In Focus 2017-18 - Birkenhead School Annual

IN FOCUS 2018

N E PA L

T H E C L I M B TO A N N A P U R N A B A S E C A M P AND HELPING BUILD A SCHOOL

SOUTH AFRICA

N E T B A L L A N D H O C K E Y TO U R 2 0 1 8

INSPIRING TA L K S S E R I E S O L D B I R KO N I A N SOCIETY BULLETIN 2017 - 2018

IN FOCUS 2018

Index Welc o m e .. ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 E a rly Yea r s

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Sch o o l N ew s .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tri p s & Vi s i ts

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Beyo n d th e C u r r ic ul um

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C lub s & A c ti v i ties Sta r A c ti v i ti es

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Pa ren ts ’ A s s o c i ation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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C h a p el N ew s A rt

C la s s i c s Dra m a

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English

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G eo g r a p hy

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H i sto r y .. .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Math s

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Mo d er n Fo rei g n L an guages .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Musi c

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Reli g i o u s Stu d ies Scien c e Spor ts

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Six th Fo r m : Ps ychol og y & B usin ess Studies

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Six th Fo r m Ref l ec tion s

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N i ch o l l s Lec tu re Ser ies

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L ea d er s h i p C a reer s

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A L evel Res u l ts G C SE Res u l ts Sta f f N ew s

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Six th Fo r m L eaver s OBS B u l l eti n

Birkenhead School, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Wirral, CH43 2JD Tel: 0151 652 4014 Fax: 0151 651 3091 Email: enquire@birkenheadschool.co.uk /birkenheadschool

@birkenheadschl

www.birkenheadschool.co.uk 2

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IN FOCUS 2018

We l c o m e From the Headmaster It is a pleasure to welcome you to this year’s edition of In Focus. In moving to one publication a year, in essence, an ‘annual’, it is hoped that it continues to highlight the diversity of life at Birkenhead School whilst also capturing the key events of importance during the whole year, including the August external exam results.

The purpose of every good school must be to prepare its students for future life within an environment that is inclusive, encouraging of success and failure in equal measure and providing opportunity in abundance.

I hope that the range of stories and initiatives contained within, written by a variety of staff and students in their own styles, is testament to the breadth and strength of community here and our desire to focus on

opportunities for each and every individual.

Of course, the opportunities provided to the students are directly proportional to the expertise and dedication of our teaching and support staff. This is particularly highlighted this year by our thanks to six retiring staff who have inspired generations of Birkonians over 165 collective years.

A number of those they have guided feature within the Old Birkonian section of In Focus and my thanks to all alumni whose continued interest and support of the School is a key part of a strong community moving confidently forward.

Enjoy the read.

Paul Vicars @Birkenhead_Head

From the Head of Prep What an amazing year we’ve had in Prep and I’m delighted with this issue of In Focus, which provides a wonderful memory of the many opportunities and achievements our pupils have experienced over the last year.

Birkenhead School is a truly inspirational place. There are so many amazing things that happen each day and many of us enjoy keeping up with these on social media; I encourage all to follow us online, but would also highly recommend the time-honoured benefits of sitting down with a cup of coffee to enjoy a good read of In Focus!

To entice you, we have a vast range of Prep articles. From Outdoor Learning to the Boumphrey Lecture Series, from Digital Leaders to Civic

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Awards, from Music to Sport and from our Christmas Tree Festival Winners to our World Book Day celebrations. You can read all about our new Chaplain and you can find out how we celebrated the Royal Wedding. You’ll see we’ve included articles on curriculum developments, information about our clubs and also write-ups on the high-profile author visits we’ve enjoyed. There’s so much for you to read, I’d better not delay you any longer!

With hearty congratulations to all the children for their fantastic contributions to Prep this year and I wish everyone all the best for another inspirational and fulfilling academic year ahead.

Harry FitzHerbert

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IN FOCUS 2018

By Mrs Dorney, Head of Early Years

This year has been an exciting time in Early Years. Firstly, a big thank you to all our Nursery and Pre-Prep parents and carers, your support has been invaluable.

September saw the introduction of a year round Pre-Prep provision. This has been overwhelmingly successful, with Mr Davies as our Lead Professional.

The introduction of ‘Mystery Reader’ and ‘Proud Moments’ has ensured that children’s families are integral to our care and education, here in Pre-Prep.

Reflecting back to the Autumn term, the Nursery benefitted from the generosity of the Parents Association, when artificial grass was laid in the Under 2’s garden area. This magnificent transformation has helped develop this outdoor area, enabling a free flow access from indoors, helping babies to develop their own games without feeling like they’re being directly supervised. Our babies have continued to understand what they can do for themselves, developing a ‘can do attitude’, which will act as a solid foundation for future learning.

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Parents were extremely kind when supporting our charity ‘Pyjama Appeal’ at Christmas and as a result, families with young children in Wirral benefitted from our pyjama donations.

In November, Early Years had its Education and Quality inspection, special emphasis was placed on the Under 2’s, led by Tina Ross. As a result of our practitioners’ hard work, enthusiasm and attention to children’s individual needs, we achieved ‘outstanding’ for the third consecutive time. Many thanks to all those parents who were so positive about us when being interviewed by inspectors.

In December, the Pre-Prep children gave a splendid rendition of the Nativity, it never ceases to amaze us how confident they are when watched on stage by a large audience. Well done Pre-Prep!

In January, the Nursery launched its new communication method with parents, ensuring increased transparency about children’s progress.

At the same time ‘Get to know’

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evenings were introduced, with the first one defining how the Early Years Foundation Stage was delivered.

As the year has progressed, our children have grown in their learning and maturity. In Pre-Prep the topics of All About Me, Space, Dinosaurs, Pirates, People who Help Us, to name but a few, have encouraged imagination, creativity and thoughtprovoking conversations and culminated in their ‘End of Year Celebration’ of song, which included for the first time a sing and sign song, led by Miss Sadlers.

On the last day of term as a special treat an ice-cream van visited the Nursery and Pre-Prep children.

Together we all ate our ice-creams in the sunshine on Shrewsbury Lawn, what a wonderful way to finish the School’s academic year! Our more relaxed and flexible summer curriculum now continues throughout July and August, with an emphasis on creativity and discovery, and by exploring the Outdoor Classroom and Forest School within our wider School community.

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IN FOCUS 2018

Outstanding ISI Report for Birkenhead School The whole School community was delighted in November when the School once again received the very best outcome possible for our Early Years Foundation Stage provision alongside a clean bill of health from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in the recent Regulatory Compliance Inspection.

Birkenhead School’s Early Years offering was rated as outstanding in all areas and the School overall, is fully compliant with all eight Independent School Standards and the requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

This superb news is the result of three inspectors spending two days in late November at School, absorbing all aspects of School life, including observing the various co-curricular opportunities we have on offer, speaking with many members of staff, governors and pupils and reviewing questionnaire responses from parents and pupils.

Mr Vicars, spoke of the report’s findings, “I am delighted that the Inspection has confirmed the quality of the education provided by both our teaching and support staff. It is simply not possible to achieve a better result.

In particular, the glowing EYFS report is due recognition of the professionalism, leadership and care for the children provided by Mrs Dorney, Head of Early Years, and her team. This is now the third inspection in a row where all areas of our EYFS provision have been rated as ‘outstanding’, which does not happen by chance and it couldn’t be more deserved by the staff involved.”

Some highlights of the EYFS Inspection, from the full report include: • The overall effectiveness of the Early Years provision is outstanding.

• Exciting learning opportunities and dedicated and nurturing staff ensure that children make good, and at times rapid, progress relative to their starting points and are carefully prepared for transition into the next stage of learning.

• Children are exceptionally happy and secure in the setting benefitting from the strong bonds they form with their key workers and other staff in the room.

• The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding.

• Staff provide high quality learning experiences for the children to meet their next steps.

• Where children are identified as exceeding expectations, staff utilise other resources in the setting to provide challenge and promote further learning. Skilled staff seize opportunities to extend children’s thinking through child initiated and focussed group activities.

• Children’s well-being is a strength of the setting. Staff form warm, secure relationships with the children in their care and as a result, young children are happy and show high levels of confidence and enjoyment.

Mrs Dorney spoke of the inspection’s findings, saying, “I am delighted that the Early Years provision at Birkenhead School has once again been acknowledged by ISI as outstanding in all areas. Having received this accolade three consecutive times, it confirms the recognition of nurturing, high-quality staff who help develop confidence and self-assurance in our young children, so that they have the opportunity to exceed expectations, whilst having fun in a safe and secure environment.”

The report highlights just how fundamental the principles of learning, development and well-being are throughout Birkenhead School, with the messages starting right from the first stage of a child’s education at School with us.

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IN FOCUS 2018

D i g i t a l A w a r e n e s s We e k In November, the School hosted a Digital Awareness Week to highlight the many different issues surrounding the use of technology in our very digital world.

The positives of technology were explored during the week-long event as well as the negative impact that too much tech can have on our daily lives and interactions.

Digital Awareness Week was arranged

by Deputy Head, Mrs Pankhurst, who spoke of the importance of preparing our students for this digital age, “At School we see our students as the future leaders and decision makers in their field, and our responsibility lies in preparing them to take up these roles in a rapidly changing world.”

The week began with the author of ‘Digitox’, Mark Ellis, speaking to students in the morning Assembly and parents in the evening about the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with technology and your child.

As a father of four and a 20-year veteran of the tech industry, Mark spoke of the importance of limiting tech, namely the internet, and the positive effect that this has had on his family and the issues and barriers they faced along the way, and how they overcame them to ensure their family was “happier, healthier, safer and smarter in a society that increasingly demands constant, unsustainable attention.”

Following Mark’s insightful talk was BIMA Digital Day for Years 10-13. This day offered practical advice to students on digital careers and their depth and breadth. Students also had the chance to experience tackling a few hands-on challenges.

The School then welcomed Karl Hopwood, an independent e-safety expert, to speak to students, staff and parents on the importance of e-safety. Karl is a member of UKCCIS (UK Council for Child Internet Safety) and sits on the advisory board for the UK Safer Internet Centre and the education advisory board for CEOP. Karl has worked for a number of key organisations in the UK and abroad including CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre), BECTA (British Educational and Communications Technology Agency), the European Commission and several local authorities within the UK. The issue of e-safety is clearly close to Karl’s heart and as a former headteacher at a primary school, he still plays a key role in ensuring safer online behaviour and in promoting the importance of digital literacy.

This workshop saw Karl talking with students across different age ranges (Years 3 to 13) on the online issues most likely to affect them, as well as informing them of their online rights.

Following these helpful and informative sessions was Tech NO! Thursday – which meant no phones or tablets for students or teachers. In honour of this day, Mr Edmunds’ class voluntarily went

“At School we see our students as the future leaders and decision makers in their field, and our responsibility lies in preparing them to take up these roles in a rapidly changing world.”

- Mrs Pankhurst, Deputy Head -

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without their phones from the Tuesday morning until Friday afternoon to see what difference it would make to their daily lives.

Following Tech-No! Thursday was Full Tech Friday! Students brought in their mobile devices to help in lessons and teachers trialled various technological methods to aid teaching and learning within the classroom, this included a QR Code quiz which saw Senior students using their phones to scan the codes and gather clues to solve a mystery and Prep pupils used green screens when creating videos and then editing their footage. Mr Parry also brought in a 360 camera to take photos of surroundings which could then be viewed by students on their own devices. Mr Vicars also enjoyed trying out a Virtual Reality headset which makes the user feel encompassed in various locations and surroundings – the scope of which for education seems boundless – just imagine a History class stepping back in time to discover what Ancient Egypt was like or a Geography class seeing a volcano in action.

The whole of Digital Awareness Week was a huge success, enjoyed by all.

We observed how important new and improved technology can be in this digital world and what a positive effect it could have on education, as long as a healthy balance is obtained.

IN FOCUS 2018

Parent Seminar Prog ramme This year, saw the launch of our inaugural Parent Seminar Programme. Whilst parenting is often lauded as the most satisfying job in the world, unlike most day jobs, it doesn’t come with a job description or manual.

Parenting can be frustrating, concerning, joyful and inspiring all at once. Holding close to our hearts our commitment to the people of Birkenhead School that we are a community, sharing in the joys and frustrations of watching our young people emerge from the Sixth Form on results day as caring, curious and excited young men and women, we hosted a series of seminars throughout 2017-18.

Over the course of the year, guest speakers and experts in their field, shared with the School community their knowledge and experience to help us guide and support our children.

HIGHLIGHT SEMINARS INCLUDED:

Digitox - Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Technology and your Child’ with Mark Ellis, author of Digitox.

E-Safety for Parents - with Karl Hopwood, an independent e-safety expert who sits on the education advisory board for CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).

How to Stay Safe in an Insane World - with Jeremy Thomas, author and speaker on Mental Health issues.

How to Assist your Child in Achieving at GCSE with Elevate Education.

Why Every Teenager Needs a Parrot - Understanding and Parenting 21st Century Teenagers with Alicia Drummond, a Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist and Accredited Member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).

Emotional Wellbeing - with School Nurse, Deb Rennie.

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INFOCUS 2018

Inspiring Ta l k s S e r i e s This year, we have been delighted to have worked in partnership with Linghams Booksellers in Heswall, to welcome leading authors to the School.

Sir Tony Robinson Returns to Birkenhead School In November, Sir Tony Robinson was welcomed back to the School to speak about his new autobiography, ‘No Cunning Plan’.

An acclaimed author of over 20 children’s books and a well-loved actor and presenter, Sir Tony regaled the 200-strong audience with stories from his youth, talking about early family life and theatre productions that he had been a part of and then on to behind-thescenes tales of Blackadder and Time Team.

With a career spanning over 50 years, and with job titles such as, producer, actor, presenter, author, political activist, comedian and, of course, Knight of the Realm, Sir Tony did an excellent job of giving his attentive audience a glimpse into his fascinating life so far. This isn’t the first time that Sir Tony has graced the Bushell Hall stage, as he visited in June 2017 to speak to pupils at Birkenhead School about his new children’s book series, ‘Weird World of Wonders’.

Following such a wonderful evening at the School, Headmaster, Paul Vicars, commented, ‘We’re delighted to be working with Linghams Booksellers to bring another event, and personality of considerable stature, to the Wirral. Whilst Sir Tony may have ‘No Cunning Plan’, the School’s strategic plan celebrates our independence as a school, driving forward our academic and co-curricular programmes to inspire both our students and the local community.’

Guests in 2018/19 include: Professor Steve Peters

Author of the Chimp Paradox and consultant psychiatrist who works in elite sport including British Cycling, England Rugby and Liverpool Football Club.

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Kate Humble

TV Presenter and Broadcaster, specialising in wildlife and science programmes.

Jeffrey Archer

Author and former politician.

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Chris Riddell

Accomplished artist, political cartoonist for the Observer and author and illustrator of children’s books.

INFOCUS 2018

Carl Fogarty In April, we welcomed the World Superbike Champion – Carl Fogarty MBE, to talk about his new book ‘The World According to Foggy’.

Over his incredible career, Carl obtained 59 victories and four World Superbike championships but spoke of how it had always been difficult for him to see himself as a celebrity; he always felt like the boy from Blackburn.

Over the evening, Foggy entertained his thoroughly engaged audience with examples of stories from the book, highlighting how this was a book for everyone, a funny read that all could enjoy, without necessarily being a motorsport fan.

Ending the talk, Foggy answered questions from his passionate and knowledgeable audience, before signing books, no doubt taken home and read that night to continue finding out about this very interesting, funny and down-to-earth man.

Alison Weir In May, historian and best-selling author, Alison Weir visited to talk to people about her latest book, ‘Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen’.

The novel was the latest in Alison’s book series, ‘Six Tudor Queens’ and focusses on Henry VIII’s third wife, Jane Seymour and charts her life from a young girl to her place as Queen.

Alison’s talk was insightful, humorous and engaging, as shown by the audience’s keen questions raised at the end of the talk; people wanted to know Alison’s opinion on certain historical figures and further insights into events. One question posed was regarding whether Alison preferred writing fiction or non-fiction and Alison confirmed it was non-fiction that was her passion - “it’s the research that grabs me.”

It was Alison’s breadth of knowledge that certainly grabbed the audience during this talk.

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IN FOCUS 2018

Boumphrey Lecture Series launched in Prep In January, the children of Years 5 and 6 gathered together for the first of the new Prep Lectures.

Governor, Ian Boumphrey, came to speak to the children about the history of Prep and to pass on his vast amount of knowledge and passion for the School.

As well as being a Governor at the School, Mr Boumphrey is also a member of the Archives Department, which meets on a Monday morning to collate information on the School’s history.

As a past student of the School, Mr Boumphrey had brought his own black and red Prep cap and scarf along with him to wear, but conceded that they were now a bit too small for him before starting his talk.

The children were then asked a question: Prep has been a part of Birkenhead School for over 128 years now and the audience was asked if, during that time, there had been 6, 10 or 16 Headteachers? They all stood to make their guess and were surprised to find that there had been just six Headteachers in that time, Miss Cox, Miss Bendall, Mrs Coggan, Mr Franklin, Mrs Skelly and now, Mr FitzHerbert.

To set the context, Mr Boumphrey gave some history about the whole School; founded in 1860, originally on Park Road North and backing on to Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead School moved to its current site in 1871, with the Chapel being built in 1883.

Due to demand, in 1889, the Prep School opened, with 16 students, quickly rising to 30 in 1890 following the addition of another classroom, and lessons were taught to three classes.

Mr Boumphrey showed photographs throughout his talk, including one in which he featured, showing the School as it was then and comparing it to today. One photo showed how the Prep Hall had been bisected to allow for more classrooms, with Mr Boumphrey pointing out that there was no corridor, as there is today, and access along the bottom floor was via the classrooms.

Mr Boumphrey and Mr FitzHerbert with Haytham and Sophia

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Mr Boumphrey talked to his attentive audience about the School’s role during the First and Second World Wars and how, in 1914, the School was utilised by an Officers’ Training Corps (OTC), showing photographs of the officer cadets in their training uniforms and of sandbags around the windows of buildings in 1940, to protect from any shattered glass.

The children heard how Birkenhead School had been very fortunate during the war, only incurring a relatively small amount of damage; a few windows in the Chapel and also in Overdale were damaged, as was part of the Chapel’s entrance.

Moving on to the more modern photos of the School, the children saw images of the 150th anniversary of the School, when HRH The Earl of Wessex opened Prep’s ‘Wessex Wing’ in celebration. Mr Boumphrey then went on to show the recent photos of the beautiful Outdoor Classroom and the new terrace, where children have the option of sitting around the picnic tables during their break and lunchtimes.

When asking the children if they had any questions following the talk, Mr Boumphrey was met by many raised arms, all eager to find out even more information about their School.

There were questions about the School’s motto, ‘Blessed are the Pure in Heart’ and the School’s uniform, which had included kilts between 1900 and 1914. Mr Boumphrey then showed the children where they could find out more information, in the 1989 book about the School that was written in honour of the 100th anniversary.

At the end of the lecture, Mr FitzHerbert thanked Mr Boumphrey for his interesting and insightful talk, and announced the wonderful news that the Prep Lectures would be named The Boumphrey Lecture Series, due to Ian giving the inaugural lecture and his passionate advocacy of Birkenhead School.

The Boumphrey Lectures have also included talks from Mathew Oulton, Deputy Head of School, on the Importance of First Impressions and Mark from the RAF, on life in the Royal Air Force.

Matthew Oulton and Mr FitzHerbert with Harvin, Sophia and Prerna

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IN FOCUS 2018

Ro y a l We d d i n g C e l e b r a t i o n s On Thursday 17th and Friday 18th May, Birkenhead School Prep children enjoyed celebrations ahead of the Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The School was dressed in red, white and blue, with the children dressed in their best colour-themed outfits. On the Thursday, children in Year 6 put on a fantastic full wedding service tribute, in front of their peers, complete with hymns, confetti and a wonderful band to accompany the bride down the aisle.

Following the beautiful service was a picnic in front of the willow dome and with such bright and sunny weather, it was the ideal tribute to the happy couple.

On Friday, it was the turn of Pre-Prep and Nursery who both enjoyed their own red, white and blue-themed picnics.

In the morning, Pre-Prep children made jam sandwiches and scones, which they enjoyed as part of their afternoon tea. Nursery children enjoyed their picnic in their beautiful outdoor area, decorated with Big Ben and a red post box and the children danced to music whilst they tucked in to their specially-prepared meal, which even included Union Jack cupcakes as a special treat.

The celebrations over the two days were a wonderful way to mark this special occasion and the ÂŁ425.60 raised from the events will go to the Krishan Patel Memorial Fund.

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IN FOCUS 2018

F lying High at Chester Cathedral

In the Summer Term, ten students from Prep visited the Chester Cathedral Falconry Experience. The experience had been awarded to Prep students for winning the Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival with their fantastic wish bauble tree, and ten lucky boys and girls were selected to enjoy the day.

Prep children were awarded the Falconry Experience prize by Canon Jane Brook and Sue Petranca from Chester Cathedral. Over the Christmas period, 43,000 people visited the cathedral and more than 4000 voted for their favourite tree, out of the 50 decorated trees on display.

Thank you to all who voted and congratulations to the Prep children who handcrafted the lovely Christmas wish baubles. The festival raised a fantastic ÂŁ11,500 for the Ultrasound Breast Scanner Appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Special thanks go to Mrs FitzHerbert and Mr Ryan who organised the Christmas Tree artwork within Prep.

WE WERE DELIGHTED TO WIN THE CHESTER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS TREE COMPETITION

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Digital News from Prep

Wi r r a l C i v i c Aw a rd

It has been a very exciting year for ICT in Prep with the introduction of a new curriculum, which has been both broad and varied and has challenged and engaged our pupils thoroughly across both key stages.

This academic year, 36 infant children decided to set themselves a new challenge and embark upon a journey to achieve the first level of the Wirral Civic Award. In order to achieve this, the children had to complete a number of tasks over several months that develop their skills in areas such as:

Purple Mash, which is an award winning platform, has helped our pupils gain key skills in animation, online safety, game design and blogging just to name a few, as well as coding and programming.

Teachers and pupils have been ably assisted by our excellent Digital Leaders. Chosen from around 30 applicants across Years 5 and 6, the application involved writing a letter to say why they would make a good Digital Leader. They needed to be passionate about ICT/computing in general and be able to communicate with pupils and teachers effectively and be organised and responsible. This new initiative for Prep has been a real success, where the eight chosen candidates from Years 5 and 6 have: attended lessons to help teachers and pupils; organised and facilitated their own clubs; created a workshop for Open Day and helped with the transport and maintenance of iPads across the campus. Their mature, enthusiastic and patient approach to the role has made a positive impact on our School’s ICT. Finally, it was so pleasing to see the enjoyment Year 5 experienced when they took part in a whole day of green screen activities, learning all about animations and film editing with our IT partners, Hi-Impact Media. The pupils created their own fantastic movies based on their topics of Rainforests and Ancient Egypt. We are already looking forward to similar days next year, where pupils will try out new and exciting technology once again.

