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Guest of Honour Ms Katrina Hart
“Katrina credits her PE teacher for having encouraged her to pursue her sporting ambitions as she began competing at the age of 14.”
Katrina Hart is an athlete and former Pershore High School student (2004-2007) who was born with cerebral palsy. She took up running after being spotted at the age of 14 and credits her PE teacher for having encouraged her to pursue her sporting ambitions. A year later she won a Bronze medal at the 2005 European Championships in the T37 100m as the youngest member of the British team.
Making her Games debut at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, Katrina suffered a hamstring injury and finished 7th in the T37 100m final. After Beijing, she moved to Bath to train alongside Ben Rushgrove, Paul Blake and her coach, Rob Ellchuck.
At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, she won Gold for England in the T37 100m and achieved another career highlight at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, when she won Gold in the T37 200m and Bronze in the T37 100m.
In 2011, Katrina graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Performance from the University of Bath.
In addition to her work on the track, Katrina has also played football for Kidderminster Harriers Centre of Excellence.
At London 2012, Katrina qualified for the T37 100m final where she finished in 6th place. However, the highlight of her games was the bronze medal winning performance as part of the women's T35/38 4x100m Relay alongside Olivia Breen, Bethy Woodward and Jenny McLoughlin. The quartet recorded a time of 56.08 to finish just behind Russia and China. PHS
“Both the staff and students are a credit to your school and most importantly, a credit to themselves.” Extract from letter Received from Zoe Curness, Regional Sales Manager, Equity, School Tour Operator
Message from the Headteacher
I was delighted to be asked to write these words of introduction to our Review of the Year for 2015-16. I believe that this is the most important publication of the school year, marking as it does the extraordinary achievements of our young people, supported by our hugely committed staff. Over the last twelve months we have been fortunate enough to have gained lovely new buildings for the use of the Expressive Arts and Humanities faculties. However, this school is concerned first and foremost with people, not bricks and mortar. Whilst we were delighted to achieve excellent external examination results in 2015 (as acknowledged by the accolade of a SSAT Educational Outcomes Award), my real joy is in the broader involvement and successes of our students. It confirms for me that whilst a truly outstanding school is genuinely committed to securing the best educational outcomes, it also seeks the highest levels of well-being and involvement for young people through im- proved levels of family and community engagement. We will always be committed to preparing our youngsters for the future in every respect, developing fully rounded individuals who are good citizens of the future. These individu- al and group successes are outlined in this publication and, as well as being a source of great pride, should also be an incentive to others to give yet more to our school and local community. These pages offer us a glimpse of the many successes enjoyed this year. The future is bright for Pershore High School, but this promise will only be realised if we all continue to pull together and challenge ourselves to go on to even greater heights than we have so far achieved. In this year of the Olympics and Paralympics, it is my pleasure to welcome former student Katrina Hart to this Presentation Evening. Katrina is a great role model and a real inspiration to us all.
Clive Corbett Headteacher
Pershore High School wins SSAT Educational Outcomes award for exceptional GCSE results in 2015
Pershore High School has been nationally recognised for its exceptional 2015 performance by the Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT). Educational Outcomes data analysis from SSAT has shown that the school is in the top 20% nationally for progress made by pupils between their Key Stage 2 results at primary school and their Key Stage 4 results . PHS
Chairman of Governors
Since Presentation Evening began a number of years ago I have always been inspired by the achievements, commitment and creativity displayed by the students of Pershore High School. These young people represent our hopes and aspirations for the future of this country and it is heartening to see them showcase their potential at this annual celebration. Over the years, Pershore High School has met many challenges which have required dedication, professionalism and ingenuity to produce successful outcomes.
This would not be possible without the hard work and abilities of the staff who provide such a nurturing and enabling environment for the students. As we move into the future I am encouraged that the school will continue to grow in stature and meet the demands placed upon it to ensure that all of our young people receive the best possible start in life. Please enjoy this evening and also show your appreciation of our students` considerable achievements.
