Engineering Non Sibi Sed Aliis ‘Aiming‘Aiming atat Excellence’Excellence’

ISSUE 10 // SEP 2010

THE ENGINEERING NEWSLETTER FOR BALSHAW’S C.E. HIGH SCHOOL CONTENTS 2 Heart Defibrillator; E Safety elcome to the 10th edition of Transform. This 3 Visiting the Eiffel Tower; John Parry-Thomas Wdefinitely calls for a celebration. Every issue gets 4  Spelling Bee; World Book Day; Spring Fair better and better and when I look back at the first blue 5 Rest in Peace edition of April 2006 we have come such a long way, as a 6 Frances Renwick Remembers school with increased results, better facilities and a more 7 Lorraine10 Norris 8 Legoland; Make Your Mark; Paralympic World Cup cohesive approach to education. 9 Stephen Mort’s London Marathon Our 10th edition has contributions from all departments 10 GCSE Revision Podcast Day; Balshaw’s Linguists and also has a second look at the magic of the Eiffel Tower 11 NUCLEUS – Balshaw’s Science News as seen through the eyes of Year 11 by night. We continue 13 School In Uganda; Balshaw Earns Top Accolade to welcome articles and letters from students past and 14 ABC Of School; Gone Trucking 15 Philip Jones; A Real World Project present, parents and staff. 16 Aurora Borealis; English Youth Ballet Our continued links with our major sponsors Runshaw, 17 A letter to Mum; Mother’s day gifts in full production St Andrews, Helmrigg, Progress Housing, Dr Oetker get 18 History department; Fairtrade Eco day at Balshaws ever stronger. 19 Paul Warren; A Royal Marine’s prayer By working together, with God’s help we look forward 20 Countdown Appearance!; Shine 2010 to the next 10 editions. I hope that you enjoy reading 21 Model pupils this one 22 Christopher Luschin; Sample days; Awards 23 Film my school competiton; Transition event Yours sincerely 24 Miss O’Brien’s visit to China J M Venn Headteacher HEART DEFIBRILLATOR VISITING THE EIFFEL TOWER AN AED During cardiac arrest, your brain and other vital organs IN OUR FIRST EVER ISSUE OF TRANSFORM are lit for 5 minutes at the beginning (AUTOMATED quickly become starved of blood and the life-sustaining oxygen IN APRIL 2006 THERE WAS AN ARTICLE ON of each hour from nightfall to 1 EXTERNAL and nutrients it carries. You could die within a few minutes, THE YEAR 8 TRIP TO FRANCE VISITING THE o’clock in the morning. It is painted DEFIBRILLATOR) or if you survive, you may sustain permanent damage to your Eiffel Tower. This is also visited each year by Year 11 on their every 7 years and this takes 60 tons of is a portable electronic device brain and other organs. The sooner your heart’s rhythm is Science and French Revision Trip. Year 11 are lucky enough paint each time. that can audibly prompt and restored the better, since each minute is critical to determining to see the Tower by night. The Eiffel Tower was built by Fortunately we take the lift up to deliver an electric shock that your chance of survival and how much damage you might have. Gustave Eiffel for the Universal exhibition in 1889 celebrating the top as there are 704 steps just up will disrupt or stop the heart’s Although cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital the hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution. It to the 2nd floor!! dysrhythmic electrical activity. step in the lifesaving process and can keep some blood was erected in record time 2 years, 2 months and 5 days and It is a key transmission base as it The shock will not start a flowing to your heart and brain for a short time, often was an immediate success. Today, it is the symbol of France accommodates dozens of radio and television antennae. There dead heart, nor will it shock only defibrillation can restore the heart’s normal rhythm throughout the world and has over 7 million visitors per year is a tower movement observatory at the top where the Tower a healthy one, but it will stop certain lethal rhythms and give and ultimately save your life. This is especially true if you including 58 of us on the Year 11 trip. It is 324 metres high oscillates due to the wind and the sun. the heart a chance to spontaneously re-establish an effective experience a type of abnormal heart rhythm known as and weighs 10,100 tons. It has 336 floodlights for the golden Each year when we take Year 11 on their trip they fall in rhythm on its own. ventricular fibrillation. According to the studies, CPR rescue lighting. 20,000 bulbs are used for the twinkling lights which love with Paris by night and it starts with the Eiffel Tower. Cardiac arrest usually occurs when your heart’s electrical attempts using electric defibrillation or AED’s improves activity becomes disrupted and the heartbeat gets dangerously survival rates by as much as 49%. 1884-1927 LAND SPEED fast (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular A cardiac arrest can occur in anyone even young healthy RECORD HOLDER fibrillation). Because of this chaotic, irregular heart rhythm people, although those with previous heart problems or JOHN PARRY-THOMAS (arrhythmia), your heart stops beating effectively and can’t symptoms are more at risk. It is estimated that 70% of adequately pump blood. ventricular fibrillation victims die before reaching the hospital. a professional motor racing driver living in a cottage at Brooklands. In 1924 with an eye to the world land speed record he bought a car from the estate of another driver Count Zborowski who had died at Monza. The car was fitted E SAFETY with a 27,000cc aero engine! PROBABLY EVERYONE IN LEYLAND WILL Parry-Thomas named the car ‘Babs’. After a lot of TECHNOLOGY IS AT THE CENTRE OF KNOW THAT THE TOWN HAS BEEN FAMOUS development work he made his first attempt on the record MODERN LIFE AND IT HAS ENABLED INSTANT FOR PRODUCING TRUCKS AND BUSES FOR in October 1925 at Pendine Sands on Camarthen Bay. The COMMUNICATIONS FOR EVERYONE SOME over 100 years. However, not so many will be aware that weather caused this attempt to be unsuccessful, but in April of which may be unsafe for children. It has also given people between 1917 and the early 1920’s Leyland flirted briefly with 1926 he was back and beat the record twice recording a speed access to huge amounts of information both appropriate and the design and production of luxury cars. in excess of 170mph. He continued to race very successfully inappropriate to the young. John Parry-Thomas was the Chief Engineer of Leyland as well as making further successful attempts to increase the Child safety has always been a primary concern for schools, Motors. In 1917 the directors of Leyland gave him what must world record. However, the competition for the record was but as modern technology marches on and the frontier moves have been the dream job for any automotive engineer, to fierce with drivers such as Sir Malcolm Campbell and Henry so do the problems. Now E Safety has become an important design a massive luxury car with the objective of competing Seagrave also fighting hard for the record with the prospect of issue to everyone. with Rolls Royce. For Parry-Thomas this was to change the breaking through 200mph ever nearer. E Safety is a very broad topic and is designed to identify, These situations can have a massive effect on someone’s life course of his life dramatically. The resulting vehicle was the In March 1927 Parry-Thomas returned with Babs to protect and educate children, parents and staff to the so Balshaw’s C.E. High School has taken the challenge and is Leyland Eight. It was a 5 seat tourer which became known as Pendine Sands to try to claim back the record from Campbell dangers of modern technology so they can make informed now teaching E Safety to students not just in the ICT Classes the ‘Lion of Olympia’ when exhibited at the 1920 Motor Show who had set a new record just weeks before. Sadly there was to decisions to keep themselves and others safe from this but also in other subjects like PSHE. in London. It cost £2,700 at that point, not far off £100,000 be no record breaking run. The first run resulted in a dreadful unseen threat. The school is endeavouring to enforce the On top of this the school has provided E Safety talks at today’s costs. To ensure each car’s performance Parry- crash in which Parry-Thomas was killed with terrible injuries. legal and procedural requirements to disrupt and deter for parents so they can make informed decisions on the Thomas tested each one personally before delivery at up to Babs was wrecked and buried in a hole in the sands. Parry- offenders from taking advantage of children, staff and people unseen threat at home. This training has covered identifying 100mph at a time when the world land speed record was only Thomas was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard in Byfleet, Surrey. in the community. To develop a safer online experience possible danger, making informed decisions and protecting 124mph. He even raced one of the Leyland’s at the famous Babs was eventually recovered from the sands and for everyone. To work in conjunction with the Lancashire yourselves and others from email and messenger threats, social Brooklands banked oval motor racing circuit during 1922. painstakingly restored. She is on display at the Pendine County Council and the Police to improve the standard of networking, blogs, copy right, identify theft, bullying, personal As a result Parry-Thomas got the racing bug and with the Museum of Speed in Camarthenshire. child safety both at home and within school. information leaks, sexual abuse, viruses and spyware. blessing of the Leyland directors he left Leyland to become David Sherliker

