We’re in the business of learning.....
The Heath
JULY 2011
Following halo Non Bio Managing Director, Paul Ward’s Keynote speech at the Halton Chamber of Commerce, Paul has turned his attention to inspiring the businessmen and women of the future. Paul was invited to visit the Heath Specialist Te c h n o l o g y C o l l e g e i n Runcorn Cheshire to speak to Business Studies students about being on “Dragons Den” and starting up a business. The visit on Friday 30th September was an unqualified success, inspiring the budding entrepreneurs of the future to follow in his footsteps and impressing Paul with the
Halo Non Bio inspires entrepreneurs of the Future student’s abilities in equal measure. “It was great to be asked to visit the College and talk to the pupils from the business studies classes. They were particularly interested in my time on “Dragons Den” with Julian Wade the Business Studies teacher having previously shown them the episode. The pupils gave me a grilling much like the Dragons did. I was impressed with the level of knowledge the pupils displayed on starting up a business. Maybe there is a budding Dragon amongst them.”
The contribution made by Paul’s visit to the student’s educational development was welcomed by the students and teachers alike. “All the Business Studies students and their teacher Mr Wade really enjoyed the visit of Paul Ward to the school on Friday 30th September. Paul met over 100 students in his visit and brought business to life for the students with his insights and experiences of being an entrepreneur. The Heath school would like to thank Paul again for a brilliant visit.”
If you know of anything happening in and around our school community, let us know, or if you have any comments about the newsletter email: stewartd@heathschool.org.uk
Drama News Year 11 Drama students were out and about again this half term as they visited The Playhouse Theatre in Liverpool. The students went to see Brecht’s ‘Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’, a parody of Hitler’s rise to power in Germany. Having studied Bertolt Brecht this half term, as part of their GCSE course, students were keen to see his theory in practise. A ‘Page to Stage’ workshop was provided by the theatre before the show and here students got to explore the plot, the playwright and even work with the actors! The Heath students were praised for their fearless approach and enthusiasm as they took to The Playhouse stage to experiment with the text. The show was an interesting interpretation of the play and provided lots of food for thought for staff and students alike. Year 11 are now busy completing their controlled assessments on the play and are keen to show some of Brecht’s work in our Christmas showcase coming this December. Drama captains have been announced, Danielle Sampson and Jordan Potsig-‐Simpson look forward to getting started and their deputies Kelsie Nicholls and Ryan Macdonald are on hand to help too. We look forward to them taking on the roles of hosts at this year’s Christmas show!
Conwy Castle Trip On Monday 3rd and Wednesday 5th October Year 11 History GCSE students went out to visit Conwy Castle in North Wales to collect evidence to complete their controlled assessment. Mr Byrne was our entertaining tour guide, everyone had a great trip. The sun stayed out for us but we had to hold on to our hats as the wind was strong high up on the castle walls. Conwy Castle is used to develop understanding of medieval castles and gather evidence of how the castle would have looked when it was built by Edward I. This is vital to complete the controlled assessment which makes up 25% of the final GCSE. The History department has an exceptional record of attaining top class controlled assessment results and we are sure this year will be no exception. All pupils behaved perfectly and showed a mature approach to completing coursework. They were a credit to The Heath School and themselves. Miss G Piggott Head of Humanities
Dance Revolution Dance Company is here. The Heath school have created their first ever professional dance company. The company will work with different choreographers creating and performing vibrant and diverse dance works with a wide appeal. Auditions were held in September and 16 dancers were chosen from our Key Stage 4 students, for their individual style and vocabulary of movement and their separate personalities. The company will be a unique and fascinating way of creating dance. Watch this space for performances and a house competition to design our company logo.
This years appeal is underway in readiness for the festive season and we are looking for shoeboxes filled with gifts for a boy or girl. Leaflets explaining details are available from Mrs Williams and a prize is up for grabs for the form with the most boxes collected. These gifts will be the only present these children get at Christmas so please give generously.
ADULT COMMUNITY CLASSES STARTING AUTUMN 2011
The
Heath Classes to include: Bootcamp
Floodlit Bootcamp at the Heath will help you get fitter faster… and it’s so much more fun than working on your own or in a gym. A positive mental attitude, team spirit and a commitment to hard graft is what’s needed to get you through, but you’ll feel superb after every session. Starting Thursday 6th October 2011 Time: 6-7pm 10 week course - £3 per week or £25 for the course
Zumba!
