The official magazine of Wakefield Girls' High School 2019 / 2020

WGHS REVIEW The official magazine of Wakefield Girls’ High School 2019-20

CLASS OF 2020 MADAGASCAR OUT AND ABOUT WITH CLASSICS A YEAR IN MUSIC SPORTS UPDATE

Welcome Welcome to our new, online edition of the WGHS review, which provides a review of last academic year. I hope you enjoy our ‘new look’ and that you enjoy flicking through the pages.

Last year, in my written welcome to the WGHS Review, I wrote ‘We know that the world in 2019 is tumultuous’.

Little did I know what 2020 was going to be like!

What an extraordinary time we have, and are still, all experiencing. Who would have thought that despite starting the academic year in the usual way in September 2019, we would all experience a national lockdown and that school would become virtual from March until July 2020.

What a relief that we managed to experience Founders’ Day, Celebration Assembly, Prize Giving, the Foundation concerts at Christmas, the Sixth Form Revue (a personal favourite) and the school production of Little Shop of Horrors.

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The last six months have not been easy; but the high levels of engagement I have seen from our students, both academic and extra-curricular, has been notable and should be applauded. Their grit and determination has shone through in bucket loads and I am really proud of everyone.

Despite the turbulent times, we have reason to celebrate as this year we have been recognised as a school at the forefront of educational thinking and as a result we are now an accredited High Performance Learning School.

In essence, this accreditation confirms that, for us, success is not limited to exam results. It is also about developing a keen sense of social responsibility and instilling an innate sense of confidence. Our young women are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to and we hope that all at Wakefield Girls’ will develop the character to lead and make a positive contribution to society.

This year it has also been wonderful to welcome new staff Bethan Kerridge (Art), Andrew Vause (Science), Rob Webster (Maths), Dan Hannard (Head of Physics) and Sue Howe (School Office) into our school community as well as congratulate Laura Margereson on her marriage to Rich and Abi Lovell on the birth of her first baby, Elliot. On behalf of all the girls and staff at WGHS, I wish all of them the very best.

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I can’t wait to see what the year ahead brings!

We are grateful to all the girls and staff who have contributed to this magazine. A particular thank you must go to the girls in the Creative Writing Club and Student Leaders Sarah Shah, Elizabeth Sykes and Amelie Dissanayaka for their contributions to this year’s magazine. The Editor would also like to thank the students for additional photography complementing the work in the Creative section this year. If you have any comments or would like to submit images or text for consideration please contact The Editor, WGHS Magazine, Wakefield Girls’ High School, 1 Wentworth Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2QS. This 2019-20 edition covers the period Summer 2019 - Summer 2020. Artwork on front cover by Mal Tulwin (Year 13). Artwork on rear cover by Abigail Kumar (Year 11). Once a High School Girl, always a High School Girl.

Ms Heidi-Jayne Boyes - Head

Editor, Mrs Jennie Megson

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Designed by Shuffle CMS Ltd

Contents

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04 EXAM NEWS 05 WORLD BOOK DAY 2020 06 CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020 10 WHERE GIRLS HAVE COMPASSION 12 MADAGASCAR 16 SHINE AND OUTREACH 18 WHERE GIRLS HAVE EACH OTHER 20 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 22 HISTORY 24 GEOGRAPHY 26 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 32 MATHS 34 SCIENCE 38 CLASSICS 40 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 42 DRAMA 46 MUSIC 48 ART GALLERY 54 ART TRIPS & EVENTS 55 WHERE GIRLS FORGE FUTURES 56 WHERE GIRLS HAVE EDGE 58 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 70 WHERE GIRLS ARE CREATIVE 78 FAREWELLS 82 THE 2020-21 HEAD GIRL TEAM

The Wakefield Girls’ High School Review is published by Wakefield Grammar School Foundation. A Registered Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Company No: 4258359 Reg Charity No: 1088415.

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GIRLS HAVE EACH OTHER

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE NO LIMITS

Exam News A Level and GCSE Results 2020 Wakefield Girls’ celebrated super results this year, as well as a commitment to study and perseverance in pursuing success in challenging times. With so much recent uncertainty around the awarding of results, following what has been a difficult and unsettling year, it is important that our students know how much we value their achievements.

I am delighted to see so many students rewarded for their hard work and effort over the last two years.

We are celebrating the results of our accomplished students today but this is just one part of the Wakefield Girls’ education. More important are the skills, compassion and perspective our students develop - the confidence, determination, courage and resilience they have which prepare them ready for life and work, wherever they may find themselves and whatever they choose to do.

53% of A Level grades this year are awarded A*/A with 77% of grades A* to B and 90% of students secured their first or second choice university place.

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49% of GCSE results at Wakefield Girls’ were awarded at the top levels of grade 9 and 8 and 72% passed GCSEs at Grade 7 or above with 100% pass rate for all students. We look forward to welcoming many students back to our Sixth Form.

While we celebrate results, education at Wakefield Girls' goes far beyond the examined syllabus, fostering a sense of scholarship with many diverse extracurricular opportunities. I know that these young women will continue to flourish and will make a difference in our world.

Heidi-Jayne Boyes

GIRLS HAVE FOCUS

World Book Day 2020

Our aspirational reading programme ‘The Matilda Awards’, organised by Mrs Besford in the English Department, saw double the number of participants this year. The closing date for submissions nicely coincided with World Book Day 2020 and was a fantastic way to celebrate the love of reading here at WGHS. This year Vienna Taylor, Aimee Woodhead, Hareem Ghouri and Eve Hunter achieved Bronze Awards. Silver Awards went to Lucy Simmons, Sascha Manomano, Lilly Pouliou, Amelia Parkin, Imogen Preston, Shriya Nagtode and Arianna Pascale and prestigious Gold Awards went to Zara Akhtar and Amelia Parkin.

Overall, the enthusiasm for World Book Day was incredible with students and staff wearing some amazingly creative costumes.

The standard was high and there were so many wonderful entries. The winners this year included Eiliyah who came as Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid; Ellie, Phoebe, Imogen, Claudia as Mr Men characters; Grace as Paddington Bear; Elizabeth as Princess Fiona; Lucy, Zaina, Sienna and Charlotte as Goldilocks and the Three Bears; Eden as Jack and the Beanstalk; Anna, Olivia, and Ciara from Year 11 as Three Blind Mice and Aminta from Year 12 as Ifemelu from Americanah (written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie).

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Head Girl Sangeeta Unnikrishnan Deputy Head Girl Rebecca Coe Senior Prefects Nikhita Majumder Anshini Thakur Ruby Allen Jasmine Kaur Geeta Mahapatra Izzy Macklin Louisa Hutchinson Olivia Heywood Lorretta Krasniqi Abigail Ackroyd Prefects Mariah Ahmed Hafsah Aksar Taryn Allen Lola Allison Imaan Asif Safa Azam Georgia Bainbridge Ellen Barraclough Katie Belfield Catherine Berridge Aimee Blake Molly Boulton Abbey Brooke Erin Budge Saffron Butler Chloe Chandra Hasnaa Choudry Chloe Chow Ella Craven Leah Crisp Charlene Dews Imogen Duncan Eleanor Egan Fatimah Fasil Joanna Fearnehough Niamh Grafton Sana Haider Romy Jackson Lillie Jones Anisha Kamath Thushiga Karunanithy Eleanor Kaye Sophie Knowles Eilidh Lee Kate Leonard Rosalind Maddan Phoebe Marsh-Muir Lily Mathieson Tarynn McWilliam Scout Mehr Alex Middleton Hannah Minifie Lucy Morrell Megan Morris Shaima Mughees Ella Northern Vimbai Nyachuru Molly Parker Juliet Pepper Olivia Pye Ayesha Qarshi Ella Riding Katie Roberts Megan Schofield Katy Shearman Alice Shelbourne Olivia Shuter Neha Sinha Liv Smith Charlotte Stead Izzy Taylor Mal Tulwin Sophie Wainwright Sophia Walker Chanais Wharton Eve Wickham Olivia Wilson Maya Woodcock Olivia Woodhead Hana Yaqoob Raian Yousif

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Class of CELEBRATING THE

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Being at this school has allowed me to be around such truly exceptional people

2020

Our Head Girl, Sangeeta, reflects on her career at Wakefield Girls’ High School. Starting as a little one at our Junior School and progressing finally into Year 13, she feels that students and staff make exceptional things happen every single day.

This past year has been remarkable, for reasons more than the extraordinary circumstances in which it ended.

Though it may not have concluded the way we expected, all of our great memories from our year together will remain intact. In my role as Head Girl, I was honoured to represent the school at various functions, from Parents’ Evenings to Founders’ Day, along with our wonderful team. The biggest project for us was likely the Christmas Revue. Bex and I, along with our committees of directors, scriptwriters and videographers, really enjoyed putting together the production, driven by our talented actors. Our plot involved two girls being trapped in the tunnels under the Sixth Form Centre, with their friends above ground visiting each department in order to receive a key to unlock the doors in the network of tunnels. Of course, in typical Christmas Revue fashion, this involved them getting into lots of hijinks including a Mario Kart-style race, a gladiator combat, and a dance battle with the boys at QEGS! The production required commitment and hard work from so many people, and our year rose to the occasion brilliantly.

Now that my time in the Foundation is coming to an end, I am very sorry to say goodbye to the incredible people I have met, in my year, in the rest of school, and in the staff. Our last few days together at school were marked with many teary goodbyes to each of these groups.

I have been in WGHS since nursery, apart from the four years that I spent between Year 1 and Year 4 living in India. I look back at my time here, and it is immeasurable how much learning we have done outside of the classroom: through the challenges we are encouraged to take on, the leadership roles offered to us, and of course, the people we are surrounded by.

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GIRLS HAVE EACH OTHER

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I look back at my time here, and it is immeasurable how much learning we have done outside of the classroom Being at this school has allowed me to be around such truly exceptional people. My peers show endless dedication to their gifts, are driven to make a difference, and carve out their own paths for the future. The eight girls I am mentioning here are a cross-section of the range of personalities within my year.

Olivia Smith is a Grade 8 flautist. She created and directed Session Orchestra and directed the Sixth Form Choir, whose performances you have heard at concerts and assemblies. Her passion to produce music that can create a positive impact on our lives echoes throughout the school. She will be going to University of Leeds to read Music and Music Psychology.

Lily Mathieson, winner of last year’s Music Soirée, has a distinction in her Grade 8 examination on the viola. She is also training towards her Grade 8 in singing, and will next year study Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Nottingham. Her dedication towards her music is inspirational to all who have seen her play, in group or solo performances.

Leah Crisp has been a competitive swimmer since she was eight. She became a double British Champion in the 800m and 1500m freestyle, and won a silver medal in the 400m in 2019. Next year, Leah will be attending the University of Bath to read Economics and Mathematics, and train at the National Training Centre in Bath.

Taryn Allen is a member of the U18 England hockey training squad, and saved the winning penalty shuffle at the U18 futures cup. She currently plays for the Doncaster Ladies 1st team, and hopes to continue doing so next year as she attends Nottingham University to study Philosophy.

Izzy Macklin was the SRSU Charities Officer last year when she organised the Grandparents’ Afternoon Tea, to raise awareness about dementia. Her focus on donating time, rather than money, inspired volunteers in the Sixth Form as well as a team of talented musicians to do so as well. Izzy will be studying International Management and French at the University of Bath next year.

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Jasmine Kaur was very proud to achieve the Charities Medal in school last year, recognising her motivation and hard work over the years. Her famous cupcakes have raised a staggering £2000, for a variety of charities including The Royal British Legion, Macmillan Cancer Research and Dementia UK. She is hoping to study Pharmacy at the University of Huddersfield.

Something really exceptional is the fact that Loretta Krasniqi will be moving to Hong Kong in August, to work at the Harrow International School as part of her gap year. She will be assisting in lessons and extracurriculars, and is very excited for the opportunity to travel to new places and take on these new opportunities, and support those younger than herself. I spoke to Loretta and here are her thoughts on her forthcoming adventure: “In August 2020, I am moving to Hong Kong to work at Harrow International School Hong Kong during my gap year.

My role is a ‘Gap Tutor’ - where I’ll help to assist in lessons and extra curriculars.

Whilst looking for gap year placements abroad, Harrow School Hong Kong had truly been the only placement that has ticked off all my hopes for what I wanted to achieve in my gap year. Hong Kong is a central hub which would allow for me to have the chance to travel across Asia and explore, take on new opportunities and meet new people - which I never thought I would be able to do at the age of 18.

Additionally, this placement and moving to Hong Kong will give me the life and work experience that many employees are looking for nowadays. What finally ticked this placement off for me was the opportunity to help and impact those younger than me - and support them through their journey at school - which I would have just completed myself.

It was a difficult journey getting onto this placement. I went through applications and multiple interviews and was always waiting anxiously in between stages to find out if I did well enough, to be offered a place. After three long days, after my final interview, I received a phone call from the school, congratulating me on receiving a place to work at the school.

I realise now that this is what a real job process is like and going through this at such a young age will have me that much more prepared for the future.

GIRLS HAVE FOCUS

Class of 2020

I’m so excited to be moving across the world and I genuinely cannot see myself doing anything else during my year out of education.

After my gap year, I am hoping to study Finance and Accounting at Durham University.”

Charlene Dews has received an offer from the University of Oxford to read Classics. She has had an interest in Latin since Year 7, and chose to pursue a subject that she enjoys to higher education, driven to do so by her teachers in the field. Her academic brilliance, as well as her genuine enthusiasm for the subject, has led to this applaudable outcome.

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As you can see, there is no shortage of exceptional figures within Year 13 - narrowing down this list to eight people was extremely difficult - and there are stellar figures within every year group. I see their incredible accomplishments, whether it’s running a marathon in 24 hours to raise money for NHS Charities Together (Lucy Harding in Year 11) or starting a vegan soap company to promote sustainable cosmetics (Orla and Amber Ventris-Crowley in Year 8) and I am so excited to follow their journeys through school even after I have left.

One of the fundamental messages I have received from my time at WGHS is that nothing is out of our reach, and I aim to hold that lesson close to my heart as I follow my future path

Next year, I will be studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics, hopefully at Durham University. I chose this course as it combines three subjects that I am fascinated by, and explores the intrinsic links between them. Each of these disciplines play a huge role in creating the decisions that shape our lives, and I hope that my studies will allow me to understand them with a broader perspective. One of the fundamental messages I have received from my time at WGHS is that nothing is out of our reach, and I aim to hold that lesson close to my heart as I follow my future path.

There are so many opportunities to see the evidence of this positive atmosphere to grow up in, and the brilliance it has encouraged at our school: the merit certificates handed out regularly in assemblies; the rewarding of those who have completed the Matilda Reading Award, Science Reading Challenges, and BEBRAS Maths Challenges; our vibrant school production of Little Shop of Horrors in March; the remarkable achievements of our sportswomen; and the school concerts, to name a few. There are also countless people who go unmentioned, whose acts of kindness and displays of initiative reverberate through our corridors every day. It is all of you who make me proud to be a member of this community.

Sangeeta Unnikrishnan, WGHS Head Girl 2019-20

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE COMPASSION Scrub Hub 2020 The nationwide lockdown of March this year brought unexpected change to the way in which the Wakefield Girls’ High School Textiles Department operated.

Workshops buzzing with GCSE and A Level students rushing to complete their coursework for the May deadline suddenly emptied, as both teachers and students turned to their home sewing machines to set up the WGHS Scrub Hub. Mrs Phillips sent out an appeal to all students from Years 7 to 13 looking for volunteers to sew scrubs, scrub bags or headbands to keep the NHS workers at Pinderfields Hospital safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Combined with an appeal to the general public through social media, the response was overwhelming, with the team expanding from Mrs Maher, Mrs Phillips, Mrs George, and Mrs Critch to over fifteen members consisting of current students, WGHS Alumni, and very generous members of the public. Furthermore, the school community came together and donated over £2000 in just two months, enabling the Scrub Hub to purchase fabric desperately needed to meet the demand for scrubs.

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While the scrubs form a very critical element to the PPE of the NHS workers, the scrub bags and headbands provide comfort and ease to their daily routine. The scrub bags were created from materials that could withstand a hot wash, allowing the worker to simply place their scrubs in the bag and then throw the entire bag into the washing machine at the end of the day. The headbands were embellished with two buttons at either side so that face masks could be hooked around these, rather than the elastic rubbing and putting pressure on the back of the ears throughout the long and tiring shifts at the hospital. Hollie from Year 10, Emilia from Year 7 and myself decided to get involved with the Scrub Hub and sew scrub bags.

Aminta from Year 12 and Charlotte rose to the challenge of sewing headbands, sending a combined total of over sixty to Pinderfields.

I decided to get involved in this project because the cancellation of my A Level exams, combined with the fact I had finished all of my subject courses meant I had unusual amounts of spare time on my hands, and I thought the best way to fill it was by doing what I could to contribute to the fight against Covid-19.

I learnt to sew with the (very) patient guidance of the textiles teachers at WGHS, progressing from breaking needles and jamming sewing machines to taking Textiles GCSE in just under a year, so I thought it was only fair to put my skills towards a good cause. I was able to send off thirty two scrub bags to the NHS workers at the hospital due to the kind donations of old pillowcases and bed sheets from my neighbours.

With guidance from Volunteer Manager Gwen Shackleton at Pinderfield Hospital, Mrs Maher downloaded and converted a pattern for producing scrubs, ensuring those made were identical to the ones currently worn by NHS workers. The purpose of scrubs is to provide a base layer next to the skin, under the disposable gown. The fabric was prewashed and dried before cutting to allow for shrinkage. The Scrub Hub produced over one hundred and fifty sets of scrubs in many different colours, including holly green, dark purple and French navy. The demand for scrubs came from not only Pinderfields Hospital, with sets being donated to GP surgeries, opticians, dentists, care homes, and STEPS Rehabilitation. The products of WGHS Scrub Hub became so in demand, an email was set up specifically for PPE requests.

Ruby Allen - Year 13

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Many pupils and staff also used the lockdown opportunity to make visors,

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scrubs, scrub bags and mask bands for the staff at Pinderfields Hospital

Charities News

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The autumn term was filled with cake sales, teacher’s eating competitions, collecting gifts to give to vulnerable and underprivileged children

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As always, the Wakefield Girls’ High School Charities Committee were keen to start the new academic year with a bang and so organised many events to raise money and awareness for the charities that are important to them.

The autumn term was filled with cake sales, teacher’s eating competitions, collecting gifts to give to vulnerable and underprivileged children in the area at Christmas time, collection for the Food bank and the annual Christmas Fayre.

The events are organised by small groups of pupils and the Charity Student Leaders. A new campaign for this year was to collect toys and toiletries etc to give to children in our local area whose families may not be able to afford gifts for them etc. This was a hugely successful campaign - we gave ninety eight filled shoeboxes (filled with toys, colouring items, toiletries, sweets etc) to Tiny Hands Baby bank. And the team of Year 11 pupils who were organising the campaign raised over £100 to buy new toys to give to Wakefield Social Services to hand out to families.

Children’s Trust and many individual pupils took part in sponsored events to raise money for charities of their choice.

On the very last day of term, Mrs Tingle put together a huge Kahoot quiz for pupils and staff to take part in and raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust - a charity that would normally benefit from our annual Summer Charity Fayre. It was a huge success and a great way to finish the term.

Many pupils and staff also used the lockdown opportunity to make visors, scrubs, scrub bags and mask bands for the staff at Pinderfields Hospital and care providers in the local area showing great community spirit.

Mrs Phillips

The lockdown didn’t stop our pupils from fundraising either - Year 9 took part in a sponsored 5km run for Darjeeling

GIRLS HAVE BIG FUTURES

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Exploring

MADAGASCAR An unforgettable fun-packed three week Outlook Expedition with life-changing experiences – from amazing wildlife, waterfalls and spectacular sunsets to a successful make-over.

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GIRLS HAVE COMPASSION

In July 2019, three teams of WGHS students, three Outlook Expedition guides, Dr Rhodes, Mrs Maher, Mrs Oliver, Mrs Taylor, Madame Djokovic and I spent three weeks exploring the island of Madagascar.

After a coach journey to Heathrow, we boarded our overnight flight to Madagascar, stopping off at Istanbul and Mauritius. With the plane emptying significantly after the Mauritius stop, I was able to switch to a window seat and eagerly watched as we approached the east coast of Madagascar before landing at the capital city of Antananarivo (usually referred to as Tana for obvious reasons) more or less in the centre of the island.

After disembarking, filling in immigration forms and not being 100% sure what to write in each box, queuing for passport control, having the pleasant surprise that the visa cost had increased by 8 Euros and being relieved that all our rucksacks had arrived, we boarded three minibuses ready to brave Tana’s traffic. Our accommodation for the first two nights wasn’t particularly far away, but Tana has some of the worst congestion of any city and dealing with junctions appears to be a combination of luck and consensus rather than rules about priority.

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We arrived at our accommodation around mid afternoon and after getting settled in, we bought a somewhat overpriced meal there before getting an early night. Next day’s tasks were to change our money into Malagasy Ariary, the local currency, buy a mobile phone and to meet our guides for the next few days. The next morning, we boarded our bus which was to take us westward through the central highlands, to the Tsiribihina river. It took two days of travel, stopping off at Antsirabe (where we stayed in an almost unfeasibly large hotel with no sign of any other guests) and Miandrivazo. As foreigners (or vazaha) we had to report to the local police station, so Alfie the Outlook representative, and I were driven there.

