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h k p 2 e y ST. AIDAN’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL

News Evita Review

Evita Review by Henry Hawkes 9Y On the evening of Tuesday 25th November, St Aidan’s was transported to another continent with the opening night of this year’s musical production, Evita. The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd To quote some of Tim Rice’s EVITA has just a small number of named Webber hit tells the story of Eva Peron, character parts and a large ensemble. The wife of former Argentinian leader, Juan lyrics above hardly does justice chorus excelled themselves in every scene Peron, and her journey from poverty to to the amazing event that was offering us heartbroken mourners, tango hall the world stage. From the start the dancers, aristocrats, soldiers, unionists at a rally EVITA. Over six stunning narrative is driven by the Latin- and many more roles. The lead roles were American sounds of tango and salsa, performances audiences were consistently excellent. Dougie Ives and Jeremy Davison shared the part of ‘Magaldi’ the tango which the musicians behind the stage captivated by the incredibly high singer bringing a delightfully macho approach clearly enjoyed to the full. standard of this year’s St Aidan’s with great top notes. Singing one of the classic Supported by a large and talented songs of the show were Faye Weerasinghe and cast, the story is told through the main show. With a combination Bekki Stevenson as the mistress. Both gave voices of Evita (Lydia Bradd), Che of terrific acting, high quality incredible heart and soul to the song ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ with the audience (Beau Hill-Smith) and Colonel Peron singing, fabulous music and sharing in their pain and loss. (Jacob Dudman). The polished performances and strong vocals utterly professional technical The principal characters added such depth to created a fantastic show and any one effects, it was hard to believe this their roles that they were totally convincing. Jacob Dudman as Peron demonstrated a gravitas way of them may go on to be professional was in fact a school production. beyond his years and an exquisite voice. Beau actors/singers. The theme of the Hill-Smith owned the stage as Che, strutting evening was started before the Directed by Mr MacCallum, the set was pared around completely confident of his character and back to basics with a striking balcony audience got to their seats as they delivering beautiful singing. Taking on the role of constructed out of scaffolding and scenes were greeted at the door by leather- Evita, Lydia Bradd was simply stunning. She has created for the audience through the use of coated, plain clothes police and a rare combination of gifted singing voice across images projected onto giant screens. EVITA is a uniformed guards. The superb ‘40s a very wide range, phenomenal dancing skills and very challenging show to carry off as it combines the ability to act and convey every aspect of Eva style costumes looked fabulous. incredibly hard music to play with a complex as she grows from a child to a powerful woman. Fund-raising was undertaken for the storyline. This production coped effortlessly with Teenage Cancer Trust, in memory of The dancing was vibrant and exciting combining these demands as the musicians played to such Evita who died of bowel cancer. Apart a high standard that it sometimes felt as if a Latin rhythms and colourful interpretation. Huge backing track had been used whilst the actors’ thanks to Ms Miller for her choreography. Mrs from the incredible actors and clear interpretations of their roles led the audience Collett was Musical Director leading the cast ensemble it was obvious that huge through the plot to its dramatic finale. through the complex singing parts. With further amounts of effort came from the help from Ms Strickland as producer and Mr Ives backstage crew and the technical For the first time in a St Aidan’s production, the as Front of House, it really was a team effort. band were placed in a conventional orchestra pit production teams who made the whole behind the stage. Mr Pallant, Band Director, led Well done to everyone involved. St Aidan’s could performance possible. them with panache whilst Mr Tom Pallant, Music not have asked for a bigger, bolder or more An inspiration to all of us younger successful show. Linking the show to fundraising Technician, ensured that the sound mix was spot students who harbour acting on. Thanks must also go to Year 12 student, Ed for the Teenage Cancer Trust was inspired and so Taylor for the stunning lighting used to highlight far over £2500 has been raised. Look out for the ambitions! the storyline. auditions to next year’s show in the New Year!

2 way Event Year 9 Children Recreate the 1914 Christmas Truce Nearly 100 years after the 1914 Christmas Truce, over 200 Year 9 pupils recreated the moment when soldiers in the trenches met in No Man's Land to exchange presents and play a friendly game of football. "The Christmas truce was a moment of peace, a light in the darkness of war," said History teacher Mr Beer. "In my opinion it was the most significant event of the war. It showed that even in the horror of war, men can overcome differences." Wearing either the khaki and green colours of British forces or the grey of the Germans, Year 9 pupils lined up on opposite sides of the football pitch, before the re-enactment began with children on the German side of the pitch singing Silent Night in German, with those on the British side responding. Rob Horbury then became the first soldier from the German lines to walk into No Man’s Land. Sam Balgue, also with his hands raised, then broke through the barriers on the British side to meet Rob with a handshake. The rest of the Year did the same, exchanging gifts they had bought or made. After impromptu games of football, with coats used for goal posts, just as they were in 1914, pupils and those who watched the re-enactment gathered round a Christmas tree, brought out from Reception. Jack Wilkinson, Anna Beever, Daniel Jackson and Olivia Toy gave brief readings. The ceremony was concluded with The Last Post, a period of silence then Reveille. "It was a moving, poignant re-enactment,” said Mr Pocock who helped organise the event. “The Year 9s deserve great credit for the way they entered into the spirit of the occasion. They gave up their lunch hour and observed the silence immaculately.”

