Highlights Magazine Winter 2011

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MEDIA ARTS COLLEGE WINTER 2011

INSIDE...

LIVERPOOL FC EDUCATION CENTRE SEE PAGE 3

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL SEE PAGE 7

JUSTIN WHITE

SPORTS STAR OF THE FUTURE?

ALL U O Y G N I H WIS

ANTHONY WALKER DIVERSITY DAY PAGE 11

ENGLAND SCHOOL ATHLETICS SEE PAGE 14

Y P P A H A VERY S A M T S CHRI LL HIGH I L H L N I A R M O FR

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RECORD GCSE EXAM

Head Talk...

John Pout Headteacher

Dear Reader Welcome to the Christmas 2011 edition of the Highlights Magazine.

I am delighted that this has become a regular feature of life at Rainhill, and that so many students appear in each edition of the magazine. The quality of the copy, photographs and production of this magazine is down to Mr Foley and his team of journalists. Well done.

2011 has been a fantastic year for the school, with the following significant mile stones; 1. Record exam results that put us top of the league tables 2. The partnership with Liverpool Football Club 3. The Sixth Form being declared full and oversubscribed 4. The launch of the Science Academy in the Sixth Form.

5. The launch of our new House System 6. The Anthony Walker Day with the opening of the Mike Doyle Arts Centre In particular, underneath the statistics on exam results are lots of individual students working hard and getting excellent results.

The curriculum, the support of parents and brilliant teachers are all key ingredients, but it is the students who are at the centre of everything we do and they need all our congratulations for doing so well.

A brilliant year – well done to everyone on the team who made it possible.

The challenge now is to carry on being the best. All success has to be earned through lots of hard work.

Enjoy this magazine – I hope it reflects a successful school where students work hard, have lots of opportunities to do great things, and have fun.

Happy Christmas, Yours,

John Pout Headteacher

RAINHILL HIGH SCHOOL’S GCSE RESULTS IMPROVED AGAIN FOR THE 6th YEAR IN THE LAST 7 Rainhill High School’s GCSE results improved again in 2011, for the 6th year in the last 7.

The results were as follows: 79% gained 5 or more A*-C grades including English and Mathematics.

97% gained 5 or more A*-C grades.

100% gained 5 or more A*-G grades.

27% of all grades were A or A* - 330 more than the previous year.

Results have been improving progressively since 2004 as can be seen in the table below,

With 27% of all grades were A or A*, 30 students achieved an A or A* grade in every subject.

Congratulations Go to the following students: Laura Archer (10 A/A*s), Melissa McNamara (11 A/A*s), Sophie Thompson (15 A/A*s),James Ryder (10 A/A*s),Faye Duffy (16 A/A*s), Meghan Matthews (13 A/A*s),Andrew Clarke (12 A/A*s),Andrew Bannister (11 A/A*s),Nathan Pearn (13 A/A*s) Mr Pout said, “These results were brilliant, I was delighted. It was great to see so many Rainhill students getting such high grades. This will improve their life chances and has allowed them to go into Rainhill Sixth Form Centre and beyond with excellent results.

I was very proud of all of our students; they worked very hard and deserved these grades.

The school is flying at the moment. We have excellent teachers, a good curriculum, a family friendly atmosphere, supportive parents and very high standards – it is potent mixture.”

Why are Rainhill High School’s exam results so good?

What are the ingredients for this, John Pout Headteacher gives his opinion?

ALEX GRAHAM LAURA, MELISSA, SOPHIE AND JAMES

There is no magic single ingredient; it is about a lot of people pulling in the same direction. I would include the following as reasons why Rainhill is doing so well.

Students who: l attend every day l work hard in lessons l do their homework on time and to the highest standard l approach exams well by revising thoroughly l enjoy school A Curriculum that: l stretches every pupil l allows all students opportunity to

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M RESULTS IN 2011!

RECORD A LEVEL RESULTS in 2011!