We spent an hour sitting in darkness while one policeman laboriously copied out the details from fourteen passports with Alfie and I shining our phone lights on his desk, while the other officers and the prisoners in the two holding cells watched the Madagascan football team’s homecoming from the African Cup of Nations.

After a short drive the next morning, we left the tarmacked road and transferred ourselves, our bags and our food to another vehicle which could cope with the dust track which would take us to the river. Once there, our equipment was loaded onto a number of canoes or pirogues and we sat in twos, threes and fours in these with a local boatman, seemingly precariously standing at the back, expertly navigating the river with his single oar.

Given the fact that we were provided with some rather flowery parasols as some protection against the Sun, there were times when I did feel somewhat like a genteel Edwardian lady being taken for punt on the River Cam. Much to mine and Dr Rhodes’ excitement, the river was excellent for birdwatching, extensively populated with malachite kingfishers (though blue not green), bee eaters, kites, herons, bitterns and many others. The boatmen also pointed out chameleons, including this striking pink one.

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On the second day, we lunched near a waterfall where we were not only able to have a bit of wash in the plunge pool, but also had our first sight of lemurs.

We spent three nights camping as we made our way down the river. The boatmen showed us how to use pieces of dried reed which worked much better than tent pegs for the sandy soil. Evening meals were cooked on our antediluvian petrol stoves, usually as the sun was going down at around 6:30pm. I was slightly disappointed that the full Moon meant that we weren’t going to see much of the spectacular Southern sky constellations and Milky Way but it did mean that we were treated to an unexpected (on my part) partial lunar eclipse.

After three days we said goodbye to the boatmen, loaded our bags onto zebu carts (the Malagasy equivalent of ox carts) and trudged for a couple of hours to our pick up point. After buying bottles of water for some exorbitant price, we got onto a cross between a lorry and a minibus, which might have been one of Henry Ford’s first attempts and drove through a parched landscape to where we were due to be taken for an afternoon safari through a bamboo forest. However, as we were several hours behind schedule, after a bit of negotiation between the teachers, Alfie and the guide, this turned into a night safari. This surpassed all of our expectations and we were able to see nocturnal mouse lemurs thanks to our guide’s torch and expertise as well as sleeping drongos, chameleons and spiders. However, the real surprise was back in the car park where we saw the fosa, a top predator a bit like a giant tree dwelling otter, endemic to Madagascar. After a meal and Dr Rhodes embarking on a fosa hunt, we were driven through the night to Morondava. In the absence of a car radio, the students formed their own surround sound system and gave us renditions of the school song, ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Jubilate’ and even Mr Eggleston’s favourite hymn.

Exploring Madagascar

After all our travelling, we had a day in the coastal town of Morondava. Around 5pm, we drove to the nearby baobab grove to watch the sunset against the surreal backdrop of these ‘upside down’ trees. We were hoping to stay for a while after sundown to get in a bit of stargazing, but a combination of some local soldiers wanting to clear the area and the bus driver revving his engine in rather unsubtle manner curtailed this hope.

The next day we started on our way back to Tana, overnighting at Antsirabe again. Although it was a long day’s journey, we were treated to an amazing sunset and the clear, moonless night showed the Milky Way arcing over the zenith with amazing clarity. This meant that comfort stops on the journey were also opportunities for ad hoc astronomy sessions and Dr Rhodes to capture yet another photograph of the centre of our galaxy.

The next few days were spent in Akany Avoko children’s home. Our main task was to redecorate the girls’ dormitory. While one team was dispatched to the local hardware shop to buy brushes, scrapers and paint, another team interviewed the girls to ask them what they would like to have painted on the walls. With a brief to include animals, plants, fish and trees, the more artistic amongst us set about designing a mural and the rest of us did the colouring in. During the evenings, the students got to know some of the home’s residents and we also spent a day visiting the boys’ home on the other side of Tana. However, once again the notorious traffic was an issue and it must have taken three hours to make our way to the other side of the city. Despite our long days and hard work, we only just managed to complete the decorating in time before we left but both our students and the girls from the children’s home were delighted with the result.

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We saw several species of lemur, including the largest and very rare Indri which we could hear howling at dawn and dusk

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The last few days were spent in some of Madagascar’s remaining rainforest. Unfortunately, around 90% has been lost over the years and like many places, Madagascar has the conflicting interests of feeding its population and trying to conserve its natural history. Most of the forest lies in a ribbon of green along the eastern mountains and there are now increasing efforts by not only the government, but individuals to conserve this and its unique wildlife. One of these is Evariste, our guide and the owner (or more perhaps custodian is more appropriate) of a reserve which he hopes to link to the nearby larger National Park. Evariste took us on both night and day safaris. We saw several species of lemur, including the largest and very rare Indri which we could hear howling at dawn and dusk. However, Dr Rhodes was particularly excited to see a pygmy chameleon, especially as it had taken David Attenborough three visits to Madagascar to see one.

In what seemed to be almost no time at all, it was time to return to Tana for our final days before catching our flight back home. I would like to thank Mrs Maher, Dr Rhodes, Miss Djokovic, Mrs Oliver, Mrs Taylor and all of the WGHS students for their part in making this a very memorable expedition.

If you would like more details of the expedition, please follow the link to Dr Rhodes’ blog. This was one of her regular evening tasks when we had access to wifi. https://madagascar238709856.wordpress.com Dr Durell

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Shining success stories...

SHINE SHINE is a WGSF Outreach project, working with selected Year 5 children from local primary schools, focussing on supporting students to develop a flair for learning, through expanding on their classroom learning. On Saturday mornings between November and February, around ten Sixth Form volunteers from across the Foundation would come in on alternate weeks, to help lead and encourage the childrens’ learning. Selected students from; St Mary's C of E Primary School, St Michael's CE Academy, Greenhill Primary School, Park Hill Primary and Flanshaw J&I School would join us for a number of three hour, fun learning activity sessions.

We did such a range of really entertaining, interactive and insightful lessons. Covering almost every subject, the SHINE programme included sustainable clock making in D&T, Christmas cards in Art, pirate-themed English, energetic dance sessions, slime in Chemistry, volcano explosions, magic Maths, plasticine heart modelling and a range of more.

Personally as a leader, I had to assist the teaching staff by transferring the students across the site, being encouraging and enthusiastic, setting up refreshments, preparing materials, travelling in the minibus to collect the pupils, and also by supporting staff or students who sought help. The experience was really rewarding, especially seeing the joy in the students as they engaged with the sessions, and how they grew in confidence throughout the weeks. Our school puts a great deal of

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effort into the logistics and planning of the lessons, as they recognise the benefits for the students and its positive influence on their enthusiasm for education. It introduces the students to what we, as a school have to offer and also the fun in further learning. It also is another platform for us as a school to have a positive contribution within our local community and build links with local primary schools.

Through the volunteering I'm involved in outside of school, I had heard from some students who had previously taken part in SHINE about their experience and saw how much they’d enjoyed the sessions and benefitted from the lessons. I felt really encouraged to be involved with the project. I am very passionate about learning and so being provided with the opportunity to promote and contribute to this within the local community was an opportunity that I really wanted to take. I knew it would be a fun and rewarding way of developing my leadership skills and experience working with new people, and developing my confidence too. Taking up opportunities to stretch your leadership skills is vital for the world of work and as well as being applicable to a range of other situations, and so value was gained for both students and us Sixth Form leaders.

Throughout the programme, every week brought something new and the sessions were really fun for everyone involved.

Personally, I think the pirate-themed

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English was a highlight. The students really got involved and enjoyed the challenge set for them, as well as generating some really creative and intelligent stories which were great fun to hear. It was also funny seeing the pirate outfits created from newspapers and then the students having to ‘walk the plank’ in their homemade newspaper costumes.

When fellow leaders were asked what their highlights were, many enjoyed the PE sessions, covering football, rounders, dance and playing rugby whilst sat on the floor (I wasn't there for that - it sounds interesting but I'll take their word for it!).

Eloise highlighted that it was enjoyable to be pushed out of our comfort zone sometimes too; for instance, we had to demonstrate a Latin play of the three little pigs (with a number of us not having studied Latin for 3 years), fully dressed up as pigs or wolves. However, I agree with Eloise that it was rewarding and even better watching the children have the confidence to perform on the back of it.

All the sessions brought the students and leaders together but especially the PE sessions and the Latin lesson, and I think that is what made them such highlight moments. The PE sessions often involved lots of teamwork and brought us all together. The Latin session was relatively nerve wracking, so that was really nice seeing students and leaders really encouraging one another.

Anna Chew - Year 12

GIRLS HAVE COMPASSION

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE EACH OTHER Outreach

Subject Buddying Scheme

Despite our time in school being curtailed this academic year, with our unprecedented, though necessary eviction on 20th March, lots of great work and fun clubs happened over the Autumn and Spring terms and we were able to pack a lot into our Outreach programme. I would like to thank Ruby Allen, Inaya Hussain, Anna Chew, Tara Jayawardena, Aminta Utting Simon, Georgia Stone, Sasha Hildyard, Zaina Khan, Lucy McKinlay, Emma Gallagher, Sopheere Hussain, Rosie Higgins, Annabel Bond Sampson, Kyne Borden, Sarah Shah, Daiya Shergill, Aymah Haleem and Eloise Woolley, for their dedication to the SHINE Outreach project and to Heather Watson, Lucy Cockayne and Niamh Morris for joining us for the Outreach Reading Ambassadors project.

Twenty five willing Year 12 girls signed up for the new Subject Buddies scheme, which was a fantastic number of girls who were prepared to give up some of their lunch times to share their subject knowledge with the Year 11s. Sadly, this help was curtailed in March, just as the Year 11s and Year 12s were getting into the swing of their new found arrangements, but this scheme is definitely one that I would like to run again when I return to being HOY 11 in September 2021.

This year, Mrs Maher gave the Year 12 students the amazing opportunity to take part in a subject buddy scheme, which meant that a Year 12 student was paired up with a Year 11 student who they would tutor, in order to help the Year 11 student with the parts of the content they were finding challenging in their GCSE course. It was a great opportunity both for the Year 12 helpers and the Year 11 students, who were able to receive one to one help. I was able to refresh my GCSE knowledge of my A Level courses and also gain a great deal of confidence in my subject areas while also helping students who needed my help. I had one buddy for two of my A Level courses, Geography and Chemistry, and I found it interesting to find out what they struggled with and to see if it was the same as what I had found difficult, and then to help them overcome this. Although it was only a short experience, due to the Coronavirus pandemic causing us to not be able to come into school, and cancelling GCSEs, it was still very rewarding and I think the scheme is a fantastic addition to the school community, which will help and has already helped a great number of students.

Whilst short, it's been a fabulous academic year of success stories, shared experiences and new relationships, and I am hugely proud of all of our girls who represent our school so well when meeting children and adults from other schools.

Mrs Maher - Outreach Coordinator

Charlotte Tyzzer Smith - Year 12

2019/20 17

Fun at Caythorpe Court

This is what our Year 7 girls had to say about their trip to Caythorpe Court Aamina...

Labibah...

Sascha...

“Well what can I say about Caythorpe Court!

If I am totally honest, I was very anxious and nervous about going on my first residential of Year 7, firstly because I didn’t really know anyone; I was totally new to the school.

Secondly because it was in the second week of starting at the school and to add further anxiety we were going to be grouped with the whole year as opposed to our form. How wrong could I have been! Looking back I actually think it was a genius idea because I made many more new friends than I normally would have.

“The Giant Swing was my favorite, as me and another girl had to go first.

I was frightened, once I got on the swing and the staircase was removed I was just hanging. I felt terrified as I had no idea what would happen.

All of a sudden the other girls started pulling on the rope. Once we wanted to stop we shouted stop and pulled the white rope which let go of us and we dropped and started swinging.

It was a great feeling!”

“I absolutely loved trapeze and giant swing. I loved giant swing because it was an exhilarating experience and it was very fun. The thrill of it all just put the activity to the top. I loved trapeze because when I grabbed the trapeze I felt triumphant, and even if you don't reach the top it makes you feel proud of yourself for trying.”

Caythorpe Court was absolutely amazing; there were a wide range of activities to choose from, starting with basic teamwork to really extreme challenges that tested you as a team as well as an individual. A few of the challenges that I had to push myself on were: trapeze, giant swing and raft building. At first I was very apprehensive about doing these activities but I found that I really enjoyed them. It goes to show that you must not let fear take over.

You should always push yourself even if you feel scared at first. Also you may not succeed on the first attempt but the key is to keep trying until you do succeed.

Due to the Caythorpe Court residential trip I feel I developed as a person. It gave me more confidence and the knowledge that anything is achievable if you are willing to give it go. I also made more friends. This trip definitely helped me bond with the girls in my year group.”

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Molly...

“My favourite part of the trip was getting to know lots of other people in my year and doing all sorts of activities with them. I also thought that all of the activities were amazing and I would certainly try them again.”

Tracy...

“My favourite part of the trip was when it was the last day we were at the activity field waiting for our next activity leader. Then Danny and Liz taught us the chicken song and we had a competition against another school for who could sing or shout it the loudest - I think we won!”

Arianna...

“My favourite part of the residential trip was the wacky races. I enjoyed wacky races because I liked looking up at the night sky and seeing all the stars.

Another fun part of wacky races was trying to beat the other teams and all the challenges we had to face. We even saw a shooting star!”

Chloe...

“The activities I liked best at Caythorpe Court were the trapeze, giant swing, challenge course and sensory trail.

I liked these activities because you needed to get very involved - in the sensory trail you had to find your way around the course blindfolded whilst encountering different obstacles along the way. I have never done anything like the activities I did before which made them challenging and enjoyable.”

Year 7

Christmas Party!

Edie...

Fleur...

“My favourite part of the trip was the raft building, as we were able to build the raft how we thought it needed to be built, and we had little help, which is a good thing.

I think not getting told how to build it is a very good idea, as it allows us to use our imagination. The reason why I loved this activity is because we all got on the raft and then different parts of it gradually fell apart, causing us to all fall off. I was the last person on the raft. I was clutching onto the rope to stay on and then I got pushed off! I loved it when we were all in the water and we were able to swim around freely. It was very fun when we were all jumping in backwards.”

“In Year 7, I was lucky enough to be able to go on a trip to an adventure centre called Caythorpe Court.

I shared lots of new and brilliant experiences with the many new friends I gained there. Being completely new to the school, I felt a little bit of trepidation about going to Caythorpe, however it helped enormously towards the bonding experience with new teachers and peers alike. The activities were challenging, sometimes scary, but always fun and there was never a dull moment. I especially liked the aero-ball: I found it so exhilarating!

Instead of just walking to the different activities, you had to march and sing silly songs. People were even singing them after lights out they were so catchy! Every meal was really tasty and there were a lot of dishes: noodles, sausages, pasta ... the options were endless.”

Hareem...

“I loved problem solving and being in a room with other girls because these were both fantastic ways to get to know other people and make friends. I also loved the giant swing because the instructor was extremely kind and whilst everyone else went the highest he let us go a bit lower I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't as scary as it seemed. The only thing I disliked was the weather because it made some activities wet and muddy but overall it was an amazing experience!”

WHERE

GIRLS HAVE EACH OTHER

Sing and dance, Play lots of games, Take a chance, Pose for the photo frames!

The Christmas Party is lots of fun, The presents are good, Talk and meet everyone, Have a good time like you should!

See an elf, Wear Christmassy things, Enjoy yourself, Celebrate the happiness it brings.

By Alice Moran - Year 7

2019/20 19

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE FOCUS RELIGIOUS STUDIES round-up

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS DEPARTMENT

This academic year has been perhaps the most exciting one seen by the RPE Department during my time at WGHS. We have introduced a range of new initiatives to engage the whole school, which have been a resounding success so far.

Our notice boards and displays in the Beaumont building received a brand new makeover. We now display recent student work, book recommendations, current news articles with relevance to the department, RPE-related careers and university courses, departmental news such as trips, information about Mrs Keegan-Phipps’ Japanese culture club, and our new Religion of the Month display.

Religion of the Month was introduced to reflect the diversity of the school community and raise awareness of the festivals and religious practices that take place not only in the lives of our students but worldwide, beyond what there is space for in the curriculum. Each month, the Student Leader team works with Mrs Keegan-Phipps to write and present an assembly focused on a chosen

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festival. We started with Buddhism and Parinirvana Day in January, and hope to resume quickly when we all come together again.

In addition to our usual GCSE clinics and A Level study groups, we re-introduced the school’s lunchtime philosophy club, now rebranded as ‘The Good Place’, at which I lead discussions about a wide range of philosophers, ethical theories and ideologies from different eras and origins. This has been such a wonderful experience so far that ‘The Good Place’ will be becoming an EDGE activity this autumn, enabling us to have many more in-depth discussions, as well as fit in a few more fun activities - I’m particularly excited for Philosophy Snap.

WHERE

GIRLS HAVE INSPIRATION

Religious Studies Some of our Year 9 students had a super time experiencing the Buddhist and Meditation Centre at Pocklington in February, but one of our greatest sadnesses as a department this year has been that we were unable to go on our planned trip to Rome at Easter. Such trips have been a valuable opportunity to immerse ourselves in Italian culture and learn firsthand about the impact and beliefs of Catholicism (and Christianity as a whole) through visiting churches, museums and historical sites. However, we are optimistic that we will return soon.

The RPE Department has also begun putting up a ‘Thought for the Day’ on the TV screens in reception and lower corridor, alongside the other school notices.They are a range of religious and secular phrases/mantras, from inspirational leaders and writers throughout history; in order to cater for our whole school community, they are from different faiths, countries and backgrounds.

Finally we must acknowledge our gratitude and thanks to Mr Sheehan, who left at Christmas to become Head of Department in All Saints, Mansfield, with Mrs Keegan-Phipps taking over as Acting HoD. He was an amazing teacher, full of energy and good humour, and we thank him for everything he did for us all over the last four and a half years.

However, we are incredibly excited to continue exploring new ways of evolving both in and out of lesson time in the upcoming academic year.

Aminta Utting-Simon - Year 12

Inspired by their trip to the Buddhist Centre, girls produced some great artwork and poetry

o rk by

eh a

N

by Ann Achato

A r tw

Suffering, what words can I use to explain The pain, the fear, the death, the decay Repeated in a cycle again and again Suffering, never really going away Swallowing us all till it has to find new prey Becoming a part of life, day to day But suffering, are you really there?

Something there to haunt us, something there to scare, Watching as slowly down we wear Now suffering, you're just an illusion, I've realised now, there's nothing to it The thing consuming us, is simply a choosing A choosing in which we can escape Through the fear, through the pain, through all the decay Breathe in, breathe out and run away To a land where only happiness can stay

Ve mu

la

There's suffering all over, what can we do?

It's an inescapable cycle for me and you But we don't have to suffer in the worst type of way There are things we can do to help us through our day Start with meditation and your mind will slow down All of the crazy thoughts inside you will stop whizzing around With ease, your body will come to a rest The suffering can end, it sure is the best

by Mia Crecraft

2019/20 21

History trip to a Victorian workhouse On a freezing December morning our intrepid Year 12 Historians piled into the minibus for the short trip up the M1 to Ripon. The biting winter cold provided a suitably Dickensian backdrop for a visit to one of the best preserved Victorian workhouses in the country. Set up by the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act the workhouse was meant to strike fear into the population, looming over those who might have been struggling economically and 'inspiring' them towards selfsufficiency. Whilst not condemned to gruel twice a day and sleeping on straw mattresses, our students managed to gain a great insight into the routines and rhythms of workhouse life, including partaking in mind-numbing and physically challenging labour - from oakum picking to brass polishing!

“

Our students managed to gain a great insight into the routines and rhythms of workhouse life

”

They also participated in a role play from the position of those who had power in the workhouse system - the local poor law guardians - who decided which of their local poor should be allowed through the gates and which should be left to fend for themselves (a decision that could quite literally mean life or death). In the afternoon, students entered the Victorian courthouse and staged a mock trial, complete with full costume, centred upon the story of a pair of 19th century petty criminals who ended up being deported to Australia as punishment for their misdeeds. For girls studying the 19th century and, particularly, issues of poverty, welfare and public health, this was a trip that packed in a huge amount of rich learning and was hugely enjoyed by all.

Mrs Potts

22 WGHS REVIEW

History

Here is an extract of Sarah Shah’s entry for the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain’s 2019 Holodomor Essay Prize (judged by Dr. Olenka Pevny, Director of Ukrainians Studies at Cambridge University). She was Highly Commended for this and the full entry can be found on the augb website.

REMEMBERING THE CRIMES OF THE HOLODOMOR Referred to as a ‘bloodless war’[1], the Holodomor (1932-1933) was an incomprehensible tragedy which led to countless avoidable Ukrainian deaths. The nature of such an appalling famine becomes increasingly eerie when considering how Ukraine is the third largest grain exporter[2] and points to this event being deliberately man-made by Stalin’s policy of collectivisation, imposed as a genocide to weaken Ukrainian nationalism. Furthermore, the outrageous cover-up is still in full force: the Russian Federation considers it part of the wider Soviet Famine[3], downplaying the suffering of individual nations. Failing to recognise the specific devastation in Ukraine appears flippant, especially considering current tensions. As Conquest writes, ‘the silence must surely be seen as the silence of complicity, or justification’[4]. Regardless of this debate, the unjust hardship is undeniable. It is necessary to break the silence to remember an event which should have never been forgotten.

