house would weight votes such that the younger the voter, the more powerful their vote.’

All girls have the opportunity to join Junior and Joint Senior Literary and Debating Societies. These lunchtime clubs host respectful and constructive debates, giving pupils valuable public speaking practise, enhancing critical thinking capabilities and honing their abilities to persuade, influence and inspire.

BioGrad

On the trip to BioGrad in Liverpool Science Park, our Year 10 students were engaged from walking through the door to the moment they left. Victoria Wong wrote of her experience: “Of all the science trips I’ve been on, this was the best. The activities required a lot of independent thought and challenged us on our listening skills. It also tested important life skills, like weighing up pros and cons then coming to a final decision. What made it more than ‘just another science trip’ was the hands-on activities. Working in a real lab was fun and rewarding as we had to think for ourselves and learn from it. This was a really well guided trip, led by enthusiastic professionals who knew their stuff.”

Scientific Marvels

Science Week gave pupils an opportunity to engage with a wide range of exciting experiments in the labs at lunchtime, from forming a cloud inside a bottle to watching cornflour dance on a speaker to exploring the effects of static electricity with a Van de Graaff generator! Each activity invited pupils to try out the experiment before reading an explanation of the science behind the fun. The event was arranged by Dr Christie and run with the help of Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Four Year 8 girls won first prize for the University Challenge at the 2019 Salters Festival of Chemistry by creating an almost perfect rainbow using colourful liquids of different densities. A team of four also took part in the

Royal Society of Chemistry’s national ‘Top of the Bench’ competition after earning their place by winning Manchester Chemquiz last summer. Girls have taken part in various Olympiads and Challenges designed to stimulate their creative thinking and provide opportunities to extend their knowledge and interest in science beyond the curriculum. This year’s British Biology Olympiad results were the best the Girls’ Division has ever had! Subhi Loganathan received a Gold Award, Nicola Li and Khadija Ali received Silver, and Zara Walsh and Fatima Naeem received Bronze. In the Year 10 Biology Challenge, Girls’ Division pupils received 5 Silver, 18 Bronze, 16 Highly Commended and 17 Commended certificates. Students in Year

13 also took part in the Chemistry Olympiad: Fatima Naeem and Millie Wood achieved Silver, while Zinneerah Bax, Aiman Ibrahim, Nicola Li, Subhishka Loganathan, Aliyah Patel and Jemima Thompson received Bronze certificates.

Pupils have also benefitted from a range of science clubs and extra-curricular events throughout the year. The Girls’ Division series of Arts and Sciences Enrichment Lectures (see page 4) featured talks on dark matter and dark energy, synthetic biology and the experiences of a woman in science, while regular lunchtime Café Scientifique events offered further opportunities for development beyond the classroom.

“I really enjoyed the Big Bang exhibition in Birmingham. We had a great time seeing the different exhibits and all the amazing technology. I also learnt new things about future STEM careers and it was an interesting experience overall.”

Year 10 pupils who achieved Silver in the Biology Olympiad.

Chemistry Olympiad Girls

Zahra Shahzad, Year 9

Yasmin Rose (Y10) won the Jacqui Clee Award for Student Achievement at Top of the Bench

Pure Maths

Mathematicians in all year groups tested their abilities with UKMT Maths Challenges this year. These lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers are designed to stimulate interest in maths. High performing students receive certificates and the most successful participants are invited to enter Kangaroo and Olympiad followon rounds. Girls’ Division pupils achieved across all levels of the competition a total of 19 Gold, 31 Silver and 46 Bronze certificates. Mandy Yang in Year 11 was awarded a certificate of merit for her outstanding performance in the Intermediate Olympiad. This is an especially impressive achievement since only the top 500 students from each year group are invited to take an Olympiad! Lucy Crabtree was awarded a certificate of merit in the Intermediate (Years 9-11) Kangaroo, and a further five pupils took part at this level: Serena Arya,

Joyce Chan, Lucy Dixon, Carol Habib, Alice Morgan, Nabilah Thagia and Elizabeth Williamson. Five pupils were also invited to the Junior (Year 7-8) Kangaroo: Angelie Chitre, Vivienne Hall, Ella Hilton, Sandy Liu and Amelia Stringfellow.

Top performers in the UKMT challenges went on to the UK Maths Olympiad for Girls, where they were asked to provide full written solutions to five complex mathematical problems. Sixth Formers Neha Bagewadi, Macey Edwards, Aiman Ibrahim, Aaminah Natha, Emily Rajbhandari, Hannah Rayner, Emma Sellwood and Gabrielle Staveley rose to the challenge and performed admirably. A team of four Year 12 students also took part in the UKMT Senior Team Challenge, which tests mathematical, communication and teamwork skills.

Maths Inspiration

Fifty pupils in Years 11 to 12 attended maths inspiration lectures at the RNCM Concert Hall in Manchester earlier this year. The array of interesting topics included Professor Jennifer Rogers’ talk on the mathematics of risk-taking where she delved into numbers to show how statistics can help us to make better decisions about risky activities. Pupils discovered how circles can be a source of beauty, awe and mystery as Ben Sparks explored ways in which maths can be, literally, moving. Dr Colin Wright showed how spotting patterns can help in a surprising number of situations, including the invention of new juggling tricks. Pupils were warned –beware, patterns aren’t always as predictable as they seem...

Think Maths

Years 7, 9 and 10 enjoyed talks from Dr Katie Steckles of Think Maths, a team of experienced mathematics speakers. She spoke to Year 10 about the hidden maths in technology. There are numbers all around us that make our modern lives possible. The session showed girls the mathematics behind modern technology and emphasised the importance of learning maths for a career in technology.

Years 7 and 9 enjoyed hearing about Freaky Probability. Humans are generally bad at intuitively understanding probability – not because they don’t understand maths, but because it’s often counterintuitive. Through a series of examples, including audience games, girls discovered that the chances are not always what we might imagine. The session encouraged pupils to use their maths skills to predict and understand the outcomes of games and real life scenarios.

GCSE & A Level

Scan

Hamna Shafiq, Year 9

this QR code to view a gallery containing final pieces created by GCSE and A Level Art students.

Please note: Due to exam board regulations this gallery will become available on 2 September 2019.

Ella Carter, Year 8

Eva Porter, Year 9

Molly McGregor, Year 8

Nissa Rattoo, Year 8 Saba Salim, Year 9

Natalie Staal, Year 7

Sandy Liu, Year 7

Nyah Pomian, Year 7

Emma Taylor-Beardsworth, Year 7

Amaani Adam, Sophie Hackwell & Grace Chan, Year 9

Catherine Xi, Eden Steer & Ayesha Saiyed, Year 7

Davina Parbat, Year 7

In the Limelight

It has been an exciting year for pupils involved in drama productions, with each term offering new opportunities to get involved.

The year began with a collaboration with the Octagon Theatre to put on this year’s Joint Middle School Production of ‘Great Expectations’. BAFTA-nominated writer and director Janys Chambers created a brand new adaptation of this classic tale, breathing new life into Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, and Jane Linz Roberts, a London-based award-winning designer, designed the set which was especially built for the production by the School’s technicians. Under Janys’ direction the cast of almost forty pupils, from across both Divisions, impressed audiences during the two-night run. The production captured the timeless pleasures of a good yarn and audiences were blown away by the storytelling and acting abilities of all the students involved.

Into The Woods

In the Spring Term, a small but incredibly talented cast of twenty boys and girls embarked on the fiendishly difficult production of ‘Into The Woods’ by Stephen Sondheim. This complex and ambitious musical is an iconic piece of musical theatre, and the cast more than rose to the occasion. Throughout the three-night run, audiences at the Senior Joint Production were delighted, amused, and inspired by the performers’ ability to deliver such contrast of exceptional musical virtuosity and heart-wrenching emotional poignancy. The cast were expertly supported by a band of live musicians, seven of whom were pupils from Year 8 to Year 13. ‘Grease!’ was the word for Middle School Production in the Summer Term. The cast were wonderful during rehearsals and worked so hard, it was an absolute pleasure for Ms Field and Mrs Wade to direct this musical with such talented girls.

Musical Maestros

The Year 7 Concert offered a high-spirited start to the year, in a medley of songs from ‘Mamma Mia!’ that concluded a concert featuring some of the Senior School’s youngest pupils in their first public performance. The newly-formed Year 7 violin ensemble made their debut, alongside several soloists playing a wide range of instruments. The second half of the Autumn Term was exceptionally busy, with a Recital Evening, Old Girls’ Lunch, Tea at the Riley, the Armistice Service, and the Autumn Concert all taking place. The Autumn Concert featured a Year 8 vocal medley on the theme of ‘Phenomenal Women’, together with a range of excellent ensemble and solo offerings. The Joint Senior Orchestra were particularly impressive in their dramatic renditions of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and Bizet’s ‘Carmen’. With December fast approaching, the sounds of Christmas music could soon be heard resonating from the Music Department. The Ceremony of Carols was a beautiful candle-lit service in which the Middle School Choir, Senior Choir and Chamber Choirs were in fine voice, and the School Carol Service marked the end of term with a roof-raising ‘Adeste Fideles’. January got off to an eventful start with a jam-packed Music Festival and subsequent prizewinners’ concert, at which some incredible talent was on display. Katie Couriel (Year 11) was awarded the Carter Cup, and Sally Cowling (Year 12) received the Most Promising Musician award. Bolton School’s musicians were already busily preparing for two of the calendar’s main events, the Senior Joint Production of ‘Into The Woods’, and the concert highlight of the year: the Bridgewater Hall Gala Concert. Over 600 musicians and 1,000 audience members enjoyed a spectacular Gala Concert, compered expertly by Old Girl Rebecca Pukiello and featuring musical offerings from across the Foundation. The specially-created Joint Drum Corps opened the concert with an energetic display of drumstick acrobatics, leading to a vibrant and virtuosic performance from the Senior Concert Band. Hesketh House Choir delighted the audience, supported ably by Katie Couriel (Year 11) and Alice Edwards (Year 8) on violin; this was followed by the Joint Tuned Percussion in a whirlwind of mallets that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The Park Road Choir and Boys’ Division Senior Guitar Group provided a moment of calm, before the Massed Voices of Year 7 delivered their rousing performance of three popular songs. An incredibly moving performance from the Middle School Choir made a dramatic contrast to the bold sounds of the Jazz Band, then the Joint Chamber Choir took to the stage, filling the hall with their glorious sounds. The concert finale got under way with an exciting programme from the Joint Senior Orchestra, leading to a rousing ‘Tribute to the Beatles’. This newly-arranged medley featured the orchestra and staff band, ten vocal soloists from Year 6 to Year 13, four choirs, and the audience; bringing the concert to a magnificent conclusion.

