In Focus - Michaelmas 2014

BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL MAGAZINE

MICHAELMAS TERM 2014

Birkenhead School opens the doors to its new Headmaster

Roundup

News & ViewsAround the School

Achievements

We welcome a host of new staff including our new Deputy Head Academic – Mrs Kirsten Pankhurst

Big win for the Science Department for their Comenius Project

Student awarded Arkwright Engineering Scholarship

IN

InFocus Magazine Dev2.indd 1 11/12/2014 10:04

infocus magazine2 FROM THE HEAD OF PREP

FROM THE HEADOF PREP

As I refl ect on the fi rst term of this academic year, I am immensely proud of our pupils’ many

achievements – individual and collective. Our pupils and staff have been full of energy throughout the term in all that they have undertaken. I am indebted to the staff for their unstinting dedication and support and I’d like to thank the children for their enthusiasm, their readiness to learn and their willingness to try new things.

We welcomed our new Headmaster, Dr Grundy, in September and the children have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him (and his sense of humour!) and our Reception pupils even had the opportunity to interview him in The Lodge.

New things have been in abundance. Miss Harris has been settling into her new role as Senior Teacher for Little School and she has embarked on a number of signifi cant developments with great energy and commitment. Miss Parry has joined as a new member of staff, teaching in Year 2 and leading Infant Music. What a privilege it is to have a music specialist working with this age group and how wonderful it is to see the children enjoying their music so much.

We have been relishing the arrival of lots and lots of lovely new books, following a complete reinvestment in reading materials. Our comprehensive range of reading schemes and resources has seen the children approach their reading with renewed enthusiasm and tenacity. In many ways, a love of reading is the key to education and our Roald Dahl day in September certainly helped to inspire everyone. Imagination and creativity in the infant classrooms have been reinforced at playtime by the installation of a fabulous new Pirate Ship, thanks to the fantastic fundraising efforts of our Parents’ Association.

In Junior Prep, we now have a modern foreign language taught in every year group and our Year 3 pupils have launched into their Spanish lessons with exemplary willingness to speak, sing and even dance! Juniors have also embarked on a new Personal, Social and Health Education Programme and their thoughtful contributions have been much appreciated by the staff. The breadth of our curricular and extra-curricular provision has ensured that our pupils’ days are full and varied and I am delighted by the children’s participation in all that is offered. Well done to all those who’ve represented the School in matches - a brand new experience for some, who are still just seven years old. Congratulations to all those who’ve performed instrumental solos in Chapel or in the new Informal Concerts in Bushell Hall and well done to all who auditioned for the preliminary round of Britain’s Got Talent – I was amazed at the number of entries from Prep and am very proud of you all.

As I write, I eagerly await the many concerts, celebrations and plays we have planned for the end of term and I look forward to attending these alongside parents, grandparents and friends as we all prepare for Christmas.

With my very best wishes for the holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

H. FitzHerbertHead of Prep


As one Headmaster exits Stage Right, a new one enters almost seamlessly (or not?) Stage Left.

While it is clear that every school leader is different, what binds all together is a determination through their tenure to make-fi rm the ongoing progress of their school. The English physician, social reformer and iconoclast, Havelock Ellis, describes progress as ‘the exchange of one nuisance for another’. This may strike you as a scandalous distortion or a poignant truism, dependent on your regard for Headmasters and what constitutes progress. The perfect ethical-storm surrounding the recent genetic trials undertaken by Professors ‘Janet and John’ notwithstanding, it is now widely accepted that Headmasters may collectively be identifi ed as a breed of their own. This does not of course mean that one example is ever the same as another: as this term has amply demonstrated, each has their own strengths, foibles, preoccupations, priorities, and bow-ties.

In becoming Birkenhead School’s twelfth Headmaster, I see my role as one of service and stewardship, exerting a care over an institution that pre-dates and will outlive us all. I am grateful to be inheriting from my eleven predecessors a school that enjoys the confi dence of the local community and whose reputation on Wirral is unparalleled. I recognise the need to maintain continuity and preserve the School’s links with the past. Wise leadership, I believe, is a fi ne mingling of continuity and innovation. That said, I am ever mindful that, whatever else it does, education needs to address the challenges of the future; in an ever-changing world, this means a willingness to embrace the new. During my term of offi ce, I shall seek to contribute all that I can to the continuing success of Birkenhead School, to enhance its worth and vitality, and to extend the myriads of opportunities it offers to all its students.

The trials of tomorrow are not yet known; today they are not yet even thought of. The future is not yet written; it will fall to the School’s current cohort to write it, making history as they do so. And so it is, as Abraham Lincoln was quick to observe, that ‘the philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next’. To this end, today’s education needs to equip young people with a readiness to ‘think outside the box’, to be self-motivated, to take responsibility for their own learning journeys. The focus needs to be on learning, not on teaching; on giving pupils the skills to ‘work clever’ as well as work hard; on varying the diet in the classroom to include group-work, creative thinking, and self-organisation; on pupils setting their own targets and undertaking their own independent research; on training pupils to think for themselves. In summary, learning needs to be active, driven by the learner; it is not something to which a student should passively submit, something that is done to them. In order to be of use, to be fi t-for-purpose tomorrow, the problem-solving skills that we are seeking to impart today need to be malleable, transferable and adaptable to change.

This term at Birkenhead School has witnessed a plethora of events, the highlights of which are here gathered for you to peruse. Pupils have strutted and fretted their hour upon the stage at ‘Birkenhead School’s Got Talent!’ The Parents’ Association has lit up the heavens with fi reworks on Bonfi re Night, subsequently fi lling the skies with artifi cial snow at the launch of the revitalised, ‘Nip/Tuck’d’ Christmas Bazaar. Chapel Remembrance Service was a moving commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War. Birkenhead School’s Choral Society combined with the Chapel Choir in an epic production of Handel’s ‘Messiah’, featuring current parent and renowned mezzo-soprano, Jennifer Johnston. Pupils and staff have journeyed far and wide, including visits to New York, Reykjavík and Tübingen. The School has hosted eighteen Spanish exchange-students from Colegio Santa Teresa in Pamplona (the eighth year of our partnership with this Spanish school). In the name of Prince Philip, our most intrepid adventurers have scaled mountains and trekked valleys in pursuit of Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Silver Awards. And at the time of writing, we have still to look forward to the hotbed of thespian-creativity that is House Drama, the Christmas Celebration Concert, the Candle-lit Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, and the Christmas Eve Eucharist, held, as ever, in the School Chapel.

Should this Michaelmas Term have left you feeling exhausted, that, as they say ‘Down Under’, is ‘fair dinkum’. If not, what have you been doing? Regardless, ’tis the season of goodwill, and I am moved to invoke the spirit of Aristotle, as well as the angel Gabriel, to soothe your mental faculties thus: ‘Though the roots of education [may be] bitter, the fruit is sweet’. All the more reason, then, to give into temptation this Christmastide, indulge your sweet tooth, and, in the process, develop your love of wisdom – philo-sophia – while simultaneously celebrating Immanuel.

I hope that you enjoy catching up on all this term’s news in our revamped edition of In Focus. On behalf of all the staff at Birkenhead School, may I wish to you and your family the very best for a fun-packed, joyous, festive season.

A very Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good oneWithout any fear…”

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Yours sincerely,Dr Jeremy H Grundy, Headmaster

MY FIRST 100 DAYS

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

3FROM THE HEADMASTER


INSIDETHIS ISSUE

infocus magazine4 CONTENTS

02 Message from The Head of Prep

03 Message from The Headmaster

06 Welcome & Farewell

09 Classics

10 Modern Languages

11 Geography and Maths

12 History

15 English

18 Science

20 Sport

26 Music

28 The Parents’ Association and The Ladies’ Committee

30 Charity

31 Achievements

32 Art

33 Beyond The Curriculum

34 The Final Word

35 Upcoming Events

Back Cover - The Term In Pictures

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Welcome: Dr Jeremy Grundy, Headmaster

After quite a big move from his previous home in Buckinghamshire, and accompanied by his wife Virginia and their two sons, Birkenhead School’s new Headmaster was welcomed by our Sixth Form students with a discussion about the man himself and his intentions for the School:

Having been a powerful but, so far, mysterious presence in Birkenhead School Sixth Form in the two months since his arrival, the Student Marketing Group decided to delve more deeply into the psyche of the new Headmaster, Dr Jeremy Grundy. After the Herculean task of asking the Sixth Form, ‘If you could ask the Headmaster one question, what would it be?’, we put Dr G under the spotlight.

The interview started with some serious questions about the mammoth job he has taken on. Dr Grundy responded with his usual enthusiasm for the School, citing that the best parts of the job were his interaction with the students; in particular, he enjoys his contribution to the Beyond the Curriculum scheme: ‘Love of Wisdom’. In terms of priorities, “the card to trump all others”, he said, “ is that ‘the pupils come first’”. At the other end of the spectrum, the worst part of the job is the bureaucracy involved, and completing paperwork, which prevents him from spending time with the pupils. In terms of the challenges of the job, Dr Grundy strives to make sure that his ideas are communicated clearly, he seeks to lead from the front while bringing the others along with him, finding the appropriate balance between leading and listening to ensure that new initiatives are accepted and well supported by colleagues, pupils and parents.

WELCOME& FAREWELLAUTHOR SIAN ROUND


Something which will interest many readers is the new Headmaster’s plans for the School. While a swimming

pool is certainly on the list, in truth, he said, there are many other competing priorities that have already secured his attention, not least addressing the imbalance between boys and girls. Another key emphasis is to focus on learning rather than teaching, specifi cally less ‘spoon-feeding’. Dr Grundy wants to encourage young people to take responsibility for their own learning by setting their own targets and being proactive in the classroom, demonstrating their own independent thinking. He wants to banish the idea that learning is something that is done to you. This, he believes, will be achieved by embracing a variety of different teaching styles. Finally, Dr Grundy said that he was keen to spread the good news of the School’s excellent reputation and good standing further afi eld, since ‘to-date,’ he said, “we remain in many quarters a well-kept secret.”

Many of the Sixth Form were interested in how Birkenhead School compared with other schools at which Dr Grundy has taught. Ever the diplomat, he, perhaps unsurprisingly, described us as the best – highlighting the prowess of our Sixth Form Friday lecture series, in particular, including the gastronomic post-lecture lunches served in the Headmaster’s Dining Room, where the speaker and a number of Sixth Form students are treated to the School’s culinary delights, including herbs and vegetables grown on site.

So what of Dr G, the man? and what of his penchant for bow ties?