3 ST. AIDAN’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL

News St Aidan’s students shine at Shakespeare Festival

During October and November schools across the UK have been taking part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival and last Saturday St Aidan’s provided the closing performance for the festival in Leeds. Each school taking part gets to perform an abridged version of one of Shakespeare’s plays and St Aidan’s performed Twelfth Night. This is the tale of separated twins and mistaken identity is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies and was brought to life beautifully by the St Aidan’s cast. The Festival Director, Chris Grace said, “as always a brilliantly professional performance from every single member of the St Aidan’s cast. It is the attention to the detail and the truly ensemble approach that brings the story to life. Every performer had a reason to be there and knew their character, no matter how large or small the part they played.” The students were from Year 10 and above and Director Fran Bray said; “The Festival is a wonderful chance for young people to work with professional actors and perform on a professional stage. They have worked hard and tonight was very special for all of them. They truly deserve the applause and plaudits they received.” Setting the story in the 1950’s gave the perfect context for the dilemmas faced by Viola in a male-led society, and also provided a great excuse to Chris Grace added, “St Aidan’s has a strong pedigree, with past include some belting rock and roll tracks as background music. The performances on the West End and in Downing Street. I always look forward costumes were vibrant and lively, and the sight of Malvolio in his gartered to a St Aidan’s production, and this year was a delight. They epitomise yellow stockings will live on for a long time to come. everything that is special about the Shakespeare Schools Festival.”

Sixth Former Careers Corner Opportunities after 6th Form We have been delighted to welcome in Visits Morocco employers to talk to students about employment opportunities after 6th Form Year 12 student, Richard Williams, took a once-in-a-lifetime which are proving to be a viable and exciting opportunity to go with Central Yorkshire Scouts to Morocco last alternative to university. Representatives from summer. Over a period of three weeks they climbed the highest KMPG, Ernst & Young, and Unilever have peak in North Africa – Jbel Toubkal; mixed and put in the been in touch about vacancies. Last week, concrete foundations for a primary school and trekked into the Alastair and Georgina – both trainees from Western Sahara, followed by a visit to the souks of the vibrant Nestlé, York came into talk about their Fast Track Programme, where they and cultural city of Marrakech. receive comprehensive training in all areas of business, a competitive salary and the opportunity to study for a degree so avoiding university fees. Richard took part in various fund raising activities including running a Valentine’s Day Cake stall in school. An amazing trip with a great support team. Work Experience Year 11 students will have the opportunity to do work experience between 22nd June and 17th July. This will provide them with the opportunity to experience the world of work and find out more about career opportunities. Students are in the process of securing placements and any parents who may be in the position to offer a placement to one of our students are kindly asked to contact Sally Richmond, Work Experience Coordinator on 01423 818534 Calling all Alumni We are in the process of setting up an Alumni network through which former St Aidan's students can remain in contact with the school and keep in touch with present students and staff of the Associated Sixth Form. St. Aidan’s would love to hear about your experiences after leaving school and if you would like to keep in touch, please send your details to: [email protected]

