WIRRALNuntius GRAMMAR SCHOOL A Foundation Business & Enterprise School for Boys
Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3AQ | Tel: 0151 644 0908 December 2010
TOP AS LEVEL GEOLOGY STUDENT IN THE UK FOR 2010
Jack Neil of Wirral Grammar School for Boys has gained the top mark in the United Kingdom for geology at AS Level this summer. As a reward for his success he has been invited by the British Geological Survey to their 175th anniversary science symposium on the 28th of September. The event is being held at the Royal Institution in London. The prize includes travelling expenses and overnight accommodation for one parent and himself. He will have the opportunity to question face to face a number of the world’s leading geologists and the two television personalities, Sir David Attenborough and Prof Iain Stewart. Mr Youd, his geology teacher, says that Jack is an extremely hard-working and intelligent student who should have a very bright future in front of him.
Rugby and Hockey Tour – Australia 2010
On Sunday 11 July, 80 boys and 7 staff departed The second week of the for Australia on the biggest overseas sports tour the tour saw us continue our school has ever embarked upon. journey south to Coffs Harbour via Byron Bay, The tour was a huge success both in terms of results and perhaps more the most easterly point of importantly, the fabulous experience of an 18 day trip to Australia! Australia, and surely one of the most beautiful. From The 1st XV won four of their five games, only losing to Merewether Coffs Harbour we moved High School 12 – 11 in contentious circumstances. on to Newcastle before progressing to Sydney The 2nd XV won three and lost two, and the U16s won one and lost where we were based one. The Hockey 1st XI won four and lost two of their games and for our last four days. the 2nd XI won five and lost one game. All the players deserve great credit for their performances on the field. They prepared well for the Sydney is a magnificent games and gave a good account of themselves in some tough fixtures. city and all the tourists enjoyed it immensely. However, there is much more to touring than playing fixtures! After Some did the ‘Bridge landing in Brisbane, we began a couple of days acclimatisation at Walk’ – 150ft up on the ‘Sports Super Centre’ in Runaway Bay, a truly magnificent training the Sydney Harbour environment with superb facilities and the choice of many international Bridge, others enjoyed teams beginning tours ‘Down Under’. corporate hospitality with their hosts at a rugby league game at the very impressive ‘Stadium A two night billet at John Paul College, Daisy Hill, just south of Australia’, which hosted the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Everyone raved Brisbane followed, where we also took in a visit to ‘Australia Zoo’, about the ‘jet boat’ ride around the harbour! the creation of Australia’s very own Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. We moved south to the beautiful Gold Coast resort of Surfers Paradise via As on previous tours, we received many compliments about the ‘Dreamworld’, a theme park filled with ‘white knuckle’ rides, which appearance, behaviour and general demeanour of the boys from very much lived up to their name! fellow travellers and hosting families. They were a credit to themselves, the school and their own families. They were superb ambassadors for The Gold Coast International Hotel is a fabulous base, and one British sport and deserve great credit for ensuring this was indeed the enjoyed by previous tourists in 2007. The beach and surf here are ‘trip of a lifetime’ as promised. second to none in Australia, and for many of the boys, this leg of the tour was a real highlight. The climate, a luxurious hotel and the ‘buzz’ Mr P Crowley of ‘Surfers’ was everything the tourists had been hoping for! Head of Physical Education
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Welcome Meet the New French Foreign Language Dear All Assistant Bonjour à tous,
The Autumn Term this year has been an Je m’appelle Cécile et j’ai 20 ans. Je vis actuellement à Caen especially busy one and this is one of en Normandie, bien que je sois née à Nogent sur Marne, dans la banlieue parisienne. La Normandie est la région those issues of Nuntius where we have des pommes et du Calvados et nous avons des spécialités culinaires assez particulières, comme les tripes... (je n’aime had to hold back some of the content and pas ça!). reserve it for the Spring Term issue. Je ne connais pas bien l’Angleterre car je ne suis allée que quelques jours à Londres où j’ai pu voir les monuments touristiques comme Big Ben et le British Museum. Pourtant Caen est tout près de la mer et du Ferry pour aller en Angleterre et la Normandie est fortement liée Over the pages you will read a wide à l’Angleterre avec des personnages historiques comme Guillaume le Conquérant, ou des range of achievements on both the évènements comme le débarquement. Cette expérience dans votre pays sera une grande première pour moi! academic and extra-curricular sides to Je viens d’obtenir un diplôme en Information & Communication donc je suis habituée à school life. It is very pleasing to see so parler devant les autres et à beaucoup écrire. J’ai hâte de faire votre connaissance. Nous many boys fully engaging in the life of the aurons beaucoup de choses à nous apprendre mutuellement et j’espère être à la hauteur de vos attentes pour cette mission qui m’est confiée. school in such a wide variety of ways. Cecile Thevenon Support for our Parents’ Associate continues to grow. This year’s Christmas Year 9 at the URENCO Challenge Fair raised £5,500 which is a very As part of our Business and Enterprise initiative eight Year 9 boys recently attended a full impressive sum from a single event. Each day Enterprise challenge held by URENCO at the Holiday Inn in Ellesmere Port. Up to 20 year, PA funding is spent directly on Merseyside and Cheshire based schools were invited resources that are of benefit to the pupils. to the event along with accompanying members of staff. URENCO are a manufacturer of nuclear fuels At the end of the term we say farewell to for the power industry and gave the invited students a Mr Alistair Baker who has been with us presentation of the work of for the duration of the Autumn Term while the company along with the opportunity to meet some Mr Metcalf has been absent. We are young apprentices who have chosen a career with very grateful to him for his support. URENCO.
The challenge facing the Finally, I would like to take the opportunity boys was challenging indeed! Plan, design, cost and build a method of transportation for Uranium Hexafluoride (the to extend very best wishes to everyone for fuel used in nuclear power stations) from The Wirral to Southampton. Factors such as safety, security, cost, publicity and viability all had to be taken into consideration. When completed, the the Christmas and New Year period. We team were given just two minutes to present their ideas to an audience have every expectation that 2011 will be of 250 people. another very successful year in the life of I close with saying what an enjoyable and rewarding day it was which gave the boys an insight our school. into the career opportunities available in advanced manufacturing. Paul Ronayne Community Partnership Manager Yours sincerely,
Academy Latest On the 9th November, the Governing Body voted in favour of moving to a formal consultation stage ahead of a conversion to academy status. All schools in the country have now been invited to become academies and increasing numbers are doing so. We are aware of sixty David Hazeldine five Grammar Schools across the country that are in the process of converting. A change to academy status will not change the type of school we are in anyway and we would remain Headteacher ‘Wirral Grammar School for Boys’. A more detailed letter will be sent to parents in January when a period of consultation will begin. Further information can be obtained from the ‘Academy Up-date’ link on our school website.
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Comenius Exchange 2010 Sustaining High Standards Our public examination results for 2010 maintained the very The Netherlands high standards of recent years and there were a number of improvement in key areas. You may already know that Wirral Grammar School for At GCSE 97% of pupils gained five or more GCSEs at grades Boys has been accepted into A* to C and 95% gained five or more GCSEs at grades A* to the Comenius Project. Towards C including English and Maths. the end of last year you may remember that students from A Level results presented a number of new records for the Norway, The Netherlands school. New this year was the introduction of the A* grade at and Spain came to England A Level and 10% of all grades were at A* standard. Over a in the first part of the quarter of all grades (28%) were A* or A grades and well over exchange. The second half were at top grades A*/A/B. 97.6% gained at least three part of the exchange A Level passes and 86% gained at least 4. happened last week. 12 boys from the In the last week of the Autumn Term we celebrated the school along with one achievements of all students in last year’s Years 11 and 13 at member of staff visited our Certificate Evening at Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight. Emelwerda College in Emmeloord, The Netherlands. The title of our Comenius project Smile Train Collection is ‘What’s Happening’, and aim to see what teenagers think of the Throughout the world the lives of thousands world around them. of children are blighted by the fact that Early Tuesday morning, we touched they are born with a cleft palate. Apart down at Schiphol Airport, ready for from the obvious facial disfigurement a day in Amsterdam before visiting and difficulties in eating, they often suffer from serious prejudice, the school. At 3pm, we met with the even to the extent that they are not allowed to go to school. A students from Norway and Spain, and straightforward operation can give these children a fresh start and then got picked up by the coach for a the Smile Train, a charity supported by US General Colin Powell, 2 hour coach trip to the school. When we got there, we went home with our host is dedicated to making this possible. Thanks to the generosity of families for dinner and an early night! our pupils giving their pennies and five pences (and in some cases Wednesday was the first day on the official schedule. First we had icebreakers, considerably more) when confronted by a rattling collecting box whilst the teachers had a meeting. It went on for about an hour and a half, we have already sent off £45 to support their work and there is working in groups of students from each country, where we had to come up with more still to be sent. Every donation, however small, is greatly different things depending on the instructions. After the icebreakers, we went to appreciated. the lesson our exchange student had. They aren’t much different from our lessons, Dr. D. Favager except theirs only last half an hour.