‘A’ level results improved again in 2011 ANDREW McNALLY

M

In 2010, Rainhill Sixth Form Centre had the best value added results in the town – beating ALL other post 16 providers.

The 2011 results were as good again, with a large percentage of students getting the new A* grade.

At A level, 40% of students achieved A*-B grades, with 99% achieving A*-E. In the BTEC Dance diploma 12 out of the 15 students achieved a Distinction which is worth 3 A levels at grade A*.

Four students in particular achieved grades that has allowed them to go onto exciting futures l Alex Graham is now at Oxford University reading Law. He got an A* in Government & Politics, As in Chemistry and Economics and a B in Maths. l Andrew McNally is now studying Medicine at Liverpool University.

He got an A* in Biology and As in Chemistry and Geography.

SA,

The Liverpool Football Club Education Centre

As most people are now aware the school has established a formal partnership with Liverpool FC. We are now the official providers of educational services to the club.

This term, 9 of their players started at the school.

In September 2011, we were greatly honored to have Liverpool’s Manager, Kenny Dalglish, come to the school to officially open the newly built LFC Education Centre.

Unfortunately he was only able to stay for 20 minutes but it did give him chance to meet Governors, Rainhill Academy Players, Elite Athletes and Prefects.

Rainhill High provides the players with the support needed to do well in their GCSE’s as well as focusing on their extensive footballing commitments.

I was delighted to launch this partnership. It goes without saying that the prestige of Liverpool FC makes it a great honour for us to provide this service to the club.

Coupled with the high quality of education provided by Rainhill, makes this a very high quality partnership.

Our students have made the LFC Academy Players very welcome, and

l Megan Attwood is now at Liverpool University reading Applied Psychology. She got As in Biology, English Literature and Psychology. l Scott Sutcliffe is now a student at the London Arts Educational School studying for a degree in Musical Theatre. He got As in Fine Art and Theatre Studies and a Distinction (worth 3 A*s) in Dance.

Mr Pout said; “These results were, yet again, excellent. The students did very well indeed. They worked hard and had lots of support from their parents.

The quality of their teaching was also excellent. I am very proud of all of our students and their success. The Sixth Form at Rainhill is full and oversubscribed, and achieving excellent results.”

specialise in what they enjoy and are good at Parents who: l ensure their child comes to school every day l ensure their child comes to school prepared to work hard l ensure their child is well organised l provide a space at home to work – unhindered by Facebook, MSN and other distractions l communicate quickly to teachers if there is a problem Teachers who: l teach well l make learning fun l know their subject really well

l work the students hard l want every student to do well l go the ‘extra mile’ for their students A school that: l is friendly and welcoming to all students l is a well organised work place l provides the best facilities for learning l that expects the best from everyone l listens to parents, students and staff l has traditional values and an innovative curriculum

SCOTT SUTCLIFFE

MEGAN ATTWOOD

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Congratulations to the following former Rainhill High students who graduated from Edge Hill University this year with first and upper second class degrees:

The NEW RAINHILL SCIENCE ACA In September 2011, we launched the Science Academy at Rainhill Sixth Form Centre to build upon the success of the Arts Academy. Read all about the new opportunities on offer for young scientists ...

On the 29th September, 8 Level 3 BTEC applied science students took part in a visit to the brand new Clatterbridge Cancer treatment centre at Aintree hospital in Fazakerley.

On arrival, the students were met with a team of physicists and a radiographer. The team made a really special effort to explain how the patients with cancer are cared for from the first diagnosis being made. Our students were then taken through to where treatment takes place and one of our Elizabeth Knott John Morris students demonstrated how the radiography machines were used and had a go at lying Kate Finney, a 2:1 in BSc(Hons) in Creative Art, Design and on one of the beds whilst the lasers were adjusted on his body. The staff were keen to Technology Education with Qualified Teacher Status. answer all of the questions our students David Hill, a first in BA (hons) English. had and it was a really positive experience Elizabeth Knott, a 2:1 in BA (Hons) in Religious Education that I am sure brought the whole subject of medical physics to life! with Qualified Teacher Status.

