UP TO | PG 10

This booklet covers what bioenergy is, why we should use it, what people worried are about when we talk about bioenergy and how to ensure a future with bioenergy will be sustainable. All of this in a fun and informative comic book style!

If a student would like a copy, please contact Mr Ellor, Acting Head of Biology or Mr Devine, Acting Head of Geography.

On Wednesday 3rd December, Dr Richard Waller from Keele University came in to talk to Year 10 about the urgent topic of climate change.

We have been studying the causes and effects of climate change in recent weeks, and Dr Waller really put things into perspective for everyone and helped with our GCSE work. His talk was gripping and it really hit home just how important it is that we try to do everything we can to stop climate change. He went through mitigation strategies with us, talking about how important it is that we as a human race try to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Reducing greenhouse emissions is a very simple and key way to reduce climate change, but Dr Waller also went through switching power and electricity production ways, among many others, and how easy it is for us to access wind and solar power. This showed us what we must do to reduce and limit climate change, and Dr Waller reinforced how it was our world that is being destroyed, and us who are going to have to live with the consequences.

The visit from Dr Waller was inspiring, and complemented our work on climate change and its effects nicely. Vesey marked COP 26 as a significant event around school, with notices on the blog and tutors discussing the events of the conference with their forms, as well as hosting a talk from a visitor who informed the lower and upper sixth about the various job opportunities and university courses that could help provide solutions to aid the fight for the climate.

Students had the opportunity to engage with Professor Patricia Thornley, a researcher of engineering and physical sciences, who explained the importance of sustainability and conservation. Thornley highlighted that a reduction in meat eating, and flying were the main two ways in which we as individuals could most effectively reduce our carbon footprint – students were surprised to hear that a flight from the UK to the USA releases 1.7 tonnes of carbon emissions (out of the average 12.7 tonnes annually)! The professor also explained the necessity of industry and governments working in unison to find an effective solution to the climate crisis, also noting that the introduction of a carbon tax or carbon labels on products could also persuade people to reduce their personal carbon footprint.

Students were able to ask questions regarding the environment and her work – a discussion in which she stated the importance of students acting now by joining engineering initiatives and going into roles advising on government action to preserve the climate for future generations. Later the sixth form learned about how many of our home items are made from unsustainably sourced materials, encouraging students to find eco-friendly alternatives to cut carbon emissions from home.

The next day (Nov 10th) Professor Thornley spoke at COP 26, in which she and others argued that “Sustainable management of forests and supply of wood products will be central to protecting forest carbon sinks and the species they support. ”

ELLA DELICATE, U6

FREDDIE JONES, 10G

B V G S 1 S T X V R U G B Y

Our season began with an away win at Nottingham High School, where the team withstood high pressure in the final ten minutes of the game after having a man sent off just after half time.The first loss of the season came just three days later against a RGS Worcester although it was a great team performance versus tough opposition. Just a week later, Vesey hosted Loughborough Grammar and won 58-7 with a standout performance from Ben Paget scoring 26 points alone.

After being given a bye in the first round of the National Vase, Vesey took on KES Birmingham in a local derby at home on the 8th of October. The game was physically wearing for both teams but after a late try from Jacob Clarke, Vesey were able to wrap up the win. For the next two games, a clear standout performer was Owen Boxall; scoring 2 tries against Bablake and a hat-trick in a comfortable win against Adams Grammar.

Then came the biggest game of the season so far came against Old Swinford Hospital in the 3rd round of the National Vase, where a smartly worked line-out move from Joe Taroni gave Vesey an early lead. This was followed by a yellow card for OSH - giving BVGS a strong grip on the game. A score from Dan Aston and penalties converted by Joe Walsh gave Vesey a massive win over strong opponents. Veseys ’ next few fixtures then proved difficult. A heavy loss at Bloxham (possibly due to lack of regular players) was the prequel to a massive home game in the regional semi-finals of the Vase versus Coventry College. Vesey started slow and conceded 3 early tries with a man in the sin bin. Building up to halftime, the team managed to build momentum which was maintained well into the second half. In the 62nd minute Vesey were up by 2 points with less than 10 minutes remaining. Sadly, Coventry retaliated immediately and the game ended with BVGS the losing side.

Going into Christmas, there were 3 more games. A comfortable win against five ways in poor weather conditions, a loss away at Ellesmere College and an important derby against Solihull. Against Solihull, we started slowly, conceding a try with a man in the sin bin. Just before half time, Dylan Lindford returned to the pitch and scored a try which was then converted. After half time, Ed Stevens scored two penalties putting us up 16-8 with 10 minutes left. The match finished with this scoreline, giving BVGS 1st team only their second win against Solihull in 10 years.

Ed Stevens, L6

B V G S 2 N D X V R U G B Y

The 2nd XV rugby have had a funny sort of season as a number of fixtures have been cancelled for various reasons. Our current record before todays fixture is P7 W3 D0 L4. The biggest highlight of the year so far was the 27-12 victory over KES Stratford. A number of year 11’ s stepped up to the plate in this game putting in an excellent shift in their first “ senior ” fixture; Tadgh Parize, Lasha and Gigla, Joe Yoong, Connor Owen to name a few. Within this game there was a possible candidate for try of the season coming from some excellent phase play between backs and forwards covering 70m of the pitch to score.

In regards to stand out performers there have been a number of players that have put their hands up that has resulted in them being considered for 1st team selection, but the two stand out players thus far have been Pierce O’Dwyer and Barnaby Tate who have simply been magnicant (Pierce is particularly noteworthy given he has been absent from the game for 3-4 years!)

Despite results not quite having the outcomes we have wanted, the team has been a pleasure to work with thus far!

U14 rugby has had a tough start to the year and found wins difficult to come by. That being said there have been some very good performances against strong opposition. The attitude and commitment show by the players has been fantastic throughout the year and as a result the team ’ s performances have been improving. This has seem them finish 3rd in this year ’ s Greater Birmingham tournament and secure a good win against a combined team from three schools from near Telford. There have been some good individual performances throughout the first term, specifically from Jacob Fletcher, Will Van Praag, Oliver Hook and Mylo Onions. I look forward to watching the team continue to improve over the next term and beyond.

Mr Howell