WINTER 2018
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ISSUE 20
VISUAL ARTS A N D
T H E
P O W E R
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R E M E M B R A N C E S T A F F 2 0 9
D A Y
K A R A O K E W O M E N
I N S P I R E
FROM THE HEADTEACHER At the end of each term the newsletter allows me time to take a moment to consider the many varied activities that have taken place since the start of term. Activities that go beyond the teaching and learning in classrooms but demonstrate the commitment, hard work and interests of our young learners. This moment of reflection has once again humbled me as I consider all that we do as a community, not only for ourselves, but also for others. I am sure that you will agree as you read the newsletter that the school, but more importantly the students, have much to be proud of. Support for charities plays a significant part of ‘CARE’ within our ‘PACE’ aims. Since September students have raised thousands of pounds to support charities such as Claire House, The Anthony Nolan Trust, The Royal British Legion, Mission Christmas and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd. All of which are excellent causes active within our local community. The significance of 2018 to world peace has been represented in the commemorations of the end of the First World War.
The whole school came together to remember, not only the fallen of this horrendous war, but other conflicts around the world since – some of which are still having devastating effects on human life today. Prominence at Ellesmere Port Cenotaph on the 11th November plus the History Department visit to Ypres in Belgium enable students to understand further the significance of ‘remembrance’ and the lessons we must learn from it. Individual success such as Matthew’s scholarship with Burnley FC are rejoiced in addition to whole school successes such as future ERASMUS and MBNA funding to promote health and wellbeing. I particularly want to thank all parents/carers who have made this possible. Photography exhibitions, trips out, visiting speakers and success on the sports field are all detailed in this Winter edition of the newsletter. Please take a few moments to take a look at what our fantastic students and staff have been doing and celebrate with me their successes. Have a wonderful Christmas break and a happy, healthy 2019. School re-opens on Monday 7th January 2019. Best wishes.
Headteacher
HISTORY DEPT’ REMEMBERS YPRES - BELGIUM On the 14th November the History department at Whitby High School took a group of 43 students to Ypres, Belgium. This year marks the centenary of the end of the ‘Great War’ and students from The Whitby High wanted to commemorate the soldiers that gave their lives for us.
The area here is much smaller with a mass grave marking the deaths of nearly 25000 men. The Germans were not given as much space by the allies to commemorate their dead due to their defeat in the war, their cemeteries are much more solemn and mournful.
The journey started at 5.30am on the Wednesday morning when staff and students boarded the coach and made the journey to Folkestone to take the Eurotunnel. From Calais the coach made its way to the first stop on the agenda Essex Farm Cemetery. There are 1200 WW1 servicemen buried or commemorated in this cemetery and of these burials 103 are not identified. The cemetery was used by several British divisions holding this sector from 1915 to August 1917. Men from these divisions are buried throughout the cemetery. Within Essex Farm there is a memorial to the famous war poet and army Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. It is here that he wrote the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. Students also found the name of the youngest soldier to die in combat and two soldiers who were awarded the Victoria cross – the most distinguished medal of honour for bravery.
The next stop was to visit Tyne Cot memorial which bears the names of around 35000 men of the British and New Zealand forces who fought in the Battle of Passchendaele. This stop was particularly meaningful for the students as they were able to look for soldiers from our local area that had fallen there.
Next we headed to the town of Ypres and visited the famous ‘Leonidas’ Belgian chocolate shop before stopping for dinner. After dinner we headed to the Menin Gate which is a memorial to the missing in the town of Ypres, dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed there. Students from the The Whitby High School laid a wreath after the two minutes’ silence - a tradition which has happened at the Menin Gate every year at 8 o’clock since 1927.
The final stop was Sanctuary Wood. This site is now one of the few places on the Ypres Salient battlefields where an original trench layout can be seen in some semblance of what it might have looked like. Students gathered round at the beginning of their visit to listen to a poem written by a member of staff’s great uncle who served in Sanctuary wood. The group listened to the conditions in the trenches here including what they had to endure. It was an incredibly poignant moment in our visit.
The next day the group were up early to visit Langemark Cemetery where the German soldiers who served in Ypres are buried.
We then boarded the coach and headed home, staff and students were incredibly touched by the visit and grateful to all the men who served and gave their lives for us today.
We managed to find around six from Ellesmere Port and this was extremely moving for staff and students. Once we had finished at Tyne Cot we made our way to the Museum of Passchendaele. This museum has a particular emphasis on The Battle of Passchendaele (1917) is known as one of the most horrific battles from the First World War with more than half-a-million casualties. Students walked around looking at films, artefacts, stories and reconstructed trenches.
VIRTUAL BABIES The Year 10 student have recently had their first introduction lesson to the Mother’s Union ‘Virtual Baby’ project. The project will run for four weekends in January and will see a number of our Year 10 students experience parenthood for the weekend. For 48 hours the students will be the sole caregiver to our virtual babies. Their needs are similar to that of a real baby including feeding, changing and attending and soothing the baby when crying.