• completing a local awareness project • demonstrating their wide use of leisure • providing a service to others • developing their self-reliance • progress in an area of physical achievement.

The children were all invited to meet the Mayor of Wirral at Wallasey Town Hall on Tuesday 3rd July where he presented the children with their awards.

The children are all immensely proud of completing the Fender level of the award.

Miss Harris commented that she was incredibly proud of the children. They have worked so hard over the past school year to be good citizens and the standard of the individual projects that they have produced was really very high. Miss Harris said, “I am looking forward to them embarking upon the second level of the Civic Award known as Arrowe from September and also hopefully welcoming a new cohort to start their journey on the Civic Award Scheme. It is a tremendous initiative and something I am very proud to say we are a part of.”

By Mr Pillow, ICT Subject Leader

“It is a tremendous initiative and something I am very proud to say we are a part of.”

- Miss Harris -

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Outdoor Learning Over the last academic year there have been considerable developments within our Outdoor Learning environment. We have seen our Forest School develop and the area in which it is situated (by the Nursery building) has benefitted from a new fencing area, making it contained in its own specific area.

Mr Davies has gained a qualification in Forest Schools and is enjoying the activities that he is introducing the children to in a natural and unspoilt environment.

We have created our own Willow Dome in Prep. The children within the infant department have contributed in helping to create it too. Steve and Simone from Willowpool designs came in for the day and the children were immersed in helping to construct the Willow Dome.

The Dome provides a lovely area for class reading and group work and is beginning to sprout willow and look very authentic. It is just another way that we can get the children excited about learning outdoors.

Developments have continued to take

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place around the Outdoor Classroom too. Mr Smith and Mrs Mayers worked very hard over the Easter Holidays creating our very own sensory garden.

There are all sorts of plants hiding in there that can help to stimulate our senses and provide children with the unique opportunity to see, smell, touch, and in some circumstances taste a variety of naturally grown plants. It is a fabulous feature that really adds the ‘Wow’ factor to our outdoor learning environment.

The Outdoor Classroom area also benefits from the addition of a water wall and mud kitchen, as well as a ‘bug hotel’ and areas of raised bedding which Nature Club have been involved with from the outset.

I am delighted with all of the fantastic developments that have taken place with Outdoor Learning within the last academic year. It has been down to the hard work and dedication of the staff and children and hopefully it is an area that will continue to develop over the years to come. Outdoor learning is a key aspect of a child’s education.

These days so much time is spent with technology such as i-Pads and computer consoles that children rarely

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have the opportunities to experience the outdoors in such a unique and inspiring way. It lends itself to so many different curriculum areas and the lifelong skills and experiences the children are getting, will stand them in good stead towards becoming well-rounded individuals in the future.

Special thanks have to go to Mr Smith and Mrs Mayers for the fabulous work they did with the sensory garden, as well as Mr Williams and Mr Leigh from the Estates Team, who without which my vision for outdoor learning would not have been possible. Their support has been fantastic and no job, however bizarre it seemed at first, has been too much hassle for them. I think as a school we can feel immensely proud of what we have achieved and will continue to do so. I believe the scale of the project has been innovative and it is certainly ‘one of a kind’ and makes us stand out as a school that puts its children first.”

By Miss Harris, Senior Teacher in charge of Little School

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O u t d o o r P u r s u i t s Tr i p One of the highlights of the year is the Outdoor Pursuits Trip to the Conway Centre in Anglesey, where Years 7-10 set off at the start of the academic year to enjoy a fun-filled trip, full of opportunities to learn new skills.

The annual visit to the Conway Centre is always a very enjoyable trip, but this year was particularly impressive due to the enthusiasm, warmth and camaraderie of the group. Teachers and students threw themselves into paddle boarding, abseiling, bushcraft and various creative endeavours.

Millie from Year 9 spoke of her highlight of the trip, “Canoeing was definitely my favourite and our group was so much fun. There were seven of us and, with all of the other groups having eight, it was a struggle for us to get anywhere, but we did. We also had fun as we won all of the games, the one where you had to tip the end of the canoe so it would stick up in the air was so much fun.”

Several groups also enjoyed trying their hand at coasteering in Anglesey. This combination of rock climbing and high diving was, as usual, a particular highlight. Mountain biking was another favourite, with groups taking on some of the most challenging routes the Marin Trail had to offer.

On the last day of the trip, everyone was sad that it had all come to an end; Darcy from Year 7 put it best in her trip review, “I took a last look around my room. I was going to miss it there. Overall, I had an amazing stay. I got to know some new people and to hang out with my friends. I also got to get out into the outdoors and get stuck into the activities. I also got to work in a group and work with others.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay!”

B a r n s t o n d a l e Tr i p Year 3 visited Barnstondale in May and completed lots of fun activities including: Archery, Climbing, Abseiling, Den Building, Scavenger Hunt, and Tree Climbing.

There was lots of fun and laughter whilst working as a team to overcome the challenges.

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Nepal – the Climb to Annapurna Base Camp and Helping Build a School

Fourteen of our Sixth Form students enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Nepal this year. During the course of the last year, the pupils had helped raise nearly £15,000 to help contribute towards the building of six new classrooms at a Nepalese school, in conjunction with the charity So the Child May Learn.

During the trip the students trekked for nine days to Annapurna Base Camp, an incredible 4130m above sea level, and then on to the village of Managau, where Lower Krishna Secondary School is based. Here the group had the opportunity to see how the money raised by their fundraising efforts was going to change the lives of so many Nepalese children.

Mr Edmunds, who organised the trip, commented, “This is not a trip I would have dreamed of organising 10 years ago but, having been on around 30 overseas School trips in my career, it was by far the most challenging and also the most rewarding with every single student playing a significant part in that.”

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The students also found time to formally open a new classroom block that has already been completed with money raised by the So the Child May Learn charity, at Shree Pokra Secondary School.

“It was an incredible, life-changing experience” - Hannah Durband -

The two schools formalised their friendship by exchanging bonding gifts, our students gave a wooden crest as well as the School flag and the Headmaster from Shree Pokra Secondary School presented the group with a framed photograph of their school and a Nepalese flag.

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Lower Sixth Form student, Hannah Durband, spoke about her time in Nepal, “It was an incredible, lifechanging experience. A highlight was when we woke up early to finish the trek to Annapurna Base Camp seeing the sky go from pitch black, to spotting the orange streaks of the sun appearing behind the mountains, was breathtaking. Visiting the School was an emotional time and I remember the moment the children placed the marigold chains over our heads in thanks, feeling the weight of them all around our necks, it was such an overwhelming experience.”

Mr Vicars said, “Our 14 Sixth Formers should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Ending their trip visiting the site where the school is being built, thanks to all their hard work and fundraising, will be a memory that will stay with them forever. This life-changing experience is a perfect example of how we educate our pupils beyond the confines of the curriculum and help shape our students into confident, socially aware members of society.”

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“Our 14 Sixth Formers should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved” - Mr Vicars, Headmaster -

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South Africa – Netball a n d H o c k e y S p o r t s To u r

As the cabin doors finally opened on arrival of Lufthansa Flight LH 572 to Johannesburg International Airport, it became clear that we had exchanged the sultry, sunsoaked UK for the pale, cold morning air of the South African winter.

Our first stop was to the Apartheid Museum, which traces the rise of the racially prejudiced system which was finally abandoned in 1994. No less thought provoking and thoroughly moving, was our next stop at the two charities the tour was supporting.

Guild Cottage, the refuge for abused girls and Door of Hope, a charity which takes in, and cares for, abandoned babies, were grateful to receive provisions and financial donations.

For our part, the experience proved emotional in the extreme and one which I know will stay in our hearts forever.

Of course we were here to play netball and hockey, and the first to provide opposition for us was Reddford House School. Four convincing wins for the girls and a comfortable victory for the boys was a thoroughly satisfying start.

Tuesday was fixture-free but involved a packed programme of events; we fed and interacted with elephants at The Hartbeespoort Elephant Sanctuary, plumbed the depths of the Sterkfontein

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Caves, oh, and in between times, we visited the birthplace of humanity, learnt what it is to be human and still had time for lunch!

The next fixture stop was Boksburg High, Mrs Pankhurt’s old school, and it was another clean sweep of victories in both the netball and hockey. The afternoon was spent celebrating back at Gold Reef City theme park, taking full advantage of the various thrill rides on offer.

Thursday encompassed a visit to the Union Buildings of the South African Parliament in Pretoria and the magnificent statue of Nelson Mandela.

This was followed by a visit to the Loftus Versveld Stadium, home of the Blue Bulls rugby team and one of the most impressive stadia in South Africa.

Our next fixture was at CBC Mount Edmund and two more wins were achieved by the girls, whilst it’s fair to say the boys were beginning to get the hang of grass pitch hockey, with a score of 8-1.

‘Check-out’ from City Lodge Hotel, Johannesburg was quickly followed by ‘check-in’ for Mango Airlines Flight 249 departing for Durban. Our first engagement was at the Zulu homestead of Shakaland where we saw remarkable demonstrations in axe making (and wielding), spear making (and throwing), as well as beer making (and drinking.) w w w. b i r ke n h e a d s c h o o l . c o . u k

Saturday embraced a two-hour boat trip to get up close and personal with hippos and crocodiles on the St Lucia estuary. In fact, we’d already become acquainted with the latter at The Crocodile Centre at Mtubatuba, where close to 800 members of the species are monitored and cared for.

Our flirtation with the natural world continued, unabated, at The Umfolozi Game Reserve, where our two-night stay furnished us with the opportunity to embark upon three game drives, including a dawn run, starting in near total darkness. We were lucky enough to encounter a herd of impala and a pregnant giraffe before going on to see elephants, along with their calves, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo, to name but a few.

Our only round of fixtures on the Durban leg of the tour had marked the end of our 100 per cent winning streak.

In a closely contested encounter with Northwood School for boys, we were finally undone by a couple of short corners and went down 2-0. At Northwood’s sister school, Danville Park High, the girls shared the spoils, the Under 14s winning 18-5 and the Under 16s, running out of time, with a final score of 9-11.

Touchdown of Mango Airlines flight JE 337 at Cape Town International Airport on Wednesday meant it was time for our game with Edgemead High School.

IN FOCUS 2018

The girls’ teams both lost narrowly in what proved to be hard fought encounters and the hockey was won 4-2.

We toured the area on foot to get an idea of just how tough life can be for the inhabitants of South Africa’s most long-established township.

were sent during the dark days of apartheid, and we witnessed the cell he occupied during the 18 years of his incarceration.

Thursday saw a visit to the residents of the Cheetah Outreach Centre in Somerset West, and the rescued lions at Drakenstein, near Stellenbosch.

In the final fixture, the boys defeated the local hockey team 4-1, courtesy of a hat-trick from Max, and both girls’ teams won; the Under 16s leaving the winning goal until six seconds from time. The matches were watched by scores of highly partisan, local youngsters, excitedly cheering for their team.

It was a remarkable and unforgettable trip, one that I know we will all cherish. We’ve learned so much about this fascinating country and our experiences will live long in the memory.

Cape Point (via a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach) was the destination on Friday and we spotted a pod of whales basking on the surface of the still, blue ocean.

Our final round of fixtures took us to Langa, and a sense of perspective was brought to proceedings.

By Mr Stockdale

Our final excursion took us to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and a great many other political prisoners

It was a remarkable and unforgettable trip, one that I know we will all cherish.

We’ve learned so much about this fascinating country and our experiences will live long in the memory.

- Mr Stockdale -

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S k i Tr i p t o R i s o u l , Fr a n c e – Ye a r s 5 , 6 a n d 7 In March, children from Years 5, 6 and 7 all left for their ski trip to Risoul, France.

Following being fitted for ski boots on their arrival, they all enjoyed a restful evening before Ski School started the following day, where all skiers were separated into ability groups, depending on past experience.

The weather started out with the perfect conditions for our skiers; bright and sunny with plenty of snow. The beginner groups worked on the snow plough, using the button lifts and the two and three-man chair lifts and worked on their parallel turns. The intermediate group explored another valley and sampled off piste skiing, even attempting a few jumps. The advanced group went on blue, red and black runs, as well as going off piste, they learned how to side-slip down the slope and did a few jumps in the ski park, as well as taking part in the slalom race.

The children all enjoyed the skiing, so much so, that the change in weather, seeing the mountains shrouded in cloud and dealing with driving snow and severely restricted visibility, did nothing to dampen the spirits of the groups, with all continuing to make remarkable progress. The advanced groups started descending on one ski and the beginner groups were confidently skiing down different routes, even attempting a few little jumps.

With the weather returning to its bright and sunny ways, the groups ended their trip with an excellent day of skiing, with a beginner group even venturing on to a black run! With a presentation of awards taking place, recognising every child for their skiing achievements over the week, the instructors spoke of how genuinely impressed they were with the tremendous progress made.

There were great comments coming from the children throughout the trip, including, “It is very mountainous and super fun.”

“It is tiring but great fun.”

“We really enjoyed going off piste.”

However, we’ll leave the last words to Mrs Mayers, who kindly sent updates back home whilst away, “So as we bid a final farewell to the slopes of Risoul, what memories we will have to cherish; memories of a wonderful time here in the mountains of Southern France. And which are the moments we will look back upon most fondly of all?

The incredible scenery? The camaraderie forged amongst our companions? The sound of freshly fallen snow beneath our skis as we traverse a mountain side?

No. Having researched the subject in some depth, it appears the single greatest pleasure of all, is the moment you get to take off your boots.”

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Beyond the Cur riculum As an independent school, we are proud to be able to offer opportunities both within and outside the curriculum, that go over and above those that may be available elsewhere.

We offer a range of programmes that look to broaden knowledge and understanding outside of the National Curriculum, to offer a broad and holistic education that will ensure our students stand out.

Our ‘Going Beyond’ mindset results in a staff and student community that looks to go the extra mile. We want our students to push boundaries, ask questions, and challenge the status-quo – all essential qualities in today’s society, to ensure our students are set apart from their peers, and that they have the valuable attributes to be the leaders of tomorrow.

From etiquette training and public speaking to architecture and classical Greek qualifications – there is something for everyone to enjoy and provide stretch and challenge to their education at the School.

Enrich & Explore

Future Skills

MODULES INCLUDE:

MODULES INCLUDE:

• Sign Language

• Problem Solving

• Nature

• Philosophical Enquiry

• Animal Care

• Independent Study

• Problem Solving / Team Building

• General Knowledge

• Mindfulness

• Communication

• Handicraft

• Integrated Task Module – combining the above modules

Years 1 and 2

Years 3 to 6

• Speech & Language / Drama

Beyond the Curriculum Year 7

Sixth Form COURSES OFFERED HAVE INCLUDED:

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

• Architecture

• Etiquette

• Classical Greek for Beginners

• Public Speaking

• Computing

• Cookery

• Cookery

• Mandarin

• EMACT Greek Qualifications

• Looking after Myself

• Global Issues

• Drama

• Learning and Teaching Robotics & Programming

• Careers

• Photography

• The Environment

• Print Making • Science in the Community / Research Project • Science Olympiad / Stretch Activities

Watch this space We are delighted to be launching the JP Hargreaves Diploma for Year 9 to Lower Sixth students. The Diploma is made up of seven categories that are based upon experiences and skills young people might be expected to have a grasp of as they proceed through School and then beyond.

• Writing for Publication • Opportunities in the Community (work experience opportunities)

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INFOCUS 2018

Clubs & Activities Every child is an individual and finds inspiration within different areas of school and wider life. By employing staff who are passionate about their academic subject, but also interested and gifted in other activities, we aim to provide a co-curricular programme that offers something for everyone.

We hope that there will be those pivotal moments, during a student’s time with us, when a spark is ignited, which leads to a lifelong interest and participation.

We pride ourselves on the breadth and range of opportunities we have on offer, which help add, not only to our students’ education, but also to their experiences, which, in turn, creates both interested, and interesting, lifelong learners.

Clubs that have been offered this year include:

Little School (Years 1 & 2)

Seniors

Art Club

MUSIC:

Beavers

Big Band

Choir Club

Concert Band

Cookery Club

Orchestra

Dance Club

Strings

German Club

Folk Band

Nature Club

Chapel Choir

Rounders Club

Chamber Choir

Science Club

Music Technology Club

Spanish Club

Senior String Ensemble

Juniors (Years 3 to 6) Beavers Chess Club Climbing Club Creative Arts Cricket Club Cubs Drama Club Football Needlecraft Netball Club Orchestra Puzzle & Board Games Club Rugby Club Science Club Stop Motion Film

Recorder Club GCSE Music Study Session (set works) GCSE Music Composition Clinic

Maths Challenge Training Maths Intervention Class Astronomy Club Solar Club Science Leaders Junior Science Club Biology Club ICT Clinic Girls Olympiad Training Latin & Classics Latin Study Skills

SPORT:

German Clinic

Badminton

Vocab Skills

Boxercise

Introduction to Classical Greek

Fitness & Weight Training GCSE Climbing / Lead Climbing Climbing Club Gymnastics Gymnastics Advanced Floor Work Lacrosse Skills Hockey Practice Senior Strength & Conditioning Club Netball Shooting Club Canoeing House Football Overdale House 5-a-Side Football

ART:

OTHER: Unicycle Club Creative Writing House Quiz Christian Union Senior Debating Club Darts Club Polyglot Club Meditation Club Chess Club Seminar Group Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold, Silver, Bronze)

Animation Club

Scouts

Art Club

ADVANCED TUTORIAL GROUPS:

Photography Club Drama Club Multi-Media Club (IT)

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SUBJECTS:

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Oxbridge Advanced Tutorial Group Medicine Advanced Tutorial Group

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“Whether a child’s passion is sport, music, academia or service – there is something for everyone at the School and I see it as our responsibility to find and further their interests.”

- Mr Vicars, Headmaster -

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Star Activities has had another fantastic year!

Star Activities offers an exciting range of holiday activity courses for girls and boys aged between 4 and 15 years of age. The courses are open to all – not just students at the School and each year we welcome children from all schools across Wirral and beyond during their school holidays.

Little Stars – Boys & Girls Aged 4 to 5 years Courses on offer include: Art & Craft, Dance, Gym & Sports

Rising Stars – Boys & Girls aged 5 to 7 years

A Roarsome Summer with Star Activities!

Star Activities had a record summer, with lots of children enjoying the numerous of exciting courses on offer.

Ranging from Masterchef, Watersports and Horse Riding, there were lots of options to keep children entertained over the holidays.

The new courses for 2018 were very popular, including Media Moguls and Melody Makers to name a few.

A summer highlight was our special guest visit with Jam the dinosaur, from Teach Rex. Children and staff alike enjoyed hearing all about the Tyrannosaurus Rex, below are some images captured from Jam’s visit.

Courses on offer include: Art & Craft, Climbing with MultiSports, Masterchef, Sign Language and Melody Makers.

Supers Stars – Boys & Girls aged 7 to 15 years Courses on offer include: Judo, Multi-sports, Masterchef, Musical Theatre, Riding & Stable Management with MultiSports, Media Moguls, Forensic Science, Watersports, Art Workshop and Gymnastics with Multi-Sports.

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News from the Parents’ Association The Parents’ Association has enjoyed another successful period in the 2017 – 2018 School Year. We have several events which are now firmly established in the School calendar including; Prep Discos, Bonfire Night, Christmas Bazaar, Summer Ball, Prep Christmas Cards, Coffee Mornings and Uniform Sale.

We have also added a few new events including Fizz & Chips Friday at the beginning of 2018 and the repeat of Discos for Little School at Halloween and Easter. All of these have been great fun and well supported by the school community and beyond. The funds we raise are used to help fund items across the whole school that will enhance our students experience but are not part of the usual curriculum.

This year we have made a substantial contribution towards Outdoor Learning in Prep and contributed towards: Senior Sports tour, Incubators & Chicks for Little School, Music Equipment for Prep, Sports Kit for National Lacrosse finals and a substantial donation towards Outdoor learning in Prep.

The Committee has grown in strength and numbers this year with new parents joining in, either on the committee or simply as a helper at one of the events. Thank you to all of the committee for supporting me in my role and working hard to make the events happen.

The Parents’ Association website has been a great success with its facility to buy tickets and order goods online. We will continue with this next year and it is already displaying details of upcoming events for Michaelmas term www.pta-events.co.uk/birkenhead.

For me this will be my last term as the Chair of the Parents’ Association as, after 6 years in this role, it is time for someone new to take the reins after the AGM in September.

The committee is a great team of people, forever changing as new members join and existing members move on as their children grow up, but always there as a support. Each event we organise comes with a full range of emotions from frustration to worry, from laughter to tears but we always work through these with a positivity and laughter and there is no better feeling than taking a step back at an event, watching everybody enjoying themselves thinking – “We did it!”

For any of you who are wondering if you should join the PA in any capacity my advice would be a definite YES. I have been involved with the PA since my son was in Reception.

He is now 16! I can honestly say that I do not regret a single moment. The school years really do fly by, one moment you’re buying their first school uniform and the next they’re making plans for University. To be involved in the PA is an opportunity to make a difference, not only to the school years of your children, but to the wider school community. I would hope that there are many students both past and present who look back on the memories of school and remember their first School Disco, meeting Santa at the Grotto or one of the amazing Bonfire Parties, all of which the PA organised. We all lead busy lives but being part of the PA can be fitted in around working life and all the endless activities our children are involved with, I can vouch for this from my own experience.

The Annual General Meeting is being held in September. We look forward to seeing you there.

By Denise Durband, Chair

None of our events could happen without the tremendous support behind the scenes and I would like to mention the staff in Prep & Senior School Admin, the Marketing team and the Estates team for their never-ending support and patience.

We really wouldn’t be as successful without your contribution.

Find out more!

Parents’ Association Website

www.pta-events.co.uk/birkenhead

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/birkenheadschoolPA/

Denise Durband, Chair and Sally Gaskell, Secretary with Mr FitzHerbert and Mr Vicars at the ‘Thank You’ Evening for volunteers held in the Summer Term

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IN FOCUS 2018

We l c o m e f r o m Fa t h e r M a r k I have had a great first year here at School, getting to know the pupils, staff, OBs, friends and families. There is a strong sense of community and family surrounding our School.

We have seen plenty of baptisms, one wedding booked in for this year of an OB and one next year for a member of staff. The Bishop of Birkenhead confirmed six pupils and one parent in June 2018, and I would like to thank the OBS for generously donating our School Baptismal Font, having previously borrowed one from St James, Birkenhead. Thank you! Services on Sunday evenings continue, and now include a termly Eucharist service, so if you are ever interested please pop along. The Chapel Choir leads us through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, which I am sure you will agree is a very special time for us all.

