Headlines May 2014

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Students rise to the Maths Challenge On Thursday 1st May, 30 students from Year 7 and 8 participated in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, a national competition run by the UK Mathematics Trust. The challenge, which is completed by thousands of schools across

Maths puzzle of the month Last month’s answer

the country, involved students answering 25 demanding multiple choice questions, designed to peak their interest in the subject.

The top 40% performing students in the country will receive an award from the UK Mathematics Trust to reward their efforts. One lucky student will also win the “Best in School” Award. Details of all winners will be revealed within the next few weeks.

This month’s teaser

Mr Liptrot, Curriculum Leader for Maths, would like to thank all students who participated.

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

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines Year 11 Maths Revision QR Codes to YouTube videos

Scan the following codes on your Smartphone/Tablet to be directed towards some great YouTube videos to help you prepare for your GCSE Maths exam. More to follow next month.

Volume

Circles

Angle Facts

Number

Percentages

Estimation

Problems

Trial and

Ratio

Standard Form

Probability (Grade C)

Solving Equations

Probability (Grade B/A)

Estimate the Mean Average

Additional exam papers and questions are available from your child’s Maths teacher on request.

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

Box Plots

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Referee!

Congratulations to Peter Burns 9SMI who has gained his refereeing badge from the Cheshire Football Association.

Space Hero to visit The Grange On Friday 27th June, The Grange is privileged to play host to former NASA flight controller Sy Liebergot. Sy served on the Apollo missions in the 1970s and was part of the team that brought the stricken Apollo 13 spacecraft safely back to Earth. Sy will be giving a talk about his experiences during his time at NASA and his role in the rescue of Apollo 13.

Year 8 visit Manchester Mosque Forty Year 8 students visited the Islamic Centre and Mosque in Didsbury, Manchester. The students listened to a detailed presentation about the Islamic faith, learning about the beliefs and practices of Muslims. They had a tour of the Mosque around the prayer hall, washing area and women’s area, and were given a demonstration of the washing and prayer rituals. The staff and volunteers at the Mosque were extremely welcoming and taught the students and staff a great deal about Islam. “It was a good experience to learn about other religions.” Said one student. “I learnt some interesting things and a lot of it has surprised me.” said another students. All students thoroughly enjoyed the visit and gained a valuable insight into the religion from the experience.

Prior to this, there will be a special screening of the Apollo 13 movie, starring Tom Hanks, on the evening of Thursday 26th June. More details to follow…

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 2013 Issue

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Leading Educators Visit On Wednesday 24th April, The Grange School was visited by a delegation of Leading Educators. This organisation currently operates in New Orleans, Washington D.C and Kansas City. The group of officials and programme participants had come to the UK to see examples of leadership programmes at selected schools. The Grange was selected because of the high calibre leadership programmes currently running under the umbrella of the Achieve Together programme. The American visitors were interested to see how staff at all levels could access opportunities to develop their leadership skills for the benefit of students at The Grange.

From this visit a stronger partnership has been formed between Teaching Leaders and The Grange School. In addition, the participants of the US organisation Leading Educators, offered to host a return visit for Grange staff.

Plans are now being made for those involved with the achieve Together programme at The Grange to do just that, it is hoped that, with the help of the British Council, funding can be sourced to strengthen the school’s links with leading national and international organisations to continue to provide improved opportunities for staff and, most importantly, improved outcomes for our students.

The visitors were impressed with the rapid recent improvements in student achievement, programmes of staff development and the school’s innovative approach to developing Teaching and Learning.

However, they were blown away by our most valuable asset, our students. who were articulate, proud and enthusiastic in their reflections of life at The Grange.

The Monthly News-

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines Year 8 Readers

Gingersnaps by Cathy Cassidy reviewed by Rachel Hunt 8CRL

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman reviewed by Joseph Mahon 8CFT

One of my favourite books that I have read is ‘Gingersnaps’ by Cathy Cassidy. I enjoy reading all of her books because each one is individual and exciting and always leaves you wishing there was more. I love ‘Gingersnaps’ because I can relate to how the character feels as she overcomes obstacles in different parts of the story and stays positive, and the fact that she helps people. She makes me smile. Altogether, ‘Gingersnaps’ is a really gripping book and really captures the main features of a good read.

One of my favourite books of all times. This book is Pullman’s best work in the ’Dark Materials’ series. I read it whenever I get the chance. The story is about a girl with a device that can answer questions and a boy who has a knife which can open portals to other worlds of demons and creatures and other unique characters. It is one of the few books that I didn’t want to finish because it was so good. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy of any kind.