The Summer Term was heralded by another large-scale concert performance, the elegant May Serenade. Concluding the fantastic creative arts exhibition, the May Serenade embodied the musical talents of the Girls’ Division through a wide range of exceptional musical contributions from ensembles and soloists. A particular highlight was the two-piano version of Venus and Jupiter from Holst’s ‘The Planets’, performed with exceptional musical maturity and virtuosity by Sally Cowling (Year 12) and Marie Poon (Year 10). The May Serenade is the last whole school concert of the year before Year 13 departs on Study Leave for their A Level examinations, and made a fitting finale to those students’ careers in school music.

Mrs Price, Director of Music

Musical Notes...

Bolton

Senior and Middle School Choirs at the Ceremony of Carols

Singing the prayers at the Ceremony of Carols

‘Phenomenal Women’ medley at the Autumn Concert

Year 7 pupils performing a medley of ABBA hits at the Old Girls’ Lunch

Joint Gala Concert at the Bridgewater Hall

ABRSM Exam Results Summer 2018

Name Grade Instrument Result

Isabel Heaton

Elizabeth Newton

Angelie Chitre

Anagha Harishkumar Prep Singing Pass

Krupa Patel

Kate Beirne

Holly Fowler

Taya Panter

Erin Turner

Olivia Stubbs

Dinburgh Ai

Shreya Kamath

Charlotte Reece

Emma Seddon

Nicola Shaw

Kareena Singh

Hana Turnbull

Hui Shan Wen

Suzi Howell

Ani Sastry

Ruby Schofield

Alicia Quinton Taylor

Faye Clarkson

Jasmine Curtis-Walker

Uma Patel

Sofia Riaz

Arwen Coetzee

Jennifer-Mae Coetzee

Isabel Pillar

Sana Riaz

Singing Distinction

Singing Distinction

Alto Sax Merit

Flute Merit

Merit

Distinction

Violin Merit

Trinity Exam Results Summer 2018

Name

Jess Kay

Estelle Pass

Ishaani Singh

Marisssa Hollinghurst

Adithi Prasad

Martha Morrow

Grade Instrument Result

Distinction

Piano Distinction

Piano Distinction

Piano Distinction

Piano Merit

Scarlett Bowie Initial Piano Distinction

Molly Neville

Trinity Exam Results Autumn 2018

Name

Grade Instrument Result

Victoria Wong 6 Piano Distinction

Esha Mishra 5 Piano Merit

Rosemary Crowther 4 Piano Merit

Tilly Watkinson 2 Piano Distinction

Charlotte Hothersall 2 Piano Distinction

Matilda McCann 2 Piano Merit

Georgia Olivia Clarkson Initial Piano Merit

Molly McGregor 4 Piano Distinction

Katherine Baker 3 Piano Distinction

Olivia Megan Laithwaite 1 Piano Distinction

Amelia Stringfellow 1 Piano Distinction

Harshini Madhu Shankar Initial Piano Distinction

Hannah Holt 8 Singing Distinction

Siân Elizabeth Rowlands 8 Singing Merit

Sêren Davies 6 Singing Distinction

Isabella Morgan 6 Singing Distinction

Eve Birtwhistle 5 Singing Distinction

Eva Hurst 3 Singing Distinction

Gabriella Ferris-Koussa 3 Singing Distinction

Jemima Rose Parker Stubbs 3 Singing Merit

Freya Marland 2 Singing Merit

Ella Grace Clarkson 1 Singing Merit

Laila Westwood 1 Singing Merit

Lucy Isabelle Stiles 8 Flute Merit

Kate Hailwood 6 Flute Merit

Lucy Isabella Rowlands 6 Piano Merit

Santina Hundle 6 Piano Merit

Amerleen Hundle 5 Piano Merit

Angelie Chitre 4 Piano Merit

Nikita Luhar 3 Piano Distinction

Phoebe Masheter Initial Piano Distinction

Sophia Cail Initial Piano Distinction

Lucinda Butterworth 5 Piano Pass

Tia Fitzgerald Initial Piano Distinction

Trinity Exam Results Spring 2019

Name Grade Instrument Result

Adithi Prasad

Eva Lakshmi Hurst

Scarlett Bowie

Lottie McAndry

Piano Distinction

Piano Distinction

Piano Distinction

Piano Distinction

Ella Walker Initial Piano Distinction

Dhatri Anil Initial Piano Distinction

Hannah Chen Initial Piano Distinction

Kate Hailwood

Amara Vijayadurai

Xena Logan

Anoushka Sharma

Rhea Sudhakar

Molly Grimshaw

Nathalie Rippingale

Ashriya Fernando

Annabelle Guest

Anushka Kishore

Tuned Percussion Merit

Violin Merit

Violin Merit

Violin Distinction

Violin Distinction

Violin Distinction

Violin Distinction

Violin Distinction

Violin Distinction

Violin Distinction

Sara Bilal Mahomed 1 Violin Merit

Amy Potter 6 Singing Merit

Dinburgh Ai 1 Singing Distinction

Devina Parbat 1 Violin Merit

Nora Oesterle 2 Piano Merit

Samia Patel 1 Piano Distinction

Amy Heaton 1 Piano Distinction

Anushka Kishore 1 Piano Distinction

Eimaan Yaqoob 1 Piano Distinction

Iha Shashikumar Initial Piano Distinction

Sally Cowling 8 TunedPercussion Distinction

Alice Rebecca Sandford 7 Clarinet Pass

Bethany Charlotte Green 2 Singing Pass

Resistant Materials & Product Design

Tidy Boxes Year 7s used the theme of ‘Natural Form’ to inspire their beautiful and useful tidy boxes.

Mono Amplifiers Year 8 pupils soldered and manufactured mono amplifiers based on the theme of the WWF, highlighting animal conservation work.

Light-Up Boxes Year 9 soldered and manufactured useful boxes (picture frames, glasses stands, earring holders) that light up.

Gadget Holders Year 10 D&T students designed and made prototype stationery and gadget holders using modern materials and processes.

Molly Grimshaw

Emma Taylor-Beardsworth

Ammaarah Patel

Sara Hatia

Emily Leung

Martha Brennan

Rumaysa Ahmed

Trinity Entwistle

Ajwa Mukhtar

Cait Smith

Y10 4 Vanessa Wong

Textiles

GCSE & A Level

Visiting Sicily

Classics and Geography students had a wonderful five days in sunny Sicily at Easter. Twenty-nine girls from Years 10 to 13 visited a number of archaeological sites and geographical features on the island. After an early start, setting off from school at 3am, our first port of call was the fabulous ruins of the temple at Segesta, one of the best preserved in antiquity (though unfinished) and after a steep uphill climb we admired the views from the ancient theatre there too. After a lunch stop for pasta and a sample of traditional Sicilian dessert, cannoli, we explored the ruins of a vast site at Selinunte where the hilltop has the remains of numerous huge temples. The next day we visited the Valley of the Temples and the Archaeological museum at Agrigento, a world renowned site.

The next few nights were spent with sea views in the town of Giardini Naxos. The girls

explored the Roman Theatre at Taormina. This was followed by a trip up Etna by coach, cable car and mountain truck before finally walking through the snow around the crater. We visited the Alcantara Gorge, a beautiful river valley with rocks formed from lava into strange patterns, where our guide told us about the formation of the gorge, it’s unique climate, flora and fauna and its function as a tourist site. That visit culminated with skimming stones along the river at the base of the gorge. We also managed to squeeze in a boat trip to Lipari and Volcano and a bath in the thermal sulphur springs created by the volcanic activity that gives the island its name.

The girls saw and took part in a vast amount of sights and experiences in just a few days, whilst also finding time to celebrate birthdays in the Sicilian style. Mrs Ball, Ms Noot and Mr Fitryzk accompanied the trip.

Mrs Ball & Ms Noot

Bake Off

The Bolton School Bake Off competition took place again this year, starting out with 28 keen bakers from Years 7 to 9. Contestants prepared and submitted products based on the weekly theme under strict time limits. Judging was based on skill, presentation, creativity and taste and each week the bakers tackled different skills which became progressively more difficult as the competition unfolded. Elimination also got progressively more difficult as pupils upped their stakes and battled to stay in the competition for the next round. The ‘Showstopper’ final round allowed bakers to showcase their depth of skill and talent. The exceptionally high standard was commendable and all products were

impressive. Well done to all girls who took part, those who achieved Star Baker awards, and last but not least all six finalists!

The runners up were Isabelle Martin and Frankie Williams Denton. Isabelle created a fantastic trio of delicious gluten free desserts, and Frankie tackled concerns over high sugar in our diet and skilfully created a coconut and lime cake using only natural sugars.

Riya Hasija created a beautiful Rubik’s Cube of 25 cake pieces, featuring all her favourite things to bake. This was both creative and delicious and gained her the well-deserved title of Bolton School Bake Off Winner 2019. Well done, Riya!

Party Platters

Year 9 pupils worked in groups to make a range of Party Platters based on cuisine from around the world in their Food Technology lessons.

Food Preparation

Y10 pupils studying Food Preparation and Nutrition enjoyed a demonstration from Lewis Gallagher, butcher and award-winning chef from Provenance Food Hall, Westhoughton. Mrs James said: “The girls watched a demonstration and then worked hard to quarter a whole chicken before being shown how to use the cuts in four different dishes, ranging from simple to restaurant-ready.”

GCSE & A Level

Mrs Barrow

Scan this QR code to view a gallery featuring photos of all GCSE Food Technology students’ meals produced for their coursework.

Please note: Due to exam board regulations this gallery will become available on 2 September 2019.

Abenteuer mit Freunden!

This has been an exciting year in German at BSGD! In September, Year 8 and 9 German students could tell us about the wonderful time that they had had in Cologne on our trip there in the summer holidays. Years 11-13 enjoyed a weekend away at Patterdale in February, practising their speaking skills through drama, singing, films and examination practice.

Several Year 10 Girls took part in the German Exchange and had a very rewarding experience. Well done to all the Girls who guessed Ms McQuillan’s World Book Day costume – she was, of course, a stepsister from the Brothers’ Grimm tale

‘Aschenputtel’, which is a little more gruesome than the Cinderella story that we might have grown up with!

Finally, Year 7 recently took part in a selection of post-exam activities themed around German and Austrian culture. They made stained-glass style decorations in the shape of Cologne Cathedral, solved tricky language puzzles, crafted animals from Cologne Zoo, and sang German songs.

The German Department is now on Twitter @BSGDGermanDept.