For those of you who I have not had the chance to meet yet, may I introduce myself. I am Father Mark Turner, the new Birkenhead School community Chaplain. I am a Church of England Priest and also the Curate of St Mary’s Church, Eastham.

I have made it my task to be known as the Chaplain for all the School community.

If you need to speak to me please do get in touch.

Every Blessing, Father Mark

Come Holy Spirit!

In June, The Rt Revd. Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead, led a service of Confirmation and Holy Communion for seven candidates. Three pupils from Prep (Eva Spooner, Katarina High and Seb Richmond), three students from Seniors (Freddie Spooner, Bria Titu, Louisa Titu) and one parent (Zoe Walker) were all confirmed. The Bishop laid hands on each one of them in turn during the ceremony, which was held in the School Chapel.

The candidates were well supported by family, friends, the Headmaster, the Head of Prep, the Chapel congregation and the choir. The Bishop reminded us in his Sermon about the importance of turning to God and away from all that keeps us from Him.

Each of the candidates had been prepared for confirmation by the School Chaplain, Fr Mark Turner, and will continue an ongoing dialogue to discuss the Christian faith.

Also, during the service The Revd. Mark Turner was officially given licence to be the Chaplain of Birkenhead School.

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After the service we all moved to the dining room for refreshments and presentation of Bibles to the confirmation candidates. The whole experience was such a warm family occasion and richly enjoyed by all.

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T h e A r c h b i s h o p o f Yo r k V i s i t s Birkenhead School Birkenhead School was honoured in September 2017 when the Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable, John Sentamu, visited to give a lecture to the Sixth Form students.

During his inspiring talk, he spoke about his book ‘ON ROCK OR SAND? Firm Foundations for Britain’s Future’.

The lecture talked about how we should focus on what we have to make us happy instead of what we crave. Some of the Archbishop’s colleagues also spoke to add their perspectives on the topic as well as reading some extracts from the book.

The Sixth Formers enjoyed the lecture and there were questions posed from students at the end of the talk. One student asked Dr Sentamu what the government of Britain should do to implement his methods. The Archbishop told them that the government should look at a long-term plan instead of the five years in office, and how the different parties should focus on how their policies will affect future generations, rather than simply staying in power.

He urged that they should put what is morally correct above all, making that the most important thing.

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The visit was a success and had informed the students about not taking for granted what they already have. After the lecture, the Archbishop of York and the Chamber enjoyed lunch with the Headmaster and a couple of students before leaving. The Archbishop also signed one of his books and kindly donated it to the school library.

Photos by Allan Waller (St. Saviour’s Oxton)

By Joshua Coyne, Upper Sixth Student

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Art in the Spotlight This has been a busy year in the Art Department with increasing numbers and the introduction of new techniques, workshops and exhibition opportunities.

In early autumn, Years 10, 12 and 13 visited Ark, Chester Cathedral to view a range of contemporary sculpture in a beautiful setting. In November, students from years 11 to 13 enjoyed the unforgettable experience of a ceramic workshop with artist Emma Rodgers; a truly enriching day for students and staff alike. In January, Year 10 visited The Williamson Gallery for a specially curated viewing of their seascapes to link in with current coursework. We are lucky to have been granted the opportunity to show the resulting work in The Williamson from Wednesday 17th October until Sunday 18th November. In June, Year 9 pupils enjoyed an excellent Digital Media workshop run by SAE Institute, Liverpool. Beginning in Art, the workshop moved onto IT where pupils learnt to create their own game using downloadable software; an enlightening talk on the lucrative nature of gaming apps debunking the myth of all artists being penniless. Thank you to Mrs Cormack for all her work this year, and for showing us that bigger is certainly better as far as ceramics is concerned.

The year culminated in the end of term exhibition of GCSE and A level work in conjunction with Design Technology which was a moment to pause and celebrate the hard work of our talented students.

By Mrs Margerison, Head of Art in Seniors

Dates for the Diary: We are delighted that student work has been selected to be displayed at local galleries during 2018-19 > The Williamson Art Gallery: Wednesday 17th October to Sunday 18th November 2018

Year 10 students will display work alongside artwork from The Williamson Gallery under the theme ‘The Sea’.

Did you know that the Art Department is on Social Media?

You can follow them on Twitter: @Birkenhead_Art Or follow them on Instagram: /birkenheadschoolart/ birkenheadschoolphotography

> Lady Lever Art Gallery: Saturday 30th March to Monday 6th May 2019

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Students work will be displayed as part of the ‘Fresh Perspectives’ exhibition featuring work from selected local Wirral Schools.

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INFOCUS 2018

M r Ry a n ’ s A w e s o m e Art Competition f o r Ju n i o r P r e p Prep have been getting very creative for Mr Ryan’s Awesome Art Competition and there have been so many fantastic entries.

Every two weeks there is a different theme for this competition and winners are chosen from each year group (Years 3 to 6). The children can use any materials, techniques or processes (for example drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, computer aided design, collage, montage) to make their piece. Entries are judged on originality and creativity, boldness and impact.

A selection of entries received during this year

In The Press We were delighted this year when student artwork was featured in external publications including HWRK Magazine and A+ Education (Cheshire Life’s Education Supplement).

Photog raphy Challenge Throughout the year, the Photography Challenge competition has seen students of all ages as well as staff, submit entries for the themed photography challenges.

Opposite is a selection of some of the entries submitted.

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IN FOCUS 2018

International Sculptor visits the School In November, internationally successful sculptor, Emma Rodgers, visited the School to deliver a ceramic workshop to our art students.

The students had a full day of practical work with Emma, who was on hand to offer every student some one-toone guidance. The students started with some wire work and focussed initially on the torso shape of their chosen figure or animal. The students worked from an image they had brought along with them and the help and advice from Emma made a visible difference to the students’ incredible sculpting work.

Emma’s stunning and adept work is a source of inspiration for many and exhibitions have been showcased worldwide in places such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Saatchi, the Grande Palais, Paris, the Stricoff Fine Art Gallery, New York and S.O.F.A. Chicago and New York. Emma’s enigmatic Cilla Black sculpture stands proud outside of The Cavern Club in Liverpool and Emma is currently working with Marvel on such films as Guardians of the Galaxy.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the students and it was a very beneficial day for them, one that enabled them to witness Emma’s passion, energy and vision for her work that was definitely inspiring students throughout this superb workshop.

Art Exhibition

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Classics

By Mrs Washington, Head of Classics

Latin and Greek Reading Competition 2018 In March, 10 Latin students from Seniors travelled to Cheadle Hulme School to represent Birkenhead School Classics Department in this year’s Manchester Classical Association’s Latin, Greek and Classics in translation Reading Competition.

In the Beginners’ Latin, Finn Collins and Sam Janikiewicz from Year 8, as well as Tom Gibson and Nathaniel Ford from Year 7, performed a “werewolf-like metamorphosis” extract from the Cambridge Latin Course. Big congratulations to Finn and Sam, who came runners up in this category, competing against some strong opposition!

Our Year 9 Latin students: Mary Cotton, Jack Doran, Ellie Price, and Maddie Hill performed a marital argument between Salvius, Roman governor of Britain, and his volatile wife, Rufilla. They approached the reading with accuracy and great enthusiasm. In the GCSE category, a highly dramatic piece from Virgil’s Aeneid IV, was recited by Year 10 students Rohan Singhal and Luke Crooker, as they embraced both the poetic rhythm of epic hexameters, and the powerful force of Dido’s character.

Several leading schools from across the North West took part, including Bolton, Manchester Grammar School, Merchant Taylors’ School and Withington Girls’ School, among others. We should be proud of our Birkenhead School’s representatives, as they read their Latin passages most accurately and convincingly. We all enjoyed the experience very much, and hope to return to, and indeed host the competition next year.

The Roman Invasion This term, the children in Year 3 have been studying the Romans, and to further enhance their knowledge, they had a visit from Head of Classics in Seniors, Mrs Washington.

Along with the help of three Year 13 Classical Civilisation students, Ben, Claudia and Anna, Mrs Washington spoke to Year 3 about how the Romans had lived and what they had introduced to us.

During the lesson, children learnt about how the Romans lived and the foods that they would have eaten and were surprised to discover that peacock was a particular favourite.

They got to sample a traditional Roman feast where there were many foods to try, as well as an area where they could handle and smell items to see if they could discover what they were.

First, the children watched a clip that showed the inside of a Roman house, focusing on the Triclinium, the formal dining room in a Roman house, that had couches on three sides of the dining table. These couches were wide enough to fit three reclining diners on each, who were then served multiple courses.

Following this, the children had the chance to watch the Sixth Formers demonstrate how to put on a toga, before having a go themselves at dressing up in what the Romans would have worn. It was often the case in Ancient Rome that wealthy people would have had slaves to dress them, so the children took turns in being the master, wearing the toga, and the servant, helping to dress them.

All of the children had a fantastic time throughout their ‘Roman Experience’ and were very grateful to Mrs Washington and Sixth Formers, Ben, Claudia and Anna, for taking the time to teach them all about how the Romans lived.

Year 8 Latin Vesuvius Creative Writing competition Congratulations go to Jonathan Stam, who was the winner of the Y8 Latin Creative Writing competition with a story called Stranded at Stabiae, a wonderfully evocative piece of writing set in Pompeii just before the eruption of Vesuvius.

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Personal, Social and Health Education in Prep Since its introduction to the Prep curriculum some five years ago, PSHE has been steadily growing and expanding across Prep.

Y7 Classics Trip to Chester

By Mr Murdoch, Head of Overdale

The annual Classics trip to Chester is always an excellent opportunity for students to put their learning into context and to bring the textbook to life.

During a brisk walk around the Roman walls of the old city, we stopped to explore the ruins of the nearby amphitheatre and we discussed the bloodthirsty spectacle which many citizens would have considered first-rate entertainment two thousand years ago. I was heartened to learn that only a minority of the group expressed an interest in bringing back these events, via ‘pay-per-view’.

On a whistle-stop tour of the city, we also saw some beautiful mosaic work, similar to that which we might find in the home of Caecilius, head of the family whom we study in the Cambridge Latin Course textbook. Students were also intrigued by the design of the hypocaust which we discovered in the nearby Roman gardens, and they were able to explain the design principles of conduction heating. They also found that the underfloor spaces were large enough to accommodate a Year 7 Form group!

Before a leisurely lunch in the Theatre at the Grosvenor Museum, we enjoyed a very stimulating session at the Deva Experience, off Broad Street. This gave pupils the chance to experience what it would have been like to be a Roman solider, boarding a galley and rowing to Britain, where they would experience a new life in the barracks, packed in like sardines, eating dormice and wearing cumbersome armour. We learned also about the history of Chester through archaeology, and the layers of brickwork beneath our feet told stories lasting two millennia.

The costumes at the Deva Experience also provided a great chance for photo opportunities.

Finally, we spent an afternoon at the Grosvenor Museum, working through topics on architecture, tombstones, jewellery, farming, military strategy and leisure time, plus a murder mystery where pupils had to decipher how an injured man had come to drown in a well during a great fire. I’d certainly recommend a visit to the museum to try to figure this out for yourself. I was delighted to see pupils supporting each other with their research and pointing classmates in the right direction as they scoured each display for clues and information.

My warm thanks to Mrs. Washington for her organisation, to the staff who supported the trip and to the year 7 students who made the most of an excellent day out.

In February, Year 7 students made their own Roman Theatre masks, as part of their studies of Roman Theatre and Classical performances within the Cambridge Latin course.

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This year, the children have benefitted from a weekly timetabled slot to celebrate and learn about a variety of important days and events.

Notable ones included World Mental Health Day, International Women’s Day and Mindfulness Week. A particular highlight for the Year 5 children this academic year was the introduction of the National Bikeability Scheme, something the School was taking part in for the first time. This involved children embarking on two extensive days’ tuition on the streets surrounding School.

Also embracing a new opportunity, our children in Years 3 and 4 had the opportunity to take part in First Aid Live. This is a national programme, run by St John’s Ambulance, to raise awareness of the importance of knowing the basics in first aid. It was fantastic to see the children learning a new but vitally important skill and for them to be so enthused by it.

It has been great to see how interested the children have been in their PSHE topics. I look forward to their continuing progress in a subject that provides important life skills and knowledge in an ever-changing world.

By Mrs Brand, PSHE Subject Leader

IN FOCUS 2018

House Drama In December, Birkenhead School’s annual House Drama competition took place. As always, the studentled plays; written, directed and acted by our Senior pupils, included four wonderful and imaginative productions.

The cast and crew ranged from Sixth Form students, who wrote and directed the plays, to Year 7, many of whom had never acted on stage before. Each performance is entirely student-driven, from the backstage crew, lighting and make-up, all taken on by the senior pupils.

Beresford’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, a retelling of the classic Roald Dahl children’s book, saw a corrupt, maniacal Willy Wonka choose Charlie as the scapegoat for his illicit schemes, signing over the factory to

him, eventually ending in an epic fight scene and a rather uncanny portrayal of a certain headmaster.

Shrewsbury’s ‘Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Missing Heart’, saw our very own Mr. Lindberg’s heart had been stolen, and Sherlock and Watson searched through the school to find the culprit, ending in an unlikely Mrs. Howard stealing his heart.

Bidston’s ‘The Wizard of the Lodge’, portrayed Dorothy’s quest to avoid Physics homework which led to her finding new friends and the courage to complete her Physics test in the original script written by a number of Bidston’s Sixth Form. Bidston’s production even featured a heartwarming rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by Deborah Abraham from Year 7.

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Finally, Kingsmead’s ‘Five Fairy Tales’, a retelling of five famous fairy tales, where each one had unique characters and hilariously witty dialogue, including cross-dressing ugly sisters and a scarily accurate Scottish accent.

This year’s performances included brilliant acting and directing from the students and were all performed over the two nights to parents, students and the wider community alike. After much debate, and several bribery attempts, the judges named Kingsmead this year’s winner, deciding against naming runners up, due to the quality of all the house plays. Well done to all who took part, and especially to all those in Kingsmead.

Written by Safa’ Miller - Upper Sixth Prefect

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Year 6 Dazzle in End of Year Production.

At the end of the summer term, Year 6 performed their fantastic production of Mary Poppins to three excited audiences. Each night they gave a stellar performance, showcasing their incredible acting, dancing and singing skills.

The entire cast was testament to the hard work they and their teachers had put into the production, that tells the story of when the children of wealthy, work orientated George Banks and his distracted wife Winifred, are faced with the prospect of a new nanny. They are unsure as to what the future might hold, but when Mary Poppins arrives, bringing with her a combination of magic and disciplined common sense, we embark with Bert, Mary and the children upon memorable and fantastic adventures.

Thanks go to the children for their hard work, audience members for their participation and all of the teachers and staff who helped make the performance as wonderful as it was.

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IN FOCUS 2018

F i d d l e r o n t h e Ro o f In March, Birkenhead School presented four fantastic productions of Fiddler on the Roof.

Fiddler on the Roof first opened on Broadway in 1964 and it wasn’t long before it became one of the most popular musicals, still regularly appearing today within the top five ‘most loved musicals’ surveys. This is no surprise, with a plot that has something to offer every audience member, whether it’s the importance of family, friction between generations or the difficult choices that accompany emigration and assimilation.

The play has strong themes of tradition, repression, prejudice and diaspora which all continue to evoke common ground for audiences the world over and, with this in mind, our production was closed with a tribute to others who face persecution as a result of their religion, race or sexuality.

This powerful play called for ardent performers who would do this tale of family, prejudice and decisionmaking justice and on each night of the performance, the talented students stepped up to the challenge, often exceeding expectations.

With many having years of experience under their belts, they took on their characters with grace, dedication and passion and were rewarded for their efforts with rapturous applause at the end of every night.

As well as the cast performing brilliantly, the crew behind the scenes were fantastic, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, from wardrobe changes, to lights and sound, every member of the crew completed their tasks effortlessly, meaning a seamless production was made possible for each and every performance.

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The wonderful music played throughout the show was thanks to the incredibly talented live orchestra, led by Musical Director, Mr Robinson.

With perfect timings, ability and hugely talented performances, the orchestra not only added to the sounds of the show, but created an atmosphere every night that took each and every audience member to Anatevka to experience the events for themselves.

With every performance a success, Director, Mrs Pankhurst, spoke of the production, saying, “As always, I am humbled by the ability of young actors to fulfil not just the words and actions of a play, but to breathe life into a work of art and make it relevant for not only audiences, but also the actors themselves.”

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Lights, Camel, Action!

The Little School Christmas Play Children from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 all did a fantastic job in their Lights, Camel, Action! Christmas play this year, which was the Nativity story, as told from a Strictly Come Dancing perspective.

Senior teacher in charge of Little School, Miss Harris, was so impressed with how hard the children had worked on the play, saying, “Another fabulous production by the children of Little School. I am so proud of all of the children and how beautifully they performed. They all worked so hard and I know myself, Miss Parry, all of the teachers and parents were just beaming with pride. Here’s to next year’s show.”

Head of Prep, Mr FitzHerbert, really enjoyed the show, saying, “Lights, Camel, Action! was such a lively and fun-filled show. I’m very proud of Little School – thank you for your spectacular performances and for bringing Christmas cheer to us all!”

Congratulations to all of the children and staff involved who have all worked so hard on this excellent production; audiences left with a happy, festive feeling. We certainly gave the performance a 10!

Pre-Prep Nativity The children of Pre-Prep delivered a magnificent performance of ‘The Nativity’ for their families who had come in to School to watch the show.

They all worked hard learning the songs and their lines for the production, and the audience was thrilled with their beautiful singing and impressed by the skill and confidence of the young children which resulted in such a professional performance.

Little School Summer Production On Wednesday 4th July, Little School children performed their colourful, end-of-term, summer production for an audience filled with proud friends, family and staff.

It was a wonderful performance that showcased a number of the children’s talents, including performances from Sign Choir, Spanish Club and Dance Club.

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English

By Mrs Ballantyne, Head of English in Seniors and Mrs Sewell in Prep

It has been a busy year for The English Department, here are a selection of the highlights.

Inspiring our Students with Leading Authors It has been a fabulous year for visiting authors at Birkenhead School.

Students from Prep and Seniors have had the opportunity to listen to each author talk about their lives, how they became involved in writing and also find out about their newly released books.

BBC Sports Presenter and avid equestrian Clare Balding entertained pupils from Birkenhead School and beyond; Robin Stevens, author of the ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series, enthralled students of every age; we have also welcomed Dave Rudden, the wonderfully animated and engaging author of the ‘Knights of the Borrowed Dark’ series and Mark Power, author of the ‘Spy Toys’ series of books.

A number of the events have been opened up to local primary schools as part of our Outreach and Community programmes so that they can also benefit from access to some of the country’s leading authors.

The whole school was involved in National Poetry Day using the theme of Freedom to inspire their own poems.

Our winners were selected from the teaching staff, Prep and Seniors and presented with a well-earned certificate and Book Voucher prizes.

Kids Lit Quiz We had our first experience of the ‘Kids Lit Quiz’ this year, sending two mixed year teams from both Prep and Seniors.

It was a thrilling competition and one that we are looking forward to next year already.

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IN FOCUS 2018

Wo r l d Book Day

On 1st March it was World Book Day and there were a number of activities, in recognition of the day, taking place across the School.

The whole of Prep, including the teachers, dressed up as characters from their favourite books and, as the photos prove, there was so much effort that had gone into the costumes.

The day started with 4H’s entertaining assembly which highlighted the importance of books and reading.

Following this, Year 6 students headed across to visit Reception and Pre-Prep children in order to sit and read with them, as part of their Buddy Reading Scheme.

This is a wonderful opportunity for different age groups to spend time together, as part of the whole School community at Birkenhead School.

At the same time as the Buddy Reading Scheme, Seniors were joining in with World Book Day’s ‘Drop Everything and Read’, which saw Senior pupils, as well as staff, enjoying picking up a book and reading for the whole of Period 1. There was a calm and relaxed air across the campus during this time and students very much enjoyed the opportunity to partake in this tranquil pastime.

In the afternoon, the activities continued, with 6S taking part in building a den for their reading. They also took the opportunity to pose for a photo with their den, as well as all of their book donations that they would be donating to the charity supported by Birkenhead School, Change a Child’s Life.

Change a Child’s Life is a charity that was established 10 years ago by a former Birkenhead School pupil, Paul Kenny, and specialises in supporting orphans and underprivileged children from remote rural areas and the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.

The charity provides free education, safe accommodation, a healthy diet and clean drinking water.

Part of the fantastic work carried out by the charity, is their commitment to establish a library for Maria Immaculata School which is where the majority of their sponsored children attend school. As part of this Library Project, Birkenhead School pupils are donating a range of books from pre-school to young adults, both academic and leisure, to support the education of the charity’s underprivileged children. These books will then be indexed with the assistance of Duke of Edinburgh Award students and shipped to Kenya where they will be received by volunteers and the charity trustees, Paul Kenny and Lisa Brocklebank, who both visited us to speak to all pupils about Change a Child’s Life.

World Book Day was a wonderful day and a fantastic opportunity to help such an important charity.

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Birkenhead School The department has also taken its first forays into the world of journalism, participating in the BBC ‘School Report’ project. Several of our budding reporters managed to feature on BBC Look North having bagged a number of high profile interviews with politicians, chefs and sports coaches alike.

Year 9 students were out reporting and conducting interviews as part of BBC School Report which aims to “educate and inform young people about the news and the world around them by giving them the opportunity to produce their own reports”.

Below are a selection of the video reports that the students created, following their research: • Samuel and Jim conducted interviews with high profile MPs including Tim Farron, Nigel Farage, and Wirral MPs Margaret Greenwood and Alison McGovern • Jimmy spent time in Westminster and interviewed MPs on the issues surrounding women’s rights today • Evie and Grace interviewed people involved with the Claire House Strictly Come Dancing event to raise money for the hospice, and their report included an interview with TV chef and local restauranteur Simon Rimmer, where they asked for his tips and advice following his appearance on the TV show • Paulo, Jack, Ethan and Oliver looked into the issue of homelessness on the streets of the UK • Natalie, Millie, Rebecca and Alice researched sport in the eyes of young people, and about the important issues surrounding mental health • Harry, Ethan and Harvey interviewed the Head Coach of the Tranmere Rovers Futsal team • Shannon, Millie, Annabelle, Soyra and Holly looked at topical political news and interviewing the Lawn Tennis Association Performance Co-Ordinator, Andy Wilkinson

Public Speaking A highlight of the year for the English Department has been our successes in a whole host of Public Speaking events such as the Rotary Club ‘Youth Speaks’ competition and in the Oxford Schools Debating contest.

In March, Jimmy, Rachael and Ellie won the District Final of the Rotary Club ‘Youth Speaks’ competition that took place at Wrexham Glyndwr University. The team won with their speech ‘Why Achievement is More Than Just a Number’. The team impressed the judges with their delivery and Jimmy also won Best Overall Speaker – well done to them all.