Rob Phillips Chair of Governors
Those we have lost
Felix Alexander
The students, parents, staff, governors and all others associated with Pershore High School wish to send their deepest condolences to the family of Felix Alexander at this deeply distressing time. Although Felix only joined us last September from King’s School in Worcester, we have lost a well-loved member of our school community and miss him deeply. In his all too short time with us, Felix made a lasting impression on those who he met as a kind and caring person with a real sense of fun. His sixth form peers have created a memorial board, a poignant reminder of Felix’s time here.
However deep our loss, we cannot begin to imagine what Felix’s family and closest friends are going through at this time. We wish them peace and want them to know that we are here for them today, tomorrow and whenever they need us.
Should people want to they can send a donation in Felix’s memory to the charity, Place2Be.org.uk
Sean Stevens
The students, parents, staff, governors and all others associated with Pershore High School wish to send their deepest condolences to the family of former student, Sean Stevens. Sean lost his life after an incident in Worcester in March.
Any donations in Sean’s memory can be sent to Worcester Air Ambulance. PHS Student Achievements
Pershore Civic Society Art and Photography Competition winners. The following students took part in an Art and Photography competition which was run by Pershore Civic Society - Arts Prizes for Young Talent to inspire Pershore. The theme was ‘Heart and Soul of Pershore’.
Winners: Key Stage 5 Key Stage 4 1st – Max Nutbeem (£75)
1st - Calum Andrews (£75) 2nd – Sophie Wilcox (£50) 2nd – Rebecca Hodgkins (£50) 3rd – Dale Lewis (£20) 3rd – Bryony Gilkes (£20) Runner up – Adam Palin (£10) Runner up – Sophie Coll (£10) Mr Corbett Awards: Special Award (Across all three Key Stages) 1st – Matthew Bessant (£15) Lewis Maritza (£10) 2nd – Emily Brant (£10) 3rd – Charlie Harland (£5)
Literacy success Numerous Pershore High School students have enjoyed great success in the literary world. Louis Cartwright-Walls and Aimee Davies have had their work published in an anthology, ‘Dedicated to mum – depths of love’; Robert Allen, Rhianne Gale, Jennifer Cooper and Jordan Perry have all been published in a ‘Grim Tales’ anthology. Lucy Barker and Naomi Meek had their work included in a ‘Reading Zone’ anthology. Lucy Barker won the Secondary Category of the National School Zone (Reading Zone) picture book competition for 2015.
Bank of England Target 2.0 Competition Year 13 Business and Economics students Tom Adams, Charles Stewart, Will Goode and James Coleman went to Worcester Rugby Club to take part in the regional heats of this prestigious competition.
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Duke of Edinburgh Award Recipients
Bronze Award: Rory Chapman, William Smith, Joe Lawley, Jessica Evans, Jack Chamberlain, Louise Hird, Edward Littleboy, Hannah Kenwright, Robert Ward, Elizabeth Langard, Ben Clarke; Charlotte Churchill, Paddy Barrow, Ryan Hobbs, Tom Shepherd, Samara Kings, Zak Baxter, Alex Lowbridge, Vanessa Kelly, Oliver Lees, Olly Charles, Emmie Bewley, William Bugg, Tom Wallbank, Alice Arthur, Jessica Francis Dowell, Benjamin Robinson, Frank Jordan, Abigail Pope, Daniel Powell, Calum Andrews, Bethany Ireland, Lucy Gooderham, Oliver Morgan, James Davidson, Abigail Evans, Elizabeth Harvey, Jack Betteridge, Mary Goodenough, Maya De Silva-Morgan, Megan Reeves, William Parry. Silver Award: Bea Wilson. Gold Award: Adam Baxter, Alice Humphries, Emma Godwin, Jasmine Godfrey-Hunt, Jessica Smith, Leah Wells, Matthew Humphries, Matthew Vicary, Philipa Cole, Rachel Dicker, Sophie Beamont.