After lunch we went to visit the ‘Old Land’. This was a section of the region that is connected by canals, with lots of history, as you can imagine. The only way to Meet The New Spanish Modern Foreign get out of the village is by boat. Language Assistant On Thursday, we had icebreakers again, which was about the same thing as yesterday. We visited Urk, which is where we went to see a fish factory and how ¡Hola chicos! it produces the fish we get on our plates. It was smelly but interesting, and we learnt a lot about how it gets from sea to plate! After the fish factory we looked Me llamo Carlos y este año seré vuestro around the town to see the old houses and the geographical features of the area. auxiliar de conversación. Tengo 23 años, vengo de Aranjuez – que es una Thursday was the final day on the schedule. In the morning we showed the group pequeña ciudad al sur de Madrid, presentations about our school and country, and the other students likewise. After la capital – y acabo de terminar la this we went to visit the ‘New Land’, which was a few greenhouses and lots of universidad. Soy licenciado en Filología fields, a large contrast to the old land! The greenhouse we first went to grew Inglesa (todo lo que tiene que ver con la lengua inglesa) y en lots of different types of flower in different areas, each with its own temperature Literatura. control. The second one we went to was specifically for roses, and grew, cut and bunched them up all in the same building. Hablando un poco sobre mí, entre mis aficiones se encuentran el fútbol y la música. Cuando era más pequeño jugaba de portero al That night was the buffet and talent show. The buffet was first, with food from fútbol sala en el equipo del colegio. Ahora que soy más mayor veo al Norway, Spain, England and the Netherlands for the families of the school to FC Barcelona, mi equipo favorito, en la televisión. Mi música preferida eat. There was a huge range of food, from biscuits to reindeer! The talent show es el rock, con grupos como The Beatles (¡qué suerte estar tan cerca signalled the end of our week in Holland. First, the Dutch had dancers from the school on, followed by a few more talents. The Norwegians offered a singing de donde nacieron!) o The Who. performance from one of the students. The Spanish had a pianist from their school, whilst England had all of us doing the Cha Cha Slide! Este año espero poder aprender mucho de vosotros, y vosotros de mí. Espero que nos lo pasemos genial y que aprendáis un montón de Early Saturday morning we departed the school for the airport, and landed español. in Liverpool at 10am local time. Andrew McLannahan 9IPT Carlos Garijo Resino
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POLITICS OF EUROPEAN UNION BROUGHT Business Links
TO LIFE FOR WIRRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL In July this year the FOR BOYS school held The politics of the European Union its inaugural were brought to life for students Business from Wirral Grammar School for Network Boys when they took part in a Mock event which Council of the European Union on was an 18th November. opportunity to develop the relationship News of the royal engagement on the same between day in London made the day even more WGSB special for the students as the event was held and local in the historic Lancaster House right next door Mr. D Hazeldene and Mr P Harrison with Mrs Julie Knights business partners. to Clarence House where the engagement from Wirral Chamber of Commerce The keynote was announced. speaker at the meeting was Richard Twenty-nine Mawdsley from secondary schools Peel Holdings Ltd, and colleges from a company involved across England in the current project gathered in to develop and Lancaster House on regenerate the 16 November to waterfront on both debate and make sides of the River decisions on the Mersey-a scheme future of the Roma which could create community and 20,000 new jobs in Wirral. Following on from this successful on the creation venture the school has become a member of Wirral Chamber of of an EU energy Commerce which will enable it to develop and establish links with market for greater local, regional and national business partners. security of the gas supply. The event Mr P Ronayne Community Partnership Manager was organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Council and the European Commission and was held during International Education Week. UKMT SENIOR MATHEMATICAL Each school represented one of the 27 EU Member States, the European Commission or the Secretariat-General of the Council. Wirral Grammar School CHALLENGE 2010 for Boys represented The Netherlands. There were 95 750 entries for this year’s UK SMC and this was the highest ever, showing the growing interest and importance of these events. Wirral Upper Sixth student Jack Neil said: “I found the day extremely interesting as I got had 30 participants from years 10 to 13 and once again some excellent to experience firsthand the workings of the European Council. I learned about the performances, but many found the questions somewhat harder than the processes involved and improved my debating and organisational skills. It has usual GCSE and A-Level stereotypes. inspired me to consider working in the EU and politics as a possible career. It was interesting to represent a different country to my own and to understand the The grade boundaries were: issues from their perspective.” GOLD ≥ 85 SILVER ≥ 70 BRONZE ≥ 58
Head teacher, David Hazeldine, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for Best performers were: students to learn about the politics of the European Union. I am very proud of the • Edward Kenny (SCORE 90) and that consistent performer Michael way they researched, debated and presented their case at the Mock Council. Hinchliffe (87) from Y13 It is a fantastic event that truly brings learning to life for our students.” • Best in Y12 was Luke Cartwright (80) • Best in Y11 was James Whitehouse (64) Minister for Europe David Lidington, who welcomed the students to the Mock • Best in Y10 Isaac Barnes and Patrick Richardson (both with 73) Council, said: “The European Union is an institution that enables European All students are reminded that they can now download extended solutions countries to argue out their differences peacefully with respect for one another’s to all questions from the website www.ukmt.org.uk. positions. The Mock Council is an excellent way to show young people just how the big decisions are made at a European level.” Well done to the boys who took part! Mr J Hough, Maths Department British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson said: “The way in which the students grasped the issues and debated them with such passion is Footnote: commendable. The British Council works hard to build and ensure cultural Question 1. This cross-number was meant to be the easiest on the paper understanding between the UK, Europe and countries around the world through and accessible to all, but only 60% of those who answered it got it correct. initiatives such as the European Union’s Comenius programme and is pleased Have a go – you will find the answer elsewhere in this Nuntius edition! to be able to offer events like the Mock Council to our up-and-coming young leaders.” What is the digit x in this cross number?
Jonathan Scheele, Head of the European Commission Representation in the Across Down UK, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed chairing the debate on inclusion of Roma and 1 A Cube 1 One less than a cube 1 2 was impressed by the research done by the students and their self-confidence in 3 A Cube taking the floor and arguing their case. As a veteran of many such councils in my European Commission career, this experience was very close to the real thing, A 2 B 3 C 4 D 5 E 6 3 x and I hope the students got a lot out of their day.” Answer is on the back cover
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Community Development
Welcome to the New Community Primary School Support
Partnership Manager! As part of Extended Services partnerships support to local primary schools is being offered and delivered in a number of areas. 6th Hello!... I have recently taken over from Tony Boustead as Form boys have been giving assistance to schools in Maths, ICT, WGSBs Community Partnerships Manager. I am looking forward Science and MFL. Benjamin Caveen from L64 writes... to continuing the excellent work that Tony pioneered at the school and maintaining and developing the work with pupils, parents, the wider school community and the local business community. Please feel free to contact me at the school if you have any comments, ideas or suggestions, I look forward to speaking with you!
Mr. P. Ronayne [email protected]
‘G E W’
Stands for Global Entrepreneurship Week which this year took place between 15th and 21st November. Together with our partners Wirral Metropolitan College and Outhouse Design 16 Wirral Primary schools were invited to a GEW challenge around a theme of saving energy. The results will be judged at Wirral Grammar in early February.
Ben and the Boys at Irby Primary School
‘On Tuesday 2nd November Sam Black, Chris Hatter, Matthew Brennan and myself volunteered to take part in Irby Primary School’s Maths Day. It was a great experience involving challenging tasks but each of us coped well and kept the Year 4 to 6 pupils entertained. We held quizzes and showed the children other fun ways of learning Maths. The day was organised by Mr. Ronayne (Community Manager) On behalf of all the volunteers we would like to thank him for giving us the opportunity to experience teaching Maths in a primary school, which we all enjoyed and I think the children did too.’
Paul Ronayne Community Partnership Manager Children at Thornton Hough Primary School working on their energy saving project during GEW
Doctor Faustus Admissions 2012 Mobile Phone
If you had the chance to sell your soul to the devil If you have a son who is Policy – and get everything you ever wanted, would you currently in Year 5 and Reminder do it? Nine Year 12 pupils went to see Doctor you are considering Wirral Grammar School for Boys Faustus at Manchester’s spectacular Royal Exchange Our policy on mobile phones is for September 2011, please theatre last month where the dilemma was directly very clear. Pupils are permitted note that we will be holding addressed in such fashion that kept the whole to have phones available for an Information Evening on audience on the edge of their seats. It was fantastic use before and after school Tuesday 28th June 2011. Full to experience such a quality production even with but during the school day they details will be available on Mrs Campbell and Mrs Davies’ company! must be switched off. Staff will our school website from May Peter Pegasiou L64KC confiscate mobile phones that are onwards. on view/in use during the day.
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An Introduction to Einstein Salters’ Chemistry Camp On 6th October all 94 A Level physics students from our sixth form, as well as other students from – York University across the Wirral, descended on Wirral Grammar School for Girls for a talk on Albert Einstein. Dr From the 18th to the 20th of August I Peter Ford of the University of Bath and Dr Vincent Smith of the University of Bristol were conducting participated in the Salters’ Chemistry the talk. camp at York University. The purpose of Dr Ford began by discussing the work of two Russian Chemistry Camps is to allow young people scientists from the University of Manchester who had just been awarded a Nobel Prize. He then began talking about what to explore some of the more fun and life was like in 1879, the year Einstein was born. It was then that we learned of his early years in the German town of interesting aspects of chemistry, as well as Ulm, including how he struggled at school in Munich despite broadening their knowledge of the subject being a very intelligent boy. We were also told of his five important papers which were explained in detail to us by Dr as a whole. Smith. My experience of Salters’ at York was very enjoyable, and I would Dr Smith discussed the theories which Einstein had put happily go again. It allowed me to perform experiments that I would forward. He talked about Brownian Motion, the nature of never be able to do at school, such as cold light experiments and light, E=mc2, the speed of light constant, and time slowing work with the so-called “fourth state of matter”, liquid crystals (used in from very fast moving objects. LCD TVs, to my surprise!).
Peter returned at this point to talk of his life after the papers As well as chemistry, there were also a wide range of activities to do were published, specifically his life in America after fleeing at the end of the day, such as a quiz, a materials lecture, sports and a Nazi Germany and his travels through several universities in “ghost walk”, where we were given a guided tour of the haunted sites Europe and America, for example at Princeton and Zürich. of York. I also met some very interesting people, and enjoyed their This concluded the talk which had proved insightful and beneficial to our A Level studies. We would therefore like to company in a casual atmosphere. If anything, the Salters’ Chemistry thank Dr Vincent Smith & Peter Ford for the talk as well as the Camp gave me something to do over the long summer holiday, and I girls’ school for hosting the event. did not regret attending.
