St Ambrose Barlow RC High School & Sixth Form
summer NEWSLETTER april - july 2016
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Nothing we do is complete...
students with excellent exam attainment we also place considerable emphasis on their broader development through enrichment, the Extended Project Qualification and the National Baccalaureate.
Looking back over the year I am reminded of lines from the prayer I read to staff on September 1st, 2015: ‘Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us…No set of goals and objectives includes everything…We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.’ This edition of the school’s quarterly magazine, like the ones that precede it, is full of stories of people doing things ‘very well’ and of our young people flourishing. It seems appropriate that, at this time, we are also offering a new mission statement for the school. It builds on our established traditions and articulates our faith, whilst also pointing the way to the way the school can be in the future. With all that changes so rapidly in the world having a clear, forward-looking statement of our mission, vision and values is important. Without it we cannot meet the challenges and opportunities that will come and we lose sight of our role as Catholic school. One of the tests of any mission statement is whether or not it describes all that we do as a school. Within this magazine you can see clearly the nine strands of the mission statement leaping from page after page. Courageous curiosity is there in the research projects undertaken by staff and pupils; the many trips articulate our aim of inspiring experiences; and we are rich in creativity everywhere. We can also see in the work of the ProLife group, for example, a continued commitment to developing young people’s faith through social action and to challenging our pupils to reflect more deeply on ethical, moral and spiritual matters. Whatever you choose to read in here, our pupils and students are at the centre. The development of their wellbeing, fulfillment and learning in an environment that is loving and supportive is our priority. Looking forward to next year with hope and optimism, we can see that the Sixth Form is close to flourishing with a new curriculum, fresh energy and renewed purpose. As this report states, we are expecting as many 119 students in Year 12 and are confident that we will at least meet our lower target of 60 students. Our Sixth Form is built around creativity and enterprise, so whilst we welcome
The end of each academic year brings with it a series of farewells to well-kent colleagues; these changes are a natural part of the cycle of change and development in any school. This summer sees Mrs. Ashton (Maths) and Mr. James (Art) taking up jobs in other schools and a number of long-term temporary staff (Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Hutton, Mr. Graham and Mr. Cochrane) moving on. Mrs. Cresswell in the Finance Office has secured a post as Business Manager, Mr. McKiernan moves to Harrop Fold as a teaching assistant and Mrs. Hibbert takes up the post of Chaplain at St. Bede’s. We wish them all well in their next venture and thank them for their service to the school. Next year we will welcome new staff, including Mrs. Matthews (Head of English) and Mr. Cassidy (Head of Humanities) as well as 24 School Direct trainees. Particular thanks and recognition must go to Mrs. Norris who steps down as Head of English. Finally, congratulations to Mr. Harrison (Maths) who gets married this summer. Finally, I would like to end on a personal note at the end of my first year as Head. It has been a wonderful year. I have enjoyed the new friendships that have formed and the privilege of getting to know you as parents, carers and members of the school community. Thank you for your support this year, here’s to September! I wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer with your families. God bless,
Ben Davis
Faith in you
Unique together
Love in learning
Hope in better
Inspiring experiences
creativity everywhere
You are Ambrose. Made in God’s
We are Ambrose. Like our
This is Ambrose. Space for the
image with special gifts and
patron Saint we learn and lead
imagination. Sparks of creativity
talents. Unique together. Here
with joy and humility. Inspiring
everywhere: a divine energy. We
we learn to be ourselves: plant
experiences
the
were born to create in the image
the seeds that will one day grow,
extraordinary in the ordinary.
of God, to look for connections,
water the seeds already planted.
We can all change and grow.
to break new ground.
everybody matters
nurture
courageous curiosity
widest horizons
A family of faith where everybody
There is no fear in being who
This is learning for ourselves
matters.
Everyone is welcome
God meant us to be. We are
and for others. We are open to
here, cared for and loved as we
adventurers. We are alive with
the widest horizons, staying
grow in dignity. Each of us shows
courageous
We
on course as seekers of truth
respect for others in imitation of
explore and question seeking
with the guidance of home,
Christ’s perfect love.
inspiration and truth.
school and parish.
curiosity.
embrace excellence
you, fulfilled
change makers
Everything you do is important.