On Sunday 22nd May 2016 Jack Betteridge, Amy Weston and Alex Jackson (from Prince Henry's) joined forces to swim in the RLSS UK Open Water Swim at Ragley Hall.
Several Year 8 pupils entered the Autumn photographic competition and the overall winner was Hazel Clay with her spider photograph taken after an Autumn shower.
Jodie Young won the U14 performance of Shakespeare and the U14 class for writing and speaking in the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival at the Royal Grammar School, Worcester.
Harry Dunn, Bryony Meek, Rachel Hall, Victoria Trotman, Maddie Bourn and Amelia Stanton went head to head with nearly 250 local students, all displaying their innovative solutions to ‘real world of work’ problems at the EES Celebration and Assessment Day in April at the Cranmore Park Exhibition Suite, Shirley, Solihull. PHS
Sports Highlights
Tim Coleman, Jack McCabe, Dec Juliff and Ben Tilbury were selected to represent Worcestershire County Schools’ FA at this year’s Under 16 level, both at National Competition and an International tour. Josh Edwards was selected to represent Worcestershire County Schools’ FA in the Under 15 County Football Team. Oli Morgan, James Davidson, Tim Coleman, Will Parry and Will Bugg were crowned District Badminton Champions. Simon Sweatman travelled to Hengrove in Bristol to take part in the last event before qualification for the National Short Course Championship. Simon won Gold in the 200metre backstroke in a time of 2.18.08 and a Bronze in the 100 metre backstroke in a time of 1.05.51.
Seven students took part in the Worcester County Championships over a two week period in February. Simon Sweatman continued his progress by winning the Junior County 200 fly and 100 fly and a number of medals in other events. Amy Weston won the 200 backstroke whilst Patrick Heeks won the 200 fly and a host of other medals. Christopher Vizard and Charlotte Downey medalled in a number of events.
Gregory Sadler has been selected to represent Team England in the Dance World Cup in Jersey with his ballet and modern solos.
Year 8 Girls District Netball Winners The girls competed against St Egwins, Bredon Hill A team, Bredon Hill B team, Pershore B team and The De Montfort school, winning all of their matches. Maeghan Brown was selected for the GB U16 Polocrosse Squad 2016
Sam Morgan (Worcester Athletics Club) picked up a silver medal in the Under 13 Boys Gloucester League Cross Country series at Warwick University.
Matthew Keyte selected for Welsh Exiles Rugby.
Sarah Papworth took part in the West Midlands Regional Vault championship in Stoke on Trent.
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Sports Highlights
Jessica competes at the Horse of the Year Show Jessica Thomas and her pony, Cregduff Don, have qualified to compete at the Horse of the Year show.
Maeghan Brown was selected through stiff competition, to play for Wales in the Pony Club Polocrosse Home Nations International, this then saw her being selected for the GB U16 Polocrosse Squad 2016.
Sophie Rushton qualified for Blue Chip Championships in April and British Eventing Jumping and Style Championships at three separate heights (1m, 110m and 115) in February.
Isabel Harmer qualified for the Winter Regional Dressage Championship.
Amy Weston won Gold and Silver at SLS Wales National Championships.
Amelia Thompson took part in the All England Dance finals which were held at the Hackney Empire Theatre in London. Not only did she win the gold medal in her age class for her Greek solo, but she also won the prestigious Ann Tyrer Award which is given to the most outstanding Greek solo, duet, trio or quartet danced at the finals.
James Rowberry, a member of Evesham Lifesaving Club, was awarded the Survive and Save Distinction award. The award is the highest achievable in lifesaving.
Over the past two years Charlie Cobain has seen his shooting improve vastly, since shooting with the Novice Schools Challenge. The Schools Challenge Tenth Anniversary Final was held at the Oxford Gun Company, where he was placed 20 out of 500 under 21’s in the UK. Charlie also represented Pershore High School in the Schools Challenge Clay Pigeon competition along with another 130 competitors aged 12-18 years. Charlie came first in his age group, scoring 48 out of 50 clays and won the title of highest scorer over all of the age groups.