By Jamie Lamb & James Ollerhead U61 I hope this has encouraged you to find out more about the camps, and possibly even persuaded you to come along. After all, the only way you can discover what it’s really like is to find out for yourself! Geography Lake District Trip James Sexty 11CCC
We departed from school on the 8th of October, along with Any Year 10 who is interested in applying for a Salters’ Chemistry a group of Wirral girls, on to what was surely going to be an Camp place next summer should see interesting but amusing weekend, especially with the presence Dr Bromley. of Mr. Hughes (and Miss Strand). We arrived in the Lake District and set off on our study straight away in and around the town of Kendal, interviewing local residents, Oh the joy! After finishing this we went to our youth hostel for an evening of ‘great food’ (mainly consisting of Mr. Hughes’ jam and sponge cake) and the comfort of a warm bed. Why science? – Why indeed!
On the Saturday of the trip, we set off on our study of the river On the 11th of November three Y9 pupils and I travelled to the “Why Science?” Eea, gathering results at 4 different sites and stopping off in the conference at Ridgeway secondary school. At the beginning of the conference small village of Cartmel for some deliciously spiffing sticky toffee we were able to speak to many different scientists. After meeting the scientists we pudding. We then had an evening meal and had the chance to then had a coastal protection workshop where we learned about under water celebrate another birthday and yet another fantastic cake made exploration. We then had a speech by two mechanical engineers and learned by the one and only Mr. Hughes. Another night at the hostel was how to make a maglev train. Finally we learned about nanotechnology and we topped off with some brilliant fashion sense, which included some made amusing costumes, none better than a mankini!! a football using it! Curtis Betley 9IPT Sunday was our final day and we had a day on the beach, gathering information from the great sand dunes, just outside the “It was really good because it showed us the science of medicine and making town of Barrow. We enjoyed a long, hard morning of ‘sand- pills.” duning’ and at the end; we all had fun rolling around in the Lee Haslam 9IPT golden beaches. “The mechanics and engineering were really fun and interesting.” Overall, it was a successful and enjoyable weekend, admiring the Ben Barnard 9IPT beauty and elegance of the wonderful scenery of the Lakes and also we had a few laughs and stories to take back to school with Abubkr Ahmed 9IPT also went along and had a good time! us. Sam Black L62DMF Thanks to Mrs Senior for taking us.
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Coming in Emcee Daniel Byrne Kit Kat Girl Bex Leeman Sally Bowles Sophie Money Kit Kat Girl Hollie Jackson April 2011 Cliff David Field Kit Kat Girl Hannah Winstanley Schneider Rowen Darroch Kit Kat Girl Becki Kirkby Shultz Ben Caveen Party Guest Hannah Barnes Ernst Yyannis Johnson Party Guest Steph Mortimore CABARET KOST Jenny Finch Party Guest Ellie Murray Sailor 1 / Waiter Tom Smith Party Guest Emmily Goodyear COMPANY Sailor 2 / Waiter Mike Bowen Sailor 3 / Waiter Andy Arathoon Geoff Hinde - Director Our school production Telephone Boy / Josh Finan this year is the musical Officer Telephone Boy / Joe Oxton ‘Cabaret’. Rehearsals Waiter Waiter & Party Guest Kieran France are well underway. Waiter & Party Guest Andrew Sephton Please watch out for Waiter & Party Guest Daniel Galvin Waiter & Party Guest Chris Wiles information about ticket Waiter & Party Guest Gareth Mattey sales next year and be Waiter & Party Guest Robert Barton Waiter & Party Guest Nathan Just warned... they will sell Waiter & Party Guest Jon Howes out quickly! Waiter & Party Guest Tom Ramsey Kit Kat Girl / 2 Ladies Gina Sinclair Ktt Kat Girl / 2 Ladies Catherine Cassidy The Cabaret Company Kit Kat Girl Laura Condon Kit Kat Girl Vicki Adegoke is as follows: Kit Kat Girl Cara Wilson Kit Kat Girl Abby Hannah Kit Kat Girl Annie Field Kit Kat Girl Charlotte Cumming
Stepping Back to Medievil England On Tuesday October 12th, a theatre company called ‘Say people in it, saw us all re-enact the Feudal System. We all got to Two’ came into school and performed a play on Medieval wear suitable costumes and were given instruction about how to England and the key events of this period. This was for the move around the stage and project our voices. whole of year seven. This was a great way of learning It was great fun and everybody thought so, even the teachers. about the many significant events of the period, including They taught the whole of Year Seven about things related to 1066 the battles of 1066, the building of Motte and Bailey in a really exciting and inter-active way. Even though some people castles, the murder of Thomas Beckett and the Black Death. didn’t get picked to act, everyone enjoyed it, even just watching. In the play there was information and humour; a great way to At the end of the play we all had to split up into groups to do learn about history! different workshops and then present them to the rest of the year. Most of them were plays but one of them, with the majority of the Daniel Hale & Luke Cresswell 7RB
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a university, helping my decision Nuffield Bursaries of what career I may want to enter later in life. This year the school had the three impressive George Schenck U61 entries for this science and technology university- After being initially disappointed based research project. having received a placement at This is a review of the Ness Botanical Gardens, I came work carried out by our to very much enjoy my Nuffield students. Experience. My project title was ‘Breadth and Specificity of the Ronan Duffey U68 colour matching abilities of the Peppered Moth, Biston betularia’. The Geography Department at the University This entailed measuring the colour of Liverpool was the location for my Nuffield change of 315 caterpillars exposed Bursary, where I was kindly hosted for four to different coloured artificial branches. weeks throughout the summer as I investigated I was working outside in the summer with how changes in the environment have an three other students and it was great to effect on the composition of the lake sediments ‘muck in’ with their projects. found in a particular area. My research used infra red spectroscopy to analyse lake The scheme gave me a great chance sediment samples from four sites - Sweden, to experience real scientific research Norway, and closer to home from lakes in at first hand and helped confirm my Cheshire. The work gave me a great insight career choice as a research chemist. into university research work, and it has Although the subject matter was not improved my overall scientific knowledge my original choice I learned skills considerably! such as experimental design and time management which will serve Jack Neil U64 me for years to come.
For my placement I was kindly hosted Thanks, as always, goes to Tim by Liverpool University’s Department of Sibthorp and his team at Maestro Mathematical Sciences, within the Pure Services Ltd who administer the Mathematics Division. I worked on sequences Nuffield scheme in the North West. of real numbers and investigated the strange We would also like to recognise world of complex numbers and how they the contribution made by the behave when iterated. It gave me the Nuffield Foundation in providing opportunity to work independently, allowing opportunities for young scientists me to steer the project in a direction I found from this school and many others. more interesting. The placement also gave me an insight into how research is conducted at
New Transition Programme for Year 6
A new transition programme developed by the Local Authority called ‘Family Welcome’ was started this year for some Year 6 boys and their parents. The course was run by Mrs Walker, Learning Mentor and Mrs Bradshaw, Teaching Assistant. The aim of the programme is to help and support boys and their parents through the transition of moving to secondary school and included sessions on self-esteem, motivation, friendship, working together, understanding and managing feelings. The course started in July and ran as a pilot scheme with the support of From left to right: Sharon Walker, Edward Elliott, Harvey Young, Kalem Bateman, Mark Holton, Headteacher at Higher Bebington Junior School and was Max Derbyshire, Sam Davis, Tom Gerrard, Oliver Lloyd, Cameron Buchannon, completed in October. Will Goodwin, Tom Forsey, Adrienne Bradshaw. Pupils reported “it was fun, I cant wait to start at Wirral Grammar Boys”, “I have learnt ways to calm down”, and some comments received from parents proved that the programme was a success “a great idea to help boys with the move to big school”, “we were lucky to have this programme offered to us in school”, “loved that we looked at positive stuff about our children, and turning negatives into positives”. Mrs Walker and Mrs Bradshaw will be running the course again next year and hope to make it available to students from three local primary schools from February 2011.
Sharon Walker, Learning Mentor
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of World War II. Picasso captures the mood with a scene of chaos and Visit to Madrid desperation. So significant is the painting that a tapestry hangs in the UN headquarters, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of war. Imagine the scenario: you’re packed and ready to go on what will be an enjoyable school trip, and whilst en Another marvel of the city is the Parque del Buen Retiro. The park is filled with elaborate sculptures and water features; it is also a perfect setting for route to the airport, you are told that your flight has been a mid-morning walk away from the hive of activity in Madrid. cancelled, due to a strike by French air traffic controllers. Unfortunately, such an occurrence befell the Upper Sixth Day 4 – Sunday Spanish group, as well as the Sixth Form Spanish groups Before we left Madrid, we decided to visit El Rastro, a flea market which takes places every Sunday and bank holiday. To me, most of the items from Wirral Grammar School for Girls. Arriving back at on sale were of limited value and use, and nothing really grabbed school to bemused, unsympathetic classmates, I’m sure you my attention. Nonetheless, it was a good opportunity to get gifts and can imagine, seemed like rubbing salt in the wound. As presents for the teachers. anticipated, the trip was re-scheduled, and I’m pleased to Another of the main museums of Madrid is the Museo del Prado, housing say that a group of 30 students and 3 teachers departed works of European art from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Amongst its from school on Thursday 11th November for a 3-night visit main attractions are the works of Velazquez, El Greco and Goya; artists to Madrid. which make the museum the ninth most popular in the world. The sheer extensiveness of Spanish art was practically a timeline of Spanish history, Day 1 – Thursday reflecting the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods to name only a After a serious case of déjà vu, we left for Madrid from Liverpool John few. Lennon Airport just after lunchtime. Having arrived at Madrid in the late afternoon, we took a series of frequently busy metros across the capital Finally, on behalf of everyone, I have to thank the three teachers: Mr to arrive at our accommodation. For dinner, we went to the Museo del Hughes, as well as Mrs Anderson and Mrs Hammond from Wirral Jamón (Ham Museum). It is an institution in Madrid, with joints of ham Grammar School for Girls who accompanied us on the trip and made it dangling rather peculiarly behind the bar. very enjoyable.