“In April, a group of Bolton School girls and boys travelled by plane and train to Bonn to meet our German exchange partners. At first we felt extremely nervous as we were nearing the train station but after meeting our partners we all calmed down and went our separate ways to settle in at our temporary homes. On the first day we all were in separate places on trips with the school but in the afternoon we met at a nearby park to play football and get to know each other. Over the rest of the week, we went climbing, went to Cologne, experienced school with our partners and also spent the day in Bonn together. It was so much fun to find out what their day to day life is like and funny to see that they were just like us even though they speak a different language. My favourite part about the trip was trying lots of different German foods. I have made friends for life and I recommend the trip to anyone who is interested.”

Yasmin Rose, Year 10

Ms McQuillan, Head of German

CAMBRIDGE ADVENTURES

In the Spanish department we are celebrating the success of two of our students who are heading to Cambridge. Adifah Haffeji in Year 7 was victorious at the regional Spanish Spelling Bee, where she had to translate and spell as many words as possible in Spanish in one minute. She will now compete in the national final to be held at the university on the 1st of July. Annette Elmes in Year 13 also faced fierce competition and a tough interview process and has been offered a place at St John’s College to read Spanish and Portuguese. Both girls have worked tremendously hard and we look forward to hearing more about their Cambridge adventures!

LANGUAGE OPPORTUNITIES

In November, sixty of our talented linguists took part in an event to find out more about the value of languages and the opportunities available for further study and within the world of work. Sonya Bernhard from Manchester University gave the girls a wealth of information about the different degree options available for studying languages including combinations with other subjects such as Economics, Science, Maths, History, Engineering and Law. Girls were then given a glimpse of the difficulties and delights of the “year abroad” by Jess Melling, a former student. Jess was lucky enough to split her time between Spain and Chile and girls gained an insight into the life skills to be learnt from time spent working and studying in another country. Girls also had a new language taster session in either Mandarin, Dutch or Swedish to highlight the possibility of studying languages “ab initio” at university.

SPANISH FILM EVENINGS

‘El Laberinto del fauno’ links mythical and historical elements to show how a young girl uses her imagination to create a fantasy world with monsters in order to escape the horrors of Franco’s dictatorship. At times this film was quite graphic to show the lengths that people would go to in order to defend Franco’s regime. This film helped us to understand the hardships of the post-war period which further developed our knowledge for the AS exam. We highly recommend watching Spanish films and TV shows (maybe with English subtitles) as it is an easy and fun way to develop your language skills.

COLOMBIA TALK

Charleigh Adams

We were lucky enough to listen to an informative talk all about the country of Colombia from Diego Bravo, the Spanish language assistant in Boys’ Division, who is from the Colombian city of Medellin. Topics ranged from the culture to the climate and its fantastic coffee. It was really interesting to hear a first-hand account about how such an infamous country has developed and overcome issues from its past. This was incredibly useful as we gained a different perspective on this area of the Spanish speaking world and Diego helped to dispel some of the negative views which are often associated with this fascinating area of South America.

Anita Cardoza & Lexi Isherwood

‘Las Trece Rosas’ is an emotional and moving film set in post-war Madrid about 13 brave young women who fight for what they believe in against the Franco regime. We study this film as part of the Spanish course and we all really enjoyed this different approach to studying the language. Even though the film is sad, we learnt a lot as it has a very powerful message. It also helped us gain more A04 (exam speak for cultural knowledge) about Spain, which is an important part of the oral exam. The film also helped us discover more about this key part of Spanish history which still has repercussions in the Spain of today.

Lauren-Rae McGann & Imogen Bootle

‘Sin Rodeos’ is a film about a woman who is deeply unhappy with her life, seeking the help of a “guru” who helps her changes things for the better. We thoroughly enjoyed the film, as it had a unique plot making it entertaining. We would definitely recommend going to Spanish film evenings because they are a lot of fun and they allow you to become more fluent in the language as well as develop your vocabulary.

Mariyah Karim & Charley Wakefield

TOP TIPS FOR AS

• Take advantage of Netflix’s Spanish programmes and subtitles/dubbing (we recommend Elite and Casa de Papel).

• Make a group chat to keep on top of deadlines and share ideas.

• Find your own AO4 (cultural knowledge) for each topic throughout the year – it’s far easier to remember if you have found it yourself.

• Follow ‘BBC Mundo’ on the Apple news app.

• Be brave enough to organize your own Spanish trip. There are plenty of organizations which run trips and you can even get funding from the Scott Trust.

• Act on the advice given by Nuria (the Spanish language assistant) and prepare properly for each session so that you can take full advantage of them – don’t miss them!

Rajbhandari & Lizzie Crowther

• Pick a few contrasting countries in Latin America and focus on those for your AO4.

• Group revision is really helpful for the film – watch it in the Gerrard room and discuss points you have found.

• Actually do the grammar work that you get sent over summer – it really helps consolidate and lay the foundations for new grammar.

Emily

Adifah Haffeji

Annette Elmes

French Exchange

In October half term, Year 9 and 10 girls headed to Moulins for the annual French exchange. After an overnight stop in Amiens, south of Paris, the girls finally arrived in Moulins where they were greeted by their host families. The girls spent the whole weekend with their families, giving them plenty of time to get to know each other well. As it was also the school holidays in Moulins, the week was spent visiting many local and regional attractions, such as the Michelin museum and the Rugby Stadium in Clermont-Ferrand. The week was certainly full of excitement for the girls, including a coach breakdown which gave them the chance to discover the wonderful city of Beaune and its beautiful cathedral, and of course to do some shopping.

Another exciting trip was the visit to a mustard factory, where the girls were able to try their hand at making their own mustard. It was enjoyable week for all involved. The girls spoke lots of French and made memories and new friendships which will last them a lifetime.

Sixth Form French Day

In January, we welcomed back speaker Richard Peltier who led our annual Sixth Form French Day: an interactive day of discussion conducted entirely in French. In their sessions, Year 12 students talked about new family types, the dangers of cyber-society and the ‘Seventh Art’ cinema in the French-speaking world. Year 13 students discussed whether prison is a good or bad solution to solving crime, teenagers’ views on the right to vote and their political commitment, and the cultural heritage of the French-speaking world and whether it is a benefit or disadvantage. All of these complex topics were set in the French-speaking world and linked to the A-Level curriculum. Students were invited to join in by answering questions, debating the issues and reacting to videos and quotes. The day was a great opportunity for students to increase their confidence and fluency while speaking French

Francovision is the Girls’ Division take on the Eurovision song contest but in French, and this year’s competition was another roaring success! Each Year 7 form produced a music video of a song in French. This year’s theme was the musical ‘Mamma Mia’. As in previous years, the work involved in preparing for this was huge: the girls had to study the sound patterns of the lyrics in order to sound them accurately, understand the key message of the song and finally plan and produce a music video which would involve everyone in their form. As always, they rose to the challenge. The entries were shown in an assembly and staff and pupils voted for their favourite performance. 7S is this year’s winner with their entry ‘’Qui je suis, qui sommes-nous?’ (Knowing Me, Knowing You). Congratulations to them and to their teacher, Miss Perry.

Watch the winning video using this QR code:

These Girls Can...

It has been an exciting year for Bolton School’s young sportswomen. The Girls’ Division hosted the Girls Go Gold sports conference in September, and throughout the year team and individual successes have come thick and fast.

The Under 13s Water Polo team ended the year on a high as they were named National Champions! Their phenomenal success is a testament to the girls’ skill, dedication and excellent attitude towards both competition and training. At the finals, they opened with a convincing win 5-0 against title-holders Alleyn’s School before losing 4-3 to King’s, but their superior goal difference saw them top out the group. In the semi-final, they beat Bedford Modern School 5-3 to face St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College in the final. The competition was close, but ultimately Bolton School was victorious with a score of 4-3. This is the first time that a Girls’ Division team has taken part in the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) National Championships, but the girls seem set to follow in the footsteps of Boys’ Division teams who have dominated on this national stage across all age groups in recent years.

Pupils have also enjoyed personal triumphs throughout the year. Year 7 pupil Mabelle Dawson was selected for the GB Home Nations gymnastics squad for 2019 following a 6th place finish in a national competition; she was also named North West Champion for her age group. Acrobatic Gymnast Poppy Donohue in Year 9 qualified to compete in the British Championships after she and her trio won

gold at the Northwest Championships and achieved silver at the Spelthorne International Acro Cup. Dinburgh Ai, who is in Year 6 at the Junior Girls’ School, has enjoyed competing and collecting medals at regional and national Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions.

Two Girls’ Division students have been called up to England Women’s football squads. Lizzie Harkness in Year 10 became a member of the U15s while Anna Phillips in Year 11 joined the U16s. Both girls have attended England Women’s youth training camps and taken part in international matches as part of their involvement, and both also play for Tier 1 Regional Talent Centres: Lizzie for Everton and Anna for Manchester City. Year 9 pupil Teja Reece also was selected to play as goalkeeper for Greater Manchester County Football Club earlier this year, helping the team to a 4-3 victory against Shropshire.

Returning to group accomplishments, the School’s netball teams across all five age groups (U12 to U16) are now Bolton Town Champions, as are the Junior and Intermediate Swimming Teams. Lacrosse players have been called up to various Lancashire squads, the North-East Super Counties squad and even the Junior Wales Lacrosse Programme or ‘Dragon Academy’. In Cross Country, individual performances saw a number of pupils progress to represent Bolton at the Greater Manchester Schools Championships, where they performed admirably. Further details of all these successes and achievements can be found in the following pages.

Anna Phillips, England U16s Footballer

Lizzie Harkness, England U15s Footballer

Mabelle Dawson, Artistic Gymnast

Poppy Donohue, Acrobatic Gymnast

Swimming

The Swimming Team has had a very good year, with success in a number of competitions. As in previous years, the Junior and Senior Age Groups were certainly thrown in at the deep end! Their first competition was the North West Secondary Team Championships, held in Liverpool to try and qualify for the English Schools National Relays Competition. There was once again a number of interschool fixtures, with a win against Canon Slade by just one point being one of the most memorable.

Outside of these fixtures, the squad produced a range of good performances in other competitions across the age groups. In November, an U15 and Senior Team travelled to St Peter’s School, York, for the prestigious John Parry Relays. The Senior Team finished 4th place in the Medley Relay, with the U15 Team finishing 1st in the medley and 2nd in the freestyle relays.

Three teams also competed in the Bolton Town Swimming Championships. The Senior Team finished 2nd in their competition. The Junior Team had a very close competition with Canon Slade, beating them by just 3 points in the end. Zahara Muhammad and Jade Sprott helped the cause with individual wins in their respective events. The Intermediate Team did exceptionally well winning the medley relay. There were also individual wins for Bethany Shum and Lucy Dixon. This resulted in them winning overall and also becoming the Town Champions.

The swimmers have also celebrated a number of individual successes this season, with many swimmers competing in County Championships with their clubs outside of school. Lucy Dixon became County Champion in the 200m breaststroke, 400m freestyle and 400m individual medley in the 14 Years Age Group.

