Year 3 Trip to Bolton Museum

Year 3 had a trip to the newly revamped Bolton Museum this week, to visit the permanent Egyptology exhibition.

The boys were enthralled by all of the mummies and ancient Egyptian artefacts and learnt a lot about scarab beetles, amongst many other things. Do visit the museum if you get the opportunity to do so over the Summer. TP

Science Fun in the Summer Holiday

Calling all budding scientists !

Please find linked here details of two exciting-looking week long science courses in Manchester, which will take place in the Summer holidays. Please do let us know if your son attends.

LAMDA Lessons

If your son is interested in after school drama lessons from September, please click here for further details of the course and cost. Please return the completed form to Mrs Buchanan directly if you would like a place.

World Cube Association

Registration is now open for the World Cube Association competition which takes place on 5th and 6th August at Senior School. There are 120 spots available and some old Park Road boys are already signed up. Further details can be found in the link below: https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions/ BoltonSummer2023#general-info

Creative Learning

I was really honoured to be invited to present on our Action Research Projects, with colleagues Miss Lord (Foundation Director of Creative Learning) and Mrs Holt (Deputy Head at Hesketh House), as part of an international conference “Making the implicit Explicit: Exploring the latest curriculum innovations for crossdisciplinary skills” hosted at Monkton Senior School in Bath.

Following a rousing defence of the joys of reading by the keynote speaker, Michael Morpurgo, there were a number of sessions exploring curriculum, digital portfolios and open-ended working which allow pupils to explore a multitude of skills and learning competencies.

Our session on unleashing curiosity and empowering learning through curricula transformation was really well attended and it was great to hold the space for fellow professionals to explore, interrogate and learn from the work we are doing here. Big thanks to all the staff in Park Road and across the Division who have been so supportive of these projects as the response out there is a big validation of the power of action research to have a direct and positive impact on pupils. JPM

Angling in the Summer Holidays

Calling all Park Road anglers : angling coaching slots can be booked via Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/ offthescaleoutdooreducation) or Twitter https://twitter.com/ offthescaleoe/status/1674070102797434888?

s=12&t=REA1clIj96ugs2v9lMSUNw during the holiday.

Two free days are offered on 7th and 11th August Contact Justin on 07723 072688 to book.

Astley Bridge Cricket Club Summer Camp

Calling all cricketers ! Please register your interest for the upcoming Astley Bridge Cricket Club Summer Camp at the end of July / beginning of August for your child here https://forms.gle/Y2Dbcd1D4pzG6nV46. The cost is just £15 per day and takes place at their Sharples Park ground, on Moss Bank Way in Bolton.

Year 6 Production “Oliver ! Jnr”

The Year 6 boys delivered a captivating rendition of Lionel Bart's renowned musical, "Oliver!" in their production titled “Oliver Jnr!” over three nights this week. Adding a fresh twist to the timeless classic, this rendition featured an all-boys cast. The performance exhibited exceptional talent, skilful direction, and a unique vision, providing a fresh perspective on the well-known musical. By challenging traditional gender roles, the young male actors showcased their versatility and talent, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The opening scene unfolded in the iconic workhouse, with dinner tables set for the boys who later hurriedly sat down to eat from their bowls, while Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney served their meagre fare. The music built up and the pitch-perfect singing in "Food Glorious Food" created a captivating ambiance. The boys, dressed in tattered clothes with blackened faces, looked convincingly impoverished. Impeccable choreography added to the charismatic and believable portrayal of the scene, particularly during the iconic "Please sir, can I have some more?" line. Jake Dance's portrayal of Oliver exuded innocence, effectively capturing his longing for love and belonging throughout the production. Mark Debreczeni, as Mr. Bumble and Theo Hodge as Widow Corney, displayed remarkable chemistry, forming a perfect pairing. Debreczeni's commanding presence in his portrayal of Mr. Bumble, coupled with his authoritative rendition of "Oliver," demonstrated his skilful performance.

The subsequent scenes showcased Oliver being sold to Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, brilliantly played by George James and Jason Abanda, respectively. Both actors masterfully balanced darkness and humour in their roles. Oliver's poignant solo, "Where Is Love?" moved the audience to tears as he delivered a truly heartfelt performance, while seated amongst the coffins in the undertakers' setting. Oliver's decision to stand up against Noah Claypole's derogatory comments about his mother seamlessly led to the introduction of Jack Dawkins, also known as The Artful Dodger, portrayed by the immensely talented Harry Lowton. Jake Dance's Oliver quickly becomes enamored of Dodger's limitless charisma and soon finds himself taken under the wings of Dodger, Fagin and their gang.