Day 2 – Friday I would definitely encourage those on next year’s trip to really reap the In the morning, we travelled by foot to Madrid’s Atocha railway station to benefits of being in such a magnificent city. make our way to Toledo, a city roughly 40 miles south of the capital. Toledo is famed for being one of the former capitals of the Spanish Andrew Connell U65 Empire, and a city where Jews, Christians and Muslims enriched Spain’s culture and co-existed there for many hundreds of years. This is immediately apparent once you take in views of the city’s incredible buildings and architecture. Upon the backdrop of a clear, sunny day, the city’s Cathedral and the Alcázar fortification were breathtaking. We indulged in Spain’s serene café culture, sampling some of the local cuisine.
Day 3 – Saturday In the morning, we visited the Museo Reina Sofía. The highlights of the museum are those of the two greatest 20th century Spanish masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. The first stop was Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ painting; arguably his most famous and poignant work. The painting takes inspiration from the mass bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War. Supported by Fascists in both Germany and Italy, the large-scale destruction caused by the aerial attack was a prelude to the Blitzkrieg Campaign
History Trip Germany and Poland 2011 Boys in Y9 and Y10 have almost completed paying in instalments the Summer term, so boys in current Y8 and Y9 should wait for this for the trip at Easter. 47 boys plus 5 staff will be going to Berlin and information which will be give out via History teachers and a notice Auschwitz for 6 days to enhance their History syllabuses at KS3 and on the door of Hi1. Previous pictures from previous trips dating back GCSE. This is surely going to be a fascinating and enjoyable trip. 10 years can be seen on the walls around Hi1 and in the classroom Visiting sites of the former Nazi state and what should be a moving itself. These trips have been to Berlin, Belgium, Poland, France, The visit to the world’s most notorious former extermination camp are Netherlands and Russia. Watch this space! bound to stir emotions. Boys currently in Years 7 and 8 will have the opportunity to go on a similar trip in the future. Details of future Mr L McKibbin History trips, not necessarily to the same venues, are given out in
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Anglesey Geology Field Trip Bio-bots: Wirral Grammar in the A geologist First Lego League! is only as good as his This year a team of Year 9 students from Wirral Grammar School fieldwork, at for Boys, named Doctor Bots, will take part in the First Lego least that’s the motto of League Robotics Challenge. We will compete at Manchester teacher of University on Thursday 9th December, with the potential to then 50 years, move on to the national finals in London and then the World Mr Youd. Festival in America. With this in mind, A-Level The theme of the competition is Biomedical Engineering, which involves taking geologists engineering methods and applying them to the medical field – pace makers, false undertook eyes and mechanical arms are all examples of Biomedical Engineering. three visits over a one For the Regional Tournament in Manchester we need to develop and complete month period certain tasks involving Biomedical Engineering: to sites in Anglesey, a • Body Forward Robot Challenge place with For this part of the competition we have to design, build and program a robot some of the using NXT hardware and software, to carry out set tasks on a large game oldest rocks, board. On competition day we will compete head-to-head with other schools and some of and gain points for each of the tasks we complete successfully but we only have 2 ½ minutes to do them all. the most complicated geology, in the British Isles. • Research Project Trips to Porth Dafarch, and Newborough Warren were We have spent a lot of time researching into Biomedical Engineering to find planned for dates in September and October, with out more about it and to inform other people know about the subject. As well a total of 8 geologists on each. Diversity and a new as this article, you have probably seen the information we have put up in perspective was acquired with a true cross curriculum the ICT department and around school. You may have also heard our team relationship when sixth form Art students also made the member, James Edmond, being interviewed about Biomedical Engineering on trip to Newborough Warren, a place we were extremely Livewire Radio. In Manchester we will present our research on display boards fortunate to visit, as it is a site that has been voted as and will perform a play to a panel of judges – we will also show the play in one of the most outstanding areas in the world. Further our year group assembly in the run up to the competition – to show them how investigations into rocks and geological structures, some Biomedical Engineering has changed since it was founded in the 1800s. of which are up to 450 million years old, on the beach • Teamwork at Porth Dafarch, as well as igneous bodies of rock, The First Lego League judges will also be looking at how well we’ve worked reminded us that the Anglesey coast wasn’t always as as a team to complete the tasks and challenges. We will be interviewed both serene and tranquil as it appears today. formally and informally and points will be awarded to our team accordingly.
On behalf of the A Level geologists, thanks must go Mr Our local rivals, Calday and St Anselms are also entering teams into the Hughes and Mr Youd for organising the trips, as well competition so we will be hoping to beat them in the robot arena as well as on the as Mrs Youd for her accompaniment and the additional rugby pitch. Wish us luck! insight she provided in the field. Mr C Lageu Ronan Duffey U6 Design & Technology
Author visits to the Learning Resources Centre
The Learning Resources Centre has this term hosted the visit of author Mark Walden, who came in to school to speak to pupils from years 7 and 8. The theme of his talk was “villains”, and what makes a good villain – an important concept in his popular series of H.I.V.E. (Higher Institute for Villainous Education) books. The visit was a huge success, and those boys who heard Mark have enjoyed reading his books.
Mark Walden
Building on the enthusiasm of Mark’s visit, the 6th December sees a visit by Joseph Delaney – the popular author of the Spook’s Apprentice series of books –who will also be talking to boys from years 7 and 8. All pupils will have a chance to meet Joe and buy signed copies of his books.
Julia Hale LRC Manager
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS A big welcome to all new musicians in the School! The Music Department now has 18 instrumental, vocal and ensemble teachers, together with 303 boys having lessons each week. There are seventeen instrumental and vocal ensembles which are represented by a Music Forum. This years’ representatives are:
President Ben Sharrock U61 Vice President Calum Redhead L66 Secretary Andrew Burgess L65 Concert Band William Vick U61 Choir Matthew Lochhead U61 Pop Choir Oliver Wedgwood 10WS Orchestra Tom Ramsay U65 Electric Guitar Group Matthew Dobson 11JLH String Group David Field L65 Brass Group Richard Milnes L65 Samba Band Jack Griffith 11JLH Rock Bands Lewis Yii 11CCC Woodwind Group Luke Goldsmith 11JLH Junior Brass Group Sam Hartharn-Evans 9SMC Treble Choir Ben Turner 8KM
A true and accurate likeness of each of these important people is displayed in the Music Department as well as on the music notice board outside the Headmaster’s office for ease of identification. There is a Forum meeting once every half-term, and the minutes of these meetings are displayed on the Music Society notice board. Every boy who plays or sings in an ensemble is automatically a member of the Music Society, so if you have any questions regarding your YEAR 8 CAKE BAKE ensemble, speak to your Forum representative!
The first few concerts of the new school year have now taken place, including the Chamber FOR CHILDREN IN Concert on Wednesday 20 October involving 26 boys, 3 of whom are in the new year 7, (Freddie Tedstone 7RW on saxophone, Aled Davies 7GA on trumpet and William Bracken NEED 7LEM on piano). The Autumn concert involved fifteen different ensembles which rehearse each week, and the highlights included diverse singing from the year 7 choir, full choir and the pop On Friday 19th November, Year 8 were invited choir. The Carol Service with the traditional nine lessons and carols provided an opportunity for to bring in home baked cakes to sell at break the Choir with accompanying brass group to provide a fitting musical setting for this joyous time and lunch to raise money for the BBC Children in of year, and was enjoyed by parents and friends in the evening service, and at the very least Need appeal. The five forms went head-to-head tolerated by years 7-9 in the afternoon! to compete against each other to see who could raise the most money for this fantastic cause. Four Some examination results from the Associated Board were not with us in time for the last summer members from each form became the tradesmen edition of Nuntius. Congratulations and recognition should therefore go to the following on their forms’ stall to sell cakes to the masses successful candidates: and sell they did! The total amount raised was a massive £323.84! The winning form was 8AJM Name Form Instrument Grade Result raising £86.31, followed by 8RR with £73.44, GEORGE ANDERSON 10WS HORN 04 Merit then 8KLJ with £61.88, 8KM with £45.63 and JAMES BARNES 9JHH CLARINET 01 Merit 8GWG with £28.51. As a prize for raising the JOSHUA BEALE 7AD VIOLIN 02 Distinction most money for charity, 8AJM got to sample my JAMES BLUCK 8AJM B FLAT CORNET 02 Merit very own special fairy cakes when I brought in RYAN CLARKE 9JMC JAZZ ALTO SAX 01 Merit cakes for all! Each form did a fantastic job and JAKE CLEMENT-JONES 8AJM VIOLIN 02 Pass well done! Thank you to everyone who baked, AARON COVE 9SMC FLUTE 03 Merit bought, sold or ate the cakes on the day, parents THOMAS DEAKIN 11SPA TROMBONE 04 Merit included! A big thank you must also go to the MATTHEW DOBSON 11JLH CLARINET 04 Pass Cove family – Mr Cove for baking the wonderful DRUVI EDIRISINGHE 8KM CLARINET 01 Merit Pudsey Bear cake and Aaron Cove (9SMC) for KEIRON EVANS 10AB CLARINET 04 Pass selling the raffle tickets. The cake was won by JOHN FIELDHOUSE 8KM EUPHONIUM 02 Distinction Daniel Threlfall in 9OA and had raised £27.84 ROBERT FOARD 9JMC TRUMPET 01 Merit for the cause. Thank you also to everyone who LUKE GOLDSMITH 11JLH JAZZ ALTO SAX 02 Merit helped to make the event a success (particularly SAM HARTHARN-EVANS 9SMC TROMBONE 04 Merit those who had to clean the mess up afterwards!) LOUIS MCGILLOWAY 9JHH E FLAT HORN 03 Merit I am very proud of the efforts of the entire year TOM SMITH U64 JAZZ ALTO SAX 02 Merit group and am already thinking up ideas for future SAMUEL WICKS 10HS CLARINET 03 Pass charity events! TOM WOOD 10HS CLARINET 02 Pass Mrs D Hynes (Head of Year 8) Two year 7 classes (7GA and 7RW) were treated to a visit by the School of Rock and Pop on Wednesday 17 November. Advertising their new evening school soon to open in West Kirby, the boys were all invited to play guitars, drums and make up a rock song, and by the end of the hour’s lesson, the whole class presented a respectable rendition of the song they had worked on. MOTIVATED AND Anyone interested in finding out more about the Rock School and how it operates, please see Mr Thomas or Mr Snowdon. LOVING IT! The Music Department’s tour to Italy is gathering pace, although there are still 3 spaces available which we need to fill. Anyone interested in going on this trip of a lifetime should see Year Twelve were treated to a day of motivational Mr Snowdon as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you want to get the most out of music coaching combined with study skills back in at Wirral Grammar School, get involved and get practising! September. The company ‘MALIT’, delivered the day’s activities in a light-hearted yet practical Mr P Thomas manner and pupils learned a lot.