John Morris, a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Media, Film and Television. Mrs Barker. Vocational science Coordinator.

Well done and we wish you the best of luck for the future.

Kate Finney

David Hill Well done to sixth form students, Laura Archer, Andrew Clark, Adam Pearson, Sally Mannion, Robert Sharpe, Michael Schenck, Meghan Matthews and Matthew Grove who have signed up to take part in the 2013 True Adventure expedition to India. True Adventure provides students with an invaluable two year development programme culminating in the experience of a

lifetime in India. The students are busy organising fund raising events and being creative in order to raise the target sum of money required to fund the expedition.

Watch out for any India Expedition fundraising events and please support the students. For more information about Exploration and Gap year opportunities for sixth formers, see Mr Chadwick.

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Lessons From Auschwitz Programme

CADEMY

For the third year running the Sixth Form has been successful in having two students accepted to take part in the National Lessons from Auschwitz Project. On November 3rd, Emma Davies and Lauren Atherton from Yr 13 spent all day at Auschwitz Birkenau in Poland. Here they give their reflections of the day

Emma:

A level English trip to London

By Jessica Torrie. Year 13.

The English A Level students visited London last July. Whilst there we visited many different places not just for fun, but also for an insight into some of the things we are studying at the moment within our English A level such as Dr Samuel Johnson’s home.

Dr Johnson was a man who created one of the first dictionaries in the English Language. Looking around his house was really interesting and gave us a great insight into his life and what inspired him to write the dictionary. Whist there we were able to take a tour of his home and look into some of his work. Doing this, I learned a lot about Dr Johnson and how he lived.

We also had a backstage tour of the BBC studios, which I found amazing. We were able to see the studios where programmes are filmed and we were also able to try some things for ourselves such as playing a game show in the style of “The Weakest Link” and being on the screen doing the weather forecasts.

Unfortunately, we arrived a couple of minutes after Jedward had left the building! As well as this we also went to watch the incredible play “The Phantom of the Opera”. Over all I found the trip both fun and educational.

One aim of the Project is to re-humanise the victims of the holocaust. I found that the most poignant part of the visit for me was one particular picture in Auschwitz Birkenau that looked like a picture my Gran has of herself at home. This was upsetting for me but made it easier to try and relate to the victims because it made me feel as though what had happened to the prisoners could have easily happened to me, or someone from my family.

Lauren: I think it is extremely important that schemes like the Holocaust Educational trust exist to educate the younger generation in order that they can then educate others on such an atrocity. I believe I could now do this after participating in the seminars and visiting Auschwitz itself.

What shocked me the most was that someone had so much power they could cause such devastation. I want to study Politics and Sociology at university and this is something that I think we all really need to understand in order to prevent anything like this ever happening again.

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY

Last term several students from the AS Physics course visited the laboratories of Professor Lin Li at the University of Manchester. Professor Li leads a world renowned team of scientists in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at the university. The sixth form students were given a full tour of the facilities by a member of Professor

Li’s team and learnt about some of the on-going research including hybrid manufacturing (laser-EDM machining, laser/mechanical machining, laser/arc welding) and modelling of laser interactions with materials and effects.

The visit was held as part of the Science Academy programme of events.

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We are now into the second year of the Arts Academy at Rainhill High and it has been another busy term with Academy students taking part in exciting Arts experiences and working with professional artists.

SUMMER AR

In Drama, we hosted a visit from Liverpool- based theatre company,”20 Stories High “with a performance of their latest play, "Blackberry Troutface" and a workshop for the BTEC Diploma students in Year 12. Media Studies students have been involved in a collaborative project with St Helens Council for the “Illumifest”, a light installation animation show and the Christmas Lights Switch on. The students worked on creating a realtime light installation of images and music which was designed to reach an audience of approximately 10,000 on 19th November in St Helens Church Square. The students developed new skills in the use of infinity cove, digital streaming and ambient music creation as well as the opportunity of paid work at the event itself. We look forward to next term when we will be hosting a Music Business Masterclass with a Record label executive.

