RHS Highlights Winter 2010

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MEDIA ARTS COLLEGE WINTER 2010

INSIDE...

LAUREN LYNCH Proudly displays her DIANA AWARD

LTS RECORD EXAM RESU SEE PAGE 3

RAINHILL INTERNATIONAL SEE PAGE 7

CHECKOUT THE WEBSITE PAGE 9

REMEMBER THEM SEE PAGE 11

Y R R E M 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 EXA Head Talk...

John Pout Headteacher

OUTSTANDING GCSE RESULTS Last year, Year 11 achieved the best GCSE results in the history of Rainhill High School. Results at GCSE level have been improving each year. In 2004, 50% of Year 11 students were awarded five or more GCSEs at grade C or above and 41% achieved this including English and Maths.

In 2010, 88% gained five or more GCSEs at grade C or above and 68% achieved this including English and Maths.

Well done to the students, their teachers and their parents and families.

A great achievement for the whole year group.

Dear Reader Welcome to the Christmas 2010 edition of the Highlights magazine.

This reflects a vibrant school with talented students who are doing great things.

My starting point has to be this summer’s exam results. Well done to all of last year’s 11, 12 and 13 for the best set of results the school has ever seen. Exam results days are always stressful and tearful days. This August there were so many tears of joy it was a privilege to be there. To see so many Rainhill students get the grades they needed was heart-warming.

This edition also highlights the schools partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation. The recent Anthony Walker diversity day was excellent. The evening, attended by Gee Walker, Anthony’s mum, was superb. With lots of sporting and arts success celebrated in this magazine, it is certainly true that our students are busy achieving remarkable things.

With more than 640 people chasing 240 places in Year 7 and the Sixth Form fullRainhill has never been so popular.

Happy reading,

There were also some fantastic individual performances:

CHLOE BISHOP

DAVID LLOYD

David Lloyd achieved 15 GCSE passes, all at Grades A or A*.

Rachel Boyle gained 13 GCSEs, all at grades A or A*.

The following students passed 10 or more GCSEs at Grades A* or A: Shannah Cunningham, Melissa Horner, Beth Morgan, Kathryn Lynch, Lauren Atherton, Chloe Bishop, Emma Larne, Elliot Platt, Rebecca Williams and Jamie White.

KATHRYN LYNCH

ELLIOT PLATT EMMA LARNE MELISSA HORNER

BETH MORGAN JAMIE WHITE

John Pout Headteacher

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AM RESULTS! A LEVEL SUCCESS 2010 was also a record year for AS and A2 results at Rainhill High with some excellent individual achievements

LOYD

Graeme Anderson has just started a Law degree at Liverpool University after gaining an A* in both A level Law and Politics and a Grade A in English Language. Anna Navis has been awarded three grades As in Chemistry, ICT and Maths and is at Manchester University studying Pharmacy.

Congratulations also go to Nathan Dean who passed English Language, English Literature and Sociology at Grade A and to Adam Gulliver who achieved the same in English Language, Politics and History. Finally, Andrew Keogh, who is currently studying Geography in Exeter, achieved an A* in Sociology, a grade A in Geography, a grade B in Law and a grade C in History. Well done to them and we wish them all the best for their studies at university.

The current Year 13 broke all records with their AS results.

The following students did particularly well: Sarah Clarke with 4 grade As and a B, Andrew McNally who gained all Grade As in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Maths, Alex Graham, Alice Tong and Thomas Malone, who achieved a combination of Grade A and B in all of their subjects.

With results like this in Year 12, the future looks bright for another great set of A2 results in August 2011!

ER LAUREN ATHERTON

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Introducing a new member of the Sixth Form Team

The Arts Academy at Rainhill Hi

Paul Chadwick Job title: KS5 Progress mentor Hobbies: Listening to and performing music Favourite T.V programme: The Apprentice / Celebrity Juice Favourite Food: Pasta & pesto Favourite Music: The Smiths Childhood hero: Johnny Marr What (or whom) inspired you to work in a Sixth form centre?

I wanted to work in education because of the teachers from my past who set time aside to speak to me and look after my wellbeing.

