Autumn 2017 | Issue 25 The Newsletter of Flixton Girls School

Proud to lead the... HEALTHY LEARNING TRUST

HEALTHY MINDS • HEALTHY LIVES • HEALTHY FUTURES

Dear Readers, As Headteacher of FGS and CEO of the Healthy Learning Trust, I am delighted to announce FGS’s conversion to a Multi Academy Trust from 1st September 2017. A Level Success Through our principles of Aspiration, GCSE Results 2017 Empowerment and Excellence the Healthy Learning Trust empowers young people to enhance their own lives and the lives of others through our unique partnership with health and well-being providers to deliver a programme across our FIVE PATHWAYS to Health, Well-being and Scholarship. All House, Vice & Sports Captains

Head Girl - Emily Bates Over the next 12 months we will be inviting expressions of interest from schools who share this passion and belief to work in partnership at HLT to spread our unique benefits to the wider community.

Deputy Head Girl - Julie Hazeldine House Captains - Esme Williams, Michelle Galliani Sports Captains - Ellie Doherty, Ammal Shahid & Katie Scotson Tia-Robyn Sharp & Ellie Houston Headteacher

House Ambassadors Vice House Captains - Catalina David, Megan Frain & Jade Whitworth See pages 4 & 5 for more information.

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The sessions consisted of games, conversations COMMUNICATE and the creation of postcards all using the German language. The event was to further links with our FACULTY local feeder primary school staff and students; (ENGLISH & MFL) whilst encouraging the children to take an interest in foreign cultures, languages and to learn French Languages Trip something new. Over thirty students with four members of staff embarked on a coach trip crossing to Languages Taster Cologne for a six day adventure. Our work with local partner primary schools This enrichment trip allowed continued with German language taster sessions students to experience the taking place at Urmston Primary School. German language and authentic culture in real life situations. This trip will now be an annual Two year 5 classes had the pleasure of being taught opportunity for all KS3 & KS4 German students. new skills in German language and about German culture by FGS Modern Foreign Language All the students had a ‘Spaß and fantastisch’ (fun For more information and images of the trip please Teachers Miss Longden and Mr Lewis - dressed in and fantastic) time completing all the games and see: https://flixtongotocologne.wordpress.com/ German traditional Dirndl dress and Lederhosen! creating their postcards.

PARTICIPATE FACULTY (DRAMA / MUSIC / PE) Peppa Pig Dance We hosted a pre-school dance and movement class inspired by popular children’s TV show Peppa Pig; organised to support a worldwide children’s charity ‘Save the Children’. Over £75 was raised for this fantastic charity as part of the Muddy Puddle Walk campaign which ran nationally. Well done Mrs Ashurt, Dance Teacher and everyone involved.

Eid Humanities Club Update COLLABORATE Celebration in school Having collected (HUMANITIES- following Eid; some sweet 115 eggs and FACULTY treats for our girls to delivered to HISTORY / GEOGRAPHY / RE) enjoy with friends and Francis House teachers. Eid Mubarak @ Children’s Osmington Geography Trip FlixtonGS @Artisan @ Hospice, as part Thirty six year MissOHalloranRE Thank of the Easter 10 Geography you Miss Nisa a lovely Chick Appeal GCSE students celebration for all 2017, our and four staff students and their students and participated in friends following Eid. staff received a letter and a certificate to thank a tailor made Miss Nisa commented them for a wonderful donation worth £315.82. residential trip ‘The girls who have Cracking work everyone! to Osmington been fasting have done Bay in early July. This trip links the classroom so well, and at times RE Studies learning to fieldwork on rivers and coastal I’ve found fasting in Year 10 RE students attended a talk from management. Chantelle Trueman said ‘I liked this heat incredibly hard myself so it was lovely to Mohammed Amin on similarities between learning about the rivers and seeing things in celebrate the end of Ramadan with their teachers Christianity, Islam and religious extremism. He action rather than just in the classroom; it made it and friends many came along and celebrated Eid emphasised his motto ‘Each of us changes the world easier to understand.’ with us! We can finally eat in daylight!’ every day. We can choose to make it a better place.’

