Headlines July 2014

Headlines

GRANGE SCHOOL

Sports Leaders lend a helping hand

Thank you to the secondary students who helped: Mark Dicken, Anthony Goble,

On Wednesday 2nd July our Year 11 students were asked to

Rachel Whitehead, Brandon Hayes, Matty Ford, Jordan Whitmarsh, Caitlin Brown,

support with the Primary phase Sports Day. Mr Shepherd (Primary P.E

Ryan Harper, Megan Hughes, Rhys Johnson, Liam Stevenson, Dominic Williams,

Leader) was delighted with the contribution they made during the

Ashleigh Allen, George Timms, Bethany Arrowsmith, Joel Graham and Luke Martin.

day in organising and leading events commenting: “I am so impressed and proud of all the students in our school who took part in the Grange Key Stage 2 Sports Day this year. It was a real success and they all rose to the challenge of trying to complete all 18 events independently in the set times, distances or

Little drummer boy

target amounts. I was also really pleased with the additional

Recently, I was invited by Year 5 to their African Drumming Assembly on Thursday

support from our Year 11 students who volunteered to join us for the

26th June. Along with staff and parents I was very impressed with the

first time this year. They showed great maturity and were a real

performance from classes 5S and 5P after

asset on the day, supporting a wide variety of the challenges,

having had only four hours tuition with

motivating the children to succeed as well

percussionist Andy Boothman from the

as

of

Halton and Warrington Music Education

certificates and rewards. With the event

Hub. I couldn’t resist joining in and

now being linked to the school house system

proved that the Year 5 students made it

our Sports Day is truly an inclusive event right

look much easier than it actually was.

helping

with

the

administration

across the whole school.”

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

The Grange hosts Merseyside school leadership event On Monday 30th June, The Grange was proud to host the end of year Achieve Together celebration event. The evening brought a cluster of schools together who have been working at improving the leadership potential and practice of their staff. The schools included; St John Bosco, St Edmund Arrowsmith, Halewood Academy and of course, The Grange. As a school we were asked to share the leadership development work that has gone on during this academic year through a keynote speech and video. The event allowed The Grange to host and take centre stage for the Achieve Together organisation which is bringing together Teach First, Teaching Leaders and Future Leaders.

These three organisations are highly regarded nationally and they are having impact on staff leadership at every level in many schools across the country. Under the umbrella of Achieve Together, teachers at The Grange have worked toward nationally recognised qualifications such as NPQML, NPQSL and Teaching Leaders Fellows. To obtain the qualifications staff must run successful impact projects which lead directly to improved student outcomes.

Our national recognition has come from Achieve Together who have shared our story to all of their partner schools. In addition, we have become a Teaching Leaders Partner School and work with likeminded schools. Furthermore, we have been asked by Leading Educators, the US equivalent to Teaching Leaders, to help them develop their own cohesive leadership programme, initially in Kansas and New Orleans.

Plans for the next academic year are already in place. It will be another exciting year for The Grange staff to develop their own skills and our students will see continued improvements from the various impact projects. We look forward to another year of Achieve Together projects bringing successes to our staff and students alike.

Examples of our successes this year have been; accreditation for our careers guidance, increased numbers of students achieving A*/A and 3A*/A, accelerated reading ages, improved attendance, subject and year group specific improvements as well as many more. Not only do the staff benefit from Achieve Together but our students see improvements in their own achievements. As a result, The Grange has been recognised nationally and internationally as leading the way in staff leadership development.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Oxbridge Morning

Sampling Day

On Wednesday 25th June, fourteen of our most talented Year 11 students attended an Oxbridge morning at Cronton College. The purpose of the visit was to raise aspiration by increasing awareness of the vast opportunities available at our most prestigious universities.

Mrs Thomson had a busy couple of weeks as she also accompanied all our Year 11 students on Friday 4th July to Cronton College for a ‘Sampling Day’ in order to get a flavour of college life and post 16 studies, Prior to the trip, students opted for their preferred four subjects from a choice of 32 and were then provided with an individual timetable for the day.

Students were provided with the chance to sample lecture style lessons across a variety of subjects including science for medicine, psychology, maths, English literature, history and music. In addition, they listened to a superb presentation from two ex Cronton College students who currently study at Oxford and Manchester. They provided great insight into student life and they spoke with such enthusiasm that our students could not help but be motivated and inspired by them in aiming for the very best they can be.