Zumba! Dance Workout is a lively solo dance-fitness class for adults. Come along to a fun and effective class which will feel more like a night out than a work out! Starting Thursday 6th October 2011 Time: 6-7pm 10 week course - £3.00 per week or £25 for the course
Cakes and Bakes for you
Come along and bake delicious treats to impress your friends and loved ones. Learn how to make and decorate cakes, including cupcakes, cake toppers, celebration cakes and healthy cookies. You will also learn further techniques such as sweet and savoury pies and crumbles. For beginners and more experienced bakers – there’s something for everyone!
Photo Art
Starting Thursday 6th October 2011 Time: 6:00-8:00pm 10 week course - £25 for the course
Always wanted to create your own artwork from personal photos but didn’t know where to start? Then this is your opportunity to try out some digital and traditional artwork in a supportive atmosphere – working towards a final piece of art. Beginners very welcome. Equipment provided.
‘Sew’ Great!
Starting Thursday 6th October 2011. Time: 6-8pm 10 week course - £30
Do you have an interest in fabric and fashionable home design? Wanting to express your creativity through textiles? Then come along to our inspirational soft furnishings course, starting with customising cushions with your own unique designs using a range of techniques. Course level – Basic Stage One
Improve the Mind
Starting Thursday 6th October 2011. Time: 6-8pm 10 week course - £30 (includes materials)
Academic Courses in Maths, ICT, English and French are available to book at various times. Contact us for more details.
Thursdays 6-9pm - Enquiries: 01928 576664
The
ADULT COMMUNITY CLASSES STARTING SUMMER 2011
Heath LIPA 4:19 is moving to Runcorn LIPA 4:19 A franchise of The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, has been established in Halton since 2009. We are a part time performing arts academy for 4-19 year olds, and run classes on a Saturday during term time in singing, dance and drama. We have also performed several full scale shows in venues including the Brindley and across Merseyside, enjoyed thoroughly by performers and audiences alike. For all age groups, classes are fun and stimulating and are carefully designed to reflect the correct stage of performing arts development. We recruit the very best staff and all our tutors have relevant qualifications in their discipline, alongside working in the performing arts profession as artists and performers. We also have a uniform dress code ( LIPA t- shirt and black leggings/trousers). We believe this allows students to focus on classes and friendship without worries or concerns. If you wish to find out more information or wish to apply for a place at LIPA 4;19, Halton, please contact:
Kate Allerston, Principal, LIPA 4:19, Halton 01928 576664 or kallerston@heathschool.org.uk From October 2011, LIPA 4:19, Halton will be moving venues – to the Heath School Runcorn. This is an exciting move for us as we continue to grow and flourish as an academy, supported fully by the Heath School. Heath Tennis Club Don’t Just Watch.... Play! Have Fun & Keep Fit, Tennis is a game that everyone can enjoy regardless of age or ability. Heath Tennis Club is open all year. For information about events, coaching or membership go to our website: www.heathtennisclub.com or contact Tim Coleman: e-mail: timothyjohncoleman@hotmail.co.uk mobile: 07905296727
For more info on any of the above course contact
Kate Allerston, Community Development Officer at The Heath Technology College on 01928 576664 or email kallerston@heathschool.org.uk
Thursdays 6-9pm - Enquiries: 01928 576664
Y11 Geographers go shopping! On Thursday 15th September, our Year 11 Geographers went to Frodsham to investigate how environmentally friendly the shopping area is. The weather was wonderful for us all so there were plenty of shoppers to ask help us complete the questionnaires. We also completed a land use survey map of the different shops and businesses and, as it was market day, there were around fifty stalls to look at as well. A survey of shopping bags was also done, as single use disposable carrier bags are not very environmentally friendly at all. We are now using all of our data to complete our Controlled Assessment.
Health & Wellbeing Drop-‐in
As part of our continued care and guidance for students, we will be offering a Drop-‐in for students to speak to a Health Professional. As well as a general drop-‐in, we will be having focused sessions on topics such as diet, smoking, drugs awareness and self-‐harm. The dates for these will be advertised on posters around school. The Drop-‐in will take place in the CSI every other Monday and will cover both lunches, in order that everyone can have opportunity to attend. Parents are also invited to attend sessions, should they wish to get advice on any of the topics. Please ring Rachael Jenkins (Pastoral Support Officer) on 01928 576664 if you would like to book onto a particular session.