Individual Sports Trophy Winners

SENIOR VICTRIX LUDORUM

UPPER

WALLWORK TROPHY

Jasmine

NETBALL CUP

TROPHY FOR LACROSSE

SENIOR SWIMMING TROPHY

Gymnastics

YEAR 7 SQUAD

YEAR 8

SALFORD 100S LIFESAVING COMPETITION

In December, fourteen Year 7 girls competed in the Salford 100s Lifesaving competition at Westhoughton. The competition is steeped in history and this year had to take a slightly different format due to an unexpected closure of the pool on the original date of competition. All of the girls performed the lifesaving tests successfully and we now await results once they have been collated with the Salford region.

A selection of girls who have attended the Year 7 Gymnastics Club this year participated in the Bolton Schools’ Gymnastics Competition at Ladybridge High School in February.

The girls had been preparing their floor routines, jumps using the trampette and their vaults for a number of weeks in their lunchtime practices. They all performed their routines very well in their respective sections and enjoyed the occasion.

Well done to the girls who competed. They were: Sophia Alam, Mabelle Dawson, Vivienne Hall, Pip Nuttall, Karishma Ladha, Mia Moran, Amelia Quinton Taylor, Lana Spurdle and Ogechi Umeadi.

Congratulations to Mabelle Dawson who won gold on the floor, silver on the trampette and gold overall in the Advanced competition and to Karishma Ladha who won bronze overall in the Intermediate competition.

Rianna Patel Nicola Shaw Ruby Smith Jade Sprott

INTERMEDIATE SQUAD Isabel Brennand Lucy Dixon Amelie Duncalf Emily Leung Celia Logan Kiana Murray Caitlin Nuttall Katie Riggs Lucy Sackfield Bethany Shum Kareena Singh

SENIOR SQUAD Katherine Baker* Anita Cardozo Amy Chicken Ella Harkness* Eleanor Murray* Anabel Nuttall Thea Simpson + (C) Olivia Stubbs* Tara Wallis + (C) Samantha Woods +

Anna Brennand Annika Bullen Imogen Ferrier Molly Grimshaw Charlotte Harris Olivia Melling Zahara Muhammad Emilia Nuttall

Pip Nuttall Caitlin Smith Natalie Staal Emma Taylor-Beardsworth Erin Turner Emily Whalley

Eleanor Gibbons & Gabriella Appleby

SCHOOL VICTRIX LUDORUM Arabella Barker Smith & Olivia Stubbs

Curtis-Walker, Martha Halford, Olivia Maguire, Caitlin Nuttall & Kareena Singh

Samantha Woods

COLLINSON

Jaya Guhathakurta & Alice Sandford

Thea Simpson & Tara Wallis

All individual sports trophy winners

YEAR 7 GYM CLUB Sophia Alam Karishma Ladha Mia Maron Lana Spurdle Amelia Quinton Taylor

Rounders 2018

A glorious summer of sunshine meant that all league fixtures were able to go ahead with lots of matches giving plenty of girls the opportunity to acquire valuable match play. This experience definitely helped the girls in their end of season tournaments held in July.

The year 7 and 8 Tournament saw the Year 7 team playing in their first ever competition. After some closely contested games they were pleased to finish 5th overall in their section.

The Year 8 team were undefeated in the group stages of their competition and went through to the semi-finals against Canon Slade which they

YEAR 7 ROUNDERS

Hannah Adamopoulos Fatimah Ahmed

Khuzeima Ahmed Rehmeen Ahmed

Umayma Ahmed Aaminah Ali

Laiba Ali MaryAm Ali

Libby Ambrose Kashaf Ashraf

Eve Blackmore Shriya Bonda

Ella Brophy Malaika Bux

Ella Carter Angelie Chitre

Phoebe Chuck Blythe Cordwell

Jessica Croston Grace Day-Davies

Grace Dean Harriet Dickens

Charlotte Duffy Alice Edwards

Annabel Evans Isabella Fairclough

Erin Farragher Caitrin Flood

Aafiyah Gani Lola Grundy

Ayesha Hajee Alina Halim

Riya Hasija Ruby Hassall

Sara Hatia Charlotte Hothersall

Alexia Hughes Ruby Hurt

Iman Javaid Freya Jones

Safa Karim Shaili Khimani

Freya Langtree Nithula Loganathan

Charlotte Lowe Ai Makino

Imogen Masheter Scarlet Mathews

Loni Mayoua Molly McGregor

Hannah Mohamed Fariha Mulla

Trixie Murphy Olivia Myall

Ilham Nagi Holly Nicholson

Emily Nuttall Helena Ormerod

Ammaarah Patel Samia Patel

Krupa Patel Sejal Patel

Rianna Patel Mehzabeen Patel

Adithi Prasad Isobel Pursey

Nissa Rattoo Charlotte Reece

Sameen Riaz Nathalie Rippingale

Grace Ryder Ruby Schofield

Monica Sham Nicola Shaw

Kimberley Short Ruby Smith

Jade Sprott Ila Stephenson

Amelia Stringfellow Jemima Stubbs

Freya Taylor Tanya Thakrar

Odinakachukwu Umeadi Eimaan Yaqoob

Malaika Zaidi

won 48-40. They met Mount St. Joseph’s in the final which they won convincingly 61-45.

Fresh from their Duke of Edinburgh expedition, the Year 9 team played exceptionally well to finish 3rd in the group stages of their competition.

The Year 10 team finished top of their section after being undefeated in the group stages of their competition. They progressed to the semifinals where they lost by the narrow margin of 3 points to St. James’s.

Well done to all girls for their efforts and commitment throughout the season.

YEAR 8 ROUNDERS

Amaani Adam Khadijah Ahmed

Rumaysa Ahmed Hollie Asquith

Alicia Backhouse Martha Brennan

Maddy Brooks Ruby Broughton

Lauren Bunting Summer Burke

Kelly Chae Amelia Charova

Jessica Crompton Rose Crowther

Jasmine Curtis-Walker Aisha Darsot

Lucy Dixon Poppy Donohue

Sacha Doyle Amelie Duncalf

Bella Grainger Sophie Hackwell

Martha Halford Molly Holt

Beatrice Hughes Kheshayna Jadwa

Ayesha Jiva Charlotte Jones

Megan Jones Safa Khan

Alice Leary Jessica Martin

Olivia Maguire Katy Malley

Georgia McGinty Hannah McKee

Zena Miller Bipisha Mistry

Matha Morrow Halimah Natha

Mia Neill Caitlin Nuttall

Rebecca Parry Safa Patel

Sophie Patel Shriya Pindoria

Millie Price Khaamilah Rafi

Teja Reece Ruby Rimmer

Lizzy Rogers Saba Salim Henna Sarwar Emilie Sham

Zahra Shazad Bethany Shum

Kareena Singh Mariam Seedat

Humairah Thagia Alara Unsal

Alicia Quinton-Taylor Scarlett Whittle

Francesca Williams-Denton

YEAR 9 ROUNDERS

Imaan Ahmed Jessica Bailey

Georgia Barnes Poppy Blackhurst

Phoebe Booth Isabel Brennand

Victoria Cook Issy Corrigan

Maya Croasdaile Amy Doyle

Chloe Ferguson Elly Fraser

Eve Gould Gracie Grundy

Lizzy Harkness Bethan Hill

Ruby Hill Lauren Hilton

Amerleen Hundle Phoebe Hurt

Madihah Jiva Summer Kay

Mia Langtree

Charlotte Martin

Millie Mercer Feryal Mirza

Molly Morrow Amelia Morton

Isabella Moss Amelia Myall

Isha Nunkoo Taya Panter

Rebecca Parkinson

Lucy Pixton

Rachel Roscoe Ani Sastry

Izzy Silvano Fabeha Shafaat

Sophie Smith Genevieve Storey

Amaia Taylor Hannah Welsby

Katie Wild Vanessa Wong

YEAR 10 ROUNDERS

Charlotte Barber Arabella Barker-Smith

India Corlett-Moore Jessie Curtis Walker

Freya Dando Abigail Duckworth

Kate Dziobon Harriet Forster

Rachel Funk Ella Harkness

Zakia Herez Charlotte Hughes

Zara Jiva Shreya Kamath

Mia Monsen Fatimah Naeem

Zara Rattoo Olivia Stubbs

Nabilah Thagia Sara Uddin

Sarah Walker Ella Wilson

Netball Captains’ Report

Being made joint captains for our final season at Bolton School has been an absolute privilege. Sport has played a very important role at our time at school and we have both been keen members of the netball team since we started in Year 7. Having looked up to the seniors since we were young, to be able to be a part of the senior team now for the past two years has been an honour. Our team have had quite a successful season and we would like to thank the rest of the team for their determination and perseverance. Netball has allowed us to make friendships and memories that we will never forget. It will definitely be something that we all will hugely miss once we leave. We would like to thank the PE department for the work they have done, especially taking us to all our matches over the years, but we would specifically like to thank Mrs Heatherington, who has dedicated so much time coaching and supporting us. We couldn’t have asked for a better coach!

Sam Woods & Gabby Appleby

Lacrosse Captains’ Report

We were honoured to be chosen as co-captains for the senior team, as Lacrosse has been a sport we have both been committed to for several years. It has enabled us to form friendships and create a real sense of community within the team. Throughout the school years playing lacrosse, we can both agree that this year has been the most fun as the team has gelled together exceptionally well and it has been a pleasure being able to play with them. Regardless of the score of the matches played, we have always managed to have a great laugh and enjoy the time spent together. In particular, our performance at National Schools exceeded our expectations: coming out at the top of our group on the second day. We are certain that our time spent playing lacrosse at Bolton School is something we will never forget and will be a most fulfilling memory to look back on. All of this would not have been able to happen without the time and energy Miss Donaghy has given, and we are so grateful for her passion and determination to help us be the best we can be.

Jaya Guhathakurta & Alice Sandford

Swimming Captains’ Report

The overall experience as swimming captain has made me more confident as an individual since, as part of my title, I have had to lead a team. This has made me develop greater leadership skills. I have swum for the school for much of my Bolton School life and being chosen as joint swimming captain was a fantastic way to spend my last year at school.

Thea Simpson

Serving as swimming captain in Year 13 has been a great privilege and experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed swimming for the school’s swimming squad for 10 years and being nominated as a captain was a true honour. I am so thankful for Mrs Duddle for allowing Thea and me the chance to represent the school as swimming captains.

Tara Wallis

Year 8 at their Inter-Form Lacrosse competition

Athletics 2018

A glorious spell of weather in the summer of 2018 meant we were able to get all but one of our athletics fixtures completed and there were lots of new Personal Best performance standards achieved throughout the season.