What was your favourite subject at school? PE closely followed by Technical Drawing What do you enjoy about working in the Sixth form centre?

Being able to share experiences with people and knowing that a small piece of advice really can have a positive effect on someone’s thought process and wellbeing.

Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School? The Sixth Form was introduced to me by a current member of staff. The personal approach to teaching and learning really appealed to me and I felt that I could make a worthwhile contribution.

Are you enjoying it so far? Thoroughly. I wanted a new challenge and I’ve certainly got that!

“I’m in a band and recently performed at the O2 arena in Liverpool. I’m studying the AS Music Technology course and this term I performed my own compositions to a larger audience at Open Evening. This helps me to try out different songs and see how audiences react to them. “ Holly Year 13 “ I have worked with LIPA and recently spent my half term holiday on a course there preparing me to apply for Dance courses at University. I’m going to apply to the Mountview Theatre School in London and the partnership with LIPA will help my application because I now know what they are looking for.”

Scott year 13

The Arts Academy at Rainhill High has been busy since the official launch in September with students working on a promotional film and a whole range of opportunities within the Arts Entitlement. The Arts Academy recently represented Rainhill High in the Heats stage of the St Helens Cultural Awards. The Arts Academy provides opportunities for pupils to create their own work in the Arts and to work with professional artists, particularly through our Trust partners, LIPA and St Helens College.

Read on about what a few Arts Academy members have been doing this term so far:

What’s happening in the Sixth Form?

In 2010, our Sixth form student’s achieved their best ever ‘A’ Level and BTEC results, along with their best ever ‘AS’ results. OFSTED concluded in February 2010, that “this is a good Sixth Form where attainment, learning and progress are rising.” Last month, we held a very successful Open Day for all students in Year 11 and a Sixth Form Open evening which began with a brief introduction from Mr. Cunningham (Sixth Form Director) in the Arts Theatre. This was followed by an opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit the Sixth Form facilities and to meet the specialist teaching staff to find out about the courses being offered for September 2011 entry.

The evening was very well attended with a record number of external students visiting Rainhill High for the first time.

In September, we saw the highest ever student enrolment and our external applicants have also doubled too. By combining excellent academic success alongside personal care and support we strive to provide a happy, self-motivating, creative and challenging environment for all of our sixth form students to be a part of and be successful in.

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High Sixth Form Centre WORLD CHALLENGE Expedition 2011

By David Bridge World Challenge is not only a once in a life time experience, but a life changing experience too. At the beginning of summer 2011, a group of 12 students and 3 teachers will be departing from our lives of luxury in England and heading out to Kenya.

When we arrive in Kenya, we will complete a number of acclimatisation treks to help us get used to the weather and the climate. We will then be travelling through Kenya and into Uganda. In Uganda, we will be completing our project phase. In this project phase, we will take part in a range of activities. These range from helping to construct and decorate buildings to teaching local children.

Whilst away we will be sleeping in tents and carrying our kit with us everywhere we go. This makes fitness very important. As a group, we have started running and trying to keep in shape. To do all of this, however, each student must raise £3,245. This is a very large sum of money and we hope to raise most of it through fund raising activities around school. Look out for them and please support us if you can.

“This term, I am helping to direct the school play and the Arts Academy have supported me when I have recently been in two productions at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool.

This is a good chance for me to develop my skills in other areas of theatre work.”

Jamie Year 12

“I have studied for the LAMDA Drama exam in my own time with my Drama teacher. This is worth UCAS points and will help me when I apply to university this year.”

Emma Year 13 The Arts Academy at Eccleston Lane Ends Primary School.

For anti-bullying week this year, Arts academy students have been out with Miss Worrall and Mrs Williams running anti-bullying workshops at Eccleston Lane Ends Primary school. The students created some excellent pieces of Drama about bullying. Keep a look out for other Arts Academy workshops and

Congratulations to expupil Robert Blackburn...

Currently studying at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, he has been awarded an Honorary Bachelor scholarship in recognition of continued excellence in his studies. Well done Robert!