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FGS Expo CREATE FACULTY An evening of art celebrating the work (ART, DESIGN AND FOOD & NUTRITION) of our GCSE students; including art and design, graphics, photography and Summer Spotlight textiles. The exhibition was a huge Spotlight evening for the arts; performances success and the feedback from parents was gratefully received. from dance, drama and music students. Mrs Garner (parent) said ‘I would like to congratulate the art department Students involved in the Young Musician for a successful art exhibition. We were so proud to see our daughters of the Year competition showed off their amazing work on display. We would like to thank the staff for all their musical talents. hard work and dedication.’

Waseem, Abbie Barnard, Bradie Zimmer-Collins best communication award on the day. This was INVESTIGATE and Neive Thompson; Runners Up: Angel Stewart a fantastic achievement as only four awards were and Khadijah Salim. recognised and over thirty five students attended FACULTY the event. (SCIENCE, MATHS & BUSINESS) ENYGF STEM Event Following on from our winning poster entries for Salters Chemistry Festival MATHEMATICS the ‘Exploring Nuclear’ competition our students Year 7 Chemistry club students visited UK Maths Challenge the Salters Festival We entered a number of students into the UK at the Chemistry Maths Challenge team event. Students attended department of Manchester University to compete against other the University of schools. Well done everyone who took part. Manchester. Here our girls had the opportunity to participate in SCIENCE the department’s annual Chemistry challenge; promoting Chemistry in schools with nineteen Science Magician different schools from the North West taking part. Our lower school students were treated to a attended the European Nuclear The event provided valuable awareness of the use Science Magician visit by Dr Matt Pritchard at the of Chemistry in the world around us. end of last term. Young Generation Forum (ENYGF) Everyone had a brilliant time at the event and The visit organised by Mrs Tyler, Assistant Head Science, Technology, Engineering. Maths (STEM) particularly enjoyed the challenges and watching of Science aimed to prepare the girls for the Event at Hotel Football, Old Trafford. the magical science show, which really explained new skills modules that feature in their future how certain chemicals can create magical illusions. GCSE; by encouraging investigation skills and Our girls took part in four workshops, each of questioning techniques. which provided them with an exciting learning Freya Burton said ‘I really enjoy all the science experience that encouraged interest in STEM and subjects and want to continue my studies over the an appreciation of the work undertaken in the coming years taking Science in my options.’ nuclear sector. Students developed effective skills Miss Creelman Science teacher said ‘They were a for use in their future working environment and credit to the school and worked exceptionally well were given an understanding of work undertaken as a team throughout the challenges.’ in the nuclear industry. Plus they learnt about routes into STEM related careers by discussions Year 7 Stem Fair with apprentices and graduates, who provided Our STEM fairs continued through last term support during the day. helping to support independent learning, Miss Johnston tweeted ‘Really enjoying the encourage an inquisitive mind and support girls Science Magician #thankyouMrsTyler’ Workshops included Workshop 1: Retrieval of in stem subjects; which in turn promotes a love of Legacy Waste from Storage Ponds, Workshop 2: learning and development of all key skills. Year 7 ENYGF Schools Poster Competition Safe Transportation of Active Waste, Workshop 3: STEM fair winners were first place Caitlin Jones As part of our progressive curriculum and links to Earthquake Simulator and Workshop 4: Design 7PE, second place Selkie Huk 7HJ and Isabelle STEM industries our year 9 students were given and Manufacture of an Industrial Glovebox. Rose 7HJ and third place Isabelle Frain 7JW. They the opportunity to participate in a creative poster We won all three competitive challenges beating were presented with competition organised by the Nuclear Institute seven local secondary schools; the challenges science gifts including Young Generation Network in relation to Science, followed the workshop themes. Nina Cornell make your own model Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). was also nominated for two individual awards skeleton and create Winners: Nina Cornell, Emma Marshall, Areeba and won a solar powered robotics kit for the your own crystals.