P2. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P3 After this part of the competition the competitors had a SPELLING BEE short break before the ‘Quick Fire Round’. In the ‘Quick Fire REST IN PEACE ON 19TH MARCH 2010, YEAR 7 PUPILS, Round’ you had to spell as many words as you could in two ABIGAIL TALBOT, KELSEY BRANSTON, HAMZA minutes as a team. In the break the players had chosen the KHAN AND MICHAEL GILLBANKS ALL TOOK difficulty of the words; Balshaw’s had chosen medium difficulty. MATTHEW MILLER ECCLESIASTES part in the regional heats of The Times Spelling Bee Competition, These words carried two points for each one spelt correctly. 1992 - 2010 CH 3v1-14 which were held in Bolton. Some of the other schools that took Unfortunately, we only got eight words correct whilst another part were Albany Science College, Preston Muslim Girls’ School, team got twelve. This now meant that both teams were level. A Time for Everything Wellfield High, Southlands High and Bishop Rawstorne School. Due to this, the players had a play off to decide who would win There were two parts to the competition. The first part was the heat. In the play off the teams had to be the first to spell a There is a time for everything, battling for the title of ‘Last Man Standing’ which, amazingly, word correctly. Sadly, we lost out to Bishop Rawstorne School and a season for every activity under heaven: our man Hamza won. but we all felt extremely pleased that we had secured second a time to be born and a time to die, Hamza said “I felt awfully nervous when I was competing against place in the tough Times Spelling Bee Competition and very It was with great sadness that we heard of the tragic death of a time to plant and a time to uproot, the other students, particularly when some of the words were quite proud of Hamza for being the winner of round one! Matthew who was a pupil at Balshaw’s from 2003 to 2008. a time to kill and a time to heal, challenging such as ‘hygiene’, ‘genuflect’, and ‘conscience’. It was Matthew was a very fine cricketer and represented both his a time to tear down and a time to build, brilliant to be in first place position after round one!” Year 7 Spelling Team house and his school as well as playing for Leyland IV team a time to weep and a time to laugh, outside school. a time to mourn and a time to dance, from each set got chosen to read their extract out. There were We have very fond memories of him as an excellent a time to scatter stones WORLD BOOK DAY a lot of good extracts including one from a book called “In the student. His PE and ICT pieces of coursework are still used and a time to gather them, ON THE 4TH MARCH 2010 BALSHAWS CE Night Garden”, which is Ms Jump’s daughter’s favourite book! as examples of excellence when shown to present pupils. a time to embrace and a time to refrain, HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATED WORLD BOOK At the end of the day, everybody was given a leaflet His Resistant Materials coursework was an excellent lamp, a time to search and a time to give up, DAY. ON THIS DAY, THE YEAR SEVEN PUPILS about the Read-a-thon, in which people got sponsored to which you can see in the picture above left. a time to keep and a time to throw away, could dress up as their favourite book character. Lots of people read a number of pages or books. The money went to two The other picture is of Matthew representing the school a time to tear and a time to mend, dressed up; there was everything from Camicazi in “How to catch organisations that help children with cancer, Hodgkin’s on a visit to Leyland Trucks to study Engineering in the work a time to be silent and a time to speak, a Dragon’s curse” to Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”! The disease, leukaemia, epilepsy or blood disorders. Lots of place. This was an able and talented group. a time to love and a time to hate, teachers joined in with appearances from Victor Frankenstein, money was raised and set two alone managed to raise a a time for war and a time for peace. Oliver Twist and Cruella De Ville to mention only three. staggering £157.00!. What does the worker gain from his toil? At lunch everybody had to go outside for a group photo, Balshaw’s High School had a wonderful time celebrating JOE YATES I have seen the burden God has laid on men. luckily the weather was very sunny. the wonderful world of books and raising a lot of money for 1988 - 2010 He has made everything beautiful in its time. In the weeks leading up to World Book day, in each of the charity. A massive well done to all involved. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; different English classes, the year seven pupils had to find a yet they cannot fathom what God has done good book extract to read out in the assembly. Three children Written by James Carr, Year 7 from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do There was a lot to win, from prizes generously good while they live. That everyone may eat SPRING FAIR donated from Poppy’s Florists, Be Beautiful, Park and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - ONCE AGAIN, BALSHAW’S HELD THEIR Hall and Camelot as well as the usual stalls and Sadly we also learned of the sudden and sad death of Joe Yates this is the gift of God. I know that everything ANNUAL SPRING FAIR AND AS EVER, IT WAS A tombolas. The atmosphere was great with pupils and who was a pupil at Balshaw’s from 2000 - 2005 God does will endure for ever; nothing can be LOVELY DAY. DRY WEATHER, LOTS OF PEOPLE friends of the school from 8 months to 88, spending When we were endeavouring to gain Engineering added to it and nothing taken from it. God and lots of fun. The Fair was opened by the Mayor and time and eating lunch with friends and family. The Specialism we used a lot of Joe’s ideas and work as inspiration. does it so that men will revere him. Mayoress Councillor and Mrs Donny Parkinson who have total raised was £8,200 which is going towards the He was a superb craftsman, making models of people from frequently visited Balshaw’s during the year. Balshaw’s Association project for a new library. nuts and bolts as you can see from the pictures above. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the The Fair opened at 11am with Years 7, 8 and 9 cheerleading For the football fans who were home in time for His GCSE Art piece was a sculpture which we intend to families of both well loved youngsters. troupes which was a real delight. The girls gave a splendid the FA Cup Final, there was the World Cup penalty have galvanised and placed in the Memorial Garden as a performance. An added attraction this year was the go cart shoot out. Balshaw’s really does have something for everyone. lasting memory of all he meant to the school. which was built by Year 11 as part of the Engineering Status Headteacher Jo Venn said, “This is always a splendid family Like Matthew, Joe was a first rate role model in all that we of the school. Youngsters had rides around the track, when day when the real team spirit of Parents, Pupils, Governors hold dear to Balshaw’s not least they were not smashing crockery, playing bowls, darts, fishing and Staff work together and have fun.” Appearance for ducks, pillow fighting, having a go at tin can alley, wanging If you missed it this year, why not book Saturday 14th May Behaviour the welly or a myriad of other attractions. 2011 in your diary now. Commitment

