Weatherhead High School WEATHER REPORT

A high performing academy providing excellence for all Spring 2013

Peter Pan Dazzles Audiences staggering £2,500 was raised from students and local families who came to the sell-out school performance of Peter Pan in support of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Peter Pan has special significance for Weatherhead. The play’s author, J.M. Barrie, was uncle to the school’s former Headteacher and his address to the school in 1924 mirrors the ethos within the school Ato this day “that every child should get an equal chance.” He also inspired the Alder Hey charity drive drawn from his legacy to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital through the sale of performance rights for Peter Pan. The show was a major success from every angle and we thank everyone who took part and supported us. For full details of the production and photo gallery turn to the back cover...

Outstanding Times for Weatherhead “What you have is a school to be proud of,” said Peter Pan author, Sir James Barrie, in 1924 when he visited the school. Ofsted reiterated this in 2012 with the school’s ‘Outstanding in all Areas’ inspection report and recent Government figures also confirm that Weatherhead students of all abilities demonstrate progress levels significantly beyond national averages. Our GCSE success in English and Maths is amongst the highest in the country. Our high achieving students succeed at levels which are better than almost all schools locally and nationally, including selective schools. Our Sixth Form has been recognised in an analysis of 1,251 schools and colleges nationally which placed us in the top 20% for performance. So ‘excellence for all’ is a Weatherhead pledge we can all truly celebrate. Celebrating Success in School

Headteacher’s Welcome “It has been an outstanding period for the school and one we are happy to share and celebrate with you in this Spring Edition of Weather Report. The Ofsted Report has been memorable but no more so than the regular achievements and commitment shown by our extremely talented and hardworking students and staff over this period and building towards this. It is important to acknowledge all we have achieved, but strive continually to build from here and progress even further to the benefit of the whole school. I hope Weather Report will provide an insight into what goes on at Weatherhead day to day, but I would always be happy to meet and share more information about the school to anyone who wishes to contact me.”

Mr Dyment - Headteacher

KEY STAGE Olympic Inspiration 3 iamh Kelly from Year 8 was awarded ‘Best in Grade’ in her class by her Taekwondo teacher. Niamh, who is a member of Wirral and Chester Taekwondo, is at junior level and has Nattained her white belt, yellow stripe, 9th kup. In order to progress from one belt to the next, students must demonstrate their learning, memorise techniques and answer questions. Niamh was also lucky enough to meet Olympian Jade Jones at the Wirral Taekwondo Academy in Bromborough last year and asked her to sign her belt! 19 year old Jade is the first British Taekwondo athlete to win Olympic Gold, which was made more memorable by winning at the London 2012 Olympics.

Year 8 celebration assembly Celebration Assemblies All in a Florrie

t the end of the Autumn term Year Leaders shared ear 8 dancers Charleigh Galer and Maddie Domigan were honoured successes and achievements with their year groups to perform in front of Prince Charles at the official opening of the in special celebration assemblies organised by Mrs restored Florence Institute (the Florrie) interactive learning and visitor AFraser. Students were awarded for 100% attendance, top IRIS Ycentre in Toxteth. The girls’ dance group, the Works Academy in Wallasey, rewards as well as Year Leader and Learning Mentor awards. were invited to dance for the opening ceremony in January and performed The girls were delighted with their gold certificates, high a mixture of street and ballet dance. Charleigh was dancing about a metre street vouchers and chocolate treats in recognition of their away from Prince Charles and said he looked happy and was enjoying achievements. Congratulations to all. Keep it up! the performance. The Prince’s visit (including the girls’ performance) was featured in the local news and on Granada Reports. ! Key Stage 3 Awards Evening will take place on Thursday 4th July 2 WEATHER REPORT Celebrating Success in School

KEY STAGE A Seniors’ Moment to Remember 4 enior Awards Evening in October was a great evening of Student Senior Leadership Team at Senior Awards Evening celebration for students, parents and staff. The event recognised the achievements and talent of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 whoS have performed brilliantly inside and outside the classroom. Guest speaker, Mrs Carol Rogers, Executive Director for Education, Communities and Visitors at the National Museums, Liverpool, gave an inspirational and insightful talk about the benefits of working hard and aiming high. NVQ catering students provided refreshments and performances were given by the Jazz Band and Weatherhead Dance Company. Mrs Rogers was presented with a piece of A Level artwork as a gift and members of the Student Senior Leadership Team made speeches alongside Mr Dyment. Congratulations to all our prize winners!

Staff and guests at Sports Awards Evening

Music Students Make the Grade

ead of Music, Mr Brown, is delighted that six of our musicians have achieved Music examination success. The girls’ dedicated Hattendance at weekly lessons, combined with hours of home practise and tutor support, ensured that the girls made the grade and were awarded their certificates by Trinity College, The London College of Music and The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Grace Blundell (Year 11) Grade 5 - Theory Emily Beresford (Year 11) Grade 1- Flute Sports Students Courtney Campbell (Year 11) Grade 3 - Voice Banusha Kugabalan (Year 10) Grade 2 - Violin Go the Distance Charley McGuiness (Year 9) Grade 2 - Voice Charlotte McCarthy (Year 9) Grade 3 - Clarinet ports Awards Evening took place in October and was an excellent opportunity to celebrate sporting success inside and outside of school. The evening kicked off with aS bang - with a fantastic display from the Gymnastics Squad! Year 13 Sports Captains, Hannah Thurlow and Olivia Stowell-Smith, gave an interesting speech explaining their roles and how they Einsteins in the Making - support the PE department which was followed by a sporting achievement round up of 2012. Awards were presented to Who Would Have Figured? students by former Weatherhead student, Rebecca Blacklock, aths staff celebrated with twenty nine Year 10 who was our guest for the evening. Rebecca inspired us all to be students who sat their GCSE Maths a year early and the best we possibly can with an extremely motivating speech all achieved an A or A* grade. In recognition of their about her time as a Games Maker at the London 2012 Olympics. achievement, Mr Dyment and Miss Whelan arranged for them The gymnasts brought the evening to a close, impressing the M each to receive a chocolate treat. The girls worked extremely audience with their tumbling, somersaulting and acrobatics skills. hard to achieve their grades and now that they are in Year 11, The evening was a fantastic success - congratulations to all who are studying for their Level 2 in Further Maths which will help won an award! those who wish to go on to study A Level Maths.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 3 Celebrating Success in School

KEY STAGE Students work with Coca Cola mentor 4 This Is It! ear 10 students Caitlin Ainscough, Natalie Bennett, Sophie Cameron, Charlie Hawksett, Toni Killen, Holly Lawton, Katie Marlow and Megan Shoeman entered the Real Business Challenge Y(RBC) under the watchful eye of Mr Phillips and made it through to the North West Final. The RBC is an exciting enterprise competition which challenges students to tackle a business task. This is an opportunity for students to develop enterprise skills that will give them a competitive edge in today’s job market. The competition was stiff and the girls deserve a huge amount of credit for qualifying. The Final, which took place in February at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, gave finalists the opportunity to work alongside Coca-Cola business mentors on a live project. The girls worked hard and produced costs, recorded a radio advert and presented their plans to raise awareness of the Special Olympics to a judging panel which included the Coca Cola UK Vice President and the Special Olympic UK Chief Executive. The girls did not go through to the finals in London but learnt a lot from the day working as a Marketing Team for Coca Cola.

KEY STAGE Raising the Bar! 5 Young Physicist Award Winner ine Year 12 students were put through their paces in the regional heats of The Bar National Mock Trial Competition, which aims to offer young people an exciting and Ninnovative insight into the workings of the legal system. Now in its 22nd year it involves over 2,000 students, 300 barristers and ninety judges across the UK. Our students spent months preparing and were mentored by Gabrielle Wenham, a Barrister at Atlantic Chambers in Liverpool. Using carefully constructed witness statements they prepared the prosecution and defence of two criminal cases. The team put forward a competent case at the North West heats but on this occasion did not progress to the national final. The competition provided a Young Physicist of the fun and innovative way of exploring and understanding Year Award 2012 legal and human rights and ear 13 physicist, Lauren Arrowsmith, was nominated for enabled students to develop the Ogden Trust Young Physicist of the Year Award. Lauren their research, negotiating, was a natural choice, according to Head of Physics, Mrs evaluation and decision Garner, who added, “She has worked consistently hard since making skills. Congratulations Y starting her AS Physics course, has a natural flair for Physics to our legal team Erin and approaches all tasks with 100% effort and enthusiasm.” The Courtney, Rachel Dunster, Ogden Trust works to inspire and encourage young people to Anna Ghader, Alexandra continue with their studies of Physics and Lauren is now one Heron, Esther Richardson, of the Ogden Trust Alumni and will be given the opportunity to Alice Robinson, Emily Sharp, apply for funding to help with the costs of her undergraduate Maddie Williams and Dillon studies and will benefit from her membership throughout Wockenforth. her career in physics. The presentation evening was held at Spaceport, Seacombe, where guests were treated to a lecture Order, Order! from Astrophysicist Professor Andrew Newsam. The evening was a fantastic opportunity to chat with tutors from Liverpool John Moores University and other Astrophysicists and guests.