• Varun, Tom, Oscar, Louis and Adam’s feature focused on ‘Should Transgender People Be Allowed to Compete in the Olympics?’

• Tasmin, Louisa and Abi interviewed Deborah, a young tennis player who is ranked number one in the Cheshire county and ranked 51 nationally in the 12 and under category • Ellie and Grace looked into the effects of media on girls today

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Clare Balding visits Birkenhead School In October, we were delighted to welcome television and radio presenter, Clare Balding, to talk about her new children’s novel, The Racehorse Who Disappeared.

The story is about the heroine, Charlie Bass, who launches her own investigation into the disappearance of Noble Warrior, a prizewinning thoroughbred, who is kidnapped from Folly Farm. A core message of the novel is about overcoming adversity and making sure you follow your dreams; these were both topics that Clare spoke passionately on during her inspirational talk.

Throughout her incredible career, Clare has interviewed and spoken with many great sportspeople, and she used these aspirational stories to help inspire the children to stick to what they love doing and to never give up, always making sure to be themselves.

Waiting to get their books signed, the students chatted excitedly about the talk and about their own story ideas.

However, as well as whetting their creativity, Clare also left the students with a powerful and very valuable few words to remember, “always describe yourself in adjectives and not in nouns, as this is who you are”. A fantastic message for the students to take away with them from this very inspirational talk.

“Always describe yourself in adjectives and not in nouns, as this is who you are.”

One such story was that of Adam Peaty, the Olympic Gold medal swimmer, who overcame a fear of water to get to where he is today, a powerful reminder, said Clare, of bravery, “Being brave is being scared of something but going ahead and doing it anyway.”

Audience participation was also a big part of Clare’s talk, with children particularly keen to get on stage to share their own imaginative stories that they would like to write. There was everything from adventure stories, a dream diary and even a story about an escaped moustache! The children’s imaginations had well and truly been engaged.

Clare’s visit was an absolute triumph and really seemed to give the audience the writing bug, as they asked questions at the end of Clare’s talk to hear more of her stories, and to gain more valuable tips and advice for their own story writing.

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- Clare Balding -

IN FOCUS 2018

Geog raphy

This year, some of the finest landscapes of the North West and North Wales have been explored by our geographers.

Year 7 visited Ingleborough Cave to see the effects of carbonation on our limestone scenery, with spectacular sights of stalactites and stalagmites a particular highlight; this very much brought to life the classroom study of weathering and UK landscapes.

Year 8 students combined looking at the impact of slate mining in Snowdonia with a visit and tour of Dinorwig Power Station – a key contributor to the UK’s energy supply. Meanwhile, Year 10 and Year 12 students enjoyed the inspiring surroundings of Lake Windermere and the nearby Kirkstone Beck. An in-depth river study looked at the changing channel characteristics from the source of Kirkstone Beck down to the middle and lower course. This involved the recording of many measurements and the use of clinometers, flow meters and tape measures amongst

other apparatus. On our second day, Year 10 students conducted an urban study of Bowness, whilst Year 12 students ventured over the water to carry out a ‘Carbon Capture’ exercise in a variety of woodlands.

We were blessed with tremendous weather on all of our trips which hopefully made it an even more pleasurable and valuable experience for all.

Did you know that the Geography Department is on Twitter?

You can follow them on Twitter: @Birkenhead_Geog

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Looking back over the year in Histor y

By Mr McKie, Head of History

The History Department has enabled pupils in both Years 6 and 8 to have a tour of Chapel and an informative talk delivered by Mr J. McGrath (former teacher and Old Birkonian) on the stories surrounding the Old Birkonians in the two World Wars, including for example the three MacSwinney brothers who all perished in the Great War. As part of their study of the Industrial Revolution, Year 9 historians in November visited the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. The textile demonstration was the highlight of the day as the students became acquainted with what it must have been like for children working in the mills in Victorian times.

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As part of our study of Medieval Birkenhead, Year 7 pupils were afforded a tour of the docks and Birkenhead Priory, the oldest building on Merseyside. Their trip concluded with a visit to the Museum of Liverpool.

Two lower sixth students, the maximum number permitted to put their names forward, entered the Vellacott History Prize Competition run by Peterhouse College, Cambridge. This prestigious competition has been running for many years and demands that students write an essay on a topic they do not study at School. The students in question tackled topics on the decline of the Roman Empire and the primacy of the Dutch in trade.

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Ye a r 1 0 B a t t l e f i e l d s Tr i p The Year 10 Battlefields Trip, in July, saw the students and teachers staying near Lille and getting the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the First World War.

War Graves Cemetery in the world, where we laid a further wreath beside the panel of the 5th King’s Liverpool Regiment and directly underneath the name of an Old Birkonian, C. N. Dod.

A number of sites were visited on the Somme, scene of the infamous battle of 1916, where almost 20,000 British and Empire troops lost their lives on 1st July 1916. We were able to commemorate the sacrifices of three relatives of students on the trip, and two girls laid a wreath at the Last Post at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

At Newfoundland Memorial Park, the students visited the grave of J. M. S. Sykes, another Old Birkonian, who lost his life at the Somme in 1916. Inscribed on his grave is the School moto Beati Mundo Corde. His tender age, 19 and the inscription on his grave, brought home to the students just how much impact this war had on that generation and future generations. It was a most worthwhile trip, in searing heat, with a most receptive touring party.

Mr Roden led us around the Bluff, and many of the other sites, and explained much about the Battle of Messines of June 1917. His expertise, after countless Battlefields Trips, was absolutely instrumental in the success of the trip. We spent some time at Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth

By Mr McKie, Head of History

Did you know that the History Department is on Twitter?

You can follow them on Twitter: @Birkenhead_Hist

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It all adds up in Maths this year In November, Sixth Form mathematicians performed well in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge with six students gaining gold certificates, four progressing to the next round and Shikhar Kumar gaining entry to the British Mathematical Olympiad where he achieved a Distinction in both rounds and a silver medal.

In November, our team of Sixth Form students were narrowly beaten into second place in the Liverpool round of the UKMT Senior Team Maths Challenge and so did not get to visit London for the final as we had done the previous year.

February half term saw the Challenge, Senior Challenge and Open Challenge competitions for our keener students who can’t go a week without doing some Maths! Tom Parkes (Year 13) won a prize again as did Shannon High (Year 10) again and Max Hendry (Year 7).

February also saw the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge where six Year 10 and 11 students won gold certificates and progressed to the next round.

In March, as usual, we hosted the local round of the UKMT Team Maths Challenge and our team did well but did not qualify for the final.

April was the turn of the Year 7 and 8 students in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge. Two students won gold certificates with Jamie Price progressing to the next round.

In the penultimate week of the summer term we hosted the Primary School Team Maths Challenge where each year we invite primary schools from Wirral, Liverpool and Chester to take part in a Maths competition at the school. The success of this day is shown by the return each year of the same schools.

By Mr Hope, Head of Mathematics

Maths in Prep This academic year has been an exciting and progressive one for Mathematics in Prep. The introduction of the Galore Park Mathematics and Rising Stars schemes, in KS2 and KS1 respectively, has seen a real shift in approach and it has been great to see Maths becoming part of playground conversations amongst our pupils.

Although both schemes have been challenging, I commend the children on their positive attitudes towards their learning and their resilience; long may it continue!

The introduction of a new cross-phase Maths Challenge caused great excitement with our Year 5 and 6 pupils, once they realised that they wouldn’t in fact be attempting difficult algebra all day, but would instead be using their skills to design and race a Formula 1 car! Applying their understanding of angles, percentages, fractions and

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length calculations, children tested features such as aerodynamics, gear ratios and cornering speeds, before entering their cars into a final race. A fantastic day was had by all and particular thanks must go to Mr Maher, Senior Maths teacher, for all his organisational efforts.

With new developments in ICT in School afoot, Firefly will be a valuable asset to our Mathematics provision next academic year. Furthermore, in Prep we will be adding another dimension to the children’s learning by making use of the ‘MyMaths’ program, currently used in Seniors, and we will also be extending ‘Mathletics’ access to children in Year 4. These new developments are providing inspiring opportunities in a subject that is both challenging and fulfilling and we are delighted at the way our Prep students are embracing them.

By Mr Brand, Maths Subject Leader in Prep

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M o d e r n Fo r e i g n L a n g u a g e s This year, seven students were entered for the Linguistic Olympiad in February.

They all did very well in this challenging competition, but the following students deserve a special mention: Alex Poulson and Holly FitzHerbert, who were awarded Bronze medals and, at the intermediate level, Luca Infante, Andrew Rutherford and Rohan Singhal, who also achieved Bronze.

S PA N I S H In November, our Sixth Form students attended a Spanish Study Day in Manchester.

This was an enjoyable and worthwhile trip, which served to supplement and reinforce their language and cultural studies for the A-level course.

FRENCH Since Christmas, a small but dedicated and enthusiastic group of pupils from Prep, have attended French Club on Mondays after school, which has proved an excellent opportunity to expand their vocabulary and hone their language skills, whilst also learning about aspects of French culture.

Photographs show Year 4 and 5 pupils making cards for La Saint-Valentin in February.

By Mrs Holgate, Head of Modern Foreign Languages in Seniors w w w. b i r ke n h e a d s c h o o l . c o . u k

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Music 2017-18

By Mr Robinson, Director of Music

Festival of Music

Following the success of the inaugural Festival of Music, the music department presented another action packed week of events in November, beginning with Come and Sing the Showstoppers, and concluding with a reflective Service of Remembrance in Chapel. During the week we were entertained by the 18th Century Concert Orchestra (dressed in 18th Century costume!), the annual Birkenhead School’s Got Talent, a joint concert with the Wirral Symphonic Wind

Band, and lunchtime recitals featuring seven of our Visiting Music Teachers. We also welcomed 150 pupils from local schools to a GCSE and A Level Study Morning, led by renowned harpsichordist, David Francis, students took part in a performance workshop with Jennifer Johnston. Plans are already coming together for this coming November, so watch this space!

Save the date: Sunday 18th November – Come and Sing Vivaldi’s Gloria.

A hidden gem

The Chapel Choir sings Choral Evensong in Chapel every Sunday during term time at 6.30pm. We welcome a wide range of visiting preachers from all over the area, and the services are open to all. If you have not yet made it to a Sunday Chapel service here at Birkenhead School then please do come along in September and enjoy some quiet reflection and beautiful singing. Refreshments are served afterwards in the Headmaster’s Dining Room.

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Music School tour to Catalonia In July 2017, musicians at School visited Catalonia for a week of performances at a range of prestigious venues across the region. Students from Years 5 to Upper Sixth took part in concerts at Girona Cathedral, Montserrat Abbey and at venues in Cunit and Calafell, where the Chapel Choir, Tour Choir, Big Band, Saxophone Quartet, and a number of soloists performed to a very high standard in some fabulous locations.

End of an Era

Christmas in Chapel

Inspired by the wonderful parent-led decorations, Chapel is a particularly special space in December.

There were once again three very impressive Prep Christmas Celebration Services, and the Chapel Choir sang the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (twice!), finishing with the Christmas Eucharist at 11.00pm on Christmas Eve.

Alan Davies, a graduate of St Peter’s College, Oxford, joined the staff in 1980 to teach Physics, before becoming responsible for introducing the first computers and network from his base in K Block. He sang in the Choral Society for a number of years, but it wasn’t until 2004 that he became heavily involved in School music. Mr Davies took over the running of Big Band (and then Concert Band as well) and has led both groups in the Whole School concerts ever since. One particular highlight would be the ‘Perfect Pitch’ concert in 2011, when the RLPO performed on School Field and Mr Davies and the Big Band provided the ‘warm up’ entertainment beforehand!

In addition to his work with the large ensembles, he has run clarinet, saxophone, and trombone ensembles – and has spent countless hours assisting in Prep, playing piano and organ for year group singing lessons, class assemblies, Prep assemblies, hymn practices and Chapel services, not to mention the additional Christmas services and the Year 6 Production. Needless to say, he has made himself indispensable over the past decade, and we will all miss him greatly. He heads off into retirement with our grateful thanks and warmest wishes.

Concerts

Visiting Musicians

Earlier this year, GCSE and A Level musicians took part in performance workshops with OB Gwilym Jones (jazz drums), and the classical duo of Michael Foyle (violin) and Maksim Štšura (piano). Both Gwilym and the Foyle/ Štšura duo were visiting the area to give recitals, and it was an invaluable experience for our young musicians to have the opportunity to listen and talk to young professional performers.

The Whole School Concerts have continued to bring together musicians from Prep and Seniors to celebrate the sheer variety of music on offer. The Christmas Concert featured the debut performance by the new Folk Band, and closed with a memorable surprise staff flashmob performance of One Day More from Les Misérables. The Summer Concert featured the return of the Renaissance Band, beautiful close harmony singing from the ladies of the Chamber Choir and Miss Pulford, and an emotional farewell by this year’s departing Upper Sixth musicians.

Festivals

There was once again a solid representation from the School at this year’s Wirral Music Festival; our Brass Ensemble gained a distinction at the festival which enabled them to gain the Dorothy Jones Memorial Cup. In addition, Elizabeth Hyatt (Y10) came 2nd in the U16 piano solo and Carmen Wu (Y5) gained first place in two piano classes and in a violin class! Congratulations to all who took part and a huge thank you to our brass teacher, Miss Baker, for her continued hard work and dedication. The Brass Ensemble also then travelled to The King’s School, Chester, to take part in the Chester Competitive Festival of Performing Arts, where they received a Distinction in the Open Brass Band class.

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Music 2017-18

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House Music

A slightly revamped House Music Competition was launched in May, which featured stunning performances from students from both Prep and Seniors. There are now three categories, Junior Open (Years 5-8), Senior Open (Years 9 upwards), and House Song. Although there were a number of excellent performances, Kingsmead were chosen as worthy winners in all three classes by our expert adjudicators, Mrs Coleman and Mrs Keating, and therefore were this year’s winning House. Congratulations to all involved, and in particular Nat Ford (Junior Open winner) and Tasmin Lee (Senior Open winner).

Early Music As Education

‘Early music’ is a colloquial name for the musical cultures of the European peoples between the Commercial Revolution of the fifteenth century and the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century – before the large-scale exploitation of natural resources through advanced technical means, the mass production and world-wide commercialisation of goods, the replacement of the master-pupil model of instruction with the class format.

In a less narrow sense, ‘early music’ is a way of interpreting European music from the earliest written record to the late nineteenth century according to historical performance practices and, when possible, on period or copies of period instruments. An earlymusic specialist is a musician, usually trained to conservatoire standards, whose interpretations of pre1900 repertoires are informed by musicological findings about historical performance practices (so-called ‘historically informed performance’ or HIP).

Led by violinist and musicologist, Dr Alberto Sanna, six of our most advanced string players have been receiving additional advanced training in repertoire from the ‘long eighteenth century’ throughout the year, and have given concerts at St. Anne’s College, Oxford, Liverpool Parish Church, the Athenaeum, and the Williamson Art Gallery, as well as schools in the local area. In July, they travelled to the beautiful Italian town of San Ginesio for a week of workshops and concerts with local musicians.

Chapel Choir trip to Blackburn

In March, the Chapel Choir travelled to Blackburn Cathedral to sing Choral Evensong. They were met by former Chaplain, Mrs Howell-Jones, whose husband is the Dean of Blackburn. Mrs Howell-Jones led the choristers on a tour of the amazing building, after which the choir got their first taste of the cathedral’s glorious seven second acoustic. The choir, including a number of soloists, sang beautifully during the service, and have been invited back in August.

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Alumni news

We are delighted to report that Marco Galvani OB has been appointed to teach composition and music theory at the prestigious specialist music school, The Yehudi Menuhin School. Many congratulations, Marco!

Grade1athon

In January, the Music School launched its very first Grade1athon – an initiative to invite people of all ages to try their hand at learning to play a musical instrument. Those who already play one were encouraged to try a second!

Although the primary objective was for as many people as possible to (re-)discover the sheer joy of learning to play an instrument, there was also an opportunity to take a graded music exam here at School at the end of June. At the same time, we are raising funds for the Krishan Patel Memorial Fund, and have set up a website here: http://mydonate.bt.com/events/ bsgrade1athon/460663.

Individual achievements

The Chapel Choir Prefect for the next academic year is Verity Walker and the Senior Musicians, awarded to our leading Upper Sixth form instrumentalists, are Arib Islam (strings), Claire Lawrence (wind and brass), Holly FitzHerbert (musical theatre), and Katie Leyland (rock and pop). Our huge thanks go to Adrian Dyu, Armand Rabot and Matthew Oulton for all their hard work in these roles over the last twelve months.

Representing the School at national level, Tasmin Lee has continued to be a member of the National Children’s Orchestra, graduating to the main orchestra this year.

Regionally, Dionne Lee and Armand Rabot have been members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and Grace Harvey, David Turner, and Sam Gregory have performed with the Liverpool Philharmonic Academy Orchestra, and were joined by Joshua and David Coyne for a rehearsal day on Bernstein’s West Side Story.

Matthew Oulton has taken part in performances with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company Brass Band, and Armand Rabot was selected to join the Rushworth Young Composers scheme, offering him opportunities to write for musicians from the RLPO and receive tuition from a professional composer.

In December, Dionne Lee took part in a piano masterclass with the renowned pianist, Kathryn Stott, organised by the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company. In February, Chapel Choir gave the first performance of a new anthem

by Armand Rabot, When to the temple Mary went, a text also used by OB Marco Galvani a few years ago.

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Exam Update

For those dedicated students who reach Grade 8 level on their chosen instrument(s), the question is then what to do next, and there are a range of increasingly challenging diplomas in musical performance on offer. It is rare for a school-age student to reach this standard, but this year we have had not one, but two! In November, Adrian Dyu and Dionne Lee gained their ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) in piano, both with distinction. These

achievements also gained them a maximum five points and Full Music Colours with Honours. Other notable highlights were Arib Islam gaining his Grade 8 violin with distinction (to add to his Grade 8 singing), Armand Rabot and Katherine Rutherford both reaching Grade 8 in singing and piano respectively, and David Turner who, as a result of his mark of 139/150 in his Grade 6 clarinet exam, is a winner of Miss Margaret Wethered Prize – awarded to the recipient of the highest mark in a Grade 4-7 ABRSM exam in the Merseyside area.

Anderson, Jack 9PMW Piano 3 Andrews, Lucy 9PMW Singing 5 Ashfield, Emilia (Emme) 6R Violin 1 Ballantyne, Kate 6S Piano 1 Bhagwat, Soyra 9KPE Singing 5 Brennan, Esme 11NMG Singing 7 Brennan, Esme 11NMG Oboe 5 Brodbelt, Harrison 7HCB B Flat Cornet 4 Brown, Ethan 7DRH Horn 3 Bullas, Megan 6S Violin 2 Calvert, Alexander 4H Piano 1 Campbell, Sophia 6H Piano 2 Campbell, Sophia 6H Violin 2 Carew, Adam 4H Baritone Prep test Cotton, Mary 9AIH Singing 5 Coyne, David 11NMG Violin 6 Coyne, David 11NMG Violin 7 Coyne, Joshua U6DRB Violin 7 Crocker, Luke 10SJT Organ 5 Dyson, Ben 4H Piano Prep test Edwards, Bryce 7MTW Guitar 1 Edwards, Ioan 5B B flat Cornet 3 Gungaparsad, Nikhil 4C Violin Prep test Gungaparsad, Sandhani 7HCB Violin Prep test Harvey, Grace 10TMH Cello 3 Hennessy, Rebecca 8REL Piano 3 High, Katarina 6R Cello 2 High, Shannon 9MMM Singing 7 Hogarth, Sophie 4H Piano Prep test Infante, Paulo 9MMM Piano 3 Islam, Arib L6BPJ Violin 8 Janikiewicz, Zoe 6S Flute 1 Jones, Henry 6R Alto Sax 1 Kapoor, Anoushka 8REL Piano 3 Keating, Ben 10TMH Alto Sax 5 Keating, Emily 5B Alto Sax 2 Khoo, Han 7DRH Horn 3 Khoo, Han 7DRH Singing 3 Lawrence, Simon 10CDM Flute 5 Leuf Nichols, Anna 7HCB Violin 2 Marray, Mia 6R Violin Prep test Mehmet, Michael 5H Baritone 1 Mei, Eric 5B Piano Prep test Molloy, Catherine 10CDM Clarinet 4 Molloy, Tom 8LC B Flat Cornet 4 Moore, Eoin 7MTW Guitar 1 Nguyen, John 11GRH Guitar 3 Oulton, Rachael 8AJC B Flat Cornet 1 Oulton, Rachael 8AJC B Flat Cornet 3 Presland, Louisianna 4H Piano Prep test Rabot, Armand U6PGA Singing 8 Richmond, Sebastian 6R Baritone 2 Sandow, Oscar 5B Trombone 1 Shenoy, Rohan 11SMG Violin 6 Taylor, Jack 10DRE Guitar 3 Tonge, Joseph 5B E Flat Horn Prep test Turner, David 10TMH Clarinet 6 Varis, Jack 6S Alto Sax 2 Vicars, Jack 5H Trombone Prep test Vicars, Jack 5H Piano 1 Williams, Jacob 7MTW Drums 1 Williams, Jacob 7MTW Piano 1

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Re l i g i o u s E d u c a t i o n

By Ms Grey, Head of Religious Education

This year, we have had a number of very interesting and enjoyable trips to places of worship. We have also taken part in debating and public speaking competitions and been involved in a variety of community and charitable activities.

Year 9 enjoyed a visit to The Wirral Deen Centre where they learned about this local Islamic Group’s community outreach as well as traditional mosque worship and Islamic music.

Year 10 Religious Studies GCSE students visited St James’ church in Birkenhead and explored this iconic

Christian place of worship, while also hearing about the work done by teams there in the local community.

Year 12 and 13 visited the Manchester Buddhist Centre to find out more about Triratna Buddhism and have a go at some meditation.

Charitable activities included collecting and donating nearly a tonne of food to the Wirral Foodbank with the Chaplain in November, and collecting toiletries and hygiene products for the Feeding Birkenhead Christmas hamper campaign for vulnerable local families, which were then delivered and packed by Year 11 at the Hive Youth

Zone in December. Year 11 were also given a guided tour of the Hive and its £6 million facilities for young people across Wirral. Year 8 also visited Birkenhead Park Rangers in June and helped with activities to protect the environment there.

Public Speaking and Debating skills, developed during Senior Debating Club, were used to great effect at the Athenaeum schools’ debating competition in November and the Oxford Schools’ debating competition at Manchester Grammar School in February. Our students were a credit to the school and we have high hopes for future competitions!

Humanities Highlights in Prep During the year, there have been lots of highlights in the Humanities curriculum in Prep.