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RAINHILL HIGH INTERNATIO “CONNECTING CLASSROOMS, CONNECTING LEARNING”

by Mrs Shakeshaft.

Rainhill High School has been recently awarded International School status for its commitment to developing global citizenship and embedding internationalism throughout the ethos and curriculum of the school.

Trip to Berlin By the Year 10 group

After a busy day at school, we left Rainhill at 4pm to travel down to Dover. The teachers claimed the front of the coach and Year 11 claimed the back so that left Year 10 in the middle.

Part way there we picked up our new drivers who would be with us for the rest of the journey, Scott and John. We eventually got to Dover and boarded the ferry. Some of us didn’t feel too good on the ferry including Miss Jackson as Mr Fisher and Mr Cornish left her to go to sleep as she really didn’t have her sea legs!

After a long journey through the night, we arrived in Berlin and went sightseeing. We went to the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial for the Jewish people who died in the Holocaust. During the next couple of days, we visited Wannsee (the place where the Nazis planned the Holocaust), the Jewish Museum, the Olympic Stadium and Checkpoint Charlie museum.

One the last day we had to brave the public transport system.

Miss Jackson went to get the tickets but only had 5 minutes before the train left. I have never seen Miss Jackson run so fast but we made it. We travelled to visit the Sachsenhausen concentration camp which included a guided tour. We were able to walk the route that the prisoners walked. While at the camp, Mr Cornish said a prayer of remembrance for all the people who had died there. After lunch at the Hard Rock cafe, we headed home. We finally arrived in Rainhill feeling tired on Wednesday 27th October. Everybody really enjoyed the trip and the Year 10 students hope that it will run again next year.

Our newest venture is a three year project involving collaboration between pupils from Rainhill High School and schools in Morocco. This project aims to

improve cultural and linguistic knowledge and understanding for all involved.

Our first step was to host a recent visit to Rainhill High by Mr Lahcen Razzaki from the Moroccan Ministry of Education.

Rainhill High Language Leaders will use their leadership skills to take this project to the next level and ensure links are maintained at all levels and amongst all parties involved.

Viva Espana!

by Mr Brownlow.

Rainhill High GCSE Spanish students took their language skills to Spain to practise and brush up their Spanish in Alicante.

Whilst there, we explored the town, climbed up a hill to a castle, went for a ride on the underground and visited the local museum. The students only had breakfast at the hotel (although that was pretty enormous) and the rest of the time had to speak Spanish to get fed! We followed the Spanish habit of eating late and spent the evenings in the beautiful old town with its narrow lanes and loads of outdoor cafés.

Free time later in the afternoon saw us heading for the beach for volleyball with some of the locals, football, swimming and playing British bulldogs!

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IONAL

ALUMNI NEWS Introducing a new feature for “Highlights” magazine- each edition, we will profile a couple of ex-pupils and ask them, what do they remember of their time at Rainhill High? and what are they doing now?

HAPPY DIWALI! Earlier this term, Rainhill High School was asked to host an extended visit by a group of head teachers from India. Our guests toured the school and met with many teachers and students. The visit was a great success and plans were made to continue these international links. Since the visit and in celebration of the multicultural and inclusive ethos that we embrace here at Rainhill High, Mr. Walton, Mr. Binns and Mrs. Ayre have been working with Year 7 students to create a link with Anand Vidyavihar School in the Gujarat region of India. Students have been writing to new and exciting pen friends in their Indian link school and will soon be receiving their reply letters. They have been developing literacy skills through learning about new cultures, religions and even celebrations that are different to our own festive cheer! One such celebration is the Festival of Diwali, popularly known as the "festival of lights," and is the most important festival of the year in India. It is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes, I’m sure we can all relate to that at this time of year! For more information or to become involved see Mr. Walton or visit http://anandvidyavihar.net/.

Adam Daniels When were you a student at Rainhill High?

I was a student at Rainhill High from 1999-2004 and also attended Rainhill 6th form for one year.

What did you do after this?