Each minute is a precious
This is stewardship and faith in
Take care of the details to embrace
gift. Each lesson, each day, a
action, seeking justice for the
excellence, to be fully human.
fresh start. To be you, fulfilled,
vulnerable. We offer what we
Proceed as though the limits of
through
your ability do not exist.
and
are, not just what we have. A
love. To be the best version of
learning,
faith
community of servant leaders
ourselves we can be.
and change makers. This is Ambrose. Pass it on.
This is ambrose... One body | Head | Heart | Hand
01
our school
Careers Super Day activities Since March there have been Pimp My Plimsoll, ROA and World of Work events for year 7, 11 and 9. These have been enjoyable events and the pupils have been a pleasure to work with as always. The pupils have engaged well and contributed ideas. They have learnt a lot from the world of work and have clearly begun to think about their options. New folders were ordered for the year 11 ROA’s and they have left school with professional looking c.v’s and personal statements. Employability skills Mrs Grindley has embedded work on employability skills in the scheme of work for year 9 and they have been producing working documents to help them audit their skills ready for their ROA;s in year 11. This year, year 11 and 13 were encouraged to showcase these skills and levelled certificated were awarded to the pupils demonstrating a range of skills to show the world of work how prepared they are. This was completed in their recent super day time. EU Referendum trip J. Grindley took two year 9 pupils (Tom Bates and Bethany Fraine) to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to take part in a referendum debate, listening to arguments put forward by a MEP and businessman. They were an absolute credit to the school. Following this, fact sheets about the debate have been circulated in school to both staff and pupils to help them understand the decision and make a choice in the vote. Citizenship day Another event that J. Grindley has recently organised was to take 12 year 10 pupils to Bridgewater High
School to take part in a Citizenship Day. The pupils worked win mixed teams with other schools to present ideas of a topic of their choice, however they liked. We had two pupils, Jordan Perris and Charlotte Kenny on the winning team and Jordan was also presented with an individual trophy for overall citizenship work in and out of school.
YEAR 7 All pupils in year 7 had a fantastic sports day on Thursday 23rd June. The form class dressed in different colours to represent the values and make it a spectacular morning. All forms supported each other and great sportsmanship was seen all pupils are eagerly awaiting the results.
YEAR 8 The Year 8 athletics team performed very well this summer in the Salford Schools Athletics Championships. All Year 8 boys and girls selected to represent the school, had a fantastic day at Cleavley athletics track, bringing home bronze, silver and gold medals in various events. There are various extra-curricular clubs around the school in various departments that Year 8 pupils attend regularly and fully engaged in throughout the summer term. Year 8 also took part in Sports Day this term, which was a massive success. All pupils came to school in their form colours and pupils performed in traditional sporting events like the 100m, but also had fun in the 3-legged race and welly toss. Feedback from staff and pupils was that it was a fantastic day and they could wait till Sports day next year.
YEAR 9 Y9 pupils continue to be a shining light for the school and staff, both in and out of school. Pupils have taken part in debating session at the Chamber of Commerce, The Pro-Life group have presented at various events and a number of pupils took part in ‘Speaking for Ourselves’ in London on Friday and gave presentations to a company in New York. One of our groups won and will speak over Skype to New York for the next round.
YEAR 10 Since Year 11 have departed on study leave many Year 10 pupils have taken on extra responsibilities that befit the oldest pupils in the school. Year 10 have stepped into the roles of the departing prefects and have been helping out at parent’s evenings, giving up their own time to give something back to the school community and assist staff at these events. Certain Year 10 pupils have also taken opportunities to support the school at the Faith Celebration Day, in which the school assisted the Diocese in a Primary School event. This event would not have been possible without the help and support of these pupils. This month also saw the end of the Year 10 lunchtime supervisor roles in three of our feeder primary schools. Mr Sanders and Mr Holden were very impressed by the maturity and effort that the Year 10 pupils showed in this position, the pupils were a credit to the school, as was commented on by a head teacher of one of the primary schools. All of these events have prepared the pupils well for prefect positions. Applications for next year’s prefects are coming to a close and the response from Year 10 have been fantastic.