Mrs Thomson who accompanied the students commented: “ Our students conducted themselves brilliantly and during lunch time engaged in some excellent conversations with the university students. It was an invaluable experience for all concerned and I hope it will be one that is remembered.”

All students represented the school in a superb fashion and threw themselves completely into all the activities on offer. Media make-up proved to be very popular, with many of our students sporting cuts and bruises to great effect.

Wheelchair basketball was also a hit and the dancers had the opportunity to dance to hip hop salsa.

Even the rain didn’t dampen enthusiasm, as the planned lunch time BBQ moved indoors. Mrs Thomson would like to congratulate all the Year 11 students on their superb behaviour and to the Grange and Cronton staff for facilitating such a valuable day. Well done to all concerned.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue July 2013 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Readathon The Grange Learning Resource Centre has been leading a sponsored reading event this term. Supported by the Readathon organisation, Year 7 and 8 students have been enthusiastic about reading books to raise money for sick children.

The Readathon organisation work closely with schools nationwide to encourage students to read for pleasure and raise money for children's charities such as Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine, Readwell and CLIC Sargent.

Church Visit The Year 11 GCSE RE students have visited two local churches in June: St Andrew’s and St Edward’s. The Reverend Wullie gave a tour of St Andrew’s and talked about the beliefs and practices of the Church. He also spoke about some of the activities held at the Church for the local community. At St Edward’s the students experienced a Mass service before having a very informative tour of the Church. The two visits gave the students the opportunity to experience the differences and similarities between the Churches. This will provide them with an invaluable basis for their GCSE course.

The reading event took place on Tuesday 1st July 2014 until Friday 4th July 2014, with book themed activities available for the students during break times and after school.

The Grange students have enjoyed reading a variety of books during the Readathon, with some students reading one book per day. Students have also enjoyed participating in activities such as a library book quiz, a book tombola and a cinema showing of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

One group of Readathon enthusiasts have commented that they never thought their school library could be so much fun, they didn’t visit the library before and now they come in every day.

All money raised will be announced in the next newsletter. Vouchers will be awarded to each student who reads the most books and raises the most sponsorship funding throughout the Readathon.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

Headlines

GRANGE SCHOOL

Stonewall School Champion

The conference included a large range of workshops including: tackling

As we are now a Stonewall School Champion, we were invited to attend

homophobic language in schools and colleges, mental health and

Stonewall’s 2014 Education for All Conference on Friday 4th July at the

wellbeing, homophobia in sport, special educational needs, working with

Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London.

faith communities and setting up student support groups.

The conference is the key annual opportunity for School Champions to share

Three of our anti-bullying ambassadors, Mollie Dunbebin, Nicole Foster and

best practice on tackling homophobia, hear from experts and link up with

Rhianne Holden attended the conference and took part in the various

professionals

workshops. They will now use this information and training to train other anti-

from

charities,

universities,

local

authorities

and

other

organisations.

bullying ambassadors in school and initiate new ideas in school to tackle

Staff and students were joined by first class speakers Camila Batmanghelidjh

homophobia.

CBE, Founder and Director of Kids Company and Charlie Taylor, Chief

Rhianne Holden commented: “I have really learnt to appreciate

Executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership. Other

difference, equality doesn’t mean that everyone has to be the same.”

speakers included Dr Cristian Jessen, TV Presenter of BAFTA award winning

An excellent day was had by all involved, with some excellent ideas to use

TV series Embarrassing Bodies, Will Young, singer and campaigner, and

in school to continue our education of students on tackling homophobia

Stonewall’s Acting Chief Executive,

within school. The Stonewall Conference

Ruth Hunt.

was a fantastic opportunity to meet with other School Champions to share ideas and practice and to continue the excellent working relationship we have with the charity.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