P4. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P5 FRANCES RENWICK REMEMBERS THE SCHOOL LORRAINE NORRIS Chief Executive of Preston Town Hall IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF TRANSFORM WE AIR RAID HAD AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE ON WAR-TIME PRECAUTIONS FORMER PUPIL OF AT BALSHAW’S AND THE WRITER JAMES SINCE THE FIRST FEW BALSHAWS LORRAINE MOON WEEKS OF WAR, THERE NORRIS HAS JUST asked about what happened to the lads from Balshaw’s who HAVE BEEN EIGHT AIR RAID become the Chief Executive lost their lives in the Second World War. SHELTERS IN THE SCHOOL at Preston Town Hall. In Their names are inscribed on a GROUNDS. THE SHELTERS her 30s and with 2 young memorial plaque in the hall:- are of concrete-sections surrounded children, she was a social John Dewhurst by earth and covered with turf. There worker on a career break. Eric Wright are seats running the full length of As her son and daughter David Gold each shelter and a certain amount of started school, she decided Charles Frederick Dugdale lighting. Some people are already to go back to school and studied a law degree at Preston Rainford Gent Marland armed with light travelling rugs and Polytechnic as it was called then. She went on to work as a John Hargreaves Sanderson the girls, especially, have a varied and childcare lawyer and in 2002 she joined Preston Council as Frances William Shepherd weird assortment of woollen garments director of corporate services. George Herbert Stratton with which they augment their usual Lorraine has stepped into the role after her predecessor Frank Valentine clothing. retired and her biggest challenge will be to steer the £700m John Nelson Wilkinson An air raid warning is made known to Tithebarn development plans in Preston. Day to day, the We asked Frances Renwick, former pupil who celebrated the school by the intermittent ringing of former Balshaw’s Grammar and Runshaw College student her 90th birthday this year and still visits the school for the school bell. Every emergency which will lead a management team of four people and oversee 1600 Reunions and Speech Night, to tell us what she remembers might arise has been foreseen and steps staff. She says: “Overall what we are trying to do is raise the about them. This is what she said: have been made to meet it. profile of Preston.” David Gold - A quiet, serious lad. His mother was my Should an air raid alert be sounded in “The two big challenges for Preston and the council are the cousin. school-hours arrangements have been economic regeneration – made even more of a challenge in the light of Charlie Dugdale - A cheerful and happy boy. Curly made by which everyone remains in the recession – and that we continue to have too many wards in Preston haired with fresh complexion. He lived in Middleforth, shelters until the “all clear” is given. If that are in the country’s worst 20% for deprivation.” Lower Penwortham. this is given after nine p.m. all pupils Out of work, Lorraine enjoys walking her dog and is Frank Shepherd - Fair haired, always smiling. Younger who are not called for by their parents planning to join the Leyland Methodist Church choir but brother of Roland Shepherd, one time Head Boy. For or other responsible persons will remain says: “I’m not one of those people who’s an expert at anything – I do punishment he was given hence we called him “Pop”. His elder brother was Ellis at school all night and will be given it because I enjoy it.” hundreds of lines and we girls Wilkinson and his sister was Betty Wilkinson, both of whom supper and breakfast before being sent “Both of my parents worked at Iddon Brothers which was an used to write them for him. were pupils of the school. He was killed in Burma. home on the following day. engineering firm based in Leyland and the factory still exists in Ray Marland - I only Matthew Leslie Banks - He was wounded at Dunkirk During the long nights a concession Quinn Street off Hough Lane. My dad was a fitter working on remember him slightly. We and was taken prisoner and held until the war ended. He was has been announced by which pupils machines which made products for the rubber and plastic industry eg. looked in the old Balshavian killed sadly about 2 years ago in a hit and run accident aged 88. who wish to do so may leave school tyres and plastic cups. He did this through an apprenticeship and as magazines and enclose his photo In the Hall we have the medals of Charles Frederick at 3.30; moreover school begins at a result travelled all over the country and sometimes abroad to places and obituary. Dugdale which we show to our History students. 9.30 and the dinner-hour is reduced such as Sweden. John Wilkinson - He lived Sadly Frances died in her sleep on Tuesday 31st August this by fifteen minutes. Games are held in I really enjoyed Balshaw’s and was a bit sad when I left to go to in Fulwood. His father had a year. She will be greatly missed. school hours on two days a week. Runshaw. Some of my favourite memories are about playing sport business and made mineral waters, The result of these regulations is that especially hockey, rounders and athletics. I loved playing Pirates in lessons have been shortened slightly, but the gym. Another great favourite were the annual house concerts are we worried? when students from each house of all ages came together to put on a show. The whole school watched and judged which one was the best. A.H. Form Va. (Worden) Of course Worden always won (or should have done because that was from Balshavian Magazine In War Time my house). Come on Worden.”

P6. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P7 LEGOLAND COMPETITION LONDON MARATHON DID YOU KNOW THAT LEGO HAS BEEN ABOUT FOR 70 RUNNING A MARATHON IS A TEST OF At mile 6, runners pass the famous Cutty Sark and slowly YEARS AND NOW IT HAS OPENED A DISCOVERY CENTRE AT CHARACTER, FITNESS AND DETERMINATION. the sun began to emerge. Due to the earlier rain, the roads MANCHESTER TRAFFORD CENTRE. YOU HAVE PROBABLY BEEN AFTER LAST RUNNING THE LONDON were still wet, so the heat of the sun slowly began to dry the to Legoland in Windsor. There is an Interactive Lego Factory tour, a laser ride called Marathon back in 2007 and then having 9 weeks with my roads and the conditions soon became warm and humid. Kingdom Quest and the Lego 4D cinema. foot in plaster from a stress fracture of a metatarsal in my right Halfway round the course you can see the elite runners Lego began in Billund, Denmark when Carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen had not foot, I vowed never to run another one! passing mile 20 on the other side of the road! got a lot of work and turned to making toys. His son Godtfred joined the firm at However, things changed last year and after starting at By mile 21, my legs were tired and I had to walk for a 17 and they called the firm Lego, from the words lege and godt, Danish for ‘play’ and Balshaw’s back in September and facing the challenge of moment to take on board some energy gel and drink. The ‘well’. The firm thrived and in the late 40s invested in a plastic injection moulding a new job, I thought I’d also challenge myself to run the crowds were fantastic, willing me on to get going again and machine. This let them make the first version of their interlocking play bricks. Customers needed some persuading that toys marathon again. I decided to run the event for a worthy cause so painfully I managed to build up a rhythm and continue made out of this new-fangled plastic could be as good as wood and early sales were unimpressive. In the 50’s however Godtfred and chose Teenage Cancer Trust as my charity. The charity for the next 5 miles. As I turned into the Mall I could see the the Lego MD created the stud and tube coupling system, which made the models more stable and began selling the bricks in raises funds and uses the money to make inpatient hospital finishing clock and realised that I could still get under the 3 kits. Appealing to little engineers and designers everywhere, Lego took off and there is almost no limit to the possible brick stays more enjoyable for young people who are diagnosed hr 40 min mark. A sudden burst of adrenaline came out of combinations for young builders. Lego expanded across the world and Duplo was created for the tinies. In 1978 the first little with cancer. My inspiration to run was from year 11 pupil nowhere and I managed to pick up speed! I completed the yellow faced Lego mini-figure was included in the sets. 30 years on these cheerful characters have become cult figures. You can Darren Evans, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma course in 3 hours 39 minutes and 46 seconds, beating my even have Bible stories recreated in Lego. last year. Darren, who’s an excellent field event athlete, trains at previous London best time by over ten minutes! In April we had a competition to win a family ticket to the Legoland Discovery Centre. The entries included models of Preston Harriers, where I also train. Running the marathon is a fantastic experience and is buildings and cars and the winner was Callum Wilson with this wonderful model of the Taj Mahal. Everyone was astounded by it. Preparation and training for the marathon is very tough something that remains with you for the rest of your life. All other entries also won certificates. Well done! and it began as far back as Christmas 2009 for the April 25th Fortunately, the pain that you feel does eventually go away event. It involved a 16 week programme, running four times a after a few days! At the time of writing, I hope to have raised week, slowly building up the mileage with an occasional race between £500 and £600 for Teenage Cancer Trust. MAKE YOUR MARK PARALYMPIC thrown in to test your current level of fitness. WITH A TENNER WORLD CUP London itself pulls out all the stops on marathon weekend Stephen Mort as over 36,000 runners and their friends and FORTY PUPILS ON 25TH MAY, MR MORT TOOK 13 families descend on the city. At the Excel RECENTLY TOOK PART IN PUPILS FROM CL4 TO MANCHESTER Centre in East London, a huge Expo takes AN ENTERPRISING FOR THE DAY TO WATCH THE place where runners have to register and project with ICT teacher Mr Mort. Athletics competition at the Paralympic World Cup. collect their running number and timing chip, Each pupil was loaned £10 and had The Paralympic World Cup provides world class which is used to keep track of your position one month to make a profit and competition and a platform for British Athletes during the race and gives you an accurate make a difference. to showcase disability sport in the biggest multi- finishing time. The ‘Tenner’ scheme was created sport competition outside the Paralympic Games. On the marathon day itself, the morning by Enterprise UK and throughout The event was staged at the Manchester Regional started out very cold, perfect conditions for the month of March, each pupil had to invest their £10 loan Arena at Sportscity and the athletics programme running. Around an hour before the start of into their business venture. As well as generating a profit, allowed Team GB team to compete on home soil the race a shower passed over which cooled pupils were asked how they could make a difference with the against the Americas, Europe and the Rest of the the runners down even more. The race started extra money which they generated. World in an exciting new team format. The trip at 9.45am and the rain had suddenly stopped. Some examples of projects included cake baking and selling, enabled pupils to see how athletes with a disability It only took two minutes for me to cross over car washing and making mobile phone covers. have overcome adversity to compete in different the start line and start the long run ahead. Most pupils decided that the best way to make a social athletic event disciplines. impact would be to donate a percentage of their profits to Pupils also met other pupils from Colne Primet worthy causes. Some charities which have benefitted from the High School who are currently working in the project include Breast Cancer, Sport Relief, Teenage Cancer Schools Linking Network Project with Balshaw’s. Trust, Sport Aid and the RSPCA. The day would provide future discussions Following the success of this year’s project, Mr Mort will be regarding cultural diversity at the Linking Day looking to run the venture again next year. which was held in school in July.