4 way Event GSCE Presentation Evening On Wednesday 8th October 180 students and Geography Ella Richardson German Josephine Hickson 350 parents gathered in Constance Green Hall to Health and Social Care Sophie Finnegan celebrate last year’s Year 11’s hard work and History Ethan Kennell amazing GCSE results. A prayer was read by ICT Luke Cann Head Girl Clarrie Pettit, and ex-student and Capital Mathematics Joseph Holey Drive Time DJ Pete Allison presented the Media Studies Alice Pennock The Dennis Richards Award For certificates and prizes. Parents were then The Outstanding Double Linguist Amy Johnson entertained by Sixth Formers Rosie Sharp, Tom Music Tom Knowles Knowles and Calum Claughton. Physical Education - Boy Robert Tinker Physical Education - Girl Alice Quinn The Reg Dickens Award for Overall Achievement in Sport - Boy Will McClune The Reg Dickens Award for Overall Achievement in Sport - Girl Anna Wicks Physics Oliver Powis Pre-Vocational Course Tom Mudd Product Design Daniel Hawkins Religious Studies Aimee Drinkwater Science Megan Jones-Gerrard Spanish Sophie King Textiles Technology Ellie-Jay Pedley The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Overall Academic Achievement Rowan Ferguson The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Overall Academic Achievement Charlotte Van Zelst The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Additional Science Matthew Sutton Overall Academic Achievement James Permain Art Sophie Matthews The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Biology Edward Taylor Overall Academic Achievement George Hunt Business Studies Ian Hancock The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Dance Rachel Green Overall Academic Achievement Alexander Howell The Jean Critchlow Award for Chemistry Rachael Ellis The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Overall Academic Achievement Nathan Parker Drama Rosie Sharp The Sybil Mansell Award for Outstanding Engineering Liam O’Connor Overall Academic Achievement Timothy Everingham English Esme Sanders The Dennis Richards’ Award for Dual Linguist Amy Johnson Food Technology Frances Houseman The Jean Walker Award for Contribution French Hope Kinsley To School Life Sophia Bonini

5 ST. AIDAN’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Eco Committee News onth gy M bly notices Ener ool. Assem th" in sch d asked ergy Mon display an er was "En "Energy" g Novemb staff to an ms. Savin ents and cupied roo ferred stud ts in unoc an re itch off ligh ns which c yone to sw on emissio ever duce carb elps to re arming. energy h f Global W e effects o increase th ility Projects ainab lower Sust ojects in the e exciting pr ve been som own below. There ha which are sh erm, two of school this t

Year 9 Art Homework Year sustainability, 9 Art: " rough with the idea of Upcycled S Following th ce some culptures cled materials to produ This p " students used recy o hotograph sh matic world figures, tw p ows an excit ning portraits of charis ackaging to c ing use of "th stun reate these in row away" e shown here. gave stude novative scu of which ar nts a chance lptures. The p nd Nelson carefu to realise ho roject nged from the Queen a l use our eart w important The portraits ra e. h's resources it is to make use and Marilyn Monro . Mandela to Mickey Mo

Library Corner

Congratulations to Jack Bassham 7C, Evie Davis 7S, Oliver Peeters 7S, Maddy Boocock 8C and Maddy Colbourn 8C who took part in the Yorkshire contest of the International Kids' Lit Quiz, held at King James's School in Knaresborough in November. We came an impressive 3rd place out of 25 local schools. The Kids' Lit Quiz is an annual literature quiz for students aged 10 - 13 years. Quizzes are held in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, China, the USA, Singapore and Hong Kong. The winning team from each heat competes in a national final. National champions then compete in the world final. The quiz was founded by New Zealand quizmaster Wayne Mills, who reads enough books to write several thousands of questions each year. He has never asked the same question twice. Questions ranged from “who is the Caped Crusader?” to “What is the best-selling book of all time?” It was an exciting, sometimes nerve wracking competition but our team were not daunted and proved worthy prizewinners.

6 Lantern of Life way For the second year running our girls’ choir and brass band were News honoured to be invited to provide the music for the Yorkshire Cancer Care Lantern of Life event organised by former student Andy Pierce. The event drew large Christmas crowds in the atmospheric lantern lit setting of the Valley Card Design Gardens bandstand. A fitting beginning Christmas came early for Year 8 pupils to the Christmas season. this term when they were asked to design a festive greetings card for the school. Pupils were introduced to artists, designers and a range of techniques that could inspire them Senior Team Maths Challenge during their art lessons and completed the challenge as an Eight students from year 12 and 13 took part in the team challenge on extended homework task. Art the 11th November. They were split into 2 teams of 4 and had to tackle department staff were delighted challenging algebraic or geometric problems across three rounds. They with the high standard of the entries. showed great team spirit but were also capable of working on their own Congratulations to Maisie Hallam and Alexander Hamshaw when needed. Our teams were up against 18 other schools and so whose striking designs were selected as the joint winners and combined should be congratulated on reaching 4th and 13th positions. into one stunning card.