YEAR 11 The Year 11 Rugby team made it to the Salford final for the 3 time in as many years. Unfortunately the team were beaten by Wright Robinson
Pastoral Overview Attendance timescale
Whole School
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Sept – March 2015
95.2%
96.5%
95.3%
95.4%
94.3%
94.3%
Sept – 23 May 2016
95.0%
95.7%
95.1%
94.9%
95.0%
94.4%
Young Carers
We
hosted
the
regional
Young
Carers’
feedback exercise and pictures from the event.
Conference at which Miss Wright and two pupils were asked to speak. It was intended to encourage all schools to attempt the Young Carers in Schools award. We already have bronze, but have recently submitted for silverwe would be the first school in Salford to attain this mark if successful. Speaking for Ourselves Again the year 9 student council pupils have led the way with other schools. They have planned and designed a whole session on homelessness and worked with Coffee for Craig, Louise Wallwein the poet from HOME and Jack Doyle an artist who works with concrete. School Council As part of a cross-departmental project with the Debating Society. Mrs O’Connor organised and accompanied 6 girls to the People’s History Museum on 25th April 2016. Girls between 16-24 are the least likely to vote in any type of election and therefore this trip was aimed at School Council and Debating Society pupils to stimulate discussion about Devolving power to Manchester. The feedback of the session was particularly enlightening and has the scope to become a great conversation for the council, and the wider school population. Attached are images of the postcard
This day was the springboard for the new @ SABHouseGames Twitter feed to start tweeting. Pupils tweeted a live action commentary throughout the day.
Business and Enterprise The St Ambrose Enterprise Centre was founded in 2016 to develop the key skills of our pupils becoming more career and business ready. Our Enterprise Centre presents students with “enterprising” and “entrepreneurial” educational opportunities. Each individual is given a platform to adapt and grow their key strengths, sharing their mix of individuality, creativity, and leadership. Our Enterprise Centre develops key skills “now” for our students “tomorrows”. This is increasingly the demand by academic, non-academic employers, the marketplace and research organisations. By giving our pupils “enterprising” and “entrepreneurial” experiences alongside their education, they are maximising how they can self-lead and succeed in their own aspirations post-education. St Ambrose Enterprise Centre is directed by Business Studies teacher Mrs Cheshire, who has a wealth of insight into the business gateway. Mrs Cheshire, a multiple business owner, is passionate about delivering enterprise into the school environment. Mrs Cheshire quotes “Our pupils are the next generation and have endless roads ahead of them. In September 2016 we launched our Enterprise Centre, with the aim to instil in each student the drive to succeed and triumph in whatever road they take.” Our enterprise curriculum model starts with the Year 7 pupils by delivering ‘from the ground up’. We have seen great success which has had a very positive impact on their learning and progression within all areas of their education and school life. Letting them have ownership of their own business; developing products, working as teams and learning basic finance, has given them the self-belief that they can achieve. We are very proud to see an array of talents, including young budding business leaders. Our Enterprise Centre nurtures these individuals while they unlock and discover their personal passions and we alongside our partners develop and empower them to achieve and succeed long term. St Ambrose can see how the Enterprise Centre is beginning to make a huge impact on our pupil’s life across all year groups. Throughout 2016 we developed excellent links with local businesses in order to support us in achieving our goals. These relationships have grown into some long term partnerships. We look forward to building more business to business relationships and gaining further sponsorship in the coming years; making the St Ambrose Enterprise Centre an invaluable asset to both our school and community environment.
Maths
Ideas Foundation & Comino Trust
On Thursday 28th April, 60 year 7 and year 8
On July 13th Marcus Belcher (Year 9) spoke
pupils sat the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge,
to assembled guests in Media City about
with great success. Overall, there were 22
how working with the Ideas Foundation and
bronze certificates, 7 silver certificates and
Comino Trust has affected him as a learner.
1 gold certificate awarded. There were also
This is the speech he gave.
special certificates for George Lawton and Henry Dwyer who each got the highest scores
To begin I would like to thank the Ideas
in their respective years. Henry Dwyer was
Foundation and Comino for providing not only
also invited to take part in the UKMT Junior
me, but my friends, peers and fellow students,
Kangaroo Challenge as a result of his success
with the amazing opportunities we have been
in the Junior Mathematics Challenge, we are
given that allow us to grow as students and
awaiting his results.
become better human beings.