Elise Blake took part in the Army Cadet National Cross Country Championship, on a tough challenging course at Warcop in Cumbria. Elise won Silver in the Junior Girls section and Bronze the previous year. Elise was representing the Midlands Junior Girls who won Gold for the second year running. PHS Sixth Form News
We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form and all the students that are part of it. Whilst we recognise their immense hard work and academic achievements. It is important to celebrate what being a sixth former is really about. Some of the highlights have included seeing Mr Corbett dressed up in a Sumo-suit and attempting to negotiate his way through the inflatable obstacle course designed to entertain and provide light relief after a busy term. Sam Godber also achieved kudos for taking down many a worthy opponent in the Sumo duel. This year also saw the annual ‘Teddy Bears’ picnic organised and hosted entirely by the Sixth Form students. Seeing our ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’ lads dressed up as Disney characters entertaining the local first schools will always leave us with fond memories and plenty of ammunition for the future. We took the brave decision to visit the German Christmas Market and we are pleased to report that all went well with the students managing to avoid ‘some’ of the temptations. These events are an important part of the two years, where all our students get an opportunity to be involved taking them and us out of our comfort zones. This ensures that they leave here as well rounded young people who are not only able to face life with the academic qualifications required, but also with a sense of humour because life can sometimes be tough! A true measure of young people is how they come together when there is an unexpected tragedy amongst their peers. Our Sixth Form demonstrated this when we lost Felix Alexander in April this year. The display of compassion shown by our students at the most difficult of times was truly a sight to behold and even though our hearts were filled with sadness, there has been a warmth in the kindness that they have shown each other. Felix was a talented, beautiful and kind young man and there is not a day that goes by when we don’t think about him. He will remain in our hearts and thoughts always.
Headteacher, Clive Corbett, is pictured with the new Head Boy and Girl at Pershore HighSchool for the next year. They are Craig Pritchard (17) and Rebecca Hodgkins (17).
Pershore Sixth Form students, Ella and Jake Spencer (17) have been received the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
Pershore Sixth Form students, Ruth Bennett and Max Nutbeem, recently entered photographs in the National School Photography Award 2016 within the post 16 category, ‘Self- Portrait’. Ruth’s entry entitled ‘Reflect’ and Max’s entry ‘Jump’, have both been shortlisted in the top 35.
Young Citizen of the Year Award - James Rowberry.
The Rotary Club of Pershore organised a Photography competition. The judges had 24 entries to consider this year. 1st Prize Abigail Jones 2nd Prize: Harry Bennett 3rd Prize: Jacob Spencer Highly Commended: Adam Palin and Madison Gainsford
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Visits and Events
On 21st September the Year 12 Applied Business students enjoyed a great visit to Worcester Bosch.
Year 13 Business Students on set with BBC Doctors Twelve Year 13 Applied Business students were lucky enough to visit the BBC Drama Village in Birmingham on Friday 25th Sept to interview one of the producers about their management style for their coursework.
Visit to the National Museum of Computing On Friday 18th March, the AS Computer Science class visited the National Museum of Computing for the day.
International Literacy Day took place on 8th September 2015 to mark the occasion. Some Year 9 students from Pershore High School were treated to a visit from Evesham author, Sue Johnson.
Remembrance Roll of Honour The Roll of Honour records the names of former pupils and staff who lost their lives during World War 2 and subsequent conflicts.
Students read and participated in a special service overseen by Rev Mark Jennings, at which the Town Mayor and Chair of Wychavon were also present, not to mention members of the RNLA and British Legion, friends and family members of the departed. PHS
In November students in Years 10 and 12 visited the University of Birmingham to take part in a Languages Masterclass.
In January, students Oliver Bradstock and Natalia Piechowiak, and MFL teacher Ruth Higgins travelled to Germany as part of the Erasmus+ project, IConnecT.