The students were: Front row: Ben Rowe, Alistair Wallace, Joe Holey, Ben Wharton Mael Matthews, Head of Art, commented, “Maisie was very creative in her Back row: Blessed Mahavo, Lorayne Hernandez, Andre Macapagal, Rhiannon Lyon use of media and included a cheerful robin, whilst Alexander’s representation of the cross added a strong link to the school. Hopefully this is the first step in a budding design career for both talented pupils!” The Art department also selected a number of pupils to be highly commended. Congratulations to Gabi Hanslow, Rose Brewster, Sarah Lofthouse, Freya Doherty, Emily Conn, Megan Willson, Hope Howell, Olivia Feather-Moore, Abigail Waud, Rachel Roberts, Holly Broadbent, Lizzie Down, Safia Panesar, Matthew Crane, Oliver Allen, Oli Anslow, Dorcas Ojikov, Teresa Smith, Maddy Colbourn, Rosie Sharpley, Pames Parascandolo, Abbie Holland Morton, Sophie Priestly, Elysia Scholes, Jessica Barker, Izzy Lepine and Grace Hart. Look out for the winning cards and highly commended designs which are on display in the school reception and the TV screen throughout December.

UKMT Senior Maths Challenge

We are delighted that over 70% of our Year 12 and 13 entrants in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge this year have achieved a certificate, compared with 60% nationally. There were 8 Gold certificates, 22 Silver and 23 Bronze. Of the Gold certificate winners, Harrison Grange came in the top 1000 students in the country and therefore qualified for the British Mathematical Olympiad – a 3.5 hour maths challenge! And Nathan Clarkson, Tom Stevenson, Alastair Hancock and Ben Wharton were among a further 2000 students in the country who were selected to enter the Senior Kangaroo, a 1 hour international maths challenge. Pictured above, from left: 2014 competitors in the Senior Kangaroo (Ben Wharton, Congratulations to all. Nathan Clarkson, Tom Stevenson) and British Olympiad (Harrison Grange, Ben Rowe)

Tree Planting on the Stray

In remembrance of those that lost their lives in the Great War, Harrogate Rotary club invited local schools in Harrogate to plant a tree on the Stray at Christ Church. Each school was asked to select their own regiment to remember. On Tuesday 2nd December, four students from St. Aidan's planted a lime tree to commemorate the school chosen regiment - the Yorkshire and Lancashire's using the Rotary 'ceremonial silver spade' in the presence of the Mayoress of Harrogate. The students in year 9 were: Tara Hayes 9Y, Matthew Clarke 9S, Pippa Tinsley 9S, Samuel Battle 9S and each school received a signed Rotary Certificate showing the location of their tree and their chosen Regiment. The record of the planting will be put in the Pump Room Museum and in the Book of Remembrance Book 3.

7 ST. AIDAN’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL ST. AIDAN’S MuCsHUiRcCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL

“Something magical happens when a witty wordsmith collaborates with a skilful composer”. o stated St Aidan’s Church of England High School’s Director of Music, Mark Pallant, in his introduction to a spectacular and well-attended concert at St Peter’s Church, Harrogate, on Wednesday 22nd October. The concert began, as befitted the Yorkshire theme of the first half, with massed choir and brass in a rendition of “On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘At”! The main offering of the evening was the YSorkshire Premiere performance of a new piece by poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan and acclaimed composer Dr Philip Wilby, both proud Yorkshiremen. Its first performance had been in July in Leicester Cathedral, which will be the monarch’s final resting place in the Spring of 2015. The piece, called “The Shoemaker and the King” dealt with the well reported and very topical discovery of the bones of King Richard III in a Leicester car park. Much rehearsal had gone into the performance over the eight weeks since the beginning of the school year, and St Aidan’s was delighted to welcome Ian McMillan himself as narrator, with Dr Wilby on the magnificent St Peter’s organ.

The story was told in convincing fashion by all performers, highlights including the ‘blues’-influenced "Shoemaker’s Song", a tricky item, sung characterfully by Andrew Mellor, a Year 13 music student at the school, the delightful songs for younger voices, and the vocal trio made up of three of the St Aidan’s music staff, Jo Leonard, Vicki Elliott and Louisa Collett. Over 150 singers, made up of the school’s Junior Choir, Girls Choir, This ambitious, varied and rhythmically complex work was negotiated Chamber Choir and Community Chorus, the latter comprising with great flair by the large and enthusiastic choir, spiritedly parents and staff, joined forces with a skilled student conducted by Mark Pallant, the final paean of praise and repeated instrumental ensemble to deliver music at turns moving, ‘Amens’ piling up with great vitality and splendour. Special heartening, thrilling, and even terrifying in “The mention must be made of the magnificent St Aidan’s brass and Shoemaker’s Bad Dream”! percussion players who created awe-inspiring effects in music which many professional instrumentalists would find daunting. After the interval, the audience was royally Proceeds from the concert were in aid of the excellent work entertained by Ian McMillan in fine stand-up form done by St Peter’s Breakfast Club and St George’s Crypt, as he freely riffed on the vagaries of the English Leeds. language as it is spoken in his home town of Barnsley. It was then the turn of St Aidan’s Symphony Orchestra to perform to its usual excellent standard, under the direction of Mrs Jo Leonard, in Morricone’s film music "Gabriel’s Oboe", Rimsky Korsakov’s “Dance of the Tumblers” and, between these pieces, a wonderful, limpid performance of the slow movement from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, beautifully interpreted by Andrew Mellor. The concert was brought to an inspiring and dazzling conclusion by the St Aidan’s Community Chorus’ performance of John Rutter’s “Gloria”.