It can now be revealed that Dr G owns some 30 different self-tie bow ties, and that his favourite is one of a yellow background with a red paisley design. But why ‘Bow-Tie Friday’? – We were assured that there is decidedly no specifi c purpose; “on the contrary, to suggest a specifi c aim or purpose”, he said, “might make it appear all too Machiavellian. Strategic planning,” said Dr G, “certainly has its place; but the fl amboyance and pure artistry of sartorial elegance should not be tainted by any association with schematic models and the bean-counting, number-crunching of MBAs! ‘Bow Tie Friday’ is all about injecting some fun into the lead-up to the weekend, just to mark the end of the working week. It also helps pupils to express their individuality within the confi nes of their school uniform: “Uniform,” said Dr G, “need not mean uniformity, in the sense of sameness.” Finally, Dr G was at pains to clarify that it was not only about bow ties, since, in line with his aim to give a louder voice to the girls of Birkenhead School, there will also be neckerchiefs available in the School colours, of a design, as with that of the bow tie, to be chosen by the students themselves before the end of this term.

A question which was rather pressing on Sixth Formers’ minds was how Dr Grundy spends his weekends (take note, those who wish to follow in his footsteps!).

His hobbies include music, both listening and playing – his style is mainly rock and roll, with a teasing spoonful of jazz when ‘in the mood’. Another less publicised hobby is writing fi ction, specifi cally short stories, including one rather unusual story based on Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’ that was recently published in the States. On the weekend, he enjoys going for a run with his dog, a black Labrador called ‘Django’, and watching school sport on a Saturday. Since moving to Wirral, Dr G has enjoyed sampling the food in many restaurants, his favourites being ‘The Courtyard’, ‘The Devon Doorway’ and ‘The Smokehouse’. He also enjoys meditation, often refl ecting to the soundtrack of a recently-purchased CD, the turnover of which he has to work to keep up with, given that he buys four or fi ve CDs a week.

Aside from bow ties, there was a particular interest in Dr Grundy’s fashion sense from the Sixth Form. We can confi rm that the bright-red, moleskin trousers modelled at ‘Birkenhead School’s Got Talent’ were defi nitely not a one-off; in fact, he has a variety of different coloured moleskins, including shocking green, mustard yellow, blues and browns. Dr G admits that he has a great passion for clothes, and most especially for shoes (owning twice as many as his wife, Mrs Margerison!). For those of you really interested – and we know that you’re out there! – his trade-mark glasses are made by Michalsky.

Finally, we asked Dr Grundy to share a few of his characteristic pearls of wisdom with the School. He responded thus:

“Should Mr Gill ever offer you a chilli, proceed with extreme caution.”

WELCOME& FAREWELL

Some Quick Facts:

Favourite football team: Leeds United

Favourite rugby team: Leeds Rhinos

Favourite album: ‘Blood on the Tracks’ – Bob Dylan

Favourite book: ‘Great Apes’ – Will Self

Favourite food: Chicken Vindaloo or Lamb Moussaka

Favourite philosopher: Heidegger

You can fi nd out more about Dr Grundy on our website.

infocus magazine7WELCOME & FAREWELL


Farewell: Alan Blain

Alan Blain, having spent 27 years at Birkenhead School, is retiring from his role as Head of Art at Christmas. In a meeting with the Student Marketing Group, he stated that he enjoyed his time greatly and that it was an honour and a privilege to work with so many interesting colleagues (albeit none of those who work here now!).

In his retirement, he plans on fi nishing the studio that he has been building in his garden and selling many pieces of artwork and, for those of you who wish to buy some of Mr Blain’s renowned art, he assures us that he will be taking requests. He has also made suggestions of an exhibition of his best work coming to Birkenhead School so keep your eyes peeled. And, of course, Mr Blain plans to spend his pension going to every Everton away game.

Mr Blain will be succeeded by Mrs Lloyd-Johnson from Bishop School, Chester, who will be heading the department. He predicts that the art department will continue to go from strength to strength in the capable hands of Mrs Lloyd-Johnson and Mrs Margerison.

Along with heading the art department, Mr Blain has been actively involved in several areas of the school, having been Bidston Housemaster for six years, stating that he singlehandedly dragged the house from the depths of depravity to bring two consecutive wins of the House Cup in his fi rst two years as housemaster. Some of you may also remember him for his magnifi cent sets in many school plays, with last year’s production of Les Misérables being in recent memory.

When asked what he would miss the most from his time at Birkenhead School, he cited the many laughs he had had over the years, particularly those shared with Mr Roden. He is looking forward to facing many new challenges in his retired life but he will always cherish his time spent at Birkenhead School.

We would like to thank him for his commitment to School over the years and we wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavours. We are certain that he will leave behind many fond memories and will be dearly missed by all at School.

AUTHOR THE STUDENT MARKETING TEAM

CHESTER

Welcome: Kirsten PankhurstDeputy Head Academic

Kirsten Pankhurst joined Birkenhead School after working alongside Dr Grundy as Deputy Head at his previous school. Growing up in South Africa, Kirsten became a keen swimmer and became one of the top swimmers in the country. She moved to England after working in Johannesburg as a teacher in a government school.

One of the things that made the biggest impression on Kirsten was the fantastic cricket pitch located at the heart of the school campus. She is passionate about sports, running a BtC swimming club, and playing Netball for her country. Kirsten believes that sports are essential for pupils to become well-rounded people, and feels that an emphasis on a wide range of extra-curricular activities is important for the future of the school.

When not helping to manage the academic performance of the school, Kirsten teaches English and is keen to introduce related subjects such as fi lm and media studies. When asked what the most enjoyable part of the job is, Kirsten said that watching students work hard to improve what they struggle at is one of the most rewarding experiences. However, she says that the most challenging part of the job is trying to learn everybody’s names!

Kirsten enjoys almost all of the humanities (except for art!), and has written several plays and even had some of them published! She brings her two children to the school as well, who are now in Prep. She looks forward to the challenges offered by the position and hopes to spend many happy years at School.

And we welcome to the School….

Mrs V Margerison, Art Mrs K Pankhurst, Deputy Head (Academic)Mrs G Coleman, MusicDr C Hollis, PhysicsMrs S Howell-Jones, ChaplainMr D Jones, MathsMrs D Hawksford, CateringMr S Robinson, DTMr J Davies, Early Years and NurseryMrs C Sandow, Development and Communications Mr J Barnes, Estates/CCF/Development and CommunicationsMrs S Gregory, NurseryMiss S Parry, Key Stage 1 and MusicMrs L Oxley, Learning SupportMrs E Hope, MathsMrs C Ball, REMrs J Formston, Early YearsMrs J Billington, Early YearsMrs J Lloyd-Johnson, Art

infocus magazine8 WELCOME & FAREWELL


CHESTERYear 7 Trip to Chester

A Latin fun day was held on Monday, 13th October, 2014 at Deva (Roman Chester) for our boys and girls in Year 7. During their visit to the Grosvenor Museum, students had the chance to handle real Roman artefacts from the

Roman period found at Chester. They also took part in an archaeological discovery and a hands-on session at the Deva Experience. The day fi nished with a guided tour around the Roman Walls and the amphitheatre. Here is Annabelle Frazer’s (7MAT) review of the day:

CLASSICS

I most enjoyed the Deva museum during the trip. We pretended that we were new recruits of the Roman Army. With our leader, we went around to see all of the things that Roman soldiers did during their time in the army. We learned that they spent around twenty years in the army before they become too old to fi ght (that is, if they weren’t killed in their 20 years!)

Our Year 7 pupils enjoyed an Ancient Roman cookery lesson in the Sixth Form kitchens. They prepared

ambitious menu consisting of asparagus frittata, roasted fi sh with broccoli and couscous, and rustic bread. When the dishes were ready, the chefs were ready for their banquet in Roman attire!

STER

We learned about how the Romans had slaves to wash and clean them when they went to have a bath. We also got to dress up as a Roman soldier with the armour and got to handle weapons. We also got to handle real Roman artefacts as well. At the end of the trip, I had learned more about the Romans than I had thought I would, so it is safe to say the trip was a success!

9CLASSICS

AUTHOR ANNABELLE FRAZER

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Roman Bake Off

On the fi rst day of half term, the Classics department hosted their fi rst Roman bake off. Students from Year 10 to U6 baked a variety of Roman treats including honey cake, sweet wine biscuits and sesame shortbread.

As well as selling these treats to other students and teachers, Finlay Gordon also went around the school offering the opportunity to dress in a toga for 30p. The majority of the treats were very popular, with some people even demanding the recipes for future use.


Year 9 German Exchange

On the Tuesday, we went set of to the majestic city of Stuttgart. After a brief train journey we found

ourselves outside the Mercedes-Benz Museum. After somebody spotted F.C. Stuttgart’s training ground, we decided to have a photo break. Meanwhile some of our exchange partners tried to get in to the ground, which they failed at. Soon we were walking up the steps to the futuristic museum towering above. After entering the museum we were faced with a massive atrium. We then waited in line for the futuristic lift. When we got in the left it felt like we were going to be lifted up into a space ship. We then saw some of the earliest Mercedes-Benzes which some people found boring but I found it quite interesting how the cars developed. We then slowly worked through ages from common cars to Hitler’s private collection. We saw how Mercedes were involved the German war effort in tanks and planes. To fi nish it off we saw some of the best racing cars, from all of the eras. We got close-up to title winning F1 cars and racing trucks. Everyone enjoyed this. Finally after a very insightful viewing of the museum we retreated to the café were you could sit back and relax. If you got bored of that you could go to the gift shop. Trust me you would not have seen anything so big ever; it was fi lled with aftershaves to miniatures. After a while we had to leave to go to the city centre, where we went shopping and did some sightseeing with our partners.

LITTLE ITALY Year 4 have made a truly ‘fantastico’ start to learning Italian. With great vigour they have thrown themselves into the language, with the notes of ‘Come ti chiami?’ ringing through Prep. Children were interested to discover that words could be masculine or feminine - ‘but how do you know?’ came the perplexed response.

“ The games are lots of fun ” declared Max Hendry 4G.

“ We have even started doing the register in Italian ”added Eoin 4C

“ The children have really taken to learning the language and I am often greeted with ‘Buongiorno’ as I walk around school ”Mrs Goldstone observed

AND EUAN MCGRATH (YEAR 9)

The WeekendOn Saturday morning we all awoke, some earlier than others, and were both excited and nervous for the day ahead. None of us was sure what we were going to do over the weekend as our partners had made plans. Some of us went Go-Karting, which ended up getting very competitive. Some of the others went on a high ropes course, which was a great way to get to know your partners and your fears at the same time. The rest went Kayaking, a great activity if you don’t mind getting a bit wet along the way. On Sunday everyone went to a huge indoor water park in the Black Forest, here we got to know other people’s partners and have a fantastic time!