I went to 6th form for a year, but suffered a broken leg whilst playing semi football. So I moved on to St Helens College to do a National Diploma in Sport development & Fitness. Once finishing college, I went on to Edge Hill University and graduated in July 2010.

What do you do now?

I am currently working for St Helens Rugby League Club as a community coach. I attend a different school each day of the week and deliver P.E lessons and extra curricular activities. I visit both Primary and Secondary schools. I am at Rainhill High on Thursdays teaching Multi Skill activities to Year 7 and Rugby after school for boys & girls in Years 7 and 8, with the hope of creating a team.

What did you enjoy about your time at Rainhill High?

The subject I enjoyed the most at Rainhill High was P.E, as I have always been a sporty person and really enjoyed the lessons. They have helped me to play a number of sports at a high level. The most memorable time for me was playing for the school football team when we became the first St Helens school to ever win the Merseyside Cup. We also won the St Helens Schools League and reached the quarter finals of the English Schools FA cup. After that great year, I also received the shield for Sports Man of the year which was a proud moment.

Michael Leyland When were you a student at Rainhill High School?

1997 - 2004 What did you do after this?

English Studies degree at the University of Nottingham.

What do you do now?

I’m a Media Project Officer at Ariel Trust which is an educational multimedia charity based in Liverpool City Centre. I work with teachers, young people and other educational partners such as the Fire Service, the Police and health professionals to try to tackle social issues such as bullying, racism and alcohol abuse.

We develop interactive learning resources which allow teachers to cover these issues with young people as part of the English, Maths and Science curriculum.

I also have a voluntary role as Chair of the European Youth Parliament United Kingdom.

What did enjoy about your time at Rainhill High?

There are so many stories and fun times (not all of them appropriate for this magazine!) that I don’t know where to start! Performing stand-up at Educaid, the victorious football team (although I was mainly on the bench!), the legendary German and Eastern European trips and an inspirational English teacher and Head of Year who went by the name of Mrs. Eaves stand out.

I know I’m biased and it sounds very cheesy but Rainhill High really does give you a great start in a life as there are so many things to get involved in. I enjoyed the general atmosphere of Rainhill High as it encouraged me to find the balance between having fun and making friends and trying out and learning new things.

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Name: Katy Reaney ect but I also Subject: Textiles is my specialist subj Resistant and Food , Care al teach Health and Soci ls Materia g and surfing Hobbies: all sports, especially skiin minute I really like Favourite T.V programme: At the Dexter Favourite Food: I like any pasta dish ything, rock, indie Favourite Music: I like a bit of ever etimes. som ic and the odd bit of classical mus t 11 I really wanted to Childhood hero: When I was abou er and was bitterly Pott y Harr ing be a witch after read and so would not be disappointed that I was already 11 r. getting a Hogwarts lette become a teacher?

What (or whom) inspired you to by my maths teacher her teac a me beco to I was inspired my Maths GCSE in me got who made the subject fun and the process. at school? My What was your favourite subject t, closely followed favourite subject at school was spor by textiles. ? I like that every What do you enjoy about teaching the young people with work to get I and rent day is diffe laugh. me e mak ys who challenge me and alwa High School? hill Rain at Why did you choose to work that I could so ol Scho High hill Rain at I chose to work . ects subj and teach a diverse range of pupils ying my job enjo ly real Are you enjoying it so far? I am so far.

Well done BCueth mmins

Congratulations to Beth from Year 11 on winning the competition in the Summer 2010 edition of “Highlights”. Beth won £10 for correctly guessing which teacher was going on a motoring holiday in France and Spain last Summer.

Name: Gareth Duffy Subject: Head of RE Hobbies: Going to the gym (weightlifting), listening to music and Japanese art.

Favourite T.V programme: “Miami Ink”, “Lost”,” UFC”.

Favourite Food: Steak, KFC, all kinds of meat.

Favourite Music: Indie Rock and Roll. (Killers, Kings of Leon, Script, Mumford and Sons, Biffy Clyro) Childhood hero: Arnold Schwarzenegger What (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher?

My dad inspired me to become a teacher.

What was your favourite subject at school? English and Graphic Design What do you enjoy about teaching? Making complex philosophical issues accessible to young people.

Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?

Rainhill High school is regarded as one of the best schools in the North West and has a RE Department that contains 4 dedicated specialist staff.

Are you enjoying it so far? Starting any new school there will be challenges and lots of work, but I have enjoyed every second of it, the staff and pupils are fantastic and have made me feel very welcome.

Name: Mrs Josie Thorogood Subject: Deputy Headteacher Hobbies: I like to mountain bike when I can and I have recently managed to do a bit of travelling with my family. The rest of the time is spent watching my own children play various sports (usually on a wet and windy Saturday morning).

Favourite T.V programme: Spooks Favourite Food: Olives and all other Mediterranean foods.

Favourite Music: Abba (especially on the drive into work), The Killers and John Martyn.

Childhood hero: Princess Leah of Star Wars.

What (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher?

I don’t really know to be honest, I think I was probably taught by some teachers who could have easily put me off – perhaps I simply wanted to make things better!

What was your favourite subject at school? Food Technology (but it was known as Cookery then!)

What do you enjoy about teaching? Working with young people who never fail to come up with new ideas and questions that make me think a little bit harder too!

Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?

Mmm, there were lots of reasons but mainly the clear hard work and dedication of students and staff to make it so successful and pleasant to be in.

Are you enjoying it so far? Yes – particularly the opportunity to go into lots of different classes and see what students are learning.

Check out the new School Website As part of Rainhill High School’s on-going improvements, a new website is currently under construction and is due to go live before the end of this term. We are hoping that the site will keep everyone up to date and make accessing information quick and easy for parents, students and school Governors. The site will contain a flavour of the fantastic work going on at the school, Sixth Form, Arts Academy and Rainhill Village Trust. If you would like a say in what else you think should go on the site forward your ideas to Mr Ben Simpson. If not, watch this space!

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N Su Ho do Fa Fa Fa Ch Wh My (I t ev Da cla Wh Te Wh Ha wit hu Wh Ic the els op Sir Ar Ih fan su bo

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LIFE AFTER

RAINHILL...

success stories...

2010

Name: Michael McDonnagh Subject: Head of Design Technology Hobbies: Football, Golf, Fishing, Cycling, walking my dog.

Favourite T.V programme: Spooks Favourite Food: Steak Favourite Music: Kings of Leon Childhood hero: Steve McManaman What (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher?

My tutor in 6th form said I would make a great teacher (I think she told lies!), she was an inspiration to everyone and she always made you feel special! She is Daniel Craig’s (James Bond’s) mum, which is a little claim to fame.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Technology of course! I also liked PE. What do you enjoy about teaching?

Having good conversations with the people you work with! It amazes me how mature, well-mannered and humorous young people can be.

Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?

I came for an interview and was really impressed with the atmosphere around the school more than anything else, the students seemed so calm and well mannered, opening doors for me and saying things like ‘excuse me Sir’ it was nice as I knew it was all totally natural.

Are you enjoying it so far?

I have met some really nice people and have some fantastic classes. It really is a pleasure to work with such nice people, everyone has made me feel welcome, both staff and students!

GRAEME ANDERSON Graeme did fantastically well at Rainhill Sixth Form this year gaining 2 ‘A*’s in Law and Government & Politics and an ‘A’ in English Language in his ‘A’ Level results. He has now started a Law degree at the University of Liverpool.

Here’s what he has to say about the experience so far . . .

“University is great! I couldn't ask for anything else and I get to study the subject I want!

The social side to University life is just as good. There is most definitely a group or society that caters for everyone!

I have recently got onto the University golf team. The home course is Royal Liverpool!

In terms of the work load, yes we are expected to do a lot independently, but the tutors are always available for you to discuss any problems.

I even have a peer mentor who is in his second year, so there is always somebody around to give me assistance and advice.

My message to anybody thinking of going to University would be that its extremely beneficial to go - for example: the future career prospects, meeting lots of new people from all over the globe and a good relationship with the tutors, who treat you like an adult. The list could go on and on really.

I believe that if you go to university, the end result would be the most rewarding thing a young adult can achieve.”