Reception have been investigating polar habitats. Year 1 learnt about The Great Fire of London and visited the Fire Museum in Liverpool. Year 2 dressed up for a Victorian day, where they experienced what school was like for Victorian children. They have also studied Kenya and a variety of animals that you may encounter on a safari. They had a fabulous trip to Knowsley Safari park to round off their studies.

Year 3 were treated to an Interactive Roman Day. The pupils enjoyed being gladiators and defeating the teachers! They have tasted Roman delicacies and Caribbean fruit. The Year 4’s had a fabulous afternoon when ‘Big Heritage’

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presented Pokemon Go. The children were inspired through the game to learn more about local history, geography and exploring the world around them. Whilst studying the topic of Rivers, a visit to the river at Loggerheads, led by the Year 4 teachers and Mr Hill from Seniors, proved a great success.

Year 5 experienced an in-depth presentation on Rainforest Creatures courtesy of Chester Zoo and their fabulous Zoo keepers. The Year 6 pupils visited the School Archives and were fascinated by the history of the School. They became historical detectives and were also able to learn about Old Birkonians who had served in both World Wars. Visiting The Imperial War Museum was enjoyed by Year 6.

By Mrs Mills, Humanities Subject Leader

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Athenaeum Debating Competition

By Ollie Dean – Lower Sixth Student

In November, 10 Lower Sixth took part in the Athenaeum Debating Competition hosted at the prestigious private members’ club, The Athenaeum.

The first topic debated was ‘All forms of media such as press, internet and TV, should be regulated so that they accurately and objectively inform the general public’. The topic was being proposed by Birkenhead School (Thomas, Katie, Lilli and Priya) and opposed by St Hilda’s. The team made a strong case by referring to how government regulation could thwart radical propaganda as well as reduce cybercrime which is a pressing issue and thus provoked an elongated round of applause from the floor. St Hilda’s responded with several individual speakers, primarily aimed at defending their right to free speech which were passionately put forward, however, were counter-argued with how there is no true free speech in the UK as the Government already restricts free speech in the case of hate speech or encouragement of terrorism in Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. Despite Birkenhead putting forward strong arguments, St Hilda’s won this debate, 35-25.

Following this was a debate between St Hilda’s and Sandfield Park School.

St Hilda’s proposed that the ‘The UK should stop sending economic aid to third world countries’. After quick discussion among students a hand was raised by Max who put forward our idea of how, by developing third world countries, we open ourselves up to trading partners in the future.

Max further developed this point by explaining how trade was a key factor in the establishment of the British Empire which prompted nods from the proprietors of the library that surrounded us, providing a seal of verification not only of Max’s incredible knowledge of British history, of which I am often staggered (and even envious of!) but also of Sandfield Park’s victory.

The next debate involved Ollie, Jamie and Max against Archbishop Blanch and the team proposed that ‘Government should tax those earning £150,000 or more per annum at a rate of 90%’. Archbishop Blanch opened with the argument that increased tax would reduce homelessness and would fund the NHS. A debate ensued with Birkenhead putting forward points that included the issue of taxation for high-earners. Ollie closed the

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argument for Birkenhead School with a conclusion that, if the tax rate were doubled then more people would avoid tax and would yet again provide the government with less money than it is already making, rendering the proposal not only invalid but counterproductive on behalf of the government. After returning to a bench of smiling faces, the vote was called, with Archbishop Blanch receiving 12 votes whilst Birkenhead School received 48.

After several hours of intense debate it was time for lunch, served in the bar of The Athenaeum where Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin and Arthur Conan Doyle would have once drank, before making our way to the library where certificates were presented, marking the end of a successful day of debating for Birkenhead School, which would not have been possible if not for Mrs McGoldrick and Ms Grey who organised our entry into the competition and helped us in organising our teams as well as making the day all the more enjoyable for the whole group.

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Science

National Recognition for our Students: Our Senior Research Team, comprising of Edward, Matthew, Daniel and William, took part in the ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ at the Big Bang Fair National Finals with their project ‘Potentially Lethal’ in March.

During the three-day event the team presented their research on the effects and damage caused to children after they have swallowed button batteries. This followed the team winning the North West England finals for their research last summer. During the fair which was held at the NEC in Birmingham, the four Year 13 students received many compliments for their research and have now gone on to see their work published in The School Science Review. The time spent in Beyond the Curriculum science sessions and the research and subsequent conclusion in the journal are testament of the incredible work Edward, Matthew, Daniel and William have put into this investigation and we couldn’t be prouder.

Sixth students Arib, Holly, William and Cameron presented to project findings from our Senior Research Group (including Anna, Ed, Euan and Steven) at North West Big Bang in July and we were delighted that they had been awarded the ‘Endeavour’ prize for their impressive work on this project.

In addition, Arib, Holly, William and Cameron have been named ‘North West Scientists of the Year’ for how well they communicated their learning of the scientific process and how they represented their project. They will now represent School at the National Final in March next year and we wish them the best of luck.

North West Scientists of the Year

We now go on to see the next set of students put forward their research project on ‘Fat?berg! Fuel of Foe?’. Lower

Tr i p t o C E R N A group of students travelled to the CERN site in Geneva, Switzerland over the Spring break.

The group began their visit with a tour of the facilities followed by a presentation where they learned of the origins of CERN, as well as the aims and accomplishments of the multibillion pound project.

From there, the group then took a trip to the French side of CERN, where they were shown a large map showing the layout and size of the colliders. A tour around the factory where the components of the large hadron collider are created was given and each parts significance was explained. The group were taught about how the magnetic fields in such components are used to accelerate particles in order to smash them together.

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The morning ended with a tour around the first particle accelerator in CERN, a giant machine encased in a room of thick concrete, the same room where revelations had been made on the field of particle physics by such minds as Bohr and Dirac and worked. The group then took part in a cloud chamber workshop and were able to create a ‘cloud’ effect using dry ice and alcohol.

Students and staff also had the opportunity to spend time in Geneva before heading home. They visited buildings such as the Geneva Cathedral and saw sights including the Flower clock, which was built to honour the watch making traditions of Switzerland.

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The Big Bang at Birkenhead School for Cubs and Brownies

Over 200 Cubs and Brownies enjoyed two fantastic evenings of science at Birkenhead School at the Big Bang Science Fairs, facilitated by Big Bang North West and sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

The evenings offered 10 interactive science and engineering activities that Cubs and Brownies could take part in and that coincided with their badge work. All activities offered their own degree of pops, bangs, whooshes and fizzes. There were pneumatic targets, an air bazooka, mixing experiments, universal indicator pictures and the chance to be encased in a giant bubble, just to name a few of the activities that all Cubs and Brownies were keen to get to work on.

Following the individual activities, everyone sat down to enjoy the science lecture from Mr Hayward. This was hugely popular and a fantastic way to bring the night to a close. With the help of students and audience members, Mr Hayward set to work on his Sensational Science Show with fire demonstrations, reaction and gas experiments and whoosh bottles; the reaction from the enthralled, excited audiences was phenomenal, and the Cubs and Brownies, not to mention their leaders, were all on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next bang, blast or explosion to come from the stage.

The Big Bang evenings were enjoyed by all and will help to inspire our next generation of scientists – igniting the passion and interest from a young age.

Terracotta Warriors

Students Find iFly Exhilarating

They were allowed in before the general public to experience this wonderful exhibition.

This was a pilot trip for Science Leaders to learn about the workings of the indoor skydiving tube and to enjoy a couple of flights. A great time was had by all!

During the Easter break, a group of students from Year 9 – Upper Sixth visited the Terracotta Warriors at the World Museum in Liverpool.

Thirteen students from Years 7 through to Sixth Form enjoyed a visit to iFLY in Manchester.

Chemistry Olympiad

Congratulations to the following students who achieved the following in the Chemistry Olympiad held in March.

• • • •

Shikhar Kumar- top 1% out of 6530 candidates Tom Parkes - Top 5% for Gold awards Daniel Walker – High Silver award Matthew O’Hare – Low Silver award

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Science Leaders – ‘Role Models Who Share Our Love of Science’

• Competitions

Our Science Leaders are now well underway with leading in science activities.

• Trips

In their very first meeting, they started by answering the question, “What is a Science Leader?” and after much discussion, and fun along the way, they themselves have come up with the answer, and their slogan in the process – ‘Role Models Who Share Our Love of Science’. This fantastic line captures exactly what the Science Leaders want to achieve and they have already come up with a number of ways in which to do this; these include the following activities and ideas: • Peer Support / Homework Clubs

• Displays • Open Day We are delighted to have appointed the following students to be our new Science Leaders: Max 7DRH, Millie 7HCB, Isla 7HCB, James 7HCB, Max 7HCB, Anna 7HCB, Tom 8LC, Harvey 9AIH, Jimmy 9AIH, Tom 9PMW, Catherine 10CDM, Katie 10CDM, Rohan 10DRE, Lexi 10DRE, Alice 10SJT, Izza 10SJT, Jess 10TMH, Grace 10TMH, Elizabeth 10TMH, Jessica 11GRH, Rebecca 11NMG, Amy 11NMG, David 11NMG, Lara 11SMG, Will 11SMG, Dionne 11SWH, Shivank 11SWH, Miles 11SWH, Steven L6AJM, Arib L6BPJ, Claire L6BPJ, Hannah L6BPJ, William L6EKH, Cameron L6MLH, Harriet L6PGA, Jamie U6DRB.

• #NASAInspires • Prep Science Club

Congratulations to our pioneering Science Leaders! We look forward to seeing all that is possible when there is a shared love of science.

• Big Bang Evenings • Primary School Outreach Events • STEM Projects

Biology

By Mr Armstrong, Head of Biology

In Biology, years 9 and 10 completed the Biology Challenge competition and among them collected 13 gold awards, 13 silver and 47 bronze.

In June, our Sixth Form took part in a Biology Olympiad and we also took two teams to Edge Hill University for their Schools’ Biology Olympiad competition, with the added bonus of getting a tour of their resident electron microscope (we don’t yet have one of these at Birkenhead School!). Trips in Biology were focussed at A level this year with a field work trip to the rocky shores of Anglesey for the Upper Sixth at the beginning of the year and one to the rolling sand dunes of Ainsdale for the Lower Sixth at the end of the year. The trips involve a mixture of rainhoods and suncream as well as all the other measuring and sampling equipment taken.

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Science in Prep This has been an exciting year for Science. In Prep we believe that children need to be taught the skills of working scientifically and encouraged to apply them independently.

Teachers across all year groups have created lots of opportunities for children to make meaningful decisions as they work.

Children have demonstrated that they learn best by experiencing Science first hand. This has included fair testing, identifying and classifying, pattern seeking, observing over time and research. They are fortunate to have timetabled access to our Prep Science room which has plenty of space and all the necessary resources.

Throughout the year an exciting Science Club has run on a weekly basis. Strong links have been established with Senior School, Senior Science teachers and Science Leaders from the Seniors have worked alongside Prep pupils to create an exciting programme of study. Interest in this lunchtime club has been very high and the children have studied elements of Chemistry, Physics and Biology in a fun and practical manner. Some particular highlights have included classification of a range of minibeasts, rocket launching to tremendous heights outside and the use of acids and alkalis to make Christmas decorations.

By Mrs Clarke, Science Subject Leader in Prep

Science in Action Our Science students have been enjoying Science in Action days, which see them visit different places of scientific interest. Below are a few of the trips our students have been on: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) - Lower Sixth Biologists had an amazing afternoon at the LSTM. They enjoyed lectures from the Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit and saw a live demonstration of venom extraction.

Multiple Sclerosis – Past, Present and Future - four Lower Sixth students attended lectures given by two leading researchers in the field of Multiple Sclerosis Past, Present and Future. Dr Sorrel Bickley and Dr Lynn Duffy explained the science behind the latest drugs that will stop the immune system destroying the myelin insulation around nerve cells and how it is now possible to make brain stem cells from the patient’s skin cells, to try to repair the damaged cells.

National Cancer Research Conference - a group of Lower Sixth Biology students attended the National Cancer Research Institute Schools’ event at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool earlier in the year. During the conference they listened to talks by experts from different areas of cancer research. These not only included biologists and medical doctors looking at specific proteins involved in the process of cancer development, but also a psychologist interested in the

reasons why some people do not want to attend national screening events. For the last half of the day, students were introduced to film-making skills and they planned, shot, edited and presented a short promotional film with the purpose of encouraging their peers to consider a career in cancer research.

Engineering Your Future - five Year 11 students had a fantastic time when they visited Anfield to learn about various engineering disciplines and to explore these as possible future career paths in a STEM Engineering Your Future event. The students took part in five workshops with visiting companies, Atkins, Farm Urban, AECOM, Cargill and ScottSafety. They designed a bridge (civil engineering), built an aquaponics system (environmental engineering), constructed gas masks, and learned about nuclear safety (nuclear engineering) and separation techniques (chemical engineering).

Extension ‘Education in Action’ Lectures at Salford University - science students from years 10 to 12 enjoyed listening to fascinating lectures in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Salford University as part of the Education in Action inspiring study days

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IN FOCUS 2018

S p o r t s Pe r s o n a l i t y D i n n e r

John Parrott MBE, former UK, European and World Snooker Champion, was guest speaker at Birkenhead School’s Sports Personality Dinner in March.

John, winner of the 1991 Snooker World Championships, spoke passionately about his career, as well as sharing jokes and anecdotes, during the sell-out dinner. During his career, John won a total of nine world ranking events, placing him eleventh on the all-time list. John was followed by professional comedian, Gary Marshall.

The Sports Personality Dinner is an annual fixture at the School that raises funds for the year’s sports tour and charities local to the touring destination. In July, a group of sportsmen and women travelled to South Africa for nearly three weeks of sporting rivalry and cultural and geographical experiences. Two netball teams and a hockey team – totalling 30 players – played teams in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, during the trip of a lifetime.

Charities supported through the Sports Personality Dinner included; Cancer Research, in memory of former student, Jack Hussey; Guild Cottage, a residential home for sexually abused girls in South Africa and Door of Hope, an orphanage located in Johannesburg.

Mr Vicars commented, “The Sports Personality Dinner is always an annual favourite and I am grateful to John, Peter, Gary and all our sponsors, many of whom are long standing supporters of the School, for making the evening such an enjoyable event.”

Sport in the Community During the year the School hosted a number of sports festivals and tournaments where local primary schools and sports clubs are invited to play a range of sports matches with teams from the School.

Festivals have included: • Primary Schools Netball Tournament in March • Primary Schools Tag Rugby in November • Primary Schools Rounders Festival in June • Primary Schools Kwik Cricket in May • Seniors Lacrosse Oxton Challenge in February

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Prep Girls team at the Primary Schools Rounders Festival in June

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IN FOCUS 2018

Sports News

Senior Sports Highlights

Girls Senior Sports Highlights

By Mr Lytollis, Head of Physical Education & Games

By Mrs Alford-Swift, Teacher in charge of Senior Girls Physical Education

It is perhaps a little surprising that after one of the wettest winters on record which led to the cancellation of so many of our traditional sports fixtures that there are so many individual and team performances to highlight.

Once again however, Birkenhead School has punched well above its weight, the result of enthusiastic players, knowledgeable coaches and supportive parents. The 1st VII’s team returned to the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens after an absence of more than 10 years and I am pleased to say they will be joined by the Under 14s next season, two teams at the world’s largest sevens tournament is no small feat for a school of our size. Not to be outdone the 1st XI boys hockey team reached the North West Finals whilst the 1st XI cricket team lost narrowly to Sedbergh School, last year’s national champions, in the North West quarter final of the National T20 Cup. The girls 1st XII lacrosse team made the long trek to London for the National Lacrosse Championships only to return home the following day when the tournament was abandoned due to torrential rain!

There was also success for our junior teams, the Under 14 rugby reaching the Cheshire Plate Final whilst the U13 VII’s team were runners up at the Cheshire VII’s Competition finishing ahead of all of our local rivals. At the time of writing three of our four junior cricket teams are still competing in the Cheshire Cup.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS Individually a number of our girls and boys have been successful at District, County and even Regional level, some in recognised school sports such as rugby, lacrosse, hockey and cricket, whilst others have shown their versatility by achieving high standards in sports outside the school curriculum whilst still regularly representing the school in our recognised sports.

Six netball teams from Year 7 to Upper Sixth had regular fixtures all season. The Seniors started off the year well with a win over the Old Birkonians, while the U15s who had been entered in to a national netball competition started off well with a win in the first round over Queen Ethelburgh’s. From there they got a bye in the next round so made it through to the quarter final stage eventually losing to Cheadle Hulme in a close encounter. The U12s in their first season must be singled out for winning all but one of their domestic matches all season, beating the likes of Kings Chester and Liverpool College. The U13s, U14s and U15s swept away many rivals, both near and far, beating Queens, St.Edwards, Rydal and Oswestry to name a few. The Senior teams had a fairly good record over the year winning four and losing three.

In the Wirral schools, the U12s & U13 Netball teams both finished in 3rd. The U14s, 15s and 16s all finished in the top 3 and qualified for the Merseyside finals, where they all eventually finished in 3rd overall.

It was a very successful season for girls hockey this year.

Across the spectrum of teams, in the domestic setting a total of 14 wins, 4 draws and only 1 loss for the season must be congratulated. The 1st team had their best ever season winning all but one game. For the first time we entered the U13s & U14 team in to the national schools competition.

The U14’s in their first season at 11-a-side beat the Grange, Wilmslow and Kings, Macclesfield and narrowly missed out on representing the North of England losing to Queens in the semi-finals by one goal.

The U13s suffered the same feat, beating Kings Chester, Fallibroome and Hartford in the group stages, but once again losing out by one goal in the semi-finals to Kings Macclesfield. The U12s, just as in the netball won all four of their fixtures, losing none. The icing on the cake in the final game of the season, the combined U14/15 team beat Kings Chester 1-0.

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P r e p S p o r t s Ro u n d U p

By Mr Corran, Senior Teacher in charge of Prep Games

Back in the day, PE provision in primary schools probably revolved around ‘football and cricket for the boys’ and ‘netball and rounders’ for the girls. If you were lucky, you might even find a bean bag or two, kicking about at the back of the equipment store.

Fortunately, things have changed.

In Prep there are now more opportunities for sporting endeavour than you could shake a stick at (and I don’t just mean a hockey stick). Invasion games, endurance activities and combat sports might be high on the agenda for some, but if you prefer a slightly less physical element to your Physical Education, then how about badminton, table tennis or boccia? Yes, they all form part of the enormous variety of activities on offer here in The Prep. And no, in case you were wondering, ‘boccia’ is not an example of tasty Italian bread, but a type of bowls more akin to the French game, ‘boules’.

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Still not interested? Alright, what about hockey? Too ‘outdoorsy’? Try Unihoc, the indoor version and great fun for all levels of ability. No? How about cross-country, orienteering or climbing? Yes, the climbing wall in the Sports Hall caters for experienced exponents of the art, as well as beginners who are yet to learn the intricacies of belaying and bouldering.

Competitive fixtures and tournaments continue to play a major role in Sport in The Prep. Whether it be through our regular House competitions or exhaustive fixture programme, all pupils have had an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports. This year’s highlights include: The Year 5 and 6 Netball teams have won the local schools tournament which was open to all primary schools on the Wirral.

The Year 6 rugby team have gone through the season almost undefeated, apart from a couple of narrow losses in the latter stages of two 7s tournaments.

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The Year 6 Football team have had a successful season in terms of number of victories but have fallen at the final hurdle on numerous occasions. These defeats include the final of the Liverpool Echo Shield, the semi final of the Houlihan Cup and AJIS Cup and, probably the most heartbreaking, was a very narrow defeat in the final stages of the Northern Finals 6-a-side tournament in Bradford which gave the eventual winners the opportunity to play at Wembley.

The Year 5 cricket team have had a very successful season winning all their matches, including notable victories against Merchant Taylor’s, King’s Chester and King’s Macclesfield.

The Year 5 Rounders team competed in, and won, the local schools tournament hosted by our school.

At the recent AJIS Athletics Championships held in Blackburn, we came back with five medals. Sophia Rowland won bronze in the Year 5 Girls High Jump, Elis Bennett won bronze in the Year 6 Boys Long Jump, Adam Jones won silver in the Year 5 Boys 80m Sprint, Daniel Stanton won gold in the Year 5 Boys Cricket Ball throw and Teilo O’Malley won gold in the Year 6 Boys High Jump.

Finally, the Mixed Tri-Golf team, consisting of five boys and five girls, won the Wirral Schools tournament and represented Wirral at the Merseyside Games at Wavertree Sports Centre in the summer.

G y m n a s t i c s Wi n Our students won an amazing 49 medals at the Wirral Sets Gymnastics Competition in March.

The competition ran over two days at Hilbre High School, with over 500 gymnasts between the ages of 4 and 15 taking part, with teams there from Wirral, Sutton Stars, Bebington, Sandbach, the Oval and Fusion Gymnastics Clubs and Hilbre High School.

Our team consisted of 36 entrants from Prep and our first ever two Seniors representatives (Anastasia and Jennifer). Between them, our girls and boys achieved an incredible 49 medals in total (16 Gold, 17 Silver and 16 Bronze).

For many of the children, it was their first ever competition and each gymnast had to perform a set floor routine individually, which varied according to their age, ability and experience from the Pre-Set routine, through to Set 6 and a vault.

Medals were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places on each piece of apparatus and we received eight Golds on floor, across the age groups, and eight in the vault. For Silver medals, we achieved seven on floor and 10 on vault, again across the age groups and for Bronze, we won 10 on floor and six on vault.

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Psycholog y This has been an exciting year for our new department as we grow in size. The biggest highlight for the year was the Upper Sixth Psychology class’ two-day trip to London in March this year.

The first day of the trip consisted of a Tour of the Freud Museum, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Sigmund Freud, followed by sightseeing and an evening in Covent Garden.

On the second day of the visit the class attended the Zimbardo conference. Dr Philip Zimbardo is a Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. Dr Zimbardo shared his views on the nature of evil, revisited the Milgram Obedience studies, his Stanford Prison Experiment and the torture dungeon at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib. He described why it is essential to understand, not only individual temperament, but also situational forces and powerful system influences that create, justify and maintain, evil-generating situations.

The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by the students and staff and we look forward to more opportunities next year to see Psychology in action.

By Mrs Howard, Head of Psychology

The forecast is good for Business & Economics For the first time in over 160 years the School has two teachers in the Business and Economics Department. Lisa Fountain joined us at the start of the academic year and has contributed substantially to progressing the department and the popularity of both subjects has rarely been higher. To accommodate the additional demand for Business A-level an extra set has been run in the Lower Sixth.

Theo and Daniel

At the start of the academic year, I was delighted to receive a letter from the Institute for Economic Affairs announcing that two of our finest economists, Theo and Daniel, had come in the top 20 for a national economic essay writing competition. This was aimed at stretching some of the most-able students nationally and to help them prepare for university style assignments.