Headlines

GRANGE SCHOOL Fit for life

UK Junior Maths Challenge - The Winners

On Tuesday 1st July, Mr McGovern took four students to a Healthy Schools Fit

In May, thirty students from years 7 and 8 participated in the UK Junior

for Life event at the Select Security Stadium. Present were a number of

Maths Challenge, a national competition aimed at encouraging students

Primary and Secondary Schools from Halton together with Halton Healthy

to use the maths skills they have learned and apply them to complex and

Schools team, Police, Widnes Vikings and other Wellbeing agencies who

unusual situations. Of all the students who entered, 11 of them went on to

deliver sessions to schools. Halton’s Strategic Director of Children and

receive an award from the UK Mathematics Trust, the charity that runs the

Enterprise Mr Gerald Meehan, opened proceedings. A number of students

competition. The winners who received their certificates from Mr Carney

gave short presentations on what their schools had been doing throughout

are:

the year in PSHCEE. The four students who represented the Grange were Jessica Smith, Jade Cooney, Courtney Bullock and Lewis Tully from Year 10. Afterwards a variety of healthy

meals

were

consumed

whilst

discussions took place on what works well and what new initiatives were planned for the future. At the end of the day The Grange received their ‘Healthy Schools Certificate.’

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Franklin Scholars Mr Willmott, who is liaising with Franklin Scholars, also reiterated this point when he explained “I have sat on interview panels with some big companies and our students were more impressive than some adults I have seen interviewed. They are a credit to themselves and the school.”

The Year 10s will be teamed up with members of the new Year 7s in September to help them settle in to the new routines in the secondary phase.

This year, the Grange has great pleasure in taking part in the Franklin Scholars Programme. The programme is designed to make the move from Year 6 in to Year 7 as stress-free as possible.

Fifteen of the school’s Year 10s have been through a rigorous application and interview process to gain a place with the programme. Jessica Barratt from the Franklin Scholars Programme said

They will help them with everything from finding their way around the building to literacy support and whilst the Year 7s gain confidence and learn resilience, the Year 10s also gain vital responsibility skills.

The usefulness of this course has already become apparent during the Year 7 Induction Days as the Franklin Scholars helped with guidance around different areas of the school.

that she “was seriously impressed with the calibre of the applications and interviews… and that it was a tough decision to make.”

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Select Stadium Sports Spectacular For the second year running, the Grange school moved into the Select Stadium in Widnes for a very different sports day. A total of 750 students and members of staff were transported to this fantastic venue to host a rather spectacular sports day.

With huge thanks going to the stadium staff for their support in hosting the event, the school was also very proud to be joined by the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Shaun Osborne, who performed the opening ceremony for the event. Also present were LFC ladies, LFC TV and of course the one and only “Mighty Red”, Liverpool FC’s mascot.

While traditional sports day events like 100 metres, javelin, relay, egg and spoon were carried out on the 3G pitch, students were also able to make use of the excellent facilities inside the stadium. Students were able to select from archery, cardio quest, table tennis, cake decorating, Widnes RLFC Museum tours, Zumba and spinning for the more energetically inclined.

The school was very privileged to be joined by Amanda Da Costa and Libby Stout who both play for LFC ladies. Both ladies gave motivational speeches to groups of students in the executive boxes. The ladies thoroughly enjoyed it and said “The students were really enthusiastic which made our job easier.” Liverpool’s goalkeeper Libby Stout added: “It’s brilliant to be able to attend events like this and pass on any guidance that we can to the students. It’s been a really enjoyable day so hopefully the students have found our advice beneficial.”

With the school divided into four houses there was a very competitive element to the day and many of the activities were results based. Last year’s winner Castle House was knocked off its pedestal by Bridgewater House. It was a very close thing with only a small number of points separating first from second, Priory. Castle House was third and Brindley was in fourth place.

A truly wonderful and memorable day was had by all.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

Headlines

GRANGE SCHOOL

New Year 7 become Crime Scene Investigators Earlier this month we welcomed our new Year 7 cohort into school to spend two days as Crime Scene Investigators to a Murder

Mystery. Both days were very successful, despite there being four murders! The first day was spent working alongside eight

Students also had the opportunity to have a taster session linked to the Mayor’s Award led by Catch 22. Our two days culminated in a family assembly where parents and carers joined us to have a snapshot of the experience and share in the success of the event, We are very much looking forward to September with our new cohort. They have many exciting adventures ahead in Year 7, one key highlight will be the Bushcraft residential in October.