4 WEATHER REPORT Higher Education & Careers Programme

Students Learn How to Succeed in Exams

ear 9 students and their parents were invited to an evening with renowned Educational Consultant, Andrew Newton, at the beginning of last term. The evening offered lively and Yinteractive sessions on topics such as revision planning, use of the internet, strategies for dealing with stress (for students and parents) as well as revision techniques. One student commented, “I really benefitted from the evening and now feel I am able to sit an exam without being stressed or worried and believe I can do well when I put my mind to it and revise effectively”.

Careers Fair John Makinson meets Mr Dyment t the beginning of November a host of representatives from Business Magnate local businesses and universities took part in a Careers Fair for Weatherhead students, their parents and pupils from Shares Cultural Insights APark Primary School. A range of companies attended with hundreds of our students receiving help, advice and guidance about routes into university and employment. The fair was a great success and the with Students students who attended found it interesting and enjoyable. We were e were delighted to welcome Chairman and grateful to representatives from the University of Liverpool Veterinary CEO of the Penguin Group, Mr John Makinson, to Department, Chester University, Liverpool John Moores University, Weatherhead last term as part of an Education and Queen’s University (Belfast), St. Peter’s College (Oxford), the Police Employers Taskforce initiative, Speakers for Schools. Speaking to an Force, the Civil Service, the Armed Forces, Jaguar Landrover, Airbus, W audience of English and Drama students he highlighted the value Scottish Power, TTE Training and Harsco Metals for taking the time to of investment in the Arts. Representing two national iconic and support students. cultural brands, Penguin and The National Theatre, he stressed the importance of investing in what we do best in the UK - music, theatre, film and creative writing. He highlighted how investment in Liverpool has reaped rewards and how its status as European Capital of Culture 2008 generated a boost in the tourism. He also made reference to Danny Boyle’s Opening Ceremony at the Olympics, where Performing Arts brought the nation’s history and culture to international audiences. He urged students and staff to deliver results but to also value and explore creativity and the Arts. “Never settle! Stay hungry! Remain a little foolish!” he quoted of his own inspiration Apple legend Steve Jobs. He certainly inspired some fresh thinking for our students, having graduated from Cambridge University himself with Honours in History and English. Careers Fair exhibitor

Master Classes tudents have enjoyed lectures and careers talks from lecturers, business owners and representatives from large companies since September as part of our Extra Curricular Master Class series. These sessions have enabled the students to learn more about lesson topics by applying it to university and work related settings. StudentsS have also discovered more about career opportunities and routes into Higher Education. To date, the master classes have featured lectures on careers in health care, marketing and law, setting up a business, gap year opportunities, student finance and applying to Oxbridge. There are many more planned for the rest of the year to help prepare our students for work and university life.

For further careers advice visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk/schoolcommunity/careersinformation 5 Higher Education & Careers Programme

Students Link Together

n December four of our Year 12 students had the opportunity to attend a Medlink and Vetlink residential course at Nottingham Trent University. Emma Foster, Emily Jones, Khushbu Morar and Emily Xu spent four days living the life of a medical or veterinary student and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Living in student Iaccommodation they ate meals in the refectory and attended lectures, seminars and workshops during the day and the evening. The girls also found out more about how to apply for courses, grade requirements and how to be prepared for interviews. By the end of the four days they were exhausted but had learnt a lot and found the experience really positive and worthwhile. The residential gave our students an insight into what it takes to be a medical and veterinary student and how much hard work it is. The girls are keener than ever now and are working really hard to ensure they achieve the grades they need to fulfil their ambition.

Emma “The Vetlink experience was an opportunity of a lifetime. Even though the course has high demands, this experience Foster has made me more determined than ever to study veterinary medicine.” “I had a great experience during Medlink. The lectures were informative and fun. I learnt interview techniques and Emily how to write my UCAS personal statement. Overall, Medlink really helped me a lot and I now feel more certain about Xu studying medicine.”

Emily “I am so grateful to have had the experience of going to Medlink. It was a great opportunity. What I learnt from the Jones experience was invaluable. I would recommend Medlink to anyone who is considering a career in medicine.”

“I found Medlink a very enjoyable and informative experience which helped me understand more about my career Khushbu choices. The experience has given me a better insight into what I need to do to help me gain a place studying Morar medicine at university.”

Students Exhibit Work at Lady Lever Art Gallery

group of our most talented Year 10 artists have been chosen to have their paintings on show alongside pieces of art by Constable Sixth Form Friends and Gainsborough at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight. AThe exhibition, Fresh Perspectives: Art from Wirral Schools, opened on Saturday 9th February and runs until 7th April and features a diverse range of works New Sixth Form including painting, collage and textiles created by students from Weatherhead High School, Prenton High School, South Wirral High School and the Wallasey Friends for Year 7 School. Mrs Freckleton, Head of Art, said, “We are delighted to be part of this exhibition. It gives our students the opportunity to showcase their artwork to ixth Form Friends is a new initiative a wider audience and celebrate their achievements. It is inspiring for our girls to aiming to help Year 7 students settle into be part of a professional exhibition where their work will be shown amongst Weatherhead and provide them with famous paintings and support.S Twenty students were recruited in Year artefacts in such a lovely 11 and trained by Miss Chesters and Mrs Jones gallery. ” Sandra Penketh, at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Their roles and Director of Art Galleries responsibilities include attending Breakfast Club at National Museums, and supporting Year 7 Lunch Club on a rota basis said, “This exhibition so that students get an opportunity to meet all of provides a platform for their friends. There are also two friends attached young Wirral artists to to each form and are visible in their purple t-shirts. show off their creations The initiative, which started in September, has been in of Europe’s finest a great success so far both for the students and the art galleries. They can Sixth Form Friends who are developing valuable life feel very proud of their skills. achievements.”

6 WEATHER REPORT Weatherhead Alumni

Scholarship Award to Outstanding Student

ormer Weatherhead student, Verity Piercy, who gained an A* and two A grades in her A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry last summer, is now studying Chemistry at Bangor University.F Verity has been awarded the Bangor University Excellence Scholarship which recognises outstanding academic achievement in the College of Physical and Applied Sciences and was delighted to receive a £4,500 scholarship. Carys Roberts, Head of Student Recruitment, commented, “We’re delighted to be able to recognise Verity’s academic achievement upon entry and are confident that she will go on to excel in her studies during her time here at Bangor.” Verity said, “I am really pleased that my hard work during my A Levels has been acknowledged. I plan to save the money to use for any additional requirements that I may have over the duration of my course”. Verity receives her award Weatherhead Scholars

e are delighted that three of last year’s Scholars, Vanessa Graduates from Chan, Camilla Mercer and Christian Watts, have gone on to study Chemical Engineering at University College London, Newcastle University Design at Goldsmiths, University of London and Medic ine at Bristol W e are delighted that two former Weatherhead University respectively students graduated from the University of Newcastle last summer; Lauren Rowlands graduated with a Bsc HonoursW in Economics and Jessica Raftery with a BA Honours in Sociology.

Friends of Weatherhead

o many good stories emerge about our former students and we are keen to capture and share this. Where has life taken you since you left Weatherhead? What do you remember of Our Scholars’ Programme has been designed to provide exceptional yourS time in school? Have you come across someone or a link to the opportunities and guidance for our brightest Sixth Form students. It is school that we would enjoy hearing about? We would also love to offered to students who have achieved five A* grades at GCSE, have create a wall of faces, features and fond memories to mark ten years an excellent track record of performance, and show the potential to in September 2013 at Breck Road. achieve a minimum of ABB in any subject at A Level.

Highlights of the Programme: Scholars’ Lunches - Regular events for scholars to debate and Please keep discuss topical issues with peers, staff and visiting speakers to in touch. Send your develop analytical thinking, communication and presentation skills. anecdotes, updates and pictures. Extended Project Qualification - Scholars design and develop a Include your contact details and tell project in an area of special interest which can greatly enhance us when you were here. UCAS applications. Email University Visits - Close links with Oxbridge Colleges and Russell [email protected] Group universities allows us to offer fantastic trips to leading or telephone Amanda Leweson on institutions. 0151 631 4400. Scholars’ Bursary - A unique £100 bursary is available to help purchase books and travel costs to university events.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 7 Weatherhead Extra