AUTHORS CAMERON MARSHALL

infocus magazine10 MODERN LANGUAGES


Geography Field TripOn Tuesday 30th September, the Geography Department organised a fi eldwork visit to New Brighton, Leasowe and Thurstaston for all Year Seven pupils. The purpose of the fi eldwork was to study coastal landforms and the strategies used to protect coasts from erosion. Pupils were then asked to complete a presentation based upon this fi eldwork; which will constitute half of the marks for this term’s Interim Assessment.

Maths

Year 6 undertook a project called how fast can I run?

Year 1 have been learning about 2D and 3D shapes using robots. Starting with different shaped paper the pupils built a 2D robot, and then moved on to building and labelling 3D robots showing shape recognition.

Geography

Year 2 have been learning about The Wirral. Pupils wrote postcards in class and then posted them home. Once they had arrived at home they brought then back to School and put them on the map to learn more about “Where we live”.

Spanish Exchange

On November 22nd, 18 students from Colegio Santa Teresa, Pamplona arrived at Birkenhead School on a language exchange trip. Each pupil was partnered up with a Birkenhead School student, who they spent 10 days living with.

Amongst their vast itinerary, they visited Fab4D and Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, as well as a trip to our local heritage site, Port Sunlight to get a taste of the Wirral’s history.

Throughout their time at Birkenhead School, the pupils experienced what it’s like to study at the school by participating in lessons and using the many facilities we have to offer.

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AUTHOR JORDAN HART

11HUMANITIES


infocus magazine12 HUMANITIES

Arkwright Scholarship

Birkenhead School sixth-former Joshua Gibson has been awarded a much sought after Arkwright Engineering Scholarship that identifi es him as one of the country’s future leaders in engineering and technical design.

The renowned Arkwright Scholarship provide students with a £600 fi nancial award to enhance their A-level studies and a range of complementary activities to further their understanding and experience of engineering. Birkenhead School will also receive an award of £400 to further support Joshua and other students.

The Scholarships are respected by leading universities and companies as well as being supported by top engineering employers such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, National Grid, Balfour Beatty, Microsoft Research, Thales, The Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The Scholarships are also funded by charitable donors including The Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the Gannochy Trust, the Dulverton Trust, the Emmott Foundation, SFIA Educational Trust and principal donors the Reece Foundation.

Joshua had to successfully complete a rigorous selection process consisting of a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top engineering university.

The aptitude exam tested Joshua’s fl air and originality in solving engineering design problems. At the in-depth interview, candidates were asked about their career aspirations and had to discuss an engineering project that they had conducted. During the interview day candidates took part in a team exercise to solve a hands-on engineering problem, working alongside students they had never met before. Candidates and their parents also toured the engineering facilities at the host university and explored the diversity of engineering and related design careers and their importance to the UK economy.

The Scholarship will be formally presented at a prestigious ceremony supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology later in the year.

History

Year 6 have been making Tudor Galleons and Tudor Houses in the DT labs.

The Year 2 children enjoyed a fabulous Victorian Toy Making Day. They learnt about how toys have developed through History and also the different forces that are involved in making toys work. They all worked well to sand and decorate, drill and assemble their toys, leaving at the end of the day with their own creation.

History Trip

Pupils in Year 9 visited the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester on Tuesday 18th November as part of their study of the Industrial Revolution. They had the opportunity to view a textile demonstration in action and were taken around the museum by experienced guides, learning more about living and working conditions in the great industrial city of Manchester in the nineteenth century. There was a series of interactive activities built into the day which provided the pupils with a stimulating educational experience.

Museum of Science and Industry

On the 18th November, Year 9 visited the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. The museum showcases artefacts, machines and exhibitions studying scientifi c and industrial advances ranging from the industrial revolution through to modern-day air and space travel.

The fi rst building we visited was the Station Building. We stood on the tracks of the fi rst intercity passenger railway line; it ran between Liverpool and Manchester and was in service for 14 years. Attached to the Station Building was an exhibition called Underground Manchester which displayed the problems that a growing city faced with sewage and waste disposal and how the water supply evolved.

We then visited the 1830’s Warehouse and Gas Gallery. We learnt how gas developed through the 19th century and towards the end of the century was very effective and popular. By baking coal, gas was given off and collected and the fi rst Gasworks in Manchester opened in 1817 on Water Street. Gas streetlamps were introduced and became popular; they were more effi cient and lasted longer. Some people got carried away with the gas idea: an item in Blackpool was invented that was extremely dangerous, a gas powered hairdryer.

Dr Martin Thomas, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust said: “I am delighted to see students from Birkenhead School secure this prestigious accolade. With the competition for rewarding jobs becoming ever-more fi erce, the receipt of an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship can help young and dynamic people at the start of their journey to be the country’s future leaders in engineering and technical design.”

AUTHOR JAMES BARNES

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Following this, we then visited the Main Building for a live textile demonstration. The building itself was built in 1880 by the London & North Western Railway Company. It had two sets of railway tracks leading in and out of the building. These were used to deliver cotton and other supplies quickly to the building. During the demonstration, we were taken through the process of cotton being turned into cloth. We learnt that factory workers worked in harsh conditions and that the most dangerous jobs were carried out by small children who were mostly orphans.

Overall, the trip was very interesting and proved useful to current in-class studies, as well as giving us an advantage in the next topic we’ll be studying.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

This term pupils have been really busy in Design and Technology, designing and making a fabulous range of products.

Pupils work in our well-equipped workshops using a mixture of traditional hand tools, practical skills and CAD/CAM, under the expert guidance of

our highly skilled specialist Design and Technology teacher Mr S. Guinness and our newly appointed technician Mr S. Robinson.

Year 7 Pencil Boxes and Steady Hand Games

Year 8 Wooden LEGO Characters

Year 9 Amplifier Project

Year 10 GCSE Product Design: Flat Pack Chairs and Ball Bearing Mazes

Year 11 GCSE Product Design: Research, planning and modelling for the coursework project

Year 13 A2 Systems and Control: Research, planning and modelling for the coursework project

Year 11 GCSE Systems and Control: Research, planning and modelling for the coursework project

Year 13 A2 Product Design: Research, planning and modelling for the coursework project

Year 12 AS Product Design: Research, planning and CAD modelling for the coursework project

13HUMANITIES

AUTHOR GREG WILKINSON

AUTHOR MR GUINNESS


infocus magazine14 HUMANITIES

I wander’d lonely as a cloud, I wander’d lonely as a cloud, That fl oats on high o’er vales I wander’d lonely as a cloud, That fl oats on high o’er vales I wander’d lonely as a cloud, and hills, When all at once I That fl oats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I That fl oats on high o’er vales saw a crowd, A host of golden and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden and hills, When all at once I daffodils, Beside the lake, saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils, Beside the lake, saw a crowd, A host of golden beneath the trees. Fluttering daffodils, Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering daffodils, Beside the lake, daffodils, Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering daffodils, Beside the lake, and dancing in the breeze. and dancing in the breeze. beneath the trees. Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. beneath the trees. Fluttering Continuous as the stars that Continuous as the stars that and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that and dancing in the breeze. and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that and dancing in the breeze. shine And twinkle on the milky Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky Continuous as the stars that way, They stretch’d in never-shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretch’d in never-shine And twinkle on the milky ending line Along the margin way, They stretch’d in never-ending line Along the margin way, They stretch’d in never-of a bay: Ten thousand saw I ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I ending line Along the margin at a glance Tossing their heads at a glance Tossing their heads of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance Tossing their heads of a bay: Ten thousand saw I in sprightly dance. The waves at a glance Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves at a glance Tossing their heads beside them danced, but they beside them danced, but they in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced, but they in sprightly dance. The waves Out-did the sparkling waves beside them danced, but they Out-did the sparkling waves beside them danced, but they in glee: - A poet could not Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: - A poet could not Out-did the sparkling waves but be gay In such a jocund in glee: - A poet could not but be gay In such a jocund in glee: - A poet could not company! I gazed - and gazed but be gay In such a jocund company! I gazed - and gazed but be gay In such a jocund - but little thought What company! I gazed - and gazed - but little thought What company! I gazed - and gazed wealth the show to me had - but little thought What wealth the show to me had - but little thought What brought. For oft, when on my wealth the show to me had brought. For oft, when on my wealth the show to me had couch I lie In vacant or in brought. For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in brought. For oft, when on my pensive mood, They fl ash upon couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They fl ash upon couch I lie In vacant or in that inward eye Which is the pensive mood, They fl ash upon that inward eye Which is the pensive mood, They fl ash upon bliss of solitude; And then my that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my that inward eye Which is the heart with pleasure fi lls And bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fi lls And bliss of solitude; And then my dances with the daffodils.heart with pleasure fi lls And dances with the daffodils.heart with pleasure fi lls And

LOOKING BACK AT

WORLD WAR I

Year 6 pupils are studying The Great War as part of the history curriculum and there has been much made of

its 100th anniversary across the media.

The war proved to be one of the most costly confl icts of the twentieth century and marked a transition from traditional fi ghting methods to modern, large scale warfare.

The pupils in Year 6 have been examining the experience of soldiers in the trenches and different aspects of The Great War. Tom Bradley (Y6), with the help of his father, has constructed a detailed model of a trench system, complete with dressing stations, heavy artillery and troops from both sides.

Meghan and Jack Doran (both Y6) have researched the service history of their Great Grandfather, George Douglas Wilkinson, an eighteen year old volunteer who served for the Lancashire Hussars from 1915. The children discovered that George fought at The Somme where he spent several weeks in a fi eld hospital after being gassed. He later resumed fi ghting at Passchendale, and Jack and Meghan note, “He was a Lance Corporal, but got into some trouble and ended up as a Private!” They also discovered that their Great Grandfather wore a sacred heart fl ag under his uniform to protect him. “It must have worked”, they say, “because he survived the war.”

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WIMeghan and Jack Doran (both Y6) have researched the

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IMeghan and Jack Doran (both Y6) have researched the service history of their Great Grandfather, George Douglas

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Iservice history of their Great Grandfather, George Douglas Wilkinson, an eighteen year old volunteer who served for

WW

IWilkinson, an eighteen year old volunteer who served for the Lancashire Hussars from 1915. The children discovered

WW

Ithe Lancashire Hussars from 1915. The children discovered that George fought at The Somme where he spent several

WW

Ithat George fought at The Somme where he spent several weeks in a fi eld hospital after being gassed. He later

WW

Iweeks in a fi eld hospital after being gassed. He later resumed fi ghting at Passchendale, and Jack and Meghan

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resumed fi ghting at Passchendale, and Jack and Meghan note, “He was a Lance Corporal, but got into some trouble

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note, “He was a Lance Corporal, but got into some trouble and ended up as a Private!” They also discovered that

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I

and ended up as a Private!” They also discovered that their Great Grandfather wore a sacred heart fl ag under his

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I

their Great Grandfather wore a sacred heart fl ag under his uniform to protect him. “It must have worked”, they say,

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uniform to protect him. “It must have worked”, they say, “because he survived the war.”