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for 2 years, again focussing on the Former Pupil Update environmental respiratory influences on newborn babies’ lungs, as well as From time to time we receive updates on the the occupational burden of respiratory career successes and achievements of former diseases in New Zealand. pupils. Such accounts are greatly welcomed and serve to provide our current pupils with He now works as a Consultant in examples of potential career progression. Respiratory and General Medicine at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Professor David Fishwick, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Honorary Professor of Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Trust, and has been in this role since Medicine at the University of Sheffield. David was born in 1962 1997. He also works as the Chief and was educated at St Andrews and Brackenwood Primary Schools, Medical Officer at the Health and followed by Wirral Grammar School for Boys in Bebington, the latter Safety Laboratory, Buxton and is a between 1972 and 1980. He then studied Medicine at the Victoria co-Director of the Centre for Workplace University of Manchester, where in addition to gaining his MBChB, Health, a tripartite collaboration was awarded the Turner Prize between STH NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Sheffield and the in Medicine. He subsequently trained in General Internal, Respiratory Health and Safety Laboratory. and Occupational Medicine, being awarded the AFOM and MRCP, and later the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London and Glasgow (FRCP). In October 2010 he was appointed as an Honorary Professor by the University of Sheffield, following review of his work by an international Since completing his postgraduate training, he has worked in panel coordinated by the Vice Chancellor. The panel also took into various hospitals in Manchester including the Manchester Royal account ‘esteem factors’ such as David’s roles on HSE’s Asthma Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital, Dryburn Hospital in Durham Board and Disease Reduction Programme Strategic Board, as well and Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. During his time as his work on numerous peer reviewed publications. David married in Manchester he gained his MD degree, studying the plight of a Geordie and has a busy family life with three young children, but modern cotton and textile workers, and in particular the respiratory additionally remains passionate about preventing lung diseases, diseases they are at risk of developing. He later held a Research before they have the opportunity to destroy patients’ lives. Fellowship at the University of Otago in Wellington, New Zealand
FILM CLUB National Poetry Day To mark National Poetry day in October, every pupil in Year Ten had an hour long session with the Film Club member, Nathan Rimmer, successfully much lauded performance poet Ash Dickinson. As well as treating them to a taste of his ‘ Fringe’ auditioned to become one of a small group material (Edinburgh 2010!) he helped pupils to write their own short poems. Whoever said poetry of students from across the country chosen was boring? as Young Ambassadors. As such, he recently attended a Media Training Day in London where he met CBBC presenter Johnny Pitts and Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere. Film Club Ambassadors get involved in attending film GIFTED AND TALENTED SUMMER premieres, workshops and other activities. Nathan was recently interviewed on BBC Radio 5 – a SCHOOL recording of the interview can be listened to here: http://www.filmclub.org/past-vip-visits Two pupils were fortunate enough to win a place at Durham University’s renowned Summer schools prior to the start of the Autumn term. A Y8 pupil spent a week studying Anthropology and a Y9 pupil Ancient History.
School Book Groups
This half-term sees the Senior Poets (sixth-form) looking at ‘A Clockwork Orange’ by Anthony Burgess ; the Dead Poets (Years 10 and 11), William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies and the Junior poets ‘ Paper Towns’ by John Green. Mini poets (Years 7 and 8) will be discussing ‘The Stuff of Nightmares’ by Malorie Blackman. New members are always welcome.
Building Programme Latest
Unfortunately, poor weather and a relatively minor steel supply issue have led to delays in the completion of our new changing rooms. We now expect this work to be completed by the end of January. Work has already started on the creation of a new Food and Cookery Room and this should be completed next term. Work will commence on the new Art Teaching Area as soon as the current changing rooms are vacated. We expect all building work to have been completed by the end of Summer Term.
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Geology : Traeth D of E Bronze Practice 2010 At the end of September, 30 Y10 pupils braved the elements near Llyn Bychan Anglesey Brenig for their Bronze practice expedition. The expedition was a huge success with all On the 16th of September our class travelled to Traeth Bychan in group members Anglesey, Wales. As we left the minibus, the rare Welsh sun shone displaying down on us as if it were summer! We took our equipment and split excellent into groups of threes. We set about instantly putting into action the teamwork and skills we had learned in the classroom, and before long, we were communication all scrambling over the rocks, with clinometres and field notebooks skills – well in our hands. The beach stretched out as far as the eye could see done! All and we slowly, but surely, made our way from one end to the Bronze and other, to traverse seaweed and Silver D of rocks to see the main attraction of E members the day, an ancient dyke formed should now millions of years ago by magma be working on from the Earth’s core, forcing its their physical, way through cracks in the rocks skill and before it broke free and cooled to volunteering form what it is now. We all spent a sections in their few moments staring at it in silence own time. Don’t before taking more measurements forget to record and photographs. It was a really your progress enjoyable day and we would all on the electronic D of E; if you haven’t received your username or password love to go back again. yet see me ASAP. Roll on Moel Famau 2011!
Jack Griffith and Matt Siddorn Mrs. B. Clements 11JH and 11CCC
1Goal Success
Today, 69 million children in the world are denied the chance to go to school. These children could be our next generation’s leaders, sports stars, doctors and teachers. But they face a lifelong struggle against poverty. As part of our International Week celebrations in the summer term, the Art Department instructed the Key Stage 3 boys to design scarves to make our local MP aware of the 1Goal Scheme.
During our summer prize giving ceremony our scarves were presented to our MP and guest speaker, Alison McGovern MP.
Gary Lineker said: “Delivering education for the 72 million children that are currently denied access to education is an achievable dream. We know that the world has the resources to deliver it. Now it’s time for world leaders to make it happen – for rich countries to deliver the funding needed, and for governments of developing countries to ensure that education is the top priority in their country.”
David Archer, International Board Member for the Global Campaign for Education said: “This year 1 million pupils in 9000 schools across the UK joined the Global Campaign for Education’s 1Goal Send My Friend to School campaign, linked to the World Cup, which focused on getting every child in the world into school. Pupils and teachers understand the importance of this issue. The UK government has already committed to keep up overall spending on aid but we need them to become a real champion by recommitting to the target of £1 billion in aid to education each year and by calling on other world leaders to put their hands up for education at the UN Summit next week”.
Alison McGovern MP said: “I have been inspired by the efforts of the pupils at Wirral Grammar School for Boys. I was alerted to the important work that 1Goal does. Mobilising the passion millions of people have for football is a great way of raising the profile of a campaign which aims to increase access to education for some of the world’s poorest children. Education is a basic right and is the foundation for strong, prosperous and peaceful societies around the world. It is the most effective development intervention possible, contributing powerfully to economic growth, poverty reduction and better health.”
Well done boys
James Hughes Head of Modern Foreign Languages
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Physics Olympics Remembrance Day On October 18th 2010 a team of Abdullah Ali, Islam Ahmed, Sam Service 2010 Wood and I embarked on a journey to Liverpool University to participate in the Physics Olympics 2010 competition. Firstly we Our Annual were given a quiz sheet to answer throughout the day. In typical Rembrance Service physicist fashion our answers had to be in the form of the power was held in school of ten required. on Friday 12th November. The The first task was to find the height of a crater on the moon using only an image of service is in memory the moon, a close up of the crater and one or two distances. Using our knowledge of the 46 former pupils of Pythagoras and triangle theory we attempted to find the depth using an estimated of our school who angle at which the Sun was hitting the moon. Secondly we applied our knowledge gave their lives in the of aerodynamics to construct a paper aeroplane that would travel through a ring Second World War. and land as close to a target as possible. We attached blue-tack to the head Former pupils also attended the service of our plane so it would drop rapidly instead of dragging away from the target together with all pupils in Years 7 and 8. across the ground. Unfortunately our thrower missed the ring, incurring a 2 metre Two wreaths were laid before the Memorial penalty. However in a stroke of luck Sam Wood threw a random plane we had not Plaque in our Entrance Foyer; one on behalf tested and it landed 23cm away from the target and earned us 3rd place in that of the ‘Old Boys’ and one on behalf of the event! Next we used our knowledge of buoyancy and its relation to surface area school.. to construct a boat of straw and paper to hold marbles. Our contraption held 180 marbles before capsizing. After this we needed to navigate a blindfolded member The service consisted of a collection of of the team around a course without using any speech or touch. We opted for a hymns and readings. Deputy Head Boy code of claps to signal linear movement, stop, 45 degree right turn and 45 degree Jamie McCann read the Roll of Honour, the left turn. We produced an impressive time but were unfortunately beaten by a Head Boy, Jan Greenshaw gave a reading, team consisting of air cadets that apparently do this type of activity as part of their and Deputy Head Boy, Andrew Rich read a training. prayer.