Olivia Maguire (Y8), Lucy Dixon (Y8) and Ella Wilson (Y10) were nominated to represent Greater Manchester at the County Round of English Schools. Lucy achieved a PB of 2.35 in the 800m whilst Ella achieved a 5th place in the Javelin event. Special mention to Olivia who won her javelin event, throwing a distance of 28m, and went onto represent Greater Manchester at the English Schools Finals in Birmingham where she finished in an impressive 9th position. The town athletics competition for Year 9+10 took place at Leverhulme Park with 16 girls representing the school at track and field events. Poppy Blackhurst, Lizzy Harkness and Maya Croasdaile all achieved new PB performances in the 100, 200 and 300m events respectively. Chloe Ferguson also achieved a new PB in the Shot. Special mention to Ella Wilson in Year 10 on becoming the Bolton Town 200m champion. The Year 9 team were placed 5th overall whilst the Year 10 team were placed 2nd. At the Year 7+8 competition, on what turned out to be the hottest day of the summer, Year 8 pupils Alicia Quinton Taylor and Olivia Maguire became town champions in their respective Discus and Javelin events. In the Year 7 competition, Ilham Nagi won her individual 100m event with Jade Sprott winning the 800m. The relay team of Ilham Nagi, Ruby Hassall. Caitrin Flood and Jade Sprott were also worthy winners. Overall a very enjoyable afternoon with the Year 7 team finishing in 2nd place overall with the Year 8 finishing in a very creditable 3rd.

YEAR 7 ATHLETICS

Aaminah Ali Libby Ambrose

Ella Brophy Ella Carter

Angelie Chitre Blythe Cordwell

Jessica Croston Grace Day-Davies

Grace Dean Harriet Dickens

Charlotte Duffy Caitrin Flood

Lola Grundy Alina Halim

Riya Hasija Ruby Hassall

Alexia Hughes Ruby Hurt

Freya Langtree

Imogen Masheter

Trixie Murphy Olivia Myall

Ilham Nagi Helena Ormerod

Rianna Patel Sejal Patel

Charlotte Reece Grace Ryder

Ruby Schofield Nicola Shaw

Kim Short Jade Sprott

Jemima Stubbs Malaika Zaidi

YEAR 8 ATHLETICS

Amaani Adam Hollie Asquith

Alicia Backhouse Molly Bell

Martha Brennan Ruby Broughton

Summer Burke Amelia Charova

Rose Crowther

Jasmine Curtis-Walker

Lucy Dixon Sacha Doyle

Isabelle du Plessis Bella Grainger

Martha Halford Molly Holt

Charlotte Jones Megan Jones

Safa Khan Alice Leary

Olivia Maguire Anika Maini

Jessica Martin Georgia McGinty

Kiana Murray Halimah Natha

Mia Neill Caitlin Nuttall

Rebecca Parry Millie Price

Alicia Quinton Taylor Elizabeth Rogers

Lucy Sackfield Emilie Sham

Kareena Singh Humairah Thagia

Alara Unsal Lexie Vincent

Francesca Williams-Denton

YEAR 9 ATHLETICS

Georgia Barnes Poppy Blackhurst

Isabel Brennand Maya Croasdaile

Issy Corrigan Chloe Ferguson

Gracie Grundy Eve Gould

Lizzy Harkness Bethan Hill

Ruby Hill Phoebe Hurt

Celia Logan Millie Mercer

Isabella Moss Amelia Myall

Maia Patel Lucy Pixton

Katie Riggs Rachel Roscoe

Katie Schaffel Izzy Silvano

Sophie Smith Genevieve Storey

Katie Wild

YEAR 10 ATHLETICS

Arabella Barker-Smith India Corlett-Moore

Jessica-Rose Curtis-Walker Freya Dando

Rubie Dey Abigail Duckworth

Kate Dziobon Harriet Forster

Rachel Funk Ella Harkness

Sophie Hann Zakia Herez

Mia Monsen Olivia Stubbs

Ella Wilson

Water Polo

In the Girls’ Division’s first ever year playing water polo we have had an unbelievably successful season, winning the ESSA’s U13 national competition in the first year of entry. The girls’ attitude, hard work and willingness to listen to feedback saw them improve significantly over the year. A sign of their commitment and dedication was the squad’s training time – 07:30-08:30 on Friday morning!

We have played friendly games this year against St Bede’s Bradford, Manchester High School for Girls, Bolton School Boys’ Division Year 7s and Bolton School Boys’ Division U13s. Over the Easter holidays many of the team went on a tour to Hungary and played games against opposition in Budapest and Szentes.

In the ESSA regional qualifiers, we defeated St Edwards 6-1, drew 3-3 with St Bede’s Bradford and beat Manchester High School for Girls 15-0, and went on to win the National Final against local rivals St Bede’s and St Joseph’s with a score of 4-3 following a closely contested match.

Thanks to Mr Teasdale for all his efforts coaching the team and Miss Compton for all her hard work and support throughout the year.

U13 SQUAD

Anna Brennand Ella Carter

Harriet Dickens Imogen Ferrier

Molly Grimshaw Charlotte Harris

Olivia Melling Zahara Muhammad

Emilia Nuttall Pip Nuttall

Nyah Pomian Jade Sprott

Natalie Staal Erin Turner

Emily Whalley

Cross Country

Well done to the Cross Country teams who competed at the Bolton Schools’ Cross Country Championships in October. Particular congratulations to Elena Bartalotta who won the Year 7 girls race to become overall Bolton town Champion.

As a result of their individual performances, the following girls were nominated to represent the Bolton Town team at the Greater Manchester School championships in February:

YEAR 7

Elena Bartalotta (1st)

Charlotte Harris (4th)

Molly Grimshaw (6th)

Zahara Muhammad (11th)

YEAR 8/9

Lucy Dixon (2nd)

Alicia Backhouse (9th)

Blythe Cordwell (15th)

YEAR 10/11

Lucy Pixton (8th)

Amy Doyle (9th)

Congratulations go to the following girls who also represented the school:

Emilie Reilly (16th)

Freya Taylor (21st)

Elizabeth Williamson (31st)

Mabelle Dawson (36th)

Emily Jefferson (45th)

Beatrice Hughes (57th)

Emaan Asghar (74th)

BOLTON SCHOOLS’ CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM RESULTS

Tennis 2018

The Tennis Squad have competed in the local round of the AEGON Teams Tennis Competition this season, with some competitive matches in both age groups.

The Under 15 team have played a number of matches, competing against Manchester High and St Peters’ Catholic High School. Girls from both year 9 and 10 were selected to play in this competition. The girls came up against some tough opposition at Manchester High, with the overall score 10-2. However they convincingly won their games against St Peter’s with an 8-0 victory overall. Unfortunately the girl’s didn’t get enough points to proceed to the next round.

The Under 13 team played their matches against Clitheroe Grammar, Stonyhurst and Kirkham Grammar. Girls in both Year 7 and 8 were selected to play in this competition, with lots of competitive matches at Tennis Squad practices in order to gain selection. The girls had a convincing win over Clitheroe Grammar with a 10-2 victory overall. The next match was against Stonyhurst, who proved to be a

YEAR 7

GREATER MANCHESTER CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

As members of the Bolton Town Team, pupils selected to run at the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships in February achieved the following placings:

Elena Bartalotta – 4th

Molly Grimshaw – 18th

Charlotte Harris – 26th

Zahara Muhammad – 64th

Alicia Backhouse – 49th

Lucy Pixton – 30th

Amy Doyle – 34th

tough opposition as it was taken to a tiebreaker after the singles and doubles matches were completed. We then went on to take the overall victory. The team then went onto play Kirkham Grammar. After the singles matches it was a draw with 4 rubbers each however after some tough doubles matches we lost both sets, so the overall score was 4-8 to Kirkham. This meant that the girl’s didn’t proceed to the next round.

Girls in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 age groups played in friendly doubles matches against Bury Grammar. The Year 7 team won 12-6, the year 8 team lost 11-12 and the Year 9 and 10 team won by 26 games to 10, but again we were victorious overall with 49 games to 28. At the end of the lovely sunny summer term a second round of friendly doubles matches were played against Bury Grammar. The girls played really well in the heat and finished the season with a 26-15 overall win.

Well done to all of the girls for their efforts and commitments throughout the season.

Football

Large numbers of girls have once again enjoyed coaching on Monday lunchtimes from staff at BWFC community coaching initiative. Particular thanks to Miss Coleman for supervising this lunchtime club.

YEAR 8

Faye Clarkson Carol Habib Isabel Heaton Olivia Maguire Kate Shanley Kareena Singh

YEAR 9

Jessica Bailey Eve Gould Gracie Grundy

YEAR 10

Charlotte Hughes

Angelie Chitre Jess Croston Alina Halim Aliza Nirodi

Lacrosse 2018/19

Throughout the year, the lacrosse teams have competed in a number of matches and tournaments across the North of England. In addition to Regional Tournaments, the Senior Squad travelled to Aldershot in Hampshire to participate in the National Schools Championships at the beginning of March. During the course of the first day, Bolton played a total of six matches against schools from across the UK, qualifying for Division 2 for the second day of play. The team began the morning well, with a 3-1 win against St Albans School, followed by an excellent match against Marlborough College, beating their opposition 3-2. In the knock out stages, Bolton went on to win their next match against Malvern St James Girls’ School, taking them into the quarter final stages of the tournament. Their next opposition, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, proved to be too strong for Bolton on this occasion, and the team lost their match 2 goals to 6. Overall, the squad played very well over the 2 days of the Championships. The younger age groups finished their season exceptionally well, with both the U12 and U13 Squads winning the Northern Championships. This was a fantastic achievement from all the players, and they are now looking forward to building on their successes of the season.

UNDER 14

Alicia Backhouse Summer Burke

Jessica Crompton Rose Crowther

Jasmine Curtis-Walker Poppy Donohue

Sacha Doyle Martha Halford

Molly Holt Alice Leary (C)

Olivia Maguire Anika Maini

Tisha Matsika Zena Miller

Martha Morrow Mia Neill

Caitlin Nuttall Millie Price

Emilie Sham Francesca Williams-Denton

UNDER 13

Aaminah Ali Ella Brophy (C)

Ella Carter Angelie Chitre

Phoebe Chuck Harriet Dickens

Erin Farragher Lola Grundy

Riya Hasija Ruby Hassall

Alexia Hughes Ruby Hurt

Freya Langtree Ai Makino

Olivia Myall Ilham Nagi

Ruby Schofield Kimberley Short

Jade Sprott Jemima Stubbs

Freya Taylor Nicola Shaw

UNDER 12

Ruby Anderson Emma Arnison

Harriet Atherton Clarity Brabin

Anna Brennand Sophie Chan

Frankie Dewhurst Flora Dey

Holly Durnian Gabriella Giambattista-Hunt

Molly Grimshaw Maya Guhathakurta

Charlotte Harris Naomi Hitchin

Alexia Howarth Eva Liu

Zara McCann Olivia Melling

Emilia Nuttall Pip Nuttall

Gabrielle Read Charlotte Riggs

Ghada Shaker Natalie Staal

Sophie Swift Erin Turner

Catherine Xi Bethan Birch

Francesca Gerrard Emily Whalley

WELSH DRAGONS

Congratulations to Mia Monsen in Year 11 and Rachel Roscoe in Year 10 for their selection onto the Junior Wales Lacrosse programme. The ‘Dragon Academy’ is the Welsh development pathway, designed to identify players who have the potential to represent their sport at elite level. During the Summer holidays, both Mia and Rachel will be travelling to Canada to compete in a lacrosse festival which runs alongside the U19 World Cup. This will be a great experience for both of the girls.