The future looks bright... for Tom Allen in 9A who worked on the popular BBC soap, “Waterloo Road” last summer. Tom wants to pursue a career in Drama and Television and is making a great start by being signed to the EKA Agency in Warrington. Over two days, Tom filmed four scenes on the “Waterloo Road” set- a converted school in Rochdale. One scene featuring Tom involved Vicky and Ronan discussing their exams! Tom said, “ I really enjoyed working on “Waterloo Road, I learned a lot about how a television programme is made and how many takes the actors have to do to get it right. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Drama.”

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ARTS FESTIVAL

WELL DONE NAOMI

Summer Arts Festival 2011 The Summer Media Arts Festival in July was the biggest yet, with more visiting artists, performances and pupils involved than ever before. Over a two week period, Rainhill Arts College hosted workshops and residencies from the following artists and Arts organisations: u Active Drama Theatre Company u All Sorts Arts Ltd u Liverpool band, Harlequin u UCrew u Photographic artist, Emma Winder u The St Helens Music service u Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) u Fiendish Film Productions Ltd u Sense of Sound u Fine artist, David Ogle u Local artist, Patricia Greaves.

Thank you and well done to all the pupils who took part in the workshops.

Super Lamb Banana Competition 2011 The Super Lamb Banana was the original work of Japanese-based artist Taro Chiezo.

The unusual artwork was created to warn of the dangers of genetically modified food, whilst being appropriate to the city of Liverpool due to the port's rich history in the trade of lambs and the import of bananas.

This year would be the final year of the Super Lamb Banana competition. The theme for this year’s competition was ‘London 2012 Olympics’! Pupils were asked to come up with a design that represents all the different sporting events that would take place next year!

This year’s winner was Naomi Cook from 8E. Her design covered the Super Lamb Banana with all the different flags from the countries taking part in next year’s games!

Well Done Naomi!

In the Photography workshop with local artist, Emma Winder, pupils from Years 7-9, used the theme of wisdom to develop a postcard containing advice to others. Phrases and sayings were collected and many of these original pieces of advice were amazing and thought provoking. These phrases and sayings were then made into postcards of wisdom.

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Memories of the 2011 Prom On June the 23rd 2011, Haydock Race Course provided the venue for our annual Year 11 Prom. A total of 205 pupils and 27 staff attended including all the form tutors, senior staff and many others who wanted to help the pupils to celebrate. The evening had been the subject of planning and discussion for months. At last it arrived, the tans had been sprayed, the hair had been coiffured, the shirts and suits were pressed, the nails manicured and the makeup applied.

There was a fantastic atmosphere at school, so many ex pupils, current pupils, parents, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents had turned up to wave the pupils off, and what of them? Where had the children gone? Who were these elegant and sophisticated young ladies and gentlemen in front of me?

The girls looked absolutely stunning in a host of wonderful dresses while the boys were not to be outdone in their suits.

Every single pupil made a really wonderful effort on the night, everyone was in high spirits and they certainly looked gorgeous.

After the meal the pupils (and many staff) danced and sang their way through until midnight. The Prom provided one last chance to spend time together as a whole year group and served as a fine example of what a wonderful year group they had been. The DJ was amazed by their enthusiasm to get involved and told me that he had never seen a prom before where every single person had stood and participated in the “Hokey Cokey�.

However, it did not seem long before the coaches returned to whisk them all away and there were a few tears at the end when everyone said goodbye. It was a wonderful evening from start to finish and all of our Year 11 pupils were an absolute credit to themselves and to Rainhill High.

Mrs Booth

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HOUSE NEWS

Miss Burrows Why did you want to be a Head of House?

I really wanted to be Head of House because I enjoy getting involved in school activities and thought my competitiveness would suit the role!

What has been the highlight for you so far?

The highlight for me so far has been seeing everyone get involved and obviously all the Perserverance wins!