Year 8 students and guests from neighbouring schools were treated to a spooky presentation from award winning author, Jonathan Stroud, on 11th November.
On Friday 23rd October 30 Year 9 students travelled to Belgium for a 2 day visit to the battlefields of World War One. Pershore students proudly took part in the act of remembrance at the memorial with Eloise Seale and Kyle Bille reading the exhortation and Rosie Harper and Elizabeth Green laying a wreath on behalf of the Pershore British Legion.
A group of Year 9 girls attended the Worcester University Arena on a Computing trip. Some of the girls commented: “I found it interesting and educational“, and: “I had a great day and went home with information I didn’t know before!”
On 30th September, Craig Simpson chose Pershore High School as his latest destination for his Teenage Cancer Trust tour. All of Year 8 was called out to hear why he had written his WW2 action books and then Daniel, which is set in 1688. Many of students lined up to get a signed copy of Craig’s new novel, Daniel, and helped to raise £102 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
During February half term 49 staff and students visited Folgaria, Italy and enjoyed an outstanding week of skiing and snowboarding.
As well as everyone enjoying a fun filled week of snow bound activities there were many awards given out including ‘King/Queen of the slope’ and ‘Most improved skier’.
The Great AIC Bake Off!
Winners: Sam Wicks (‘Cheeseburger Cake’) and Joel Barlow (‘Pig Sty’) Highly Commended (taste): Connie Duffy (Lemon Cake) and Linda Hall (Chocolate Orange Cake) Highly Commended (presentation): Lucy Barker (Swiss Roll) and Willow Tinsdale (Millionaire Shortbread).
Jack Harley, Elise Blake, Kasey Coughlan, Lewis Vernon and Callum Strickland also made significant contributions to what might best be described as a carousel of confectionery.
Year 11 Progression Event On Friday 18th September, all Year 11 students had the chance to meet with representatives from the local colleges, training providers, our own Sixth Form and local universities to find out about the various courses and training. PHS
The school choir (staff and pupils) had a wonderful day in London on November 29th singing Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall.
Our Year 13 Psychology students recently had the opportunity to flex their neurons by quizzing some of the UK’s most intriguing minds. Some of the Midlands most formidable inhabitants travelled to Birmingham to participate in a conference held by previously convicted felons.
On Friday 13th November a group of Year 10 Triple Science girls attended Worcester University for a Science Ambassador’s Day.
Science and Engineering Challenges with QinetiQ Students took on challenges designed to inspire and excite them about science, technology, engineering and maths with technology firm QinetiQ. The event coincided with Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, involved five activities that tested the Year 9 students’ teamwork and gave them an insight into the skills required to become an engineer.
Pupils of all ages gathered to repeat last year’s popular session of making dog biscuits for their pets.
Year 10 GCSE Food Technology pupils made choux pastry which was then piped into eclairs or profiteroles and finished with cream and chocolate.
On 16th and 17th December Pershore High School held three Carol Services at Pershore Abbey, one for each half of the school community, and the third (on the evening of the 16th) for parents and friends of the school.
Year 9 Art Trip to Wolverhampton First KS3 Art Trip undertaken to view the Andy Warhol exhibition to aid student projects in lessons. PHS
On 3rd March 2016 the school production of Grease 2016 kicked off a three night, sell out run. The talent and enthusiasm of every single one of the 121 cast, band and crew was totally amazing. Eloise Preece, Year 11, as Sandy, and James Foster, Year 13, as Danny, led a truly phenomenal cast of Pink ladies and T-birds.
Led by English teacher, Nick Spice, a group of Year 8 students from Pershore High School participated in the BBC Schools Report challenge on Thursday 10th March.