The Holodomor was undoubtedly significant on an individual basis, leading to as many as over 7 million deaths. Those who did live did not do so in luxury, as survivor Vera Smereka recounts ‘borscht… consisted of just water and herbs’[5] and later attributes this to their swollen stomachs. This was very common, as many sources describe similar swelling due to the use of water to combat hunger, and illustrates the extent of desperation to survive but also conveys an upsetting futility. Survivors were faced with difficult decisions which no doubt would later traumatise them in the long term, for example in Galina Smyrna’s account ‘my aunt went crazy – she ate her own child’[6]. Many historians and testimonies mention cannibalism, however this one depicts the struggle to survive as tragic and not only showcases physical starvation, but also the mental toll such an event would take.

Living itself appears to have been a form of torture.

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Doroshenko, Hanna. http://holodomorct.org/holodomor-survivor-eyewitness-accounts/ https://web.archive.org/web/20131231235707/http://www.blackseagrain.net/data/news/ukraine-becomes-worlds-third-biggest-grain-exporter-in-2011-minister https://sputniknews.com/world/20080402102830217/ Conquest, R. (2002). The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivisation and the Terror-Famine. Pimlico. p.330 https://www.augb.co.uk/survivor-testimony-vera-smereka.php Smyrna, Galina. http://holodomorct.org/holodomor-survivor-eyewitness-accounts/

WHERE

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

2019/20 23

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE COMPASSION GEOGRAPHY

Looking back.

Looking forward...

At the time of writing, thousands of school children across the UK are being taught at home as the Covid-19 pandemic brings the life we knew to a temporary halt. Ordinarily I would include lots of photographs of students enjoying field trips during the summer term but this year these have been replaced by virtual online courses many of which the Field Studies Council have organised. Here are some reminders of what we did last year at Flamborough, Leeds, Malham and Clapham Beck…

Last year I wrote about how the Department had integrated Google,

24 WGHS REVIEW

Firefly and other technologies to enhance the student experience and better meet their individual learning needs. These resources have been so very beneficial recently and as far as possible student learning has been uninterrupted. I am ever so pleased with how each member of the Geography Department has fully embraced a steep learning curve concerning remote teaching and the use of facilities such as Google Meet and Loom. This will enhance learning when we return to school as we have all discovered new ways of working and created many high quality resources.

WHERE

GIRLS HAVE FOCUS

Geography

TEACHER PERSPECTIVES ON LOCKDOWN In just a matter of weeks, the ‘new normal’ has given our professional lives an almighty shake-up – who among us thought we’d soon be attending departmental meetings from home and seeing one geography teacher with a new beard!

Mr H Hargreaves

Mrs S Heptinstall

Mr R Tribe

“Personally, I’ve been enjoying some aspects of the experience. I like finding new and better ways of working and I have learnt ever so much. Google Meet has facilitated my lessons and I have really enjoyed working directly with the students and the many discussions I have had with them. I have learnt much concerning the use of YouTube and Loom to enhance my teaching and this is something I will continue with on our return. As the students say... it is wonderful to be able to pause me!

My students have been wonderful and it is their enthusiasm, good humour and cooperation that has made my life during lockdown so much easier and I am so very grateful to them. I am looking forward to getting back to school and working face to face with them again.”

“During lockdown I have tried to replicate normal lessons, so from that point of view, life has continued. I have also enjoyed being in regular contact with students.They have been a joy to teach during this difficult time.

However, I have to say that I have missed the hustle and bustle of the normal school day. I never thought that I’d miss being part of the busy lesson changeover in our lively corridors or the ‘packing away’ at the end of a lesson in readiness for the next. The sheer physicality, liveliness and noise of normal school life seems a valuable commodity now, something to be cherished.”

“I have, in common with many people, found lockdown to be both more fulfilling and less fulfilling at the same time. I have loved not having to travel by car and have enjoyed cycling and walking again, whilst discovering my local landscape and getting a real sense of place.

I have learned a huge amount in the time we have been away from school, not least being the sheer amount of time it takes to plan online lessons as well as the fact that I don’t like sitting in front of a computer very much! Whilst I am not a fan of noise or crowds I do miss the interaction with students and throughout this tricky time I have been so impressed with the perseverance and general enthusiasm of the girls who I am fortunate enough to teach. Their cheerful emails and sheer hard work have been most welcome as I have sat for hours at my dining table and I am fortunate that my lasting memories of this period will be more positive as a result.”

Geography Cake

Competition!

These were displayed on Information Morning back in October 2019 and as you can see there were some wonderful entries. I would like to thank everyone that contributed in any way. Pupils so often exceed any of my expectations.

1ST PRIZE: Molly Inglesfield 7KFR

2ND PRIZE: Isla Darby & Sophie Crawshaw 7GVM

2019/20 25

Global Issues Group

by Anna Chew, Environmental and Ethics Officer - Year 12

I’ve had the joy of leading the Global Issues Group this year, after being voted into the role of Environment and Ethics ofďŹ cer for the Student Union. It’s been such a great opportunity to get involved with something I'm passionate about, working with some fantastic likeminded students to try and discuss how to play our part, as a school and personally, to make change. A main focal point for the group this year has been forming a School Sustainability plan and considering a number of events and activities, which would encourage students to get involved and take an interest and ultimately help the school become more sustainable.

The group is made up of a number of really enthusiastic members, who are all really passionate about a range of

26 WGHS REVIEW

global issues. We frequently discuss how to make a change and, as individuals, all have issues which we are particularly passionate about. The group provides us with a platform to talk about things that concern us and what we can do about them. We wanted to support a cause which each one of us was particularly passionate about, to raise money for a range of charities over the year.

Maddie has a particular interest in Animal Welfare and preventing the mistreatment of animals by protecting their physical and mental needs.

Issues which often lead to poor animal welfare are treatment in zoos, animal testing, living conditions, hunting for rare species, and the food industry. Her chosen charity was Save the Elephants.

Geography

Eloise is passionate about making a change to poverty, especially enabling people to have access to safe drinking water. Her chosen charity was Evidence Action. One of their main programmes is to provide safe water dispensers. Every year, 830,000 people die from diarrhoea due to unsafe drinking water. They focus on making sure that the water treatment is sustainable and can be accessed by as many people as possible. Operating in six countries, so far it has allowed 4 million people to access safe water where they didn’t before and this is why we chose it as such an important charity to support.

Ruth’s chosen charity is the International Justice Mission, which focuses on human rights and law enforcement. IJM works to combat trafficking, child sexual assault, forced labour slavery, property grabbing, police abuse of power, and addresses citizenship rights of minorities. IJM provides training, mentoring and support to local law enforcement and other community leaders to slow down and stop the cycle of violence. With human trafficking generating $150 Billion annually and over 40 million people trapped in slavery globally (this is more than ever before in human history), this feels like a more than appropriate charity to support with one of our planned events.

With a third of the UK’s green places in danger of being lost or degraded, Sasha felt supporting The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) would help to save the spaces that communities use everyday, such as the local playing field, the nearby allotment or the small urban woodland and these are the spaces most at risk. These community green spaces, with no special protection are at risk of being lost in the face of budget pressures and restrictions. TCV delivers practical volunteering programmes, providing people with everything they need to play an active role in creating, protecting and improving green spaces.

TCV plants trees providing homes for wildlife and improving climate and air quality whilst balancing the needs of nature and people, from boardwalks and dipping platforms to fences and footpaths. Sasha thinks this is a brilliant

WHERE

organisation to support as the mobilising and supporting of volunteers, in locations including Yorkshire ensures that these precious areas of woodland, rural meadows, urban parks and community green spaces are protected for future generations to enjoy.

Sustainable fashion was what initially got me so invested in global issues.

The fashion industry often raises many ethical concerns and equally often impacts the environment and I believe it is something which for all of us, can be easy to make personal change to. The charity I chose was the Environmental Justice Foundation, which looks at environmental security with a human rights focus, running across the five key areas of oceans, climate, food, cotton and activist training. I really look forward to supporting this charity next year as it really works to combat a number of ethical and environmental issues. We planned numerous events, for instance upcycling workshops, a green week and fairtrade bake sales. These events are all part of our planning to improve the sustainability of the school as we believe getting students involved should be at the forefront of making change.

Hopefully, over the next academic year, there will be opportunities for these events to take place as being able to support these transformative charities and increase awareness would be great.

As well as raising money to support these charities, hopefully it raises awareness as well as getting students involved in global issues.The Global Issues Group provides students with a platform to discuss what they are passionate about, whilst educating members of the group and encouraging others to be involved and make a change in regards to issues that concern them. The group hopes to have a lasting impact on the school community. We hope to do this through planned events and making changes to the school system in order to reduce our impact on global issues. In our sustainability plan so far we have set out to make changes to a number of aspects at school, after deliberating and pinpointing where the focus should be and where change may be needed.

GIRLS HAVE COMPASSION

Ultimately as a group we want this community to feel as passionate as we do and to want to make changes: any change big or small will contribute to an ultimate increase in sustainability as well as more awareness for global issues.

As I said, it's been a pleasure to lead the group. All the members have had such a valuable contribution with some amazing input and ideas. The collaborative unit we have as a group has been crucial to our success. With a heavy focus on thorough planning, the teamwork and commitment of the team has been extremely beneficial. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the group this year, from those who popped into a couple of sessions to those who attended week in week out. Your contribution has been appreciated. An emphasised thank you to Ruth Gardiner, Maddison Marner, Eloise Woolley and Sasha Hildyard who have made such a significant contribution to the group always making their best efforts to contribute whilst supporting me as leader. Equally, to Mr Hargreaves and Mr Tribe for supporting our ideas and inputting their ideas and ways to improve, giving us confidence in our plans and providing us with an opportunity to discuss what we are passionate about.

2019/20 27

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS GAIN MORE THAN ACADEMIC MASTERY

Modern Foreign Languages Salamanca, Spain 2019

On the 20th October 2019, a group of girls from WGHS and boys from QEGS, set off at five in the morning towards Manchester Airport. The tiredness turned into euphoria in the early morning haze, and the chatter of excitement flooded the coach. By noon we had landed in Madrid, and piled into the bright orange minibus that would take us to Salamanca.

When we arrived in the city, we were greeted by a crowd of bustling Spanish ‘parents’, calling out the names of the pupils they were going to look after. As we sheepishly walked away from the comfort of the teachers in our groups of two or three, the reality of staying with complete strangers and the thrilling excitement of experiencing a new culture set in.

When we arrived at our home for the week, we were immediately made to feel welcome, with our Spanish hosts attentive to our every need, sympathetic to our apparent nerves. For many of us, the first meal with the host family was a traditional ‘tortilla de patatas’, accompanied by the simplicity of our nervous Spanish sentences, eager to answer our hosts’ burning questions about our hobbies, family and home. The first night passed quickly, and the next morning we woke up ready to attend our first lessons at ISLA (our school in Salamanca). For this first morning, our hosts’ accompanied us down the winding cobbled

28 WGHS REVIEW

streets of the city, passing a chaotic fusion of historic and modern buildings that looked completely stunning in the morning light. The more time we spent with our hosts the more comfortable we began to feel, and we spent our nights watching Spanish news and chat shows, playing card games, discussing our experiences at the school, and the occasional panic when the host’s cat got stuck in the apartment lift.

Our lessons at ISLA were both relaxed and intense, providing us with many resources and allowing us to learn Spanish more fluently in an enriched cultural setting. We began our mornings with grammar lessons, followed by work based on themes studied at GCSE. After this came the all important break, when in our groups we would walk down to the corner shop and buy biscuits and snacks to share (or not share!) with our classmates, and socialise with students from other schools. Our final lesson of the day was a much anticipated speaking lesson, in which we discussed all aspects of life from social media and TV programmes to politics in Spain, aided by photocards and Kahoot quizzes. The experience we gained from our Spanish teachers was invaluable, all whilst spending most of our lessons laughing with each other.

WHERE

GIRLS HAVE FOCUS

Modern Foreign Languages

After a comforting lunch at our hosts’ homes, we met outside the school to embark on our afternoon activities. Over the course of the week we experienced a salsa dancing class, cooking class, a tour of Salamanca directed by one of the teachers from ISLA, and visited a bullfighting museum, magic show, art deco design haven ‘Casa Lis’, and went on a mini tapas tour in the city. Perhaps one of the best activities was having ‘chocolate y churros’ in a local cafe. Through these activities we were able to experience a large part of the historic city, with the university and two cathedrals being some of the most spectacular sites. In addition to these activities, one day we played a game in which we had to find a series of local souvenirs and edible delicacies in the shortest amount of time in order to win a prize.

This game was not only a lot of fun, but also encouraged us to use our Spanish knowledge and communicate with local shop owners in order to get the information we needed. Each evening we also had some free time to explore the streets around the main square, including local shops, a five floor Zara, and an antique book fair, in which

some of us used our Spanish bargaining skills to great effect!

My favourite trip was our excursion to Barrio del Oeste, a district in Salamanca famed for its graffiti murals lining the otherwise dark and gloomy streets, it was a world away from the historic university district, yet somehow it summed up our experiences across the week spectacularly.

By the end of the week, we were all exhausted and disappointed to be leaving Spain. Our experiences in Salamanca gave us an injection of enthusiasm for the Spanish language and culture, but also a new found confidence that we had all survived. Staying with our hosts gave us a unique opportunity to experience Spanish culture, and we would like to thank Mrs Walker and Mr Konopinski for organising this memorable trip.

Eleanor Bowen - Year 11

2019/20 29

Review of Leeds University French Talk The school offered an opportunity for some of the students to get an insight into what learning languages is like in university as well as becoming familiar with the overall benefits of knowing more than one language. One great thing about the discussion was that it was targeted and suitable for a vast number of year groups - any student would have found it useful as it was easy to understand yet still very informative. For me, it was especially helpful as I am now in Year 9 and have to start thinking about my options for GCSE. When picking I believe there are two things to consider: whether you enjoy studying the subject and whether the subject will help you later in life. I do find languages to be one of the subjects that I take an interest in, so having people come from a

university, who are having the language learning experience first hand, does shed light and give me more certainty of what I want to consider.

The girls showed us how many doors are opened in the job world by doing languages. First introducing us to the wide range of courses that are provided in university languages (not just French, Spanish or German) and furthermore showing us that learning can go beyond the classroom. Some universities offer chances to stay in the country of the language you are studying or even voluntary work based on the language. The business world, in particular, finds languages a good quality to have as it looks very good on a CV if one would want to

German Play

Spanish Play

On Tuesday 10th March two actors from Onatti productions performed the play 'Das schlimmste Hotel' to students in Years 9 and 10 from WGHS and QEGS. The production was very funny and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We can't wait for next year's production - Horoskop.

Watching a play in Spanish and writing a review in Spanish is a fabulous example of the academic rigour at Wakefield Girls’ High School. GCSE Spanish student Eden Perez Nijar Year 10 demonstrates her Spanish skills in this review of La Primera Cita.

Mrs Lister

On 15th January 2020 Year 9 and Year 10 QEGS and WGHS students enjoyed the Spanish play, La Primera Cita, performed in Spanish. They followed the hilarious antics of two teenagers getting ready for their first date, while revising key language in a fun, interactive and visual way.

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apply for a job in a foreign country.

What I took from the discussion is that language learning does not consist of just learning vocabulary and grammar.

Yes, these are important, but it's important to take an interest in the culture and history of a place and its language. If you want to learn a language, you must really live it and have a real passion for that language.

Charisa Bechani - Year 9

Yo pensaba que ‘La Primera Cita’ fue muy entretenido y educativo al mismo tiempo. Lo recomiendo porque creo que es bastante fácil de entender y muy divertido a veces. Además, hay que decir que el profesionalismo de los actores era impresionante y me gusta mucho que los estudiantes participen también (por ejemplo, los actores nos pidieron nuestra opinión sobre las cosas). Mi parte favorita de ‘La Primera Cita’ fue cuando los adolescentes estaban preparándose para la cita puesto que me pareció gracioso. En mi opinión, miraría esto otra vez ya que era interactivo, muy comprensible y definitivamente interesante que ver.

Modern Foreign Languages

MFL Assistants

Eva

Amélie

Moritz

Hello everyone! ¡Hola a todos! I am Eva, and I have been the Spanish Assistant during the academic year 2019-20. First and foremost, I would like to say that I am grateful to have the chance to introduce myself and write about my experience in the school magazine.

I am from Moixent, which is a little town in Valencia, and I studied to become a teacher at Universidad Católica de Valencia. After my degree studies, I came to England and I started to work as a teacher assistant in WGHS and QEGS. I feel very lucky to have been placed at WGHS and QEGS, it has been a great experience despite the exceptional situation in which we have been immersed. From this experience, I have learnt not only about teaching language techniques but also about the UK education system and English culture. Moreover, this experience has brought me the chance to improve my English skills, which was one of my main goals when I came to England, but that is far from being one of the best things that I take from there after having the opportunity to learn from very professional language teachers and to meet amazing people throughout my experience as a Spanish Assistant.

Finally, I would like to finish by saying that I send my best wishes to both every single one of the Spanish students and the school staff. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you and I am impressed with the improvement of the students along the academic year which is indeed a consequence of their indubitable effort and the professional job of the school staff. Congratulations to all of you!

Bonjour! My name is Amélie and I was the French assistant for the year 2019-20. I come from Arras, a town in the north of France, where I have been studying English and teaching it. Living in England was a dream for me and I couldn’t be happier with how this year turned out. I got the chance to discover the beautiful Yorkshire and to meet lovely people. I enjoyed my time here, the places I discovered, the people I met and the friends I made.

Hello! My name is Moritz and I was the German Assistant at WGHS this year. I live in Frankfurt am Main, quite a big city in the southwest of Germany, where I study English and Politics in order to become a teacher. With just a couple of terms left to study, I felt it was the perfect time to spend some time abroad. I have always been very fond of British popular culture like music, literature and of course football, and I always had a strong desire to try living in the UK for some time. My stay in Wakefield didn’t disappoint me.

I felt extremely welcome and at home right from the beginning.

I loved to discover Wakefield and Leeds, as well as Yorkshire’s beautiful landscapes, and I met lots of new friends from all over the world. I also feel very grateful that I had the chance to work in such a great place as WGHS. I really enjoyed teaching all of the gifted students, as well as finding out about the trickier aspects that make my native language difficult to learn. I would like to thank all of the teachers (especially Frau Lister and Frau Djokovic), all of the staff and the students for making this time so special for me. I would have loved to continue working and living in Wakefield a while longer, but a worldwide pandemic had different plans for all of us.

However, I hope to return and see everybody again soon. Bis bald!

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Working at Wakefield Girls’ High School was a really rewarding experience. The staff was lovely, the pupils were really good. It was great to work with such interesting students. This year has taught me so much about English culture and language. The only negative aspects I can find in this experience is that I will miss the time I have spent here, and I wish I could have spent more time and discovered more about the area!

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I got the chance to discover the beautiful Yorkshire and to meet lovely people. I enjoyed my time here, the places I discovered, the people I met and the friends I made

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE DETERMINATION PROBLEM SOLVING Maths Department ISSP Trips Unfortunately, this year only two ISSP trips managed to take place before we went into lockdown. At the start of January a team of twenty four Year 8 and 9 girls travelled to Carleton High School to work in teams of four with students from Carleton High School, Kings, and QEGS. They worked in their teams on a variety of problem solving challenges which saw Janushruthi, Nina and Aranie working in the top three teams.

At the end of January twenty four Year 10 girls spent the afternoon at Carleton High School working with pupils from Carleton High School, Kings and QEGS to solve a humanitarian problem set by RAF officers on the imaginary island of Martillo that had suffered a natural disaster. As the officers set various logistical challenges the girls had to act out roles, make rapid decisions and justify them to the wider group, demonstrating great cooperation and team work.

Mrs Rees

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GIRLS HAVE RESILIENCE

Maths & Computer Science

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Life in Lockdown Teachers at WGHS embrace the challenges of remote learning and distance teaching

As Computer Science teachers, you might expect that we would be more ready than most to tackle the challenges of distance teaching. Obviously we are very familiar with tools such as Google Docs, Firefly and Youtube, as we have been using them for years. Similarly, many of our lessons already rely on online tools for programming and working with data. However there is always more to learn, and the new situation has meant we have had to adapt along with everyone else. One of the most positive changes, in my opinion, is that we have leapt headlong into the world of video feedback. Given that we usually spend the good majority of our days talking, we faced the prospect of even more hours of typing. Writing out feedback and comments is very time consuming (and I never truly learned how to touch type), so using a video service such as Loom has meant we can make our feedback as personal and natural as possible. Of course, we must always be aware that relying entirely on one online service can have its risks, as we saw in the first few days of lockdown when Firefly was adjusting to the new demand.