How would you like to see the House System develop in the future?

I would really like to see the House System be something that encourages everyone to get involved and work hard to make their house the best.

Miss Reaney, Head of Stephenson House Why did you want to be a Head of House?

I wanted to become a Head of House because I enjoy taking part in others things around the school as well as teaching. I love that fact that I now get to see students excel in others areas other than my subject; such as sports or the arts.

What has been the highlight for you so far?

The highlight for me so far was running the cross country. Even though I came last! The team spirit was great, even form others houses and I switch places with the students and they ended up encouraging me.

This to me sums up why we have put a house system in place.

How would you like to see the House System develop in the future?

I would like to see more events across all areas of the school, at the moment we have a lot of sports and arts events. I think as the system develops we can begin to incorporate the sense of house competition in all subject areas. I would also like to see more students support the house at events, this has already begun to develop through football finals, the atmosphere was great and I look forward to this developing further.

Miss Prior Why did you want to be a Head of House?

As an ambitious individual I wanted a new challenge; I enjoy working on projects with pupils outside of school time and I wanted to continue with this. I am used to interacting with pupils who are strongly involved with the Performing Arts and because of this I wanted to build relationships with those who had talents in other areas. I felt a Head of House role was the perfect opportunity to do this.

What has been the highlight for you so far?

There are far too many to choose from: Sans Pareil along with the other Houses have very talented pupils who achieve in all areas of the curriculum. However one moment stands out in my mind: the fantastic support we had for our Year 10 Boys football final; three sides of the pitch were full with pupils showing their support. A true testament to the great pupils we have at Rainhill.

How would you like to see the House System develop in the future?

At present, inter house competitions focus a lot on our fantastic achievements in the Performing Arts and sports. I would like to establish competitions for other pupils who are very talented but not necessarily in these areas.

For the first time in the school's history, we have introduced a House System to run alongside our already successful Year System of pastoral care. The main focus of the House System is for pupils to have a greater opportunity to participate in healthy competition with the school, be it in sport or media arts and also to increase the sense of community within the school. In addition, it has already enabled students to pursue leadership responsibilities as House or Sports Captains.

It has been an exciting time so far with football taking place as the first competition. The extremely wet weather did nothing to deter the competitors and staff as Perseverance won the competition for Years 7, 10 and 11, with Rocket triumphing in Year 9 and Stephenson in Year 8.

The cross-country followed in predictably boggy conditions with Perseverance continuing to dominate the sporting events and emerging as the overall winners. There were also some notable performances from staff as Miss.Caton and Mr.Marlowe won their respective races.

In this edition of “Highlights,” I interviewed the new heads of House about their thoughts on the House system. (See left).

Mr lamb

RAINHILL HIGH WELCOMES BILLY BUTLER

Mr Cornish, Head of Rocket House Why did you want to be a Head of House?

To increase the number of opportunities for students to compete and excel in what they are gifted or talented in; and perhaps discover talents they didn't realise they had.

What has been the highlight for you so far?

Watching the Rocket Yr 9 football team winning against all the odds.

How would you like to see the House System develop in the future?

I would like to see more varied kinds of inter-house competition, such as, poetry, art, maths and ICT based competitions.

In November, BBC Radio Merseyside presenter, Billy Butler and his producer, Steve Coleman visited Rainhill High as a judge in the inter- house Rainhill X-Factor Competition.

As “Highlights” magazine went to press, Billy said, “I’m looking forward to visiting Rainhill High and spotting some new talent!”