In October we launched our annual Student Investor competition for Years 10, 11 and 12. Eight teams competed across 3 months trading £100,000 of virtual money on the UK stock market. The eventual winners were Dionne Lee, Jess Hindle, Chris Kenchington and Heather Tran. During the Summer Term our Lower Sixth Business students had a fantastic visit to Chester Zoo. Chester Zoo is one of the country’s leading tourist attractions and most successful charities. We were fortunate to have an informative presentation on their marketing strategies in this competitive service industry and a chance to see its successes first hand.

By Mr Rule, Head of Business & Economics and Head of Year 10

North West Regional Forum of the European Youth Parliament UK A team of nine Year 12 students participated in the North West Regional Forum of the European Youth Parliament UK at Liverpool Town Hall in March led by Sixth Form student, Max. Birkenhead School has a strong tradition of success in this competition and we have been selected for the Nationals many times. Old Birkonian, Mathew Caine, is an ambassador for the EYPUK. 60

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Re f l e c t i o n s o n t h e Ye a r f r o m t h e H e a d o f S i x t h Fo r m As yet another academic year draws to a close, I find myself with a moment to reflect on the past twelve months. What becomes evident very quickly, is that there is much to celebrate and much about which we can feel justifiably proud.

Doubtless for those who took part, the expedition to Nepal last October will stand out as a particular highlight.

The trip included a nine-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, before the group travelled to the village of Managau, where they had an opportunity to see how the money they had raised was improving the lives of so many Nepalese children.

Whilst it may have proved extremely challenging, I know the exhilarating location and the warmth of the welcome afforded by the local children will live long in the memory.

In January, we played host to the Wirral Chamber of Commerce Question Time. Panelists from a range of professions brought with them a variety of perspectives, and the topic, ‘Scrutinizing the Selfie – Self-Confidence or Self-Obsession?’, made for an afternoon of lively and interesting debate.

In the following month, and in support of Children’s Mental Health Week, we welcomed speaker, Jeremy Thomas, who talked to students, staff and parents about ‘How to stay sane in

an insane world’. Jeremy gave a fascinating and very personal insight into the challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues, and his lecture contained plenty of valuable advice about how to keep ‘mentally fit’.

Of course, the opportunities mentioned thus far represent a mere handful. The Nicholls Lecture Series has included a particularly inspiring line up of guest speakers this year: such eminent figures as the Most Reverend and Right Honourable John Sentamu and the Right Honourable Frank Field MP, to name just a couple. Our Beyond the Curriculum programme has featured courses such as Global Issues, Creative Writing, Print Making and Bakery, whilst the Advanced Tutorial Groups in Science and the Humanities have sought to challenge intellectually those looking to apply to the most competitive university courses.

Students have taken part in Peer and Academic Mentor Schemes and supported the School in a whole host of ways. Whether running a Year 7 Art Club, listening to Year 3 children read, signing up for a half marathon or operating the sound and lighting desk for the Year 6 production of Mary Poppins, our Sixth Formers have volunteered their time and services freely.

in their lives: a fifteen year relationship for some, for others, a mere two. Yet they have all contributed to our School in their own unique way and, as they embark on exciting new ventures and face fresh new challenges, I hope it is with a sense of fondness and pride that they will look back on their time at Birkenhead. They have proved themselves to be a group of immensely caring, thoughtful and spirited young men and women and, were time to permit, I could find something heartwarming to say about each and every one of them. Deserving of special mention, however, must be the Senior Prefect team, led by Charlotte and Shikhar. I would like to thank them for all they have done to support the School in so many ways, and for performing their duties with such good grace and good humour.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to Elliott Casey. The epitome of our unofficial motto, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, he possesses in abundance those virtues we value so much in our students.

Elliott’s optimism and enthusiasm, throughout his time here, has been an inspiration to us all. We owe him a huge amount and I look forward to hearing of his future successes.

By Ms Smeaton, Head of Sixth Form

At this point, it would be remiss of me not to say a few words about our leavers. For them, the summer of 2018 marks the end of a significant period

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IN FOCUS 2018

Nicholls Lecture Series The Nicholls Lecture Series provides Sixth Form students with thought-provoking lectures on a broad range of topics to introduce them to ideas, interests and experiences beyond the academic curriculum.

In 2017-18 we were delighted to welcome the following speakers to the School: • Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend, John Sentamu • The Rt Hon Frank Field, MP • Cliff Baty, Chief Financial Officer at Manchester United Football Club • Dr Julia Moore, OBE (Governor) • Sarah Loftus, Head of Strategy & Architecture, Seadrill

• Georgina Smith, Chemical / Process Engineer at Uniliver • John Hunt, Professor & Strategic Theme Lead Medical Technologies and Advanced Materials • Rev’d Dr Mike Kirby (Chester Cathedral), Lecture (Radiotherapy Physics), University of Liverpool, Hon. Lecturer, FBMN, University of Manchester • Stephen Cruse from AIM Charity (Amputation, Inspiration, Motivation) • Jim Davies, OBE • James Parkhouse, CEO at Capita Travel and Events • Mark Waring, Rathbones • Dr Andrew Zsigmond, Hon Consul of Hungary

We also welcomed the following Old Birkonians back to the School: • Paul Kenny • Peter Jones • Chris Austin • Henry Pugh

The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable, John Sentamu

The Right Honourable Frank Field, MP for Birkenhead

Cliff Baty, the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Manchester United Football Club

Sarah Loftus, Head of Strategy and Architecture at the Liverpool Seadrill Office

Mark Waring from Rathbones

Rev’d Dr Mike Kirby – a reverend, researcher, lecturer and consultant radiologist

Bishop Peter Ramsden, OB, spoke about his work in Papua New Guinea

Paul Kenny and Sister Martha from the charity, Change a Child’s Life

Chris Austin, OB, spoke about joining the Civil Service and seeing the world

Many more to come...

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Leadership We believe it’s essential for all of our students to develop their leadership skills, to be better prepared for their working lives and to give them the resolve, commitment and resilience that sets apart a good leader from a great one.

We have a range of opportunities available for students to shine in their chosen field:

Motivation is a key factor in leadership and we believe that all students should be encouraged to develop their passions, skills and talents in all areas so that they can go on to inspire others.

• Heads of House

• Heads of School, Deputies and Senior Prefects • Student Leadership Teams in Overdale and Prep • Student Council • Captains • Academic and Peer Mentors

In order to do this, we encourage our students to take on roles in a number of different areas that not only promote leadership qualities but also their confidence, ability and knowledge.

We would like to thank everyone who has taken on these roles in 2017/18.

Heads of School

2017/18 Overdale Prefect Team

In Sixth Form, the Heads of School lead a team of Deputies and Senior Prefects, all from the Upper Sixth, and are integral to the smooth running of day to day life at School.

They not only organise internal events, but also act as spokespeople for the School at a range of public events.

It is an honour and privilege to be elected as a Prefect and students who do so will have a record of service and commitment to the School.

2017/18 Leadership Team

Head Prefect - Rebecca Hennessy // Head Prefect (Deputy) - Cameron Walker

Prep Prefect Team

Shikhar Kumar

Charlotte Cullen

Head Girl - Sophia Campbell // Head Boy - Haytham Parker

Edward Brodbelt

Matthew Oulton

2017/18 Senior Prefect Team

Congratulations go to the following students who have been selected to take on the following roles in 2018/19: Heads of School Holly FitzHerbert and William Harvey Deputy Heads of School Hannah Durband and Seán Carpenter Overdale Head Students Darcy Jenkins and Will Ward Overdale Deputy Head Students Daisy O’Halloran and Max Sowerby The Prep Prefect Team for 2018/19 will be announced in September 2018.

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Healthcare Conference Launches New Careers Initiative

Birkenhead School’s first Healthcare Conference was held at the end of April, implemented to expand the provision of careers advice concentrating on individual professional sectors.

Students from Year 9 and above, along with alumni of Birkenhead School, were invited to attend the evening to gain insight from a wide range of representatives from the healthcare sector. A huge amount of voluntary support was made from the School community, alumnis and from volunteers, who offered valuable advice.

The event was headed up by special guest, eminent physician and former Birkenhead School parent, Sir Ian Gilmore, who provided an inspiring keynote speech to start the proceedings. Sir Ian Gilmore is the previous president of the Royal College of Physicians of London.

He is a Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the Royal Liverpool University Hospitals and Honorary Professor at the Department of Medicine, University of Liverpool.

Presentations were then given from a nurse, a dentist, an optician, a vascular surgeon and an anaesthetist, who focussed on their roles and what their jobs entail. This was followed by a debate on the future of the NHS, featuring Sir Ian Gilmore, pharmacist

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Jasmeen Islam, GP Andy McKeown, and NHS Chief Executive Steve Warburton.

The lively debate from the panel and questions from the audience then progressed to the informal segment of the evening where students and their families were given the opportunity to ask advice from the array of professionals who had given their time to come and speak to them.

Representatives included surgeons, anaesthetists, GPs and geneticists, dentists and orthodontic specialists, optometrists, a paramedic, nurses, physiotherapists, a psychiatrist, a dietician, and a midwife. In addition, there were also members from the field of technology who made medical equipment, and those who work in education as lecturers in healthcare fields. There was also a number of voluntary organisations, such as Wirral Hospice St John’s, Claire House and Home-Start Wirral, who were able to offer advice on gaining valuable work experience opportunities.

Earlier in the day, younger members of Birkenhead School had also been given the chance to learn more about healthcare professions when they were visited by Tom from the Medical Mavericks. In his ‘Human Guinea Pig’ show, Tom brought along with him a variety of interactive tests and experiments used in the medical world and showed the different professionals who might use them in the real world,

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with the help of video footage. Years 5 to 8 were able to see a heartbeat monitor in use, take a photograph of the inside of their eye using an iPhone, and see the veins under their skin with an infra-red scanner.

Headmaster, Mr Vicars, said, “Thank you to all of those who gave generously of their time to provide advice to our students, your assistance was much appreciated. Given the considerable interest of our students in entering healthcare professions, plus the large number of our parents and alumni who work in this area, we had hoped to be able to inspire and help our students, not only through their education at Birkenhead School, but through the advice and guidance of our community.

We were not disappointed, as the sheer volume of those who came forward to get involved was testament to the invaluable community spirit of Birkenhead School. We hope that this conference will be the springboard for similar events in the future.”

Dates for the Diary: The next conferences will be focussing on Engineering and Design, to be held in January 2019, and Media and Performing Arts in April 2019. For more information, or to offer to give advice at either of these conferences, please contact Carol Keegan, Alumni Officer, on carol. keegan@birkenheadschool.co.uk or 0151 651 3098.

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Birkenhead School Careers Evening The School’s biennial Careers Evening was held in Bushell Hall in January. Pupils in Year 9 and above were invited to come along and talk to representatives from a wide range of careers about their jobs and find out about any qualifications and skills which are either essential or desirable.

Over 50 delegates, representing careers including medicine, digital marketing, engineering, media and the Armed Forces, were present and our students certainly took advantage of this opportunity.

The event draws on the network of organisations and careers links within the School to enhance careers provision.

All those who attended the event were extremely impressed with the extent of contacts and careers represented.

One parent commented: “I really think that the evening provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to understand the wide scope of careers available to them within each profession and encouraged them not to just focus on the limited ones that they were aware of. It also provided a chance for them to discover that the traditional university route is now not the only option available to them (even into careers such as law) and encouraged them to investigate the alternatives that are now being offered.”

Head of Careers, Mrs Reeve, said of the event “Bushell Hall was full of students finding out about professions they were interested in and also those they had never heard of.

I know that the delegates were impressed by the quality of the questions and I am sure our students left the hall both informed and inspired.”

“I really think that the evening provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to understand the wide scope of careers available to them.”

- Parent -

S i x t h Fo r m S t u d e n t s G a i n S k i l l s f r o m Wi r r a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e Wo r k s h o p s At the start of the year, as part of the Lower Sixth Induction Programme, Kate Eugeni and Alex Jones from the Wirral Chamber of Commerce, accompanied by Old Birkonian and former high ranking army officer, Andrew Hughes, delivered a series of workshops designed to support students in their lives beyond the Sixth Form.

During the workshop, students completed sessions in interview techniques, the importance of ‘personal brand’, leadership and the art of public speaking. The day was a huge success and offered our students skills and advice that we hope will set them apart from their peers both now and in the future.

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A L e v e l Re s u l t s 2 0 1 8

We are celebrating after our A-Level results confirm our position as one of the leading schools within the North West. Over 77% of grades were awarded A* B, with over a quarter of students achieving A* or A grades in all their subjects. Almost half of all grades awarded were A or above.

The School’s results were led by Shikhar Kumar, joint Head of School who achieved 4A*s, in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths. A further thirteen students, amongst them Matthew O’Hare and Edward Azurdia, who will now pursue their medical training, achieved A*s or A’s in all their subjects.

Others to achieve this level of academic success include Katherine Rutherford, Ed Brodbelt, the technical lead on so many school productions who leaves to study Electrical Engineering, Alex Poulson, David Grundy, Theo Grundy, William Hindle and William Reay.

In all, 16% of all grades achieved were awarded the highest possible A*. Tom Parkes and Sebastian Wilkes achieved 3A*s apiece and now move on to study Mathematics and Mathematics and Physics respectively. Matthew Oulton, one of the School’s leading musicians and actors, achieved two A*s and leaves to enjoy a Gap Year undertaking financial projects in the UK and overseas. Dan Walker, who was part of the School team recently awarded the Big Bang NorthWest Young Scientists of the Year prize, also gained two A*s and will now take up his place at Bath to study Economics.

Jack Pritchard, 1st XV rugby captain, secured an A* in Physical Education and he will now pursue a Physiotherapy course at Liverpool.

Charlotte Cullen, joint Head of School, was one of five girls alongside Jessica Devitt, Phoebe James, Georgia Varey and Bethany Taylor whose AAB grades will see them study at Russell Group universities across the UK. In all, 76% of students will now enter their 1st choice of university.

Headmaster Mr Vicars states: ‘It is right that we celebrate the academic achievements of our students with the headline statistics above highlighting the dedication and inspiration provided by our teaching and support staff. However, we are always wary of any statistics or headlines that suggest academic scores alone measure the success of a school or the achievement or happiness of individuals within the community. Behind every grade achieved, whatever it is, are stories of challenges overcome, of experiences stored in the memory bank. At Birkenhead School we continue to place equal measure on students’ enjoyment of, and achievements across a variety of activities including sport, music, theatre and plenty of others besides. In short, we take pride in preparing our students for life beyond school, and the resilience and breadth of experiences learnt through wider interests are some of the core skills that grades cannot measure. This cohort, with their wide skill set and lifelong friendships, now become part of a great network of Birkonian alumni which will serve them well in their future lives. They leave as preparations continue apace for the new academic year, with summer work including a new artificial training surface, floodlighting of the netball courts and refurbishment of the kitchens, dining room and Sixth Form café all awaiting the rest of the School community’s return early next month.

“Behind every grade achieved, whatever it is, are stories of challenges overcome, of experiences stored in the memory bank” - Mr Vicars, Headmaster -

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G C S E L e v e l Re s u l t s 2 0 1 8 Staff and students were once again celebrating excellent GCSE results in August. In a year that marks the almost complete move to the 9-1 grading system, the results reaffirm the school’s leading position within the region and its role in adding value to all students, supporting them to achieve the highest grades.

41% of all grades were awarded at the highest grades of 8 and 9, with grade 9 (more exclusive than the previously awarded A*) the most commonly achieved grade – 22% of all grades awarded, compared to a national figure of 4%.

The results continue the School’s tradition of delivering strong performances for girls and boys across a highly academic curriculum. Only 732 students nationally achieved a clean sweep of grade 9’s and we are proud that three of our students achieved this very special feat – 1st X1 cricket captain, Toby Brown, Rebecca Nicolson and Shivank Sharma.

Seven other students achieved grades 7, 8 and 9 in all their exams and will move into the School’s Sixth Form where the majority will study 4 A Levels in preparation for taking up places at leading Russell Group Universities.

Mr Vicars said, “This year sees continued turbulence surrounding national exam results with the move to the 9-1 grading system. However, the basics remain the same that if you set out to do your best by each individual student, and surround hard working young men and women with the appropriate academic and pastoral support, they will achieve great results. I have been delighted by the aptitude and resilience of all our students during this time of change, and I must further congratulate this year’s cohort of girls, for whom over half the grades awarded were grade 8 and 9.

We pride ourselves on our community and the majority of our students will use their GCSE grades as a stepping stone to our Sixth Form where the small class sizes and tutorial style teaching will add great value to their learning over the next two years. Our Sixth Form also places great emphasis on preparing students for life after school, and our weekly Nicholls Lecture Series and industry specific careers conferences (Engineering & Technology and Media & Arts this coming year) provide guidance and links with our thriving and extensive alumni network.

“We pride ourselves on our community and the majority of our students will use their GCSE grades as a stepping stone to our Sixth Form” - Mr Vicars, Headmaster -

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Staff News

Mrs Parry-Jones Sails Across the Atlantic in the Round the World Clipper Yacht Race

Liverpool Tritons Rugby Club – Mr Turner in Amsterdam for The Bingham Cup

Our very own Biology teacher, Mrs Parry-Jones, set sail on 25th June to take part in the last leg of the Round the World Clipper Yacht Race, from New York to Liverpool.

Birkenhead School’s German & French teacher, Mike Turner, set off to Amsterdam in June with his rugby club, Liverpool Tritons, as part of the first Merseyside team to be represented at the Bingham Cup, playing against teams from London, Paris and Melbourne in the group stages.

Sailing has been a passion of Mrs Parry-Jones’s since her father taught her to dinghy sail when she was young but the Clipper Race will be very different. Speaking before the race, Barbara said – “I am under no illusions that it will be gruelling helping to crew an 80-foot high performance racing yacht, working a four-hour watch system, hot bunking and living in basic surroundings, much of the time at a severe angle! I am looking forward to working as a team with 22 like-minded people and a fantastic skipper and I know that the rewards of this challenge will be amazing and the memories will last me into old age!”

Following crossing the Atlantic, Barbara’s yacht – ‘Visit Seattle’ arrived first into Derry-Londonderry and after a nine-day stopover, when celebrations took place, the yachts all set sail again for the final five-day push down the west coast of Ireland, reaching Liverpool on 28th July where Barbara’s team, ‘Visit Seattle’ took second place.

It had been 10 years since the Parade of Sail last graced Liverpool’s Albert Dock and this special occasion was marked with celebrations and festivities in the dock, ensuring a hero’s welcome for each of the sailors, as well as open boat tours, which gave people the chance to step aboard the yachts, to really get a feel for life at sea.

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The Bingham Cup is a biennial rugby competition involving gay and inclusive rugby clubs from all across the globe.

It is named after Mark Bingham, a rugby player who played for the San Francisco Fog rugby team and who helped found New York’s Gotham Knights club. He was a passenger on Flight 93 from Newark to San Francisco on September 11th, 2001 and is widely believed to have been among the group who tried to take control of the aircraft from the hijackers, which then crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

Some of the players, much like Mike, had never played rugby before joining the Tritons, but as he explains, “that’s what is so great about an inclusive team. Many people, whatever their sexuality, imagine that rugby isn’t for them, as they don’t fit a particular stereotype of how they imagine rugby players to be. As a schoolboy, my experience of team sports was not great. I wasn’t naturally good at, nor was I especially interested in, football, the main sport at my first secondary school, and the school I moved to in Year 8 did not have any competitive sports teams. I genuinely never saw myself as a sportsman and it’s only now that I have become one through the Tritons that I appreciate how fortunate pupils are at Birkenhead School to have such fantastic sporting opportunities available to them.”

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Mr Guinness Wins LEGO Masters The whole School tuned in every Thursday at 8pm on Channel 4 in September to see how our very own Mr Guinness got on in the competition and we were all delighted when he, and his build partner Nate Dias, won the series with an incredible LEGO structure names, ‘Inner Child’, complete with functional typewriter.

Following this well-deserved result, Mr Guinness and Nate, along with their semi-finalist pair, Nicholas and Kobe, all had the opportunity to travel to Billund in Denmark, where they met up again with LEGO Masters’ presenter and LEGO Company Design VP, Matthew Ashton, when visiting the LEGO House, also known as the ‘home of the brick’. Here, they met with many different people who help keep LEGO as innovative as it is, including LEGO designers and Niels B. Christiansen, the CEO of LEGO. As well as meeting the people behind the brand and experiencing the onsite LEGO Land, Mr Guinness, Nate, Nicholas and Kobe, all had to set to work re-building their final builds in the lobby of the LEGO House, alongside the vast LEGO tree, for all to see when they visit ‘the home of the brick’.

Students at the School were congratulating Mr Guinness on his builds in the competition and enjoyed watching one of their teachers on TV doing so well.

Mr Guinness also incorporates LEGO Robotics into the Design and Technology curriculum so students can enhance their skills in mechanical systems, programming and electronics.

INFOCUS 2018

Staf f Leaver s / Starter s Every year sees the departure and arrival of staff which is a natural part of every School cycle, indeed every organisation. We thank departing staff for their time, camaraderie, passion and expertise in inspiring their students and look forward to the wide contributions new staff will bring to the community.

However, 2017/18 was a year when we bid farewell to a number of staff who have been integral members of the School community for so long and it is fitting that special mention is given here to six departures who have given combined service of 165 years to Birkenhead School. Below are extracts from the Headmaster’s Address at Seniors Prize Giving on the 26th June: Keith Watson has been Catering Manager since 2005. We have all got reason to be grateful to Keith, and his team, for providing the fine food that keeps over 800 students and almost 200 staff fuelled on a daily basis. In particular, Keith has had the task for the last 13 years of winning the daily game of feeding all members of the community within an approx. 90-minute time frame! Thank you Keith for everything you have done, especially Tuesday’s curries and the legendary fish ‘n’ chip Fridays.

Ken Jones has been our Physics technician since 2000, and more latterly our Senior Technician. His dedication to the role and support of all staff has contributed considerably to what is undoubtedly one of the very best science departments in the region and we wish him a thoroughly deserved retirement.

Steve Gill: A product of the Royal Grammar School, Lancaster and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Steve started teaching at Birkenhead School in 1982, following his final year 10,000-word dissertation on ‘The behavioural element of the location of small firms in Lancashire’!

36 years later, Steve leaves us as Head of Geography and a legendary rugby coach, destined for a retirement based around family, his allotment and his boat in the Irish Sea fishing for bass, cod and ling and with our respect as a quite outstanding schoolmaster.