As a result of her commitment to training and her excellent standard of play, Millie Hurt has been rewarded with a place on the Wales U19 World Cup Squad, where she will have the opportunity to represent her country in the U19 Championships in Peterborough, Canada.

COUNTY LACROSSE

This year, many pupils have played lacrosse at representative level for their County. The following girls were selected to represent the U18, U15 and U13 Lancashire County Lacrosse squads:

LANCASHIRE U18 ‘A’ SQUAD Abigail Duckworth Abigail Hughes Millie Hurt (C) Phoebe Hurt Asmara Stubley

LANCASHIRE U18 ‘B’ SQUAD

Arabella Barker-Smith Kate Dziobon Chloe Ferguson Mia Monsen

LANCASHIRE U15 ‘A’ SQUAD

Chloe Ferguson Eve Gould Martha Halford Phoebe Hurt

LANCASHIRE U15 ‘B’ SQUAD

Ella Brophy Isabelle Corrigan Jasmine Curtis-Walker Alice Leary Lucy Pixton Vanessa Wong

LANCASHIRE U13 ‘A’ SQUAD: Ella Brophy Phoebe Chuck Molly Grimshaw Ruby Hassall Ilham Nagi Pip Nuttall Kim Short Jade Sprott

LANCASHIRE U13 ‘B’ SQUAD: Anna Brennand Lola Grundy Ruby Hurt Freya Langtree Olivia Myall

SUPER COUNTIES

Following on from their success at Lancashire County, the following girls were selected to represent the U19 Super Counties North East Squad at the Regional Tournament in March.

‘A’ SQUAD: Millie Hurt

‘B’ SQUAD: Arabella Barker-Smith, Abigail Duckworth, Eve Gould, Abigail Hughes, Phoebe Hurt & Asmara Stubley

ENGLAND LACROSSE ACADEMY

England Lacrosse runs talent development programmes for girls through an Academy system. The system plays an important role in raising the performance of junior players and contributing to the success of the National teams at U19 and Senior levels.

UNDER 15

Imaan Ahmed Tahira Collins

Isabelle Corrigan Chloe Ferguson

Eve Gould Gracie Grundy

Bethan Hill Ruby Hill

Phoebe Hurt Molly Morrow

Amelia Myall Lucy Pixton

Rachel Roscoe Sophie Smith

Vanessa Wong (C)

Congratulations to the following pupils who are currently enrolled in the Academy:

IN YEAR 9: Jasmine Curtis-Walker, Martha Halford, Alice Leary & Frankie Williams-Denton.

IN YEAR 10: Chloe Ferguson, Eve Gould, Ruby Hill & Phoebe Hurt.

The 2018-19 netball season was as busy as ever in the first half term with plenty of friendly and league competition games to accommodate in addition to the usual Saturday matches. Thankfully there was minimal disruption to games this year due to the mild winter with the season culminating in the usual round of local and county tournaments.

Particular highlights to mention include the selection at County level of Ella Brophy (Year 8) for the Lancashire Netball academy of excellence and the clean sweep of wins in all five age groups of the Bolton Schools Tournaments.

In September the Under 14s had a very successful GSA netball tournament at Condover Hall where they were pleased to finish 4th overall in this national netball competition.

The County Tournaments were hit by a flurry of snowy weather just after February half term which disappointingly saw the Under 13 tournament cancelled. The Under 14 team reached the semi-final stages of their County tournament, losing in the semi-final by the

narrow margin of 1 goal to Bury GS. The Under 16 team played superbly well to finish as County Runners Up.

The seniors fielded a combined Under 17 and Under 18 teams at their County competition which saw the Under 18 team play in School colours for the very last time. The seniors have been an absolute delight to work with over the last 7 years and have been great ambassadors for the school – we will miss them all next year.

All the teams have demonstrated huge potential throughout the season and have gained much confidence under the guidance of Mr Owen, Mrs Duddle and Mrs Heatherington this year.

Particular mention to Miss Coleman who has tirelessly supported the PE department in running a netball club for fun for girls in Year 8. It is a real pleasure to see so many girls enjoying playing netball for fun alongside the netball squads.

Thank you to all girls who have committed their time to training with their teams and for representing the school throughout the season.

UNDER

UNDER

Year 6 Memories...

I really enjoyed going on the ski trip in Year 6 I had a brilliant time.

Evie Morris

I had a fantastic trip to Patterdale. I did every activity. Zahra Ashraf

I had a fabulous time Sailing in Patterdale; it was great fun and we got to do the ‘Hairy Scary Man Jump’. Isabella Backhouse

I remember going to the Bolton Schools Netball tournament, we won all our matches except the final but we still got to play at the Manchester Games.

I loved playing the ‘Moo Game’ at Patterdale – you had to stare at your opponent and moo at them until they laughed.

I loved doing Skidooing on the Ski Trip. Noor-Al-Haya Razaq-Aziz

I loved our Year 6 trip to Stockport Air Raid Shelter.

When we went to the AJIS Proms, at The Grange School, I brought a large pack of Maoam sweets with me and we had to hide them from Miss Fairclough.

One of my favourite memories is of Tia losing her ski pole on the ski trip, she made up a song about it and it stuck in our head for months!

I enjoyed Bikeability but didn’t enjoy crashing into the netball post and the front of school! Everyone thought it was funny to watch.

Eesha Neelam

We tried to have a party at midnight in our room at Patterdale. Unfortunately, we got busted by Mrs Lucas. Sorry Mrs Lucas!

In Patterdale, when I did the jump in gorge walking I lost my wellies. The instructor Joe had to dive down and get them. Luckily, I didn’t have to walk back with just one welly on like Chloe Zhang! Aleeza Sadiq

One of my favourite memories was getting into the Netball Squad and Water Polo Squad. I was really proud of myself. Abigail Lockie

My group went down to the cellars at Patterdale and saw the most enormous spider. Alice and I were terrified! Kate had to come and rescue us!

At Patterdale, it was really funny when Alice was so tired that she fell asleep on the toilet.

My favourite memory was in Patterdale in Year 6, when Amishi and I were sailing. We went round in circles because of a massive wave from the cruiser. In the end we had to get rescued by the speed boat.

I loved playing knock-a-door-run at Patterdale.

Tia Fitzgerald

On my first Netball competition with school, I got stuck on the coach! The driver had to cut me out of my seat. We still won the competition though!

I remember when we did a Flash Mob for Mrs Brierly, all the girls of Hesketh House were dancing to Uptown Funk. Zulfah Akinwande

I loved going to the National Chess competition in Guildford. I drew against the second best girls’ under 11 player in England! Imaan Rashid

I remember coming third in the AJIS Netball Competition: we all played brilliantly.

Freya Marland

On the ski trip Kate had to literally pull me out of bed to wake me up. Emily Bowden

When we were kayaking in Patterdale, we played ‘rock-paper-scissors’ and if you lost you had to sit on the front of the boat and most people capsized. It was so funny!

One of my favourite memories was of when I guessed the correct number of sweets in the jar - I won 426 sweets!

Bolton

Armita Habibi

Sienna White

Eesha Dhaygude

Lucy Pickett

Sofia Riaz

Paavana Sugumar

Kate Beirne.

Alice Nielsen

Mira Chang

Ella Nielsen

Iris Shepherd

Olivia Wong

Art Attack...

Year 3

Moving toy made in D&T using old boxes, dowelling and a cam mechanism

Eleanor Law

Can the Earth shake, rattle and roll? Chalk pastel pictures to complement the girls’ lessons on volcanoes and earthquakes.

Year 4

Year 5

Menesa Kilinc

Olivia Ramirez Nievas

Laila Altaf Philippa Irving

Painted Boudicca using Dio Cassius’ description of the heroic and determined Warrior Queen Lola Errington

Rainforest Butterflies

Georgia Clarkson & Nia Raja

The Study of the Ocelot Marissa Hollinghurst

Headdresses Nora Oesterle, Nikita Luhar & Lois Cowin

Patterns in the rainforest using watercolours

Sana Seedat

Roman shields (scuta) made using decorative designs inspired by Roman gods, wings, eagles and lightning bolts

Dhatri Anil & Phoebe Masheter

Musical Memories Sport

It has been another successful year for sporty pupils at Hesketh House! The Year 5/6 Cross Country team achieved the double success of winning both the Bolton Schools Championships and Bolton Schools League. The Year 3/4 team also won the Championships, and both age groups achieved individual first and second place in that competition. The Year 6 Netball team and the Year 5 Swim team both represented Bolton at the Greater Manchester Games following success at qualifying rounds. Two teams achieved podium positions at AJIS Netball competitions: the U10s came second while the U11s placed third. A haul of 15 individual medals were won at the Sportshall Athletics competition, and at the AJIS Tennis competition Lucy Pickett won the Plate.

Year 6 Memories...

I have happy memories of our Sports Days, my favourite event was the sprint final. Shanya Khan

I enjoyed going on the Writing Retreat at Patterdale Hall in February half term, the writing based on a visit to Aira Force was really good.

Angelica Vasanth

I had such fun on the ski trip, I loved skiing down the mountain! It was funny when Hannah sat on me on the chair lift. Laila Westwood

I loved having a solo singing part in the Year 3 production which was all about fairy tales and childhood. I was Little Red Riding Hood. Jennah Kideer

I have made such good friends and the teachers have been brilliant.

Dinburgh Ai

I remember when we were in Year 3 we performed a flash mob dance for Mrs Brierley, who was retiring.

Amy Heaton

On the ski trip, Hana and I got off the chair lift at the wrong stop and the instructor had to come back to get us! Chloe Zhang

I loved the H Factor event where we tasted lots of new food, especially fruit. There was a smoothie bike where we had to pedal to power the blender to make our own smoothies!

It was amazing when we did the “Hairy-Scary-Man jump” at Patterdale, I felt so proud of myself. I have made lifelong friends at Hesketh House.