P8. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P9 GCSE REVISION PODCAST DAY NUCLEUS BALSHAW’S SCIENCE NEWS AN UPDATE OF PAST AND FUTURE TRIPS, NEW EXCITING

ON THURSDAY 25TH MARCH THE MOBILE the recording of the podcasts then took place. The recordings TECHNOLOGY AND FACILITIES MEDIA BUS ROLLED INTO BALSHAW’S. THREE were then edited together with the background music and GROUPS OF YEAR 11 PUPILS WERE INVOLVED played back to the pupils. HAVE YOU JOINED OUR in creating GCSE Revision Podcasts for English, MFL and The second recording session involved thirteen pupils who STEM. The day was organised by ICT Teacher, Mr Mort and created four MFL podcasts. Each podcast covered a different YEAR 7 SCIENCE CLUB? additional support was provided on the day from Mr Nolan topic for the GCSE French listening test. Pupils had the OUR SCIENCE CLUB CELEBRATES ITS 7TH BIRTHDAY and Mrs Pye. opportunity to add their own artistic flair to their recordings. THIS YEAR! OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS WE HAVE HAD The first recording session involved seven pupils who The final recording session of the day involved fourteen OVER 200 MEMBERS WHO HAVE ATTENDED EVERY created three podcasts for GCSE English. Mobile Media pupils from the STEM Go-kart project who recorded a Monday evening to try out exciting and amazing experiments. Every year, Partnerships sound engineers helped the pupils to create the revision podcast on the Physics involved with making go- members get the chance to take part in specially organized trips and events just “ICE” (Introduction, Content, Exit) for their radio podcasts. karts travel at speeds of forty miles per hour. for them as well as having an end of year award ceremony and party for all. After designing the storyboard for their podcast, pupils All of the podcasts produced on the day are now available If you have not yet joined us then speak to your Science teacher! then created their scripts and selected which music was to on the Moodle for Year 11 pupils to use as additional revision be embedded within the podcast. After rehearsing the scripts, resources. BALSHAW’S HOST SCIENCE EXHIBITION AT LEYLAND MUSEUM! IN THE AUTUMN TERM THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AT BALSHAW’S TOOK OVER THE SOUTH RIBBLE EXHIBITION CENTRE FOR A MONTH LONG CELEBRATION OF SCIENCE AT THE SCHOOL. Pupil’s work, models, scientific specimens that have been preserved during the 200+ year history of BALSHAW’S LINGUISTS HAVE GOT TALENT the school and interactive exhibits were put on display for the community of South Ribble to enjoy. Each Saturday throughout the month, local children aged 6-12 were invited to attend Science YEAR 8 PUPILS Grindrod and Vicky Williams came runners up in the French workshops on topics including “Fossils”, “DNA” and “Rockets”. RECENTLY TOOK Poem category and were awarded prizes from UCLAN. All Visitor numbers to the museum soared and we are very grateful to David Hunt and the South Ribble PART IN THE pupils who were entered received a certificate and a goody Exhibition Centre for their support. Modern Languages bag for their entries. Here is Isobel and Vicky’s entry: “Lancashire’s Talent” La météo competition, where Quel temps fait-il à Bordeaux? ASTRONOMY EVENING pupils had to use a A Bordeaux, il fait chaud. foreign language creatively in either a song or poem. Quel temps fait-il au Mans ? AT LEYLAND MUSEUM The pupils worked in groups to produce either a song Au Mans, il fait du vent. THE YEAR 9 GCSE ASTRONOMY GROUP WERE TREATED TO AN EVENING OF or poem on a topic of their choice. Topics included school, Quel temps fait-il au Var ? STAR GAZING AT THE SOUTH RIBBLE EXHIBITION CENTRE. STUDENTS MADE geography, Easter, the weather – there was even a love poem! Au Var, il fait froid. CONSTELLATIONS OUT OF SWEETS AND GAZED UP AT THE NIGHT SKY THROUGH With the help of Miss Roberts the pupils set some of their Quel temps fait-il en Ariège ? our brand new telescope, courtesy of the Society for Popular Astronomy (SPA). work to music, or beat time on a drum. They recorded their En Ariège, il neige. Lots of useful revision was completed for the GCSE exams in June and the evening was rounded off entries on MP3 voice recorders. Quel temps fait-il à Marseille ? nicely with hot chocolate and of course…star biscuits! Look out for the next issue with news of our Out of all the entries from schools across Lancashire, Isobel A Marseille, il fait du soleil. students GCSE Astronomy results!

P10. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P11 NUCLEUS SCHOOL IN UGANDA BALSHAW’S SCIENCE NEWS FOR SOME TIME NOW, THE SCHOOL HAS you can see in the pictures how it has progressed. There are BEEN SUPPORTING A SCHOOL IN UGANDA now just a few minor finishing jobs before the classrooms will AND OUR MOST RECENT GIFT WAS A COW. be ready to open this year. This has helped the school to develop the working farm The farm is a 5 acre site which is currently being farmed to alongside it. They have also been able to run a hydrology provide food for the children. There will be a working farm survey and have seen the first fresh clean water being pumped included in the final school environment and the produce will from the newly completed bore hole at the school. The first be used to supplement school lunches for the pupils. Pigs are Vocational Science Year 10 Darwin water flowed at the start of December 2009 and this is for the kept and they have been successful in producing several litters Courses Update! AS PART OF THEIR GCSE IN benefit of the community over a 10 kilometre radius of the over the past year. The maize thrives on the rich soil and SCIENCE, YEAR 10 STUDENTS secondary school. It will help many, many families access clean provides food for children and the waste green is fed to the pigs. OUR BTEC SCIENCE STUDY A MODULE ON EVOLUTION. safe water which will facilitate better health and allow greater When you compare the luxuries we have in school by COURSES HAVE BEEN A HUGE Separate Science pupils prepared presentations time for children to attend school. comparison, we need to be really grateful that we have so SUCCESS ONCE AGAIN THIS on the topic of “Darwin and Evolution” and We had previously sent money to help build the school and much and sometimes don’t appreciate it. year. 20 Year 11 students passed the BTEC First Diploma in could give their interpretation of any aspect Applied Science giving them the equivalent of four C grade of the theory. The evening was attended by GCSE passes. A further 16 students passed the BTEC First over 100 pupils, staff, parents and members Certificate in Applied Science which is the equivalent of two of the local community who were treated C grade GCSE passes. Many of these students will go on to “Darwin’s Life in Lego” and a wonderful to study a BTEC National Diploma offered at college. Well drama performance where our very own Milly done to all our Vocational Science students! Hoggard donned a white beard and took the role of Charles Darwin himself! The evening was informative, funny and most of all very enjoyable! APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE Tribute to Lord Wolfson EARNS TOP ACCOLADE 1927-2010 A Leyland science teacher proved sciences while others can choose a range of qualifications including double LORD WOLFSON MADE HIS she was top of the class when she science, GCSE applied sciences like GCSE sports science and a Btec. FORTUNE WITH HIS CATALOGUE landed a top award. She said: “We really offer a wide range of qualifications to suit all COMPANY “GREAT UNIVERSAL Caroline Molyneux, who works students, especially since we have an engineering specialism. Stores” (GUS) and was Chairman of Burberry at Balshaw’s High School was one It is very satisfying to know so many are now taking science A in the 1970’s. However his proudest achievement of 10 ‘heroes’ recognised by the levels at sixth form college.” was undoubtedly the Wolfson Foundation, a Royal Society National Science and Caroline was accompanied by her headteacher Jo Venn, who said: “It charity with an endowment of £725 million Engineering Week to help mark its does the soul good to know that she is part of the future of education.” Year 9 Student runs Year 8 that awards grants in the fields of science, 35th anniversary. As a Hauksbee Award winner Caroline received a Royal Science medicine, education and the arts and humanities, Caroline, winner of the 2007 TDA Award for Outstanding New engraved bronze medal and £500. Science Club! as well as supporting the hospice movement Teacher of the Year in the North West, received a Royal Society As well as a prestigious dinner the 10 winners attended afternoon NATHAN SKINNER IN YEAR 9 IS NO of which he was a great admirer. The Wolfson Hauksbee Award for excellence in supporting science, technology, tea with the Duke of Kent at Carlton House Terrace in central London, STRANGER TO SCIENCE CLUBS. HE WAS A Foundation has awarded more than £600 million in grants. engineering and mathematics. home of the Royal Society. The awards are named after Francis Hauksbee MEMBER OF THE SCIENCE CLUB IN YEAR 7 In Autumn 2009, Mrs Janet Wolfson de Botton, daughter of The microbiologist is in her sixth year of teaching and is now head who was Issac Newton’s laboratory assistant at the Royal Society. and the Wildlife Club in Year 8. Lord Wolfson, visited Balshaw’s Science Department to discuss of science at Balshaws. As well as biology classes, Caroline teaches a GCSE in astronomy This year he asked teachers if he could teach our Wildlife the planned refurbishment of the Science laboratories and Among her achievements is the encouragement of separate sciences at that is open to adult students and primary pupils, as well as Club members a thing or two about the topic of “Snakes”. consider our application for a grant to the foundation. GCSE. 75 students - one third of Year 10 - now take the three separate Balshaws own students. Nathan brought his pet snake Simon to the evening and The Wolfson Foundation awarded £30,000 to the school produced a fantastic slideshow all about snakes like Simon; a Boa for our Science Refurbishment. We cannot thank the Python, before letting the Year 8 pupils hold the huge snake! foundation enough for this grant which will allow us to The pupils were mesmerized by Simon the Snake and of course provide state of the art facilities for students at Balshaw’s to by Nathans knowledge of the subject! A big thanks to Nathan! study Sciences at all levels.