After completing our tasks we reported back to the main hall. Out of 35 teams our In his address, Mr Hazeldine emphasised efforts earned us 5th place and a lovely physics mug (although admittedly they were that the act of remembrance is a very real given to everybody!) I recommend that any lower sixth form physicists try it next and important one; “Their sacrifice is a year, although, unfortunately, it will no longer be called the Olympics as there is a monument to future generations” he said copyright issue with some, less important, event occurring in London 2012! and “we have a duty to remember those who gave and continue to give their lives for Andrew Strong U65 values that we hold dear.”
Christmas Fair 2010
The school’s Christmas Fair took place on Saturday 27 November 2010. As well as the usual array of Tombola stalls, Book and Bric a Brac stalls, this year saw the introduction of a reptile room which proved to be very popular.
The fair is organised by the Parents Association on an annual basis. Chair person David Elliott said ‘ I am delighted to say that thanks to the support of the boys and their parents we have this year raised somewhere in the region of £5,500 which in the current climate is a fantastic result In particular I would like to extend my thanks to all members of the PA and all our helpers who helped achieve this’.
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Anti Bullying Conference Anti Bullying Week
Wirral Grammar School for Boys hosted the Wirral wide A number of events took place during anti bullying week in conference on Anti –Bullying on Tuesday 16th November school such as assemblies for each year group from 7 – 11 2010. The conference was attended by approximately run by the heads of year with help from members of the anti- 60 delegates from many agencies, including Police, bullying committee, on the importance of making a difference Merseytravel, Transport Providers, Youth Services, Healthy to someone by standing up for them, not being a bystander. Schools, and Response. The theme of anti bullying week this year is ‘Taking Action Together – the role of the Bystander’ Our cake sale was a great success, raising over £90. Many and we focused on safer schools transport. thanks to all the students, parents and grandparents who spent a considerable amount of time baking and icing! The event was opened by the Interim Director of Education, Mr David Armstrong, and chaired by Corinne Lands, Principal Manager for PSHE at the Local Authority. Other Wirral schools also took part by sending pupils to attend the conference Le Paquet Mysterieux (Park High, Woodchurch, West Kirby Grammar, Wirral Grammar Girls, Joseph Paxton, and Weatherhead High On the 20th September, Set 1 French students from Year 10, School), showing the importance of all the schools and were given the opportunity to see a play, completely in French, agencies working together to make a difference. called, ‘Le Paquet Mysterieux’. The play focused on two characters, Lucas and Vanessa, who work at the same cafe/ A number of presentations took place, including those from sports shop. On their way to work one morning they find that Bullybusters, Merseytravel and Wirral Youth Theatre. Two of the shop’s door is open, drops of blood are everywhere and our a mysterious package hidden inside. From there they come up bus stewards (Lloyd Jackson & Scott Watson) also did a with many theories about the mysterious package including, a presentation on our new bus steward scheme. bomb, drugs and a decapitated head!
The outcome of the conference will be a report compiled by Overall we thought the play was good and especially enjoyed the local authority to be sent out to all the schools on the the parts when a member of the audience was called upon Wirral in order to share ideas on the best way forward to ‘help’ out. The play covered a wide range of topics from to improve the journey to and from school and to share holidays to work experience and hopefully will come in useful examples of at GCSE. good practice. Daniel Kowalski 10
which proved fairly time consuming. Senior Team Despite doing very well, we still managed Jaguar Spanish to do relatively poorly when compared Maths Challenge to our competitors, moving us down the Trip leaders’ board. On Friday 19th November, Mike On 9th July 2010 Miss Burns and Mr Parsons, Sean Cavanagh, Luke However, as was the case last year, McKinney took 30 boys from the languages Cartwright and myself were taken to they decided to save the hardest for department to the Jaguar and Land Rover Christleton High School in Chester, last. Round three consisted of immensely factory in Halewood to see how languages thanks to Mrs. Brinkman, to take part in difficult questions in which we had to wait are used in the workplace. When we arrived, the UK Mathematics Trust and Further for the other pair to generate the correct we were split into 2 groups and shown Mathematics Support Programme’s Senior answer before we were could calculate around the factory. We saw how the different Maths Team Challenge. Our team was our own. It is safe to say this round was parts are made and the final construction of bolstered by my confidence after having not the team’s strong point and was by far the car. After being shown around the factory come third last year. Thus with me as the lowest scoring round for our team. both groups met up in an office upstairs where captain, we had fairly high team morale. we met Alejandro and Pablo, two Spanish When the scores were totalled we had students studying at Liverpool University and In the first round, we were presented with finished mid-table, achieving eighth now working at Halewood. They explained a set of “warm up” challenges which position out of 15 teams, a perfectly to us how important a second language is the full team applied themselves to, and respectable result considering the quality in a workplace and we then got the chance in which we established each other’s of the competitors we faced. Overall, the to ask them some questions in Spanish. They relative strengths and weaknesses. We day was very enjoyable and has shown explained how easy it is to get a job with a scored highly in this round and positioned me the type of Maths I should expect second language as you are put ahead of ourselves near the top of the leaders’ to face at degree level. Hopefully next people with only 1 language. After this we board. year, the questions may be slightly less were all taken around the off road track in challenging and the competition slightly groups of 6 in one of the new Land Rovers. The second round was a more difficult less fierce, enabling our school to return This was a good experience for all that took “cross-number” in which we were split to former glory. part and really enjoyable. into two teams of two and had to wait for across groups’ answers before we could Edward Kenny U6 Daniel Edwards 11SPA fill in the answers to our down questions,
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Wirral Colts Year 7 Rugby
The year 7 Rugby Squad have made a fantastic start Played 11 - Won 7 lost 4 to their first season as Wirral Grammar School rugby players. The squad as a whole have worked very The Colts have had an excellent season so far and hard in training and in games at both A and B have been involved in some exciting rugby matches, team level. with very close finishes. We are still in the Daily Mail Cup, and have progressed to the last 64 in the county. The commitment and enthusiasm of the lads has paid off so far as the A team have had an outstanding, unbeaten start to the season, The competition started with a record entry of 596 winning 7 out of their first 8 games and drawing the other. The ‘A’ school. The fifth round game will take place on the team have been clinical in attack all season scoring 158 points in 8 24th November at Wirral against Woodhouse Grove. games. Just as importantly, the defence has been first rate, with the team only conceding 4 tries so far this season. The 4 losses have come against traditionally good rugby schools, when the squad has been depleted due to other school The ‘A’ team started the season with a comprehensive 31- 0 win commitments. However the players that came in did not let over Kirkham Grammar school. This was followed by our biggest themselves down and competed well against A team opposition. test of the season, a 7-7 draw with Stockport Grammar School. Kirkham, Hutton, Merchant Taylors and Kings Macc could all Well earned victories followed over Hutton (43- 7), Bridgewater (5- have been beaten. If we progress further in the Daily Mail we will 0) and Wilmslow (19- 7). have the opportunity to avenge our defeats. Excellent wins against Wilmslow, St Ambrose and Stockport have cemented our wins in The team showed a great deal of character throughout this period the cup and the team is building nicely into a good rugby side. and were then able to continue their run of impressive results with The Cup run has brought the squad together and the incentive wins over Kings School Maccelsfield (24- 0), St Ambrose (21- 0), of playing at Twickenham on April 6th has fuelled enthusiasm and Manchester Grammar School (17- 5) at training, with players competing for places. In the first round we beat Liverpool College in a hard fought game, which sent us The squad has gelled quickly with a mixture of boys who have had to Bridgewater HS in Warrington, a team that were the current some experience of rugby before and some boys who are getting Cheshire Champions and one of the favourites for the competition. their first taste of rugby as part of the year 7 squad. It is important In what turned out to be an outstanding performance by the team, that the boys stay focussed and aim to keep improving week on Ben Brookes converted 5 penalties, the last one with only seconds week. If they can maintain their current attitude I will be more remaining. We were successful 15-12, if the game had finished than pleased. tied, Wirral would have gone out on tries conceded, so imagine the joy at the full time whistle. Congratulations must go to Scott Southwell who has been appointed captain of the ‘A’ team and has led the team well so far. A bye in the next round meant we would have a home tie against Calday or Wilmslow, which turned out to be out local rivals Calday We look forward to the remainder of the season with much who won the game 59-0, a team we had never beaten before. confidence and hope to continue our pleasing start. Wet conditions at Wirral meant the team with the most heart would win, in the first half Wirral were on top and although coming close Mr Atkinson to scoring a try on a few occasions, great Calday defence and Master in charge of Year 7 Rugby. discipline kept the score to a solitary Ben Brookes kick 3-0. The reverse happened in a very exciting second half. With Calday on top, Max Sedgwick kicked a penalty to tie the scores 3-3, Wirral now having to score or go out as the home team. All seemed to be pointing to a Calday victory, and the game was deep into injury time when an offside by them in a kickable position gave Wirral a Year 7 “B team “ Rugby lifeline and one last chance at victory. This was literally the last kick of the match: miss and we were out, score, we would march into What a great start to the season! With an extremely the next round, Ben Brookes placed the ball and calmly slotted the strong squad and significant contributions from kick 6-3. Jubilation followed as the ref blew his whistle. everybody who has been involved, the “Bs” have I would like to thank all the players for their efforts thus far, please taken no prisoners and beaten all the teams faced continue to train, as we still have a long season ahead. Thanks to convincingly. Tom Parry who Captains the team by example. I would also like to thank the parents for their magnificent support both home and away We have scored the first try in all of our matches so far and then and my thanks also to those parents who help with refreshments on never looked back, amassing a huge total of 266 points and only Saturday mornings. conceding a meagre 20. Furthermore, we have not conceded more than a single try in any one game. This is outcome of the boys’ Andy McKinney - Wirral Colts Coach dedication and commitment in defence and their enthusiasm and directness in attack. There have been outstanding performances by all players and a fantastic team spirit. A large part of the thanks for the positive attitude in the team should go to the captain James Richards, who has led by example from the very first training session. Let’s stay hungry for points!