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“because he survived the war.”

Ninety-six Old Birkonians lost their lives in WW1. Do we still see signs of them in our school today, one hundred years later?

YEAR 8 WW1 TRIP TOTHE ARCHIVESAs many of you may know Mr McGrath and many others are working very hard in the Birkenhead Archives to keep up this great, yet sad legacy. Many of us never think of going to see these memories that the Archives team keep alive. Whilst studying the poetry of WW1 this term – including local poet Wilfred Owen – our English teachers decided to take us outside the classroom. On a sunny Monday in November, Year 8 was able to explore the traces that remain to this day around our School.

First, the whole year met at the chapel where we were led by Mr McGrath, who told us about the lives of some of the Old Birkonians. Have you ever looked at the names up on the wall in the back of Chapel? We heard how groups of friends signed up together for better motivation, only to see one after another of their mates killed in the trenches. Our next stop was the Cricket Pavilion. We focused our attention on a certain team of cricketers before WW1. After the war, if they had decided to meet up, four people in that team wouldn’t have been able to make it back to England. Finally, we all walked up the many stairs to the very top of the Sixth Form Centre and explored the Archives, all inspired by the tales of Birkenhead School pupils during the war.

We would like to thank Mr McGrath for giving us these insights and allowing us to delve deeper into this sad chapter in the history of the School.

After constructing a poppy tree, we held a talk that focused on the despair & sadness of the dead tree but with our stories of hope & thankfulness for members of our families who fought in the war, the tree becomes an image of life & joy.

AUTHOR MRS HOWELL-JONES

AUTHOR GEORGE MCCANN


15ENGLISH

Birkenhead School students meet Charlie Higson

We went to the Charlie Higson talk on Monday 15th September at Oldershaw Academy. It was great to hear an author talk about his inspiration for his books. He is obviously a very imaginative and talented author and his talk was funny, interesting and inspiring. He showed us how much he genuinely cared for writing.

He has written a series of books called ‘The Enemy’ about zombies and he says that they were better than vampires. All the girls disagreed (mainly because of Twilight!), but we do, however, understand how zombies are much scarier.

We then had an opportunity to buy a book from ‘The Enemy’ series and get it signed by him. We also got some books signed for the school library. We are very fortunate to have had the privilege to meet such a passionate author who has made us want to read and write more.

Sixth Form visit the home of Wordsworth

In October, Sixth Form English Literature students went to Grasmere to see Dove Cottage, the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. As well as a tour of the house and adjoining museum, a woman from The Wordsworth Trust gave us an introduction to romantic poetry, including a game of romantic bingo.

In the afternoon, students had free time to visit the village of Grasmere. Whilst some students continued their exploration of Wordsworth’s life by visiting his grave, others took the opportunity to visit the famous gingerbread shop (and try a few samples, of course!).

As well as taking in the beautiful Lake District landscape, students learnt all about the interesting lives of the Wordsworths and their contemporaries, including their opium habits and the time when Sir Walter Scott jumped out of the window to avoid Dorothy’s porridge.

The purpose of the trip was to help with the U6 Literature coursework on the works of fellow romantic Keats, as well as the unseen poetry section which is part of the A2 exam, and, of course, to appreciate the life of one of our country’s greatest poets.

Reception and their reading buddies

ENGLISH

“ ”I wander’d lonely as a cloud, I wander’d lonely as a cloud, That fl oats on high o’er vales I wander’d lonely as a cloud, That fl oats on high o’er vales I wander’d lonely as a cloud, and hills, When all at once I That fl oats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I That fl oats on high o’er vales saw a crowd, A host of golden and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden and hills, When all at once I daffodils, Beside the lake, saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils, Beside the lake, saw a crowd, A host of golden beneath the trees. Fluttering beneath the trees. Fluttering daffodils, Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering daffodils, Beside the lake, daffodils, Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering daffodils, Beside the lake, and dancing in the breeze. and dancing in the breeze. beneath the trees. Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. beneath the trees. Fluttering beneath the trees. Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. beneath the trees. Fluttering Continuous as the stars that Continuous as the stars that and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that and dancing in the breeze. and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that and dancing in the breeze. shine And twinkle on the milky shine And twinkle on the milky Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky Continuous as the stars that Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky Continuous as the stars that way, They stretch’d in never-shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretch’d in never-shine And twinkle on the milky ending line Along the margin ending line Along the margin way, They stretch’d in never-ending line Along the margin way, They stretch’d in never-of a bay: Ten thousand saw I of a bay: Ten thousand saw I ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I ending line Along the margin ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I ending line Along the margin at a glance Tossing their heads at a glance Tossing their heads of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance Tossing their heads of a bay: Ten thousand saw I of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance Tossing their heads of a bay: Ten thousand saw I in sprightly dance. The waves in sprightly dance. The waves at a glance Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves at a glance Tossing their heads at a glance Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves at a glance Tossing their heads beside them danced, but they beside them danced, but they in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced, but they in sprightly dance. The waves in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced, but they in sprightly dance. The waves Out-did the sparkling waves beside them danced, but they Out-did the sparkling waves beside them danced, but they in glee: - A poet could not Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: - A poet could not Out-did the sparkling waves but be gay In such a jocund in glee: - A poet could not but be gay In such a jocund in glee: - A poet could not company! I gazed - and gazed but be gay In such a jocund company! I gazed - and gazed but be gay In such a jocund - but little thought What company! I gazed - and gazed - but little thought What company! I gazed - and gazed wealth the show to me had - but little thought What wealth the show to me had - but little thought What brought. For oft, when on my wealth the show to me had brought. For oft, when on my wealth the show to me had couch I lie In vacant or in brought. For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in brought. For oft, when on my pensive mood, They fl ash upon Reception and their reading buddiespensive mood, They fl ash upon Reception and their reading buddiescouch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They fl ash upon couch I lie In vacant or in

Reception and their reading buddiescouch I lie In vacant or in

Reception and their reading buddiespensive mood, They fl ash upon Reception and their reading buddiescouch I lie In vacant or in

Reception and their reading buddies

that inward eye Which is the pensive mood, They fl ash upon that inward eye Which is the pensive mood, They fl ash upon bliss of solitude; And then my that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my that inward eye Which is the heart with pleasure fi lls And bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fi lls And bliss of solitude; And then my dances with the daffodils.heart with pleasure fi lls And dances with the daffodils.heart with pleasure fi lls And

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AUTHOR FAY MCFARLANE


The production was a modern interpretation with Maxine Peake The production was a modern interpretation with Maxine Peake playing the title role as well as several other women playing playing the title role as well as several other women playing in traditionally male roles (there was a Polonia for example). in traditionally male roles (there was a Polonia for example). Highlights of the show included the masses of laundry which fell Highlights of the show included the masses of laundry which fell down in the Gravedigger’s scene to act as skulls and the Player’s down in the Gravedigger’s scene to act as skulls and the Player’s scene in which actors from the theatre’s youth groups performed scene in which actors from the theatre’s youth groups performed the ‘play within a play’ with a particularly cute ‘mime’ acted by the ‘play within a play’ with a particularly cute ‘mime’ acted by 5-year-olds.

Overall, the performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils and Overall, the performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils and the idiosyncrasies of the production were well discussed on the the idiosyncrasies of the production were well discussed on the coach journey home. coach journey home.

On 20th October, students from the U6 went to see On 20th October, students from the U6 went to see a production of ‘Hamlet’ at the Royal Exchange a production of ‘Hamlet’ at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. This trip helped both with Theatre in Manchester. This trip helped both with the upcoming school production of the play in the upcoming school production of the play in March and with the A2 English Literature course.March and with the A2 English Literature course.

HamletHamletHamlet

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Public speaking is most people’s worst nightmare, but ever since I was in the Prep it has been one of my favourite activities.

Although most of my friends seem to hate reading out in a lesson, let alone standing on stage for ten minutes to give an opinion on alternative medicine being funded in the NHS, I love getting as many chances as possible to practise and perform in front of crowds.

I have had the opportunity to enter 4 different competitions this year alone

The fi rst one was organised by the Athenaeum club, where 6 of us from the lower 6th debated the topic of devolution of political powers from London, where we took the stance of opposition to devolution. It was a fantastic experience and was valuable practice for the upcoming European Youth Parliament that many of us are also involved in.

EYP UK organiser Jeff Dunn kindly offered us advice on technique at a debating club session, which I found extremely helpful. Other debates such as the Rotary Clubs Youth Speaks Competition and the MACE debates are also up for grabs for any up and coming public speakers to involve themselves with. I also highly recommend anyone interested in public speaking to join the debating club, hosted on Mondays after school, where you can learn valuable public speaking skills you will no doubt use for the rest of your life.

I would like to thank all the teachers who have organised these events, especially Mrs McGoldrick for her unwaveringly harsh judgement that has forced me to improve. I look forward to becoming involved in future competitions and hope to see lots of new public speakers join me.

infocus magazine16 ENGLISH

AUTHOR ALEX PALMER

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HamletHamlet

Budding Politicians take to the National Stage

Like many of my fellow delegates, I had little idea of what to expect upon my arrival at Liverpool

Hope University for the EYPUK Autumn National Forum. In fact, I was slightly anxious since I wouldn’t be working with my school team like in Regionals and I presumed that there would be an overbearing competitive nature in each committee. Gladly, this assumption was wrong.

We didn’t spend much time waiting around on Thursday and after a very large and competitive game of ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ we were split into our new committees for some team building games. It was surprising how well our committee gelled. After a whole host of games to break the ice and get to know one another it felt like I had known these people for considerably longer than a few hours.

We began the following day with committee work, which on the whole was extremely tiring and somewhat stressful, but very rewarding. I was slightly taken aback by how intelligent and thoughtful all of my committee members were and I am sure in the fact that every committee was proud and felt a sense of camaraderie when they fi nished their resolution.

Afterwards, we listened to some inspiring speeches at our opening ceremony before having the delight of the completely original EuroConcert. We witnessed talent in many forms, from Gaelic dancing to rather catchy patriotic songs.

Saturday saw the eagerly awaited General Assembly and we were ready to put the hard work of the previous day into practice: I believe it is fair to say the standard was exceptional. It was amazing to see so many talented speakers and well-argued points to support the resolutions. After a long day of debating, everyone was quite exhausted but many had saved reserves of energy for the Disney-themed party that followed, with our team donning High School Musical Wild Cats’ costumes.

Our fi nal day began with the last few rounds of debate, of which it was clear that many people were keen to argue their cases for the fi nal few hours of EYP. After a few moving closing speeches, we all realised that our President, Ben Brown, was correct when he said that this weekend would fl y by.