Budding radio presenters COMMUNITY Extended Schools PROGRAMME Programme

eatherhead’s Extended Schools ProgrammeW continues to go from strength to strength and offers a Ready, steady number of activities to cook! students, parents and members of the local community every Monday evening. Extra, Extra (Curricular) • Budding chefs attending Cookery Club have the tudents at Weatherhead are spoilt for choice in terms of opportunity to learn a range of skills ranging from cake an extensive Extra Curricular timetable. Clubs take place at making and decorating to preparing savoury dishes from lunchtime and after school, as well as at the weekend and during around the world. holidays. We encourage students to join at least one club each term to S • Representatives from St. John Ambulance run a 12 week learn something new in an enjoyable way and to develop skills in time First Aid course which teaches basic but essential life management and team work. It is important for students to develop a saving techniques. Basic training in First Aid is a useful skill range of interests, build positive relationships with their peers and make to have and can prove beneficial to young people as they a positive contribution to the school. This term students have had the apply for university or jobs in the future. opportunity to try radio production with our unique in-house Ice Radio, • New this year, we have introduced English as an Additional Creative Makers, Jazz Band, Film Club, Young Writers, Performance Poetry, Language (EAL) support sessions for parents and students as Sewing Club, Chamber Choir, Gardening Club, Basketball, Trampolining well as a popular Zumba and Tone class - an excellent way of and Football to name but a few! Year 7 students have also had the keeping fit, having fun and chasing away the Winter blues! fantastic opportunity to attend Year 7+ Clubs run by professionals including football coaching with coaches from Everton Football Club and dance classes run by Wirral Youth Theatre. All Year 7 students are encouraged to attend a 7+ Club which are free to attend. Universities and employers not only look at the grades students achieve but also their Easter Schools involvement in school life. Attendance at any of these clubs is free ur Easter Revision School for GCSE and A Level - timetables are available in each form room or on the school students will run from Monday 25th March to Friday website under Extra Curricular > Extra Curricular Activities 5th April with most sessions running from 9.00am Spring 2013. toO 1.00pm. This is an excellent opportunity for your child to gain more revision time with guidance from teachers as Learning Latin well as support with examination techniques. The revision sessions are open to all Weatherhead GCSE (Year 10 and Veni, Vidi, Vici 11 students), AS and gifted group of Year 7 and 8 A2 Level students students meet every Monday night taking their exams this to study the classical language of summer. We hope that ALatin. Organised in collaboration with the your child can make the University of Liverpool, the evening course most of this fantastic is part of a Gifted and Talented programme opportunity. Staff are run by Weatherhead to challenge and extend looking forward to students and may lead to students taking an working with students additional GCSE in Latin. as they prepare for their forthcoming examinations. After School Support

tudents can visit the library until 5.30pm Monday to S Thursday and until 4.00pm on Fridays. Miss McLarnon runs the Year 7 LRC Club every Monday and Wednesday until 5.30pm to help with homework and support Year 7 students. View the full Easter Revision School Timetable on the school website ! - under Letters to Parents. 8 WEATHER REPORT An Eventful Time at Weatherhead

Disability Awareness Week

r Morris and his team launched Disability Awareness Week attitudes to disability. He in the Autumn term, taking inspiration from the drive, praised Weatherhead for determination and phenomenal success of Paralympic being at the forefront of Mathletes at the London 2012 Olympics. An unusual visitor joined driving that change. Students Year 7 classes at the start of the week in the shape of adorable were also given a wealth of Labrador pup, Sabre, who was accompanied by his trainer, Sue opportunities to acquire Brown, from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Our students learnt all about new skills during the week, the work of the association, staffed by volunteers like Sue who including sign language and selflessly dedicate their time to training dogs. She also spoke of Braille. Movers, a theatre the benefits of visiting schools and exposing a young dog to new group for adults with experiences. Sabre thought that the Year 7 students were excellent severe learning difficulties, role models! hosted an excellent Drama Students get to grips with Braille workshop led by two adults with Down It was an honour and a privilege to welcome Paralympics Gold Syndrome. Our girls were inspired by their medallist, Mark Eccleston, to school who talked to Year 9 students courage, confidence and talent. about how he had achieved his ambitions and about changing As the week drew to a close there was time for students to reflect on what they had gained from the experience. It certainly raised awareness of the abilities of the disabled and of the obstacles that they have to overcome in order to lead a normal life and achieve their goals. It was a humbling experience and a lesson to us all about just how much we can achieve with a positive attitude to life. Mark Ecclestone with Year 9 girls Sabre enjoying his visit to Weatherhead Anti-Bullying Author Week uthor Week takes place on an Week annual basis during the second week of October. This year tudents across all year groups took Awe had five popular authors who read part in various activities during from their latest books, told us how they national Anti-Bullying Week in became authors and how they create November.S The central message was and develop their ideas for stories and ‘there’s no place for bullying’. Mrs Fraser characters. They were all so impressed organised special assemblies in which Year 7 and 8 students watched a theatre with Weatherhead that they told their Graham Joyce talks to students army of fans about us on their Twitter and production of ‘Them and Me’ Facebook feeds! Catherine Bruton entertained us with Pop, a story and learnt about celebrities who were bullied at school. Students of three mismatched friends who try to enter and win a local were encouraged to discuss bullying in form time and create X-Factor style competition set in Merseyside. Bryony Pearce gave friendship pledges. During lessons students created sculptures us a completely different tale with Angel’s Fury, as a young girl starts and murals to raise awareness of bullying, participated in poetry to experience terrifying nightmares that reveal a past life she knew workshops, developed drama sketches and composed anti bullying nothing about. Michelle Harrison took us away to a fantasy world full raps. Year 8 Media students worked in groups and took part in a of fairies and magic with the 13 Treasures trilogy, while Graham Joyce photography competition with the winning designs being made into explained to us how boys will never understand girls in a very funny anti-bullying posters to be displayed in school. Evie Chesters, Freya tale called Three Ways To Snog An Alien. The week finished with a visit Clarkin and Anna Hunter were crowned the winners, second place from Kathryn James who left us guessing about the mystery that lay was awarded to Jessica Carney, Georgia Evans and Amy Neilson, in her bestseller, Mist. with Poppy O’Brien, Poppy Heron and Millie Marshallsay taking third place.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 9 An Eventful Time at Weatherhead

Artist in Residence Returns to Weatherhead Artist in Residence, Ian Murphy uring the month of December, Saturdays were aD burst of activity at Weatherhead! Renowned local artist Ian Murphy WeatherAid students meet local councillors ran a series of drawing workshops in the morning WeatherAid Campaigners for pupils from Greenleas hat began as a an exercise to engage some of the quieter and St. George’s Primary students in Year 8 and to give Gifted and Talented students School who learnt how an opportunity to show some leadership and citizenship to draw using collage and skills has developed into a small campaign group! Mrs Burke’s pen drawing techniques. W The pupils were inspired Citizenship Group were asked to select an issue that concerned them and carried out a survey to find out the views of the other and the standard of Year 8 students. In January they invited local councillors into school to work produced was present and discuss their findings, chat about government budget cuts, outstanding - many how these cuts might affect Wirral parks and give suggestions for how of them are looking to improve local parks. This was the girls’ first foray into politics which forward to taking part has been a huge learning curve and an experience which they have in more exciting events at Weatherhead. In the afternoon Ian ran all enjoyed. drawing and ink workshops for our own GCSE and A Level students. The students were able to work on a painting over the course of several weeks which allowed them to really develop their technique. Each student produced an excellent piece of work which they can Eerie Halloween Events use as part of their coursework for the forthcoming exams. ow a Weatherhead tradition, the Year 7 Halloween disco has become a firm fixture on the calendar and is a great opportunity for students to get to know each other better. NSixth Form students dressed up and decorated the theatre to create a spooky spectacular for over one hundred Year 7 students who had PTA Christmas Fair great fun trying to work out which members of staff were hiding erenaded by the School Band and Chamber Choir, visitors behind masks and make-up! Prizes were awarded for best dancer and to the second PTA Christmas Fair were given a festive treat best costume which was won by Georgia Smith who wrapped herself with a wide array of craft stalls to get everyone inspired for entirely in bandages and came as a Mummy! Year 12 and 13 students theS season’s gift giving frenzy. From handmade goods and sweets, to also dressed up on Halloween to raise money for charity - the boys’ scarves and Christmas costumes were particularly impressive this year and included Jack decorations - there was Sparrow, Spiderman, the Joker, Batman and Robin. something for everyone. Our own resident To the Batmobile Robin... artist, Assistant Head Girl, Christine Duncan, showcased her brilliant Liverpool illustrations which were quickly snapped up. Our musicians performed throughout the day entertaining the crowds. Many thanks go to our stalwart PTA for all their hard work in planning and managing the event and providing a delicious array of refreshments. Commercial artist in the making

10 WEATHER REPORT Global Window on Weatherhead

International Links

e were delighted to welcome Magda Salamon to Weatherhead back in September as part of the international education programme Comenius. Magda has contributed significantly to our students’ learning, supporting students with their preparation for GCSEs in Polish, English and Maths and offeringW one-to-one tuition. Magda has helped to widen Weatherhead’s international links taking assemblies, running a Polish Club as well as weekly support sessions for students and parents. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Magda for all her hard work and contribution to learning and engagement of the students and wish her well in the future as her time at Weatherhead comes to an end.