Mr J Marshall-Clarke
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Year 8 Rugby Report Year 9 Rugby Report (up to Saturday 20th November) It has been a very good start to the season for both A and B Teams with some very good victories. Both Results so far: A team Played 10 won 4 lost 6; B team teams have given some very strong performances played 9 won 3 lost 6 and produced some exciting Rugby which has been commented upon by the opposition coaches. This is This has been a tough time for the Junior Bantams squad with results due to their determination and positive attitudes on not truly reflecting the performances on the field. I have been and off the pitch and to the energy they put impressed with the level of commitment shown by many of the into training. squad, and there are clearly some talented players in our ranks. Some games have been lost by the odd point and I would say The A team, captained by Arran Drury have played 11 games up that it was only Kings Macclesfield who have beaten us this term. to when this had been written. Out of those 11 games they have However even in that game, 22-0 down at half time, the A team won 8 and lost 3 with 1 of those victories being in the Cheshire showed great character in only going down eventually by 27 points Cup against Chester Catholic High, where they had a strong in a fine second half display. performance, winning 43-10. They have had other big wins against other schools including Merchant Taylors (43-7), Hutton Easily the most impressive performance came at home to (34-0) and St Ambrose (43-5) where they were clearly the dominant Bridgewater. The visitors were a good and well organised side who side. Unfortunately, there have been 3 losses against Stockport, took an early lead. But then the Wirral team fought back with some Bridgewater and Kings Macclesfield where our usual strong defence good play and determined defence. It was nip and tuck all game was not present. All 3 losses were disappointing as the boys knew until Lewis Adams finally went over in the dying seconds to record the scores would have been different if they had played to the best a 14-10 in that was in fact well deserved. The A team have played of their ability. well in other wins against Merchant Taylors, Hutton, St Ambrose, and could easily have won against Kirkham, St Edwards, Stockport However, take nothing away from the boys as they have had and Wilmslow but didn’t take their chances in those games. The a great start to the season and there have been many standout last game for this report was against Manchester GS and even performances by them. I believe this has also been helped by the though the eventual effort was pleasing to see, the first 15 minutes positive support they have been receiving from the parents, who of that game cost them victory after conceding too many points! have been attending both home and away matches and who I’d The B team have found victories hard to come by, mainly due to like to thank and hope for it to continue in the New Year. As it playing teams with bigger and more physical opponents. However stands the boys have scored 295 points and conceded 163 points. they have stuck in there, and their most pleasing win was against Manchester GS by 27 points to 25. This game was a right ding The B team captained by Matthew Taylor have unfortunately been dong affair, with George Welch scoring two tries and Alex Brophy only able to play 5 games so far this season due to many schools converting at least 2, though apparently the ref didn’t see 2 others being unable to produce a B team. However, this does not mean due to the fog!! that they have been unable to develop as a team and produce quality performances. Out of the 5 games played they have won 4 The squad has to improve on its basic skills and concentration in and lost 1. After a close first game of the season where they played matches if they are to earn more wins after Christmas. A 7s season St Edwards and won 5-0 they went on a demolishing spree against then beckons where the ability of this year group should shine Merchant Taylors (24-5), Kings Macclesfield (34-0) and Manchester through. I want to thank all those who have played and trained GS (55-0). Unfortunately, they were beaten by Stockport who, as for the squad so far and hope that they keep up their commitment with their A team were a very strong outfit. Even with only playing levels in the coming months. I would like to thank Mr McKinney 5 games the boys have produced some fantastic rugby and have for his help and to Mr Bailey and Mr Bowen for reffing games attended all training sessions with positive attitudes, all eager to fight on a Saturday morning. Mr King has helped out too and the their way into the A team. As it stands the boys have scored 125 encouragement of parents on the touch line is always a bonus. I points and conceded only 48 points. have to say though, for the first time in all my 25 years at the school how disappointed I am that some boys are refusing to play for the As a squad the year 9 boys season has started off very well and school teams at this level. I hope this is not a trend and that boys I believe this will improve further next year. As long as they all who are selected to represent their school feel it is an honour to continue to give 100% at training sessions and in the games, do so. In all those years of involvement with school rugby I can I’m positive that this could be the best season they have had in only say that they are ultimately losing out in all sorts of ways. the school so far and that they will develop to become a very Nevertheless I wish all concerned a Happy Christmas! strong team.
Those who have represented the school this term are: Mr A Baker Physical Education Harry Cumming (Captain), Callum Bedson, Alex Brophy, Matthew Callanan, Jake Clement-Jones, Matthew Crowe, Lewis Davies, Lewis Favager, James Porter-Smith, Oliver Sinclair Matt Sutton, Lewis Adams, Will Hardy, Liam Hayes, Theo Johnston, Elias Larsen, Michael Morris, George Welch, Michael Armand, Matthew Jardine, James Parnell, Ben Reilly, Sam Reilly, Ben Thomas , Sean Griffiths, Jack Johnson, Sam Lock, Ben Lockwood, Jamie Norris, Alex Ruscoe, Alex Lambert, Sam Hannah, John Fieldhouse, Ross Triggs, Nick Morris, Ed Williams, Tom Flooks, Liam Richardson Conor Baker and Tom James.
Mr L McKibbin
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the parents who support their sons at home and on the side of the 1ST XV Rugby pitch. Special thanks go to Barry and Sue Smith who have patched together broken bodies from ours and other teams during every This is proving to be another tough, tough season for game this year. the First XV with the games following a similar pattern to last year. Our fixture list is very strong and need to Top try scorers – Ed Forshaw be at our absolute best every week in order to win. Top points scorer - Ronan Duffey Unfortunately, this season the opposition has been just Mr A P White too strong for us, despite our best efforts! Deputy Headteacher
The highlight of the season so far has been our mini-run in the Daily Mail Cup Competition. We eventually went out in Round 4, losing 15 – 6 to a good Merchant Taylors team. We had previously beaten Liverpool College 44 – 7 and King William’s College, Isle of U16 Rugby 2010 Man 36 – 24, playing some exciting rugby and scoring good tries.
A recurring theme is one of the scoreline very much flattering the Played 8 Won 4 Lost 2 Drawn 2 opposition, and that for much of the game. We have parity and are very competitive. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to lose This season started so well with an excellent performance against concentration and intensity for short periods and at these times we Merchants which saw Wirral winning 26-5. This was an emphatic ship ‘soft ‘ tries and the score line racks up! Nevertheless, the spirit win with the team being better in all areas of the pitch than the within the Senior Squad has remained high; and I am sure new First opposition. A draw against Kirkham away, and another good win XV Captain, Jan Greenshaw and his Vice Captain, Jack Yarker, can against Stockport meant the team were in good spirits and good rely upon the support of all the players in continuing to work hard form. and turn the season around with some good results in the new year. The first defeat was against a very strong Wilmslow side who last Mr P Crowley (Head of Physical Education) year won the Daily Mail Cup. At half time there was nothing in the 1ST XV Coach scores and even with ten minutes to go, Wirral were in contention at 27-19. There is no doubt that the score flatters the opposition and the match was much closer than the score suggests. 2nd XV Rugby Report The match of the season came next in the Cheshire cup against St Anselms who really fancied their chances to win the cup this year. The first half saw Wirral in complete control but only one score The start of this year was somewhat confused by the ahead which was a travesty. Then St Anselms came back a little. lack of appointment of a 2nd XV skipper. Fortunately, Wirral scored again but then the opposition went ahead 17-12, Jonny Morris came to the rescue to start another year of with only minutes to go. At this point I was so proud of the players Saturday morning rugby and Monday evening frolics. and was preparing my losers speech when we attacked from deep and scored with the last play of the game. We missed the kick but it The season started well enough with a win against St Edwards. did not matter as the away team go through in the event of a draw. The boys showed that they can play in sideways rain and the This really was a superb match which Wirral thoroughly deserved to only damaged item was Liam Smith’s fringe. This was a pleasing win and was as good a team performance as I have seen for many aggressive performance with hope that we could move forward and years. I was very proud, not of winning, but the way they played. bring on some of the lower sixth and Y11 pupils. A loss was on the cards against Lancaster. The team was not at Naivety resulted in a loss against Merchants followed by tough full strength because of injuries, but this was a game that got away games at Kirkham and home against Stockport. In those two fixtures and we simply made too many mistakes at key times. The season we only scored one try despite, as always, the great efforts of all continued with two good wins against Manchester and Macclesfield concerned. away, which are always difficult places to go and get a result, but on both occasions, we were against huge players which made it We came back to form with a win against Hutton. Played five and difficult, but the result was ours. won two; not bad considering the opposition. Then came Wallasey consortium; a team who were clearly so impressed with Wirral All in all a good season so far keep it up lads and keep training as rugby that they decided to help themselves to our jerseys before the this is the key to even better performances. game. Even with our shirts returned we failed to perform and the lack of aggression and concentration that has blighted some games Mr I F Davies resulted in the most disappointing performance to date. Danny Adkins Jack Portbury Alex Griffiths We had brighter outings at Wilmslow and Kings School, Max Hunt Frank Richards Simon Flavell Macclesfield but never looked like winning either. A draw away Ted Kinsella Tom Arthur Cameron Hibbert-Jones at St Ambrose, with a last play wonder try by Michael Bowen Danny Phillips Mark Grifiths Dave Neil converted impressively by Ronan Duffey, and a battle in the mud Chris Crowley Danny Harris Harry Camp against Manchester have finished this phase of the season with a Brad Taylor Reece Orton Luke Harris record of P10 W2 D1 L7. Adam letts Olly Jackson Sandy Richardson Johnny Greenall Progress needs to be made in putting sides under more pressure at the breakdown and maintaining concentration for more than the fifteen minutes spells we are seeing now. However, there is great spirit and camaraderie and I would like to thank the squad and all