A mere part-timer at only 30 years’ service, Martin Roden arrived at Birkenhead School as Head of History in September 1988. An old-fashioned school master in the finest sense of the word, Martin has given distinguished service whether it be leading his department, as Assistant Head, as an inspirational sports coach and referee, or on one of his many Battlefield tours. I have greatly appreciated Martin’s sage advice, and must admit that while Martin is not completely retiring – he’s returning to finish off his exam classes next year - it was entirely fitting that we said a formal goodbye alongside Steve Gill, very much his partner in crime Alan Davies arrived in September 1980 as Assistant Master to teach Physics. He leaves as Network Manager, leader of Big Band and Concert Band and Prep accompanist 38 years later! It took quite some professional restraint not to advertise for a piano-playing Network Manager when we came to advertise for Alan’s post, but a more diversely talented and generous giver of his time you will not meet. We wish Alan well in his retirement, including more time spent down under with family in Australia.

And lastly, to Dave Edmunds. A product of Wirral Grammar, Dave arrived in September 1988, following teaching posts at Merchant Taylor’s and Dulwich College, and has been a quite outstanding teacher of Mathematics, rugby coach and referee for 30 years, Deputy Head for 12, and Headmaster for 4 terms. I am indebted to Dave for his kindness in the build-up to, and during my first years in post and he leaves to enjoy a wellearned retirement with plans of an extensive cycle down the French coast!

We were also sad to see the following members of staff leave the School: Ailsa Harrop (Teacher of Physics), Emily Pulford, Keith King (Estates), Kerry McGinley (Nursery), Kirsty Fisher (Nursery), Valerie Kemp (Nursery), Rachelle Barton (Nursery and Fun Club). Danielle Imms (Nursery), Katrina Cummings (Early Years Play Worker), Michael Thelwall Jones (Modern Languages), Trenee Taylor (Early Years).

A Warm Welcome During the course of 2017/18 we were delighted to welcome the following members of staff to the School community: Tom Whitworth (Deputy Head – Academic), Alexandra Sadlers (Early Years Graduate), Antonia Crawford (Teacher of Physics), Arianna Murphy (Early Years Practitioner), Cheryl Wallace (HR Officer), Chrystalleni Kyriakou (Laboratory Technician), Julie Guy (Early Years

Practitioner), Gillian Moonan (Marketing Officer), Jon Barton (Music), Lisa Cormack (Teacher of Art), Lisa Fountain (Teacher of Business & Economics), Father Mark Turner (School Chaplain and Teacher of Religious Studies), Nigel Walker (Cricket Coach), Sophie Griffiths (Early Years Graduate), Chris Boden - IT Network Manager.

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S i x t h Fo r m L e a v e r s - Class of 2018 -

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S i x t h Fo r m L e a v e r s - Class of 2018 -

‘The 2018 cohort, with their wide skill set and lifelong friendships, now become part of a great network of Birkonian alumni which will serve them well in their future lives.’

Leavers 2018 Adrian Dyu, Alexander Fay, Alexander Poulson, Benjamin Gavin-Pitt, Craig Wynne, Daniel Evans, Daniel Walker, David Grundy, Edward Azurdia, Edward Brodbelt, Elliott Casey, George Fraser, George Wild, Jack Pritchard, James Hennessy, James Taylor, Jamie Johnston, Joe Grimshaw, Joshua Coyne, Marcus Ronayne-Sambucci, Matthew O’Hare, Matthew Oulton, Nathan Evans, Nicholas Morgan, Nikolai Baron, Paul Keenan, Sebastian Willkes, Shikhar Kumar, Theo Grundy, Theo Roberts, Thom Walker, Tom Parkes, William Hindle, William Reay, Alice Anderson-Wight, Anna Fitzpatrick, Annabelle Morton, Atreyi Saha, Bethany Taylor, Caroline Hurst, Charlotte Cullen, Claudia Webster, Ellie Corlett, Fredrica Targett-Parker, Georgia Varey, Ishani Mohan, Jessica Pulford, Jessica Basnett, Jessica Devitt, Katherine Rutherford, Phoebe James, Safa’ Miller.

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IN FOCUS 2018

O L D B I R KO N I A N SOCIETY BULLETIN Park 36-19. The OBs won the hockey 10-2 but School got their revenge in the Netball and Lacrosse. There were plenty of golf prizes on offer at Hoylake and Heswall but the Grafton Morrish team only managed Round 3 this time and lost to Monmouth.

Our Charity funds have continued to be active as we look to provide two new academic scholarships shortly. The Society thanks our new contributors, especially the very generous legacy from Graham Hurton’s estate. We will be looking to attach his name to something of note in the near future.

During the summer we have agreed to fund the cost of a new Font in the chapel. Baptisms in the School Chapel are growing in popularity and previously the school had a Font on loan from another church. The Chaplain intends to include a “Blessing” for the gift at the Friday service during the OBS weekend.

Chairman’s Report 2018 2017-2018 has been a big step forward for the Society. Our Headmaster, Paul Vicars has been keen to build on the relationship of School with our Old Birkonian Society. This has been clearly demonstrated by the appointment of Carol Keegan to a full time Alumni Officer.

Our Executive Committee has met with the Headmaster, the Bursar and the Chairman of Governors, Andy Cross (66-73) on several occasions during the past 12 months.

The Headmaster has shared with us the School Development Plan for 2017-2025 whilst at the same time asking the Society to review the OBS Strategy for 2018-2020. The Alumni Office has some future plans to involve a broader audience and some additional events. Our Council are currently reviewing the Society strategy and will produce a draft paper of proposals in due course.

An innovation already in full flight is the Birkonian Newsletter which each term has been widely distributed to those members who have lodged an e-mail address with us. This has already attracted many welcome comments.

I thank our worldwide membership for the healthy response to my circulations about the In Focus magazine. As a consequence we are able to economise considerably on postage and reduce the significant wastage of magazines arriving at outdated addresses.

Our social and sporting events have maintained their popularity and the Christmas lunch at the Athenaeum and OB Weekend Dinner in Bushell Hall have been welcome additions to the calendar. The OBs played a strong rugby side last time round beating School 27-11 and Birkenhead 74

As always, a big thank you to the Council Members, the Archives Team and the Voluntary leaders of our Group Activities, all of whom have ensured that the Alumni Officer has been kept informed and the Society remains “up-beat”.

A special thanks this year to Andy Jones and Jonathan Bradshaw who have stepped down from their London Dinner Secretarial roles. They have made an important contribution over the last 13 years and although Carol Keegan, our Alumni Officer is more than willing to step in, it is necessary in my view, to have an OBS representative on the ground in London. Any offer of voluntary help will be most welcome.

Another special thank you to long time Trustees of our Charity Funds, Mark Feeny and Ian Bakewell, who are being replaced by members closer to Council.

The Council are also preparing for further change. I will be stepping out of the arena at the AGM and I will be nominating some new, enthusiastic members to take the Society forward at this important stage.

Roger Ewing, Chairman OBS

Old Birkonian Society Council Members 2017 - 2018

President: Michael Burrell Chairman: Roger Ewing Secretary: Will Roberts Treasurer: Trevor Mathew-Jones Members: Tom Harrison, Andrew Maxwell, Jim McGrath, Kirsten Stewart (Rogerson), Dave Rule, William Nute

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IN FOCUS 2018

B l u e P l a q u e D e d i c a t i o n f o r A l a n Ro u s e Alan Paul Rouse (’63 – ’70) was born on 19th December 1951 and died in August 1986 aged 34 on a climbing expedition to the second highest peak in the world, K2 in Asia.

Alan was born in Wallasey and gained a scholarship to Birkenhead School where, despite poor reports, he excelled academically and entered the Sixth Form a year early as he was chosen as one of those likely to advance to a Cambridge Scholarship.

That he did, and gained a place at Emmanuel College along with a degree in Mathematics.

When Alan moved to the Sixth Form he befriended Nick Parry (’62 – ’69) and in the book ‘Alan Rouse: A Mountaineer’s Life by Geoff Birtles’, Nick recalls their early interest in climbing: ‘A far-sighted master had purchased several mountaineering books. We had both done a fair bit of hill-walking and were enthralled by the illustrations and romantic ideals in Gaston Rebuffat’s ‘On Snow and Rock’ at breaks and lunchtimes. It was the excitement generated by those two books which led to both Alan and I to become mountaineers.’

Alan had seen people climbing at The Breck in Wallasey and the pair began to frequent the area several times a week. There they were introduced to members of the then new Wirral climbing group the Gwydyr Mountain Club and began climbing with them in areas such as Helsby and Wales.

Nick recalled, ‘Birkenhead School had lessons on Saturday mornings and games in the afternoon and we began to develop mysterious injuries and illnesses so that we could hitch to Wales on Saturday afternoons rather than play rugby or cricket.’

Alan then went on to become an ambitious climber attempting routes across the globe. He successfully climbed Mount Kongu in China, climbed in the New Zealand Alps, and attempted Everest by the West Ridge in Winter but was defeated and only made it to the West Shoulder.

He was elected Vice-President of the British Mountaineering Council in 1985.

In 1986 he travelled to K2 as Joint Leader of a strong British team attempting the North West Ridge, but this failed due to bad weather. At this point the majority of the team left and Alan and Jim Curran joined with another group.

They reached the summit of K2 on 4th August and Alan became the first Briton on top. The poor conditions took their toll on the return and Alan was left ill but alive on August 10th at Camp 1V at approximately 8000m and is presumed to have died there.

Following his death Alan’s mother, Eve Rooke, thanked the then Headmaster John Gwilliam for his letter of condolence and said that she was proud to have received so many tributes, including a personal letter from Mrs Thatcher. There have been several books written about Alan, a Memorial Mountaineering Library opened in Sheffield in the late 1980’s and a film about the fateful K2 expedition made by ITV. Most recently in June this year, Conservation Areas Wirral and Wirral Council installed a Blue Plaque dedication at The Breck in Wallasey where Alan learned to climb. Members of Gwydyr Mountain Club, Birkenhead School, the Old Birkonian Society and friends who knew him attended an unveiling ceremony on 21st June 2018 and spoke with fond memories about a man who was not only an influential figure and driving force in the climbing world, but also a dreamer who was fun to be with and who is hugely missed.

Grannies Rock

Alan Rouse at Birkenhead School 1969

Alan Rouse on Ogre 2 in 1982 – photo by Paul Nunn

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Stories from Home and Abroad size of a house. It was on that machine that the crystal structures of Dorothy Hodgkin were produced and for which she later became the only British woman to win a Nobel Prize.

Finishing a DPhil in 1964 was really lucky as the foolish government created several new universities all at the same time and the existing ones doubled in size. Jobs were very easy to get. I had a permanent Oxford Fellowship at the age of 24, and so I soon had my own research group and did accurate theoretical calculations on diatomic molecules.

A Lucky Life by Graham Richards If we are honest, when looking back on one’s life it is abundantly clear that sheer luck plays a huge role. Luck is more important than talent. In my own case, going to Birkenhead School was my most lucky break.

Given my background that was far from likely. My mother was one of 14 children in deepest mid-Wales and left school at the age of 11, but was sent to Birkenhead as a maid like her sisters. In 1951 I was only the second boy from Greasby Primary to get in to Birkenhead School, which was then still a Direct Grant School before the evil Shirley Williams abolished that wonderful system.

My next bit of luck was missing National Service by one day. At the time, foolishly, I was disappointed having been set to go into the Royal Marines. As it was I went up to Brasenose College Oxford in 1958 to read Chemistry and thus started my research in 1961. By sheer luck my project involved me doing some difficult integrals and I was one of the small number of lazy people around at the time who realized that any integrals could be done numerically using the new-fangled computer. Hence I became one of the first chemists to use a computer although neither my supervisor nor any of the older research students in the group had ever used the machine and everyone knew that computers had no future, especially in Chemistry. That computer was a Ferranti Mercury, at the time the best computer in the world and boasted a 32K memory and was the

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Then out of the blue I received a letter from Anthony Roe who was working with Jim Black (later the Nobel prizewinner Sir James Black) at the pharmaceutical company Smith Kline & French, seeking inhibitors of histamine in the gut. Anthony enclosed a theoretical paper which suggested that the two activities of histamine were related to there being two conformers of the molecule and I was asked my opinion of the paper, being one of the few people at that time in the UK doing theoretical calculations.

I was not impressed by the theory but it could have been true, and so began a collaboration which quite quickly transformed my research from small molecules into using computers to aid drug discovery.

As computers developed and computer graphics became possible my work attracted more and more interest from the pharmaceutical industry.

The next step was bad luck. In 1988 my then wife died of cancer. The day after her funeral I rang my former Brasenose student Tony Marchington and said ‘Tony, you know that company we have talked about for years: let’s do it!’. That was the origin of Oxford Molecular Group Plc which was originally set up as therapy for me. Its success was all down to Tony who was one of nature’s natural entrepreneurs.

In 1996 I became the first head of the Oxford Chemistry Department and I had to raise some £64 million to build a new laboratory. Again, luck played a big part. From my activity with spin-out companies I knew Dave Norwood, a chess grand master who had backed computer based companies having been convinced of their future when the IBM Big Blue machine defeated Kasparov. Dave and I agreed to a deal

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whereby he would provide £20 million in exchange for half the University equity share in any spin-out companies emanating from Chemistry for 15 years.

By the time we had done the deal he had sold his company to the then recently public stock brokers BeesonGregory, so we had to convince their chairman Andrew Beeson of the mutual value of the deal. The meeting over lunch was not going well until Andrew suddenly looked at me and asked if it was a Vincent’s Club tie that I happened to be wearing. It was and a mutual interest in sport meant that the deal went through. His interest in sport was in Real Tennis and the connection with my Brasenose pupil Spike Willcocks who was a world champion was a crucial piece of good fortune.

The new Chemistry Research Lab which is as good as any in the world was thus founded on luck, but attracts the best of students and is key in recruiting and retaining academic stars.

Because of these lucky breaks the Chemistry Department has contributed at least £100 million to the University and is probably one of the most successful departments in the whole world in respect of the creation of businesses and wealth, without, it must be stressed compromising its pure research and teaching values.

In my dotage I am still involved with spin-out companies, in particular with Oxford Drug Design Ltd. This grew out of my screen saver project where I had 3.5 million people from more than 200 countries contributing time on their PCs to look for anti-cancer drugs. We have what looks to be some novel antibiotics which act at a new target and could be of enormous importance.

But it has helped to be lucky.

This year Graham Richards has been awarded the Richard J. Bolte Sr. Award for Supporting Industries from the Science History Institute, and was also elected to the Fellowship of The Royal Society.

IN FOCUS 2018

Stay Calm This is something Chris Austin (73-80) had to do whilst all around was chaos after hurricanes IRMA and MARIA struck the Caribbean in September and October 2017. IRMA left 134 dead and MARIA was even more cruel causing 547 fatalities.

Chris was working for the Government’s Department for International Development and was posted to head the UK Taskforce to help those who had been disrupted by the Category 5 hurricanes to recover and return to normality as soon as possible.

Chris led a team of 2500, both civilian and military, and has nothing but praise for their commitment. The locals, of course, showed courage throughout and continued to rebuild long after Chris had returned home.

The worst area hit by IRMA stretched from Antigua & Barbuda north westerly to the Virgin Islands, whilst the devastation caused by MARIA was concentrated on Dominica and Puerto Rico.

Thankfully many of the islands are now receiving holidaymakers again due in no small measure to the determination of the local inhabitants. In the 2017 New Year’s Honours list Chris received a CBE for services to International Development.

News from Richard Harrison (77-81) at Falcon College, (Boarding School) in Esigodini.

Zimbabwe has hit the news headlines once again.

In fact I think there has been more coverage on international news channels than in this country.

Make of that what you will!

The demise of Robert Mugabe has been met with much enthusiasm. I don’t want to go into intricate detail of the political, social and economic situation here in Zim but I think there is a long way to go before we are out of the woods.

As David Coltart, an opposition politician, who I happen to know, said, “we have got rid of a tyrant but not yet a tyranny.”

I think that is a very sound comment. We wait and see – but with cautious optimism.

Quite apart from all this recent national activity, it has been quite an interesting year one way or another. Some good news, some bad. I am now well into my 31st year teaching at Falcon College. I cover largely the same bases as previously. I teach History and some English. I have now completed my second year in charge of the exams and timetable. There are more inspiring things to do, but it has its moments. I continue to co-ordinate the chapel activities and there has been much interest over the year. I remain a tutor in Chubb (boarding) House and coach football and cricket. I had probably my best and most successful U14 soccer side this year. The exam commitments have limited my ability to assist with the senior cricket team and given a current shortage of coaches at the College, I enjoy helping with the U15 team.

The school, like everyone else, struggles economically but we keep our head above water and I believe we still offer a fine education, now admitting girls, a new departure which has worked well so far.

I usually report on any travels I have done. In February I went with the 1st Cricket team to a tournament at St.Alban’s College in Pretoria. For much of the season we suffered heavy rains. Zimbabwe had its heaviest downpours for many a year and we are delighted that rivers and dams filled up as never before. At Falcon we topped a 1000mm of rain for the first time since my arrival. We are pleased if it reaches 700mm and it seldom manages that.

Come April I made a trip to Hwange National Park and finally managed to complete a sighting of the so called Big-Five.

Lion, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo I have seen on many occasions but a Leopard has eluded me. I have seen spoor, I have even heard one but, at long last I have seen one in a remarkable situation as it had clearly been robbed of its prey and frightened up a tree by a pack of wild dogs who were devouring the kudu below it. To complete my list of wildlife firsts, I saw a pair of porcupines just outside my front gate here at Falcon.

August saw me fly to the UK for 3 weeks, spending time in Ripon, North Wales and Chester, mainly catching up with family but perhaps I did not manage to reach as many as I should. A visit to my old church on Wirral was a notable highlight as was a day at a cricket Test Match at Headingley Best Wishes, Richard.

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Stephen Garner 1968-75 Hard to believe it is fifty years since I started in Form 1 Trojans! My earliest memory of the School is of two anxious Saturday mornings sitting the entrance exams.

The annual intake then was over 90 (spread among 1 Trojans, Greeks and Romans), there was a strict school uniform, and we were addressed by our surnames. For our first two years, school was five and a half days a week, then six days from the third form. The teachers wore academic gowns.

Some accomplished sportsmen provided coaching. In my introduction to rugby, I was taught by Pete Scurfield of Liverpool RFC. Later we had coaching sessions from England scrum half of the day, Steve Smith. Mr Bowyer, working with a few loose weights in a PE changing room, sparked my lifelong enthusiasm for weight-training. Former Olympian Bob Birrell coached athletics. Our age-group rugby team was outstanding, including captain Mark Sissons, irrepressible hooker Bernie Hearn, and back-row dynamo, Andy Norman.

In those days, top streamers (2 Greeks, 3 Lang, 4 Lang) were focused on Oxbridge, and did GCSE equivalent at the end of the fourth year, skipping the fifth form, so as to complete Oxbridge entrance exams the term after ‘A’ levels.

There was a pressurised monitoring system to keep us up to the mark - we were ranked in every subject each month. 30+ achieved Oxbridge places.

Hair was a huge issue in those days - we wanted it longer than was approved

by Headmaster John Gwilliam. His catchphrase, ‘Get about a yard off’, inspired some of us to elaborate deception strategies, involving rubber bands and even a sunray lamp.

After reading French and Spanish at Oxford, and a postgraduate year at Bath, I headed off with my wife to Morocco to teach English. At age 26, I joined the Overseas Service of the British Council and spent six happy years, first in Tunisia, then Venezuela. In my early thirties I moved to the FCO, where I would spend the rest of my career, serving in Brazil, Portugal, Colombia and The Netherlands, as well as Whitehall.

Extract from a letter

A Familiar Find Buy a blue blazer for just over a pound (£1).

Many will remember Watson & Prickard Ltd in North John Street in Liverpool.

No longer will you see our merchandise on display there.

It is not a gentlemen’s outfitters any more (now The Slug and Lettuce winebar) and certainly not at 1950’s prices!

Having read and enjoyed the 2017 magazine, Alan Dean (48-53) comments that one of the biggest events in the School history must have been the Elizabethan Fayre and Pageant 1953 (Coronation year) when all hands and the cat were in fancy dress for the occasion.

I did not realise, writes Alan, that “ice cream” was on the menu in Elizabethan times (1558-1603) however that was my task for the day – all dressed up with an ice cream tray round my neck. (Editor – The first ice cream was commercial in England / London by an Italian in 1850 so you have every right to question the veracity of the occasion).

Prep Boumphrey Lecture Series OB, School Archivist and Governor, Ian Boumphrey (‘49-‘61), gave the first in what will be a new series of lectures in the Prep earlier this year.

He entertained the children with his history of the Prep, and they were all fascinated to hear about the many changes that have occurred over the years since Prep began in 1889. The Boumphrey family can trace their connection to Birkenhead School all the way back to 1871.

Head of Prep, Mr FitzHerbert, also announced that the new talks will be named ‘The Boumphrey Lecture Series’ congratulations Ian, thoroughly deserved!

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Not So Familiar Find Old Birkonian Bitter, Established 1873.

Under the sound of the School Bell.

School started –1860 so it’s possible.

Our records show OBS founded 1906?

So forget it! The Defunct Brewery Records tell us it is part of the Oldham Brewery (Farmers Boy Division).

IN FOCUS 2018

Re-united!

Eddie O’Hara (Died In 2016)

Bryan Lee (1953-59) and David Laing (1945-58) were in the School choir together in the fifties as treble and baritone. After leaving school they saw no more of each other until they met at a regatta on the Thames a few years ago.

Taught Latin from 1966 – 1969 at Birkenhead School

Now they both spend many hours running the new train on the narrow gauge railway track in Beale Park near Goring on Thames. The photographs show the new steam profile engine but diesel powered within. Bryan is far right (not the big blue bird!) and David is next to him with the scissors at the ready.

His son Terry was in touch to tell us that his father who was a Teacher, Politician and Campaigner was rather special. Apparently a pupil at Perse School, Cambridge had written that in 1962 when Eddie was trying to get into university to study Classics he spent a short spell at Perse School for his first job.

His Liverpudlian accent and his love of Rock’n Roll made his lessons very popular with the students, but more important, it seems, his ability to change attitudes to learning and establish a respect for one another created a different relationship within the classroom.

His son Terry has heard quoted, from Perse and Birkenhead, numerous , immaculate (often rhyming) Latin translations of lines from hit songs of the day such as “Only ever has to give me / love for ever and forever / Nil habet quod mihi det quam / Caritatem Sempiternam “ – from “She’s a woman” by the Beatles.

There were others: “Twist and Shout” / Age torquere deliciae clamaque “She loves you” / Amat te, mehercle “I want to be your man” / Volo tuus esse, cara, tuus amator What a Latin lesson!

Later Eddie became a Member of Parliament representing Knowsley South from 1990 – 2010.

Eddie had a lifelong interest in Greek culture and was an enthusiast for the campaign of the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles.

John Reeve - RAF Some may remember John Reeve (1958-65) as a Corporal in the RAF Section of the Combined Cadet Force. Others may recall he distinguished himself with a Cranwell Scholarship. One thing was certain, he was going to spend much of his life around aircraft.