A Year 10 trip for 11 more able pupils took
As a member of school council myself, I have
place on Monday 27th June. They visited The
thrived from working with exterior companies
University of Manchester to take part in the
and being included in such projects as
Taking Mathematics Further event. This was
Speaking for Ourselves, Suicide in the Youth,
a successful trip and my thanks go to Miss
and Next Generation. Speaking for Ourselves
Hughes for organising it. Those who attended
probably taught me the most valuable lessons
got a chance to look at what future Mathematics
as we (year 9 school council) travelled to
careers they could possibly go into and the
Fallinge High School and Abraham Moss
advantages of studying Mathematics beyond
High School to learn from our peers about
GCSE.
such topics as Extremism and British Values. These two schools then visited us and we
Miss Hughes has also arranged a Primary
taught them about Homelessness through
Maths Challenge on Friday 1st July. This
a series of games and activities; they then
will see 24 primary pupils from our feeder
used the information they learnt to create an
schools and 24 year 7 pupils from St Ambrose
installation that represented Homelessness.
Barlow compete in teams to solve challenging
The installations they made made me feel a
problem solving activities. This was a great
strange sense of pride because I taught them
success last year and is expected to be so
about this topic and they have created this
again.
amazing art piece thanks to our teaching (I know what teachers feel like now). This taught me the most because I taught my peers valuable lessons that I learnt from as well. We then met with Jack Doyle, a renowned
concrete artist who helped us create a pathway that represented the path to homeless and how easy it is to become homeless which will then be presented in our school. Suicide in the Youth had a particularly strong impact on me also because we travelled to London and had a fantastic day out; not only that but I felt a personal connection to the topic as this was happening to people my age, maybe people I knew, and possibly even me if circumstances affected me bad enough. This reason is why we were inspired to create an app that taught people about how suicide isn’t the coward’s way out but is instead the last resort of a person fighting a losing battle against mental ill-health. We, and another group who designed an animation, presented our ideas to McCann in London and to some members of McCann’s New York department; and the winning group will soon be in the process of improving their presentation, filming it and sending it to the New York McCann. If their idea beats the other two London-based school ideas then they will have the privilege to develop their animation professionally. Next generation was also a very interesting experience for me as people from completely different careers came in to explain their jobs in the hope that we will get a better idea of how the working world works. A very interesting event was when an air hostess came in and spoke about her job and how it helped her overcome her fear of heights and how all of her co-workers had to dress and look similar to her-by the end of it half the boys wanted to become air hosts! For me, working with outside companies is important because it has already given me many oncein-a-lifetime opportunities that I will remember forever, one of these being with world-renowned poet & playwright, Louise Wallwein. She came in and talked to us about her struggles of being raised in care and how she used her history to help other people’s future, such as teaching troubled and misguided children the benefits of drama and even helping refugees on the coast of Greece. She gave us many activities to get on with such as “the mind dump” which is where you write down your thoughts and feelings to clear your mind, “the theme-a-line poem” which was a six lined poem but each line had to include a specific word or theme, but my favourite activity was “the swag bag” which was a bag filled with random words on small sheets of paper, you had to get a handful of paper then use the words on them to write a poem- the results were… interesting. We also worked with a local charity called Coffee for Craig, that gave us inspiration for what our concrete art would look like and it has also been the inspiration behind many of our fundraising ideas. Craig was the brother of founder Risha Lancaster and brother-in-law of co-founder, Hendrix Lancaster; he died of a heroin overdose after years of battling schizophrenia. 3 days after his passing the founders posted on Facebook and told people to buy a coffee for someone homeless, it then evolved from there and it is now an accomplished charity in the heart of Manchester.
PE The annual spots presentation evening was held at Swinton Golf club on Thursday 16th June 2016 to thank and reward pupils for their commitment in representing the school in the vast array of sports and clubs throughout the year in what has been another busy and successful year of sport. Some of the highlights included the Y8 boys winning the Salford rugby league, Y7 boys winning the Salford Athletics team prize at Cleavleys track during the Salford school athletics competition. And the boys and girls KS3 7 KS4 teams winning the Salford schools Badminton competitions going on to represent Salford at the Manchester County finals.