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Hockey Update Wirral Club report The start of the 2010 season came on the back of a very Wirral Club is located on Thornton Common Road, successful Hockey tour to Australia in which 30 boys Clatterbridge and is the home of Wirral Rugby and enjoyed an excellent trip. The two squads played 12 games in total with 9 wins and 3 defeats, playing some Cricket Clubs. Formerly the Old Wirralians, it was set impressive hockey throughout. Well done to all of the up in 1937 to cater for the leisure time of boys from lads and I hope that the experiences live long in the Wirral Grammar School. memory. The new Hockey season has started well and major progress is being made!! The development To this day many past and present boys use the facility for these of each squad had seen a 1st and 2nd team group sports. Currently, Wirral Rugby Club has 4 senior teams and Junior of 28 players. Their difficulties have been in training, teams from Under 7s to Colts level. The success of these teams over which was restricted due to the slow opening of the the years has been considerable, and currently the First XV, coached Oval pitch after refurbishment and also the fact that due by Mr McKinney, are playing in North West One which is a decent to the new timetable they can only play fixtures every standard of rugby. Many Wirral Grammar School boys play in the other week. Junior teams on a Sunday morning at the Club. The Cricket Section runs three senior teams and Junior teams from Under 9s upwards The first term has seen 30 games played by all of the teams. The and will shortly after Christmas be putting in some pre season 1st team has been captained by Jack Evans and thus far has played training in winter nets that will be advertised on the website and some very encouraging hockey, without always getting the results. around school, so watch this space! The team has had good wins against St Anselm’s (5-4), Neston (6-2 and 5-0), Bolton School (7-0), but in the cup fixtures suffered defeats For further information re both rugby and cricket clubs, please visit: against Calday (8-2), Birkenhead School (3-2) and St Anselms (3-1). In all of these games and the close defeats that we have had, have www.pitchero.com/clubs/wirral seen some excellent periods of play. www.pitchero.com/clubs/wirralcricketclub www.pitchero/clubs/wirralccjuniors The junior sides have continued to flourish and perform very well. This has seen many of the boys playing regularly in the school Mr L McKibbin, Secretary Wirral Club team matches. The U16 team has been lea by George Wilkinson who himself has been played for the Pennine Pumas and achieved an England U16 assessment in November. The lads have been excellent making great progress in qualifying for the Wirral Cup House Captains’ Report final on the 9th January unbeaten, winning 6-1 against Birkenhead, 2-0 against Calday and 9-1 win against Neston and in a tight This has been an exciting term for the House system game achieving a 3-1 victory over St Anselm’s. In addition there in Wirral Grammar Boys. From the creation of House have been some excellent performances against St Anselm’s (2-0 banners, to the continuation of Vertical Tutor Groups friendly win), defeat against a strong Kings Chester side (5-2), and inter-House sporting fixtures, Islam Ahmed, Ronan but a great win against Manchester Grammar (5-1). Notable Duffy, Edward Kenny, and I all feel privileged and performances have come from Jordan Cossins, George Wilkinson, honoured to have been able to be involved in the recent Ben Crane, Sam Lamen, Matthew Dobson, Ben McGilloway and rebirth of the House system, one of the oldest traditions the consistent James Graham and Ben Parsons to name a few…. in the school. Against Manchester the four goals from Matty Jones were a sight to behold! Let’s hope that the lads can continue their performances As mentioned above, this term has seen the installation of custom into the second half of the season. House banners, now hanging proudly in the atrium. They are a testament to our school’s heritage, and to the creative efforts of The U15 squad has been working hard on Mondays at the Oval both boys and the Art department, who strove tirelessly to produce and are all making good progress. Many of the squad including something to do justice to their houses. Syd Roberts, Andrew Heath, Josh Helsby and Coby Kendrick-Hall, have all played as part of the U16 team. Following on from last Despite what has already been achieved, I feel I can speak for year’s National Finals success the lads are improving their individual all your House Captains, when I say that we have no intention of skills and have been able to apply those skills in wins against St resting on our Laurels throughout the remaining two terms of the Anselm’s 1-0 (Roberts), Birkenhead School 10-1 (Roberts 4, Heath year. On the contrary, we have a variety of events in the planning 2, Helsby 2 and Brooks) and a second win over Anselm’s 5-0 process, designed to further encourage the House system that we (Roberts 2, Brooks 2 and Helsby). The Year 9 team has been are so proud to represent, that will become known to you in the very working hard on the tennis courts. After two defeats to Calday and near future. St Anselms, the lads have three cup games before Christmas against Neston, Birkenhead and St Anselm’s in their bid to reach the Wirral As yet, the House Point totals are such that Lever are heading the Cup final. leader board, with 340 points, Barber are following closely with 290. In a close third place, are Hodgson with 280 points, and In my absence from school I would like to thank Mr Cooper, Mr Dodds are, for the moment, in fourth place, with 260 points. These Thomason, Mr. Money and Chris Scott and all of the players for totals are by no means, final; there is everything to play for as the ensuring that when representing Wirral GS, whether it be playing, next two terms hurtle towards us, so keep earning those points! umpiring, coaching or supporting we give it our best shot! Good luck to all players in the fantasy league and for the rest of Ryan Boocock U61 the season! Hodgson House Captain
Mr. A Metcalf
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£6,000 Charity Operation Christmas Child When Ms Razbully first brought this up during assembly, I jumped at the chance to make Success for ‘Help someone’s Christmas special. We got an old shoe box to start with; it wasn’t the most Christmassy thing. We started off with some festive wrapping paper, next, we went off to buy for Heroes’ some presents. We were packing our box for a boy 5 – 9 years old, so we bought him some Lego, some art stuff and something that bounces 5 metres in air. We also bought a toothbrush On Monday 27th September, the and some toothpaste. Just to give it some class, we put some red tissue paper along the school was able to present a cheque bottom. When the time came for £6,000 to two representatives to hand our box in, I walked of Help for Heroes, the school’s into Ms Razbully’s room and chosen charity in the academic year handed her my box just as 2009/2010. Mrs Turner was giving in hers, and as I left the room, 3 This fantastic sum was the result of a year’s house points richer, the warm hard work by the outgoing Head Boy’s team, feeling of caring and doing led by Harry Bush, who used a combination of something good filled me. non-uniform days, film screenings and a wide Ho-Ho-Ho Merry Christmas! range of other initiatives in order to raise such Sam Blackwell 7RW a considerable amount. It must also be noted this total does not include the money raised as an emergency response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
This year, the school has elected to support UNICEF in its response to the 2010 Pakistan WINNERS AT WIRRAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS AWARD Floods. A multitude of events – cake sales, classroom collections and a closest to the pin On 30th June 2010 at Wallasey Town Hall, Jan competition to name but a few – are already Greenshaw, Head Boy gave a presentation to underway in order to raise funds for this most invited delegates including the Mayor of Wirral, worthy of causes. In particular, I would like to thank all those who supported ‘The Yorkshire detailing the international activities we have Three Peaks Charity Event’, and also Michael pursued this year. Bowen and David Lawrie for joining me on the expedition. We have thus far raised in excess of The event encourages international awareness and an £1,000 on behalf of UNICEF from this activity appreciation of the many different cultures and customs taking alone, a just reward for ten hours of arduous place in Wirral primary and secondary schools. and sodden hiking. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend all pupils and parents The Mayor of Wirral stated, “The presentations are of the who were involved in fundraising last year; I highest standards and all involved should be very proud of hope that you are able to support this year’s themselves. The work is very impressive as is their commitment appeal with similar enthusiasm. and enthusiasm. My congratulations go both to the students and teachers. They are a credit to not only their families and Jan Greenshaw - Head Boy their schools, but also to Wirral.”
Parent Mail Reminder In the event of snow . . . All letters are now being sent through Parent Mail and some letters are also sent out as paper copies. To remain effective, parents need to keep We all remember the event of 6th and 7th January the year when, for the their email contact details up-to-date through the Parent Mail website first time ever, snow caused massive disruption to Wirral and schools were (www-parentmail.co.uk) and by following the ‘parent log-in’ link. forced to close. As a guide, our action plan is as follows:
1. If heavy snow falls overnight, we would make a decision early in the morning and a message would be posted on our school website Lost Property and/or be issued by Parent Mail. Hundreds of pounds of unclaimed lost property is left around the school 2. If heavy snow falls during the school day we will make a decision every year. Simple measures can ensure that missing items are returned to on whether to close the school depending on the time within the the owner. It is most helpful for school bags/PE Kit bags to have a key fob day. Above all, we will not put pupils at risk by simply ‘sending them tag on them with the name of the pupil and form. home’! Whilst it may be inconvenient to collect pupils from school in the event of deteriorating weather, at least pupils are safe and warm and supervised. Cars on the School Site Please note that for safety reasons, 3. Regular message updates will be issued through the school website parents must not drive onto the and through Parent Mail. Please note that radio broadcast messages school site at the end of school. are not always reliable. Only when buses have departed is it safe to do so. Parents are welcome to drive into the car Maths Challenge Answer is C park when collecting boys from extra curricular activities.
Admissions Enquiries: Enquiries relating to admissions should be directed to Mrs Tanya Fry in school on www.wirralgrammarboys.com 0151 644 0908 or by visiting the school website: www.wirralgrammarboys.com/admission • news • achievements • events • admissions an ISO9001 Quality and ISO14001 Environmental accredited company. (ref 2677-12/10), Created by www.concept4.com
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