Emma Varney visits Weatherhead World Aids Day

Mr Dyment, Miss Whelan & Mrs Roden meet our Hong King Visitors World Aids Day International eatherhead welcomed volunteer Emma Varney to school to mark World Aids Day and to educate Year Recognition for 12 students about the global issue of HIV and Aids. Emma studies English and Drama at Hope University and works Weatherhead withW Project Trust delivering workshops and talks in schools. Emma spent a year working in a school in South Africa where she saw Hong Kong Education Bureau delegation visited the first-hand the impact HIV and Aids is having on young people school in November having identified Weatherhead and their families. Her talk was fascinating and gave our students in international research for its renowned and unique a deeper understanding of volunteering abroad and the value of AHealth, Social Care and Early Years Education curriculum. The global citizenship. It also raised the important issue of HIV and Hong Kong Government sponsored visitors, Ms Josephine Wu AIDS and gave clear information about what can be done to of the Education Bureau and Ms Becky Wong, HMSC Teacher protect yourself and help and support others. and Assistant Principal at Tuen Mun Government Secondary School, visited Weatherhead to review best practice in the UK and feedback their findings. Head of Health and Social Care, Mrs Roden explained, “Our unique courses in childcare and education provide not only academic routes for students, but also clear and Weatherhead TV - positive employment routes. GCSE Health and Social Care has did you miss the maintained 100% pass rates with an impressive 33% A*/A grades Christmas episode? and 88% A-C grades. We are more than pleased to share our Log onto the school experiences and learning with others locally, nationally, or at the website and follow the international level as with this Hong Kong visit.” Weatherhead TV link and view today!

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 11 School Specialisms - Media Arts

Arts Leaders Lead the Way!

iss Elliott’s Year 12 Arts Leaders led ‘An Introduction to Drama’ at St. George’s Primary School at the end of January coordinating an afternoon of fun games and Drama exercises as part of Mtheir Enrichment option. The workshop was so successful that Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Hackett, invited them back the following week to run another session! The Arts Leaders programme is designed to develop leadership, promote creativity in students, encourage team work and build confidence. The team of ten students also supported staff in the marketing and running of Staff Stars in their Eyes in December including designing and circulating the poster and selling tickets. Arts Leader workshop at St. George’s Arts Ambassadors nce again the Autumn Term Sculpture Project proved a busy time for our welve Year 10 artists were amongst a group of Arts Ambassadors who students and community groups from Wallasey who were invaluable during Peter Pan, collaborated with local artist Brigitte Jurack to help O Staff Stars in Your Eyes and the Tcreate a sculpture as part of the redevelopment of Liscard Hall Performing Arts Mini Showcase in Central Park which was destroyed by fire in 2008. The girls selling tickets, distributing posters worked with Brigitte over six weeks to create small wax figures and acting as meeters and greeters, Year 7 Arts Ambassadors help at based on photographs taken around the theme of youth. Brigitte ushers and lift operators for Peter Pan took inspiration from the wax models to create a sculpture, performances. Having recruited and welcomed four keen Year 7 Just Wait for Me which was unveiled in November. Entitled it students to the team in September, the events offered them an captures the spirit, bravado and playfulness of young people opportunity to get involved for the first time. and shows two youths piggy-backing. Brigitte commented that she called it Just Wait for Me as the youths appear to be waiting for friends or the next stage of their life. The space around the sculpture will be redeveloped by Wirral Council with new seating and staging. Our students were privileged to work with Pupils Go Barmy an internationally known artist and see their visions literally come to life. Sculpture Project students pictured with Arts Council representative for Origami! edia Demonstrator, Mrs Joynson, has been working with pupils from Greenleas Primary School on an Mexciting Origami film project to tie in with their curriculum work on Japan. A group of ten pupils are getting creative mastering the ancient Japanese art of folding paper over 12 weeks, whilst also learning how to film, take digital photographs and record a voice-over for their own Origami video. Pupils have enjoyed creating Origami animals and getting to know more about Japanese culture and hope to enter their finished film into the next Just Wait for Me Wirral Schools’ Film Festival. Origami dog

12 WEATHER REPORT School Specialisms - Leadership

Miss Chappell accepts our Leadership Award Weatherhead Creating a Leads the Way Leadership Legacy

ast year Acting Head of Dance, n conjunction with the Heath School, Weatherhead staff and Miss Chappell, successfully students were honoured to be invited to run workshops at applied for Weatherhead the Leadership Legacy conference at the Liverpool Museum in toL become a Beacon School for IFebruary. Delegates were introduced to the Sixth Form Student Leadership. The Leadership Academy Leadership Team, Year 12 Artists in Residence and Year 12 Museum initiative, launched by Sports Leaders Tour Guides who discussed the leadership opportunities that UK, rewards and recognises academies have been made available to them at Weatherhead. One of our who go beyond the call of duty. school governors, Carol Rogers, Executive Director of Education, Leadership Academies will act as Communities and Visitors for National Museums Liverpool, gave an beacons of good practise delivering Sports Leaders UK’s awards and inspirational opening address about the many cultural opportunities qualifications. By meeting the criteria, beacon schools also have a very available for students. She was followed by the key note speaker, positive impact on the local community. Mr Alan Brierley from Sports Baroness Sue Campbell CBE, Chair of UK Sports and Youth Sports Leaders UK attended our Sports Presentation Evening as our VIP Trust. After training as a PE teacher, Baroness Campbell lectured at guest and presented an official plaque to Miss Chappell. Weatherhead Leicester and Loughborough Universities and represented England as is delighted to be one of only eight schools in the North West to a player, coach and manager. The day proved a great experience for achieve this accolade. our young leaders and they rose to the challenge with gusto. Young Artists in Residence ive Year 12 Art and Textiles students have been working with Students Keep StudentsActive enjoying new equipment ur Active Playground scheme has representatives from the Walker Art Gallery as part of our been very successful particularly at Enrichment Programme. The pilot scheme with the Museum Key Stage 3. Since September Year 7 aims to create a team of young artists in residence at the Walker Art F girls have taken full advantage of this new Gallery. The aim is to develop a diverse residency programme which O playground initiative by socialising, making may include ‘live’ art in the Gallery, leading tours around the Walker friends, using new equipment and playing and planning events for our younger students. The project has helped games at lunchtimes. The initiative is run our students to identify their strengths and interests in art as well as by thirty Active Playground Leaders who gain new skills, knowledge and experience. The group will create a have volunteered from Years 8 to 11. They blog to document their work throughout the project. take responsibility for the promotion, organisation and running of the club. The girls have embraced their roles as Active Leaders and have demonstrated high levels of commitment, great time management, excellent communication skills and social cohesion within all year groups. Junior Guides If you would like to become an Active Leader please come to the ight Year 12 students playground hut at lunchtime and find out how you can get involved! have been working with ! representatives from Ethe Walker Art Gallery every Monday afternoon on a project aimed at training young people Building to lead tours around the Gallery and activities increasing their confidence, leadership Community Links skills and knowledge. The ixteen Year 12 students are working towards their Community students have worked hard Sports Leaders Award (CSLA) and transferring their improving their presentation leadership skills from the classroom into workshops in local skills and project planning skills. primary schools. The leaders ran twelve sessions with pupils from On completion of their training S Years 1 to 4 at Greenleas and Sandbrook Primary School. They our students will attend introduced new sports equipment, coordinated fun activities and also the Museum on Monday had the opportunity to venture out to Awesome Walls in Liverpool. afternoons to undertake tours The pupils at both schools loved the workshops and said it was a fun and activities. and enjoyable experience. Year 12 students at the Walker For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 13

A Question of Sport

U13 footballers celebrate their success

Footballers Put in a Powerful Performance t the end of November Tranmere goalkeeper Jason Mooney and striker Abdulai Bell-Baggie celebrated with Weatherhead’s Under 13 football team following their 2-0 victory against West Kirby Grammar School to Atake the npower local Under 13 Girls Football Trophy 2012-13. Joe and ‘Abs’ came in to Weatherhead to present the trophy on behalf of Tranmere in the Community and their sponsor npower. Many thanks must go to Tranmere and everyone who supported the girls. The girls continued their progress representing Tranmere in the npower Football League Girls Cup in January with victories over schools representing clubs from all over the region. A 2-0 win over Port Vale was followed by a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City and a 1-0 win over Walsall to book their place in the semi- final at St. George’s Park. They then beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 and won the final with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Walsall following a 1-1 draw. The girls faced a final eliminator in Doncaster in February and came third out of all the schools in the North of England. The team played well and faced some stiff competition only narrowly missing out on a place in the grand final at Wembley. The team comprises Year 7 and 8 students; Jodie Ballard, Lois Davies, Chloe Etherington, Eve Evans, Alisha Gibson, Tyra Gordon, Georgia Hepke, Shannon Navarro, Bethany Ward Scott and Chloe Watson.

Footballers meet Tranmere players

Vault Tastic! n 12th February Weatherhead hosted the Wirral Floor and Vault competition with over 80 students from schools around the Wirral competing. Our gymnastsO literally wiped the floor with the competition gaining first place in three categories!