Pershore High School Sixth Form students are pictured in an array of costumes, from Maid Marian and Katniss Everdeen to Harry Potter and Little Miss Sunshine, in celebration of World Book Day on Thursday 3rd March. PHS
Pershore/Bad Neustadt School Exchange 2016
Students and staff from Pershore and Bad Neustadt participated in the biennial exchange programme between the two schools.
th On 11 March Dr John Scholar from Reading University returned for the last time to Pershore High School to deliver his DNA Day to 25 our Year 13 Biologists. John has been visiting the school for the last 10 years.
Year 12 students excitedly visited New York. 46 students and 5 staff jetted off to the Big Apple in February for a 5 night stay.
Pershore High School’s Eco Group have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a pack of Space Station rockets seeds which have accompanied Tim Peake to the International Space Station. PHS
Charity News
Mark Creed, father of Ian, ran the Great North Run on 13th September in Newcastle, dressed as a Pepparami. The half-marathon was 13.1 miles. Mark ran the half marathon 13.1 miles, to raise money for Ambitious About Autism, a charity which supports children, young people and families who are coping with a diagnosis of Autism. Mark shared sponsor money with the charity and the Autism Base. Thank you to Mr Creed who has donated £500.00 to the Base.
Outgoing Youth Mayor, Rebecca Wallbank, presented a cheque for £257.70 to Katie West (fundraiser from Birmingham Children’s Hospital). This represents monies raised by the Pershore Town Youth Council.
Shazad Henning’s bicycle ride raised the sum of £215 for Children in Need.
A community Non-Uniform Day was centred around the London Marathon on 24th April 2016.
Ian Baldry, was presented with a cheque for £626.20 for Help for Heroes, raised through a non-uniform day and other activities at the school.
On Friday 4th December, Tobias Vallely (Year 11) and his tutor, Mr Knight, had their heads shaved in order to raise money and awareness of the work of two charities which are close to many of our hearts. Toby spoke to the whole school through assemblies to explain his very personal reasons for the head shave.
On 20th November, Headteacher, Clive Corbett, presented a cheque for £1,250 to the BBC Children In Need appeal.
Generous Pershore High School students have donated numerous items to the Pershore Food Bank. In February, students and staff at the school collected items of food for the Pershore Food Bank. This is an annual collection that has been a regular feature of the Pershore High School Charity calendar for several years. PHS
The Friends of Pershore High School It has been a fantastic year of fundraising and we are pleased to say we have donated £4,800 to the school to help and enhance the learning and life experiences of all the students at the school. We held a number of events including Welcome Chocolate bingo, Christmas Bingo, Auction of Promises and Quiz night, Easter bingo and 100+ club which helped raise funds and were enjoyed by all who attended. We are pleased to support the subject departments with monies raised from our events, in order to introduce and enhance the facilities in school, support the Accelerated Reading Scheme and give funding to the ePraise points scheme. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the businesses that have donated goods and services for the Auction. If you have any fantastic ideas or are able to support our events we would love to hear from you. Contact us by emailing [email protected] or you can follow us on Facebook.
The Staff and Governors of Pershore High School would like to thank the following for their generous support of the Presentation Evening:
Blue Mr & Mrs Williamson Carrick Travel Mr & Mrs Woodcock Commandery Coaches Oxford Educational Supplies Cox Cars Pershore Abbey Crowthers Chartered Accountants Pershore Inner Wheel Dunn's Butchers Pershore Produce ESA McIntosh Pershore Civic Society GEMAC Consultancy Pershore Rotary Club JSC Rotational Limited Schloetter & Company Limited KC Carpets & Blinds Schmersal UK Martin & Carr Veterinary Services Schooltogs MHF UK Limited Speedway Garage Midshire Communications Limited Thai Legend Mrs J Armstrong The Palfrey Family Mr H Badger The Royal British Legion Mr V Brennan Quality Solicitors Thomson & Bancks Mrs K Drinkwater Wychavon District Council Mr J Grantham Yamazaki Mazak U.K. Limited Mrs J Griffin Mrs J Higginbotham Mr & Mrs John Mrs E Palfrey and family Mr G Hartley-Bennett Mr T Pitt Mr T Richardson
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