P12. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P13 Balshaw’s CE ABC OF SCHOOL PHILIP JONES High School IN 1938 THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS We asked Year 7 to write a new version. This was A CAREER FOR US TO FOLLOW 2003-2008 WRITTEN FOR THE BALSHAVIAN MAGAZINE: the winning poem by Natalie Sutcliffe in WN2 and Hayley Coghlin in FN2. Some things change a lot, PHILIP JOINED BALSHAW’S IN SEPTEMBER beginning of the 2009–10 Premier League season 1938’s A.B.C. of School others such as detention never changes!! A is for Algebra, a mixture of rules, 2003. A HARDWORKING STUDENT AND A and further rewarded with a two-year professional An ABC of School B is for Balshaw’s, the finest of schools: PREFECT AND GAMES CAPTAIN FOR HIS contract. He made his first team debut for A is for attitude - a good one we’ve got C is for Class, the place for hard work, house in Year 11, Phil was a good student achieving A*-C Blackburn after starting the League Cup game B is for best, we do it a lot D is the Detention we get when we shirk, GCSE grades in most of his subjects excelling particularly in against Nottingham Forest on 22 September C is for children, there are plenty here E Is the Effort we should put in our task, P.E. and Food Technology. 2009, in which Blackburn won 1–0. D is for detention - not a good thing to hear! F for the questions Miss Brindle will ask. Phil enjoyed school and took part in many school events Phil went on to make his first Premier League E is for everyone, we involve them all G is for Games we play with great gusto, F is for fun when we play in the hall and activities. start for Blackburn against Chelsea on 21 March H is for Homework we do ‘cause we must-oh! G is for games we play with might A member of Worden house he was always at the forefront 2010, in the 1–1 draw at Ewood Park. Sam I is for Ideas that don’t enter our head, H is for homework, we do it at night of sport in the school. However it was for football that Phil Allardyce praised Jones saying; "He made his J is for Jokes they are full of instead; I is for independence, we all have it inside really had a talent. Throughout his years at Balshaw’s he debut and it was an outstanding performance K is for Knowledge we try to obtain, J is for joy we jump up with pride played for the school team but it wasn’t until his final year, from the young man, he showed a lot of L is for Lectures to help in the same. K is for kindness we share with one and another M is the Menu, sausage and mash, when Mr Morgan took over as Team Manager, that the team commitment and a lot of quality and it revved L is for love and we love each other N is for Noon when to eat it we dash. experienced real success. Phil was the shining star in the everybody up”. M is for maths, we love so well O is for Orders we have to obey Year 11 team that took Lancashire Cup glory in 2008 after 7 Former professional footballer and television N is for nothing that hasn’t gone well P is for Prefects, we do what they say, gruelling rounds of matches. pundit, Alan Hansen, added to the praises on O is for options we chose in year 9 Q is for Questions the answers we guess, In summer 2006 Philip was invited by Blackburn Rovers; BBC programme Match of the Day, saying his P is for prefects we obey all the time R is for Rugger we play in recess. the club he had been signed with for several years, to join performance was, "unbelievably good". Phil has Q is for questions we ask sometimes S is for Staff, alarming, but ‘swell’! R is for replies, now straighten your ties! their Academy and spend one day each week out of school, recently signed a new five-year contract with T is for Tuck our hunger to quell. S is for smart that’s what we are training at their Football Centre of Excellence at Brockhall. Blackburn Rovers. U is for Us, we try for a wicket, T is for terrific teachers - Hoorah! Philip of course accepted and for the next two years he Balshaw’s is very proud of Phil and his fantastic V is for Victory that follows at cricket. U is for understanding the work that’s set trained and worked hard. He would often come into school achievements since leaving the school just two W is the Weekend we look for a rest, V is for victory to be in the highest set as early as 7.30am to catch up on work he had missed during years ago. Phil is an inspiration to all our pupils that you can X is for Xtra - extra work, what a pest! W is for words, we are hard at work Y is for Yawn when night does befall, his days at Blackburn. achieve your dream with a positive attitude and hard work. X is for xtra credits that we earn Z is for Zero, or nothing at all. All the hard work was to pay off as Philip was given the We wish him every success in his career and hope that he will Y is for yellow, colours we learn number 28 shirt at Blackburn Rovers by Sam Allardyce at the come and visit us all at Balshaw’s soon! H.P., Form IVa. (Farington) Z is for zero because in food tech we burn. A REAL WORLD PROJECT GONE TRUCKING WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AROSE and after some design work and model making a design was FOR THE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY decided upon. A prototype was made and approved by the YOU DON’T REALISE HOW BIG AND spraying facility, even though it was temporally not working, DEPARTMENT TO WORK WITH LEYLAND Museum and then the display stands went into production. UP-TO-DATE THE FACTORY AT LEYLAND still managed to impress. In the photographs you can see the Trucks to help out the National Commercial Vehicle The photograph shows the first display stand to be finished TRUCKS IS UNTIL YOU HAVE CHANCE TO pupils taking part in a quality audit exercise. This involved the Museum we leaped at the chance. The Museum and as you can see it’s very impressive. The green part of the visit it. That’s exactly what happened to a group of Y10 pupils examining completed trucks looking for mistakes. The wanted to improve the displays they have to tell the display is made at Leyland Trucks from steel, welded together earlier this year. The pupils who are all studying GCSE staff at Leyland Trucks had deliberately created faults for our public about the wonderful vehicles they have on and painted at the Croston Road factory. The manufacture of Resistant Materials visited the factory in March. investigating pupils to discover. display. Leyland Trucks had been approached to make the two acrylic parts was taken on by a group of Y10 as part The pupils had the opportunity to tour the factory Back at Balshaw’s the pupils have been able to use the them but they couldn’t make the whole display and were of their work experience. This is another example of how we and see all the different aspects that go into designing experience to help them with their GCSE controlled unable to the cut clear acrylic that was an essential part of the have worked with the wider community of Leyland and are and building some of the worlds most advanced assignment. They now even more than ever appreciate that design. That’s where we came in. using our fantastic facilities and enthusiastic pupils to benefit commercial vehicles. The pupils were very impressed quality and reliability only come about through great design, Steve Whelan who works for Leyland Trucks and was in the whole of the region. Why not visit the Museum and enjoy by the use of virtual reality and 3D projection to help great engineering and great teamwork. charge of the project remembered some displays we had made the experience and take the opportunity to check out the in the design of the cab layout. The robotic paint for them a few years ago. He came in to see Mr Melling brand new display stands.

014. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P15 YEAR 9 ASTRONOMY GROUP A LETTER TO MUM FROM SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS MR SEAGRAVE

THANKS TO A VERY GENEROUS GRANT requested to rotate their seat DEAR MUM, AS YOU KNOW I'M HELPING proud of what he did for his King FROM THE EXTENDED SCHOOLS PROJECT, positions to give everyone OUT ON A BALSHAW'S SCHOOL BATTLEFIELDS and country. I can't tell him - it's BALSHAW’S YEAR 9 ASTRONOMY GROUP the chance to look at the TRIP THIS WEEKEND, TODAY WE SPENT too late, but when I meet him again WERE breathtaking view outside. quite a bit of time at Ypres and Passchendaele where of in Heaven we'll spend a long time able to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) from an Nigel and Peter provided an course your dad came in 1917. This glimpse of the history discussing it I'm sure. aeroplane on Wednesday March 17th 2010. enthusiastic commentary on of Passchendaele has really shocked me, I've learnt such a lot I can however tell you that I loved A pre-flight presentation was held at Benton Park School, a what could be seen. today about what he must have gone through and I think it's your dad for being so special to me, short distance from Leeds Bradford Airport. Nigel Bradbury, The auroral activity was the first time that I've truly known or understood that this and I can tell you that I am proud of him for being such a assisted by Paul Money and Peter Laurence, explained the stars seen reasonably early on and very kind, very gentle and loving Christian man must have very brave soldier. and constellations that would be visible during the flight as we were very fortunate to see gone through hell. I'm glad he survived & came back from Passchendaele, I'm well as the causes of the Northern Lights. a good display - lots of bright I know a few things about grandad, one of the best things I glad that I knew & loved him and I'm glad he loved me. ‘Charged particles from the Sun come spiralling down the pulses, rays and curtains of knew was that he always prayed for me every day, and as I've Love you Mum Earth’s magnetic field lines and enter our atmosphere. Energy is light. grown older I've realised the true significance of those prayers, Philip given up and this causes the atoms in the atmosphere to glow.’ The 25 pupils who took and I know that his support made a great difference to my life. At 9 pm the flight took off and we flew north of Scotland. their GCSE in Astronomy Grandad died when I was 14 or 15 and in the 4th year at Psalm 23 which grandad loved & which I am sure must The plane performed a race-track holding pattern to allow in June were delighted with Balshaw's. The students on this trip are the same age that I have comforted him so much at those times of great fear, both sides of the aircraft a view. At an altitude of 35,000 feet, the experience of the flight, was when he died. I’ve been so impressed by their dignity & says: it is extremely rare for clouds to spoil the view! and this far-outweighed their respect throughout the trip - they are hearing & seeing such a The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The stars to the south looked beautifully crisp and clear. tiredness after returning to school at 2 am in the morning! lot of deeply moving stuff & as we travel around each site we He makes me to lie down in green pastures; All the plane’s internal and external lights were turned off are all getting a clearer understanding of the horrors of that so He leads me beside the still waters. for about 45 minutes. During the flight, passengers were R. K. Woodcock (Governor and former science teacher) called War to end all wars! He restores my soul; Sadly I didn’t get the chance to talk to grandad about the He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. war because I was unwisely not very interested in things Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, like that at the time, but if I had those years back I would I will fear no evil; For You are with me; ENGLISH YOUTH BALLET want to ask him about it all, how it was, and how it made Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. BALLET IS VERY POPULAR WITH MANY OF Giselle that Albrecht him feel inside. I would like to have told him that I was so Amen. OUR STUDENTS, BUT IT IS NOT EVERY DAY has been deceiving THAT ANY OF THEM GET TO DANCE WITH THE her, that he is actually English Youth Ballet. Kiera Daglish and Katie Johnson danced a nobleman. Bathilde MOTHERS DAY GIFTS IN FULL PRODUCTION in Giselle at the Charter Theatre in Preston on Friday 12 quickly reveals to Giselle AT LEYLAND METHODIST JUNIOR SCHOOL Perspex using the Design March. A group of very proud staff went to see them. Will that Albrecht is indeed WE ENJOY THE LINK WITH BALSHAW’S IN Technology Department’s laser we have the next Margot Fonteyn or Darcey Bussell? her fiance. Horrified and MANY WAYS. BUILDING ON THE SUCCESSFUL cutter. The completed designs Giselle is the story of a nobleman named Albrecht who is weak, Giselle goes mad video conferencing project with Year 3 we introduced virtual were then delivered to Leyland busily wooing a young, beautiful peasant girl named Giselle. and dies of a broken heart. learning to Year 4 during the Spring term 2010. Methodist Junior School. The Albrecht leads the young maiden to believe that he is a farmer The second act of the ballet takes place in a forest beside The Year 4 pupils worked with Mr Melling and their class children completed the project named Loys. Giselle falls in love with the man, unaware that Giselle's grave. The Queen of the ghostly Wilis, virgins who teachers, Mrs Drummond and Miss Tierney, to design and by putting photographs of he is already betrothed to Bathilde, daughter of the Duke. She have died of unrequited love, calls upon them to accept make their own photograph frames. themselves inside the frames and giving them to their mums agrees to marry the man, despite the romantic advancements Giselle as one of their own. When Hilarion stops by, the Wilis Mr Melling introduced the project to the pupils via as Mothers Day presents. of another peasant, Hilarion, who suspects that Albrecht is an make him dance to his death. But when Albrecht arrives, video conferencing and email. The children designed their We are grateful to Balshaw’s for supporting us in developing imposter. Giselle wants badly to dance, but her mother warns Giselle (now a Wili herself) dances with him until the Wilis' photograph frames on paper then transferred this to the the use of ICT within Design Technology and look forward her that she has a weak heart. power is lost, when the clock strikes four. Realizing that computer using the design software package provided by to expanding the opportunities to even more of our pupils. When the prince's daughter realizes that she and Giselle Giselle has saved him, Albrecht cries at her grave. Balshaw’s. Once the designs were completed they were are both engaged, she gives her a gold necklace. Hilarion tells It was beautiful to watch our two superb ballet dancers. emailed to Balshaw’s, where the frames were cut out of Miss Newsham