Then there's the fact that some lessons don't translate very well to distance teaching. Programming is one example of this. A fledgling programmer will make countless typing errors and logical mistakes, and without a teacher to guide them they can find themselves unable to progress. With our small class sizes we can guarantee prompt attention in an ordinary lesson, but online there is naturally a delay in feedback. That's one reason why I am very keen to get back to the classroom when it is safe to do so. At that time, I think every department will have developed some new skills, which can only be a good thing.

Mr Paget

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One of the most positive changes, in my opinion, is that we have leapt headlong into the world of video feedback

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE SPARK

National Coal Mining Museum

Over the 25th and 28th of June, all of Year 9 attended the National Coal Mining Museum to learn about potable water.

To start off the day we travelled down the mines with a guide who had previously worked down the mine. This gave us a great insight into how conditions were down the mine. We were all shocked to find out how terrible the conditions were especially for children and ponies some of which never made it out. Travelling through the mine we saw a variety of equipment which was used in the mine and also saw how the equipment evolved.

After a sing-a-long travelling up the lift we moved to a classroom to learn about filtering water. As the mine still pollutes water, the staff had to put things in place to filter water and make it potable. After receiving information about potable water we travelled outside to measure the levels of chemicals in the water.

We travelled along the whole process of filtering water taking in data as we went.Once receiving all our data we tested it to find out whether the levels at the end of the filtering process were low enough for it to be potable which they were. This concluded our trip to the mining museum.

We would like to thank all the staff who made the trip possible as we all enjoyed it and it really enhanced our learning of the topic of potable water.

Betty Chamberlain

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Science

Science Reading Challenge 2020 Students have been busy reading for the 2020 Science Reading Challenges, here are some of their book reviews

The Emperor of all Maladies I found this book exceptionally useful as an introduction into the field of oncology. As I am hoping to study medicine in September it has given me a basic understanding of the drugs and treatments of various types of cancers, as well as an insight into the thoughts and processes of professionals. This was particularly prevalent in Mukherjee’s own story, which runs parallel to the biography, describing the treatment of Carla.

It also served as a fantastic long term example of fundamental scientific principles of using experiments to prove (or disprove) a particular theory through the uses of clinical trials, statistical analysis and more objective methods such as surveys. It highlighted the refusal of scientists to reassess a particular treatment when all the data is suggesting it is not as efficient as they want to believe and the importance of developing and understanding before an attempt to solve an issue. This is shown through the pronounced developments in cancer treatment following an understanding of genetics and therefore cancers causes, which meant specific drugs could be developed and targeted.

Reviewed by Alex Middleton - Year 13

Headstrong: 52 Women who changed science and the world This book shows the amazing female scientists from the past that have changed science for the better from Mary Putnam Jacobi to Helen Taussig from Alice Ball to Jane Wright this book has scientists that have done incredible scientific things in their lifetime. One of my favourites was Mary Putnam Jacobi. Mary was a medical physician, teacher, writer, scientist and suffragist. She was the first woman to have studied at the University of Paris. She is a very inspirational woman and this book shows 52 women who have achieved great things in life and it reminds me that if these women can do it and were not afraid why should I not try.

The Universe versus Alex Woods This book had an emphasis on neurology and astrophysics, which are areas of science I definitely researched on whilst reading this novel. It definitely helped me understand more about meteoroids and what they really are and the difference between a meteoroid, a meteor, and a meteorite. It also helped me gain more of an understanding of epilepsy and the different types, what causes them and how they affect people’s daily lives.

I definitely would recommend this book to others because it was one that covers an array of topics such as the hard hitting topic of assisted death, as well as making me feel many emotions since it made me laugh out loud many times, but also made me cry many times. This book was something I read which included everything I am really interested in from areas of major ethical debate to elements of all sciences in one book.

Reviewed by Mariam Mubeen - Year 12

Astrophysics for young people in a hurry This book is all about how we came into this world and about all the different forces and how the planets and stars were created. Astrophysics for young people in a hurry has really helped me understand the basics of astrophysics with the why’s and how’s on how the planets, moons, solar system and the sun were created from one tiny star to a solar system and why humans and animals evolved on the planet and how we adapted, why everything started with the big bang and how some micro dust of the bang will be inside us, we are living stardust.

Reviewed by Mallory Wigglesworth - Year 7

Reviewed by Zara Akhtar - Year 8

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GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

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‘Chemistry Live’ - Autumn 2020 The Chemistry Department runs a Year 13 trip to ‘Chemistry Live’ each year where the students listen to a series of lectures from chemists who are passionate about their subject and who are at the cutting edge of research. Our Sixth Form chemists learn about a variety of chemistry related topics in more depth and breath whilst also benefiting from the examiner sessions threaded throughout the day.

I would like to thank Jasmine Kaur and Tarynn McWilliam for writing about their experiences of the day, the Year 13 students we took, who were particularly enthusiastic and also Mrs Baldwin who accompanied us on the trip.

Dr Duerden-Brown - Head of Chemistry

During our final year of A Level Chemistry, as Year 13 chemists we had the opportunity to attend the A Level Science live: Chemistry event at the Whitworth Hall in Manchester. It was a day where we were given lectures from a range of vastly different scientists of chemistry.

This trip was a fantastic way for us to develop our knowledge of several aspects of the chemistry world, including points beyond our syllabus. On behalf of all the students I think that we would all agree that all the lecturers were informative and intriguing. Some of the talks that we were given on the day included Dr Suze Kundu, who began by telling us about why she was inspired to become a nanochemist at the University of Surrey. It was a great experience to learn about the ways in which nature will inspire nano science to develop in the future. We were also able to further enhance our understanding on the topic of Carbon materials, such as the material of graphene, her research more specifically was focused on the materials which capture solar energy which can further be used to split water to make the element hydrogen.

As a group, we were also fascinated by the talk on the chemistry of water by Dr Philip Ball, as it was really interesting to learn about the various ways in which water breaks the rules of what we consider chemically to be a liquid, and just how water makes life on earth possible.

Water is a hydride of oxygen, and at room temperature, is known to be a liquid. However, many similar hydrides are gases at this same temperature, and Dr Ball explained that this difference is due to the presence of hydrogenbonding between water molecules, which isn’t seen in the other Group 6 hydrides. He also further developed our knowledge on how ice floats on water, due to the water molecules forming a 6 membered ring due to the tetrahedral arrangement caused by hydrogen bonds, meaning that the molecules are spread further apart, and so ice has a lower density than water. Dr Ball then went on to talk about the potential for human life on other planets, notably Europa due the water found on its surface. He ultimately concluded that for even the simplest organisms on earth, many of their molecular interactions are facilitated by water in an incredibly intricate way, that any other solvent would struggle to replicate. We were also fortunate to have two exam sessions with a current A Level Chemistry examiner where we learnt many useful tips in preparation for our exams.

Jasmine Kaur and Taryn McWilliams - Year 13

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GIRLS HAVE BIG FUTURES

International Year of the Periodic Table

Science

To celebrate the year of the Periodic Table in 2019, the Chemistry Department ran a competition with Year 9 to create something based on the Elements of the Periodic table. There were a variety of high-quality entries including poems, quizzes, cakes, songs and TikTok dances. The competition was won by Mariella Shuttleworth in Year 9, who created a Periodic Table wall hanging.

WINNING ENTRY

Here’s a selection of some of the amazing entries from Year 9

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE EACH OTHER The Classics Department outside the classroom, 2019-20 Coronavirus has done its best to scupper the travel plans of many in 2020, but all was not lost for the Classics Department in 2020. In January our enthusiastic senior students travelled down to University of Warwick for the annual Ancient Drama Festival. Not only is this an opportunity for our Sixth Form students to see their undergraduate counterparts perform ancient plays - this year Sophocles’ Oedipus the King - but their knowledge and interests are stretched by academics offering something beyond the scope of A Level speciďŹ cations. While Professor Michael Scott made fascinating connections between Greek Tragedy and Athenian Democracy by linking Oedipus with Pericles, the most novel insights were probably provided by a survey of the role of sphinxes in the ancient Greek world.

At the same time, I was extremely grateful for our ever-enthusiastic student leaders for their help in introducing Year 5 students to the delights of Classics, especially aspects of the life in Pompeii and Herculaneum. We were delighted by the creativity of our visitors in making their own household gods before they were spell-bound and shocked in equal measure by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

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Out& About

Classics The Classics Department also normally has a very busy Spring Term making final preparations for, and then travelling on our Junior and Senior Classics Trips. This year we felt very fortunate to sneak in the ‘Pompeii Trip’ with half of Year 8 as Coronavirus remained contained in the north of Italy. Nevertheless it was quite an unnerving experience to be met at Naples Airport by members of the Italian Red Cross in full PPE aiming laser thermometers at everyone’s forehead as they entered the terminal building!

Once through this unusual - at this early state of the year welcome, the trip got off to a great start: after a first experience of buying local pizza snack lunches we headed for the little known Antiquarium of Boscoreale and the Villa Regina. We expected to look down into the trench from which this farming villa was excavated, surrounded by apartment blocks dating from the end of the 1970s.

Instead the staff were surprised and the girls delighted to be able to explore this little gem of a Roman working farm.

Once we had settled into our hotel in Sorrento and enjoyed the familiarisation walk into town, we prepared to split the large group into two for the next two days of excursions.

The large villa at Oplontis and the small city of Herculaneum continue to be fantastic sites for the students to explore and develop their understanding of how the Romans organised their city life. We introduce the girls to a wide range of real people through the evidence they left behind in their documents and memorials, as well as the everyday items that they carried to their deaths. The casts of the skeletons and bodies are a sobering reminder of the human price that was paid so that we are able to tour and learn from such well-preserved sites. On a more positive note, it is encouraging to see the amount of conservation work and limited excavation revealing exciting new discoveries and the girls certainly enjoy being the first High School girls to see these new places, including this year the House of the Bicentenary in Herculaneum and the House of Leda and the Swan in Pompeii that made the international news. Naples National Archaeological Museum also seems to have more rooms open these days and is now a firm fixture on our itineraries. This year our not-so-visited half day trip was to Cumae, the site of Apollo’s famous Italian oracle and the close to the famed entrance to the Underworld. Mrs Oliver’s recitation of a section of Virgil’s Aeneid is not to be missed!

Our preferred final destination is Pompeii, a city which in recent years has repaid handsomely the effort of a full day’s visit.

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GIRLS HAVE FUN

This year the site did not disappoint, and neither did the girls: their stamina was impressive and their ability to use the knowledge and confidence they had built during the trip to independently interpret the individual buildings they were visiting was delightful. I am always keen to show the girls as much of the site as we can manage and there were plenty of new areas to see as well as the amazing old favourites like the House of Menander, the Stabian Baths, and of course the amphitheatre. I am sorry to report, though, that Mrs Oliver somehow prevailed again in the annual, and much anticipated contest in the arena!

I seem to repeat every year, but it is absolutely true that the interest shown by the girls, and the insightful questions they ask, as well as the ever evolving display of the sites, keeps this visit fresh and exciting for Mrs Oliver and me. We are privileged to share our love of these places and our continuing desire to understand more about them with the students and staff with whom we travel. It is such a pleasure to take interested and interesting people and I look forward to seeing them again on future Classics Department visits. My thanks must also go to Mrs Oliver and our other amazing members of staff who are so tireless and enthusiastic and make leading this trip so easy and pleasurable. I look forward to being able to return as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, as we were making final preparations for the senior Classics trip to Rome at Easter with the Art and RPE Departments, Coronavirus continued its spread across Europe and our remaining travel plans for the year were thwarted. As I write, Air Bridges are being promised and historical sites and museums are steadily opening up.

When it is safe and sensible, I look forward to travelling again to Italy and Greece, as well as to Hadrian’s Wall.

We in the Classics Department will do all we can to provide the opportunities for your daughters to make life-long memories and experience these wonderful sites.

Back in school, our Autumn lecture series that is timed to benefit those applying for university Classics courses, was again a success, this time seeing students delivering lectures for the first time on Alexander the Great and Marcus Aurelius. And in lockdown our Year 11 and 13 students have made the most of being freed from external exams to pursue a range of Classical interests through our Limitless Learning programmes. There has also been time to join the baking craze that swept the nation with bread rolls fit for the gods.

Mr J M Hargreaves

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE NO LIMITS Junior Bake Off 2019 In Spring of 2019 I heard Junior Bake Off were selecting bakers for their upcoming show. I was so excited when I heard about this as I love the show.

The first stage of the application process was to fill in an online form. It took me a few hours to complete as there was a lot of information that I had to include about my baking knowledge and experience. After completing the form, the next step was a telephone interview with one of the show producers. They asked me many baking related questions and a lot about myself and my bakes.

The next stage was an audition in London, where I had to take my own bakes for the producers to taste and they asked me lots of questions about how I made my bakes. Finally, then came the final audition where I had to go to London again and do a practice show with the other bakers that had got to the final round of the auditions.

The next day, my mum received a telephone call from the producers to say that I had got onto the show.

I was so thrilled to find out I was selected as one of the twenty bakers who had made it onto the programme.

A few days later we received information for all the bakes that needed to be practiced for the show (Showstoppers). For example, the first day would be a cake and the theme was “what you enjoy doing with your family”, day two was to do a biscuit theme in the form of “your best day ever” etc.

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Since we only had about three weeks to practice all the bakes, I used to practice all my bakes everyday after school and weekends. I really wanted to get my recipes and timing right, so I would be ready for the show.

The show recordings took place in August, in Kent. I was so excited to meet all the other bakers who I hadn’t officially met. We had a lovely tour of the buildings where we would be staying and even got to go into the Junior Bake Off tent to see where we would be baking and recording. We were guided by the producers and had a health and safety check carried out. I was too excited to go to sleep that first night, I had met some lovely bakers that I was getting to know and it felt so surreal. The day of our first recording arrived, I was so excited to meet the judges and Harry Hill.

I can truly say going onto the Junior Bake Off Show, was one of my best experiences of my life. It has changed my life in so many ways. I have made lots of great friends that I will always cherish forever. I have learnt many new skills, not just in baking but have become a more confident person. My passion for baking has developed since going on the show, I regularly bake at home for my family and friends.

If you are thinking about applying to go onto the Junior Bake Off show, I would definitely recommend it!

Karina Sahota - Year 9

GIRLS HAVE SUCCESS

Design & Technology

ARKWRIGHT ENGINEERING Arkwright Scholar and Deputy Head Girl, Anna Chew reflects on her achievements in Design & Technology this year In June of last year I received the news that I had been successful in attaining an Arkwright Scholarship, which is an engineering scholarship providing scholars with mentor support from an engineer in the industry, connect days with other scholars, a sponsor, exclusive experience opportunities and financial support. To be awarded the scholarship I had to pass a series of stages and this selection process is said to select those who have great potential to be future leaders in engineering. Initially I had to write an application, answering specific questions about engineering and my leadership experience. Following on from the application, I then sat a design aptitude exam and on the back of this was offered an interview. I was interviewed by a panel of engineers and questioned on my application, leadership and design projects I had worked on. I officially received my

sponsorship from The Happold Foundation at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

With the scholarship, I went on a three day workshop which involved learning about many different aspects of engineering, a site visit and then we designed a Special Educational Needs school, which we pitched to about thirty engineers. The workshop was at the BuroHappold London office and this amplified my interest and knowledge even further, and was an invaluable experience, which I probably wouldn't have had otherwise. It was genuinely one of the best weeks I've ever experienced. With my financial support, I have so far purchased interesting books and resources to support my learning and have an upcoming course over the summer. My mentor has been crucial in supporting my university application and offering advice in relation to my studies.

Annual Rotary Technology Tournament At the Annual Rotary Technology Tournament we entered six teams in total from the Foundation. There were three teams in the foundation (Year 8s) category, two teams in the intermediate category (Year 10s) and one team in the advanced (Year 12s). The foundation and intermediate teams were a mixture of WGHS and QEGS students; the advanced team consisted of all girls. The foundation team consisting of Lucy Holland, Alice Feetham, Oliver Hobbs and Kieran Sak took the 1st place trophy in their category, and the intermediate team consisting of Maja Banas, Nell Poppleton, Zack Siddle and Maximilian Stirc took the 1st place trophy

in their category. The advanced team consisting of Anna Chew, Rosalind Aveyard, Brooke Inglesfield and Ebony Hempsell placed 2nd in their category.

The challenge required teams to design and construct a vehicle that could travel up a slope by converting the gravitational potential energy of a 200gm weight into kinetic energy, with greater complexity added to the challenge in the intermediate and advanced levels.

Mr Carlin

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Drama

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Presenting....

Dear Readers and Fellow Musical Theatre Fanatics,

In March 2020, the Foundation performed Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ with a cast bursting with such enthusiastic and talented actors and actresses.

The show was announced in July, and a small portfolio of audition materials was released for the hopeful actors to use during the audition process, which took place in the first few weeks of the autumn term in September.

Rehearsals started a few weeks later after a stellar cast had been announced. The first rehearsal, a Foundation tradition, consisted of a read through of the script with the whole cast. Some funny moments from this included hearing some actors’ horrific American accents and hearing the dentist’s crazy nitrous-oxide induced laugh for the first time!

WHERE

GIRLS BECOME PERFORMERS

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LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

I was presented with the opportunity to choreograph some of the dance routines for the musical numbers, with help from other cast members and the director.

I started to teach the dance routines early this year, so that they were perfect in time for show-week.

Before I knew it, show-week had arrived! On the show weekend, Saturday consisted of a technical rehearsal, giving the SALT team a chance to perfect the cues to bring the show to life, including the scene changes with the huge plant props! On Sunday, we finished the cues and did our first dress rehearsal. The costumes were vibrant and glamorous, and added a new dimension to the show, each one reflecting the character’s personality perfectly. For the dress-run, we were lucky enough to be accompanied by the wonderful band, who pumped up the energy with the upbeat and cheerful songs throughout the show.

On the run up to opening night, we had rehearsals after school to polish all the musical numbers, get the harmonies right, and to practise getting used to the spacing around the set and using the props, including the plant puppets. The day before opening night, we were lucky enough to have a full dress-run in the

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Jubilee Hall, with an exciting visit from the photographer! This performance gave us the exciting adrenaline we needed to perform the show the best we ever had on the next two nights.

The opening night arrived, and we gave each other excited looks in the school halls knowing that tonight was the night that we opened an exceedingly brilliant show to parents, friends and teachers. We got ready in our dressing rooms, knowing that the nerves had settled in for the night, but Mr Besford’s crazy warm up set us up for a brilliant show. Backstage, we were chatting, taking photos with each other to remember our costumes and excitement, and I asked all the cast to sign my programme so I could make my last show a really special one.

My favourite parts of the show included the Dentist wearing a huge nitrous-oxide mask, and it steaming up so the actor could barely see! I also enjoyed interacting with lots of the other characters onstage, as part of scenes or musical numbers, and coming together with the entire cast for a brilliant closing number, after we were all eaten by the huge plant!

GIRLS HAVE CHARACTER

Drama

“

The opening night arrived, and we gave each other excited looks in the school halls knowing that tonight was the night that we opened an exceedingly brilliant show to parents, friends and teachers

”

Before we knew it, it was the final night and we made it a fantastic final performance. When it came to the bows, I realised that the show was over. It was an emotional night in all. The next few days the cast were sending photos back and forth and reminiscing over our favourite parts of the shows. This is when we knew that the traditional ‘post-show blues’ had begun.

The show was an amazing success with a full house on both nights. I’d like to give a very special thank you to the following for bringing the show to life and making it so memorable for the whole cast.

To our Musical Directors, Mr Varley and Mr Lewis, the band, our Costume Designer, Mrs Besford, our Director, Mr Besford, whom I’d like to thank for crediting me as Assistant Director and Choreographer for the show.

To Dr Durrell, Head of Stage Crew, the entire Sound and Light Team, including Abigail Nielson, Mr Noble, and Mr Clay, as well as the entire backstage team, hair and make-up, chaperones and set designers.

Thank you to everybody who came to support the show!

Juliet Pepper - Year 13

Imagery: “Call Back in the Morning” Seymour (Tom Atkinson) and Audrey (Molly Dainty), “Mushnik and Son” Seymour and Mr Mushnik (Rohan Mathews), “Somewhere that’s Green” Audrey and the Street Urchins (Juliet Pepper, Lily Mathieson and Ellie Haigh), “Ya Never Know” (Seymour and the Street Urchins), “Skid Row (Downtown)” the full cast, “The Meek Shall Inherit” Seymour and the Street Urchins (Liv Reid, Asantia Musakanya-Bowker and Emily Newby), “Now, It’s Just the Gas” Seymour and the Dentist, Orin (Stephen Ledger), “Don’t Feed the Plants!” Street Urchins, and after the rehearsal!

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS ARE CREATIVE

Music medley A Year in Music at WGHS

Friday 13th September held no fears for the Music Department who are now accustomed to the early start to the school year. Spirited singing (not least from Cantabile) and captivating solo performances from Liv Smith and Wuyou Xia graced our Founders’ Day service, and there was more eclectic vocal music from Alex Lee and Ailish McWilliam in that afternoon’s Celebration Assembly.

Our Cabaret Evening at the beginning of October contained a host of gilt-edged performances with string quartet backing adding a sophisticated dimension to our hard working house-band. A selection of the terrific performances appeared in assemblies for weeks afterwards to the delight of the rest of the school.