I loved sailing at Patterdale, I did the dry capsize. I made great friends at Hesketh House.

I remember when we had the chance to see inside a helicopter which had landed at School. We could sit in the driver’s seat.

I remember meeting Bumble, the police horse that we sponsor.

On the ski trip it was funny when I skied in the part of the slope that was out of bounds!

I enjoyed having a solo singing part in the production of Alice in Year 5.

On the ski trip, I got left behind after falling down and I came down another path, off piste. I landed near another ski group and my skis fell off.

Hana Turnbull

I have enjoyed all the productions we have done over the years. I have also made some great friends at Hesketh House. Harshini Madhu Shankar

I loved performing solo singing parts in the productions, particularly the one in Year 3 when I was a doll in a box. Also on the ski trip it was funny when Mr Stringer snapped my ski pole in half! Eva Hurst

I love all the sports, especially the Interhouse rounders and netball events.

I enjoyed taking part in Bikeability, I slowed down and it meant that two of my friends cycled through a red light.

I enjoyed the fun we had competing in the Interhouse rounders and Netball events.

I loved taking part in the football fixture. I also enjoyed the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ assembly, as I got to be Jeremy Clarkson!

I was proud to represent School at the AJIS Netball competition in Year 6, we came 3rd.

Lily-Grace Greer

I have enjoyed all the sports fixtures, especially the AJIS ones. There have been lots of opportunities for me to represent School. Ella Clarkson

I had fun during Bikeability, although the memorable moment was a bit scary where we were almost hit by a learner driver! Amelia Crompton

I loved having Mrs Tatlock as a teacher, she was really nice.

I really enjoyed our Induction Day to Year 6, with Mrs Joseph. We had fun and made some lovely things to display in the classroom.

Olivia Laithwaite

Rosie Heywood

Mariella Duckworth

Aaliyah Karim

Iksimar Kaur

Georgia Ainscough

Hannah Faulkner

Elizabeth Newton

Malaika Haider

Aditi Prashant

Annabelle Guest

Chloe Leung

Sarah Tabani

Religion & Philosophy

A group of A Level and GCSE students spent a weekend at Patterdale Hall in the Autumn Term. Ethical dilemmas, critical thinking and philosophical debate were interspersed with fun outdoor pursuits activities.

Pupils have also visited a church and a synagogue to discover more about these places of worship first-hand. This particularly complemented Year 10 girls’ GCSE Religious Studies work. The church visit coincided with a moving Remembrance display in commemoration of 100 years since the Armistice.

Students in the Sixth Form took the opportunity to attend the Boys’ Division’s annual Headmaster’s Conference on ‘Making Philosophy Real’ for an insightful presentation on gender and identity through the focus of philosophical thinking and ethics. The girls found Professor SophieGrace Chappell’s lecture very much relevant to their A Level course.

Fond Farewells...

Mrs A Price

I first set foot in Bolton School in the late 1980’s, as a stubborn and precocious infant entering Beech House. Even though I only spent three years as a Bolton School pupil, coming back as Director of Music in 2014 felt strangely familiar. I have vivid memories of the old Beech House (now Hesketh House) playground, and clearly remember taking part in school plays in the GD Theatre; even though at the time I remember thinking it was enormous! It was a privilege to attend the school as a pupil, and an even greater one to be invited back as a teacher. The past five years have raced by in a whirlwind of concerts, productions and events, and I will look back on them all with fondness. So many pupils have shown such incredible dedication and commitment to the musical community, and I am extremely grateful for their hard work and so proud of their amazing achievements. I will never forget the beautiful Ceremony of Carols concerts, the adrenaline rush of conducting over a thousand people at the Bridgewater Hall, and my fabulous casts of ‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘Into The Woods’. However, some of my favourite memories are much more unassuming; sharing in the day-to-day challenges and successes of pupils in the classroom. It has been a privilege to get to know the pupils of Bolton School, and to have, in some small way, helped guide them on their journeys toward adulthood.

Mrs J Kingsford

I started working at Bolton School in 1988 when I was 23. I was in awe of the imposing buildings and beautiful grounds, but excited to be teaching English, especially A level Literature. Throughout my career I’ve loved studying new texts and exploring them with the students, who have been invariably curious and motivated.

In 1994 I had my first daughter and my second the following year. By then I was job-sharing which worked perfectly with a young family. I continued this arrangement until my youngest went to university when I became full-time again. I’m grateful to the school for allowing that balance between work and family life.

Spending every day in the company of Jane Eyre, Romeo and Juliet and William Blake has been a pleasure, made greater by sharing them with lively young minds. The icing on the cake has been the creative writing groups and retreats, which I plan to continue in association with Patterdale.

I will miss my lovely colleagues (some of whom were once in my classes!) and of course, the pupils. Bolton School girls are talented, hard-working and confident, but also unpretentious with a strong social conscience – one of the most important values in life, I think.

After having taught for thirty years, I’m looking forward to a new chapter! I’ll be working for The Reader Organisation, reading the classics aloud to vulnerable groups. I’ll also have time to devote to my own writing, and I might even get a puppy.

Debating at Patterdale Hall on the Religious Studies Retreat

Pupils learning more about Judaism at the Synagogue

Year 10 trying out bell ringing during their church visit

Mrs J Partington

When I arrived at Bolton School 37 years ago, it was as a very new, young teacher who had found her dream job of teaching Latin and French at a wonderful school. With the expert help and support of many kind colleagues, I soon found my feet and was roped in to many activities in and out of school.

One of the many highlights as Head of Classics was the Festival of Languages, where girls entertained parents with musical and dramatic performances in foreign languages. A colleague and I wrote and directed some sketches (in Latin, of course) of Roman deities and emperors, calling ourselves Partwright Productions Inc., and tried hard to keep control of the 120 toy ducks brought in by Year 7 as props for their Latin song.

Just after I’d become involved in the organisation of external examinations, modular A level and GCSE tests burst into the curriculum. We have moved from hand-written entries for every candidate, to a BBC computer with a floppy disc for a few examinations, to a full system of electronic data transfer of entries and results with the Examination Boards.

There have been many lighter moments in the arcane world of examination administration: the pigeon that took a keen interest in a Spanish oral test and perched on the open window, apparently listening intently; the deliciously gooey cream cake brought in (as a sticky snack for part way through the examination?); the sunglasses, sun cream and slightly dubious novel another candidate had in the Hall, whether for pre or post examination entertainment I’m not sure. In any case, all such items (including the pigeon) are classed as unauthorised material and had to be removed.

It has been an absolute pleasure to teach Latin to so many lively, committed students. As Examinations Officer, I’ve enjoyed meeting many students and parents with whom I wouldn’t normally have come into contact. So much has changed over my years at Bolton School, but the enthusiasm and hard work of students and staff has always been a constant. And so, as I continue my travels in retirement, my very best wishes to you all.

Mrs S Waters

1990 – 1998 & 2007 – 2019

The best thing about teaching at Bolton School has been the pupils, who I am going to miss. They have made it a pleasure to come to work. They have a real thirst for knowledge and are committed to achieving their potential. In my retirement I intend to spend more time with my horse, honing mine and his dressage skills!

Mrs M Walsh

In September 2005 I came to Bolton School to teach Biology, but over the last fourteen years I have also had the privilege to teach Physics and Chemistry. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the classroom, getting to know the girls, preparing them for their examinations and sharing in their successes. Thanks to all the girls who have worked alongside me to care for the plants on the corridors and to the Eco Reps who have helped to recycle the vast amounts of paper and cardboard the school uses each year. Now more than ever we have a responsibility to live more sustainable lives and protect our damaged planet.

So many changes have taken place during my time at Bolton Schooltoo numerous to mention, but I am glad that many of the old traditions remain. I have fond memories of the Prefects’ Panto, the Ceremony of Carols, Year 13 Leavers day, school concerts, Year 10 Christmas Post and the numerous events put on to raise money for charity during the school year.

I feel very lucky to finish my teaching career as part of a dynamic and successful Science Department working alongside committed, hardworking and supportive colleagues. As I move into retirement I will miss them all dearly.

Mrs C Sutcliffe

Mrs Sutcliffe first came to Bolton School as a student from 1965 to 1970. She returned as a Careers Assistant in 1986, and since then has each year organised careers events and work experience which have provided pupils in all year groups with valuable opportunities to develop workplace skills and expand their potential.

In addition, she has taken parties of girls up to Patterdale Hall for extracurricular outdoor pursuits and for a number of years ran the Girls’ Division Orienteering Club, giving up many a weekend to accompany girls taking part in competitions.

Over the course of her career, she has helped countless girls to consider and plan their futures and surely will be remembered fondly by them all. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mrs K Aldred

My time at Beech House has always been both action packed and full of the unexpected. One Reception trip to Chester Zoo springs to mind, involving the M6, four fire engines, three police cars, a foam encrusted coach and a green patch in the middle of a freshly manured field where we ate our picnic, waiting to be rescued by a double decker bus!

‘People at Work Week’ always seemed such a good idea until an Inspector from the Greater Manchester Police dropped in before going on duty, only to discover to her horror that her specially polished hat badge was missing. Needless to say it was returned, with incriminating fingerprints no doubt!

‘Hobbies Week’ and we were a little down on parental volunteers. Early next morning my husband’s Land Rover and our caravan were pitched on the old Beech House playground ready for a Reception talk. The older children pleaded – Mrs Crawforth agreed – and a steady stream of not 50 but 200+ eager-faced children and staff peered into every nook and cranny and sat at the wheel!

Twenty-eight years have just flown by! As someone said the other day, “You can’t be going, it’s like the end of an era!” Well, where else could you stay so young at heart and ready to face the next challenge!

Duke of Edinburgh

I have just taken my Grade 8 drumming exam and play for Greater Manchester Youth Brass Band too, making the hours required for my skill section easy to rack up. I have made new friends through the county band and, being shy, it has given me more confidence about going into an environment where I know no one. It was also a pleasure to play at the Bridgewater Hall and Peel Hall.

For my Silver expedition, I chose canoeing. Being a smaller group has made it good fun, it’s been nice getting to know peers you don’t always see in school time. Despite being attacked by swans on the Leeds-Liverpool canal and the fact none of us want to see a lock again, I’m really looking forward to the qualifier on the River Ouse. Combine something new with something you love and it becomes a rewarding experience with new hobbies and new friends along the way.

Millie Ashton Year 10

I contemplated volunteering in a charity shop or joining the local litter-picking group, but in the end I decided to enquire at my local vets and in a matter of weeks I had some dates. I expected just to be cleaning cages but instead I got to take care of the animals before and after surgery and even witness operations. I found this quite intimidating at first but then also extremely interesting.