Athenaeum Debates

In November, several L6 students visited the beautiful Athenaeum Club in central Liverpool to participate in a series of debates. The debates were on a range of topics including the closing of local libraries, the living wage, and, the topic that Birkenhead School debated, devolution. Despite having the more diffi cult task of arguing against the devolution of power, their motion passed with a resounding victory and Eleanor Hilton and Alex Palmer both received congratulations.

This non-competitive series of debates was great preparation for the regional fi nals of European Youth Parliament which will take place in February as well as other public speaking competitions taking place throughout the year.

NEWYORKNEWYOORKNEWYOORKNRKNE

Birkenhead School takes a bite from the Big Apple

In October half term, a group of Year 11s and Sixth Formers went to New York on a cultural visit. During their week there, they saw all the major sights including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, amongst other cultural trips such as the Guggenheim Museum.

For many, the highlight of the trip was a theatre visit to the critically acclaimed musical ‘Matilda’. They arrived in style in a stretch limo and after the show a few of the students went behind the stage door to get autographs and photographs of the actors.

Overall, the week-long trip gave the pupils a perspective of the Big Apple, a variety of cultural experiences and a lot of fun.

AUTHOR JORDAN HART

AUTHOR SIAN ROUND

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BIG WIN FOR THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Science Department has recently been awarded a fi nal €5000 for the quality of the presentations and reports produced for the Comenius Project (2012-2014), which involved 24 students from 3 countries carrying out scientifi c and economic research. The award will fund resources and further research in the Science department.

infocus magazine18 SCIENCE


Nuffi eld Research Placement Success

At this year’s Nuffi eld Research Placement Celebration Evening, three students were honoured with a

celebration of their achievements in their recent placement projects. The three students and their projects were:

• Jordan Hart with his investigation into the application of centrality algorithms in the analysis of social networks, sponsored by the University of Liverpool

• Ece Mert with her investigation into characterising key proteoglycans in the canine cranial cruciate ligament, also sponsored by the University of Liverpool

• Leo Westbrook with his mathematical modelling of the ligaments in the canine knee (a specifi c breed study), also sponsored by the University of Liverpool

Prep Pupils are Science Superstars

Pupils across The Prep School have been busy working towards their CREST awards. The CREST award scheme is a nationally recognised and accredited award scheme organised by the British Science Association. Students have to complete a set number of scientifi c activities, each lasting an hour, and usually run during Science Club by Mrs Mudge and Dr Jarvis.

Children in Little School achieved STAR awards after having successfully completed 8 STAR activities and children in Year 3 were awarded SUPERSTAR certifi cates after completing 12 activities.

The CREST award scheme continues into the Senior School, with the possibility of gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold awards with the awards being assessed by someone with industrial experience.

Annually, we have around 50 pupils in the Prep who achieve STAR or SUPERSTAR awards, and it is estimated that in the 16 years Dr Jarvis has been running a Prep Science Club, over 500 pupils have achieved one of these awards!

A Blast From the Past: Scholarship Success

Congratulations to former Birkenhead School student Kevin Wong, who is now studying natural sciences at the University of Cambridge, for his recent award of an Undergraduate Science Scholarship (worth £1500 per year) from the Ogden Trust

Biology

Pupils in Pre-Prep have been learning all about the different parts of our bodies

A Message from the Blogosphere

Readers with a keen interest in our Science department, its news, its work and all of our warts-and-all experiments will be pleased to hear about our launch into the

online world of blogging!

Replacing our previous Science website, the blog will feed the latest news, events and experiments from the department. You can catch up with the story so far at

birkenheadschoolscience.wordpress.com

AUTHOR JAMES BARNES

19SCIENCE


infocus magazine20 SPORT

ROUND UP

Once again the Michaelmas term has been an extremely busy one with considerable success for our individual sportsmen and women, and our teams

The 1st XV rugby team have set a fi ne example to the younger sides down the school, winning eight and

losing only one of the nine matches played so far, whilst the 1st XI boys hockey team have qualifi ed for both the Wirral Cup Final and the North West Hockey Finals to be played next term.

Not to be outdone, our 1st XII lacrosse team fi nished a creditable fourth in the Northern Schools Lacrosse Tournament and our Under 12 netballers are through to the fourth round of the National Schools U12 Cup having beaten local rivals Wirral Grammar School in the fi rst round.

Separately, no less than ten of our girls were selected for the Cheshire Under 18 Lacrosse squad including Jaime Stanton, the youngest player in the squad at only thirteen years old. Our hockey players have also excelled with Rosie Durband, Jack Redhead and Sebastian MacTaggart all being selected for the Pennine Pumas Tier 1 regional hockey squads.

Again in rugby, the 1st XV Captain, Ben Unsworth, has had an excellent season and has been recognised by the Cheshire RFU with a well-deserved selection for the Under-18s squad whilst both Jack Pritchard and Daniel Walker have been picked for the Cheshire U15 squad. Gabriel Johnson-Aley continues to make outstanding progress with the Sale Sharks Academy and has also been selected to attend several England Under-16 assessment days.

As ever, the success of our teams and individuals is the result of the outstanding support our parents give, the excellent coaching by our staff and the great dedication shown by our students, so a very big thank you to all those involved!

1st XV Rugby Report

After a superb start to the season with 8 wins from 9 games it was disappointing to lose in the fourth round of the Nat West Vase away to a very strong Sandbach side.

Despite this, captain Ben Unsworth is delighted with the development of this team after such a poor set of results last year with only 3 wins during the whole season.

The Year 11’s have added some pace and power as well as quite a bit of bulk and the U6th have contributed heavily with the points scored.

There are regularly over 30 boys turning up for training and competition for places is most defi nitely hotting up.

AUTHOR MR LYTOLLIS


21SPORT

New Kit Sponsor for 1st XV Rugby Team

A fantastic start to the new season for the 1st XV Rugby Team has been accompanied by excellent news of a new kit sponsor for the team. We are fortunate to have had Mr Griffi n and Mr Brewster provide a brand new kit for the 1st team- a big thanks goes to both gentlemen for their assistance.

Junior Rugby

Our junior rugby teams, invariably playing against much larger schools and much bigger players, have once again punched well above their weight and recorded a number of well-deserved victories.

A case in point is the Under-15s who, having won only two matches in the whole of last season, have so far this season recorded seven victories and one tie in the ten matches. Included in this are two excellent wins against local rivals St Anselm’s College, the latter being a 33-17 victory in the NatWest Vase, a national competition which attracts more than three hundred entrants.

The U13s and U14s have both dominated territory and possession in many of their games but have conceded tried to bigger, faster individuals in the opposite ranks, this both have had a reasonable rather than an outstanding term.

The enthusiasm and commitment of the Year 7 boys has been outstanding with over thirty boys regularly attending after school training sessions. There have been notable victories against AKS Lytham, Hutton Grammar School and St Gerrard’s College, a touring Irish school team, but the outstanding performance was reserved for a very strong Merchant Taylor’s side. With both teams tackling as if their lives depended on it, it was a shame to have an unusual 0-0 draw, but testament to the commitment of both sides.

All of our junior rugby players have shown a commitment to their school and their team mates which is to be applauded. It has been a pleasure to see so many make such pleasing progress this term.

U13 Cheshire Rugby Selections

Over the summer local rugby clubs and rugby playing schools were asked to put forward no more than fi ve players to try out for the 35 places in the Cheshire West Development Squad.

The trials took place over two consecutive weekends Sunday 28th September and Sunday 5th October 2014. The fi rst was held at Anselmians RUFC and the second at New Brighton RUFC.

As I play for Wirral Rugby Club on a Sunday and am Captain at school, I was pleased to hear I had been nominated by Mr Lytollis as my Dad is Head Coach for my age group at club so this felt more like I deserved to be there.

With the sun shining on a Sunday afternoon over 90 boys turned up for the trials. Over a two hour period we had various tasks to perform, 2 on 1, tackling, rucking, ball-handling skills and fi tness sessions. It was a great afternoon, but nerve racking at the same time, as you had coaches watching your every move.

The second trial – again another sunny Sunday afternoon, was for everyone to play a game of rugby. Players were swapped on and off as the coaches watched you play. Waiting to go on was again a very nervous time and it was great to get hold of a ball and run!

After it was over – the hard work complete, next was the waiting that we had to endure.The Cheshire Coaches informed us that the information of who was to go further in the squad would be on the Cheshire Website in the next week to ten days!!!

I had 4 friends from the school rugby team also at the trails. We all play for different clubs and play various positions but this makes it great, as we all have something to bring to the game.

At last the news came, and I am pleased to report that Jack Breheny, Toby Brown, George McCann (me!), Ed Oulton and Ben Way from Birkenhead School all made the grade. Wow what a great feeling – well done us!

Jack and Ben are both superb at tackling, Toby has great vision of the game, Ed has great passing skills, me – well I like drive the pack and run for the line.

Our Cheshire Training Sessions will take place on Monday evening at various clubs across with West Cheshire.

I am so happy that we all got through and can work more as a team in the future. We all have great passion for rugby and I look forward to updating you of our progress over the coming months and years.

AUTHOR MR LYTOLLIS AUTHOR GEORGE MCCANN

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After it was over – the hard work complete, After it was over – the hard work complete, next was the waiting that we had to endure.next was the waiting that we had to endure.

different clubs and play various positions different clubs and play various positions

Way from Birkenhead School all made the grade. Way from Birkenhead School all made the grade.



Cricket Tour to Antigua

A squad of 15 boys lead by Mr Lytollis, and the school’s coach Graeme Rickman embarked on a 10 day tour to

Antigua on Sunday 5th July. The tour included 5 matches, and a number of excursions to keep the boys entertained in between matches.

Based at the Jolly Harbour Beach resort, the all-inclusive facility included a cricket pitch where the school played three of its matches. It was a tough start acclimatising at the resort’s beach and swimming pools, but an afternoon practice session soon brought home the magnitude of the heat, and an outfi eld that resembled the Brecon Beacons.

It was a comfortable 188 run fi rst win against a week Evergreen school team, which had a mixture of ages including a 6 year old! The school followed that up with an impressive 226 run win against Piggotts, our 1st away fi xture. A 2nd fi xture against Evergreen was a little more competitive with new players drafted in, but the confi dence and skill of Birkenhead School was too much for the opposition. Birkenhead School winning again by 63 runs.

In between matches the boys enjoyed a catamaran trip around the Island which included snorkelling, and a view of many of the magnifi cent beaches on the Island. There was also a jeep safari, which took in a visit to a donkey sanctuary and a stop off at the one Caribbean’s top beach – Half Moon Bay.