We were privileged in November to host the four virtuoso members of the A4 Brass ensemble who delivered concerts, workshops and masterclasses for us in St John’s Church - their technical control and seemingly effortless musicianship were an inspiration to all our young musicians. Later that same week, Cantabile under the directorship of Mrs Littledyke gave a spell-binding rendition of Debussy’s Sirenes in Leeds accompanied by the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra.

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December found us back in the Cathedral for a spirited festival of carol singing- it is so impressive when the whole school raises its voice together in song! Earlier that day we were treated to a wonderful lunchtime ‘Tuesday at one’ concert given by our A Level musicians (and friends) who entertained a packed cathedral with a range of solo and chamber music repertoire.

Christmas is never Christmas without the two buzzy school concerts - the musical equivalent of a volcanic eruption - and our boys and girls were on top form in their musical commitment, ensemble performing and festive spirit. The Sixth Form choir (directed by a member of the Sixth Form) has become a regular feature of our concerts, but this year there was a ‘new kid on the block’ in the form of Session Orchestra - the brainchild of Sixth Former Liv Smith who directed and danced her way through the music, already having arranged the parts for the musicians to play.

Music

After our traditional ‘out of town’ performance at the Pennine Community School, we introduced a new event into our musical calendar with an after school ‘rush-hour’ concert at St John's Church.

Starting at 4.30 we were amazed and delighted that so many supportive parents and colleagues were able to come to hear our amazing mix of music. The playlist included a concerto for seven trumpets (no less), music for solo violin, vocal repertoire (including barbershop and SATB choir) and a version of Delibes’s famous Flower Duet that will stay in the minds of those who heard it for a long time to come.

Later in March we were joined by former Music Advisor for Wakefield, Geraldine Gaunt, for our Music Soiree event. It was great to hear our older WGHS girls playing and singing with such aplomb, and every audience member I spoke to had their own special favourite. Geraldine selected as her ‘performances of the evening’ Eleanor Bowen (KS4) and Lucy McKinlay (KS5) - both trumpeters! ... and then of course came the pandemic. The future looked bleak as we went into self-isolation, till, in the early days of lockdown, what did we hear booming out of our chrome books? Thanks to the tireless efforts of a certain Sixth Form ensemble director we were all able to enjoy the invigorating strains of ‘Happy’ as performed by (virtual) session orchestra! You can’t keep a good team down!

The unsung heroes of our music department are our team of visiting music teachers and we can’t let this opportunity to thank them pass as they continue to deliver brilliant online lessons to our young musicians. Finally, we would just like to wish all our departing musicians and their families the very best for the future. It is wonderful to imagine the musical ‘ripples’ that go out from the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation each year...

Mr Meredith and Mrs Bentham WGHS Music Department

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Art gallery Here’s a selection of some of the amazing talent from our A Level exam students

Mal Tulwin

Aimee Blake

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Chanais Wharton

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Thushiga Karunanithy

Chloe Chow

Ellen Barraclough

Raian Yousif

Lillie Jones

Scout Mehr

Molly Parker

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Natasha Cheetham

Alex Parkes

Abby Kumar

Art gallery Here’s a selection of some of the amazing talent from our GCSE exam students

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Anna Gibson

Amelie Dissanayaka

Abby Kumar

Anna Cliffe

Emily Taylor

Iris Rushton

Lorna Hooley

Grace Barker-Moore

Anya Allott

Snaa Mahmood

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Lucy Apperley

Olivia Cole

Laura Walters

Tilly Harrison

Jemima Jefferson

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Art gallery Here’s a selection of some of the amazing talent from our GCSE exam students

Lucy Birkin

Eleanor Gibson

Alex Lee

Tilly Pearce

Carys Jarratt

Asantia Musakanya-Bowker

Eleanor Birden Emily Newby

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GIRLS ARE CREATIVE

Ailish McWilliam

Osamede Osunde

Ayushi Chaurasia

Shaya Karunanithy

Charlotte Pilling

Elizabeth Royle

Mia Sedgwick

Charlotte Orr

Georgina Odgers

Sophie Russel

Emily Alisha

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Art Trips & Events Art, DT and Textiles Trip to London

In October 2019 our GCSE and A Level girls took a two night trip to London to visit galleries, exhibitions and tourist attractions including the Shard. It was a really exciting visit and our girls soaked up the cultural atmosphere with some free time available for shopping. In the evening we went to the theatre to see ‘Woman in Black’ though some spent more time hiding underneath their coats.

Year 12 Career Event at the Hepworth Gallery

Photography Workshop We have been very fortunate in Art this year to have had two excellent workshops provided by our school photographer Porl Medlock. Porl’s passion for photography has really inspired our A Level students as they have explored traditional methods of developing a film. We are really looking forward to welcoming Porl back with us as our Photography provision develops.

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In March we were excited to spend the day working alongside Dr Abigail Harrison, professor of Art History and Museum Studies at Leeds University. Her passion as a campaigner for creative subjects alongside opportunities to speak with numerous professionals with creative backgrounds, was inspirational for our Year 12 Art students whose vision into the creative industries has been broadened significantly. Our girls were outstanding ambassadors for the school and presented eloquently when tasked to critically analyse pieces of Art work.

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS FORGE FUTURES Amelie Dissanayaka, Year 11 takes the time to write about her Wakefield Girls’ High School experience I entered Year 11 excited at the prospect of finally being one of the eldest in the school. After four years of looking up to the Year 11s, at long last I had made it. Naturally, at Wakefield Girls’ High School, this comes with a few privileges: we had access to the coveted common room, we were allowed to go into town at lunchtimes and most importantly we were finally allowed to break the barricades that most call “bobbles” and let our hair down. It’s safe to say, that we were all rather pleased with ourselves as we made the most of the common room speakers, showed off our stud earrings and flaunted our mostly discreet makeup.

As time went on, I was quick to realise that it was not all fun and games, along with the privilege came pressure. GCSEs. By the time January came around, those four letters of the alphabet had the ability to completely wreak havoc on the emotions of the majority of the common room population.

Our teachers were starting to prepare us, the burden of revision weighed us down and there was always someone with a “Countdown to Exams” app on their phone nearby. GCSEs were inescapable and stress was essentially unavoidable.

Little did I know, that those four anxiety-causing letters (that I mentioned earlier), were soon to be replaced by a completely different combination of five letters and two numbers. This is where things got interesting or to use the word, with which this thing is more commonly associated, unprecedented. COVID-19. Coronavirus has had a completely unparalleled effect on the entire world, including the Year 11 students across the country. In terms of exams, the pandemic had rapidly replaced preparation, as Boris Johnson declared them cancelled and the nation went into lockdown. It was an abrupt end to my final school year;

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however, it can be said with confidence that it was definitely an experience to remember.

As I went into quarantine, my education moved online. My school-provided Chromebook was more useful than ever, as lessons became virtual.

After celebrating the end of GCSEs, Year 11 was offered the opportunity to partake in a programme, called Limitless Learning. This was to help us transition into Year 12 so we were equipped, when September rolled around, to embark on our A Levels. The Coronavirus pandemic became a stressful time for many and we were lucky at WGHS as our teachers encouraged us to visit the virtual Happy Café and take part in Kahoot quizzes to maintain a sense of normality in these unforeseeable circumstances.

To quote our school hymn, ‘As we march along life’s road’ and find ‘our aim and purpose’, I know that every girl will always hold incredible memories of their time at school.

No matter the outcome on Results’ Day, no matter as we choose to stay for Sixth Form, no matter what could lie ahead of us - we will know one thing is for certain: Once a High School Girl, Always a High School Girl.

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WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE EDGE Living on the EDGE This year EDGE has continued to evolve, in keeping with our philosophy that EDGE afternoons should always be something exciting and engaging. Every year we retire some activities and ask everyone for new ideas. It's a chance for everyone to have their say about what new skills they would like to learn, or how they most like to relax. This year some of the best ideas were from students, and some girls have volunteered to run activities themselves. Our newly announced Head Girl, Sarah Shah, has singlehandedly created a Horrible Histories course, expressing her love for the subject and inspiring other girls.

Our new menu also includes a new philosophy and ethics course, inspired by the TV show The Good Place, run by Aminta Utting Simon. Many of our Y12 students are also using the time to act as mentors for local junior schools, running reading sessions in the community. Such inspiring work and leadership from our students demonstrates what EDGE is all about: developing new skills ready for life.

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Of course, since lockdown a lot of our plans for the summer had to be postponed. Trail Running and Orienteering, due to start this year, will now see their first sessions in the next academic year.

But just because we are not at school, that doesn't mean EDGE stops altogether. Many girls have completed their EDGE Activity Log, detailing the new activities they have been completing at home, from yoga and cycling to cooking and crafts.

We're currently finishing the plans for next year, where we are introducing Stage Combat and Sword Fighting, Rocket Building, and Geocaching. The latter is already proving to be very popular, according to the options that are currently flooding in. Work continues to make sure next year's EDGE is the best yet!

Mr Paget

GIRLS HAVE NO LIMITS

Where Girls Have EDGE

EDGE - Year 12 Reading Ambassadors From January of this year, a small group of Year 12 pupils, including myself, have been trialling a new Outreach Reading Ambassadors Programme during EDGE. Our role was to read with young children across all year groups in local junior schools such as St Mary’s Primary School, Greenhill Primary School and St. Michael’s Primary School at Flanshaw, and every Thursday afternoon we would each be dropped off at one of these three schools by Mrs Maher (our Outreach Coordinator).

The programme was an extension of our school’s annual SHINE scheme, and was designed to both encourage the childrens’ love of reading and develop their confidence and reading ability.

I was fortunate enough to have been one (of three) reading ambassadors from WGHS to St Mary’s Primary School, and here I was able to work with a small group of Year 5 children; some of whom were already known to me from previous work with SHINE. Other year groups worked with, across all three schools, ranged from Reception to Year 6, and we all agreed that, as the weeks progressed, the bonds we made with the children were really special. The Headteachers and classroom staff across all three schools made us feel both welcome and appreciated, and it was always really lovely to be enthusiastically welcomed by the children when we entered the classroom.

The children I worked with at St. Mary’s could already read at an impressive level, and to be able to work with some children who spoke English as a second language was a really unique experience. It was truly a pleasure to see their progress over the months and watch their confidence and speed of reading increase as their familiarity with words improved.

#makespacefornature Spending more time at home and in our gardens has made us more aware of what is around us. Many people have been reporting that during lockdown they are taking more time to notice the nature around them and the benefits it brings. While our lives in many ways have ground to a halt, for the natural world spring is in full throttle with new life to be fed and nurtured. This is our chance to make space for nature in our lives, a relationship which will benefit ourselves and the natural world.

As an alternative lockdown EDGE activity WGHS girls were challenged to make some space for nature in their gardens.

Miss Dollive

One particular memory I have from the programme was arriving on World Book Day, as St. Mary’s had decided to turn this into a Pyjama Day. The children had outfits ranging from animal onesies to brightly coloured, fluffy dressing gowns, and reading with one little girl with giant unicorn slippers was an unforgettable experience!

Overall, we all thoroughly enjoyed the programme, and really hope the children enjoyed and gained from the experience as much as we did. We also give many thanks to Mrs Maher for organising this, and hope it can continue running for many years to come.

Tara Jayawardena - Year 12

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Getting Active...

Cross Country

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Hockey

Netball

Equestrian

Badmington

Volleyball

Cricket

Swimming

2019-20 has been yet another year of exam successes and top sporting achievements for WakeďŹ eld Girls' High School. If you are looking for a department that epitomises academic success, teamwork, dedication and, of course, fun then look no further than the Physical Education Department here at WGHS. Read on for our full sports update.

Physical Education

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All the girls ran with great determination and were rewarded with some excellent results

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CROSS COUNTRY...

Cross Country Report 2019-20 The Cross Country season kicked off at the start of October with the Wakefield League seeing races at Ackworth, Outwood and QEGS. All the girls ran with great determination and were rewarded with some excellent results.

Harriet, Frankie, Alice, Maddy, Imogen, Suzie and Abbey all qualified for the West Yorkshire round of the competition at GSAL. Due to this being held on a Saturday, and the girls having other sporting commitments, Harriet, Frankie and Imogen were unable to compete. In the Junior competition Alice and Maddy just missed out on selection to the national finals and Suzie unfortunately was unwell and was unable to finish the race. Abbey had an excellent run, finishing 2nd, and qualified for the national finals later in March. Imogen, having finished first in all her qualifying races, was also invited to the national finals.

Meanwhile, in October the junior team of Claudia, Freya, Alice, Maddy, Harriet and Frankie travelled to Pocklington for the first round of the team competition.

Here they all had great runs and finished 2nd team overall and progressed to the regional finals in North Ferriby in November. Again, a Saturday fixture meant that not everyone could attend, but the girls all ran well and fought hard on a tough course. Sadly their 10th place didn’t allow them to progress any further in the competition.

March saw the annual Worksop College invitational competition. This is always an enjoyable trip, in no small part due to the excellent tea we are served after the races in the Hogwarts style dining hall.

We arrived as defending champions but

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the team of Claudia, Harriet, Alice, Leina and Abbi didn’t let the pressure get to them and returned back to WGHS with the trophy for 1st team.

The final event of the season just sneaked in before schools closed and we went into lockdown. On 14th March Imogen and Abbey travelled to Sefton Park in Liverpool to represent West Yorkshire at the national finals of the English Schools Cross Country Championship, along with teams from 46 counties. Despite a winter season where she had concentrated on her bike training Imogen, in the junior race, finished a fantastic 26th out of over 340 runners. For Abbey this was to be her sixth consecutive and final year at the national finals. After a fast start and despite the muddy conditions Abbey came a fantastic 23rd out of 300 of the country’s best athletes. As it was her last ever English Schools Cross Country race it was amazing for her to end on such a high.

Huge congratulations go to all the girls that have run in any cross country events this season. You are prepared to run in all the weather an English winter throws at you and always do WGHS proud. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Abbey for all her contributions to the Cross Country Club throughout her time at WGHS. Not only has she had outstanding personal success, she has always found time to encourage and support the younger girls. I wish her every success as she goes to university and beyond.

Mrs Rees

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HOCKEY...

Indoor Hockey Report

Our last indoor season at Wakefield Girls’ High School has been very successful, and has been a fun way for many of us to finish an exciting hockey career at the school. Lower down the school, we also have a lot of talent and were able to enter a young U16 team into the National Schools Competition. In the North East Round the girls beat Queen Ethelburgas 3-0, drew to Bradford Grammar and Hull Collegiate and unfortunately narrowly lost to Yarm (0-1), Hymers (0-2) and a very strong RGS Newcastle team 0-5. Despite half of our team being Year 8 and the opposition up to Year 11 the girls played very well and although these results meant they could not progress to the North Finals, the girls should be proud.

Their results bode exceptionally well for future seasons as they can continue to develop their indoor skills and tactics.

Indoor is a great way to bond as a team and develop skills that are useful for outdoor as well; I hope they use this experience as a motivator for a fantastic season next year. Good luck!

As an U18 team, we were faced with more rounds than ever to get through to the National Finals, due to increasing participation in schools across the North. However, we dominated our North East round winning all our games with a total of 17 goals scored and conceding only 5 against QE, RGS Newcastle, Hymers, Giggleswick and Ripon. As North East Champions we progressed to the North Finals and built on our previous success to beat Pocklington and Queens Chester 3-0 and 4-0 respectively. Our must win game against the Grange was much tighter, as we faced a well-drilled team, many of whom had National League Indoor Experience. In a very tense match for the players (and spectators!) the Grange continuously matched each of our goals scored. In true Wakefield Girls’ fashion, we managed to leave it to the final minutes to seal the win, ending with a 6-5 score line. Our result against RGS in the previous round meant we went through as North Champions to National Finals and celebrated with the traditional McDonalds!

At Nationals, we were met with larger squads, made almost entirely of Year 13 students. However, we used the opportunity well and managed to enjoy some difficult games. Our games against Repton and St Georges both ended with tough 1-9 score lines, but these losses were made slightly easier when it was both these teams that made the National Final, with Repton eventually winning 3-0. The next day, having regained our confidence and demolished a full English we faced Framingham. Despite our best efforts, and plenty of chances we couldn’t convert and conceded from some well-rehearsed short corner routines with a final 0-5 score. Determined to get a point from our last game, we faced Dean Close. After going down 2-1 in the second half, we managed to quickly reorganise and equalise ending in a 2-2 final result. Although we didn’t progress to the semis, a top 10 finish in the country is still a massive achievement and the girls should be proud of their hard work and effort.

On behalf of the Year 13s I would like to thank the younger girls for playing up for us, without which we wouldn’t have had such a strong squad - good luck for next year! I would also like to say a massive thank you to Mrs Morgan, Ben and all the other staff and coaches who have supported us throughout our school fixtures and put up with our (less than tuneful) singing and music on bus journeys.

Alex Middleton - Year 13

U12 Hockey Report This season our team has grown closer and developed as a group.

We have supported each other through our losses and celebrated our wins. After losing a game we always come back better than before and we have motivated each other. The team came together and voted for the most improved player; the votes were quite even because everyone has shown they deserved to be in the team but in the end, Esther had the most.

As the season continued we improved a lot and that is thanks to our PE staff, Mrs Robinson and Ben. As we became better friends we learnt each other’s skillsets which helped us play to each other’s strengths. The team became much happier with how we played and this showed throughout the season because we scored more goals, won more matches, and played a lot better as a team.

We all look forward to next season and we hope we will all improve and it will be even better than this one Lucia Partridge - Year 7

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Physical Education

U14 Hockey Report

U13 Hockey Report We started this year brilliantly with great contributions and commitments by all the team members because we were determined to get to the national finals. We trained with high intensity and this made us stronger.

Throughout this season we have faced stronger and weaker teams but we have always played as a team and fought for a win. One of our favourite matches was Hymers as they were a very powerful team. However, this was a Saturday match meaning it was a friendly match but it was still important as we could be facing them further down the line. At the time we were losing 2-0 and half-time had already been so we couldn’t reconnect as a team, but thankfully we managed to step it up and we ended up drawing, which was a fantastic result. The team also had a tough North East round, which was the first round of many to come if we were going to reach our goal, national finals. It was an extremely challenging tournament as only 2 of 6 went through to the next round. We played teams from all around the North East of England, including Pocklington, Yarm, RGS, Scarborough College and Durham. As a team we played incredibly throughout the games beating all our opposition except Yarm whom we drew 1-1. In the end, it came down to the final match against Scarborough College, unfortunately, we lost 3-0. After the umpires had added up the points that we had accumulated throughout the tournament they announced the placings. Thankfully we placed 2nd but the next tournament was cancelled due to coronavirus. Finally, we would like to thank the PE staff and Ben for the training, encouragement and support.

We are all extremely excited to build our strengths for next season.

Henny Gibson and Lucy Holland Year 8

This year our new team has developed with some great contributions from each and every member. After a long break from hockey over the summer the girls came together and welcomed new members. We trained as a year group this season encouraging more people to take up hockey.

We played on a Tuesday night at Outwood school, which helped us gain confidence with invaluable match experience. We used this opportunity to get more familiar with match play.

With the encouragement from the PE staff and Ben, our coach, we started to improve. It has been great this year to welcome new members onto the team, who have all strived to develop and work as a team.

Throughout the season we have tried to improve on our basic skills and theory. One of the best games of the season was against Silcoates in which we all panicked knowing they were tough competition but we remained calm and played our best hockey with a 4-0 win. Another great game was against AKS where we defended against a very strong team and worked together to get a well-deserved draw.

We played as a team and played well which stands us in good form for next year.

I would like to thank each member of the team for coming to all the training sessions in the wind and rain (fortunately no snow this year) and to the staff for organising matches against other schools. We are looking forward to building on our strengths for next year.

Lucy Crook - Year 9

“

As a team we capitalized on our chances coming away with a 2-0 victory

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U15 Hockey Report This season Year 10 have enjoyed an enthralling and successful season of hockey, and we have all loved playing and representing WGHS. Starting off our competitive season we played Queens Chester in the U15 ISHC competition. It was a good game against tough competition however it was very early in the year and we came away with a 2-1 loss. However this did not dampen our spirits as we trained hard in preparation for competing in the plate.

From here we had a comfortable match against Queen Ethelburgas where we won 5-0. We took this motivation into a really tough match against GSAL. They attacked hard but they didn't get through our defence, and as a team we capitalized on our chances coming away with a 2-0 victory with goals from Jessica and Charisa.

We then went forward to the quarter finals of the plate and with an overnight stay in sight we were all ready to go down fighting. Our opponents were Stockport Grammar, who were a good side and after half-time they were 1-0 up, however we weren’t giving up.

We scored quickly after half-time and this only motivated us further, after this we scored another two goals taking us through to the semi-finals with a 3-1 win, with two goals from Jessica and one from Leah.

Our semi-final was to take place in London at Alleyn’s School. After a long drive down and a night's rest we were ready for the match. We played a good game, but it wasn’t our best and we sadly conceded in the last seconds of the game meaning we lost 1-0 and wouldn't progress into the finals.

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Throughout all of this, regular Saturday matches allowed our team to improve as we progressed in the competition. This included some particularly good results against GSAL (2-0), AKS (2-0) and Bradford Grammar (7-2). These games gave some of our newer recruits the opportunity to get more match time in and even some goals! A brilliant effort has been made from all the team this year and I would like to thank everyone involved in this spectacular season of hockey.