Soli Centre 2016 The Soli Centre trip was very successful. Mr Davies, Miss Haselden and Mr Conroy (Governor) accompanied 35 year 9 students to the Soli Centre, Alton for a 4 day residential retreat. The retreat began with a fun-filled day at Alton Towers before students headed to the centre for the rest of the week. Students engaged in a variety of activities, ranging from quiet prayer to outdoor pursuits. One highlight was the Emmaus Walk where our students were encouraged to spend time with someone new, walking together in the spirit of Christ. We have evaluated the impact and success of the retreat and have booked for next year. We would like greater hands-on involvement in both the organisation and delivery of the retreat activities as we felt that some timings of activities were odd and could have had more impact if delivered at another time during the day.
Science
Year 9 Science Project
Year 8 Rocket Science has been a great
Since the beginning of the school year, 5 year
success. A small group of students grew rocket
9 students excelling in science have been
plant seeds in a national Science experiment
partaking in a project led by Miss Moore. The
which looked at random testing and blind trials.
pupils chose their own topic and hypothesise
Our results concluded that the blue seeds had
(such as red head’s pain threshold and
been to the International Space Station. This
talking to plants) and conducted research and
was found to be true when Tim Peake revealed
experiments. They then wrote up their findings
the results. Since then we have also been
in the style of a dissertation which will be
growing a variety of other vegetables and hope
published later this year. Last week, the five
to hold a plant sale before the end of term.
year 9s, Miss Moore and Dr Norton went on a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry; they ate at Nando’s as a reward and then ran a stall at the Great Science Share, presenting their projects to STEM professionals and even got a picture with the Mayor. Overall, it has been a great experience for the pupils and they will be awarded with a HPQ qualification which is equivalent to a GCSE!
STEAM
We will now produce a half termly newsletter celebrating all the work our school does in STEAM. We have released two issues so far and a third is due to be completed before the end of the school year. Please see the newsletters for all images relating to all the events discussed here. http://www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org/ eleven-to-sixteen/news-and-publications/
Next Generation Creativity Conference
The
Next
Generation
Creativity
Conference,
organised by the Comino Foundation, was an interschool collaboration event that took place on the 12th May. Year 9 to sixth form pupils from both Falinge Park High School and Ambrose were selected for their extraordinary talent in art and creative studies. Our Head Teacher, Mr Davis, offered a warm welcome to the guests and highlighted “the huge range of opportunities� to consider throughout the afternoon. The students were then split into 6 groups to learn about the creative industries, including apprenticeships, employment tips and more. Visitors from a variety of industries such as digital marketing, video game development, digital technology and business studies attended; they shared their invaluable knowledge and expertise with the programmers, designers and creative pioneers of the future. Mikael Hellberg, studio manager of The Playground Squad gave a presentation on the ever growing games development industry and the variety of apprenticeships available to young people. A representative of The White Room, Aaron Cumming, offered tips on how to write a successful CV, including the importance of a sense of humour and mentions of experiences and skills. Lewis Endler and Hayley Walsh from Manchester Metropolitan University talked about degree apprenticeships in business and the skillset that employers seek for IT related jobs. Overall, it was an amazing afternoon, providing us with the inspiration to prepare us for life after leaving school and was enjoyed by all. .
St Ambrose Barlow Sports Day
that would make good business according to your category such as: transport, education,
St Ambrose Barlow had their sports day on the
environment, etc. The girls, along with their
23 June. Everyone performed to the best of their
new group, each made an item that would
ability.
surely revolutionise the way of how the human
But there was some outstanding performances and
race did their everyday lives. They introduced
here are some of them:
new innovations like:
First of all Connor Hawkins shocked Year 7 by
The Flycaboat (the three in one car that will
coming First in the 200 meter race. Against all
change our way of travel)
the odds came from behind to take over Jack Thompson to take First.
Hero ( a new, more modernised step towards health)
Secondly Samuel Bryan came first in the 800 meters by a long way with nobody on his heels. He
And much more.
calmly finished the race showing everyone how it was done.