Druv Patel's portrayal of Fagin exuded charismatic charm while revealing the character's complexity and inner conflict. Patel effortlessly sang his solos, and his playful relationship with Dodger, played by Harry Lowton, added another layer of entertainment to the production. Fagin's gang, adeptly balancing playfulness and the seriousness of their pickpocketing profession, executed their choreography exceptionally well. Their loyalty to Fagin was evident in their desire to please the only father figure they knew. Diyan Challa as Nancy and Jayden Shah as Bet formed a wonderful pair, with Nancy serving as a motherly figure to the boys and establishing a protective bond with Oliver, cautioning him to be careful. Their performance in "I'd Do Anything" was showcased to perfection, with Fagin's gang cleverly choreographed as props for the scene. Forming a horse and carriage with umbrellas as wheels and a boat with a single blue sail gliding across the stage, their lively rendition of "Go But Be Back Soon" marked Oliver's first pickpocketing job, which ended tragically. The scene effectively portrayed a chase as boys on the street blocked Oliver's path with a single raised arm, leading to his capture and subsequent capture by the authorities. The production featured outstanding musical accompaniment, with Tyler Humphreys on piano and Anson Choi Wong on violin. Their performances set the mood throughout the show, from the eerie strings of the violin in "One Boy for Sale" to the beautiful piano accompaniment in "As Long As He Needs Me." Both Humphreys and Wong showcased their musical talents effortlessly.

As Act 2 commenced, the curtains opened to reveal a bustling Ale House, and the lively rendition of "Oom-Pah-Pah" resonated with gusto. However, the mood quickly shifted as Bill Sykes, portrayed convincingly by Taran Guduru, made his menacing entrance, commanding everyone to acknowledge his name. Nancy, the only one with the courage to confront this malevolent figure, defiantly uttered his name as "Bill Sykes." The poignant performance of "As Long As He Needs Me" was followed by the sombre "Who Will Buy," during which the market sellers showcased their harmonious singing. Oliver could be seen singing from the window of his new home, exhibiting a change in his demeanour as he seemed content with his newfound family. The irony unfolded as it was revealed that Mr. Brownlow, played by Teddy Daly, was Oliver's maternal grandfather. The opulent fireplace and a painting hanging above it set the scene, with Mr. Brownlow noticing the striking resemblance between Oliver and his late daughter Agnes. Daly portrayed Mr. Brownlow with a commanding yet loving presence on stage, dressed impeccably in a fine blue suit. Mack Kelsall's hilarious portrayal of Mrs. Bedwin added a touch of levity to the Brownlow residence.

Oliver, entrusted with £5 and tasked with returning some books, unwittingly falls into the clutches of Nancy, who has been sent by Sykes to ensure his silence about their criminal activities. Reluctantly, Nancy agrees to the task, and Oliver finds himself back in the company of Fagin, Dodger, and the gang. However, it becomes apparent that Bill Sykes harbours a deep dislike for Oliver, prompting Nancy to reassess her decision.

The arrival of Old Sammy on stage unveils the mystery surrounding Oliver's familiar appearance. Aashrith Govindu's convincing portrayal of the ailing character, who meets his demise on stage after revealing a surprising twist to Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, added intrigue to the storyline. Oliver's journey takes an intense turn as Nancy's conscience gets the better of her, and she attempts to return him to Mr. Brownlow.

The final scene is set with dim lighting, featuring two sets of steps and a streetlight. In a dramatic turn of events, Nancy, caught by Bill, endeavours to reunite Oliver with his grandfather. A dark argument ensues, with Bill Sykes, portrayed compellingly by Taran Guduru, striking Nancy in a chillingly realistic manner. Nancy's untimely demise is swiftly followed by Bill's, cleverly executed, as he falls to his death, carried off by stagehands. The production culminates in a heart-warming reunion between Oliver and his grandfather, underscored by the theme that love conquers all.

The Year 6 boys delivered a performance brimming with energy, emotion, and professionalism. Despite limitations, the set design proved visually pleasing and versatile, seamlessly transitioning between the gritty Victorian streets and the opulent interiors of the upper class.

It is evident that an immense amount of effort was invested in the show, not only by the talented cast but also by the dedicated production team who breathed life into this memorable production. Special thanks are extended to Mrs. Brisk, Miss Fletcher, and Mr. Porter for their invaluable contributions. The dedication, talent, and hard work of both the cast and crew were palpable in every scene. Gratitude is also expressed to Miss Ormerod and Mrs. Toner for their musical expertise, which added depth and richness to the overall production. HD

Big Battery Hunt

The Big Battery Hunt is a nationwide programme to help educate and inspire young people to recycle more used batteries. Please send all of your unwanted batteries to school next year, where we will store them and then take them to our local supermarket for recycling.

There are great prizes to be won for school, including £3500 towards outdoor and garden equipment. SL

The Eco Committee and Mrs Lowe are celebrating the achievement of retaining the Eco Schools’ Green Flag Award with distinction.