Leah Davis - Year 10

U16 Hockey Report The U16 girls have had a short but incredibly enjoyable season. We started off National Schools strongly with an impressive 9-0 win against Hymers School in September with goals coming from Fran Diggle, Melissa Lambert and Leah Davis. We went into the next round against a very strong side from Sedbergh School, where we went on to unfortunately lose 2-5, which therefore knocked us out of the competition.

Despite many members of the team leaving WGHS this year, we have thoroughly enjoyed our time contributing to school hockey. Between us we have played countless matches, attended several tournaments and played in a couple of national finals which are memories we will be thankful for, for several years to come. On behalf of the team I’d like to thank Mrs Morgan, Mrs Hunter and Ben for encouraging us to become better players and helping us learn to work as a team. Hockey at WGHS has been an absolute pleasure and will be something I will take away from my years at school.

Martha Crook - Year 11

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U18 Hockey Report This season the curtains have closed on many fantastic and memorable years playing hockey with this team at WGHS. The Senior Hockey team of 2019/20 faced a challenging season. Not forgetting the busy schedules of prefect duties, the full timetable of A Levels and disruptions from English weather, it has amounted for a short season with insufficient numbers to maintain the level of hockey seen in previous years.

Despite this, a few fixtures were played. It started with the U19 ISHC in which we were lucky to have Year 11 players come and strengthen the team. One of the first fixtures we journeyed to was Stonyhurst, winning 3-0, despite the winding roads and upset stomachs we played a solid game, with scorers Suzie Brooke and Bex Coe. Players of the match were sisters Abbey and Suzie Brooke, playing an unstoppable duet up the left side of the pitch. We continued to the next round where we faced Kings Macclesfield at home. Despite a good shift we lost 3-1 to a full and well-rehearsed team, with Liv Wilson scoring the only goal with a strong flick. The new England Hockey competition structure meant that, based on previous performance of the team, we were entered in the top tier of the U18 National School Cup, along with four of the top sporting boarding schools across the country. Struggling for numbers without Year 11s, we played Trent College losing 8-1, with only nine outfield players due to an early injury. Next we played Repton School away, where struggling for players saw Year 10 step in at the last minute allowing us to play. We lost 13-1 but I have to highlight we were the only school to score against Repton out of the whole competition, credit to Bex Coe and Izzie Macklin who created the goal. Shoutout to Lucy Morrell who despite having a limited hockey career still came and travelled allowing us to have at least one sub.

I would like to thank the players who gave up their valued time this season, along with anyone else who stepped in for these matches, especially the younger ones. It was greatly appreciated. Another massive thank you to the teachers who gave up their time, be it for training or travelling, and listened to all our singing on the bus.

Looking back on my hockey career at Wakefield Girls’ High School, I couldn't have been prouder to represent our school this year as Hockey Captain. From early Saturday mornings in Year 7, sitting at the front of the bus in onesies, to qualifying for Nationals with overnight trips to play at the Olympic Park in Years 10 and 11. Through the years I have loved playing amongst my teammates, who are now some of my closest friends that I will cherish for life. Playing a team sport for the school is a vital experience; belonging to a team, learning to work with people in difficult situations, knowing when to focus and when to have a good laugh, crying for a win or a loss together and celebrating with changing room raves. Hockey has completed my Wakefield Girls’ High School experience - a big thank you to everyone who was involved in it.

Ella Riding - Year 13

Physical Education

NETBALL...

U12 Netball Report

U13 Netball Reports

Netball this year has been lots of fun and as a team we have enjoyed everything and improved to the best of our ability.

As a team we have travelled and we have had lots of wins because of hard work that we have put into our training sessions. Both A and B this time have worked really well and all the wins that we have had definitely have been deserved because of all of our effort.

A TEAM

My most memorable moment this year is when we went to the PGL netball weekend and won from our age group.

This showed how hard we have trained to be able to pull up a win like this. All the teams this year that we have had matches against have definitely been challenging but we all pulled through and played the best that we could to pull out the end score.

On behalf of all of the U12 squad we would like to thank Mrs Robinson because she has helped us all improve.

She has made our team get better and she has made us pull out all of the wins that we have had.

Nancy Tidy - Year 7

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As a team we have travelled and we have had lots of wins because of hard work that we have put into our training sessions

This year the A team has faced some hard and new competition.

We have bonded a lot more this year creating roles for everyone in the team. Although we have not won all of our matches I feel our squad has improved massively and we are confident to go into next season with an open mind. The most recent tournament the A team participated in, was the Wakefield Area Tournament. We won all of our matches allowing us to progress to the next round, or so we thought.

Sadly this year the netball season was cut short stopping us from going through to the next round of the competition, which the A team were confident to do well in.

Although the season has abruptly finished we have had some great matches and tournaments. One of my personal favourites was the Bradford Grammar game in the Plate round of the ISNC tournament. After a previous loss to Bradford on a Saturday morning, the A team came back to beat them 26-21. The game began with a shaky start from us putting Bradford in front. After the second quarter the A team and Bradford were neck and neck with only one goal between us in favour of Bradford. The third quarter left us ahead by two goals, all we needed to do was to keep the lead. In the last quarter we put on an outstanding performance, leaving us with the win.

B TEAM The B team has also faced many challenging oppositions, winning most of their matches. In the netball season, the B team almost won all of their matches in the Wakefield Area Tournament, losing by only a couple of goals to Kettlethorpe High School therefore placing 3rd. We played spectacularly against Bradford Grammar, winning 16-12. We also won against Hymers by 20-4, with some spectacular play from all of the team, including the shooters. I would like to thank the whole B team for having great cooperation and also resilience, especially when playing difficult teams. We should be very proud of ourselves as everybody has improved immensely since the start of the season. We started off slightly shaky but as we gained more confidence during training, we won more and more matches. This season has been highly successful and I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the U13 B team.

Eve Patel - Year 8

The A team has shown determination throughout the season and should be very pleased with their performance this year.

Ellie Tingle - Year 8

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BADMINTON...

U14 Netball Report

Badminton Report

This season the U14 squad has come across victories and defeats as a team, but we have been able to work on improving throughout the season. We started the season with our first game against Queen Ethelburga’s, and delivered a strong performance that led us to victory, winning the game. We then had many other matches through the season against teams such as Bradford, Newcastle RGS, Hymers, Prince Henrys and Woodhouse Grove.

This year has seen the introduction of a new Badminton coach, Helen Calverley and the sport has continued to flourish across all year groups with girls gaining experience in more technical aspects of the game or just playing for fun!

We entered the U14 West Yorkshire county round held at Bradford Grammar School. After playing against some strong teams throughout the day we finished 3rd in our section. We had great wins and losses in this tournament, just missing out on being in the top two teams. Along with these victories we had some disappointing losses, but we reflected on these matches and improved in the areas that let us down.

Our last match of the season was against Prince Henrys. Here we managed to succeed and win the match by ten goals, leaving the total score 25-15. As a team, we all played amazingly throughout the whole game, and were very pleased with this win as one of our last games together. Throughout this match we brought skills we had been focusing on in our training, which helped us to deliver a strong performance.

All the team should be pleased with how they played this year, showing determination on court and always working their hardest. Finally we would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Robinson and the PE Department for coaching us and organising the matches through the season. We are all looking forward to next season and improving our skills as U15s.

Evie Pickles - Year 9

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Weekly open sessions have taken place in Hartley Pavilion and girls have been given the opportunity to learn new skills, implement these into a conditioned setting and have had fun learning and playing a new sport. Coaching to squad players has also run on a regular basis and girls have been able to build on their existing skills and develop their tactical knowledge and understanding in a singles and doubles capacity.

U15 Netball Report This year the squad has grown and welcomed new members but unfortunately they also had to adjust to injuries within the inner circle of their team which meant that sometimes girls were playing out of position. Throughout the season the girls faced extremely challenging opposition and although the score line does not always reflect their standard of play it does highlight their hard work and determination to get better and learn from each match.

Congratulations to our Key Stage 3 Squad; Josie Wagner, Lucy Holland, Jae Yim and Molly Robinson who finished 3rd overall in the West Yorkshire County round of the National Schools Badminton Championships and to our Key Stage 4 Squad; Eleanor Birden, Lucy Keith, Ananya Ganjam and Eden Perez who finished second in their pool and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the semis in the same competition.

I’m sure they are all looking forward to going one step further next year and building on their knowledge and understanding of the game.

Mrs Robinson

They were semi-finalists in their Area Tournament, losing to the eventual winners Silcoates and they were rewarded with a resounding victory over Hymers in one of their last matches of the season. I am sure that they will go from strength to strength next year and build on each phase of their game.

Mrs Robinson

WHERE

GIRLS HAVE CHARACTER

EQUESTRIAN...

Physical Education

Equestrian Team Report 2019-20 Even though our season was cut short the equestrian team still have so much to be proud of this year. We got off to a flying start with a fantastic result in showjumping from Alanis Milner-Moore on her horse Maybell who secured 6th in a big 100cm class and 2nd in the 110cm class at Epworth Equestrian Centre.

Jessica Blake got all festive in December and attended the NSEA Christmas showjumping at Bishop Burton College. Both her and her pony dressed up for the occasion and had a fantastic round in the 70cm class to finish 2nd out of +50 other entries. She followed up these excellent results by coming 11th out of 55+ riders in the 70/75cm class and 21st out of 66+ riders at the NSEA eventers challenge at Northallerton Equestrian Centre in very challenging conditions, a brilliant debut for our new team member!

Onto the dressage and several team members, Imogen Williams, Tilly Smith, Emily Booth-Burke, Jessica Blake, then headed back to Northallerton in January for an NSEA dressage competition led by their captain Olivia Shuter. Overall the team finished 2nd with the highest team score coming from Emily Booth-Burke who finished 3rd individually.

Emily and Olivia then went on to compete in the Novice section in which Emily scored 65.8% to be placed 4th and Olivia scored 72.8% to win the Novice title making her county champion at this level. Olivia qualified to represent West Yorkshire at the County Individual Dressage Championship in April but unfortunately this event was unable to go ahead due to COVID-19.

Alanis managed another fantastic showjumping result and just managed to get her eventing season underway before events were cancelled due to the pandemic. She represented Ackworth Riding Club in the British Riding Club showjumping qualifiers, posting a double clear to finish 4th helping her team to qualify for the National Championships, and also qualified for the British Showjumping Blue Chip Championships with another double clear at Richmond Equestrian Centre. Her final event was at Oasby Horse Trials in March where a calm dressage test, clear showjumping and positive cross country round saw her placed 12th on the leaderboard amongst professional riders.

Once our events had been stopped due to COVID-19 the team showed their support for NHS staff by taking part in the #somethingblue taking pictures wearing blue with their horses and posting these on social media.

A huge thank you to our team captain Olivia Shuter who will be leaving us this year and to all of the riders, parents and others behind the scenes who help these competitions happen. We have a strong team going forward and I look forward to seeing you all back in the ring next season.

Miss Dollive

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CRICKET...

U13 Cricket Report Once again we entered two teams into the first round of the Lady Taverners Indoor Cricket tournament.

Our B team played extremely well and came away with their first victory against Woodhouse Grove and two losses. Our A Team won all of our games which were against Holmfirth, Woodhouse Grove B and Ryburn, progressing to the final stage of this competition. In the final we played Holmfirth again and it was a closer encounter this time round.

We went into the last over chasing 10 runs off 6 balls and managed to win with 2 balls to spare making us West Yorkshire Champions.

In the County round at Headingley we were put into a group where we would play St. Aidans, Meadowhead and South Hunsley Schools.

Unfortunately I didn’t win a toss that day but it didn’t seem to hinder our performance on the pitch.

Our first match was against South Hunsley on the “Lords Pitch” and they elected to bat first. A strong bowling and fielding performance from our team limited them to 71 runs. We then had a fantastic batting performance securing our first win of the day with 114 runs. Our next game, against Meadowhead, saw quite a few of our squad retire in their innings and we got another comfortable batting score of 122, with Meadowhead only finding 92 in reply. Our final group game was against St Aidans, which we won again, sending us into the semi-finals undefeated which we were very pleased with.

The semi-final was against the runners-up in the other group, MacMillan. We demonstrated our skills well and won the match by 58 runs. In the final, we met the other West Yorkshire finalists, Holmfirth. With a place in the North finals to play for, it was a tense match and we started off quite nervous when we were watching the rest of our team play their best but we took everything in our stride and pulled off a comprehensive 30 run victory to secure our place as representatives of Yorkshire in April at the Northern round of the competition at Bolton Arena.

Here we would face teams from Lancashire, Northumberland, Derbyshire, Cumbria and North Wales. Unfortunately due COVID-19 we were unable to play this stage of the tournament but we hope to play this round when we come back to school in September and finally get to play as a team once more.

Our thanks also go to Miss North and Stuart Morley, our cricket coach, for all their help and support this season.

Molly Robinson - Year 8

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“

We then had a fantastic batting performance securing our first win of the day with 114 runs

”

U15 Indoor Cricket Report

The 2020 cricket season has been a very fun experience for all involved. Our open training sessions have been very well attended with lots more girls starting to and continuing to play the game which has allowed us to enter both the U13s and U15s teams into the indoor national Lady Taverners competition again.

Our indoor season started well with us progressing through the West Yorkshire round of the competition as winners which meant we progressed to the Yorkshire round. We then went to Headingley where we faced our toughest opposition yet. We began the day extremely well in our first game against Driffield where we set the huge score of 146/5 batting first and then restricting them to 72 runs. We then went on to win our second game against Aston, with us batting first and scoring the excellent score of 125-6 and then bowling them all out for 39. Full of confidence and belief we then went on to play our last game of the group stage, against Ripon who proved to be our toughest fixture of the day.

We batted first and scored 114/2 a defendable target but we knew we had a tough game on our hands.

Fortunately with a brilliant fielding performance we restricted them to 99/5 in their overs.

Physical Education

“

Cricket has really taken off in the school and it’s great to see how more girls are playing and loving the game

”

As winners of our group we went on to play South Hunsley, the runners up from the other group posting the score of 110 all out.

Again we knew that we needed a good fielding performance to win the game, which we did, restricting them to 79-7 in their overs.

Advancing to the final we were met again with a strong Ripon side where a victory would secure a place in the North of England finals.

Having won the toss we changed tactics and bowled first and bowled them out for 73 which we knew was definitely an achievable total to chase but we couldn’t underestimate the strong bowling line up from Ripon. We all gave it our best effort going into our batting innings and we chased the total, scoring 74/3 with 9 balls remaining.

This meant we were crowned Yorkshire champions and we will progress to the North of England finals which is due to take place at Bolton in October. Unfortunately we haven’t had a chance to have an outdoor season this year which we were all really looking forward to.

Cricket has really taken off in the school and it’s great to see how more girls are playing and loving the game. On behalf of our team I would like to thank our coaches Stuart Morely and Miss North for training us so well and motivating new players to take up the game.

Frances Lonsdale - Year 10

VOLLEYBALL...

Volleyball Report

This year WGHS formed its very first volleyball team. The team consisted mainly of Year 10s with a few older and younger members, making on average around twenty girls that trained each week. This included both teacher and student led sessions, and the team also has three players that have progressed to the Yorkshire team: Abi Ackroyd, Romy Jackson and Hollie Bott.

During this year we played our first ever volleyball matches in the history of WGHS, against Leeds RGA and York Volleyball Club. Both of these teams are well established sports clubs that have been teaching and playing volleyball to high standard for a long time, and they include many players at Yorkshire level.

Unfortunately we lost both of our matches, but we never gave up, scoring over 20 points in many sets (sets typically go to 25 points). This helped to keep us motivated and always enjoy ourselves along the way. These matches have also given our team a great insight into the intensity and format of a real game, and they have made us train harder as we can’t wait to start playing again and win our first match.

All the team is looking forward to the future of volleyball at WGHS, so we can learn more tactics and play more matches against clubs and school teams. We also plan to take our school team to the Bridlington Beach Volleyball tournaments which are held during the summer and are so much fun.

Hollie Bott - Year 10

WHERE

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

2019/20 67

Leah’s swimming success story Leah Crisp has had a jam-packed few seasons to say the least...

Named Young Sportswoman of the Year for a second year running at the 2020 Leeds Sports Awards, selection into the Swim England performance squad, a Christmas trip to the Luxembourg Euro meet and picking up a few gold medals on the way.

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WHERE

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

Physical Education

My season...

I entered my last season swimming at City of Leeds having ended the 2018-19 season on a high where at the British Summer Championships I won four golds in the 17-18 years age group in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle. This led to me being selected as part of the Swim England performance squad, built around the focus of 2022 Commonwealth Games.

As part of being a part of this squad composed of around twenty swimmers, I had access to a wide range of support staff such as physio, sports psychology and nutrition who could help me maximise my performance through the 2019-20 season.

The season started well, where I came away from the Swim England National Winter meet 2019 with three youth golds, in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle also receiving senior bronze, silver and gold medals, respectively.

After the Christmas break, I travelled to Luxembourg with the Swim England performance squad to compete in the Luxembourg Euro meet. Even though this was a tough meet on the back of a heavy week of training I managed to achieve two bronze medals in the 800m and 1500m freestyle, and a 4th place finish in the 400m freestyle, despite the highly competitive international field.

At the 2020 Leeds Sports Awards held in the First Direct Arena I was named Young Sportswoman of the Year for a second year running, which was a great confidence boost going into the 2020 Olympic trials which were scheduled to be held in the London Aquatics centre in April. My races this season so far had been positive and I was making great improvements in training so was very

“

excited to see what I could do when rested, however this all very suddenly came to an end, with the cancellation of the trials, then the closing of all pools for the foreseeable future, then the rescheduling of the Olympics games.

Suddenly the many months and years of hard work geared towards the 2020 trials felt worthless. Following this was the longest period of time I had spent out of the water since I was about 8 years old! I found myself doing home workouts and having to get into running and cycling as a way to keep fit whilst unable to swim. It was definitely a challenge when you’re used to swimming nine times a week but I worked with my coach to build a programme which worked for me.

During this time, I secured myself a spot as a part of the Bath National Training Centre, one of two British Swimming funded centres in the UK. Here I would be training alongside Olympic medallists and working with the same coaches who worked with them to achieve those results. At this point I decided to turn the situation into a positive, where I will be going into the 2021 Olympic trials a year older and stronger and as a part of Bath NTC, where I hope to begin training as soon as possible, and then in September will begin my studies of Economics and Mathematics at Bath University alongside my swimming.

SWIMMING...

Swimming Report

It has certainly been a strange season, ending so suddenly under extreme and unprecedented circumstances, but I look forward to now seeing what next season brings!

In October we took two Junior Squads to compete in the National North East Relay Swimming Championships.

Although both teams did exceptionally well in the Medley and Freestyle relay they narrowly missed out on qualification from their heats. Congratulations to Harriet Randell, Isabella Robinson, Alice Moore, Katie Helliwell, and Lucy Holland and we look forward to building on this success next season.

Leah Crisp - Year 13

Mrs Robinson

The season started well, where I came away from the Swim England National Winter meet 2019 with three youth golds

”

2019/20 69

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS ARE CREATIVE

Photography by Victoria Marchlinska

A prequel to Agatha Christie’s ‘A Caribbean Mystery’ Tim Kendal and his wife, Molly, sat on two complementary, furnished chairs overlooking the endless ocean, right up to the point that its blue eternity melted away into the cloudless sky. Molly was a simple girl really, her blonde hair and layers of make-up did little to add depth to her character, she was what she seemed - the innocent, polite, devoted wife, perhaps overworked but altogether pleased with herself. The role of hostess suited her perfectly, which was fitting really as the pair had just spent the entirety of their earnings on this, a luxury holiday resort on the island of Saint Maire in the Caribbean.

As for Tim, well he seemed nice enough. A contrast to his wife, he kept himself to himself - aside from the required pleasantries needed in his line of work. Put together the two were the ideal, glamourous young couple that everyone wished to be - after all, opposites attract. They were dressed neatly but didn’t look at all out of place in the sweltering heat. Molly modelled a floral dress accompanied with a bunch of lilac and white flowers, delicately plaited into her flowing locks they mirrored a dolphin weaving through the shimmering ocean - balletic and elegant.

Her husband sported a tropical print shirt, and with nearly every colour of the rainbow it was what some might regard as a bold fashion choice but with his seemingly capable, calm demeanor it was not an imprudent pick of garment.

“Are you nervous?” asked Tim, turning his head as if to look at his wife but in reality keeping his eyes fixed on the view in front of him.

70 WGHS REVIEW

“I know you did but I’ve told you before, nothing comes for free,” she sighed. “You have to give something up sometimes, for something better…” She paused and looked slowly back out to the ocean, “And this, this is our better.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Reassurance received, he wheeled his way over to the bungalow where he and Molly stayed whilst living on the island. Inside, the shade and coolness offered relief to his slightly burnt skin, and he laid down on the bed like a starfish in alleviation. Finally, a bit of comfort, he thought, all that I’m giving up just so that I can reach the finish line thank heavens it will all be over soon…

“You forgot your book!” shouted Molly as she came galloping through the door - before she had even entered the room! She was always so willing to please, thought Tim, but all she ever really did was annoy. If only there was a way to give her up, give her up for someone better.