P16. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P17 “He was one of life’s greats and he will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando. HISTORY DEPARTMENT PAUL WARREN Marine Paul Warren was, and will always DURING RECENT MONTHS YEAR 9 HISTORY engine in 1781). Robert Watson-Watt. MARINE WARREN WAS INJURED IN AN remain, a Royal Marines Commando.” STUDENTS HAVE BEEN STUDYING VITAL Watson-Watt had worked in the Met Office EXPLOSION WHEN PATROL BASE AIRPORT Major Ed Moorhouse, Officer ASPECTS OF WORLD WAR I AND WORLD WAR II. in WWI. In the interwar period it became was attacked by insurgents. Despite being given immediate Commanding Charlie Company, 40 Within this, technological aspects of invention and clear that the threat of aerial bombing was first aid by his comrades, the 23-year-old’s injuries proved to Commando Royal Marines, said: Innovation have been examined. The role of great engineers real. Watson-Watt and his assistant, Physicist be fatal. “Marine Paul Warren was something special in Charlie such as R J Mitchell in developing the iconic Spitfire has Arnold Wilkins began to assess the feasibility of using radio He was a pupil at Balshaw’s from 1998-2003 and was a Company, and that is an accolade I use sparingly in the been investigated. waves to detect objects. By February 1935, it was clear that great student. close knit band of brothers that we are, where all excel in Scientific and technological pioneers such as Mitchell radar could work. In June 1935 Watson-Watt used aerials to He joined the Royal Marines on May 22, 2006, and on doing their duty in the most challenging of environments in played a huge role in the Battle of Britain which began in the detect a Scapa Flying Boat at a distance of 27km. By the end completion of recruit training was drafted to 45 Commando Sangin.” summer of 1940, 70 years ago. of 1935 they could detect up to 100km away. Royal Marines, based in Arbroath, Scotland, joining on 26 Well done Paul, you were a true Balshavian to the end. At the outset the RAF Fighter Command had 644 aircraft, Watson-Watt knew that the RAF needed a fast and reliable June 2007. The School formed a Guard of Honour at his funeral on 8 while the Luftwaffe had 2,780 planes. By the time the Battle system to ensure the fighters went to the right place at the In January 2008 he was deployed with 45 Commando to July 2010 as a Tribute. of Britain was over the “few” had saved the nation from defeat right time in the right numbers to intercept the enemy. By northern Norway for two months of cold weather warfare and invasion. the outbreak of war in September 1939, a network of 20 main training. Royal Marines Prayer Churchill, 20th August 1940, “Never in the field of human radar stations provided an unbroken electronic barrier down Later that year he completed Mission Specific Training O eternal Lord God, who through many generations conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”. the eastern seaboard. in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan on Operation has united and inspired our corps, As students have learned this year, although the battle could This system helped save the country from defeat during the HERRICK 9 in September 2008. He served with Whiskey grant blessing, we beseech you, not have been won without the bravery of RAF aircrew and Battle of Britain. Company, 45 Commando, in Sangin, at Forward Operating on Royal Marines serving all around the Globe. support from ground crews, the victory depended on that Smaller radar machines were also mounted in aircraft to Base JACKSON and Patrol Base TANGIERS. Bestow your crown of righteousness upon all crucial “silent” invention RADAR. secure Atlantic convoys from attack by helping to detect and On 19 January 2010 he was drafted to Charlie Company, our efforts and endeavours, The first steps towards radar were actually made in destroy submarines. Under Watson-Watt the “idea” of radar 40 Commando Royal Marines, in time to complete Mission and may our laurels be those of gallantry and honour, Germany by Christian Hulsmeyer in the early 1900’s. In 1925 was turned into a powerful and effective system and although Specific Training for Operation HERRICK 12. loyalty and courage. the French scientist Pierre David suggested that planes could he didn’t “invent” radar in the true sense of the word, he In March 2010 he was once again deployed to Afghanistan, We ask these things in the name of him be spotted by deflecting high frequency radio waves from made the crucial push for its development. where this time he was based at Patrol Base Airport Lounge whose courage never failed, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. their fuselage. As Balshaw’s students have learned this year, many crucial located on the edge of the Sangin Wadi. Charlie Company Amen The Briton hailed as the “father” of radar was a descendent turning points in both wars were due to advances in science has been responsible for the security around Patrol Base of the great James Watt (creator of the rotary motion steam and technology. Airport Lounge and has conducted dozens of patrols in support of the local nationals. LANCASHIRE MATHS Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer, 40 CHALLENGE 2010 FAIRTRADE ECO DAY AT BALSHAW’S Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said: “Marine WE WERE CHOSEN TO TAKE PART IN THE MONDAY 5TH JULY 2010, SAW THE SCHOOL on both eco and Fairtrade Paul Warren was an outstanding Marine. He was bright, Lancashire Maths Challenge that took place at St Mary’s High HOLD ITS FIRST FAIRTRADE DAY ALONG WITH activities in the area. articulate, loyal and very brave. He was without doubt the School during May. The activities were challenging Maths ECO AND ENERGY ACTIVITIES AND IT MARKED The Recycle/ Fairtrade epitome of his profession. Having previously served in Sangin based problems that we had to solve. The theme of Britain’s the attainment of Fairtrade School Status by Balshaw’s. The fashion show was a great only last year, his experience was invaluable in preparing and Got Talent made the evening fun and enjoyable. The event event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress and Bishop success, after hours of work at times reassuring the men of 9 Troop. was made up of six rounds. We all enjoyed working as a John of Burnley awarded the school their Fairtrade status. by pupils and staff and this “He was a man of presence, a man who inspired others team for five of these rounds but we thought that the round The day was supported on the day by Farington CP idea may be developed with his professional example and equanimity. Paul was sharp; where we had to work on our own was the most difficult School, who has worked with the school over several months further in the school over the next year as part of the school’s he was fit, always keen to learn and was utterly selfless. and scary round. The Balshaw’s team won third place out of to produce solar powered vehicles to demonstrate as part drive to promote Fairtrade in school and the community. “He took pride in what he did and others took confidence the ten schools that took part. Everyone who took part was of the Eco engineering development in the community. The most popular event was the taste testing by the pupils from his approach to life. I saw in him a dedicated, reliable, presented with a certificate and Pupils and the local community were invited to join in with using fair-trade and non Fairtrade chocolate. Other activities talented and intelligent marine who had a promising career each one of our team was awarded activities, all with Fairtrade, eco or energy themes and some included Fairtrade stalls, word searches, puzzles and tie dying. cut tragically short. a trophy and a £5 WHSmith gift with engineering basis. Although the day was a great success there are still lots of “He died in his Patrol Base in Sangin, doing the job he voucher. Sandy Carter from Act on CO2 supported the preparation opportunities for the school to develop its Fairtrade and Eco/ loved and alongside the people who will know him forever as The pupils in our team were for the day with both schools and helped on the day. South energy initiatives both in school and the community. a true friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, James Carr, Holly Jackson, Jessica Ribble Partnership was also present to promote their work his two brothers, his family and his friends. Lavery and Stuart Brown.

P18. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P19 COUNTDOWN APPEARANCE! MODEL PUPILS GEOGRAPHY IN 3-D

WE LOVE HEARING ABOUT FORMER PUPILS It is not the first time that Clarke has been on TV. He AND THE LAST EDITION OF TRANSFORM was crowned “Britain’s Brainiest Footballer” in an ITV INCLUDED SEVERAL. ONE FORMER HEAD BOY show hosted by former Countdown mathematician Carol who keeps in touch with us is Clarke Carlisle who plays Vorderman in January 2002. He beat 12 other footballers football for Burnley. Recently Clarke appeared on Channel including George Cohen from the 1966 World Cup team. 4’s Countdown where he fulfilled a lifetime ambition. Clarke Clarke said, “I am used to playing football and I have a routine has always loved the quiz show, and auditioned several years for match day that copes with nerves and anxiety but sitting in front ago when he played for QPR. He came into school to talk to of that studio in front of the Countdown clock and all the lights, I Year 10 and Year 11 about working hard for their future. We was so nervous.” spoke to Clarke about his 3 games of Countdown. He beat He made us all at Balshaw’s very proud. He’s not the first at the reigning champion by 89 points to 55 and then held the Balshaw’s who has been on Countdown as Mr Clegg was on champion’s role. He said “I can’t say its better than winning a big it once as well. There are no ends to the talents of staff and football game - but it’s up there.” pupils at Balshaw’s. AT THE END OF OUR MAP TOPIC JUST polystyrene. I drew the outline onto the polystyrene ready BEFORE CHRISTMAS, WE WERE ASKED TO to cut out, it was hard work trying to follow the outline. We MAKE A 3-D FANTASY ISLAND TO BRING did not have a polystyrene cutter so my dad went onto the together what we’d learned. It was a levelled assessment piece, internet and found out how to make one using an instant where we were given an assessment grid which showed us soldering iron with a frame and some thin wire attached to how to improve our score. We had a planning lesson and then it. It actually worked and I was able to cut out the shapes. a peer assessment, a week before the final deadline in January. The shapes were glued together in layers and then painted The Christmas timing was set for us to make use of any loose to look like mountains and a volcano. I left a gap in the cardboard left over from the festive activities. If we produced bottom layer to fit an interesting shaped stone I had found. something special we were promised credits, geography The stone reminded me of a natural rock outcrop that you department cards sent home and even a trip to Miss Venn for often see a lighthouse positioned on. That gave me the idea a Head teacher’s commendation. to make a lighthouse that actually worked. I did this by using SHINE 2010 The class were keen to get started. We could make up a shaped pen top which I wrapped some red tape around. ON THE 27TH OF MAY, MEGAN AND ROB The pressure was on! It’s time! Danny B (from Rock any theme for our islands, some people chose ‘football’, a I then attached a small battery operated light from an old PERFORMED AT THE CHARTER THEATRE, FM) then called their names out. They walked on the stage few made it their own island, named after members of their construction set to improvise for the lighthouse lantern. I PRESTON. IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME determined to do their best. Rob started playing the piano, families. What we needed to show was lots of physical and finished this part of the island off with a beach. The beach opportunity and they did their friends and family proud! Megan started singing. The audience went wild. Their time human features, in good perspective, with many map features was made from sand mixed with craft glue and left to set. Rob met Megan one month ago, he asked her to sing along ended. They were sat there in their dressing room wondering brought to life in 3-D. In class we discussed what would help Now that the basic shape of the island was in place I whilst he played the piano for a talent competition made if they had done it. make our islands ‘make sense’. We agreed that settlements could start on the finishing touches. This was the part I by Rock FM. As soon as she said yes they were practising Hours later … All of the acts were called back on stage after needed transport routes which led to places of work and really enjoyed as I could let my imagination go wild, it was everyday until they were ready to submit their audition to an amazing band performed. It was intense. Everyone was leisure, that the Island should be built to scale and thought also the most fiddly as many of the parts were quite small. Rock FM. nervous. Emotions were building up. They were about to about ways of getting goods and people on and off the island. The trees were made out of cocktail sticks with fake moss 25 days later, Rob received an email to confirm that announce the winner. Then suddenly … This was before we’d even considered how to build it! attached to the top and the sheep were simply bits of cotton they were through to the finals. “I can’t believe that we “The winner of Shine 2010 is … CyberDance!” The first thing I did was to draw an image of how I wanted wool. The houses were made by pressing a monopoly house are through! When Rob told me I was overjoyed,” Megan Megan and Rob knew they did well but not winning the island to look. I then listed all the features that I wanted into playdough several times to form a mould, I then poured ecstatically explained. wasn’t getting them down because to be on my island, such as a volcano, an airport and a wind plaster of paris into the mould. The day then came round but Megan got some awful news they knew that it was the start of farm, by the time I had finished I had quite a long list! I Once all the details were complete I took an aerial photo of that day. She found out her Grandma died. But Megan was something new. They went out with looked around the house to see what materials I could use to the model. I transferred the picture onto the computer and still determined to do her best. their heads held high. It was a great start building. ran off a copy. I then used a transparency sheet to trace over Megan and Rob were the first people to do their sound experience and they would definitely I used a large wooden base instead of using thin card, as the contours of the island and mark all the features. All that check. Everything was going as planned. So they needn’t do it again. wood is very sturdy and can support a heavy weight. It was left after this was to work out the scale and think of some worry about a thing. They waited for hours and hours also looks slightly better as it can also be smoothly painted. names for all the locations. for their chance to shine. This was their moment to show By Megan Weaver and Rob Caunce First I painted the base blue to make it look like the sea. everyone their amazing talents. (Eternity) Next, I decided to make the contours of the island out of WN1 Michael Haydock Age 12