No Fear To Cheer The time has come, and No fear to Cheer young leaders have taken lead, demonstrating their excellent ability to lead a fun, inclusive and exciting no fear to cheer taster session! Young people that attend the Heath High School led the latest no fear to cheer session to Key Stage 2 pupils. The session was fun and engaging and had the latest shape throwing moves thrown in there! It was fantastic to see young people having the confidence to lead a session, and the dancers participating to their full ability. Here are a few pictures of the No Fear to Cheer team in action ... Beyonce beware No Fear to Cheer ... Check them out in their gear ... they’re hip ... they’re hop ... they will show you what they’ve got!!! We have had a cheerleading coach coming into school for a number of months last year and we called the cheer group no fear to cheer. The one thing that we were missing was good poms, so we wrote a bid to the Think Big project from O2 and successfully got a grant for 300 pounds for new poms. Check out the link below for ore information. http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/en/Projects/Project-Home/?clubId=814
Dyslexia Award! The Heath has recently been awarded the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark from the British Dyslexia Association. We have achieved this award in recognition of our dyslexia friendly practice and commitment to inclusive learning for all. Congratulations to all our staff and students for all their hard work! If you would like any further information about dyslexia or the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark please contact Mrs Russell or Mrs McCoy in the Learning Support Department.
TINS TRANSITION READING UNIT Here at the Heath, the English department has developed a new reading unit with the aim of making the transition from KS2 English to KS3 English smooth, enjoyable and as effective as possible.
The
purpose of this transition project is to ensure that all new students, from a variety of feeder primary schools, have a common knowledge and source of familiarity to centre their learning around in their initial English lessons of year 7.
This has been an excellent tool to
develop the social transition also, as students have been able to share, discuss, and explore the novel, using talk as a tool for learning. All year 7 students were invited to a launch evening in school in July 2011 where they, and their parents/ carers, were given a copy of Tins, were informed of the value of the project, its purpose and also the learning tasks that the new-year 7 students were expected to complete over the summer. Year 7 students have been encouraged to voice their opinions of the novel and lessons to class teachers and the feedback was extremely positive.
The students found the novel engaging and embraced the
learning sequence enthusiastically, as they had confidence in knowledge having had read the text. I would like to personally thank all who attended the launch evening and showed their support of our quest to promote reading, to aim for success in all subject areas.
After all, if you want to succeed you’ve
got to read! 'Watch this space for pictures of the award winners!' E.R.Thomas (KS3 English coordinator)
Three Peaks Challenge A group of staff from The Heath alongside a group of volunteers from Camp Project Wales completed the 3 Peak Challenge. What is the 3 Peaks challenge? It is a test of physical and mental fitness which requires climbing the three highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland, within 24 hours – this time also includes travelling between each hill. Challengers from The Heath were Mr Holmes, Science teacher, Mr Brown, Science Teacher, Mrs Sibley, Head of PE and Mr Fildes PE Teacher. The Camp Project Wales challengers were John Whitehead, Jenny Westwood, Danny Jones, Si Warman, Katherine Moyser, Alistair Salisbury, Stephen Salisbury and Linda Porter. Driving them from Mountain to mountain and catering for their food and water needs was undertaken by Garry Fowler and Sam Jones from The Heath’s D of E Team. We set out from The Heath at 8.30 Saturday Morning for the start of our adventure. We reached Glen Nevis in plenty of time for our 5pm start. The Team set off at 5pm to climb Ben Nevis, climbing to the summit in time to see the most amazing sunset. No time to dwell on it though as the rain quickly came quickly and fiercely and time was of the essence. Descent in the dark, with only the light of their head torches showing up the slippery rocks to be negotiated. This descent was perilous and proved just how much determination and fearlessness was necessary to get the team through this challenge. No time at the bottom for even a change into dry clothes, it was all squashed into the minibus and away for the long and difficult drive to Wasdale Head in the Lake District and the start of the next step. Because of the harsh weather, driving conditions and sheer difficulty of the Ben Nevis descent we hit Scafell an hour and half behind schedule at 5am. The team flew out of the minibus into the wet dark Lakeland morning and set off at a real pace up Scafell, only their head torches lighting the dark very slippery path in front. A quick glance around at sunrise on the top, at least it had stopped raining, then a very rapid descent trying to make up some time. A few slips and trips on the way but luckily only a graze and some very muddy people to show for such speed. Well deserved bacon and sausage barms en route to Snowdon then and the chance for a few very uncomfortable hours sleep. A very packed LDV minibus is not the most comfortable of beds! We also had to negotiate those lovely scenic Lake District roads, which was at times as much of a challenge as the walking. By the time we reached Snowdon we were worried to say the least. Only 3 hours left of our challenge time. All the 3 Peaks literature say aim for 4 hours up and down Snowdon. The tourist notice boards advise 6! The team leapt from the minibus and set off almost at a run. They made the summit in 1 hour 40 minutes! Then quick photo stop and down, running into a 2 hours 40 minute victory!