Lucy Hamblett - Year 10

ot o

Ph

“Nervous, why would I be nervous?” said Molly with a childish giggle.

“Well you know, the holiday-makers are coming tomorrow.

We’ve worked so hard for this and there’s even harder work to come.” He sighed, “it's just gotta go right for us - I gave up my job for this.”

gra phy

is arw

by Mardiah Mand

Creative

Don’t get me started on airports Queueing, queueing and queueing. It's the first and the last thing you do inside an airport, not to mention many times in between. Once you arrive at the airport, mostly at what seems to be an ungodly time in the morning (even though you're not flying until 11), you go and wait to drop off your suitcase. This is quite possibly the worst point in the whole airport. While waiting you can’t help but spy the small crying children who might possibly be next to you on the flight. As you stand there and queue, a family with what seems like twenty suitcases hogs the desk for at least fifteen minutes.

All the while you're growing more and more impatient.

Normally at some point in this long check-in one of their many bags is found to be overweight. Then taking even longer they try to redistribute the excess weight around into other cases. Your frustration is close to breaking point when you find one of their other bags has now tipped the scales.

Photography by Olivia Cole

Little by little you snake through the queue and after what feels like forever you finally break free of the queue and go to the free desk. The impatient person behind the desk glares as you hand over your passport and boarding pass.

The moment of truth arrives. You place your suitcase on the scales and the whole queue behind appears to hold their breath ready to judge you as soon as those numbers settle.

A collective breath of relief is released both by yourself and those behind as you fit comfortably under the limit.

After an eternity, your gate number appears and it seems like a race has just begun. People jump up, grab their belongings and start a brisk walk to the gate. This truly infuriates me! What are they gaining by this, everybody is going to get on that plane. After arriving at the gate yourself you find yourself in, yes you guessed it, another queue. You think this is the final hurdle as you enter the tunnel leading to the plane. Sadly you are wrong but don’t even get me started on aeroplanes!

Next it's through to security and you find yourself in yet again another queue. By this point, your feet are hurting and you are eagerly anticipating some sort of caffeinated drink.

While you stand in line, you watch those before you and try and not roll your eyes as passenger after passenger slows the whole process down. I mean how do people not realise they've packed a pair of scissors? Your turn at last arrives and trying to be that model flyer you have your large electronics and liquids in their sealed bag ready. (Although the normally grumpy staff still find something to critique you on). Loaded onto the tray you stand in the full body scanner looking like a starfish before being told you need to be patted down. Great, once again you think to yourself as you reluctantly part with your shoes. Having been patted down in places that I would prefer to be left, security then decide that I'm not in fact concealing a knife under my arm.

Leah Davis - Year 10

‘Your bag has been selected for a random drugs test’ words I've heard so many times it can no longer be random.

As you get taken to the side accompanied with some suspicious glances, I often think why do I myself through this. Once found not to be in possession of any drugs you finally enter duty free.

Duty free is quite possibly the only saving grace of an airport. The shops, the food and the overall buzz. What’s not to like? Well the ‘tax free’ shopping in reality isn't really that much cheaper but somehow I end up with a three for two deals on some sort of sweets and chocolate, not exactly money well spent. Once the novelty of the shops wears off and you realise you’re not flying for another two hours the hunt to find a chair begins. People lay down taking up three chairs with no consideration. This does not help your aching feet but nevertheless you find a chair and relax.

WHERE

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

Dreamt I bid them go not where I lead To dark and hollow night I plead Do not crawl upon my bed Lest visions grow inside your head There dark red claws rip skin from bone Fraying, bending, leave flesh alone Driving tears from eyes like liquid gold They wait for me, till stars get old These monsters of the dark, the deep My soul sees only when I fall asleep There is goodness there, and light In the blood-red caverns of night I have no eyes from which to see But still shapes and colours come to me They whisper lyrics from an ancient song Tell me the places which I will belong They look like sisters, mothers, friends They fall to black as night time ends To night’s hands my soul I trust And fade to light formed out of dust Because even monsters from the dreams Seem happier than daytime seems Elizabeth Sykes - Year 11

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I love the nature of the earth and sea

Ballet shoes

I love the nature of the Earth and sea, The wind, the waves, the hills, the clear blue sky.

The Earth is still ‘till the birds sing with me, So beautiful I never say goodbye.

The fearsome waves crash against coastline rocks, The ocean can be heard from way afar.

With marine life playing like a sly fox, A dolphin’s eye can look like a blue star.

Yet we destroy our beautiful old world, And death takes those who we all love the most.

When raging storms destroy, the Earth gets hurled, Into a frenzy with no one a host.

We need to respect the nature around, ‘Cause soon the Earth will be no lovers’ ground.

Satin velvety blocks, shiny ribbon, Silky and stretchy strings to help you point.

Dancing around with lots of precision, These shoes will really make you stretch your joint.

Boldness and elegance is all you need, To stride and jump and roll and point and prance.

Feel the soft, shiny shoes and then you’ll read, The passion we are feeling when we dance.

Your weight is beared on all ten strong trained toes, The ribbons feel like long heavy iron chains.

These painful shoes just really are your foes, Despite the scrunching, squishing, squeezing pain.

I love the feeling of dancing so much, Is this passionate love worth pain this much?

Alice Morrison - Year 8

Imogen Preston - Year 8

Sunset

Flowers

It happens every evening before night.

The sky is lit with the most stunning shades, And I hope so much that it never fades, As it’s truly the most beautiful sight.

Whether it is drowned out by city light, Or it shines on the ocean’s gentle waves, Or by the tallest mountains as they wade, To not be covered by the dazzling light.

The gorgeous sunset’s quick to disembark.

The orange and yellow start to get more power, Until they fizzle out into the dark.

Only lit by the moon’s weak light shower, The sun’s a fire, but the moon’s just a spark, The sun’s the grass, and the moon’s a flower.

How they glow on a lovely summer’s day, Multicoloured and often clear and bright.

All different in their own unusual way, Some are coloured and some are plain old white.

All various sizes and gentle shapes, Some small, some falling and some tall.

What an array of amazing landscapes!

They cast a spell then they quickly enthrall.

Even standing out brightly during night, Like little coloured dots in a green field.

Some flowers growing to a great, huge height, Oxygen that keeps us well, flowers yield.

As long as flowers strive and survive, We remain happy, importantly alive.

Aimee Smith - Year 8

Aishwarya Ragu - Year 8

Comparing thee to a moonlit sky

Bluebells

Comparing thee to the pale, moonlit sky, Darkness hides among the vivid crescent.

So silent and clear from a naked eye, nor dull nor unlighted in each moment.

Shall I imagine thee to become true, Or cast aside the admirable thought.

Change the moment of the future issue, Back down to the fight that needs to be fought.

Thou are not visible when heaven shines, As thou bringing light to one’s other sky.

I love thee love more than words can define, It could now be time to just say goodbye.

Every moment heaven’s light shines upon, Thou will always be far away or gone.

n The delicate dancers of the springtime, tograp cKi hy by Alice M The perfect princesses of the forest.

Flowers the wood treasures as its dearest, They proudly wear bells that will never chime.

Purest angels who will not commit crime, Innocent, moral beauties that are blessed.

Bearing love on their beautiful blue chests, They are always at their best at Spring’s prime.

But look how their fragile petals soon fade, As nothing in this world lasts forever.

These oblivious souls are soon betrayed, As careless, thoughtless elements sever.

No one coming to their deserving aid, They toll for Nature’s silent endeavour.

Madison Ducker - Year 8

Lucy Simmons - Year 8

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WHERE

Ph o

GIRLS HAVE CHARACTER

Sm ith

A Collection of Sonnets by Year 8...

lay

Creative

A voice in the head A little boy was sitting on his bed, sad and scared. He cried and cried and sighed and sighed until his dad came up to him.

“What’s wrong my boy?” he asked, confused.

“I don’t wanna go to school,” he said.

“I’m scared.”

“You can do it, trust yourself,” his dad replied.

So he grabbed his dad’s hand and skipped to school. Later that day, he came to his dad and shouted, “I did it! I did it!” And he ran like the wind to his room.

Ten years later, now being a teenager, he sat once again on his bed, sad and scared. He cried and cried and sighed and sighed until his dad came up to him.

“What's wrong my boy?” he asked, confused.

“I like this girl but I’m scared to talk to her,” he said.

“You can do it, trust yourself,” his dad replied.

So he got out of bed and ran to his friend. Later that day, he came to his dad and shouted, “I did it! I did it!”And he ran like the wind to his room.

Ten years later, now being an adult, he sat once again on his bed, sad and scared. He cried and cried and sighed and sighed until his dad came up to him.

“What’s wrong my boy?”he asked, confused.

“My girlfriend is pregnant and I don’t know how to raise a child,”he said.

“You can do it, trust yourself,” his dad replied.

So he got out of bed and went take care of his girlfriend. Later that day, he came to his dad and shouted, “I know how to do it! I know how to do it!” And he ran like the wind to his room.

Ten years later, he sat on the bed happy and relaxed. His daughter ran in the room crying and crying and sighing and sighing.

“What’s wrong my princess?” he asked, confused.

“I don’t wanna go to school,” she said.

“I’m scared.”

He smiled and said, “You can do it.

Trust yourself.”

And she gave her dad a big, happy hug.

Victoria Marchlinska - Year 7

Conflict The sun nonchalantly slips over the horizon, casting a copperish glow among the fields. Silently, I gaze at my warm breath, as it disperses into the cold air. I look over to the young man standing beside me. His eyes are glazed over in terror. Waiting in anticipation is agony. My heart is pounding against my chest, breath quivering, frozen fingers twitching as they clasp the weapon. Then, the warning shot fires. A thousand pairs of feet hammer the ground.

Over the trench wall, I scrambled my way up, gripping onto the clumps of dirt. After reaching the top, my body halts. Serene, snow bestrewn pastures stretch as far as the eye could see.

The scour of winter left the trees leafless, coated with a thin layer of frost. However, the silence was lost by a bullet shot.

Distant silhouettes gradually morph into the figures of our enemies.

I make haste across the field, moving closer towards the opposition. Around me, a dozen bodies simultaneously drop to the ground. I shot several rounds, and moved further along the scarlet-drenched snow.

From only inches behind me, I hear a pain ridden howl. In an instant, I turn around. Not only my comrade, but a good friend had been struck down. Lurid crimson soaks his uniform.

A pale, vacant face stares up at the sky. His chest sank back down one last time.

The fear and frustration had now welled up inside me.

Photography by Isla Darby The battlefield is no place to mourn one's loss. However, the burden of witnessing such a thing had diverted my attention. Blurred by the hint of tears, my eyes were unable to focus properly. Memories of soldiers fighting to their last breath flashed through my head. How could they come to such a horrific fate? Not a single man’s life could be spared out here.

A frenzy of bullets fire from over a mound to my right. Several bullets delve into my side. A strange sensation begins to develop at the side of my stomach. Then the pain sets in. My hand, shaking, dabs at the skin. Red. The soldiers still continue to fight, as I lay there, yet all I hear is a sharp ringing in my ears.

The sky seemingly flickers from light to dark, as if someone is flipping a switch. And finally, my eyes gently close.

A hand, or perhaps a few, scoop my body up from the ground.

I look up, and my eyes catch sight of more red. Although, this time it is the shape of a cross upon a white uniform. My body is lowered back down onto the tough, yet reassuring canvas of a stretcher. I spring up and down to the rhythm of their steps, meanwhile my eyes wander along the field. What was once a peaceful grassland, is now a graveyard for the unburied.

Hannah Sutton - Year 10

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Young People’s Poetry Competition 2019 Sarah Shah entered the Ilkley Literature Festival’s annual Young People’s Poetry Competition and was awarded first place in the Year 12-13 category. The entry theme was on ‘Discovery’, which she chose to explore in terms of culture and identity and was commended by the judges on the honesty of the piece. She was invited to the Ilkley Literature Festival event to read her poem, ‘Narnia’, and receive her prize.

Narnia Long ago, I’d keep them together in a cosmopolitan hodgepodge – A sort of fanciful blend of chiffons and cottons and polyesters and velvets and wools and silks and Tweeds. Punctuated with both buttons and beads, of course.

Then one day, departing home, my shimmering anklets winked and transformed Into fetters. Shackled to an unwieldy ball and chain, too heavy to carry To class... too heavy to move up in class. But having been dictated equations and figures and Values, I came up with a simple solution: One, remove them. Two, segregation. Two wardrobes. One for these and one for those.

The end. Though Not quite…

Tapestries of my old identity, thrilling images blighted upon them by hand embroidery, They press against that door like a paperweight on my mind.

I only open this door, with the ill-fitted second-skins which are much lighter (in both senses) And in turn open doors for me. Just as I should to repay that bizarre couple, who bartered their country – for these opportunities – in life’s bazaar.

Nowadays, a forgotten tongue; a lingering fragrance used In famine, like sating hunger with the scent of a leather belt in boiling water.

Abracadabra! That neglected wardrobe will burst One day. And that day, a vivid monsoon of clothes will tumble and pour and spill and Collapse at my feet – endless sapphire seas; trickling ruby rivers.

Sparks of passion, childhood euphoria, erupting into three days of sequined darkness Shrouded in bitter odour, plagued with the green speckles of nature’s vengeful renaissance.

It’ll be my own created Pripyat.

And that day was today.

A kameez (or perhaps a kurta?), unaffected by the generations of touch, laid on top, Intricate appliqué birds obscured by corporate-grey smudges. An ornamental nest Left unprotected. Discarded anklets. Too far gone.

Those precious shackles which anchored me to myself.

Sarah Shah - Year 12

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Creative

The lost bird Lily was sitting in her bedroom as usual on her phone.

This is what Lily always did despite what she thought was nagging from her parents to put it down, come out of her room and into the real world. Lily liked nothing better than to spend her time on facebook, instagram, snapchat and tiktok. She wasn’t interested in meeting up with her friends face to face or taking part in any activities that didn’t involve technology. Her little sister came into her room and asked her to play Monopoly.

“Go away - leave me alone, I’m on my phone, can’t you see I’m busy!!!”

Her mum comes into her room and asks her if she wants to come and walk the dog.

“Go away - leave me alone, I’m on my phone, can’t you see I’m busy!!!”

Lily just carries on flicking through her feed on instagram, never even looks up. Flicking through her village group feed on facebook her eye catches on a most beautiful bird. She had never seen colours like it. The feathers were bright purple and pink, the chest and tummy were bright yellow and the head was pink with a bright orange beak the colours looked painted on. The notice read as follows: ‘MISSING - Rufous backed Kingfisher - very rare bird escaped today from the local zoo. Please if anybody can give any information as to whereabouts ring this number there is a £10,000 reward if this bird is handed back alive.’

She imagined for a moment of all the wonderful things she could do with £10 000. That amount of money would be a life changer she thought. Her attention quickly wanders off though as she carries on scrolling to see Kylie Jenna’s daily post. Thirty minutes later she doesn’t even notice her little sister coming into her room again.

“Lily - can you come and play with me?”

“Go away - leave me alone - I’m on my phone can’t you see I’m busy.”

Next her Mum comes in. “Lily, come downstairs into the garden.”

“Go away - leave me alone - I’m on my phone can’t you see I’m busy.”

Later that evening Lily comes down stairs and overhears a conversation between her parents.

“That bird in the garden earlier was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it - the colours were unreal.

I wonder if it was a fancy parrot from the local pet shop?

And it was so tame - standing on my hand and all.

Shame it flew away before Lily had a chance to take a photo. She could have posted it on her insta-thingymajiggy!”

Lily felt sick!!!!!!!

Jessica Blake - Year 7

The Sighting of Rays You see them. Gliding from the darkness Their wings rippling with savage grace Soaring gently through the waters, effortlessly still

Inspiration from The Deep These poems were written by Year 7 pupils, following their visit to The Deep in January 2019

A Jellyfish A blossom pink blob Not a jelly nor a fish Gliding through the sea A jellyfish Pink and sparkly Ribbon tentacles floating Brainless and dumb A jellyfish An umbrella for a head And spaghetti for its legs It stings like a bee It’s weird and it’s wacky A jellyfish Charlotte D’Arcy - Year 7

WHERE

The bobbing jellyfish It’s small and obscure, Curvy like thought.

Its colour is soft and holographic, Peachy, pink, blue and orange.

It bobs restlessly although it seems relaxed, Its hypnotic movements entrance me.

Its arms dancing rhythmically, Dancing through the water, but not to a Song.

They curl and shrivel then let themselves spread, Like lilies opening up to capture the sun after Closing for the night.

It’s an hibiscus blossoming open slowly, Then back as if in harmony and meditation.

It’s rarely found alone Its algae on their orals must be A fungi. Although I can’t hear them they must be chatty, Their multiple mouths tiny, though.

They are horrible, harbingers of doom Beautiful, saviours of the deep Flying together in sacred silence Their bodies tapered and curved Their movements smooth as cream Proud giants of the ocean Eleanor Wray - Year 7

The Jellyfish Long floating tendrils Flouncing and fluttering In the sea Dazzling in the moonlight Pale and ghostly Glowing and glittering Graceful, slow but precise A star in the undisturbed sky

(NB orals = the oral arms of an octopus)

Elegant as a stag Mystical as a butterfly Flowing, flowing, always flowing As it floats away.

Mallory Wigglesworth - Year 7

Fleur Hornsby - Year 7

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

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Time-travel Morning light cascaded through the skylights of Grand Central Terminal, illuminating the station in its soft golden radiance. Dust particles danced through the sunbeams, as hundreds of people jostled throughout the main foyer, each absorbed in their own lives and oblivious to the inner thoughts and turmoils of the others around them. Alice, her own head filled with conflicting, complicated thoughts, hurried through the busy crowd, and reached her platform just as the gleaming train arrived, a billow of silvery steam announcing its appearance. Nimbly boarding the train, Alice quickly secured a window seat in an empty carriage. The beam of the overhead lights caused the dazzling diamond band on her left hand to sparkle; Alice’s eyes fell upon it and she was transported into deep, contemplative thought. She could barely believe that she was engaged, never mind that she was supposed to get married tomorrow. It had all been such a blur: George, the boy next door, returning from the War, battered and bruised and bandaged but alive! He was alive! A whirlwind romance, followed by a surprise proposal and then - here they were. About to be married. It was a difficult concept for Alice to comprehend, but it had to be true because she was currently sitting on a train that was travelling from midtown Manhattan towards her wedding venue in New Haven. She couldn’t help her thoughts from flickering back to another relationship, years and years ago, before George and before the War, but she pushed it away from her mind, tried to quash and subdue it beneath other worries. All that had been was a silly summer romance, a teenage fling, and her parents had disapproved of that boy anyway. He was far beneath her, they said, poor, lazy, uneducated. George was a good choice; he was kind, loving, and wealthy. According to Alice’s parents, it was an excellent match, the right decision, the only option for her. She would be content and comfortable with him, at least.

“Excuse me, ma’am? Sorry, you seemed a little distracted, ah, we’ve arrived at our destination.” Alice’s trance was interrupted by a young attendant, who nervously gestured towards the exit. She smiled politely at him, and quickly departed the carriage, stepping out onto the platform. Once the cloud of steam had cleared, Alice couldn’t believe her eyes. She was in exactly the same place that she had departed - Grand Central Terminal. But how could it be?

Alice had felt the train moving beneath her, seen the scenery pass her by, so what was she doing exactly where she started? However, there seemed to be something a little different about this station compared to the one she’d just left. The terminal she had departed from was bright, airy, full of brilliant jewel tones and rippling sunlight; this one was structured exactly the same but it seemed more neglected and a little dilapidated. There were those trademark skylight windows, but no light shone through; instead, Alice could spy towering buildings through the glass. Horrified that she may be going insane, Alice caught a passing man’s attention, “Um, e-excuse me? Where am I? What, what day is it?”

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The man gave Alice a cautious look, before muttering, “It’s 1946. We’re in New York,” and hastily continued on his way. How could this have happened? Alice was lost for words. Somehow, miraculously, she had been transported into the future. She had time-travelled!

Unsure of what else to do, Alice collapsed onto a nearby bench, her head in her hands. There was so much to process that her mind had gone completely blank. Tears began to well in her eyes, blurring her vision so much that the train station simply disappeared into a swirl of colours and sounds; she didn’t even notice a woman sit down beside her, two children in tow.

“Are you alright, darling? You look a little overwhelmed,” the woman asked, her eyebrows knitted together in worry.

Alice looked up at her, and was shocked speechless for the second time that day. The woman in front of her, lined with the faint beginnings of wrinkles and smudges of purple exhaustion under her eyes that Alice lacked, was undoubtedly her, from the future. Or, she supposed, the present. Alice managed to choke out an affirmative response, unable to take her eyes away from the woman.

It was like looking into a mirror - the same head of dark curls, the same long nose, the same rosebud mouth. She had so much to ask, so much she wanted to know about the two and a half decades ahead of her.

“I’m Alice, by the way. These are Thomas and Caroline, my children. We’re here to meet Daddy, aren’t we? My husband, Edward, he works at the station, so we’re going to visit him for lunch.” The woman smiled. Edward? The boy from years ago...not George? The concept was too nuanced to linger on now, mid-conversation. Attempting to clear her head, Alice noticed another train pulling into the station. She decided that her only possible form of escape from this time period would be to board it, so despite her desperate urge to stay and interrogate this mysterious future version of herself, she decided instead to ask all she really needed to know: “Are you happy? Really, truly happy?”