BRING OUT THE
BUNTING! In celebration of the European Day of Languages, the Modern Foreign Languages Department hosted a bunting competition where students were asked to create a string of bunting consisting of up to ten pennants either independently or with a friend. Some of the pennants showed aspects of a country’s culture whilst others showed a range of national flags. Students were invited to spend an hour after school on Wednesday 19th September to design and put together their bunting which could be printed, drawn or even sewn! The entries were excellent and showcased the students’ knowledge and creativity, and all of the participants did very well. The winners were as follows: Louis Cotton in 1st place for his European flag bunting; Layla Ackers, Sophie Aston and Luca Ryder in 2nd place for their Japanese themed bunting; and Chloe Dodds and Hannah Lewis in 3rd place for their German and Austrian themed bunting. The MFL Department would like to thank all the participants for their hard work!
This project has been successfully run at The Whitby High School for many years and the students find the project very informative, rewarding, and in many cases suprising, at the demands of a new born baby. Keep an eye out on Twitter for updates in January. The Year 10 groups also experienced a training session from Rob Catlow from the ‘Dementia Friends’ association. They all did really well and a huge thank you again to Rob for taking the time to deliver the session for them.
RUGBY SUCCESS The Whitby High School have made an excellent start to the 2018/19 season with some strong performances against local opposition. The Year 8 squad launched themselves into the first Central Venue Tournament of the year with three resounding wins, conceding only one try all afternoon The Year 9 Rugby squad travelled to Hilbre High for their opening match of the season. For many of the team it was their first full competitive rugby match for the school. The Whitby made an excellent start with Noah Barnsley weaving through the defence to score a fine effort right under the posts. The hosts produced a fine comeback crashing over the try line only minutes later, leaving little to separate the teams at half time. However, the visitors quickly adjusted to the physicality of their opponents, with some notable tackles from Michael Larkin, Lewis Bell and Kenzie Moore. The Whitby took more control of the play securing better quality possession in the rucks, which set the platform to launch their dangerous runners in attack. Barnsley and Bell each completed a hat trick, with Tyler Valentine and Elliot Reynolds adding fine tries of their own. Final score: Hilbre 5 – 46 Whitby Man of the match: Lewis Bell.
PREMIER LEAGUE
SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENT A huge congratulations to Year 11 student Matthew Carson of York House on being selected for a two year scholarship at Premier League outfit Burnley Football Club.
OPEN EYE GALLERY On Friday 30th November 16 Year 12 Photography students to visited the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool. They saw two bodies of work - Ren Hang (UK premiere) and Robin Hammond’s ‘Where Love is Illegal’, both exhibitions pushing for the right to exist in our own skin on our own terms. Students were very moved by the work and, perhaps for the first time, could see the power that visual arts has in which to make us see differently. Students attended a lecture introducing them to a wide range of photographers and images. They were then walked through the two exhibitions and given a real insight into the artists and their work. In the last session of the day students had a practical workshop in response to the exhibition. This is the starting point to a research project in collaboration with the Open Eye Gallery and Liverpool Hope University, aiming to raise aspiration and engagement in our students. Students will be set a brief to produce work for an exhibition in the gallery in April 2019 which will open to the public.
On the Thursday 25th October we launched our photography exhibition at Ellesmere Port Library following our successful exhibition at the Open Eye Gallery in the summer. As the work was about Ellesmere Port we felt it was important that we brought it home. The images are an insight into our young people ‘s view of the place they live in. Please go and have a look. A big thank goes to The Open Eye Gallery , curious Minds and Carmel Clapson from Cheshire West and Chester for making it happen.
209 WOMEN On Thursday 13th December I was delighted to be invited to the launch of the exhibition ‘209 Women’ at the Houses of Parliament. This exhibition is exactly 100 years after the first election when some women could vote. It contains a portrait of each female MP, photographed by female photographers in an all female initiative. Both MPs and photographers worked together to create images that communicated their identities on their terms. I was struck by how individual and personal these portraits were. Women just like you and I, with interests just like you and I, juggling the demands of everyday just like you and I. It was powerful exhibition sending a very positive and inspirational message to our young people. The exhibition moves to Liverpool in February 2019. Mrs Parr
STAFF
KARAOKE This term saw the return of the much anticipated annual Staff Karaoke. Staff from across the school put their pride to one side to entertain the students on a cold winter afternoon. This year we welcomed record numbers into Overpool Hall to see the staff perform. Some students were even turned away due to reaching capacity. Students raised an impressive £365 which will help fund the upcoming South African projects providing materials and resources. As each act took to the stage they were welcomed by generous applause from the students and on-looking staff alike. Notable performances came from Liam Gallagher (Mr Broad of the maths department) who sang the Oasis hit ‘Wonderwall’ with tambourine in hand. Previous to Liam were a group of hooded performers who sang the East 17 Christmas No.1 ‘Stay Another Day’. Lead vocalist Miss Moore’s inclusion being rather poignant as she leaves this term for a promoted post in a nearby primary school. We wish her the very best of luck. A huge thank you to all who took part and to the hundreds of students who came along and donated so generously.