Our 4th fi xture (v. All Saints) was away at the old Sugarcane Factory located in the heart of the island, it was noticeable how much hotter it was inland. Promised sterner opposition, it was another easy victory for the school by 110 runs. An early fi nish meant we were able to have a quick look round the Sir Vivian Richards stadium, where there was a local T20 match being played.

The boys in need of a fi nal competitive match played an Antiguan Combined Schools’ XI where it noticeable the boys were much older. Birkenhead batted 1st again, and scored a creditable 167 on a rain affected wicket. The Combined XI were more than able to match the school’s run rate, but reminiscent of other fi xtures we were not able to build partnerships, and lost wickets regularly with poor decision making.

With everyone making signifi cant contributions it’s diffi cult to single out any performances. All members of the tour party did their best to ensure that the school were competitive on the fi eld, and excellent ambassadors of the school off. A special mention goes to Dominic Smith and James O’Neill for the way worked together as Captain and Vice-Captain to ensure everyone had as much opportunity as possible.

Prep Sport

All pupils in The Prep are actively involved in sport during the week. Sport is an important part of the curriculum helping to develop an understanding of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle and a variety of key skills including teamwork, communication and fair play.

During the Michaelmas term our focus has been on Cross Country, Football and Rugby for the boys and Cross Country, Netball, Lacrosse and Hockey for the girls. In addition, each class has a weekly PE lesson in the Gym where the general focus has been on activities such as Gymnastics and Indoor Athletics. Opportunities also arise during the term for the older pupils to participate in sessions of Basketball, Badminton and Orienteering.

Our wide range of after-school clubs includes Table Tennis and Badminton as well as the more traditional sporting clubs such as football, netball, rugby and lacrosse. The choice and variety offered by these clubs, in combination with the timetabled sport, ensure that physical activity really does play a major role in the Prep curriculum.

This term has seen our pupils represent the School in Football, Rugby, Hockey, Cross Country, Netball and Orienteering. Some of this term’s highlights have included a 26 – 14 victory over Liverpool College for the Year 6 rugby team, a win for Madeleine Hill (6HS) in a Wirral Schools Cross Country race, a 4 – 1 win against King’s Chester for the Year 5 ‘A’ Football team , a very competitive and exciting 5 - 5 draw against King’s Chester for the Year 6 ‘A’ Netball team and a very promising start to the season for the Year 5 Netball squad.

AUTHOR MR CORRAN

AUTHOR MR RICKMAN


23SPORT

Boys’ Hockey

The 1st XI has had a diffi cult season so far, having lost a large number from the previous years upper 6th. It is a young side, with over half of the squad being from year 11. The team had a slow start, but has developed well as the year has gone on. With a couple of key players having injuries early on, the results have been mixed. However, in the county matches, the team has excelled, and have reached the fi nal of the Wirral Cup to be held in January 2015, and the Northwest fi nals in February 2015. This is the fi rst time this has been achieved for several years.

A big bonus this year, is that we do have the numbers to play some 2nd team fi xtures, including a couple of the girls. Ably led by Mr. Brand, the team has competed in every game, culminating with a 4-2 win over Merchant Taylors.

The Under 16s are in a transition year, with many playing fi rst team, it’s been an opportunity to give valuable experience to many year 10 boys. Their results have been mixed, but they are getting stronger all the time. The development of the players bodes well for the senior teams in the next few years.

The under 14s have only had fi ve games so far, with an emphatic 5-2 win against local rivals Wirral Grammar recently. Once again, there has been the policy of utilising everyone who wanted to play, with 22 boys getting an opportunity to represent the school so far, many of which are year 8 boys who have never played a competitive game. All players have showed maturity in the selection policy, and excellent team unity and spirit throughout.

AUTHOR MR ALDRED

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

Again our U12’s lead the way with three victories in three fi xtures, a notable 2-1 win over

St. Edwards college set the tone for the season. The U13’s also remain undefeated with two draws and an

impressive hard fought 1-0 win over Moreton Hall. Our older age groups have worked relentlessly hard on and off the pitch but always seem to narrowly lose out by one goal here and there. However for a team made

up of year 9&10 playing teams of year 10’s, they are doing remarkably well.

All the sports teams look forward to next term when we reach the business end of the winter

sports calendar and compete at county and regional level in all 3 sports.

AUTHOR MRS ALFORD-SWIFT


Lacrosse

SENIOR SQUAD

The senior Lacrosse squad had a mixed year so far. Our fi rst game of the season got off to a bad start against

Moreton Hall where we lost to a strong Moreton Hall, 5 goals to 17. However, we did redeem ourselves in our second encounter with Moreton Hall where we won 11-8 in a much better, well fought game. We continued our winning streak with a long trip to the Lakes where the girls played Sedbergh College and won 19-1. Our fi nal game before the Christmas break was against Queen’s Chester, where the girls put on a tremendous performance won 13-2.

Early October saw the U19 North Schools Tournament in York, the girls hit the ground running in the group stages and sailed through their fi rst two games against Bolton (3-1) and Queen’s (6-1). The girls seem to lack a little focus in the third and fourth game against Queen Margaret School, and Harrogate. Overall we fi nished 4th winning 2 games, losing 1 and drawing 1. The girls still have the u19 National’s Tournament in Surrey later in the year.

JUNIOR LACROSSE

U12/ U13

A mixed U12 and U13 squad played Queen’s Chester and Moreton hall. We won 14-1 to Queen’s Chester and won 2-1 against Moreton Hall. The girls still have the U13 North Schools Tournament to compete at Moreton Hall later in the year.

U14/U15

The girls had a slow start to the year where they played Moreton Hall and lost 17-6 despite having plenty of possession.

However, the second game of the season where the girls redeemed themselves playing Queen’s Chester where the girls won 13-2. They fi nished the term off with an U14 fi xture against Shrewsbury School and lost 6-10. The girls still have the U15 North Schools Tournament to compete in York later in the year.

U19

A mixed U19 squad travelled to Queen Margaret’s School York for the Lacrosse North Schools’ Tournament.

The fi rst game against Bolton School, the girls hit the ground running in a hard fought game. Score ended 3-2, with some fantastic scores from Chloe Hardisty, Lucy Rogers (captain) and Bella Wild. Bella Wild scored the winning goal in the last minute of play that started by a fabulous save from Sophie Donal-Jones and from the break Bella Wild scored. Sophie Dolan-Jones had an unbelievable game in goals.

In the second game, we played our local rivals Queen’s Chester, where we won 6-1. The girls started with two quick goals. Defence played really well and contested every ball. Scores came from Lucy Rogers (captain) (3), Chloe Hardisty ( Yr 11) (2), Bella Wild (1).

With a rather long break between the games, the girls seem to lack a little focus at the start of the third and fourth game against Queen Margaret’s and Morton hall. Against Queen Margaret’s the girls were losing 0-3 at half time and fought excellently in the second half to fi nish 2-4. Scores from Annabel Saverimutto and Lucy Rogers (captain). Moreton hall was a really hard game and the girls had loads of position but could not convert ending in a 0-3 loss.

Final game seen Harrogate ladies where the girls were losing 1-3 at half time, however, they redeemed their fi ghting spirit and took a 4-3 lead withn some excellent saves from Sophie Dolan-Jones in goal. Despite all this, it was not meant to be and we secure a 4-4 draw. Scores from Connie Sturgess (1), Lucy Rogers (captain) (2) and Chloe Hardisty (1).

The girls fi nished fourth in the tournament with some impressive performances. They were unlucky not to fi nish in the top three with just missing out on 3rd place by 1 point.

Netball

All our teams continue their dominance over local schools especially in the younger years. A clean sweep from U12-15 against Liverpool college at the beginning of the school year was particularly memorable. Our U12 team are currently undefeated since their very fi rst game in September. Their most notable victory, defeating Wirral grammar in the fi rst round of the nationals. They have since romped into the fourth round of nationals beating Cheadle Hulme school along the way. The U15’s also remain undefeated with four victories so far this year. Our 1st and 2nd VII are still adjusting to a number of players leaving for university and a new infl ux of players from year 11 and despite pushing Kings Chester and Kings Macclesfi eld, lost out on both occasions.


AUTHOR MRS ALFORD-SWIFT

AUTHOR MRS GILBRIDE


25SPORT

SEASON STATS

PLAYED 10WON 8DRAWN 0LOST 2

FOR 289AGAINST 1379

TRIES 44KICKING ACCURACY 48.5% CONVERSIONS 19PENALTIES 8

V Old Boys Won 22 – 5 Tries: Maddox 2, Williams, Cornall Cons: Brewster

V Liverpool College Won 27 – 21 Tries: Maddox 2, Corlett.B, Cornall Cons: Simpson 2 Pens: Simpson

V St Edward’s (cup) Won 48 – 7 Tries: B.Unsworth 2, Brewster 2, Cornall 2, B.Corlett, Simpson Cons: B.Unsworth 4

V Hutton Won 53 – 14 Tries: Cornall 3, Maddox 2, MacGregor, Brewster, Simpson, So. Cons: B.Unsworth 4.

V St Anselm’s Won 25 – 20 Tries: Cornall 2, Morris. Cons: B.Unsworth 2. Pens: B.Unsworth 2.

V Merchant Taylor’s Lost 15 – 40 Tries: Maddox, Walker Cons: B.Unsworth Pens: B.Unsworth(cup)

V Cheadle Won 17 – 14 Tries: Simpson, Maddox. Cons: B.Unsworth. Pen: B.Unsworth.

V Liverpool College Won 36 – 10 Tries: Cornall 2, Maddox, MacGregor Cons: B.Unsworth Pens: B.Unsworth 3(vase)

V AKS Won 22 – 5 Tries: Brewster, B.Unsworth, Corlett.B, So. Cons: B.Unsworth

V Sandbach (vase) Lost 24 – 43 Tries: Grabe, Simpson, Williams, MacGregor. Cons: B.Unsworth 2.

POINTS TRIES PENS CONS

Unsworth.B 68 3 7 16Cornall 55 11Maddox 45 9Simpson 27 4 1 2Brewster 22 4 1Corlett.B 15 3So 10 2MacGregor 10 2Williams 10 2Grabe 5 1Morris 5 1Walker 5 1

RUGBY 1ST XV RESULTS 2014/15

STATS

FIXTURES V WirralV AltrinchamV RydalV St Edward’s

Christmas Hols

V St AmbroseV StockportV KirkhamV LymmV King’s Chester


MUSICThe Birkenhead School Music department has had another jam-packed term. A full programme of classroom, instrumental and vocal lessons, rehearsals, services and concerts (plus a few exams!) has certainly kept everyone busy. The result is a Music School that is buzzing – always full of pupils doing the most important thing: enjoying music making!

infocus magazine26 MUSIC

We also welcome new additions to the instrumental and vocal teaching staff:

Miss Sousa continues to teach flute and cover the maternity absence of Mrs Virdee. Miss Sousa is due to leave us at Christmas so I would like to thank her for all she has done during her time here at Birkenhead School.