8 way W e exCtendh tor aill smem tmberas osf t heS Set Aridvan a very warm in i'sc Ceomsm unity vitation to our Chris We wo tmas services. uld be delighted if y ou could join us as w celebrate this joyous e Christmas season. St Aida n's Carol Service at C hrist Church on the December at 19:30. Stray - Thursday 18t The traditional servi h Noticeboard parish ce of lessons a church brings togeth nd carols in our own er staff, governors, p provided by four of arents and students, our school choirs and with music a brass ensemble. A Year 7 Chr ll are welcome. istingle Service in Co Christingle at 13 nstance Green Hall :30. Year 7 rounds - Friday 19th Decem off the term and cele ber Light into the wor brates the coming o Our annual Christingle Service for Year 7 will begin at 1.15 ld in this ever-popul f Christ the drama. Ou ar event, featuring m pm on Friday 19th December. Parents of Year 7 students r guest speaker this usic, dance and mem year is Rev Joanna are very welcome to attend; following the service students ber at St Aidan's a Seabourne, former nd now Associate V staff Leeds. Parents o icar at St George's will be free to start their Christmas holiday. f Year 7 students ar Church, e very welcome to jo The May in us. or of Harrogate's Ca Ch rol Concert in the Ro ristmas Eve at 18:00 yal Hall, Harrogate - . Come and join the Friday annual event, wit townsfolk of Harrog End of Term h music provided by ate at this Chamber St Aidan's Sympho Choir. The event is nic Wind Band and School will finish at 2.30 pm for all years on Friday 19th at open to the public a the Box Office at the nd free tickets are a Harrogate Theatre. vailable December. Dedicated school buses will come early but 19 Advance notice: C service buses will run as normal. andlemas Service in 2nd February Constance Green H at 19:30. The offici all - Monday We welcome all years back to school on Tuesday 6th January. by a s al end of Christmas ervice including a ca is traditionally marke ndlelit procession. W d service by local prim e will be joined for ary schools, as wel this Chamber Ch l as St Aidan's Junio oir. All are welcome r Choir and to this atmospheric Walking home/bikes and special service. Now that the nights are beginning to get dark please ensure that your child follows common sense personal safety guidelines travelling to and from school i.e. always Jazz Evening travel with another student and stick to well-lit paths. Ensure that children cycling to school wear appropriate fluorescent safety clothing The Music department would like to invite you to an Evening of Jazz and that bicycles are fitted with working lights. featuring St Aidan’s Swing Band and St Aidan’s Jazz Ensemble. SAJE is a flourishing junior ensemble now in its seventh year, directed by 6th Form students of the Swing Band. The evening promises to be an enjoyable and exciting mixture of standard jazz classics and up beat grooves. This year Christmas Lunch we will also be featuring our talented Year 12 student jazz ensemble, Brace Christmas lunch will be served in the Sixth Form Café and Yourselves as well as a guest appearance from Aidance, performing along Year 7 Dining Room on Tuesday 16th December and in the with the Swing Band. Main Restaurant on Wednesday 17th December and The concert starts at 7.30pm on Thursday Year 11 on Thursday 18th December. 5th February 2015 in Constance Green Hall and is a less formal concert with seating around tables. With this in mind we would In Care, Adopted from Care, like to suggest that you bring your own food Children of Service Personnel and soft drinks and enjoy a great evening of jazz music. (past and present) Tickets are priced at £6 for adults and £3 Children in the above categories attract extra funding to support their for concessions and are available from learning. We know most of the children concerned, however if you have Reception in the New Year. We look forward to seeing you all there! not informed us that these circumstances apply to your child, or you are not sure that we are aware, please contact Mrs Rose or Mrs Wilton in the main office. All enquiries will be dealt with confidentially.