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r Day” al “Anthony Walke nu an nd co se r ou . The ll High School held Walker Foundation y on th In October, Rainhi An e th r, on ne our charity part ony in 2005 in Huyt th An of r de ur to raise funds for m e th cism and t up in response to ise awareness of ra ra d an Foundation was se e im Cr te ort victims of Ha ant as it is an and works to supp r Day is also import ke al W y on th An e y. discrimination. Th Celebrate Diversit to ol ho sc in t g en ery stud ut the day, includin ho ug ro opportunity for ev th ts en ud st r et, Levi fferent activities fo hich renowned Po w in 11 There were many di 7s ar Ye versity and for everyone in ts on Racism and Di gh ou a special assembly th d an s ce t his experien Tafari, talked abou of his poems. performed several

Letters to Anthony In the run- up to the Anthony Walker Day, students were asked to write a letter to Anthony in which they could express their thoughts and feelings about his story. An overall winner was selected and presented with a prize by Leona Vaughn, the Chief Executive of the Anthony Walker Foundation.

Congratulations to Amy -Leigh Shaw in 11E. Dear Anthony, When the competition to write a letter to you about the future was first opened, I felt that it was slightly insensitive. Why talk about a world without you? That you could never live in? But then I realised that the point of the competition was to make us realise how lucky we are to have the gift of the future.

To be stood, where you were, on the brink of a whole new world, without the barriers of childhood. Most of us never appreciate the gift, we take it for granted.

Most of us feel safe where we are. Some of us worry about the future. Some wish it wouldn’t come. None of us think of it as anything special. The odd thing is though, when I think of you, I don’t think of your future being stolen from you- I think of you being stolen from us. I wonder who we would have today? Would I have known you?

Would you have married your girlfriend and lived happily ever after? Your life is like a book with the pages torn out through the selfishness of a reader that didn’t like your cover. That didn’t see the beauty of your crisp pages, or the curled calligraphy of your title. Because of them, hundreds of people will read your story. Every one of them will wish there was a proper, happy ending. I take comfort in the fact that, in every big religion, it says that you will be happy. From heaven to reincarnation, that’s all I can truly give to you. I hope that you are happy. You don’t know me, Anthony Walker, but I know your story well. Amy.

Poet, Levi Tafari

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Opening the Mike Doyle Arts Centre

On the evening of the Anthony Walker Day, we also officially opened the new “Mike Doyle Arts Centre.” Known as D Block, the former City Learning Centre has been transformed into a Media and performing Arts Centre equipped with Dance/ Drama Studios and Media and ICT suites. Lessons have been running in the Centre since September and D Block is already a vibrant and popular place for students to work in at lunchtime and after school. The centre has been named after Councillor Mike Doyle who was the Chair of Governors of Rainhill High School form the day the school opened in 1981 until his death in 2008. It was Mike Doyle who worked on the design of the school and the site, insisting on features which make the site so pleasant to this day, including the sandstone walls, mature trees and pitched roofs.

The Centre was officially opened by Julia Doyle in the presence of the Lord Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Glover, the Chairperson of Rainhill Parish Council and Councillor Marie Rimmer, the leader of St Helens Council. At the Opening, there were numerous Arts activities for the Guests to participate in, for example, the creation of a large scale Art piece for the building and the creation of a short film on the subject of Diversity. Refreshments were prepared by the Technology faculty and were an excellent array of Foods from different cultures, impeccably served to the guests by the GCSE Hospitality and Catering Group.

Following the Official Opening, the guests moved outside to watch our Guest of Honour, Anthony’s mother, Gee release balloons in memory of her son. Written on a tag attached to each balloon were personal messages from students and guests about their thoughts about Diversity. The evening ended with a performance event in the Arts Theatre in which the audience was entertained by a varied programme of performing Arts pieces by students and local arts groups. The evening closed with a short speech by Gee Walker in which she thanked the whole Rainhill High school community for not forgetting her son or the lessons to be learned from his death. Gee returned to Rainhill High a week later to receive a cheque for over £1500 from funds raised on the day for the Anthony Walker Foundation from Rainhill High students. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in making the Anthony Walker Day 2011 a day to remember.

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H

CLAIRE NAVIN Subject: Dance Hobbies: Dancing, Watching films, Shopping Favourite T.V programme: “Something for the Weekend.”

Favourite Food: Pasta Mars Favourite Music: Anything by Bruno Childhood hero: My mum a teacher?