Mrs Petrenko has joined the staff and is now giving singing lessons to a growing number of pupils from both Prep and Senior School.

Mrs Long has taken over the violin teaching throughout the School from Ms Sims, who has left to work for the Wirral Music Hub. She also acts as tutor for the new String Ensemble, Orchestra and Prep Orchestra.

Performance workshops

GCSE and A level music students have also been lucky enough to have been given a workshop by world renowned mezzo-soprano and Birkenhead School parent, Jennifer Johnston. Each pupil prepared one or two of their coursework performance pieces and performed these for Jennifer.

Welcome…

… to Mrs Grace Coleman and Miss Sue Parry, who joined the School in September. Mrs Coleman has taken over from Mrs Nolan, who retired at the end of the Summer term and Miss Parry is responsible for Music in the Infant department – taking over from Mrs Winn, who also retired at the end of the last academic year. We welcome them both to the Music department here at Birkenhead School.


Choirs

The Chapel Choir, in addition to their regular Sunday Choral Evensong and weekly Senior School Chapel services, has performed Rutter’s Requiem as part of a moving Remembrance Sunday Service and sung Evensong at Chester Cathedral this term. The choir also joined with the newly relaunched Birkenhead School Choral Society in a ‘scratch’ performance of Handel’s Messiah.

The Chamber Choir has also had a busy term, performing for the first time at the recent Parents’ Association Christmas Bazaar as well as singing carols at Thornton Hall for hospital volunteers.

Messiah

At 10am on Sunday 23rd November, over 150 singers arrived at Bushell Hall with a rather ambitious plan – to rehearse and perform Handel’s epic oratorio, Messiah, in just one day. Led by Director of Music, Philip Robinson, and Organist, Graham Eccles, they tackled fourteen choruses – including And the glory of the Lord, For unto us a child is born, and the inspirational Hallelujah chorus. The singers were also able to benefit from advice from Jennifer Johnston, one of our parents and also one of four professional soloists who joined for the evening performance. The other three wonderful soloists were studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The icing on the cake was the addition of trumpets and timpani for the loudest moments – ably performed by our brass teacher, Miss Baker, as well as Head of School Andrew Sherman, and Mr Davies – the last two of whom had been singing in the choir as well! It was a wonderful reunion for the members of the Choral Society – many of whom had not sung together since the last concert at the Philharmonic Hall two years ago – and we are all looking forward to the next ‘Big Sing’!

Christmas

Finally, there have been a number of Christmas celebration concerts and services. The season began with special

service for Advent Sunday in Chapel. The Chapel Choir were joined by pupils, staff, parents and governors.

The pattern of this Advent service (in its four sections) reflected the season’s growing anticipation, both of the first coming of Christ and of that day when the prayer ‘Thy Kingdom come’ is finally and fully answered.

Our Pre-Prep pupils had a Christmas Celebration in Prep Hall, and the Infants presented their take on the Nativity, entitled “The Ordinary Ox” – complete with clowns, ballerinas, robots and dolls – with help from Mr Robinson and a couple of multi-talented Upper Sixth musicians!

Each year group in Junior Prep held their own Christmas Celebration Service in Chapel, with music, readings and poetry, all expertly led by Mrs Keating, with piano and organ accompaniment from Mr Robinson and Mr Davies.

Right in the middle of all these services came the traditional Whole School Christmas Concert in Bushell Hall, which included performances by Prep Orchestra, Year 6 Choir, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Big Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Clarinet Ensemble and Folk Band – plus more music and seasonal refreshments in the Sixth Form Centre afterwards!

Just three days later came the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Chapel, where the Chapel Choir sang a wide range of music.

Individual achievements

The Chapel Choir Prefect for this academic year is Sam Bowler. Senior Musicians are our leading Upper Sixth form instrumentalists, and this year are Zack Kirkman and Andrew Sherman. Andrew also continues to be Organ Scholar this year.

Music Prefects are those who go ‘above and beyond’ to help others in a range of musical activities, and for 2014/5 are Ben Appleby, Jessica Brodbelt, Edward George, Finlay Gordon, Grace Harvey, Dionne Lee, Jonathan Mansfield, Bronwen Morris, David Turner and Ciara Williams.

Ciara Williams in Year 11 has recently joined the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir and has also auditioned for the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

Jack Billington, also in Year 11, has successfully auditioned for the National Children’s Wind Orchestra. Jack played in this ensemble last year as well, and you might have read about some of his experiences in the last edition of this magazine.

Dionne and Tasmin Lee in Year 8 and Year 6 respectively have been performing in the National Children’s Orchestra ‘Under 12’s Orchestra’.

Towards the end of the Michaelmas term, twenty pupils from Year 3 to Year 11 sat ABRSM practical exams, and David Turner (Year 7) and Oliver Jones (Year 11) have both passed their Grade 5 Music Theory exams – Oliver gaining a Merit.

Pupils are encouraged to practise their music performance skills in the Informal Lunchtime Recitals which take place every few weeks. So far over forty pupils have taken part in these – watch out for more in the New Year.

AUTHOR MR ROBINSON - DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

27MUSIC


The Parents’ Association have enjoyed Michaelmas term which is always a busy time for us. We welcomed several new members to the Committee at our AGM in September and said goodbye to others.

There is always a quiet period in the fi rst half of the term as everybody settles back into the routine of the school run, sports fi xtures and homework after a long Summer, but our two regular weekly events started up again in the fi rst week back to school which was good to see. These are:

The Ladies’ Committee is a group of mums (and dads!) who volunteer and are involved in a number of ways with the life of Senior School. We have a committee meeting once a term and are always looking for more mums and dads to join our list of volunteers.

We raise money for the benefi t of students in Senior School. We provide refreshments at Sports matches, parents evenings and other social events, and run the Senior tuck shops on a daily basis in both Overdale and McAllester buildings. This term alone the team of ladies including the mums of each team captain in Rugby, Hockey , Netball and Lacrosse will have served over 1000 hot sausage rolls, crisps, kit kats and drinks to all home and opposing team players! And far too many bacon rolls cups of tea and coffee to mention! If there are any parents out there who feel they can spare an hour or two in the term evening or weekend to help please give us a call or leave contact details with the school offi ce we can always use some extra hands to help. All the money raised is spent on items the students need in and around school.

Fitness Friday

Held at McAllester Field every Friday at 9:15. This is a varied session run by Niamh Gilbride from our Sports department and includes circuits, core work and any occasional sessions in the Fitness Suite. The session is open to all abilities, you do as little or as much as you can and there is no weekly commitment, just drop in when you are free.

BLING

Our ladies singing group that meets each Wednesday evening at 7:30 ready to sing between 8:00 and 9:00. This is a very informal group and no previous singing experience is needed. As long as you can read the words from the song sheet, can follow a tune and enjoy singing this could be for you. Again there is no weekly commitment: you can just come along when you can fi t it into your schedule. We do have a lot of fun and would welcome new members

We fi nished the half term with the fi rst Prep Disco of the school year for Years 3 to 6 . This is always a popular event and it is lovely to see the children having so much fun.

After the half term break we were straight in to organising two of the biggest events in the PA Calendar.

Bonfi re Night

We had one of our best Bonfi re nights ever this year. The weather was perfect for the event, clear skies,

no wind and not too cold. This drew in the crowds and we had a very busy kitchen, serving hot dogs, soup and warm drinks and the children disappeared into the dark corners of Nocturum Field with only the lights from the glow sticks to let us know they were still there!

The Bonfi re was huge and lit fi rst time much to the relief of the Grounds Staff… and then came the Fireworks with every whoosh, bang and sparkle imaginable. Trevor, John & Gary from the Estates team and Glen West from the PA did a tremendous job and a huge thanks to them and all the other helpers for making this such a successful evening.

Bazaar

This year saw several changes to the format of the Bazaar, moving Café Noel to 6th Form Centre and using Bushell Hall and the Sports Hall as our venues. This proved to be a great decision. Dr Grundy was joined by Father Christmas and “real” snow for our grand opening and the crowds fl ocked through to Bushell Hall to be greeted by a beautiful display of festive stalls. The Sports Hall was handed over to the 20th Birkenhead Scouts who hosted games, stalls and infl atables for our younger visitors and of course our very popular Santa’s Grotto.

We did worry the week before that we would not have enough helpers but several parents, and some entire families came forward in the 11th hour to help make the Bazaar a great success. My thanks to everybody who was involved both on the day and with all the preparation work and to those families who made very generous donations to our raffl e stalls.

We are now ready for a relaxing end of term with only our regular events running during December but we will be ready to start again in January.

THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

THE LADIES’COMMITTEE

infocus magazine28 PA & LADIES COMMITTEE

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The Ladies’ Committee is a group of mums (and dads!) who volunteer and are involved in a number of ways with the life of Senior School. We have a committee meeting once a term and are always looking for more mums and dads to join our list of volunteers.

We raise money for the benefi t of students in Senior School. We provide refreshments at Sports matches, parents evenings and other social events, and run the Senior tuck shops on a daily basis in both Overdale and McAllester buildings. This term alone the team of ladies including the mums of each team captain in Rugby, Hockey , Netball and Lacrosse will have served over 1000 hot sausage rolls, crisps, kit kats and drinks to all home and opposing team players! And far too many bacon rolls cups of tea and coffee to mention! If there are any parents out there who feel they can spare an hour or two in the term evening or weekend to help please give us a call or leave contact details with the school offi ce we can always use some extra hands to help. All the money raised is spent on items the students need in and around school.

THE LADIES’COMMITTEETHE LADIES’

A5 Christmas/Bonfire Flyer AW_Layout 1 14/10/2014 12:27 Page 1

29

The Ladies’ Committee is a group of mums (and dads!) who volunteer and are involved in a number of ways with the life of Senior School. We have a committee meeting once a term and are always looking for more mums and dads

We raise money for the benefi t of students in Senior School. We provide refreshments at Sports matches, parents evenings and other social events, and run the Senior tuck shops on a daily basis in both Overdale and McAllester buildings. This term alone the team of ladies including the mums of each team captain in Rugby, Hockey , Netball and Lacrosse will have served over 1000 hot sausage rolls, crisps, kit kats and drinks to all home and opposing team players! And far too many bacon rolls cups of tea and coffee to mention! If there are any parents out there who feel they can spare an hour or two in the term evening or weekend to help please give us a call or leave contact details with the school offi ce we can always use some extra hands to help. All the money raised is spent on items

29

Dates for your diary for Lent Term 2015.Please follow us on Facebook or keep up to date with our events on the school website.