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100% FLIXTON GIRLS A LEVEL SUCCESS

Students and staff at Flixton Girls School Sixth Form are celebrating 100% A Level passes. The success is particularly sweet as it is their first full cohort of Sixth Formers to go through the full two year A Level courses since setting up the new Sixth Form in partnership with Trafford College. Over 80% of the grades were A* to C and nearly 50% of the grades gained were at A* to B and average grade B per A Level.

Headteacher Julie Hazeldine said “We are extremely proud of our Sixth Form students success and really pleased that every student has a place at their choice of university. These results will give everyone confidence in our new venture which shows that the academic success of FGS now also applies to the Sixth Form.”

Head of Sixth Form Nyla McKenna said “I’m absolutely thrilled with these results: I’ve seen the amount of work that both students and staff have put in over the last two years and they really do deserve this success”.

Mia Foley, Head Girl has gained a place at York University to read Psychology said “As Head Girl I am really proud of everyone and the way we have supported each other at Flixton”.

Applications for our Sixth Form academic year 2018/19 are now open, for an application form and more information contact the school on 0161 912 2949 or visit our website www.flixtongirls.com/sixth-form.

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On the back of our 100% A Level passes, the girls at Flixton also celebrated another set of great GCSE exam results! Headteacher, Julie Hazeldine said “Even though the new exams in English and Maths have been much tougher without the coursework, we have seen significant increases in the number of top grades in several subjects including Maths. Students and staff have worked incredibly hard to secure success against the new standards with far more girls gaining the top grades of 7, 8 and 9.” 84% of students gained 9 to 4 grades in English with 77% of GCSE grades at A* to C or 9 to 4 in English and Maths. Outstanding individual student performances included Maegan Bradley with 11 A*/A (including 7 to 9 equivalent) grades including the very top grade 9 in both English and Maths. Close on her heels were Katie Greer, Chloe Boden and Eleanor Cameron, all of whom gained 9 A*/A grades. Headteacher Julie Hazeldine added, “We are very proud of all the girls, especially those who may have faced significant personal challenges during the exam period, and all of the girls affected by the Manchester bombing within a day of the Maths and Science exams. They have been a very special year group and I am really pleased to see so many back in the Sixth Form, however, I will really miss the girls who decided to move on and wish them the best of luck for the future.”

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FLIXTON FUNDRAISING BARCLAYS UPDATE INTERNSHIP BUNNIES Flixton Girls School has developed an internship The rabbits have settled programme with Barclays Business Section; operational oversight and loan preparation. in well and students have Piccadilly Place. Students wrote a letter of Catalina enjoyed her time with Barclays saying taken on the responsibilities application, from which we received many these departments had taught her so much that she of caring for them, before excellent applications. Catalina David was could relate back to the school curriculum; she school, during breaks and shortlisted and then interviewed by Barclays. commented that she was able to relate her work after school. They also have Catalina began her internship last September. experience to her maths lessons. the option to continue this Barclays devised the internship programme to give We look forward to hearing how new recruits care, with parental consent, her a full and varied overview of Barclays Business. to the internship programme, year 10 Emma during the school holidays. She experienced eleven different departments Marshall and Surejya McKenzie, get on over this Fundraising continues to ensure the rabbits including; bonds, ISA, Customer requests, academic year. needs are fully catered for this academic year.