Alistair Wales AABB

Jonathan Foster AABC

Nathan Dean AAA

Laura Joyce ABC

Kathryn Byrne AAB

Biology: University of Sheffield

Maths/Music (Dual hons) University of Liverpool

Scholarship to USA

Acting - RADA, London

Law: University of Liverpool

Adam Gulliver AAA

Andrew Keogh A*ABC

Laura Douglas A*BC

Daniel Knott BBC

Adele Lyon ABB

Michael O’Neill ABC

Law: Bangor University

Geography: Exeter University

Psychology - Manchester Met

Zoology: Liverpool John Moores

Liverpool Hope University

Business: Liverpool John Moores

Virtual learning at Rainhill High School

by Dr Beswick.

The Rainhill VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) works over the internet and provides a collection of tools to support learning in school. We plan to have an increasing amount of work carried out through this learning platform. We are at the start of an exciting journey in which pupils, teachers and parents can work together through this new learning platform. All pupils and parents should have at this point a username and password. This will allow access through the new school website into the VLE. Please browse through the vast array of subject areas. You can also comment on the forums, check what homework your child has been given and what marks and comments have been recorded. As we increase usage of the VLE, we aim to have at least one homework per subject per half term uploaded on the VLE. Many vocational subjects are using the VLE to upload video clips of performances and physical activities. If you have any issues with access to the VLE, your first port of call is the ICT Service Desk in school. The ICT team can send paper copies of your username and password. Please take the time to browse through the VLE with your child and take advantage of this new learning medium.

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REMEMBERING ANTHONY

Anthony Walker Day In November, we held our first annual Anthony Walker Day. The aim of this day is to remember the story of Anthony, who was murdered in a racist attack in Huyton in 2005 and to celebrate diversity in our lives. Every pupil in school was involved and we successfully raised £1236.72. This money was formally presented to The Anthony Walker Foundation. The Foundation will use the money raised to continue important work in challenging all forms of prejudice and discrimination, particularly with young people.

As part of the day, pupils took part in many activities. We were very pleased to welcome Phil Neale OBE and Brian Hall from Liverpool Football Club who led a workshop based on the “Give Racism the Red Card” national campaign to stamp out racism in the game. For our younger readers, Phil Neale played for Liverpool from 1974- 1985 and made 50 appearances for our national side from 1976- 1983. Brian Hall played for Liverpool from 1968- 1976 and won the FA Cup, the First Division Championship and UEFA Cup during his career. As Mark Collins in Year 13 said of this session,” it was very informative about the politics of the game and the how the life of a professional player has changed over the years.” Miss Gates organised an Art competition in which all students at Rainhill High were invited to respond to Anthony’s story. The four winners were selected by Anthony Lloyd from the Anthony Walker Foundation. Well done to Jason Chisnall, Alex Mather, Thomas Cunliffe and, in particular, to Georgia McCullough who won the first prize of £100 in High Street Shop vouchers. Many thanks to everyone who took part.

The Anthony Walker Day concluded with an evening event, entitled “Celebrating Diversity.” The evening started with a marketplace in the Gym with displays of pupil’s work on the subject of diversity, stalls and an International Cookery demonstration by the Design Technology Faculty.

Following this, there were performances in the Theatre of Dance, Drama, Music and Creative Writing. We were very proud to welcome as our Guest of Honour, Mrs Gee Walker, Anthony’s mother. In her thanks at the end of the evening, Gee spoke powerfully about forgiveness and how touched she was that the community of Rainhill High had not forgotten her son. The evening was very well attended and raised more money for the Foundation. Thanks to all those involved and everyone who came to watch. See you next year!

Gee Walker

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The story behind the Remembrance Poppy In the fighting zones of World War One in Northern France, the devastation caused to the landscape created a wasteland of churned up soil, smashed up woods, fields and streams.

Few plants or flowers survived. However, against the odds, new life did also occasionally come into being in the battle zones. The spring of 1915 was the first time that warm weather began to warm up the countryside after the cold winter at war in 1914-1915.