Set 1: Floor and Vault (Years 9 - 11) 1st Rachel Beattie 2nd Sasha Knowles 3rd Megan Smyth Interform football winners Football Interform Results, Set 2: Floor and Vault (Years 9 -11) December 2012 Joint 1st Kirby Holsgrove and Alex Collins

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 1st 7JET 1st 8RPA 1st 9NB 1st 10LCO 1st 11DR 2nd 7KCH 2nd 8HE 2nd 9MW 2nd 10PH 2nd 11NH 3rd 7BK 3rd 8SWO 3rd 9BC 3rd 10CK 3rd 11ERY Set 3: Floor and Vault (Year 13) 4th 7AET 4th 8TR 4th 9CHN 4th 10PA 4th 11MRE 1st Jessica Jones 2nd Hannah Thurlow 3rd Chloe Warren

14 WEATHER REPORT

A Question of Sport

U15 Elite trampolinists Gymnastics Celebrate SuccessWeatherhead gymnasts t the beginning of February eleven of Weatherhead’s elite gymnasts headed off to APreston to compete in the Regional Stage of the National Schools’ Floor and Vault Championships organised by the British Amateur Gymnastics Association (B.A.G.A). The students produced individual high technical floor and vault routines which enabled them to shine at the competition. The girls split into two Under 19 squads and competed alongside each other. Team one consisted of Lauren Buchannan-Lloyd, Faye Kendrick, Jessica Jones, Hannah Thurlow and Chloe Warren. The second team competing in the Under 19 team (and are only 15 years old and under) were Alex Collins, Kirby Holsgrove, Amy Jones, Sasha Knowles, Rebecca Moran and Megan Smyth. Trampolinists The teams were placed 4th and 5th out of the whole of the North West - an amazing result! n December our team of Trampolinists (which continues to grow in numbers) competed in the first round of Ithe National Schools’ Trampoline Wirral Schools’ Cross Country Championships Regional Stage at Robin Park in Wigan with some great results. Results, October 2012 Although Weatherhead did not progress into the next round, the students all Year 7 - Hannah Davies 23rd, Jodie Ballard 29th, Emily Campbell 30th, Freja Barnes 33rd, performed brilliantly. Macy Lee 37th Year 8 - Niamh Rattray (Team Captain) 13th, Chloe Swift 20th, Evie Evans 21st, Megan Warren 28th, Hannah Reynolds 29th, Ashleigh Watson 30th Under 15 Novice team 8th Year 9 - Amy Thompson 23rd, Rebecca Gardner 24th, Amber Blair Keyes 26th, Coleen Under 15 Elite team 4th Garcia 27th Under 19 Novice team 5th Under 19 Elite team 3rd Niamh Rattray, Evie Evans and Chloe Swift were chosen to represent Wirral at the Merseyside Cross Country Championships in February. U15 Novice Squad Members (from Years 9 and 10) Daisy Ball, Racheal Beattie, Lauren Byrne, Sophie Cameron, Lucy Chittick, Faye Dean Ellie Greenough Toni Killen, Amber Ledward, Charlie Miller, Gabriella Navacchi, Hannah Newton, Melissa Pugh and Ellise Wooley.

U15 Elite Squad Members (from Years 9 and 10) Kirby Holsgrove, Amy Jones, Caitlin McGreary, Rebecca Moran and Megan Smyth.

U19 Novice Squad Members (from Years Netball Results, Autumn Term 11 - 13) Nina Flowerday, Faye Kendrick, Year 7 Squad Members - Molly Banford, Amy Murray, Beth Newcome, Sophie Weatherhead vs Ridgeway (01.10.12) Year 7 lost 6-3 Ella Burns, Katy Evans, Teagan Grey, Cerys Smith, Beth Steen and Chloe Warren. Year 8 won 10- 3 Hunter, Abbie Lorimer, Abbie Lowery, Libby Myers. U19 Elite Squad Members (from Years Weatherhead vs St Marys (05.12.12) 11 - 13) Lauren Buchannan-Lloyd, Melissa Year 7 lost 6 - 3 Year 8 Squad Members - Holly Cook, Evie Edwards, Amee Foster, Jessica Jones and Year 8 won 10 - 3 Evans, Georgia Hepke, Erin Heywood, Hannah Thurlow. Kaitlin Heywood and Danielle Mercer.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 15 Department News

MATHS Maths timetable challenge top scorers ART Clothes Show Live! rs Freckleton and Mrs Stewart accompanied forty three Year 11 and 12 Textiles students to Birmingham’s NEC at the beginning of December to Mvisit the Clothes Show Live. Students enjoyed an amazing fashion and dance catwalk extravaganza and were inspired by emerging graduate designs, couture creations and vintage fashion on show. Students also visited the Fashion Fix zone, the Vision Village and the University Times Tables Challenge and College Forum where they found out more information and received advice on applying for Fashion and Textiles courses. ears 7 and 8 recently took part in a times tables challenge, with students needing to achieve 95% or above to pass. Many of the girls not only passed but managed to answer all 150 Yquestions correctly - a very impressive achievement! A total of 184 Year 7 students passed the challenge, scoring 95% or above and 31 students achieved full marks. In Year 8, 211 students scored between 95% and 100%. A special well done must go to the 50 students (almost a quarter of the year group) who scored 100%.

Junior Maths Team

Challenge Students enjoy the Clothes Show Live n December Weatherhead’s top junior mathematicians were put to the test against students from around the country in the UKMT Individual Maths Challenge. The Challenge consists of a one By Royal Appointment Iand a half hour paper which involves solving high level mathematical problems. The girls performed fantastically and in recognition, four of ast year Year 10 student Aimee Clark entered the Diamond our students received the Silver Award and three the Bronze Award. Jubilee Art Competition for under 16s, launched by ITV’s this Well done to everyone who took part! morning, to draw an image of the Queen as part of the Jubilee celebrations.L We were delighted that Aimee was named as a finalist with her stunning ‘dot art’ or ‘stippling’ drawing and was awarded a £100 prize. Senior Maths Team Challenge

our of Weatherhead’s keenest mathematicians travelled to the University of Liverpool to take part in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge in November. Erin Courtney and Emily JonesF from Year 12, together with Sarah Houlighan and Jodie Oliver from Year 11, joined forces to compete against schools from across the North West in a gruelling competition to solve mathematical problems in a variety of different events. The highlight of the day was the ‘Maths Relay’ (unfortunately it did not involve any running) where the team worked together, passing crucial answers back and forth. Weatherhead’s team improved on last year’s standings by finishing in 21st place - everyone is already looking forward to next year’s contest.

Aimee Clarke’s royal portrait

16 WEATHER REPORT Department News

Weatherhead Debate Society

Reading Buddies ell done to the Year ‘Youth Speaks’ - 7 students who have ENGLISH participated in the It Certainly Does! ReadingW Buddies group, every Thursday morning in the LRC. ongratulations to the Year 12 Weatherhead Debate Society A number of dedicated Year 12 who participated in The Rotary Club Youth Speaks Competition students are involved helping Year 2013, hosted by Birkenhead Sixth Form College in January. 7 girls improve their reading and CThe competition offers young people the opportunity to develop literacy skills and promoting reading their skills in public speaking in front of a diverse audience on their for pleasure. Every Thursday there is chosen topic. The Debate Society decided that testing cosmetics on a fun-filled twenty minute session on animals is fundamentally wrong and wanted the audience to hear different texts that Year 7 students what they had to say. Dillon Wockenforth acted as Chair Person choose themselves. The project has and had the role of introducing the Speaker, Charlotte Burns. Rachel been running since October and Dunster was the Proposer of the Vote of Thanks. Charlotte gave a has had a positive response from fiery and emotive speech about the rights of animals when it comes the girls involved. A huge thank you to testing cosmetics on them and the audience were hooked! The must go to Mr Vincent, Mr Stanton, speech closed with Rachel summing up and thanking everyone for Miss McKenna and Miss Cooper for listening. Unfortunately the team did not make it through to the next facilitating the sessions. round nonetheless, they had a great night and felt a huge sense of achievement. Weatherhead Debate Society Coordinator, Miss Batey, was extremely proud of their hard work and dedication leading up to the event. Well done team - you should all be very proud!

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education PSHCE

October December irral Road Safety visited Weatherhead and spoke to Year 7 very student in Year 7 learnt basic First Aid skills in December students about the dangers on and around roads and the and learnt how to perform CPR thanks to The British Heart distraction phones and friends can cause. Year 10 students Foundation. Year 10 students were visited by Teen Mums from Wlearnt about the importance of wearing seat belts and wearing them Ethe Tranmere Star Programme who informed girls of the life changes correctly. Students really engaged in the sessions and took away some and difficulties when you become pregnant at an early age. Mrs Jones invaluable information. ran sessions with Year 8 girls to look at Healthy Eating and ways in which they could make sensible changes to include more fruit and vegetables in their daily diet. Year 11 experienced their second Bite November Size Brook event with the Youth Offending Team who highlighted the s part of Anti Bullying Week, Year 7 and 8 classes were visited dangers of taking pictures on your mobile and circulating them via by Bully Busters and completed work around identifying social media. Students looked at the implications for individuals and bullying behaviour and how to deal with difficult situations. criminal charges they could face. In the age of social media and in light AYear 9 were visited by DARA (Drugs, Alcohol and Relationship Advice) of issues that have been raised in the news recently this information and explored the effects of all types of drugs, both legal and illegal, and enabled students to see how the most innocent of pictures could lead the impact these can have. DARA returned in January to speak to Year to problems with the police. 7 and 8 students who identified legal and illegal drugs and explored the effects of alcohol and its impact. The girls all learnt something new and the serious messages were well received. January ear 10 were visited by Response who helped them to understand the dangers faced when young people run away from home and where support and advice can be given before Ya young person feels that to run away is the only answer. For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 17 Department News