WOODLAND TRUST Great news, Flixton Girls School has been FREEDOM PROJECT successful in its application for a Small Hedge (30 The girls presented their work to Year 8 in an saplings) pack. This pack will be winging its way to assembly and made form time activities for us in November 2017! Watch this space for location students to complete. They presented all their options and if you are green fingered and can offer work to Alistair Black; Behaviour and Attendance any assistance for planting or provide tools please Consultant (Trafford) and Julie Tweeddale speak to Mrs Heeney, in the school office. and Rachel Ward-Lilley; Freedom Safety Team presenters of the project. All attendees commented ‘How fantastic the POPPY HALE presentations were; all very professional.’ Year 8 and 9 students took part in a Freedom Year 8 Poppy wore a onesie Personal Safety Project a two day course followed to school for the day to raise by a one day creative session; producing videos awareness and funds for and posters to highlight Child Sexual Exploitation Ehlers-Danlos Support UK. (CES) and further awareness of grooming. At FGS She smashed her planned target we pride ourselves on sharing good practice and of £100, raising over £266. Poppy the principle that everyone has the right to enjoy wished to thank all her friends, their lives without violence or abuse. Together family and teachers for their support. we work hard to raise awareness, reduce risks and empower individuals to take control of their GREEN CREDENTIALS personal safety. New recycling bins have landed in our dining room facility to further our styles including ballet, contemporary and street green credentials and assist our dance; as well drama and singing. The group’s students and staff in making our AIMING accolades include Anthony Joshua Victory tour, contribution to a healthier and Youth Sport Trust Girls Active Camp, Representing cleaner environment. the UK at the HHI World championships in Las SKY HIGH Vegas, Alesha Dixon Street Dance Stars semi- Year 11 Serena Brown began street dancing from finalists (CBBC) and most recently participating in the age of six, within a couple of years joined a CBBC Blue Peter programme. MANCHESTER 10K RUN very successful dance group called Superkidz. Well done to Mrs Larkin, Miss Taberham and Participating with this group provided Serena with Miss Abu-Elfailat fantastic opportunities to travel all over the world; who completed performing and competing in numerous national the Manchester and international competitions. 10k run in May! For the past four years Serena has attended the Aim Sky High (ASH) performing arts school where she has continued her training in a variety of dance

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RACE FOR LIFE Three students ran the 5k “Race for Life” with Girl Guiding, at Heaton Park in July. Breanna Bradshaw, Lauren Cowan from year 10 and Amelia Carr from year 8 all ran for cancer research; in an amazing time of 30 minutes; STUDENT VOICE #GENERALELECTION2017 raising over £200 for this worthwhile cause. Year 10 represented five of the major political many students as possible to share their visions THE CRYSTAL MAZE parties; Conservatives, Labour, Liberal and respond to questions. In June, Miss Powell, Miss Democrats, Green and SNP. Coordinated Following polling station opening over a hectic Johnston, Mr Ward, Mrs by Miss Johnston and Miss O’Halloran, break and lunch time; Labour won with a landslide Buckley and Mr Gill took Humanities Teachers, the student parties had majority vote of 369 compared to Conservative 68, part in the Crystal Maze at 24 hours to create campaigns and talk to as Green 42, SNP 11, Lib Dem 10 and Other 4. the Old Granada Studios in Manchester. They completed a range of mental, physical, mystery and skill- based challenges across the four zones: Medieval, Aztec, Futuristic and Industrial. They collected crystals as they went along and finished the challenge off by collecting as many golden tickets as possible in the crystal dome at the end! Well done to Mrs Buckley for winning three of the crystals!

MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPIONSHIPS Mr Eager has competed three times YEAR 11 PROM at the English National Karate Students and staff enjoyed a dazzling prom Championships in Birmingham. evening, in conjunction with Wellacre Academy, In 2016 he was successful in coming 3rd in the celebrating all our older students leaving from Senior Men’s Kata category which is a knock out year 11. It was held at the AJ Bell, Salford City event with over 40 + competitors in the division from Stadium and it was lovely to see all students across the country. This year, whilst still competing, he dressed to impress in an array of glamorous unfortunately got knocked out by the reigning champion gowns. They enjoyed a drinks reception and who went on to win the overall competition. three-course meal, followed by a disco through Most recently Mr Eager was placed 4th in the 5th to carriages by midnight. It was lovely to see May National Kyokutan Invitational Tournament in Darlington. Thomas (96) ex-student and Grandmother of Sian Hill to help us celebrate in style. HEALTHY EATING WEEK FGS took part in healthy eating week at TOP WELLBEING TIPS the end of last term led by Mrs Foxley. The HEALTH & WELLBEING PANEL • Be active - you will feel good purpose of the week was to raise awareness of healthy eating and drinking, cooking, We continue to develop our to offer and are always looking at afterwards! food provenance and being active to promote key health health and wellbeing provision networking opportunities to work • Get plenty of sleep messages and habits to young people. for students and last year saw the with new charities and partners. launch of our health and wellbeing • Eat a healthy diet- reduce your There were lots of activities to get involved in such We also have a ‘Tulip Group’ to sugar intake! panel which meets every Monday as ready steady cook and the design challenge. A offer support for students affected range of form time activities were also delivered on a Week A. by bereavement, giving them • Find relaxation activities that work for you throughout the week. We have had over 150 referrals opportunities to meet, talk and from staff and have been able to complete activities around what • Talk, smile and laugh- it provide students with appropriate they are going through. releases endorphins! PRETTY MUDDY support and care which has been If you have concerns about a child, • Make sure you have a At the end of last term, Miss Powell and Mrs targeted to their needs. We have please complete a health and balanced amount of mastery Flett took part in the 10K Pretty Muddy at increased the number and type of wellbeing referral form and pass it tasks and pleasurable activities Tatton Park in aid of Breast Cancer Research. interventions we have been able to Mrs Larkin. in your life. Do more of what you enjoy!