John joined the Royal Air Force straight from school. He did tours at Scampton in Lincolnshire and Akrotiri in Cyprus.

He spent time as an Instructor at Cranwell and later played a key part in the Falklands War in 1982. He was an experienced Vulcan bomber pilot. After a term at Brize Norton he was involved in the Gulf War flying from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia. John left the RAF in 1997 and applied his expertise as an Instructor at an Aviation Academy here in UK.

New Font Donation The Old Birkonian Society have recently donated a new font to Birkenhead School’s Chapel.

The previous font had been borrowed from St James’ Church in Birkenhead, and when Father Mark, the School’s Chaplain, approached the Council regarding the possibility of getting our own font, it was a unanimous decision.

The font is already being used in baptisms, and pictured is young Pixie Ryan, daughter of Prep teacher Mike Ryan and his wife Joanna. There will be an official ceremony at the Old Birkonian Weekend to thank the Society for their contribution, with a plaque also installed on the lid to commemorate the event. w w w. b i r ke n h e a d s c h o o l . c o . u k

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Prep visit to Archives Children from Year 6 had great fun visiting the Archives department earlier in the year.

They were shown photographs and memorabilia from years gone by and discussed the importance of the collection and how it can help in preserving the history of the School.

The children were interested to hear about their family members who have attended before them, especially Zoe who found a picture of her dad in the gallery. The children’s teacher, Mr Stockdale, also featured on gallery walls, in a photograph from back in the 1990’s. A quiz that the Archives team had prepared enabled the groups to use their research skills to delve deeper in to the history of the School, and they also had the chance to look at items of interest from the former days of the CCF, including a marching drum.

O B s L e c t u r e s t o S i x t h Fo r m 2 0 1 7 - 1 8

13 October 2017

24 November 2017

16 February 2018

2 March 2018

Paul Kenny, OB Change a Child’s Life

Chris Austin, OB Join the Civil Service and See the World

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Peter Jones, OB John F. Kennedy

Henry Pugh, OB The Importance of a Plan B

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9 February 2018

Bishop Peter Ramsden, OB Papua New Guinea: The Land of the Unexpected

IN FOCUS 2018

Events 2018 September 28th (Fri)

Hoblyn Golf Trophy and Annual Dinner - Royal Liverpool Golf Club

November 9th (Fri)

Liverpool Lunch - Artists Club

November 23rd (Fri)

London Dinner - The Swan at The Globe Theatre

December 1st (Sat)

School Bazaar - OBS stand

December 21st (Fri)

Christmas Lunch – Athenaeum Liverpool

December 24th (Wed)

Christmas Eve Sung Eucharist - Chapel 11pm

December 29th (Sat)

Birkenhead Park v OBFC Rugby match

2019 January 28th (Mon)

Engineering / Design / Technology Conference - School

March (tba)

Liverpool Lunch - Artists Club

April (tba)

Pragmatists Spring Dinner

April 29th (Mon)

Media and Arts Conference

June 9th (Sun)

Golf Day - Heswall

September 6th (Fri)

Chapel Service and Leavers Presentation

September 7th (Sat)

Old Birkonian Weekend

For more information or to book on to any of the above events email Alumni Officer Carol Keegan on carol.keegan@birkenheadschool.co.uk.

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Events Christmas Lunch On Friday 1st December the Athenaeum in Liverpool hosted the very first Christmas lunch for the Society. The lunch was added to the OBS diary and held at this particular venue in order to encourage and cater for Old Birkonians, both male and female given it is now fifteen years since the first wave of girls left Birkenhead School.

In total, twenty five people attended the event with five late non-attendees (three of whom kindly gave their

apologies prior to the lunch). Guests were treated to a glass of sparkling wine in the beautiful surroundings of the library before heading upstairs to the winery for a Christmas lunch.

Will Roberts (Honorary Secretary) welcomed the attendees and explained the rationale behind the new lunch date. He encouraged all those present to continue to support the Christmas lunch in order to maintain momentum for the future. The general feeling was that given time, the remaining capacity of fifteen spaces at the venue could be filled.

hopefully become regulars. While it was disappointing that none of the attendees were actually female Old Birkonians, we were delighted to have Carol Keegan as our guest, the School’s new Alumni officer. She enjoyed meeting those present and there was a general feeling amongst the attendees that the OBS and School could and should work closer together in the future.

All in all, it was a success and positive feedback from some of those present has already been received.

The group was a mixture of familiar faces from the Artists Club lunches and some new attendees who will

Summer Drinks An encouraging turn out was to be seen at the Headmaster’s Summer Drinks, which took place at the H1780 Tap and Still in Liverpool on Monday 2nd July.

The popular event saw a good mix of ages at OB Stephen Crawley’s venue, the former Higson’s Brewery in the up and coming area of the Baltic Triangle in the city centre.

Old Birkonians attending the event included Society Chairman Roger Ewing, current Society President Michael Burrell, former President Brian Boumphrey, and Chair of Governors at the School Andy Cross.

Many other OBs, along with former and current staff members, caught up with the latest news and enjoyed a pint of Higsons.

Future events are currently being planned, if anyone has any suggestions as to venue or area locations we would be interested to hear them!

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Old Birkonian Football Club AGM The Annual General Meeting of The Old Birkonian Football Club (Rugby Union) was held on 18th August at The Wheatsheaf, Raby where a number of old players and friends meet weekly to enjoy a convivial hour, most having played for several years in the 1960’s during the Club’s heyday.

The meeting was chaired by President David Cockram and around 15 members present received reports from Secretary Peter Crook and Treasurer Eric Roberts, each having served in these posts for many years.

The Club was founded in 1922 and enjoyed over 50 years of regular fixtures, usually fielding at least four teams, the 1st XV enjoying annual fixtures with the top clubs in the North of England and occasionally beyond.

The School provided many fine players but eventually, the growth of University education and the arrival of the professional game resulted in the Club merging with Birkenhead Park in 1976.

Pragmatists Spring Dinner On the 18th April, 20 OBs met at the Brook Hall Hotel in Hooton, enjoying a fine dinner and an evening of banter and reminiscing.

The original group of nine met in the Birkenhead Squash Racquets Club in 1962, meeting at least once a year thereafter and in more recent years an expanded group (all now retired) meet each Wednesday at the Wheatsheaf, Raby, the common bond for most being the happy days spent at the Old Birkonian (Rugby) Football Club (1922-1976).

Since then, OBFC has continued its’ affiliation to The Rugby Union and sponsors annual matches against a Birkenhead School XV in September and a Birkenhead Park XV at Christmas.

The Hearn family have for many years been instrumental in assembling the teams for these matches and, together with David Ewing and Jim McGrath, have ensured a high standard of performance for these one-off games.

The OBFC currently has over 100 members and last year, a number of younger players signed up after the Birkenhead Park match.

The Club will be 100 years old in 1922 and it is hoped that younger members will step forward to ensure future involvement with this great game and continued links with the School.

Visit the Old Birkonian website www.obs.org.uk for further details.

The photo below shows the group celebrating the 80th Birthday of Brian E Jones (1949-1956) Rugby Club Records including a fine collection of Press Cuttings and photographs can be seen in Archives on a Monday morning and Birkenhead School Pictorial History, Vol 1 includes a section devoted to OBFC. ARCHIVES Monday 10.00am - 1.00pm Tel: 0151 651 3076 Email: archives@birkenheadschool.co.uk

Names are listed Left to Right as follows: Mike Taylor, Andy Watson, Brian(BN)Jones, Tom Minnis, Rod Delf (seated), Ian Boumphrey, Brian Boumphrey, Jim Denye (non OB), Ted Clarke, Peter Crook, John Rogers, Birthday Boy Brian (BE) Jones(seated), Len Kirkham, Mike Toon, Eric Roberts, David Cockram, Tony Evans, Peter Ascroft, Roger Ewing (Photo taken by David Allan).

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In Memoriam We offer our condolences to the families and friends of Old Birkonians of whose passing we have been informed during the past year.

Name

Years at School

Passed

Names

Years at School

Passed

S Williams

(1948-1955)

2004

DB Moore

(1961-1966)

2017

BR Stephenson

(1955-1968)

2011

JA Lemon

(1944-1951)

2018

T Williamson

(1971-1979)

2012

Lt Col I Hywel-Jones

(1944-1950)

2018

GL Street

(1950-1961)

2015

J Fuller

(1941-1949)

2018

PGT Bolton

(1940-1947)

2015

PB Billeau

(1937-1943)

2018

PW Bailes

(1937-1939)

2015

J Eyre

(staff 1981-1994)

2018

M Briscoe

(1957-1962)

2016

AJ Robertson

(1946-1956)

2018

J Harris

(1956-1963)

2016

AG Goad

(1946-1956)

2018

HM Gibbs

(1948-1956)

2016

KN Pyke

(1943-1952)

2018

GN Irving

(1962-1969)

2016

DJ Hilton

(1949-1956)

2018

AE Chow

(1950-1957)

2017

A Pike

(1941-1946)

2018

K Rimmer

(1943-1952)

2017

J Teare

(1951-1956)

2018

GA Hayes

(1936-1940)

2017

D Vink

(1957-1964)

2018

IA Martin

(1959-1967)

2017

WO Wade

(1946-1951)

2018

B Mills

(1938-1946)

2017

G Toms

(staff 1959-1963)

2018

WKK White

(1940-1949)

2017

JC Fowler

(1938-1944)

2018

W Winward

(1949-1955)

2017

Obituary: Jeremy Eyre Former pupils of Birkenhead Prep School will be sorry to hear of the recent death of Jeremy Eyre, Deputy Headmaster from his appointment in 1981 until his retirement in 1994.

Jeremy was educated at Blundell’s School in Devon and at Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Classics.

He taught at secondary schools in Liverpool and was Head of Classics at St Margaret’s School, Aigburth, before being appointed to replace Des Bower at the Prep; he and his family had already moved to live in Oxton and his two sons, Francis and Charlie, were pupils at BPS and in Seniors.

Jeremy was a committed teacher and a very caring man, as well as a devoted husband and father. He was Form Master of 6A for many years,

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was involved in the organisation of assemblies and took a keen interest in a variety of extra-curricular activities, notably the Stamp Club.

After his retirement he kept himself very busy, participating in a number of local activities: he was a stalwart member of the congregation of St Saviour’s Church, where he was for a time Churchwarden, an enthusiastic violist with the Wirral Community Orchestra and a member of the Birkenhead School Archives Team, looking after BPS documents.

At his funeral on 20 April the building, unsurprisingly, was full. Tribute was paid to his sincerity, warmth, capacity for friendship and ability to engage with people of all types and from all backgrounds. A particular take on him, quoted by Francis, seemed to sum him up perfectly: ‘He was a very easy person to like’.

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Obituary: Lord Wade of Chorlton OB, 1932-2018 Distinguished Old Birkonian William Oulton Wade died on 7 June 2018. A third-generation cheesemaker, Oulton Wade was Chairman of the Mollington Farmhouse Cheese Company and was credited with leading the revival of interest in fine British cheeses and with developing a thriving export market.

Mollington became one of the largest makers of traditional farmhouse cheese in Britain, at its height making over 6,000 gallons of milk a day into cheese.

In 1990 the Company was sold to Northern Foods.

After Birkenhead School, Oulton Wade studied at Queen’s University, Belfast; he later developed a keen interest in pig genetics, developing a pig breed with a low ratio of fat to lean.

A Conservative Councillor on Cheshire County Council from 1973-1977, he was Treasurer and Chairman of the North West Area of the Party and in April 1982 he was appointed its National Treasurer (with Alistair Mc Alpine), touring the constituencies to raise funds. In that year he was knighted and in 1990 he was created a life peer. In the Lords he served on the Science and Technology Select Committee. Among his interests in later years was as Chairman of the Historic Churches in Cheshire Trust; together with the Duchess of Kent he also raised some £25 million pounds for the Christie Hospital in Manchester. He retired from the Lords in 2016.

A fine portrait of Lord Wade hangs in the Bushell Hall. OB 1946-1951.

Chris Teggin (OB 1958-1966) has informed us of the deaths last year of Lt Cdr Jim Cox, formerly Second in Command of the CCF Contingent, and of Capt Alan Joseph, formerly SSI to the CCF. Chris himself was CCF Contingent Commander from 1997 to 2007.

Lt Cdr Jim Cox MBE RNR(Ret’d) Captain Alan Joseph BEM James Albert Cox was a Londoner, born on 5 October 1936; evacuated to Essex in 1940; and a boy entrant to the Royal Navy as soon as he was old enough, at age 15.

He was one of the many young sailors who lined the Coronation route in 1953; and in 1965 was one of those entrusted to pull the gun carriage bearing Sir Winston Churchill’s coffin to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Serving all over the world, Jim rose to the rank of Chief Gunnery Instructor before coming ashore to work with Naval reserves at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool, where he met his wife, and in the Careers Service in the North West.

His contact with Birkenhead School began as a parent, but in 1997 at the invitation of the headmaster, Stuart Haggett, he joined the CCF Contingent as Lt Cox; OC RN Section. In 2003 he became second in command of the contingent as a Lt Cdr until his retirement at age 70 in October 2006, after 55 years of service in navy blue. Jim died on 26th July 2017.

Pupils at School during the last 14 years will be sorry to hear of the recent death, after a short illness, of Captain Alan Joseph BEM, SSI to the School’s Combined Cadet Force from 2003 to 2014.

Alan Joseph was appointed to succeed Terry Rowley, having had experience at both Calday Grange and King’s, Chester Schools. He made the most of his military contacts to ensure that cadets could benefit from the provision of weekend range days and Easter short training camps, the latter in conjunction with Hulme Grammar and King’s Chester Schools. The presence of regular soldiers on such occasions was of real benefit to participating cadets. Alan Joseph worked at School on parade day as well as on two other days a week.

By nature he was a great optimist and enthusiast and a born motivator. He was positive in his approach to everything in which he was involved. He was energetic and held in high regard at School. He had a capacity for hard work and proved himself an excellent colleague. When membership of the CCF was broadened to include girls from Upton Hall School, he took trouble to ensure that they felt welcome; some parades were held and training conducted on their site. The refurbishment which he instigated on the Birkenhead School site transformed its CCF accommodation.

On leaving School in 2014 he moved to Worcester, where he continued his association with cadets by volunteering to help with Bromsgrove School CCF. He died on Sunday 4 June 2017, at home.

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Sports Ironically it was the School’s success academically which led to the Club’s demise. With many of the Old Boys going away to University and often followed by employment out of the area, the club had fewer players to call on and, as numbers dwindled, in 1976 the club merged with Birkenhead Park, the club from which it had been formed originally. Pat Redmond played a key role in this transition The original and prestigious Honours Board for OBFC is displayed over the staircase outside the School Archives Department.

The “Pat Redmond Memorial Trophy” and the “Noel Slater Tankard” Each September, the School Rugby XV plays an Old Birkonian XV at Noctorum, following which two presentations are made.

The Pat Redmond Memorial Trophy is presented to the captain of the winning team and is retained at the School for use again each year on OB day. This trophy was originally awarded to the winners of the annual Sunday Times North of England Old Boys Seven-aside Competition by the Birkenhead Brewery Company (long since taken

over). On winning it 3 years in succession OBFC retained it and, with suitable additional engraving, it has been reborn for use at the September game since 1970.

Pat Redmond was at School from 1939-1946 and became a stalwart of the Old Birkonian Football Club in the days when the club, open only to boys who had been at Birkenhead School, enjoyed a very strong fixture list against some of the top sides in the North of England. Pat was a fine player and was Club Secretary from 1964-69 OBFC was formed in 1922 usually fielding four sides and in the 1960’s could field as many as seven teams over the Christmas period when many players came back to the Wirral for the holidays.

Golf Results The Hoblyn Trophy was held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake on 29th September 2017.

The organiser reported testing conditions but a very enjoyable event which as usual concluded with a fine dinner in the evening.

THE WINNERS WERE: Hoblyn Trophy - Richard Head Hoblyn Prize (Handicap 14+) - Mike Bickerstaffe Mick Bowyer Shield (Scratch) - Jim McBurney Putting Cup - Peter Stafford The Golf Day at Heswall – on Sunday, 3rd June 2018 The weather was wonderful. The attendance disappointingly below par but the banter was up to scratch. The winners were Jon Morgan and James Smethurst each scoring 33 points.

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Noel Slater was at School from 19501957 and was Head Boy and Captain of Rugby. Following his time at Oxford where he gained a Rugby Blue, he returned to Birkenhead School to teach Physics from 1962-69 during which time he coached the 1st XV. His playing days spanned many years involving captaincies of Old Birkonian Football Club, Cheshire and The Army. He died in 2004.

The Noel Slater Tankard is presented to a player who is considered to have provided the “Moment of the Match” as judged by Headmaster and Rugby coaches and is provided each year

by OBFC, a social branch of the Old Birkonian Society.

IN FOCUS 2018

OBS v School 2017 The OLD BIRKONIAN FOOTBALL CLUB Secretary, Peter Crook, wrote of the School fixture at Noctorum in September last year –

OBs conceded a further penalty which was promptly despatched between the posts by School bringing the first half to an end with OBs leading 15-11.

The torrential showers and squally winds before noon threatened to make the match a soggy, muddy and wintery affair but the weather relented and turned into a bright sunny autumnal day in time for the 2.30pm kick off. Both teams attempted to run with the ball with varying success until, following a penalty kick to touch, OBs regained possession from the throw in and drove over in the left hand corner for the first unconverted try of the afternoon.

In the second half the OBs ran with the ball more incisively.

School responded with some fine tackling. Two more tries were scored by OBs, the first being from a fine run down the right wing which was converted and the second followed consistent pressure and determined running, which not being converted, brought the score to 27-11.

OBs conceded a penalty which was duly despatched between the posts by school to open their score. School then kicked a penalty to touch, gained possession from the line out and crossed the line for their first, unconverted, try to take the lead 8-5. Old Boys promptly replied with their second try, again unconverted, to regain the lead. Shortly after which, following a fine long run down the left wing, the OBs touched down to score their third try with the resulting conversion attempt failing again.

Overall both sides played well. It was enjoyable to watch rugby with the OB XV proving too strong for the School XV, especially in the second half.

The Headmaster paid tribute to the referee Mr Martin Roden for whom this was the last time he would be taking charge of this fixture.

The Pat Redmond Memorial Trophy was duly presented to the OB’s captain and the Moment of the Match to John McGregor for his long try scoring run.

20 20 Cricket at Lords A quintet of Old Birkonians featured at Lords Cricket Ground in September at the 2017 MCC Regional Twenty20 Finals.

The MCC North West team was captained by Simon Stokes (pictured centre), and also selected (pictured left to right) were Andrew Clarke, Ashley Davis, Warren Goodwin and Dominic Smith. Congratulations! w w w. b i r ke n h e a d s c h o o l . c o . u k

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Ye a r s P a s t 20 years ago - 1997/8 Bob Birrell (chemistry) retired after 36 years service. Phil Wittel (Geography) left after 20 years.

10 years ago - 2007/8 Prep School became fully co-educational in the summer term.

OB Flt Lt Peter Winn visited the school in a Chinook helicopter.

30 years ago - 1987/8 Mr JA Gwilliam retired after 25 years as Headmaster. Fred Wakelin was awarded the OBE. 35 years ago - 1982/3 Retirees included Arthur Green (34 years), Rev Homan (29 years) and Peggy Povall, Headmaster’s secretary, (20 years).

45 years ago - 1972/3 Three headmasters of the School: Mr JA Gwilliam (1963-1988), Mr KD Robinson (1946-63) and Mr WF Bushell (seated) (1930-1946).

40 years ago - 1977/8 Noctorum Pavilion rebuilt following a fire.

Heinz Wolff delivered a lecture to the sixth form.

50 years ago - 1967/8 New Sixth Form Block completed. Record number of entrants from the School to Oxford and Cambridge (28). School numbers 623. 27 pupils were awarded places at Oxford or Cambridge. Pygmalion was the first joint production with the High School.

55 years ago - 1962/3 Headmaster Mr KD Robinson moved to become Headmaster of his old school Bradford Grammar - travelling by punt on the Liverpool to Leeds canal with his family.

60 years ago - 1957/8 Big School numbers rose to 613. The new science block was completed and opened in 1958. The present athletics arena was completed in front of the science block.

70 years ago - 1947/8 Over 500 boys took the entrance examination for 70 available places. Mr G Leslie McAllester gave McAllester (‘Mac’) Field in memory of his brother, a former Governor of the School, who had been tragically killed in a yachting accident off Hilbre Island in 1946.

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Ye a r s P a s t 85 years ago - 1932/3 Miss Cox retired after 43 years as Headmistress of the Prep, replaced by Miss Bendall.

90 years ago - 1927/8 An Elizabethan Pageant was held in July to celebrate Birkenhead’s first 50 years as a Borough. Big School numbers now 344.

JH Rogers scored 1171 runs and took 106 wickets for the 1st XI Cricket Team.

110 years ago - 1907/8 Alterations were made to the original schoolroom, which was bisected, the upper room becoming the new School Hall (now the Prep Hall). The second annual dinner of the Old Birkonian Society was held (again) at the Exchange Hotel Liverpool. FE Smith was appointed King’s council.

80 years ago - 1937/8 The School adopted a ship: a Blue Funnel cargo ship SS Pyrrhus, following her progress and corresponding with the captain. George Smoker, a former professional cricketer with Hampshire, was appointed cricket coach and groundsman.

He once played against WG Grace! The Old Birkonian RUFC was now running six teams.

100 years ago - 1917/8 The Armistice was celebrated by an impromptu flying display over the School field by an OB, from Hooton Aerodrome.

The War Memorial Fund was started in 1917, and by the end of the year over £3,481 had been raised by Old Boys and friends. School numbers reached a record as the war ended: Big School numbers 241 and Prep 104. There were over 500 Old Boys now serving in the military, of which sadly there had been 67 deaths.

115 years ago - 1902/3 The School Gymnasium (now the Prep Gym) was erected.

120 years ago - 1897/8 F Griffin replaced Rev A Sloman as Headmaster. Work commenced on levelling the School ground.

130 years ago - 1887/8 Stained glass was installed in the east window of the Chapel to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.

140 years ago - 1877/8 Number of pupils increased to 154, enabling building developments including the Dining Hall and Boarding House for 40 boys. The Secretary (Bursar) Mr Kinacome absconded abroad with all the School’s available cash, necessitating the sale of farmland on the north side and the issue of more debentures, raised School fees, and lower salary offers.

150 years ago - 1867/8 The School relocated following an epidemic: to Park Road South (Headmasters and boarders to 14 Forest Road).

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Birkenhead School, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Wirral, CH43 2JD Tel: 0151 652 4014 Fax: 0151 651 3091 Email: enquire@birkenheadschool.co.uk

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