Year 10 students perform ‘Price Tag’ PERFORMING ARTS An Evening of Performing Arts

rs Henderson debuted an Evening of Performing Arts in November inviting students, parents and staff to watch examples of practical work from GCSE and A Level Dance, MDrama, Music and GCSE Performing Arts students. The evening Electric Dreams was a huge success with nearly every seat in the Theatre taken! The MUSIC programme included some amazing and inspirational solo dances our of our budding Music students in and songs, as well as group devised drama performances. As well Years 7 and 8 Rebecca Barrow, Ellie as performing, GCSE Performing Arts students acted as stage crew, McGrath, Niamh Rattray and Sophie assisted with Front of House and in the marketing of the event. SutcliffeF attended a Saturday workshop at Specialist Technology The evening also gave Year 8, 9 and 11 students an insight into the College, Whitby High School, as part of the North West G&T Performing Arts courses available to study at GCSE and A Level. Music programme. The girls had an amazing day creating their own Audience members generously donated almost £200 to Alder electronic key boards which they designed, built, tested and took Hey Children’s Hospital as part of our fundraising linked to our home with them. production of Peter Pan. Chamber Choir Concerts

iss Hartley’s Chamber Choir continues to grow in numbers Mini Showcase and their performances go from strength to strength. ey Stage 3 students had an Last term the Choir accepted three invites to sing at the excellent start to the year starring MWirral Sports Forum Awards Evening held at Wallasey Town Hall. in a mini lunchtime showcase to They performed at a Christmas Fair in Victoria Hall, Bromborough, showK their peers what they have learnt and sang at the Mariner’s Park Care Home’s Christmas Concert. and achieved in their Performing Arts lessons, The Choir also performed at Open Evening, Senior Awards Evening, giving many girls their first taste of performing live. Year 7 students during Christmas assemblies and at the PTA Christmas Fair. Their performed a collection of pantomimes, Year 7 student Ruby Tuft repertoire includes Lady Gaga’s Born This Way and David Guetta’s sang a song from the Little Mermaid whilst Rebecca Barrow played Titanium, sung with beautiful harmonies and arrangements. The Choir Beauty and the Beast on cornet and Year 8 dancers performed two now have a smart uniform - a cerise polo shirt which they wear to choreographed routines. Students paid 50 pence to watch the show all of their performances. and raised over £100 for local charity Team George Watch out for more mini showcases taking place in So This is Christmas ! the Summer term. Arts Award

or the third year running Year 9 students were given the opportunity to gain the Bronze Arts Award during their Performing Arts lessons. In Music they studied Europop Fand learnt to play a piece of music on the keyboard, in Dance they studied dances from the hit musical Hairspray and in Drama they he Jazz Band and Chamber Choir were once again studied physical theatre, devised scripts and performed their own delighted to be invited to perform a mini Christmas plays. The girls worked on a project in their own time writing about concert at Mariner’s Park Care Home in New Brighton. their Arts hero or heroine which ranged from Marilyn Monroe and TResidents and staff sang along to Christmas favourites including The Beatles to One Direction. For the final part of the Award, students Good King Wenceslas and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Students showed their leadership skills by leading a Dance warm up or a were treated to a mince pie, cup of tea and a chat with residents Samba band session. This is the last year that students will be entered afterwards and were rewarded with a huge tin of Quality Street to for the Award with just under 200 students (90% of the year group) share! Mr Brown hopes to return to Mariner’s Park with the Jazz taking part and passing the Award. Band in the Summer term to perform as part of the Battle of the Atlantic celebration

18 WEATHER REPORT Department News

Students enjoy workshops A Level Students Workshops and Compose Themselves Masterclasses owards the end of the Autumn s part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic schools’ term, Year 11 GCSE dance programme, classical composer and arranger, Ian students came into school Stephens, has been working with our A Level musicians to take part in a Saturday master class run by two professional to improve their composition skills. Students must compose T A dancers from Matthew Bourne’s Dance Company, New Adventures. and play their own piece of music which accounts for a large The dancers were incredibly impressed by our students who had percentage of their final examination. The students have learnt choreography from Matthew Bourne’s Sweetie Land section thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and working with Ian, who of the Nutcracker! They were keen to show off their skills to the has composed for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra professionals as well as learn new ones. Year 12 and 13 students and the Liverpool Welsh Choral Union. were invited to attend two Kathak Dance master classes as part of their AS and A Level courses. Kathak is among the six major classical dances of India and one of the most dynamic theatre arts in the world. The girls were coached by a Kathak specialist who had z Notes for Your Diary! travelled from London for the sessions. The girls learnt about the history of the dance, elements of the dance style and created their 15th March Chamber Choir and Jazz Band performing at own choreography using Kathak techniques. Wirral Festival of Music at Birkenhead High School 27th April Chamber Choir and Jazz Band performing at MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES MFL Chester Festival of Music, King’s School 12th May Chamber Choir and Jazz Band performing at ‘Notes for Notes’ - Mayor’s Charity Concert, Floral Pavilion Staff and Students Wirral Youth Go Continental DANCE t the start of the Autumn term staff in the MFL Theatre department pulled out all the stops and held a series of events to celebrate and promote European Day Workshops Aof Languages. Students took part in different activities within lessons, including singing to Shakira and learning a word or tudents in Years 7 and 8 have been working with phrase from each of the 26 official languages of the EU. Key practitioners from Wirral Youth Theatre at lunchtimes and Stage 4 students looked at how languages could help them with after school creating and choreographing their own group careers and provide opportunities to travel. Staff and students dances. The girls debuted their routines to a packed audience at celebrated all things European by greeting each other in a S foreign language and the canteen served a European themed the Year 7 Celebration Assembly and Staff Stars in Your Eyes charity event in December. menu comprising boeuf bourguignon, frankfurters, paella and apple strudel. MFL staff also organised a cake competition for students to decorate cakes using the colours of European flags. Staff were treated to a European breakfast with a selection of traditional dishes from across the Channel including Spanish chorizo and tortilla, French petite madeleine cakes, pain au chocolats and crepes, German rye bread, Italian Parma ham and olives and a selection of cheeses.

Year 8 Dancers perform

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 19 Department News

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad, Fröhliche Weihnachten!

uring the last week of the Christmas term, the Language Society organised a Christmas Fair for students and staff with a variety of stalls which allowed the students to experience different ChristmasD traditions from Germany, France and Spain. Students, entertained by Chamber Choir and Jazz Band, created Scandinavian paper hearts, decorated biscuits, tracked Pere Noël (Father Christmas) around the globe and enjoyed continental Christmas treats such as pretzels. Students commented.“The fair was really fun. The food we got to try was really nice and the fair taught me a lot about the culture of different countries.” It was a wonderful way to end the term and best Students sample food at the Christmas Fair of all it was free!

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY DT Year 9 Students are CAD Mad! ear 9 students will be working with CAD CAM educational Exhibition of Work specialists from West Wirral Works this term in their DT he DT department had great success with their Product lessons. CAD CAM (Computer Aided Design and GCSE Resistant Materials results last year with many Computer Aided Manufacturing) allows students to design and create students achieving or exceeding their targets. 3D Y their own hi-spec products. Students will use computer and laser Product students achieved 80% A* to C grades at A Level and T technology to make own mobile phone cover and products using all students have gone on to Higher Education. The products resistant materials. produced on both courses were of a very high standard and showed high levels of originality and creativity, especially at Afternoon Tea anyone? GCSE Level. To celebrate their success students, parents, staff and Governors were invited to a preview evening in November. Visitors were very complimentary about the quality of the work, Catering to likening it to products seen for sale on the high street. NVQ Food and Preparation students prepared and served tasty festive Your Every refreshments for the evening including a range of nibbles based on the mince pie. Need ur NVQ catering students showed off their cookery skills and their entrepreneurialO streak by hosting a series of foodie events for staff, including Soup n’ Stuff, Afternoon Tea, ‘Pie n Mash’ and ‘Fasta Pasta’. They successfully catered for the DT exhibition and offered Christmas dinner to staff as well as catering for IRIS and awards dinners for Key Stage 3 students. The clientele have been very impressed by the quality of food and the students are clearly developing in their confidence and proficiency working in the kitchen. As well as studying and cooking in school, the students work three days a week in a professional catering kitchen as part of their course. The feedback from their placements has been very complimentary, the girls have been a credit to themselves and Weatherhead and have further exciting events planned for this term.