Fitness FridayFrom 9th January at 9:15am McAllester Field

PA MeetingMonday 12th January 7:30pm Meeting Room.

BLINGFrom Wednesday 14th January 7:30pm Sixth Form Centre

Prep DiscoYears 3 to 6 Friday 6th February

You may be wondering what we spend the money we raise on and how this is decided.

During our PA meeting we are presented with wish lists from school departments that are discussed in detail. We work together with school to ensure we spread our spending equally over all departments and all age groups.

This term we have contributed towards new Lab coats for the Senior Science Department and our biggest spend has been the beautiful Pirate Ship in Little School.

We have a strong team but always welcome new faces and more importantly new ideas, so if you want to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved please contact us or join us at one of our events. We look forward to meeting you.

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AUTHOR MRS HATHERLY


A VERY CHARITABLE TERM FOR PREP

This term, our infants decided to celebrate Roald Dahl Day by holding a Dahl-themed costume day.

All pupils from Pre-Prep through to Year 2 were invited to come into School dressed as their favourite Roald Dahl characters and enjoy a day celebrating the works of the revered childrens’ author.

A couple of very green and orange Oompa-Loompas, a few Fantastic Mr Foxes and various other characters showed up for the celebrations - and what fantastic costumes. Thank you to all of the children and their parents for their support for this wonderful day, which raised £179.15 for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

On a separate occasion, the entire Prep showcased their superhero alter-egos with a superhero themed costume day in aid of the Children in Need appeal. Pupils across the Prep, from nursery to Year 6, raised an incredible £892.55 bringing Prep’s charitable donations to a fabulous £1,071.70!

Children in Little School and Old School House have been delighted to hear how books that they used to read are being sent to a school in Nepal. The books, which have been taken out of the reading scheme to be replaced with newer books, will be sent to Shree Pokra School, in the Kavre district of Nepal, where they will be used by to help children learn English.

infocus magazine30 CHARITY

AUTHOR JAMES BARNES

AUTHOR MR SMITH


Excellent Effort from Overdale Pupils

Mr Rimmer, Head of Overdale, wishes to congratulate the following students for achieving outstanding effort grades across their last academic reports:

7MTW – Alice Langan, Caelan Phillips, Maddie Unsworth 7ER – Grace Harvey 7MAT – Elizabeth Hyatt 8VJM – Dionne Lee

Wirral Youth Heroes Awards 2014

Earlier this year, two Birkenhead School students were recognised at the Wirral Youth Heroes Awards 2014. Hosted at the Floral Pavilion with more than 700 guests in attendance, the awards recognised 24 young people and three adults across 10 categories.

Sian Round and Elliot Casey were recognised for their achievements in two categories: Sian was awarded the Academic Achievement Award and Elliot the Response to Illness or Disability Award.

Congratulations to both for their achievements.

Speaking with Success

Year 10 and 11 have been busy this term practising their vocabulary across their Spanish, French and German classes. Using Vocab Express to practice, the following students have reached the top of their respective classes:

New Prep Prefects announced

Just before the half-term break, a whole-school assembly was held to announce the appointments of the new Prep Prefects, and various other positions of responsibility. The following were appointed:

Head Girl: Madeleine HillHead Boy: Jimmy Sergi

Prefects

Hattie Rogerson-BevanKatie BradburyOliver MitchellHarrie JacobRichie Jacob

House Captains

Grosvenor - Robyn Hennessy and Jack DoranStanley - Lucy Andrews and Olivia RossTollemache - Tasmin Lee and Shannon HighVyner - Lydia Swift and Callum Byers

Sports Captains

Rugby - Daniel Griffi thsFootball - Matthew DevittNetball - Millie SouthworthCross-country - Harry Wilson and Madeleine Hill

Congratulations to them all.

10B Spanish – Nicholas Bass10D French – Shikhan Kumar10D German – William Hindle10D Spanish – Paul Keenan

11A Spanish – Bella Wild11C French – Ali El-Sheikh11C German – Ahmed Mostafa11C Spanish – James Budworth

Celebrating the achievements of our students from across the School

ACHIEVEMENTS

infocus magazine31CELEBRATION

AUTHOR JAMES BARNES


As part of their autumn topic, Reception pupils have enjoyed learning about the artist Andy Goldsworthy. They have been inspired to create their own art using nature. They have worked cooperatively in pairs to collect the items they needed and to design their picture. Take a look at some of their work.

RECEPTION GET

CREATIVE

Printmaking

This term A level students began their AS and A2 courses with an

introduction to various printmaking techniques. These included mono-print using rollers and a range of found materials such as bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard, followed by transfer monoprint which required them to employ their drawing skills to the full. Finally, they learnt how to create a drypoint by scratching into perspex. These were then printed using the department’s etching press.

infocus magazine32 ART

CREATIVEThey have been inspired to create their own art using nature. They have worked cooperatively in pairs to

Llanfair pwllgwyn gyllgo gery chwyrn drobwll llanty silio gogo gochLlanfair pwllgwyn gyllgo gery chwyrn drobwll llanty silio gogo goch

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On a great sunny day a crowded bus full of noisy children pulled up outside the prison-like building known as the Conway Center. As we pulled our cases off the bus we all thought to each other whether we would make it out alive. In the small town of “Llanfair pwllgwyn gyllgo gery chwyrn-drobwll llanty silio gogo goch” there had never been as much noise from so few children. Sally (the rep) was very kind and showed us around the huge campus.

The First Quest

After settling into our rooms we were called down for lunch. To fi ll us for our fi rst event was a packed lunch fi lled with an apple, crisps, a kit-kat and for me a tuna sandwich. Sally entered the large dining hall with a smile on her face as she was about to tell us our fi rst activity. We were split up into groups of 10-15 people. I was selected for Orienteering which honestly isn’t really my favourite sport. But I was wrong, this was great!

“3....2....1” Sally yelled. My partner David and I galloped off. As we found out, this was a great chance to strain our muscles in the form of parcours. 10 minutes later... David and I crossed the fi nish line in fi rst position! As I didn’t know much about the sport, it came as a shock when I found out how tiring Orienteering can be. We settled down for a delicious meal and fell asleep ready for the day ahead.

Day 2

EEEEEEEEE..EEEEE!!!!

We shot out of bed! The time was half six in the morning, the fi re alarm ringing in our ears. Checking that we were all okay, we ran out of the building. After a while we sank back into our beds and woke up at the right time....well, almost the right time. The alarm had gone off again! Luckily, it turned out only to be a fault in the system.

After a tasty meal of eggs, sausages, beans and fried bread we ran to prepare ourselves for our second event. For me this was Scrambling. I won’t lie, I was at the back for the whole walk. For hours we heaved ourselves up the complex of slate called Evaan. At the top we had a packed lunch and then fi nally came the really fun part. Going down! With care and caution we scrambled down the beautiful mountain. In parts we would have to slide down on the slate.

Staggering back to our rooms, we all sat down for a good hour. After getting changed, having a shower and recuperating, we all went down for tea. For me this was the perfect chance to relax and enjoy the meal. After our evening activity we slumped into bed and fell asleep.

THE FINAL ROUND

After a good breakfast I went off my last activity, Bushcraft. Making a shelter with a tarpaulin and some rope, we then made a fi re a roasted marshmallow and a nixce cup of tea. With the help of Charlie we had great fun and ended the trip on a high. Pizza and chips was the last meal before we departed for school.

I would like to thank Mr Rimmer, Mr Turner, Mrs Reeve and Mrs Washington for organising and helping to make this great school trip possible.

We recognise that the classroom is only a small part of the story. Our co-curricular activities are designed to both complement and extend learning in the classroom through an enriching programme of activities that stretch both mind and imagination.

As part of our extensive programme of co-curricular activities our Sixth Form students have the opportunity to take part in our ‘Beyond the Curriculum’ workshops. This year as well as the Headmaster delivering a series on Philosophy we were thrilled when Fashion Designer Sarah Higgs kindly agreed to run a fashion course; De-Construction and Recycling Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection, in conjunction with Claire House. Sarah has a degree in Fashion and Textiles and has managed design studios for over 20 years working in the top Couture studios in London with the likes of Catherine Walker, Phillipa Lepley and the Royal Couturier Stewart Parvin. Having been involved in the process from initial designs to end show in London Fashion Week, Sarah currently makes one off alternative costumes for opera and exhibitions. Sarah’s recent collaboration with the V&A Museum on a collection of costumes for children was show cased in the Liverpool World Museum and is currently on tour around the UK.

Llanfair pwllgwyn gyllgo gery chwyrn drobwll llanty silio gogo goch

YEAR 7 OUTDOOR PURSUITS TRIP TO WALES

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM

Llanfair pwllgwyn gyllgo gery chwyrn drobwll llanty silio gogo goch

AUTHOR ARCHIE PARKER-GOFF

33CO-CURRICULUM


“I like how it brings us together

so that we all work as a team”

MADELEINE NETBALL - GOALKEEPER

“We have amazing facilities and great places to train”

THOMAS RUGBY - CENTRE

This term we asked our Prep pupils what they love about sport at Birkenhead School?

“It’s always good how we warm up, it keeps us warm and energised during our games”MILLIE NETBALL - YEAR 6 TEAM CAPTAIN

“You get to play with all of your mates- it’s friendly and fun”MARCUS FOOTBALL PLAYER

FINAL WORD

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“It’s good and people take it seriously. I especially like the refreshments after matches!”DANIEL RUGBY - YEAR 6 TEAM CAPTAIN

“There’s a wide variety of fun sports to play at school”MEGAN NETBALL - GOAL SHOOTER

“It’s really enjoyable because the teachers make it fun and competitive”MADDY CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER

”

Upcoming Events - Lent Term 2015

Back to School 8th January

Y10 DTP Immunisations 14th January

Y9 Parents’ Evening 15th January

CCF Shooting Camp 17th-19th January

Sixth Form Options Evening 4th February

Maths Challenge 5th February

Half Term Break 13th-23rd February

CCF Mountain Biking 15th February

European Youth Parliament Regional Forum 24th February

Y9 Theatre Visit 25th February

CCF Shooting Day 28th February

Duke of Edinburgh Training Day 28th February

LAMDA Examinations 2nd March

School Production (Hamlet) 12th-14th March

Sportsman’s Dinner 20th March

End of Term 27th March

French Exchange 27th March-2nd April

CCF Easter Camp 27th-29th March

Marketing at Birkenhead School

We hope you like the new look In Focus. If you have any stories you would like to appear in the next edition please email [email protected] or call us on 651 3004.

Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter

35FINAL WORD


THE TERM IN PICTURES

BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL

The Lodge, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Wirral CH43 2JD

T: 0151 652 4014www.birkenheadschool.co.uk


In Focus - Michaelmas 2014

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Transcript of In Focus - Michaelmas 2014