They had completed the challenge and all with 20 minutes to spare!
Three Peaks Challenge continued... The mental determination and stamina of this team is the true reason for their victory. This challenge could not be completed on fitness levels alone. It needs a steely nerve, very little sense of fear, and a huge amount of determination. It also requires a true sense of teamwork and a massive sense of humour! It is not something to be undertaken lightly on a whim, a large amount of planning and preparation went into the challenge. You also need a healthy respect for the environment and just how dangerous it can be, planning for every possible problem. This team are a true credit to themselves and should be extremely proud. So why did they do it? The purpose of this challenge was to raise some much needed money for Camp Project Wales. What is Camp Project Wales and why put yourself through such a task? Camp Project Wales (CPW) is a Halton based charity that has been in existence for over 30 years. Our main activity is to provide a free camping adventure holiday in July or August each summer for children aged 11 to 14. The children who participate are chosen by staff from Halton schools and are deemed for a variety of reasons to be in need of a holiday. Additionally we also provide opportunities for young adults taking part in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award scheme to participate and receive training necessary to gain that award. All fund raising activities throughout the year are geared towards funding this. The charity is run by numerous volunteers the core of which is an operational Committee, that co-‐ordinates fundraising events and the planning and preparation of the summer camping holiday. CPW provides the children with a range of new experiences. It encourages them to work in a team; building both self confidence and self esteem. The activities the children participate in include canoeing, horse riding, crabbing, swimming and circus skills. Additionally visits are organised to Beaumaris Castle and the town to purchase souvenirs. The children experience a rib-‐boat trip around the Anglesey coastline to view local sea life and the partnerships formed with the local RNLI crew has enabled visits to the Lifeboat station and tours of the boats themselves. Every child that participates tries something for the first time, gaining new experiences and having loads of fun! We aim to help build self awareness and help the children reach their potential in a ‘family’ based social setting which many in their normal circumstances may not be able to access. The Heath has been taking part in this venture for a number of years now and has witnessed first hand both the dedication of the staff at CPW and the benefit to the children that we have taken. It does however cost a lot of money each year to run such a venture, hence our commitment to helping with the fundraising.
The Heath School PTA The Heath parent & Teacher Association supports the school through a number of activities and particularly through raising funds to help the school purchase additional equipment & resources. Parents can you support the PTA? DISCO’s There are many ways to contribute to the school and the PTA. les Plant sa Join the PTA. Help out at events. les a S t o o Car B Donate gifts for raffle prices . Attend events and contribute by making them a success and an enjoyable experience for all
If you are interested Please contact G.Burchall 01928 576664 burchallg@heathschool.org.uk
Dyslexia Awareness Week 31st October – 4th November 2011
Information Drop-In for parents & carers In the Centre for Student Intervention (CSI) on Thursday 3rd November 2.30 – 6.30 pm Meet staff for an informal chat and find out about: • • • • • • • • • •
Dyslexia - signs and symptoms Testing for Dyslexia Dyslexia support Study skills Computer programmes Resources for dyslexic students Dyslexia Friendly teaching and learning techniques Exam access arrangements Support for dyslexic parents Information on other, often related difficulties – Irlen Syndrome, Dyscalculia (Difficulty with maths), Handwriting, ADHD and Dyspraxia The Heath - A Specialist Technology College Closure Dates 2011/2012
SCHOOL CLOSES
SCHOOL REOPENS TO STUDENTS Monday 5th September 2011
Friday 21st October 2011
Monday 31st October 2011
Friday 16th December 2011
Wednesday 4th January 2012
Friday 10th February 2012
Monday 20th February 2012
Thursday 29th March 2012
Monday 16th April 2012
Friday 4th May 2012
Monday 8th May 2012
Friday 1st June 2012
Monday 11th June 2011
Thursday 19th July 2011
Inset Days Thursday 1st September 2011 Friday 2nd September 2011 Friday 7th October 2011 Tuesday 3rd January 2012 Friday 30th March 2012