Amazing GCSE work 20 WEATHER REPORT Trips & Visits

Students enjoy a trip to the Unity

Experiencing Live Theatre... he Drama department organised many interesting theatre trips for GCSE and A Level students visiting the Unity Theatre, the Lowry Theatre and the Playhouse Theatre. Plays included Wolf Red, a Tremarkable one woman show and an incredible piece of physical theatre, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, the story of an inmate in a young offender’s institution plus the entertaining Steptoe and Son with its amazing set. GCSE Performing Arts students enjoyed Treasured, an amazing multi-media event at the Anglican Cathedral themed around the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

Year 9 visit Langtech College Bon Voyage! Students Trip the Light group of forty Year 9 Fantastic students travelled to the Langtech Institute for a he Dance department Aday of immersive language learning organised several trips in French and Spanish in October. for students to the The day was divided into two sessions; the first involved using the TLowry Theatre, Salford, as part of computer suite to create interesting posters in their target language; their GCSE and A Level courses the second gave students the chance to visit a mock-up of an last term. Year 11, 12 and 13 students went to see the Rambert authentic foreign street which is housed within Langtech. Students Dance Company perform their acclaimed Labrynth of Love Tour were given money and a shopping list and were only allowed to 2012. The Dance Company performed to a packed-out audience speak in French or Spanish to purchase their items. The girls really and the students especially enjoyed the vibrant choreography. enjoyed the experience and ended the day by sending postcards A group of forty GCSE and A Level students enjoyed Matthew home in their chosen language! Bourne’s latest spectacle Sleeping Beauty. The show had all the usual flair that Bourne brings to his modern adaptations and the students loved it! Geographers Go Year 13 Geographers in Anglesey Further Afield From the ack in November twelve AS geographers embarked on a two day residential field trip to Preston Montford Shores of in Shrewsbury to complete an investigation into rivers andB flooding. Students worked in teams collecting data from Anglesey Ashes Hallow using a range of equipment and data collection techniques. Upon their return to school the students analysed s part of their and evaluated their results. The students were a credit to Ecology and Weatherhead and are now thoroughly prepared for their Managing the Environment portfolio, Year 13 Applied geographical skills examination. AScientists visited Anglesey in September. The students spent the first day investigating the abundance and distribution of species living on sheltered and exposed rocky shores and were amazed at the Knock on Wood variety of life and the unusual Latin names used to identify them. The students stayed overnight in a wooden cabin at the Anglesey S Level 3D Product Design students visited Huws & Gray Outdoor Centre where they enjoyed delicious home cooked food building merchants in November to substantiate their and a good night’s sleep! After a full English breakfast on the Saturday classroom learning and to compare different types of timber. morning the group headed back to the shore to complete their AThe students went to see how materials, in particular timber, are individual investigations. Students researched the effect of wave stored and the various forms and sizes by which it can be purchased action on the size of different snail species before heading back to before being processed. The group also saw how logos (such as those Weatherhead, a little windswept and tired, but more knowledgeable relating to sustainability) are used on wood products. about marine life.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 21 Trips & Visits

Airbus n December a group of Year 12 and 13 students enjoyed a visit London Calling to Airbus located outside Chester which manufactures wings for n November Year 11 Sociologists took a day trip to London the Airbus A380 - the world’s largest commercial airliner. The to visit the Houses of Parliament. The group first toured the students learnt more about the science and technology involved Parliament and heard a number of unusual and interesting facts. I in the manufacturing process and were impressed by the scale of IFor example the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) the factory and how huge it needs to be to accommodate the has been a centre of power for over 900 years and on the door wings! The group were given a tour of the factory and learnt more to the House of Commons there is a worn out chunk of wood about employment at Airbus, from internships and apprenticeships where the official known as ‘Black Rod’ is sent to summon the to graduate training Commons. The girls found time to ride the London Eye and even programmes. The visit though it was a chilly November day, the view across London was was a great opportunity amazing and they were able to see all the famous landmarks. The to explore some of group also enjoyed street performers on the South Bank, walked the manufacturing across the Millennium Bridge, experienced the tube, saw the and engineering Cenotaph and visited Downing Street! careers available locally and gave the students something to think about when considering degree courses and employment.

Sociology students outside Downing Street Students visit Airbus

Year 8 Rush Off to Liverpool t the end of January, students in Year 8 were given the opportunity to attend the Rush drugs awareness programme at the Liverpool Maritime AMuseum. The day began with a performance depicting teenagers Mel and Chris and their experience with drugs. After lunch the girls attended workshops in smaller groups, visited the Seized exhibition, took part in a discussion and drama session with the Rush actors and listened to a talk about drugs. This included seeing the effects first hand through Booze Goggles which distort your vision. Students were given the unique opportunity to questions the characters and discuss what they think may have happened to Mel 5 minutes, 5 weeks and 5 years later. The day ended watching the second half of the play which caught up with Students try ‘Booze Mel 2 years later and applying to work abroad. Mel’s dreams Goggles’ at the Seized exhibition are shattered when she realises that because of her drug taking and criminal record she would not be permitted entry into America. The students had a really stimulating day with the play and workshops playing a significant part in our Drugs Education programme.

Seized 22 WEATHER REPORT Trips & Visits

Mayoral Visit Trips to the Flicks

t the end of November over one hundred and fifty Year 8, 9 and 10 students enjoyed the VIP treatment at the Light Cinema, New Brighton, with a private screening of Athe Christmas blockbuster Nativity 2 - Danger in the Manger. The girls thought the film was ‘amazing’ and made the most of this Student Council members meet the Mayor end of term treat.

On the penultimate day of the Christmas term Mrs Walton and ouncillor Gerry Ellis, Mayor of Wirral, visited us in December Miss Ellis took a group of seventeen sixth formers and three Year to thank School Council representatives for a £2,000 charity 9 students to the Light Cinema, New Brighton, to see Charles donation which had been raised by all year groups. The Dicken’s classic tale, Great Expectations. The trip was organised to Cdonation will support the Mayor’s Charity Appeal in aid of Birkenhead celebrate a successful first term studying English Literature and YMCA, Wirral and North Cheshire Prostate Cancer Support Group was a brilliant end to the term. and Wirral Guide and Scout Associations. In his address, the Mayor praised the students for their charity work and their contribution to In the New Year Miss Hartley arranged for Chamber Choir to promoting student voice within school. “It is pleasing to note”, said see Les Miserables as a treat for all their hard work, practice Councillor Ellis, “that students feel their voice is heard at Weatherhead and performances. Many students were unfamiliar with the and changes do come into effect based on the dialogue between story and by the end were enthralled with the heartfelt, brilliant students and staff”. He urged students to consider a future in local performances of Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman and the council roles - maybe even to become the next Mayor of Wirral. stunning sets and spectacular cinematography. Councillor Ellis extended an invitation to the Student Council to visit the Mayor’s Parlour for afternoon tea to thank students for their support and generous donation. Oh, Yes It Is! Oh, No It Isn’t! aving studied the history of the Red Hot Buffet pantomime in Drama last term t the end of January Year 9, 10 and 11 DT Food and created their own mini students visited the Red Hot Buffet in Liverpool One Hpantomimes, almost half of Year 7 and sampled a range of foods from countries as far enjoyed a trip to Cinderella at the Aaway as Japan, India, Mexico and Thailand. Year 9 have been Empire Theatre the week before making multicultural dishes in their lessons during the Autumn Christmas. The girls were treated to a term, whilst girls in Years 10 and 11 complete modules relating to magical performance with sparkling sets, multicultural cuisine in their controlled assessment assignments frosted trees, gingerbread houses and which can often appear as questions in their GCSE examinations. twinkling chandeliers, as well as lavish costumes. The scene where the Several students had their first taste of sushi and were pleasantly Fairy Godmother (played by Coleen Nolan) turns Cinders (Atomic surprised that they liked it. The girls had a great night and really Kitten star Liz McClarnon) and her dancing mice into a princess and enjoyed the food and the overall experience. This is the first time real ponies was particularly magical. The girls were thrilled to get a that Food students have been able to transfer to their classroom personalised ‘shout out’ arranged as a special surprise by one of the learning into a dining experience and DT staff are already Mums! Year Leader, Miss Sullivan, commented on how the students thinking of organising the trip again next year to coincide with were impeccably behaved and a credit to the school. Chinese New Year.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 23 Charity

Year 7 Box Clever

ear 7 Learning Mentor, Miss Brough, coordinated Year 7’s participation in Operation Christmas Child’s Shoe Box Appeal. Students and staff once Yagain enjoyed shopping for individual items (including socks, hats, gloves, stationary and toys) to fill a shoe box with gifts and love for boys and girls of all ages. Over the past four years Weatherhead has filled almost 500 shoeboxes which have been delivered to countries including Belarus, Romania and Swaziland. Despite the economic climate 2012 proved the best yet with over 129 boxes filled! Well done to Year 7 and a big thank you to everyone who contributed.

Charity Christmas Boxes

Year 8 Make an Ice Gesture! erys Lloyd from 8AMR was inspired to raise money for Arrowe Park Hospital after her father was admitted to Ward 34 last year. Cerys said “When my Dad was poorly, iss McClarnon’s Year 7 Cookery Club took part in a Cthe nurses at Arrowe Park needed to go to another ward to Cake Bake to support Lung Cancer Awareness Week get him some ice. The hospital looked after my dad well so I in November. The girls created a beautiful selection of wanted to give something back to them. I decided to raise as cakes which they sold to staff and students and raised £102 in much money as possible to help buy the ward its very own ice M machine.” Year 8 got stuck into a number of fundraising activities support of the Roy Castle Foundation. including a sponsored silence and cake sales to help raise the money. Ward Manager, Sister Gaynor Garner, said “Patients on Ward 34 can of ten be nil-by-mouth. As such, ice will add to their overall comfort and well-being whilst they are unable to eat or drink. The girls’ act of kindness in raising this money will benefit Year 9 Support our patients for many years to come.” Sister Gayner Garnor and colleague Audrey Billingsley collected a cheque for £500 during a Team George Year 8 assembly in December.

his half term Year 9 students have worked extremely hard to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s THospital. A team of Charity Captains organised some excellent fundraising activities to raise money for this worthy cause including cake sales, guess the number of sweets in the jar and tuck shops at break time. The whole year group also worked together to create a Christmas hamper which was incredible in terms of the donations students made and the number of tickets sold. The Christmas hamper raffle raised over £100, which equates to 500 raffle tickets sold! The girls are now aiming to raise over £1,000.