In the end, 3 groups were claimed to have the
Next we go to 7B’s girl relay team. It was a poor
best ideas, but only one could come on top.
start to the team but came through to finish first.
Winners include:
And well done to 7J that won the whole competition!
•
3rd place: Aimee Alquiza
•
2nd place: Elissa Mallon
29-30 June, Think IT Event
•
1st place: Amelia Mills
In late June, 10 girls from St. Ambrose Barlow
The girls described the experience as ‘fun’ and
were chosen to participate in the Think IT Event
‘definitely interesting’. They have revealed that
(29-30) hosted by the University of Manchester.
they will be definitely be considering taking IT GCSE.
In the past, IT has always been dominated by the male gender. Females hardly ever get a
UKMT Maths Challenge
chance to show off their skills and this is where the Think IT Event comes in. The Think IT
The UKMT (United Kingdom Maths Trust) challenge
Event’s main goal is to get more girls interested
took place on Thursday the 28th April where many
in IT.
Y6, 7 and 8 students
At the Univeristy of Manchester, the 10 girls
completed a mathematics exam across the entire
were separated and were taken outside of their
United Kingdom.
comfort zones to meet new people and work with them. The task was simple, create an item
Three medal types were gold, silver and bronze
depending on your overall place and with a high
Josh Hart
enough percentage you were given the opportunity to take part in a more complex exam on the 14th of
Throughout this year we have been hearing
June.
about the musical success of Year 8 pupil Josh Hart.
He recently was interviewed on
Harry in Y7 from St. Ambrose Barlow was the only
local radio with his band and, with his mother,
participant to take part in the second exam and
has raised nearly £1000 for St. Ann’s Hospice.
received a merit. A merit is the highest award that
Josh and the band played at Band On the
is given for the top 25% of scorers who got 95% or
Wall on Thursday 30th June and his band won
higher.
the Manchester Music Makers IV battle of the bands; winning a recording session. Again all
Hopefully in future more participants from St.
connected to St Ann’s Hospice. On Sunday
Ambrose Barlow will receive this award.
3rd July he played at the St. Ann’s Hospice summer fair in Little Hulton. Anyone wishing
Harry
to support Josh in his charitable works can do so via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/
London trip 2016
fundraising/Maria-Hart1.
His next gig, after
the fair, is playing at Boatfest on Saturday 16th Logan Walter
July. Josh has also had his first EP produced (with the help of some fantastic mentors) it’s
It was an amazing day out after the six and a
called After All by Blak Hart (his solo project).
half hour drive we pulled in the spectacular Tate gallery. I was astounded it was heart stopping.
McCarthy brothers’ success
In my mind it was a once in a life time. We went around looking at all the amazing art work. It was amazing we had activities to re-design some art work and to establish who made what piece of art work. It was a terrific experience and was a remarkable.
Christopher McCarthy in 7A has just returned from a fantastic swimming gala in Lunen, Germany where he competed for Team Swinton against top German teams and achieved a bronze medal in the 200m. The team from Swinton came 2nd overall with several St. Ambrose pupils winning medals.
Hollie went on the London trip and here is two quotes that she said “It was very intricate with all the different shaped buildings.” Here is the second one “It was really good but when we went to the shop it was really expensive it was nearly £4.00 for a bottle of water.”
Meanwhile his elder brother Brendan (10F) is performing at the Ordeal Hall Garden Party on July 17th from 12 - 4 pm. He will be performing in the MAPPAS big band from 12 - 2 pm.