The Award is very well deserved and it has been a privilege to work with such committed students that see the benefits of living more sustainably. Congratulations, boys !

Some members of our Gardening Group are pictured here with the fruits of their labours the first harvest of the vegetables they planted earlier this year beetroots and onions.

Well done, boys these look amazing !

We look forward to seeing what you can grow and cultivate next year !

Park Road Iron Kids

Huge congratulations to all of the boys who took part in the Iron Kids event last weekend, some of whom are pictured below doing the 1km run.

For some boys, it was their first Iron Kids and others had done it before. Some boys also helped out by volunteering with the men’s and women’s Ironman on Sunday by handing out water, fruit and snacks. Well done to everyone who undertook this massive challenge.

News from the Park Road PA

Thank you toall the PA helpers whohave helped at the various events throughout the year and who have given so much of their time and to all whohave supported our events over the lastyear.

PA Mailing List if you would like to be added tothe PA mailing list, please get in touch: parkroadpa@gmail.com

Twitter – don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @BSPDJnrBoysPA

Look out for the schedule of events which we have planned for next year which we willpublish in September. Have a wonderful Summer ! Park Road PA

Kidzone Summer Holiday Club

The weekly programme for Kidzone’s Summer Holiday Club is linked here. Book early to avoid disappointment !

Y6 Outgrown / Unused PR Uniform

Calling all current Year 6 parents : please could we ask that if you are able to sort out any unwanted PR uniform (ties, blazers, sports kit), our PA would be extremely grateful for anything you don’t want or need as your son goes up to Seniors. Thanks for all your donations.

Instrumental Music Lessons

If you wish your son to start individual music lessons from September, please apply directly to your chosen teacher using the information contained in the VMT brochure, linked here, to check on vacancies.

School Uniform Shop—Opening Hours

Monkhouse will continue to offer appointments for school uniform to customers via www.Monkhouse.com on a first come first, served basis.

Customers without appointments are very welcome to attend.

Amazing Achievements

Well done to our Year 6 cricketers who secured the first Park Road AJIS cricket trophy in over 15 years !

A fantastic result to end a wonderful season. Thank you to all boys and staff who have invested a lot of hard work, time and effort and to all parents for supporting all the sports teams this year. TG

Well done to David Alalade (in 5A) who scored the winning goal in the hotly-contested final match of the Bolton League Secretary Cup where his team AFC Bolton Yellows U-10 won the final.

The game was deadlocked at 1-1 before David scored the "golden goal". He had scored several goals on the way to the final, winning the Man-of-the-Match award in some of the games. Absolutely great news !

Please do send us news of all your son’s successes and achievements over the Summer we would love to share them with the whole school Foundation in September.

Anyone for Tennis ?

Please find linked here all the details of the Summer tennis and racquet sports course at Markland Hill Racquets Club (https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ MarklandHillRacquetsClub) in the last week of the Summer holidays.

Please contact Margot Knowles directly if you wish to book a place for your son.

Prize Winners 2023

FORM

Silver salver to keep

ACADEMIC

Silver salver to keep

3A SVOJAS DUBEY NICHOLAS TO

3B HAROON BHAIYAT THOMAS OWEN

4A COOPER BOYD ANHAD KOCHHAR

4B ANDREW CRITCHLEY ALEX BARNARD

5A AMOS THOMPSON SAM CLEMENTS

5B THEODORE HAYTON-WEED ROHAN CHITRE

5C ZAK JOHNSON OSCAR BROMWELL

6A NOAH WALMSLEY ANSON CHOI WONG

6B JAYDEN SHAH ASHTON MORRISSEY

6C AUSTIN BURGESS DIYAN CHALLA Cup 2023

ART Noah Adams

MRS A. PROMISING ARTIST

Luca Kynaston

BADMINTON Diyan Challa

CHESS Ryan Chattopadhyay

COMPUTING Theo Hodge

Cricketer of the Year

CROSS COUNTRY Y3

CROSS COUNTRY Y4

CROSS COUNTRY Y5

CROSS COUNTRY Y6

Teddy Daly

Leo Pilkington

George Bleakley

Amos Thompson

Ashton Morrissey

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Max Simpson

DRAMA Jake Dance

EARTHSHOT PRIZE

Jayden Shah

ENGLISH Ibrahim Iqbal

FOOTBALLER Benji Houghton

GEOGRAPHY Mark Debreczeni

GYMNASTICS Tommy Burke

HISTORY The Kenneth Lee Prize

George Melling

Hockey Player of the Year Isa Khan

Individual Athletics Year 3

Individual Athletics Year 4

Individual Athletics Year 5

ATHLETICS VICTOR -

Victor Ludorum