Andrew Mellor eSafety Year 13 Music student, and virtuoso We have recently been discussing the use of smart phones clarinettist, Andrew Mellor has been successful in assemblies and form time making use of the resource in gaining a much-coveted place in the on the CEOP website thinkuknow.com . Parents are National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. encouraged to monitor their child’s use of the phone and to discuss Andrew joins the renowned orchestra after with them the importance of using the phone safely. Apps such as Christmas, when, among other works, the Snapchat, Instagram and Tinder are being used by younger and orchestra will be playing Elgar's 1st Symphony younger pupils and not always in the ways where they are taking full at Leeds Town Hall, a piece which Andrew is regard to their reputation or privacy. We would encourage parents to studying as part of his A-level Music course. have a look at the website and engage in dialogue with their children 2015 will then see Andrew playing with the over these issues. orchestra on a number of occasions, including There will be a parent’s information evening on eSafety in the Spring an appearance at the BBC Proms. Term. Andrew is also a member of the St Aidan's Chamber Choir and appeared as a solo singer in Philip Wilby's new piece "The Shoemaker and the King", performed by St Aidan's Community Chorus in October. In the same New website up and running! concert Andrew performed the beautiful slow movement of Mozart's Check out our new improved website launched this Clarinet Concerto with the St Aidan's Symphony Orchestra. It is Andrew's December and constantly updated with the latest school ambition to study at a music conservatoire next year and then to pursue a news and information. career as a professional musician.

9 News

Friday 14th November: Non-Uniform Day for Ataxia UK Year 7 Writing Day with Peter HAK ATTACK! Sansom Heroic Acts of Kindness Day In October, twenty Year 7's went with the scriptwriter and poet Peter Sansom to York for a The theme of the day (and, indeed, the whole were invited to carry out Heroic Acts of Kindness writing day. The pupils wrote on the train as well week) was HAK ATTACK! - a twist on the popular Random Acts of as at all the locations visited: the Castle Museum, Kindness idea - one for each heart. Some of the the Minster and a sweet shop in the Shambles. Then images of the Tower of London Poppy children wrote what they did on the petal. Field came to mind... Peter will be back later in the year to follow up Once the flowers were finished they were pinned the work and help make an anthology. The Art Department had taken up the up on the display board in the Entrance Hall. challenge and were the creative geniuses behind HAK ATTACK. Form Room Flyers and Assemblies during the week suggested Heroic Acts of Kindness, Children were given a red sheet of A4 paper, focussing on the beneficiaries: parents, upon which there was a template of hearts, siblings, friends, peers, school staff and the arranged in the shape of petals of a flower. wider world. Each sheet had about six petals/hearts. Pupils

Year 8 Writing Day at Harewood House On a wet October day, a sunny group of Year 8’s visited Harewood House to enjoy a day of creative writing. The group had a tour of the house and explored the servants’ quarters where they dressed as Victorian servants. In the afternoon, a tour of the bird park produced some fine work. The radio script writer Pete Sansom was the professional tutor. He praised the group for their creativity and focus. A hot chocolate and a run across the adventure playground in the rain concluded a successful day. Vive la Difference! This year’s event was a little different from what we usually do for needy children at this time of year, but it did reinforce the message that charity isn’t just about giving money, it’s about doing good too. In terms of money raised, Ataxia UK will benefitted by £2,276.66. The Sixth Form raised a further £2,252.07 from Children In Need. In terms of HAKs, here are some of the good deeds done:

Gave someone my umbrella when it was raining Took my dog for a walk every day Helped my sister with her homework Helped my sister with her reading Helped my mum make the tea Shared my pencils with someone Opened doors for people Lent someone some PE kit Helped someone with a broken arm in Food Tech Smiled at someone who looked sad Helped in a club Gave someone my seat on the bus Set out the tables this morning Ate all my greens at dinner time Made tea Carried someone’s folder Brought 50p extra Carried someone’s bag home for them Said something nice to someone Helped a teacher carry a box Laid the table for tea at home Baked muffins for my family Gave £20 to a charity

10 way News

St Aidan’s Church of England Year 7 Public Sports Awards Evening 2014 Speaking What a treat to be a part of such a fantastic uplifting event celebrating countless sporting successes for the school and PE Department last year. We had a great turn out with many students and their supportive parents coming along to collect awards and look back at a very successful year.