What (or whom) inspired you to become An old teacher of mine! ol?

What was your favourite subject at scho Drama What do you enjoy about teaching?

Each day has a new challenge.

High Why did you choose to work at Rainhill School?

High and I did a University Placement at Rainhill . ents stud and staff ol, scho just loved the Are you enjoying it so far? y well.

Yes it is amazing, I have settled in reall

MISS MILLER Subject: English.

Hobbies: Dancing and eating lovely food.

Favourite T.V programme: Tough one – “Dexter I think ”, followed closely by “Waterloo Road.”

Favourite Food: Thai. all kinds of Favourite Music: I’m pretty open to s. land music. I love Kelly Row by, because Childhood hero: My older brother Bob s. load me ht he’s really cool and taug me a teacher?

What (or whom) inspired you to beco fab.

My English school teacher – she was ol? scho at What was your favourite subject Performing Arts.

What do you enjoy about teaching? ments that The children and the often crazy com . with out e com they High Why did you choose to work at Rainhill School? that really Because it’s an outstanding school . child le sing y ever cares about Are you enjoying it so far?

Loving it!!

DEBBIE MATTHEWS

ANTHONY BENNETT

Subject: Mathematics Hobbies: Singing in a choir, reading and spending time with my children Favourite T.V programme: “Strictly Come Dancing.”

Favourite Food: Choco late Favourite Music: Vario us including Evanescen ce, Sara Bareilles and Ke lly Clarkson Childhood hero: Not su re that I had one.

What (or whom) inspired you to become a teache r?

I got the opportunity to teach as part of my job when I first graduated from university. I enjoy ed it so decided to go back to university to train to be a teacher.

Subject: Photography / Art Hobbies: Boxing – Building Cars – Design Favourite T.V programme: Top Gear Favourite Food: MEAT Favourite Music: Electric Soul / anything by the Unabombers Childhood hero: Grandad (and still is now) What (or whom) inspired you to become a teach er?

My college tutor who was brilliantly knowledgeable and inspiring, always dedicated and passionate about his job.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Graphics and German What do you enjoy about teaching?

The only reason people don’t go far in life is because they are not told early on, that it is possible to do so. Teaching gives me the chanc e to spread this message.

Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School? Because of the good reputation of the school.

Are you enjoying it so far?

Yes!

INSON B O R H T A K

What was your favourite subject at school?

Maths and PE What do you enjoy abo ut teaching?

Seeing students learn and make progress Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?

There were lots of rea sons but mainly becaus e it was the right place at the right time for me.

Are you enjoying it so far ?

I am. Every day brings different challenges an d reasons to smile.

AND SAYS GOODBYE TO...

Subject: D&T (Food) Hobbies: Scouts, camping & caravanning Favourite T.V I programme: “Have u.”

Yo for got News Favourite Food: Chocolate een Favourite Music: Qu s Blue Peter presenter Childhood heroes: a teacher? pired you to become What (or whom) ins – 70 Scouts on a camp Whilst catering for rs at the ge na tee & handle food discovered I could same time. ol? rite subject at scho What was your favou Geography about teaching?

What do you enjoy each day is not knowing what The excitement of . going to throw at me High to work at Rainhill Why did you choose School? od facilities.

Good school with go so far?

Are you enjoying it Yes!

Mr NEALE Mr Neale retires in February 2012, we asked him to reflect upon his time at Rainhill High.

How long have you worked at Rainhill High School?

From September 1986 until February 2012.

What have you enjoyed most about working at Rainhill High?

Meeting my wife Maggie who used to be a Deputy Head here. She is now a Headteacher in Warrington. Also working in a Departme nt which is very relaxed and which produces excellent results repeatedly.

What will you miss?

The staff room banter amongst the sad old grumpy men as well as the keen and inqui sitive students who have a thirst for knowledge .

What do you plan to do next?