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ATHLETICS ROYAL CHESHIRE SHOW Congratulations Ellie Dean 10NW on your fantastic horse riding Greater Manchester Athletics Competition result from the Royal Cheshire Show. Gaining a first place in Jasmine Stockton in 9SM of Keller house has your pony class height and taking reserved champion in the recently won Gold and Bronze medals in the Greater overall competition was a great result; proving dedication and Manchester Athletics Competition. Well done Jasmine! determination to your chosen sport really do pay off. DANCE Year 9 group gained second place in Trafford School Sports Partnership’s dance ASPIRATIONAL ABI competition. Both the year 9a and year 10’s were a credit to the school. Mrs Abi Chesworth 11HC has overcome injury in her pursuit of athletic Ashurst tweeted ‘Congratulations to the whole group!’ success. After nearly a year out of sport due to a toe injury, she recently participated in the Greater Manchester School Games; on behalf of Trafford Athletics Club and won a bronze medal in javelin. STAFF YOGA She is an inspiring student who shows commitment to sport and a Staff signed up for a 2 hour yoga class after school last great team player, representing FGS in seven different sports to an term. Yoga improves mental and physical wellbeing; excellent standard. Great work Abi. relieving stress and aiding relaxation. Staff aim to transfer skills learnt into the classroom to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of students; providing stress and relaxation techniques for lesson, form and exam times.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH SPORTS AWARDS 2017 Students, staff, parents and visitors had another fabulous evening at our annual Sports Awards event. Guest speaker Jenna Downing; Inline skating champion Jenna is the 2008 LG Action Sports World Champion, 10 x British Champion and is a X-Games silver medallist (2002). She achieved all of this by the age of 21! Jenna provided an aspirational presentation about her Well done to all students who completed their Bronze achievements to date and how she broke the mould in award final expedition at Rivington Pike. Thank you the skating world from a very early age. Well done all to the staff for giving up their time and for making the award nominees and winners. expedition possible: Mrs Croniken, Mrs Holt, Mr Gill, Miss Tedford, Miss O’Halloran and Miss Davidson. Three sunny days in the Peak District completed Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh.

FITNESS FRIDAY Fitness Friday has continued to take place on the last Friday of every month. Throughout the year, students have taken part in a range of physical activities such as yoga, aerobics, dance and sports competitions. During May’s Fitness Friday we paid a special tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena Attack. Year 11 students, Ria Murdock, Amber Barlow, Calissa ROUNDERS Tanner and Jessica Smallwood led the tribute with a poetry reading and balloon release. Funds raised shared Year 10 rounders team become Trafford between the Manchester Fund to support the victims of Champions for the 3rd successive year! Amazing the attack and between St Ann’s Hospice/Barnardos. #TEAM performance! Tweeted Miss Tedford. We Watch out this academic year for our Feel Good Friday’s. are all very proud of you girls! ‘A massive well done to the @FlixtonGS year 8 Year 8 rounders team have gone from strength to rounders team! You have improved so much over strength this season and Miss Callaghan tweeted the course of the year! A great achievement.’

Flixton Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 5DR | T: 0161 912 2949 www.flixtongirls.com

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