REMEMBRANCE DAY 1918 - 2018
On the 11th November 2018 The Whitby High School remembered the fallen of World War One and other conflicts. There was a special focus upon the Great War as we commemorated the 100 years since the cease-fire at 11am on November 11th 1918. Throughout the week all of our students had taken part in distinct lessons planned to look at many different aspects of the war. In English, war poems and poets were studied; in Geography, the role of other countries from all over the world; in music, the songs sung by soldiers and in technology, remembrance poppies and cakes were created and sold to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. Each form was given the name of a soldier from the Ellesmere Port area and asked to research them, creating a Memorial Poppy for their Form Display Board. At the assembly the names of these men were read aloud and the representatives of each form stood, poppy in hand, as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices they had made. The sight of so many students, stood in silent remembrance was a truly emotional and fitting tribute. The assembly was led by Mr Heeley, with contributions from many members of the school community; letters from soldiers, poems and tributes were read. The Last Post and Reveille were played as the entire school stood together in remembrance. It was a sombre, yet uplifting experience to see our young students pay such respect to those that have fallen in war. It was a proud day for us all and as a school, The Whitby High School will continue to remember with pride, the members of our community who sacrificed so much for us.
STUDENTS VISIT FIRE DAMAGED ZOO CHESTER
A Year 12 Biology and Psychology class enjoyed a trip to Chester Zoo on Monday 17th December. This involved interesting talks on animal behaviour and classification of species from zoo specialists, including a detailed look at different animal skulls. Students also had a chance to visit the exhibitions, except for the Islands area which unfortunately was damaged by a serious fire. Luckily, zoo staff explained that the majority of the animals including the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutans have been safely rehomed within the zoo.
FUND RAISING
BONANZA!
Throughout the month of October 2018, 8WR and members of the Sixth Form worked together to raise money for The Anthony Nolan Charity. This charity works to help people register as stem cell donors and raises money to help those being treated for Leukaemia and other blood disorders live longer and healthier lives. The students took part in sponsored litter picks, a cake sale, sold charity wristbands and collected spare change called ‘The Copper Collection’. In total we raised a total of £221.23 and helped 24 Sixth Form students register as stem cell donors.
Congratulations to 8W and their charity fundraising this term. They participated in ‘Scroll Free September’ in order to raise money for charity. They abstained for a week and raised over £150. A fantastic effort with brilliant mental health benefits! We would also like to thank our Year 8 forms for raising hundreds of pounds for charity over this term. The work carried out by Miss Clark’s and Miss Russell’s groups has been an inspiration to many of us and is truly fantastic work. With monies going to such worthwhile charities such as Clare House and The Anthony Nolan Trust, their efforts could contribute to many people in the area and the rest of the UK.
POPPY APPEAL
CAKE SALE Over the past few weeks the Food Department have welcomed students from Woodlands Primary school. Over a six week project the Year 5 pupils have been able to use our brand new food rooms within the school’s new building. The students have made a range of different products including fruity yogurt pots and fruit cookies as part of a healthier living project. Year 10 students helped to make cakes for the schools Day of Remembrance for Armistice Day on the 11th November. From cake sales we raised £181 for the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The first class of Year 11 Food have completed their final practical examinations this week with some amazing results. Well done to everyone in Miss Jones’ class. The food produced this year was amazing.
Also a huge congratulations to all Windsor students who have made an excellent start to the school year. Our top 10 in the School Score list are; Emily Forster (9W), Amy Bold (11W), Amy Cook (8W), Harry Gosling (7W), Jake McLatchie (7WR), Caitlin Kinsella (9W), Madeleine Williamson (7WR), Jamie Edwards (8W), Emma Cameron (11WR) and Isabel Pritchard (8W). School Scores takes into account excellent attendance, punctuality, attitude to learning and achievement points. So many are coming in on time every day and gaining achievement points for all their hard work and effort. Well done to everyone with top scores. York House also chipped in for their charity with a massive £900 raised by Years 7, 8 & 9 by way of a sponsored silence.
This year The Whitby High school has supported the Radio City and Cash for Kids Appeal - ‘Mission Christmas’. The generosity of students, staff and the school community has been overwhelming. We have received lots of presents for chuldren of different ages. These are going to be delivered to Mission Christmas HQ and distributed to families across the local region.
ERASMUS+
It is estimated there are around 9000 children living in poverty in Cheshire West and Cheshire and with your generosity we can help to ensure some of these children wake up to find a gift under the Christmas tree this year.
We are delighted to announce that the school has been awarded funding for two Erasmus projects – ‘Emotional Wellbeing’ and ‘Earth Charter’. The funding enables the school to take students to a variety of schools in places such as the Netherlands, Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, France and Hungary. We have just completed two similar exchange programmes and we know that our students gain such a lot from both the the cultural and educational experiences. Students stay with host families in each country and really get an appreciation of what life is like in a different country. The success of these projects depends on families offering to host a student for a week. If you would like to host a foreign student please contact Miss Hewitt or Mr Molyneux.
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