All the students who were presented with awards thoroughly deserved them and it was fantastic to see so many collect them in person. There were team and individual awards, and also a large number of students collecting awards for representing their area, county and region. The Guest speaker was Mike Bushell the BBC Sports Presenter for BBC Breakfast who spoke strongly about how he feels there is a ‘sport for all, and no one should feel they can't do it’. He was really impressed by the sheer numbers of children at the school On Wednesday 3rd December we held the annual Year 7 participating in different sports in and outside of the Public Speaking Competition in Constance Green Hall. We school. had lots of students audition this year and the standard was One of the highlights of the evening was the very high! Thirteen finalists went through to speak on the day recognition of several students for their success and and they were all very impressive. They spoke on a range of contribution. Annie Cardwell and Luke Daynes From subjects from 'Glossophobia' to 'Trad-Dad' to 'Chewing Gum' Year 7, Hannah Kalaria and Joe Cawcutt from Year and we were thoroughly entertained. A group of musicians 8, and Dan Dekanski, Adam Atkinson, Jack Kennell, from Year 7 also performed in the interlude and were equally Ralph Hillhouse and Lydia Morgan from Year 9 impressive. where given awards for their significant contribution to the PE department over the Our guest judges, Judy Methven and Verity Kirk announced past year. the overall winner as Emily Belcher 7Y for her speech on 'Corn Simba Madimutsa, Olivia Holmes and Elspeth Jackson also received special Syrup' and in joint 2nd place were Oscar Gray 7G and Joe awards for their improvement in PE and sport over the last three years. Bryant 7Y. Well done! Seven students will go forward to speak at the Harrogate Festival in March: Emily Belcher, Oscar Gray, Finally a special award was given to George Mills for his outstanding achievement in Joe Bryant, Charis Court-Johnston, Fraser Milne, Thomas Sport, applauding his huge success in sport, especially athletics, where he came Lovell and Tom Wilkinson. Well done to all our finalists for a 2nd in the county when representing the North of England in the 800m at the UK brilliant effort! School Games Championships.

Medical Needs Medication Emergency salbutamol We are currently in the process of updating If your child requires medication whilst at school inhalers in schools records of pupils with long-term and complex – either to self-administer or for school to medical conditions that may require on-going administer, these forms are available on the The Government has issued new guidance on support, medicines or care whilst at school to school website. the use of emergency salbutamol inhalers in help them manage their condition and keep schools – a copy is on the website. The • Medicines should only be administered at them well. St Aidan’s policy on Medical emergency salbutamol inhaler should only school when it would be detrimental to a Conditions is on the schools website. be used by children, for whom written child’s health or school attendance not to parental consent for use of the emergency • For pupils with moderate to severe asthma or do so. inhaler has been given, who have either been moderate allergic reactions parents should • Where clinically possible, medicines should diagnosed with asthma and prescribed an download the appropriate care plan from the be prescribed in dose frequencies which inhaler, or who have been prescribed an school website and send the completed copy enable them to be taken outside school inhaler as reliever medication. into school for attention of the nurse. hours. Students with severe allergic reactions should • The consent form can be found on the already have an up-to-date care plan in place. • School can only accept prescribed school’s website. Please sign and return to the medicines that are in-date, labelled, provided nurse, Mrs Powell in the medical room. • For other long term or complex medical in the original container as dispensed by a conditions please contact the nurse if you All documents relating to Medical Needs and pharmacist and include instructions for feel an Individual Healthcare Plan would be Medications are found on St Aidan’s administration, dosage and storage. appropriate and the nurse has not yet been website, under Our School, Useful in contact with you this academic year. A • Schools are now able to hold asthma Information. copy of a blank Individual Health Care Plan inhalers for emergency use with parental and care plans for specific medical written consent. conditions are also on the school website.

11 way Sport

Year 8 Girls’ Hockey Harrogate and Craven Championships Italian Football Coaching St Aidan’s A 4 – 2 Ripon Grammar School A We sent teams in all age groups to the Six Year 8 pupils were very fortunate to receive St Aidan’s B 0 – 0 Ripon Grammar School B championships at King James’ school to race football coaching from Valencia coaches last against the other 10 schools in the district, with month. There were four Valencia CF Academy St Aidan’s A 0 – 2 King James A quite a few runners competing for the first time this coaches who delivered a fantastic programme St Aidan’s B 3 – 0 King James B year. The following 27 runners qualified for the throughout an exciting day. Manel Ruz, a product St Aidans 4 – 3 Boroughbridge district team for January:– of the Valencia CF youth team and played 3 first Louisa Welton, Keira Smallwood, Sophia Bottomley, team games under Rafa Benitez, was one of the St Aidan’s A 2 – 4 Harrogate Grammar A Louisa Earl, Joe Bryant, George Kennedy, Hector coaches attending. Manel also played 13 times for St Aidan’s B 8 – 0 Harrogate Grammar B Glover, Noah Melling, Freddie Moore, Saskia Spain Under 17’s as well as a few La Liga clubs in Pupils who have played in the squads: Bottomley, Helena Broadley, Emily Conn, Will Gilroy, his professional career. Sophie Chumas, Megan Beecroft, Rachel Cohen, The boys enjoyed a session planned by the GK's - Maddie Boocock , Izzy Lepine, Fran Scott, George Mills, Tom Culver-Dodds, James Whiteley, Annie Cardwell coaches in the morning followed by a tournament Matty Martin, Kate Laughey, Jodie M-Hunter, Lauren in the afternoon. What a great experience!!! Outfield players: Charlotte Wild, Sophia Brazier, Woodhall, Charlotte van Zelst, Edward Beecher, Lara Sugden, Georgia Skitt, Annie Cardwell, Iona Alistiar Wallace and Nathan Parker. White (Captain), Amy Brennan, Emily Conn, Alice 1st places - George Mills, Charlotte van Zelst, Year Baker, Rachel Roberts(Captain), Emer Hennessy 10/11 boys, Year 10/11 girls, Year 12/13 girls (Captain), Ellie Gartside, Scarlett Burnett, Roma 2nd places - Megan Beecroft, Ed Beecher, Lauren Battersby, Anna Whiteley, Beth Thompson Woodhall, Year 7 girls, Year 8 girls, Year 9 girls, Well done everyone! Keep working hard. Year 7 boys 3rd place - Sophie Chumas