Farmers were ploughing their fields close up to the front lines and new life was starting to grow. One of the plants that began to grow in clusters on and around the battle zones was the red field or corn poppy. Many soldiers remember the sight of these beautiful flowers in the middle of a battlefield and they have become the symbol for Remembrance Day each November when we remember those who lost their lives in war.

REMEMBER “A Solemn Black and Red”

The following piece of creative writing by Georgia Vernon in 8G was read out in a particularly moving assembly led by Mr Marlow and his form for Remembrance Day and I’m sure you will agree is a fitting tribute to those who have given their lives for their country.

Silent, our heads bowed, Remembering the dead, The poppies lie in wreaths around A solemn black and red.

For us, that’s why they fought.

And for us, they died, they bled.

The poppies grow out in the fields A solemn black and red.

They truly were our heroes Their nerves did never crack.

We wear a poppy on our chest, A solemn black and red.

Risking their lives for this country Knowing they might not come back.

We wear a poppy, an emblem of them, A solemn black and red.

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Last summer, we staged our second annual GCSE Art and Design exhibition and it was fantastic. The quality of the work always amazes me and all the pupils should be incredibly proud of themselves.

ART MEE

It was a wonderful evening with pupils, parents and staff enjoying the artwork .This year’s GCSE results in Art were the best ever and we are looking forward to an even bigger exhibition with Photography, Media Studies and Creative and Media Diploma work also on display. Year 9 pupils have visited Tatton Park in Knutsford as part of the Tatton Park Biennial and Kirsty Archer, a professional Glass artist, visited Rainhill High recently to work with pupils to create a series of Glass tiles for display in school. In a recent competition, students were asked to come up with fresh ideas for covering our SuperLambanana. The theme this year was ‘Go Green’ and the winner was voted by parents, teachers and students. Thanks to everyone who took part.

The winning design was by Courtney Cox in 9A. Congratulations to Mr Jackson, who has exhibited a large textile installation as part of his Masters Graduate Show at Liverpool John Moores University. The work successfully explored themes of class and privilege.

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Rainhill Young Musician of the Year 2010

EETS MATHS Over the last year, the Art Department has been working with other departments in school on some exciting creative projects. During the Summer Arts Festival, Year 7 pupils worked with A level pupils to create card sculptures based around the mathematical principles of ‘nets’.

Inspired by the artist Richard Sweeny, pupils created some wonderful sculptures by in locking the nets they built together. The results were great and are on display around the Maths Department. Year 8 pupils took part in a project which combined Art and Technology. Influenced by the work of Andy Warhol, the pupils made a variety of colourful cupcakes. Once these were decorated, they were then photographed and manipulated digitally to reflect the work of the pop artists.

Well done to all the Rainhill High students who competed earlier this term to become the Rainhill Young Musician of the Year 2010. Matthew Grove in year 11 won the Senior String Category and Laura Ujvari won the Senior Vocal Category. However, the overall winner of the Mike Doyle Memorial Trophy and the Rainhill Young Musician of the Year title went to Adam Case in year 9.

Congratulations to everyone involved and well done to the winners.

Your chance to win £10

“Highlights”

COMPETITION If you know the answer to the following Summer question, post your entry in the Highlights box in pupil reception. The prize will be given on the last day of term to one lucky winner.

Which flower is used as the symbol for Remembrance Day? The answer is ............................................................

NAME..........................................................................

FORM..........................................................................

Last Edition WINNER Beth Cummins.

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What’s new in the School Sports Coordinator Programme?

A CHANGE FOR LIFE Through the Sports Coordinator programme, we have been successful in securing an “Awards for All” bid from the National Lottery. This funding is to support fitness classes based within school for our students and others from the local community.

The classes will run on 2 evenings from 3.15pm until 4.15pm.

There will be a range of activities on offer such as Box Fit, Aerobics/ Street Dance and Rowing sessions.

Specialist instructors will provide a range of classes or you may just come along and try some of the activities with your friends.

Parents and staff are also welcome to try the classes.

Regular attendance will be rewarded with a prize draw to win membership of a local gym.