PSHE Day
some astonishing facts about deep space. Then our Year 9 leaders stepped in and led the
July 12th saw the whole school off timetable for
Year 8s in a morning of science activities. Later
the last PSHE Super Day of the year. Pupils
that day our wonderful Year 9 researchers, led
took part in a variety of workshops on mental
by Miss Moore, presented the findings of their
health and wellbeing and years 7 - 9 were
research to top scientists at the Manchester
treated to a performance of original drama from
Museum of Science and Industry.
former pupils Sophie Downes and Emily ? and current Year 12 pupil Alison. The, based on
Bury Debating Competition
personal experience, was about the impact of a stroke on the main character and explored
The trip to Bury College for their annual debating
issues of mental health. Students in Year 10
competition went really well today. The pupils
took a different tack and explored financial
competing on behalf of St Ambrose Barlow
literacy and worked on careers with a number
were: Autumn Coomber, Finnerty Templeman,
of guests and external speakers from the world
Danielle Aje and Abigail King. They worked
of business and enterprise.
incredibly well under pressure, having only 30mins to prepare their allocated side of the
Year 8 Sports Day
argument for three motions:
After the success of the Year 7 afternoon the
•
Developed
countries
have
a
higher
Year 8s took to the track and field to compete
obligation to combat climate change than
for sporting honours. They took part with great
developing countries
enthusiasm and made sure that they entered
•
government
should
allow
young
unaccompanied refugees into the UK
into the spirit of the event by dressing in form colours. The winning form was ?
The
•
Instagram creates unrealistic expectations for lifestyle and body image.
Great Science Share Then in the space of an hour they challenged With Manchester proudly the European City of
pupils from three other schools: Woodhey High
Science for 2016 we were delighted to host the
School, St James’s Church of England High
Great Science Share on July 6th. This was an
School and Oulderhill Community School on the
extraordinary day of science-based activities
above topics. Each debate was very challenging
that kicked off with BBC presenter Dallas
but they rose to it admirably presenting their
Campbell introducing the day and setting the
arguments intelligently. They were particularly
scene with his thoughts on science. Then the
skilled at countering the arguments of the
Year 8 audience was treated to a presentation
opposing team. I was very proud of them.
from Tanya Johnson, a scientist at the European Space Observatory who talked about her
Overall we came fourth of ten schools which I
education and her work before showing us
thought was excellent considering it was their
first competitive debate and they were a year
Year 8 Science trip (seeing sounds)
younger than everyone else there. The winning team was from Woodhey High School, they were
Miss Robb had the great pleasure of taking
fantastic and clearly experienced debaters.
a group of Year 8 pupils to the Science and Industry museum where they participated in
Year 10 Drama
Seeing Sounds a project which introduces students to the key principles of sound waves.
You may recall that Year 10 GCSE drama
The students will head to th power hall —a
students took part in the Monologue evening
sensory wonder of clanging wheels and hissing
earlier in the year. They showed how much they
steam. There they recorded, analysed, mixed,
had progressed in a few months by presenting
and finally presented their own musical piece,
three adapted and modernised fairy tales to an
blasted through a Rubens’ Tube—a dramatic
audience of staff, parents and pupils. The work
fiery visualization of sound waves.
was both thought-provoking and entertaining and showed an excellent grasp of performance
Prom
skills. It was wonderful to give Year 11 a great sendPupil Leadership Team
off at the annual Prom on July 1st. Staff and pupils looked magnificent as they celebrated
After a record-breaking 35 interviews we were
five years of hard work and strong relationships
delighted to appoint our Pupil Leadership team
at the Etihad Stadium. With a great buffet, some
for 2016 - 17. As well as Haydn and Amber
extra fun touches such as the photo booth and
as Head Boy and Head Girl respectively we
excellent music from the DJ everyone partied
appointed deputy heads, senior prefects and,
the night away. Many thanks must go to Mr.
a new post, four House Captains who will head
Gregson and to Mrs. Johnson who organised
our houses next year. Congratulations to all
the event.
concerned and, if unsuccessful in this round, students can still apply to become prefects on
Salford and the Somme
three occasions later in the year. Under the guidance of Mrs. Adamson and Art Exhibition
Professor Davismoon a group of talented Year 8s wrote and recorded original pieces of music
Art, design and photography have long been
in response to the 100th anniversary of the
strengths of the school,but nothing quite
Battle of the Somme. They then attended a
prepared visitors for the quality work on display
performance of this work at Peel Hall. The project
this summer in the 6th form restaurant. There
has been going on all year and represents a
was a huge range of art on show and many
considerable commitment to creativity as a way
pieces were snapped up by keen customers on
of exploring historical events.
the evening. Well done to all concerned.
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art
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School & Sixth Form College A National Teaching School A National School of Creativity
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