Year 8 Boys’ Hockey Cross Country News The boys’ squad had a friendly fixture against NE England Regional Final ESAA Cup Boroughbridge High School. They came up against some unexpectedly strong opposition . They were 3 teams travelled to Middlesbrough for the regional final in early November, having qualified for the down 2 - 0 in the first half but managed to pull back Basketball with 2 goals scored by Luke Daynes and Elliot event from the North Yorkshire round. The hilly course proved a tough test for all of the teams Shard. St Aidan's Spartans Under 14's National League competing but the 3 St Aidan’s teams all ran very Basketball Team Results Despite great efforts to hold on to the draw, well. The Year 7 and 8 girls’ team finished 5th of the Boroughbridge managed to score 2 more goals 12 teams, only a few points away from qualification 1st November leaving St Aidan's defeated 2 - 4. for the national final, with Freddie Moore and Emily Sheffield Junior Saints 105 - 40 Spartans Conn leading the team home. The Year 7 and 8 Squad: Ben Jacklyn (GK), Joe Baines (Captain), Most Valuable Player (MVP) - Will Gilroy boys’ team went one better, just outside the Elliot Shard, Tom Humphry, Luke Daynes, James qualification places and with Jack Briggs, George 15th November Littlejohn, Louis Woollven and Teilo Kelly. Kennedy and Joe Bryant the first of our runners to Killamarsh Arrows 65 - 56 Spartans The boys are in training for an important finish, all Year 7 athletes. The Year 9 and 10 girls MVP - Jack Bowden tournament on 22nd January when they will be qualified for the national final, finishing 3rd overall 29th November playing in the North Yorkshire round, 7-a-side Mini with Anna Beever 5th, Saskia Bottomley 10th and York Eagles 45 - 50 Spartans Hockey where they will be up against strong Helena Broadley 15th. A fantastic achievement MVP - Barnaby Holmes opposition from the private sector. from these girls and the sixth school team to get this far in six years. 30th November Leeds Force I 63 - 66 Spartans National Finals ESAA Cup, Cornwall Diving Success MVP - Will Gilroy Spartans Squad: On a road trip of epic proportions the Year 9/10 Year 9: Sam Balgue, Nye Bishop, Jack Bowden, girls’ team raced in Newquay under warm sunshine Oscar Dilley, Ben Fell, Adam George, Will Gilroy, against the very best school teams in the country. Cameron Hardy, Barnaby Holmes, Robert Horbury, All 6 girls ran hard and finished exhausted in a very James Knight, Conal Murphy, Edward Ostler, Ben fast-paced race with all them competing at this Picton, Lawrence Richmond, Finn Thompson, level for the first time. Five of the team are eligible to James Whiting, Oscar Wilson. compete again next year, hopefully boosted by additions from the current Year 8. The 6 team Year 8: Teilo Kelly members were a credit to the school. Squad:- Anna Beever, Saskia Bottomley, Helena Broadley, Rachel Cohen, Mya Mills & Ellie Paddison Congratulations to the following students who represented Harrogate District Diving Club in the Irish Open National Diving Championships in Dublin. Nathan Pickard – 1st in the under 18 1m and 3m boards, 1st in the 3m synchro open event. Douglas Spalding – Success in the 1 and 3 metre boards. 1st in 3 metre synchro open event. Lara Bradley – Success in the 1 and 3 metre boards, 5 metre platform and girls’ synchro event. Isabella Bonson – Success in the 1 and 3 metre boards and 5 metre platform.

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