Please keep an eye out for all the exciting charity events ! Year 9 will be organising for this term and pledge your support

Year 8 donate money to Arrowe Park Hospital

24 WEATHER REPORT Charity

Year 10 Support ShelterBox

ominated by Lucy Rylott, Year 10’s chosen charity this year is ShelterBox, a charity which provides shelter, warmth and dignity to people Nleft homeless all over the world. A Shelterbox provides a family with the shelter and other vital equipment they need to survive after a disaster to start rebuilding their lives. The box includes a tent, camping stove, thermal blanket, a water carrier, saucepan as well as other essential items. Having already collected over £300, the girls will continue to fundraise until they have raised £590 which is enough to buy one complete box. Pam and Terry, two representatives from the charity, came into school in January to talk to Year 10, show them a ShelterBox and receive a cheque presented by Lucy.

Representatives from Shelter visit Weatherhead

Every Little Helps ixth Form students helped make Christmas a little better for local people by donating presents and essential items to a local charity. Armed with £1,000 of charity funds students visitedS Tesco to buy baby milk, nappies, tinned foods and toiletries which they delivered to Food Bank Wirral - a local charity which relies on donations to support local people in need. Head Girl, Louise Evans commented,.“Donating to Food Bank Wirral was very rewarding. It was heart-warming to see we could help families close to home. This has inspired the Sixth Form to continue fundraising for the benefit of others in the community.”

A second group of sixth formers aged 11-16 donated items to the Charles Thompson Mission which looks after, feeds and clothes young Age UK Respite Room Refurbishing Team people in need in the Birkenhead area.

Our Sixth Form students are also sponsoring a Respite Room at the new Age UK Respite Centre in Bromborough. Funds raised will allow Weatherhead to buy items and fund the refurbishment of the room which will support individuals and families living with dementia. Students were invited to an Age UK Tea Party and were delighted to attend and donate a Christmas hamper to residents.

Deputy Headteacher, Miss Whelan, praised the initiative of students and their drive to bring about change for members of the community of all ages. “Weatherhead students recognise they are privileged to receive a good education. This is their choice and opportunity to give something back as good community citizens. We are very proud of our students for all they do, across all year groups, in and outside the classroom.”

Charles Thompson Mission Support

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 25 Charity

Movember

ot to be outdone by Mrs Roden, Head of Media, Mr Fraser coordinated staff and students taking part in Movember. A dozen male members of staff and sixth formersN (Mobros) grew a muzzie of their choice including the Mexican, the horseshoe, the Freddie Mercury chevron, the handle bar and the painter’s brush! Female members of staff and students (Mosistas) were invited to take part on the last day of November by wearing false moustaches for the day. At the time of writing, and including the online donations to members of the Weatherhead team, we raised over £450. Mr Fraser also organised an amazing raffle for staff and students - the prize was a huge box full of Christmas chocolates and goodies which was won by a lucky Year 8 student. This initiative was so inspiring that Students dress up for Pink Day it got a mention on BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans’ breakfast show! Pink Day rs Roden and her A2 Health and Social Care students wish to thank all staff and students for participating in Pink Day last term. A fantastic £625 was raised by Sixth Form students Mdressing in pink for the day (including the boys), baking and selling pink cakes and biscuits, selling hand-made jewellery and holding a pink themed raffle. All of the money collected was donated to several breast cancer charities which provide support for families and fund research into finding a cure. Weatherhead Mobros and Mosistas

Weatherhead’s Bake Off n 28th September Weatherhead staff took part in the World’s Largest Coffee morning! The Senior Leadership Team hosted their own coffee morning and invited staff to sample their home bakedO cakes including carrot cake, muffins, fruit cake, scones, chocolate brownies, white chocolate and cranberry lollipops and Malteser cake. Staff enjoyed the break time treats and helped to raise over £150 for Macmillan which raises much needed funds throughout the UK to help people affected by cancer. SLT raise money for Macmillan

Staff Have Stars in Their Eyes

n the penultimate day of the Christmas term students filled the theatre for the most anticipated event of the year! Staff from the Maths department entertained the crowd with their take on Gangamstyle dressed in Santa suits, the English department performedO an amazing Tina Turner medley complete with wigs, the Senior Leadership team performed the S Club Seven classic Reach for the Stars and Miss Hartley sang Maria Carey’s Christmas Classic, All I Want for Christmas is You. Year 7 and 8 dancers were also given the opportunity to showcase dances they had been working on last term and the boys from Year 13 stunned the audience with their excellently choreographed dance. Mr Bartley was crowned the winner with his surprise performance of Elton John’s Your Song. By charging 50 pence entry the event helped raise over £200 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Year 13 boys perform And the winner is... Mr Bartley

26 WEATHER REPORT On A Final Note

Public Relations and Admissions PARENTS’ We have recently appointed a Communications Manager to manage all FORUM aspects of Public Relations and Admissions. For information on any of these areas please contact: Amanda Leweson Communications - Public Relations - Admissions 0151 631 4400 ext. 287 Polite [email protected] Notice from We welcome visits and enquiries at any time. Mr Dyment

Reminder: Could parents please remember to park well away from School Term Dates the bus stops and areas outside Weatherhead High School which are Friday 22nd March School closes used for children getting on and off Monday 25th - Friday 5th April Easter Holidays buses. The safety of all students is of INSET Monday 8th April the utmost importance and we have been informed that Police will be Tuesday 9th April School opens monitoring illegal parking. Many thanks Friday 24th May School closes for your help in this matter. Monday 27th - Friday 31st May Half Term Monday 3rd June School opens Friday 19th July School closes for Summer Lost Property

We always aim to return all lost and found items to their rightful owner. To help this system all items are kept for three months. You can view the current lost property list on the website under School Community > Parents > Lost property. The list is updated regularly. Items are also on display each term on a set day and advertised Come and Visit Our Truly Outstanding School in school and outline. Students can claim their lost items at the school We provide excellent teaching, outstanding pastoral care and a wonderful reception. Lost property not claimed extracurricular programme to enrich our students’ learning experience. after 3 months is given to charity. Excellence for all is our pledge. We invite Year 5 and 6 students to visit with families and carers to experience Weatherhead High School for yourselves. PTA Open Evening Open Morning Get involved! The PTA welcomes input and support all year round. Visit Friday 21st June 2013 Thursday 20th June 2013 the school website under ‘School 6.00pm - 8.30pm 9.15am - 11.00am Community’ section for full details of key contacts and events. Talks by Mr Dyment, Headteacher Guided tours whilst school is in 6.30pm and 7.30pm progress The next PTA meeting is at school on Tuesday 9th April at 6.30pm. For more information call 0151 631 4400 or visit: www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk

For all the latest news visit www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk 27 “An Awfully Big Adventure” Peter Pan was a true whole school production, drawing its success from the help and support of staff, students, parents and the local community. The cast comprised over one hundred students, as well six Year 11 BTEC Performing Arts students and twenty seven Year 10 GCSE Performing Arts students who were assessed in their roles as stage crew, performers and make-up artists, as well as helping paint scenery and props. Arts Ambassadors helped with Front of House at all three performances and spent many lunchtimes painting scenery. English teacher Miss Atha spent months learning and practising the score and proved a brilliant accompaniment on piano, supported by Mr Brown on keyboard and conducted by Miss Hartley.

Hook and Smee (played by Chantal Davies and Alex Cooke respectively) got most of the laughs. Great performances were given by Megan Clarke as Peter Pan and Elizabeth Elson as Wendy. Miss Chappell’s Dance Company added real sparkle with their opening fairy dance and the set designs breathed real life into the Darling House, Mermaid’s Lagoon, the Jolly Roger and Neverland.

The audience were wowed by the stunning costumes, supplied by local designers Diana and Co. The Design Technology Department created the amazing scenery and sets including a ship’s wheel and Captain Hook’s pirate ship. Health and Social Care staff and students linked Peter Pan with WeatherTots (the school’s community Mums and Tots group). Both the Maths and Science Departments created and delivered Peter Pan- inspired lessons and resources. Twenty three Year 13 Business Studies students, led by Mr Phillips, ran a tuck shop and a raffle as part of their A2 course. Pupils from St. George’s Primary School and Egremont Primary School were invited to the dress rehearsal the day before the opening night and thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Mrs Henderson, Performance Director and Head of Performing Arts, said: “It was a true showcase of talent at Weatherhead, combined with great community support and local pride to be associated with such a positive cause.”

A big thank you and well done to everyone involved!

Weatherhead High School Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 3HS Tel: 0151 631 4400 Fax: 0151 631 1805 Email: [email protected] Follow Website: www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk us on... Twitter: @WeatherheadHigh