Watch out for these opportunities in the new year.

Funding has also been secured to support a “Change 4 Life” Badminton Club.

This will take place after school on Mondays starting in January.

It will be run by a qualified coach and supported by 2 of our sports leaders who have achieved a Badminton Leaders qualification.

INDI

LAUREN LYNCH IS AWARDED THE DIANA AWARD. Lauren Lynch has worked unstintingly to support young gymnasts at the St Helens centre for Gymnastics. She is there most evenings and weekends and has in total given over 1400 hours of her own time to support others. She has been recognized through the Step into Sport Volunteer Passport and has received a Gold Award from the Youth Sport Trust. In addition to this she received the prestigious national “Diana Award” in recognition of her contribution to her community.

Congratulations to Emily Owen, Hannah Murphy, Kevin Vaughan and Danny McMahon who have been selected to attend the St Helens Leadership Academy. Their talents were recognized on the Year 9 Leadership Day at Edge Hill University in the summer term. They will be supporting extra curricular sporting activities and competitions within school.

ST HELENS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

CONGRATULATIO The following students represented school in the junior Triathlon competition which was held at the St Helens Show in the summer term.

This involves completing a swim, a cycle ride and a run consecutively!

Their results were: Oliver Smiles 2nd overall Melissa Hayman 2nd in girls competition and 7th overall Jack Seddon, Abigail Coulthard and Enya Bartels also competed well and all our competitors finished in the top half of all the entries. Well done!

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S GAME OLS SCHO UK DIVIDUAL SUCCESSES Natalia Lees has won the Knowsley Disability Sports Personality of the year and attended a Sporting Champions Dinner as a potential future Paralympian!

Liane Bibby and Mike Causer have competed in the English Schools Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

Raheem Sterling signed from QPR and plays in Liverpool’s U17 squad.

He has also represented Liverpool’s first squad in European Competition and England at U17 level.

David Moli joined Liverpool’s U16 Squad from Luton Town. He has also represented England at U16 level.

Callum Pilkington signed for Liverpool U15s from Leeds. He has a sponsorship deal with Adidas and hopes to win a scholarship with Liverpool.

Justin White also training for Liverpool, he came over from Canada!

TIONS TRI-ATHLETES

Michael Lunn in year 11 was recently selected to compete at the Sainsburys UK School Games in the Table Tennis Competition. “Highlights” magazine asked Michael to write a diary about his time at this competition.

Thursday 2nd September 2010.

We arrived in Sunderland at the venue for table tennis and had a two hour training session ready for the next day. We had to get ready then for the Opening Ceremony.

This involved all the competing teams from throughout the UK. This was a great experience with 1600 athletes ready to compete!

Friday 3rd September 2010.

The first day was the team event. The North West was the lowest ranked team in the event. Against all the odds, I managed to win my first match and only narrowly missed out on winning the second. My final match was against the top team from the Midlands. This team contained four players who are in the top 10 England Juniors and who have represented

JAE

England. I was not daunted and managed to take games off the two players that I played. I was pleased with my performance.

Saturday 4th September 2010.

Today saw the start of the individual event. I am ranked 63 in England in the juniors and had to play players ranked a lot higher than me. I played extremely well but did not manage to progress past the group stages. However, it was a great experience and I learnt a lot about myself and the way I play.

Sunday 5th September 2010.

Today was the finals of the individual events and the medal presentation. The Midlands dominated and won both the Boys and Girls events. After the Medal presentation was the Closing Ceremony.

There was a BMX bike demonstration and a Live Band. What an experience! Next year’s UK Schools games will be held in Sheffield. Hopefully, I will be selected to compete again.

The JAE Elite Athlete Programme led by Mrs Walsh in school continues to support our talented athletes in their sporting quests. Congratulations go to the following athletes for their recent achievements.

.

Ethan Davies and Danny Croft Ethan won the Young Masters Golf U12 flag competition at Daventry.

Liam was recently selected to represent Lancashire U14s team.

Adam Roberts Won 2 bronze medals in 10-12 age group in the World Kick Boxing Championships in Edinburgh.

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