My physical skill was springboard diving. I was very passionate about it as I have been doing it for eight years. My goal for this section was to perfect my 1.5 somersault and I was successful in this as I worked very hard with my coach. However, it did come with challenges! After an injury, I was nervous to try this dive again but after forcing myself to do it once, with the support of my friends I was back on the way towards my target.

I am extremely glad that I chose to take part in the Silver award and am looking forward to starting my Gold next year.

Madeline Ashton Year 11

The Gold Award has been a tough yet rewarding process of commitment to various activities over the past year. At the end of Year 11, I chose to undertake the National Citizen Service at Bolton Lads and Girls club, part of which comprised a residential at Bolton University. I took on the role of project manager and led our team in devising a plan to rejuvenate two local disadvantaged nurseries. The final week when the whole project came together was the highlight of my experience. Seeing the outcome of our hard work and planning was so rewarding, especially when we saw the reactions of the nursery staff and children.

I’m really grateful that I persevered through my Duke of Edinburgh Award. It has shaped me into a well-rounded individual and it’s not just the new skills I’ve gained that are important, but also the people I have met and the experiences I’ve had. For anyone who is considering the Gold Award, I highly recommend it. It’s been an unforgettable, life-changing experience, and I am certain that I will continue to volunteer and try out new activities in the many years to come.

Khadijah Ali Year 13

A record-breaking 119 pupils in Year 10 have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards this year, and a further 58 have gone on to achieve the Silver Award! Four students also received Gold Awards at the annual Celebration Evening held in the Summer Term. As always, the whole of Year 9 began work on their Bronze Awards with practice and qualifying expeditions: always a source of excitement and trepidation.

Alumni Advice

Bolton School welcomed twenty highachieving Old Girls back to the Girls’ Division to help commemorate International Women’s Day. Girls were advised to grasp opportunities, challenge themselves, build resilience and take risks across a day of speeches and discussion.

Stephanie Barwise QC (Class of 1982) addressed the whole of the Girls’ Division in morning assembly to start the day. Stephanie is one of the lead QCs in The Grenfell Tower Inquiry and was featured in The Lawyer’s 2019 ‘Hot 100’ list. She told girls not to worry if they are not yet certain about their career path: what is more important is having a will

to succeed. As the world and employment opportunities develop apace, she advised that creativity and personality will become ever more important traits. Reviewing her five takeaway points at the end, she said: “Keep an open mind, make your own luck and follow your instincts, be bold but stay humble, have a strong sense of what is right and wrong and keep your sense of gratitude.”

International Women’s Day continued with further inspiring and informative talks and round-table sessions with alumni for Years 8 to 10, and Year 12 girls had the opportunity for short face to face discussions in the afternoon.

As the year progressed, yet more Old Girls returned to offer their advice and guidance: two were speakers at the Careers Relating to the Environment day for Years 10 to 13, and four returned to share their expertise and insight with Year 12 students on World of Work Day. At the inaugural Oxbridge Conference, a trio of Old Girls offered a valuable student’s perspective on studying at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. There were also several individual visits linked to the curriculum, PSHEE and careers. Physics students in Years 10 to 13 enjoyed stimulating presentations about the evolution of the

Stephanie Barwise QC gave the keynote speech on International Women’s Day

Hanna Miraftab offering advice to Year 11 in PSHEE

Tia Louden (2002-2011) discussed her career in tech on World of Work Day

universe from Old Girl Dr Becky Smethurst (Class of 2008), now a Junior Research Fellow in Astrophysics at Christ Church College, Oxford University. Dentist and star of ‘The Real Housewives of Cheshire’ Hanna Miraftab (1999-2006) delivered an inspiring lesson to Year 11 girls, focusing on her flourishing career in dentistry and offering advice on interview preparation. Earlier in the year, Hanna was one of the guest speakers at International Women’s Day. Her classmate Hannah Bradley (19992006) delivered an interactive workshop on conflict resolution for the Sixth Form, based on her work as a Dispute Resolution Solicitor. Senior Crime Scene Manager Lindsy Slamon

(Class of 1994) addressed pupils in Year 9 to 11 from both Divisions about her work in forensic science. Her fascinating talk covered the meticulous nature of her job, forensic strategy, different roles in her line of work and the types of evidence that her team collects, including digital evidence.

Girls also benefitted from the School’s links with Old Boys, who gave lunchtime talks and presentations at careers days. Students studying Religion and Philosophy at A Level attended the Boys’ Division annual conference, Making Philosophy Real, which featured two alumni speakers.

Forthcoming Events...

10 October 2019

Manchester Networking Event, Manchester (TBC)

11 November 2019

Old Girls’ Lunch & Armistice Memorial, Arts Centre, Bolton School

15 November 2019

Oxford Dinner, Oxford (TBC)

31 January 2020

Old Girls’ Lunch, Arts Centre, Bolton School

7 February 2020

Cambridge Dinner, Cambridge (TBC)

6 March 2020

London Dinner, Lords 25 April 2020

‘10’ Class Reunion, Bolton School

1 May 2020 Scottish Dinner, University of Edinburgh

5 June 2020

Old Girls’ Lunch & AGM, Arts Centre, Bolton School 12 June 2020

Careers Relating to the Environment day featured a talk from Pamela Thompson (1983-85) from the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Dr

Cumbria Lunch, Lindeth Howe Hotel 13 June 2020 PA Ball, TBC

Thank you to all of those Old Girls who have given so freely of their time, knowledge and expertise to help current pupils. If you would like to offer your assistance, please contact the Development Office.

Becky Smethurst at Astrophysics Club

“Lovely to catch up with everyone and talk about fond memories of Bolton School!” Mehranguiz Mokri (Class of 2017)

Ellie Addison

Deeanne Ahamed

Apprenticeship, Allied infrastructure Management Limited Civil Engineering

University of Newcastle upon Tyne Geography

Leena Ahmed Imperial College London Medicine

Sudah Ahmed University of Leeds Medicine

Maryam Akbar Patel Lancaster University Criminology and Psychology

Asena Akdeniz Keele University Medicine

Setareh Alikhasi City University London Criminology

Scarlett Amos Leeds Beckett University Psychology

Lenoni Anderson University of Leeds Computer Science with Mathematics

Zoe Ashworth

The University of Birmingham Economics

Amelie Bamford Lancaster University

Imaan Bhuta Gap Year

Caroline Blair

French Studies and Politics

Royal Academy of Music Music

Olivia Blyth University of Exeter Law

Eloise Booth University of Cambridge Modern and Medieval Languages

Olivia Bromley University of Leeds Geography and Management, 2019

Millie Brownley

Leeds Beckett University Business Economics

Maisie Camm University of Manchester Biology

Shakira Campion University of Aberdeen Philosophy and Theology and Religious Studies

Harriette Camus University of Manchester Chemical Engineering

Sheila Chanda Gap Year

Kiran Cheema University of Manchester

Megan Clee

Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology with industrial/ Professional Experience

The University of York Psychology

Lucy Cooke University of Derby Zoology with Foundation Year

Lauren Crowther University of Leeds Fashion Marketing

Ruby Cummings Hull York Medical School Medicine, 2019

Hannah Daley University of Bath Mathematics, with Study Year Abroad

Sonali Daniel (2017) University of Sheffield Medicine

Isabelle Devine

Manchester Metropolitan University Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Maya Drummond University of Nottingham Modern Language Studies

Bethany Dunbar Northumbria University Psychology Foundation Year

Georgina Edwards University of Manchester Biosciences with a Foundation Year

Holly Errington University of Nottingham Modern Languages with Business

Alice Ferguson Gap Year

Harriet Flatt University of Leeds Food Science and Nutrition

Fahima Gani University of Liverpool

Dental Surgery, 2019

Katerina Gramm Oxford University Medicine

Hester Grange University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Philosophy

Priya Guhathakurta Durham University Mathematics

Pantea Habibi

Humairaa Haider

International University of Catalonia Dentistry

Queen Mary, University of London History

Nadiya Hall University of Edinburgh Theoretical Physics

Reem Harandou University of Manchester Chemical Engineering

Lucie Hardman University of Strathclyde Product Design Engineering

Jessie Harper University of Exeter Classical Studies

Cerys Heard University of Edinburgh Economics

Amy Henderson

The University of Birmingham Philosophy

Emma Higginbottom University of Newcastle Upon-Tyne Civil Engineering

Anna Hill

University of Manchester

Classical Studies

Abigail Holt The University of Birmingham Philosophy

Zoe Howell University of Edinburgh History

Holly Hurt University of Leeds International History and Politics

Rachel Ibberson University of Exeter History

Amna Idrees Keele University Pharmacy

Anu Jain London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) Geography

Hannah Jiva (2017) University of Liverpool Dental Surgery

Sofia Khadem Liverpool John Moores Pharmacy

Hadiqa Khan Lancaster University Medicine and Surgery

Neha Khimani University of Manchester Medicine

Lauren Lee Cheong University of Sheffield Accounting and Financial Management

Rebecca Lees University of Leeds Economics

Clara Lewison-Hawksworth Lancaster University Psychology

Millie Liptrott

Regent’s University London

Jennie Maher Gap Year

Fashion Design with integrated Foundation

Emily Man Manchester Metropolitan University Zoology

Clara Mansfield University of Leeds Psychology

Molly Marshall Sheffield Hallam University Graphic Design

Aminah Mohammed Apprenticeship, Marsh & McLennan Client Adviser

Mehranguiz Mokri (2017) Oxford University Law

Amie Murray University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Medicine and Surgery

Abigail Naylor The University of York Psychology

Alexandra Nelson University of Glasgow Dentistry

Aaisha Patel (2017) University of Cumbria Diagnostic Radiotherapy

Anika Patel Heriot-Watt University Mathematics

Maaria Patel School Leaver Scheme, PWC Consulting

Hannah Penketh The University of York

Accounting, Business Finance and Management with a Year in industry

Megan Phillips De Montfort University Contour Fashion

Olivia Porter (2017) King’s College London (University of London) Spanish and Management with a Year Abroad

Megan Preedy (2017) Edge Hill University Nutrition and Health

Matilda Rodriguez University of Bristol Liberal Arts

Hannah Saad Durham University Law

Niamh Scanlon University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Economics and Business Management

Mariyah Seedat (2016) University of Manchester Optometry

Rebecca Sham University of Central Lancashire Law, Foundation Entry

Eleanor Shaw University of Glasgow Classics

Rosemary Somerville University of Liverpool Dentistry

Emily Stansfield Northumbria University Accounting

Jessica Stiles The University of York Psychology

Atiyah Suleman University of Manchester Accounting and Finance

Lily Tankard (2017) Hull York Medical School Medicine

Su-Sam Tham The University of York History/Politics

Natalie Turner University of Nottingham Modern Languages

Ellie Twist Lancaster University Law

Halima Warraich Gap Year

Katie Wright University of Manchester Fashion Management