professional actors in a ‘whodunnit’ style murder mystery. Students had the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers from all our feeder primary schools and get to know our staff. We were extremely impressed with their team work, leadership and communication skills. The second day provided an opportunity for the students to work with their form group in a variety of sample lessons around school. The lessons included using bunsen burners in science to detect materials at the crime scene, making truffles containing poison (chilli), cracking codes in maths and ICT and creating a musical piece using

handbells to celebrate the identification of the murderer.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Farewell

Also leaving us at the end of term are the following:

At the end of this term, we say goodbye to a number of staff as they move to pastures new. To each of them I extend good wishes for the future and

Mr Warburton Joined the staff in 1994

Mrs Smith Joined the staff in 2002

sincere thanks for their contribution to The Grange.

After 32 years of loyal service to The Grange, Mr Beard and Mr Gill are retiring.

Both became Head of Year before being promoted to Senior Learning

Miss Ellis Joined the staff in 1998

Mr Simpson Joined the staff in 2004

Mrs Murray Joined the staff in 1998

Mrs Prowse-Smith Joined staff in 2013

Coordinators and then Assistant Heads and members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Mr Beard joined the school after graduating and gaining his teaching qualification to teach history. Mr Gill joined the Grange to teach Boys PE

following four years at The Grange in Ellesmere Port.

Mrs Hughes Joined the staff in 2001

Mme Couturier Joined staff in 2013

Mr Craven Joined the staff in 2001

Mr Lomax Joined staff in 2013

I wish them both well in their retirement and express my gratitude for their dedicated service to The Grange over many years.

Mr Beard

Mr Gill

On behalf of everyone at The Grange, I thank them all for their hard work and loyalty and wish them well for the future.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Uniform Sales Boys School Uniform is:

The Uniform for Physical Education is:

- White shirt (stiff collar)

- A navy, red and white round neck T-shirt *

- House Tie (clip on) *

- Navy blue shorts *

- School Blazer (grey with badge) *

- Navy blue socks *

- School Jumper (black with school name) which is optional *

These items can be purchased exclusively through the school

- Black Trousers (must be plain, not denims, jeans or cords)

- Trainers, but not canvas type shoes (e.g converse).

- Black shoes (plain, leather and polished) - Black socks

Items of uniform starred (*) in the list above can be purchased from the school from Wednesday 23rd July - Friday 29th August between

Girls School Uniform is:

10:00am - 2:00pm.

- White shirt (stiff collar) - House Tie (clip on) * - School Blazer (grey with badge) * - School Jumper (black with school name) which is optional * - Black skirt/trousers/pinafore dress - Black shoes (plain, leather and polished) - Black socks

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue

Headlines

GRANGE SCHOOL Exam Results Day

The year results day is on Thursday 21st August 2014. Year 11 leavers can collect their results from10:00am and Year 10 (the new Year 11) can collect their results from 11:30am.

Next year’s term dates School begins for all students on Wednesday 3rd September 2014.

Year 7 students should arrive at 8:30am and the remaining year groups at 10:50am Term

Opens

Closes

Autumn 1

Wednesday

Autumn 2

Monday 3rd November 2014

Friday 19th December 2014

Spring 1

Monday 5th January 2015

Friday 13th February 2015

Spring 2

Monday 23rd February 2015

Thursday 2nd April 2015

Summer 1*

Monday 20th April 2015

Friday 22nd May 2015

Summer 2

Monday

1st

3rd

September 2014

June

Friday 24th October 2014

Thursday 16th July 2015

* School is closed on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2015.

And finally...

It hardly seems just over a year ago that we moved into our new building but here we are at the end of another academic year. This year we introduced a new style uniform and school badge and I must comment on how smart our youngsters look as they move around their impressive looking school.

Your support is so important to our work; without it, making the improvements we do each year would be so much more difficult. It is often the seemingly simple things such as ensuring good attendance and punctuality, sending students into school properly prepared to study and looking smart in full uniform that make all the difference. Establishing and maintaining good communication and relationships between home and school are vital ingredients in this partnership. By working together, we can make school a happy, memorable and successful time for your child .

There is a great deal of which we can be proud and I would like to thank parents and carers who have paid compliments to the hard work of students and staff throughout the year which gives great encouragement to us all. Thank you for your continued support and on behalf of the staff and Governors may I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable summer.

The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.

July 2014 Issue