P20. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P21 TEACHING AWARDS FILM CHRISTOPH LUSCHIN MY SCHOOL COMPETITION IT IS GREAT WHEN WE HEAR FROM FORMER BALSHAVIANS WHETHER THEY LEFT 5 YEARS AGO OR 50 YEARS AGO. WE WERE DELIGHTED to hear from Christoph Luschin this year who has just graduated from Harvard Law School in 2010. Christoph joined us in 1995 when his father was an architect for the Chorley Temple. He had an excellent career whilst at Balshaw’s, gaining 16 GCSEs and he won the Lord Robens Prize for this and other outstanding achievements. He wrote the following to us as he started at Harvard: “When I was fifteen, I made the BALSHAW’S IS ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF NATIONAL INNOVATIONS AND THE TEACHING following record in my National AWARDS FILM MY SCHOOL COMPETITION WAS NO EXCEPTION. THE NEW CATEGORY WAS CREATED Record of Achievement at Balshaw’s IN 2010 TO GIVE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THEIR SCHOOL. under the heading goals: I wrote Ashley Hughes Year 11 took an excellent DVD and received a Teaching Awards Certificate. Ashley has taken a number of that I wanted to read history at DVDs of school performances, Eco Day, STEM activities and it is good that he has gained national recognition. Oxford and law at Harvard. Now Doctorate in law, and at Oriel College Oxford for a Masters just eight years later, I have reached Degree in history.” the fulfilment of this goal. I He has written this year enclosing the following MATHEMATICS & RE TRANSITION EVENT have been accepted at Harvard photograph of his graduation. Law School, to obtain my Juris Well done Christoph. Yet another Balshaw’s success. SAMPLE DAYS AWARDS ONCE AGAIN STAFF AT BALSHAW’S HAVE WON PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO EDUCATION. YEAR 6 PUPILS FROM LEYLAND METHODIST pupils had to measure the distances thrown in each event; Caroline Molyneux, Head of Science, won the Hauksbee SCHOOL VISITED THE MATHS AND RE work out the range and mean average. Award, given by the Royal Society who celebrated their DEPARTMENTS ON THURSDAY 24TH JUNE. 3. How the dining room system works and the cost of 350th year. The award was named after Francis Hauksbee, They took part in a variety of different activities to help them buying lunch. Pupils were asked to budget and choose Isaac Newton’s laboratory assistant and recognises unsung when they start at Balshaw’s in September: which items that they could buy for a set amount of money. heroes who have excelled in science. The Head and Caroline 1.  A Trail – this led them around the school as long as 4. Coat of Arms – Pupils were asked to design a coat of BALSHAW’S HAS A NUMBER OF SAMPLE went to London to meet the Duke of Kent who gave her the they answered the maths questions correctly. arms to depict their background and interests. DAYS IN THE SUMMER TERM FOR YEARS 5 award at the Royal Society in March. 2. Sports Day – They had straws for javelins, paper plates We look forward to meeting them again in September – I AND 6 PUPILS. DURING THIS TIME THEY HAVE Vanessa Thomas, who is Head of Technology, was awarded for discus and cotton wool balls for the shot putt. The wonder if they can remember their way around school. a variety of lessons and tasks to get the pupils used to life at the Design and Technology Association Food Technology High School. On 13th July some Year 5 pupils from Manor Award. Vanessa was recognised for her outstanding Road came into school. One of their tasks was to build a contribution to Food Technology and gaining first class tower as tall as possible from art straws and sellotape that results. Vanessa has also would hold the weight of a marble. The pupils used all of rolled out pilot schemes for their engineering skills to build this and the winners were Lancashire Cookery Club. Lauren and Lucy with a tower of 1.77 metres. 2nd were Both of these are Robert and Callum and 3rd was Helena. excellent examples of They did very well indeed to build such a stable structure. Balshaw’s ‘Aiming at Excellence’.

P22. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 ISSUE10 TRANSFORM .P23 MISS O’BRIEN’S VISIT TO CHINA AND CHINESE CLUB

IN OCTOBER 2009 MISS O’BRIEN WAS GIVEN the culture of China. THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO CHINA FOR They got the opportunity to try Chinese calligraphy, TEN DAYS AND VISIT SCHOOLS IN BEIJING playground games, tai chi and Tangrams and use chop sticks to and Shunde along with Lancashire Headteachers, Senior eat jelly beans! Leaders and Heads of Languages. Their aim was to experience The pupils made such progress that they were invited to the Chinese culture and Lancashire to build links with the All Hallows to attend Lancashire’s first ‘Inter-School Chinese schools in these areas. day’. Eight schools attended the event and the pupils had During the ten day visit Miss O’Brien was lucky enough the opportunity to meet more members of the Chinese to visit numerous secondary schools, and observe lessons. department from the University of Central Lancashire and to Although schools and classes varied, she found that pupils practise all that they had learnt throughout the day. tended to start school at about 8 a.m and often continue their They also looked at the different types of opera masks used studies until as late as 9 p.m! The pupils were very motivated in the Chinese opera and their different meanings. Towards and despite few school resources and large classes of up to the end of the day the pupils got the opportunity to light a sixty pupils, they felt lucky to have the chance to go to school. Chinese lantern to wish good luck to all that had attended the Following the trip Miss O’Brien was inspired to share what event. she had learnt and organised a ten Week Chinese course for All of the schools at the event took part in an interactive years 7-9 which started on April 29th. 23 pupils attended the quiz and Miss O’Brien was very proud when the Balshaw’s course which was taught by Mr Hu from the University of pupils won the overall prize and were awarded an interactive Central Lancashire. In each lesson the pupils studied both the Chinese board. The group are looking forward to using this is Mandarin language (such as greetings and numbers) and also future Chinese lessons.

P24. TRANSFORM ISSUE10 design by ninefootone creative ltd. – www.ninefootone.co.uk