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

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines Year 8 Readers

The Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy reviewed by Georgina Page 8CFT

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne reviewed by Jasmin Worswick 8CFT

The ’Skulduggery Pleasant’ series are my favourite books. There are two main characters: Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain. The two make a great team. They are both funny and dangerous as they save the world from villains. Valkyrie Cain is exactly like me so I can relate to whatever she does and feels. Skulduggery is a clever detective and enjoys driving his Bentley (my favourite car). He is extremely witty and has an impeccable dress sense.

I’m currently reading ’The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne. It is by far the best book I have ever read. The first chapter really intrigued me because it is told through Bruno’s eyes and he doesn’t really understand much or what is happening around him. It is set at the time of the Holocaust and Bruno’s father is a Nazi Commandant. Bruno befriends Shmuel, a little boy living across an adjoining wire fence.

These books make your heart beat faster and make you laugh. Derek Landy, the author, has written many funny and memorable lines such as; “only a moron would bring a sword to a gunfight,” “The sparrows fly south for the winter” and “Doors are for people with no imagination.” These books are the ones that encourage me to read more and I would recommend them to anybody who likes mystery, comedy, romance and action.

Overall, this story beautifully defines friendship and it made me so focused on the characters and the scene. This is a great story and I would recommend it to anybody who loves to get lost in a book.

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GRANGE SCHOOL

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Year 8 and 9 Inter House Football Tournament After school on Wednesday 6th May, the four Houses battled it out on the football pitch to see who would raise the 6-a-side trophy. The teams were selected from years 8 and 9 and there was a great turn out of spectators to cheer the players onto victory.

First onto the pitch were Castle and Priory; unfortunately Castle’s first goal by Dom Williams was disallowed by chief organiser, Mr Burton, who, despite Mr Milne’s extremely loud objections, stated ‘rules is rules’! Shortly after half time, the skills of the Priory players shone through and goals were scored by Dec Preston and Liam Gayter making them the winners of the first play off.

Next to play were Bridgewater and Brindley. Bridgewater basher, Jake Lewis, attacked the Brindley goal with gusto and managed to score despite heroic attempts by Peter Helps and Josh Lloyd to defend the Brindley goal. The final score was Bridgewater 2 - Brindley 1.

The plays offs to decide the final places were next; Bridgewater V Priory to determine the winners and Castle V Brindley for 3rd and 4th position.

With mounting excitement, Castle and Brindley fought for 3rd place, but despite some excellent attempts to score, the final score was a 0 - 0 draw. Newly qualified referee Peter Burns stepped up to ref the penalty shoot-out that followed and eventually super keeper Peter Helps saved for Brindley, and Castle were relegated to last place.

Next, the play off for top position between Bridgewater and Priory. Priory attacked from the whistle and Demi Leigh Rogers in goal defended bravely with some excellent saves, but Priory were relentless and Liam Gayter, Dec Preston and Callum Bebbington all scored to put Priory in a winning position.

Another goal by Liam Gayter meant there was no ‘Crystal Palace’ comeback option for Bridgewater and on the final whistle the score was Bridgewater 0 - Priory 4.

Well done to all players, a big thank you to Mr Burton and the referees, Mr Warburton, Mr Rodrigues, Peter Burns and the spectators. Finally, WELL DONE in particular to the victors, Priory House

.

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

GRANGE SCHOOL

Headlines

Year 9 Hospitality and Catering Exam Over the last two weeks, the GCSE Hospitality and Catering practical exams have taken place in school.

This controlled assessment has involved students making four products which are suitable to serve at an afternoon tea. Year nine students had 4 hours to produce their products and then present them for marking.

Mrs Knight was extremely pleased with the way the students conducted themselves and the finished results. Mr Gandy, Associate Governor, was invited as a guest to help evaluate the finished dishes and both were very impressed and delighted with the students’ efforts. Mr Gandy said, ‘there was a great variety of savouries and cakes that would grace any tearoom, whose tastiness was enhanced by attractive and colourful presentation.’

Term Dates

Finish

Return

May Day Bank Holiday Friday 2nd May

Tuesday 6th May

Summer Half-Term Friday 23rd May

Monday 2nd June Summer

Friday 18th July

Tuesday 2nd September

Inset Days Monday 21st July 2014 Tuesday 22nd July 2014 Wednesday 23rd July 2014

Well done to all the students!

The Monthly News-