GIRLS HAVE CHARACTER

Creative

The woman seemed confused, and rightfully so, but she glanced at her son and daughter, and answered emphatically, “We don’t have much, but it’s enough.

So my answer is yes. Yes, I am.”

“

Alice’s face split into a wide, beaming smile, and she thanked the woman gratefully as she hurried away to board the train. Exhilarated by her experience, Alice slumped into the train carriage, and hoped desperately that she would arrive where she belonged, back in 1920. Seeing herself, a version of her that was married to Edward, had been exciting, but it wasn’t reality. She was supposed to marry George, it was just the way things were meant to be. Alice would arrive back in 1920 at New Haven at the end of this train ride. She had to.

Of course, that was not to be the case. The train arrived at its destination, Grand Central Terminal, again. Alice accosted another person- and it was 1946, again. She felt absolutely ridiculous; it was as though she was trapped in a paradox, some sort of bizarre plotline that only happens in storybooks and fairytales. And then, she saw the future version of herself again. This time, Alice decided to confront the woman instead, noticing as she did so that this ‘future version’ was not accompanied by any children.

“Hello, I’m sorry to disturb you, but can I ask you a few questions?” The woman turned to look at Alice, a strained smile upon her flawless face. It was the same reflection, but a more polished form: there was a string of shining pearls around her neck, her eyes were lined with smoky black mascara and she was dressed in much smarter attire than the other future Alice.

The woman responded, “Of course. I do have a train to catch though, so I can’t be long.”

“I won’t take too much of your time, I promise. Well…”

Alice hesitated, before deciding to ask the potentially invasive question. She was, after all, only asking herself.

“Do you have any family?”

Clearing her throat delicately, the woman replied, “I’m married, but no children. George, he - oh, George is my husband- he never wanted any.”

Alice nodded, surprised but not overly astonished. She’d always known that her fiancé didn’t want children but a part of her had imagined that she’d be able to convince him.

The woman was still standing there, awkwardly tapping her heels, waiting for Alice to say something.

“Just a couple more questions. Do you have any regrets?

Are you really happy?”

Seeming slightly affronted, the woman raised her groomed eyebrows, and said, “That’s a rather personal question.

But you seem rather well-meaning, so I suppose… yes, I have regrets, but don’t we all? And I am content with my choices. I guess I am… I’m as happy as I can be.”

The man gave Alice a cautious look, before muttering, “It’s 1946.

We’re in New York

”

Alice nodded, cogs whirring in her head, “Thank you so much. That’s all I need to know.” The woman smiled slightly, rather puzzled by the entire conversation and departed with a quick farewell into the crowd. Alice also disappeared into the throng of bustling people, and in a final attempt to return back to 1920, embarked on the waiting train.

Absorbed in thought, Alice contemplated what had just happened for the entire journey. When the train finally eased to a halt, she almost flew out of her seat to the exit.

Suddenly, there it was: Grand Central Terminal, just as it always had been. Dappled rays of sunlight tumbling from above, the air sweet and warm, various sounds blending together into a cacophony of public transport, all exactly as Alice had remembered it, in 1920s splendour.

Disembarking the train, she wandered slowly through the foyer, a new-found appreciation for the building’s beauty coursing through her. It seemed as though no time at all had passed since she first disappeared from this era. In fact, the train she had originally travelled on seemed not to have left the station yet. ‘I could still board the train and arrive in New Haven in time,’ Alice mused, pacing the tiled platform. Her parents were waiting, George was waiting, the rest of her life was waiting for her... The answer was obvious. She loved George, didn’t she? So what was stopping her from boarding this train? Alice looked around the station, took a deep breath and made her way towards the edge of the platform.

Just as she was about to enter the carriage, Alice turned away. She couldn’t do it. That moment of hesitation that the second future version of her had before she’d decided she was happy was what Alice was feeling right now.

Immediately, it was clear to her - she couldn’t go; she had to stay here and find Edward. Alice stepped away from the train. This was her, making a choice she wouldn’t regret.

She had seen two versions of herself today: one that had done the proper thing, gotten on the train and lived the cliché of domestic bliss, and another that had decided to remain in Manhattan, scraped and struggled to get anywhere in life but was truly satisfied. Which woman did she want to be? Which life did she want to have?

Alice watched the train go by.

Sarah Ng - Year 11

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This year’s

Farewells

Daniela Djokovic Teacher of French and German Madame Djokovic, or DD, joined the MFL department at WGHS in January 2011. A passionate linguist, Daniela soon settled into life at the school enjoying all aspects of what it had to offer.

Daniela was not only enthusiastic in the classroom but she also valued the extracurricular activities and was always ready to volunteer to help with DoE or with an overseas trip. We know Daniela would like to thank all the girls she had the privilege to teach, and all the students she had the pleasure to chat to in the corridors, over the years.

Her thanks also go to the many parents who have been so supportive over the years.

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité!

We've had some amazing staff come through the WGHS gates over the year, bringing a wealth of talent and experience as well as many happy memories.

Danny Sheehan Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Department Danny joined the RPE Department as HoD in September 2015 from All Saints’ Catholic High School in Sheffield, and helped to cement the Department as a vibrant, exciting and innovating part of WGHS life. As a dynamic practitioner of RPE, his love of the subject and drive to see our students do their best was a joy to collaborate with.

Danny was also an integral part of the school’s HPL initiative, sparking enthusiasm about its benefits in both staff and students, and would always do his utmost to help see the school on its journey to become a High Performance Learning World Class School.

Paul Franks Teacher of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

From an extra-curricular perspective, Danny was a dedicated Sixth Form Tutor, and happily led the Girls’ Football Team at lunchtimes as well as taking the mini-bus out for EDGE excursions - and he always maintained a healthy sense of humour after going up hill and down dale! This was also particularly evident on his trip to Rome with the Classics Department where his knowledge of churches and church history challenged and stimulated the students. On a personal note, Danny was a constant source of support and encouragement before, during and after my two periods of maternity leave - he made it effortlessly easy for me to slip back into the school’s hustle and bustle, for which I will always be very grateful.

At Christmas 2019 both staff and students were sad to say goodbye to Danny, who took up the post of Head of Religious Education at his alma mater, All Saints’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Mansfield. We know he was sad to leave too, but at least he got to go out to the Brass Group’s refrain of Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in his last assembly, which we all know was a particular favourite of his...

We wish all health and happiness to him, his wife Katie, and children Amelia, Olivia, and Matthew.

Mrs Keegan-Phipps

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“

His love of the subject and drive to see our students do their best was a joy to collaborate with

”

Paul joined the WGHS RPE Department in January 2020 following Danny Sheehan’s departure. As a teacher who had previously taught RPE and History at both WGHS and QEGS, Paul was very familiar with the Foundation’s staff, students and ethos. He always strived to get the best out of our students with challenging and interesting lessons and I know he will be missed by us all. He started and regularly ran a club at lunchtimes, called ‘The Only Way is Ethics’, which was well-attended and enjoyed by our Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 girls; following its success, it is something the RPE Department hopes to continue with our Student Leaders in the next academic year. In July 2020 the Department is saying goodbye to Paul; we thank him for all his hard work and wish all health and happiness to him and his family for the future.

Mrs Keegan-Phipps

Farewells

Sarah Loftus Deputy Head of Pastoral Care It is with a heavy heart that we said farewell to Mrs Sarah Loftus, our wonderful Deputy Head of Pastoral Care, at the end of this academic year. The whole school community will feel this loss keenly.

Sarah joined Wakefield Girls’ High in 2004 for a maternity cover in the English Department before settling in as a permanent member of staff, becoming Head of Year 12 and 13 in 2010 and appointed as Deputy Head, Pastoral in 2014. Clearly the Heads responsible for these appointments had great judgement. During Sarah’s time here she has always shown a steadfast commitment to the school and to the girls’ wellbeing and care. Her dedication may be the main factor that has won the respect of so many pupils and staff, however it is by no means her only contribution.

“

Her approach to school life bringing joy and laughter to each day - really helped to shape not only the student experience of Wakefield Girls’ High, but also the staff experience, too

”

As a (newish) head, many challenges that arise are novel and can be initially disconcerting. At such times, leaders need a team around them who know the school, its staff and its students and Sarah has provided calm, wise counsel on so many occasions. She has a wealth of experience and is unflappable. In her role - and actually, in life she has been proactive, hands on, forward thinking and selfless.

She is certainly a glass-half full individual and always looked to bring the best out of our students, and a situation.

Sarah’s mark on WGHS will be longstanding. Exciting initiatives from the Happy Cafe, Odd Socks Day, Falcon Friday to Wellbeing Week are all thanks to her. And who would have thought that so many teenage girls would love to sit on a Thursday afternoon learning cross stitch for their EDGE activity? I feel it was more about spending time together with an opportunity to have a good natter to the girls than the stitching. Indeed, who could forget her ‘Old Woman of the Week’ assemblies whereby she had us all on the edge of our seat, waiting to find out about the next inspirational, rule-breaking woman. Examples of such women include Hedi Lamarr, Frida Kahlo and Kathrine Switzer. Such initiatives are a testament to her energy and warmth at school. However to requote Maya Angelou as used in a recent assembly I suspect that her more lasting legacy will be the memory of how she made people feel. Students sense staff who really care for their wellbeing, and they knew Mrs Loftus was firmly in this category.

Her approach to school life - bringing joy and laughter to each day really helped to shape not only the student experience of Wakefield Girls’ High, but also the staff experience, too. I will miss her greatly, but I know, so too will a great number of students and colleagues. We wish her a very happy next chapter of life as she begins her early retirement and hope that she will visit often (with her cross stitch basket!).

Heidi-Jayne Boyes

WHERE

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

Polly Loftus Chemistry Technician Polly Loftus replaced Beverley as a job share chemistry technician in January 2020. In the short time that she worked in the Department, before the school was locked down, she made a seamless transition into the role and her help supporting the girls and staff with practical lessons was very much appreciated. Polly fitted in very well with both the teaching and support staff and leaves us to go on to teach Physics at QEGS. We wish her well, please come back and visit.

Sarah Duerden-Brown (Head of Chemistry)

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This year’s

Farewells Rosie Lewry

Beverley Wilkins

Teacher of Geography

Chemistry Technician

The Geography Department sadly said farewell to a most loyal and enthusiastic member of the Department. In a typically unassuming, compassionate fashion, Rosie has provided a thorough geographical education for those fortunate enough to have been taught by her. She always puts the needs of the students first and regularly goes the extra mile to ensure her lessons are of a high standard. This approach continued outside the classroom where she spent hours supporting individual students. So many have benefited from her knowledge and expertise over the last seven years.

Beverley has worked at WGHS for 32 years and was initially appointed as a DT and Physics technician before moving to the Chemistry Department in 1998 to work as a full time chemistry technician. Beverley has been excellent in her role as chemistry technician. She has been a most reliable, conscientious and efficient member of the Department. She has contributed greatly to the development of many pupils over the years as well as to the overall success of the Chemistry Department.

She has had a pivotal role in the running of chemistry, supplying apparatus and chemicals for each lesson, servicing the laboratories, liaising with staff and pupils and maintaining and ordering new stock.

Her policy was always to repair rather than renew and this greatly helped our budget stretch that little bit further! In recent years Beverley has worked successfully with Vicky Mitchell in a chemistry technician job share role which allowed her to spend more time with her then newly born granddaughter.

She has not only spent her time teaching in the classroom but enjoyed helping, supporting and organising a range of diverse events including many field trips and other extracurricular activities that have enriched the educational experience of the students. One minute she would be found in the music concerts, then the next motivating students on their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition to climb yet another hill.

Her willingness to give up her time is also exemplified by the summer of 2015 when she supported an expedition to Costa Rica. Her fastidious organisation will not be forgotten nor the huge amount of equipment she always packed for every eventuality. The Department had never ever seen anyone climb the Malham steps with such a large rucksack until Rosie took the lead for this trip! All good fun and her sense of humour will be missed. There is no doubt that many students benefited from the Geographical Association WorldWise Quiz that she was instrumental in organising for local schools and cultivated a number of strong teams of which some won the trophy for WGHS. Rosie has always enjoyed her life at WGHS and it has been a difficult decision for her to leave. We know Rosie is devoted to her young family and this will mean she can spend more time with her fantastic young boys. We wish her luck on this new chapter and all the adventures it will bring.

Mr Hargreaves

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Beverley worked tirelessly for the Department and will be greatly missed both as a colleague and a friend. We wish her a long and happy retirement and hope to keep in touch.

“

Sarah Duerden-Brown (Head of Chemistry) and Mike Uttley (retired Head of Chemistry)

Her policy was always to repair rather than renew and this greatly helped our budget stretch that little bit further!

”

GIRLS HAVE GREAT TEACHERS

Farewells

Liz Zoccolan Head of Learning Support It is with real regret that we are saying farewell to a wonderful member of staff, our Head of Learning Support, Elizabeth Zoccolan. We “stole” Liz from across the road - QEGS - in 2016 and since then she has developed and expanded the provision we already had for girls who require further support across the school. She will be missed by students, staff and parents.

Liz’s background is in Languages, and having studied French with Portuguese at Kings, London, she taught in a variety of local schools, finally moving to the Grammar School Foundation as a teacher of Languages. Previous experience with learning intervention initiatives came to the fore though, and before long, Liz had moved into the LS department at QEGS. It is in this arena that Liz has made such an impact at WGHS. From her office in Cliff, Liz has built up a vibrant, thriving and innovative department, where countless children (as well as staff) have benefited from her expertise, wisdom and kindness. She has quite simply changed students’ lives with her skill and compassion. As well as having the specialist subject knowledge to ensure girls are gaining fair access to the curriculum and exams, she has the “can do” attitude that marks her as a true professional.

Liz is a generous colleague, always keen to share her understanding and expertise, either in full staff training sessions or one-to-one.

She asks staff to play to their strengths, and gives them the confidence to deliver the appropriate support for a student in the most effective way. Liz has made such a difference to so many students in so many ways. She is humorous, dedicated, effective and knowledgeable. It’s little wonder that she has received a promotion which elevates her to senior management. Wakefield Girls’ High School will miss you, Liz. We thank you for being such a wonderful colleague and with you all the best for a happy, successful future.

Sarah Loftus

“

Liz has built up a vibrant, thriving and innovative department, where countless children (as well as staff) have benefited from her expertise, wisdom and kindness

”

Hannah Mitchell Teacher of Art Hannah Mitchell joined the Art Department in 2011 led by Head of Department Rowena Gration. Hannah brought about really creative ideas in textiles, printmaking and mixed media and went on to develop these for the Art Department throughout her time in post.

Hannah's class room was always bright, energetic and busy with girls attending additional Art during lunch times. She was always a bright and cheerful presence and her love for the pomegranate Art Project and her consumption of vast amounts of toast each break time, still resonates amongst our girls today. Hannah really enjoyed working at Wakefield Girls’ High School and we wish her all the best of luck as she becomes a full time mum to her beautiful daughter Lola.

“

Mrs Varley

Hannah's class room was always bright, energetic and busy with girls attending additional Art during lunch times

”

A big thank you from everyone at WGHS

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Looking ahead AND INTRODUCING OUR WAKEFIELD GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL HEAD GIRL TEAM 2020-21 Our newly elected Head Girl Sarah Shah shares her thoughts on her new role and introduces her new Head Girl Team and why they feel honoured to be selected for their senior roles in school.

Sarah:

HEAD GIRL

Sarah Shah DEPUTY HEAD GIRL

Anna Chew SENIOR PREFECTS

Zaina Khan Aminta Utting-Simon Annie Kelly Huda Chowdhery Sienna Sekhon Kyne Bordon Lucy McKinlay Ruth Gardiner Abigail Neilson Sasha Hildyard

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Anna and I both feel extremely pleased to have been elected alongside such an amazing team and we are very excited to serve the community which has served us so well over the years. We hope to carry out our duties in a way which reflects how WGHS has shaped us to flourish as individuals: it is much more than a school for grades, it is a school for life. It is empowering and uplifting. It is a place where we can be confident in our personal skills and passions, even if we do not always succeed. Our resilience ensures that we do not feel the need to constantly justify our places in the world, instead, we are comfortable as ourselves. A High School Girl is not only defined by her qualifications, but also by her countless trips to Northgate, her silly dances in the Common Room and her sighs when trudging up the STC stairs for a period 6 Physics lesson. Therefore, I would like to introduce myself, Sarah Shah, and the Head Girl Team beyond our titles; I believe that every woman should be proud to call herself by her name first because this highlights who she is, as well as what she has achieved.

Anna: I feel so grateful to have been selected as Deputy Head Girl at WGHS. I’m proud to be able to be a representative of the diverse community we have here, made up of so many unique, diligent and caring individuals. The school contributes so much to the people within this community, and beyond, and I’m delighted I have the chance to give back to the school community that has given me so much confidence, inspiration, pride and opportunity.

In my final year, I hope to do the role justice and match the expectations set by previous deputy head girls and to continue to promote the school ethos of ‘Each For All’ ensuring every student feels involved and passionate about what we have to offer here at WGHS. I will continue to embrace every aspect of school life and encourage others to do so, whether that is assembly, EDGE or the revue, the academic support, the companionship of peers or the pain au chocolat and chicken pie.

I am extremely excited for everything the year ahead holds, and look forward to getting involved with so many of the great events and opportunities offered here, working alongside a fantastic Head Girl and such a passionate team.

Looking ahead

Ruth:

Huda:

Having watched girls swish around in their gowns for six years, I am so excited to pretend that I’ve been cast in Harry Potter (Ravenclaw of course)!! I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful team and be able to get involved with annual traditions as well as support Sarah and Anna in making our mark on the school.

I feel honoured to be considered a representative for this school and I can’t wait to give back to the WGHS community.

In my twelve years at this wonderful school, I think being elected as a Senior Prefect has got to be one of the most rewarding roles to have the privilege of upholding. I, like most students I’m sure, have looked up to the Head Girl Team since Year 7, and I owe a great deal to the High School - it is a place I have been able to pursue my interests, nurture new skills and grow my confidence. I hope I am able to give back to the school in this position, and I can’t express enough my excitement to work with this brilliant team and my gratefulness toward all staff and students.

Annie: WGHS has welcomed me with open arms; I never thought I’d have the immense privilege of working alongside such a compassionate and selfless group of girls. Despite only joining the Foundation in Year 12, I have embraced the many opportunities that have come my way. I hope that through my role as a Senior Prefect, I can give something back to this accepting and diverse community, and show my gratitude.

Sasha:

Aminta:

Zaina:

To say I am looking forward to working alongside Sarah, Anna and my fellow Senior Prefects in the upcoming academic year would be a huge understatement!

Being on the Head Girl Team has been an aspiration of mine since I started at WGHS in Year 7; representation is so important and it means the world to me that younger girls will be able to see themselves in me as they come up through the school.

Growing up through the school, I have met some inspiring, incredible people, and it is an honour to now be working alongside them. WGHS has given me a sense of belonging and is a community that has such inclusivity for all individuals. It is a real privilege to give back to a school that means so much to me, and I cannot wait to see what next year entails!

Sienna:

Becoming a Senior Prefect is an absolute privilege and I truly cannot wait for the upcoming year and the exciting time that lays ahead. Along with Sarah, Anna and the rest of the Head Girl Team family, I’m sure that, while this year concludes an incredibly important part of our lives, we will enjoy every challenge, and leave WGHS, having made ourselves and the school proud. We are absolutely honoured to represent the staff and students, and to be able to dance around in the all-important gowns!

It is such a privilege to be chosen alongside this amazing team of strong, independent individuals and to have the opportunity to make a positive, long lasting change in the school. The role entails being a major representative and a role model for other students which personally is an exciting prospect as I have looked up to the previous Head Girl Teams since I joined. The Head Girl Team is such a valuable asset and I am proud and excited that I will be able to work with everyone next year.

Lucy: Having always looked up to the Head Girl Team throughout my time at Wakefield Girls’ High School, I was delighted when I was elected as a Senior Prefect. It is a great privilege to be involved in such an important and significant aspect of the school community and I am so excited for what next year will bring and can’t wait to be working with such a fab team.

WHERE

GIRLS ARE SUCCESSFUL

I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered this fantastic opportunity to give back to the school which has made me who I am today, having joined the school aged four! I have always looked up to those in this role and I am thoroughly looking forward to what this year has to bring, alongside the fantastic Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl and Senior Prefects.

Abigail:

Kyne: I think it’s safe to say that the Head Girl Team is one of the most inspirational bodies that students from all years can look up to. It’s exhilarating to be part of a group of such passionate and resilient women, who will always come out of their way to help anyone (including going as far as to rush into Sainsbury’s in a toga to get fish sauce for the Classics Department) and continue the legacy of being an influence, not just in the school community but to those who wish to know why our alumni are so proud to call themselves a High School Girl.

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Artwork by Abigail Kumar

WAKEFIELD WHERE GIRLS HAVE INSPIRATION wgsf.org.uk E wsoffice@wgsf.net T 01924 372490 @WGHSYorkshire Wakefield Girls’ High School, Wentworth Street, Wakefield WF1 2QS