Drive coaches full time for Eavesway Trave l

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Hayley Leadbetter

Hi highlights gallery Stephen Williams

In this edition, we celebrate some of the outstanding Fine Art and Graphics work produced by Rainhill High students.

The work featured here is just a sample taken from the very successful annual Art exhibition at the Godfrey Pilkington Gallery at the end of last term. Congratulations to all the students involved. Check out the work of our Art Department technician, Stephen Williams, at www.StephenWilliamsIllustration.carbonmade.com.

Originally from Widnes, Stephen Williams' style of Illustration has developed from an early age. Since school he has developed his skills throughout college and university taking inspiration from anything and everything that surrounds him. His style of illustration is individualized by his attention to detail and dedication to each piece of work produced. Working mostly with graphite, Stephen has managed to master the different grades of pencils, graphite sticks and charcoal. This has given his work the "Wow Factor" he aims to achieve with each individual piece.

“BUMP ART FOR COMIC RELIEF”

Hannah Peters Recently, I was part of a UK-wide team of artists who joined forces with pregnant ladies and raised over £8000 for Comic Relief by painting bumps! ‘Bump Art for Comic Relief’ was organised by colleague Sam Gray who has produced a 2012 calendar featuring many of the painted bumps. Here are a couple of bumps that I painted. Bump or Gestational Art, as it is sometimes called, is a very personal experience for mums-to-be offering them a unique memory of a very special time.

Mrs Martin

Scott Sutcliffe James Bentley

Molly Kilshaw

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ENGLAND SCHOOL ATHLET

Congratulations to Justin White, Michael Causer and Liane Bibby who all competed in the England School Athletics Championships at Newcastle University last July.

“Highlights” asked Justin how it went. Justin said that last year he was relatively inexperienced at Championship level competition. Justin successfully got through to the Semi finals and ran a personal best of 23.17 seconds. Justin was disappointed that he lost out on competing in the final by 200th of a second. Justin was in 9th place overall. However, Justin wasn’t disappointed for long and soon after that finished 2nd in the Northern England Championships in the 100metres. Justin said, “I’m looking forward to next season and will be running the 100, 200 and 400 metres in the English Schools Athletics Championships and in the Young Athletes League.” Justin has also recently been signed as a young player with Blackburn Rovers Football Club. We wish him every success for the forthcoming season.

MICHAEL CAUSER

JUSTIN WHITE

BTEC LEVEL 3 SPORT It has been an excellent term for the BTEC PE group. As part of the Level 3 BTEC PE Course, the students studied a Unit called Assessing Risk in Sport. During the unit all of the students passed the Level 1 health and Safety course led by Mike Morgan from St Helens Chamber of Commerce. This will now put them at an advantage in the job market as future employers would have to pay to put their employees through this training. The level 3 BTEC group also independently organised and delivered the Interhouse Football and Cross Country Events. This provided them with evidence for Unit 23: Organising Sport Events. The entire group achieved a Merit as they were solely responsible for the planning and delivery of both events. Similarly, the whole group also passed the Level 2 Leadership Qualification in Sport, which involved leading 10 hours of sports sessions both in and out of school.

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ETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS LIANNE BIBBY

REPRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY

Congratulations to some of our Liverpool academy students who have been selected to represent their country!

Jerome Sinclair and Niall Heaton were selected to play in the England Under 16s squad for the Sky Sports Victory Shield match against Scotland in November. In this match, they played against Ryan Fulton, who was in goal for Scotland.

Lloyd Jones has also had international experience as he has been playing for Wales in the European qualifiers.

Rebecca Lewis and Imogen Eales

Young Sporting Ambassadors RYAN FULTON

INTER HOUSE GIRLS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Rebecca Lewis in Year 13 and Imogen Eales in Year 10 have been selected to become Young Sporting Ambassadors.

They attended a conference at Lancashire County Cricket Ground in November where they participated in a number of workshops to help them develop the skills needed for the job. Their task will be to support the formation of a School Sports Council and to provide support for other Young Ambassadors and primary schools in St Helens.

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