Weatherhead High School WEATHER REPORT

A high performing academy providing excellence for all Autumn 2012 Excellent Results for Year 11 Students! Against National Trends: Students Succeeded in Breaking All Records

new record of 92% of students achieved 5 or more A*- C grades. In addition, 77% achieved 5 A*- C grades including English and Maths and there were many outstanding individualA achievements. Some top results from our GCSE students. Top Performers Erin Courtney 11A* 3A Celebrating success Emily Jones 7A* 7A Jemma Nicholson 10A* 3A Sarah Mahon 6A* 7A Sixth Form Success for Olivia Sebastian 6A* 7A Rebecca Edwards 4A* 9A Weatherhead Students Millie Dawson 2A* 11A 1B Chloe Sands 2A* 10A 1B tudents, staff, Governors and parents were delighted with Hannah Perry 4A* 7A 2B the A Level results - the Sixth Form goes from strength Jasmine Williams 4A* 7A to strength with a pass rate of 100% and 83% grades A*- C. There were many outstanding successes and eight students Gemma Christian 2A* 9A 3B S achieved straight A grades. Over 120 students are about to start Kelly-Ann Lomax 1A* 10A 2B their degree courses. Top performers include: Ellie Stephens 1A* 10A 2B

Christian Watts A* Art, A Photography, A English Language, A Media Studies Vanessa Chan A* Mathematics, A Further Maths, A Chemistry Verity Piercy A* Mathematics, A Chemistry, A Physics Jennifer Kettell A HSC Single, A ICT, A PE Lauren McFerran A English Language, A HSC Single, A Sociology Lana Quilty A* Art, A* Textiles, B English Literature Rachel Staples A* Mathematics, A Further Mathematics, B Chemistry Ella Storey A* History, A English Language, B English Literature Kelly Johnson A Business Studies, A Media Studies, B English Language Rachel Robinson A Art, A Psychology, B Mathematics Rebecca Skelly A Psychology, A ICT, B Mathematics Stacey Lawrence A English Language, A ICT, B Sociology

Top A Level achievers with Mr Dyment Headteacher’s Welcome Student Achievements

UKMT Team Maths Music Success I am delighted to introduce the Autumn edition of the Weather Report. As you will see when reading this edition Weatherhead is a very vibrant school r Brown and Miss Hartley were delighted with students’ with extremely talented students who have been involved in many different Challenge 2012 Music examination successes in July. Year 13 student Jasmine activities and events. We had a memorable celebration of sport in July Scarisbrick passed her Grade 8 - the top grade awarded by ear 8 and 9 students, Ellie Brown, Jacey Hesketh, Jada Jones and our Weatherhead Olympics set the scene for a wonderful summer of Trinity College, on French Horn and Grace Blundell (Year 10) and Grace Riazi accompanied by Mrs Day represented M sport. We were all enthralled to watch the performance of former student passed her Grade 5 Theory awarded by the Associated Board of the Weatherhead in the UK Mathematics Trust Team Maths Natasha Jonas in the Women’s Boxing, she is a wonderful ambassador for Royal Schools of Music. In addition, Courtney Campbell (Year 10) and Challenge at Birkenhead School. The girls endured four rounds of her sport and won many admirers during the competition. I am delighted Y Charley McGuiness (Year 8) passed their Grade 3 Voice examination difficult and challenging questions (including a relay where flat sensible to report that once again the examination results of our students both awarded by the London College of Music. shoes were a must) and worked really well as a team. The girls did at GCSE and A Level were outstanding, confirming Weatherhead as one themselves proud, finishing in a higher place than expected. of the most successful schools in the North West of England. I am very pleased to welcome our new students and their parents to the school and look forward to our partnership over the next seven years. Starting Attendance secondary school is a very exciting time for the youngsters and we have in addition to their lessons a wonderful extra-curricular programme available Winners - there is something for everyone. I would also like to remind parents that t the end of the school year, students I continue to offer an open surgery for any parents who wish to see me from Years 7 to 11 with 100% on any issues of concern. Dates of these termly surgeries are detailed on attendance were entered into a raffle the school website. Mr Dyment withA the opportunity to win a Kindle Touch. 90 students were awarded a certificate of attendance and chocolates before being entered into the raffle. One lucky student from each Key Stage 3 Awards Evening Chamber Choir Win year group became the proud owner of a Kindle Touch .… and the winners were …. n the penultimate week of the Summer term, Weatherhead at Festival Year 7 - Kezia O’Brien, Year 8 - Niamh Doherty, celebrated the success and achievements of our Key Stage 3 Year 9 - Beth Raynor, Year 10 - Caroline Duncan students. Parents, students and staff enjoyed an evening celebrating iss Hartley’s newly formed Chamber Choir Cantate and and Year 11 - Emma Climo. 100% attendance is Istudents’ academic achievement and endeavour. The audience were the school choir Weatherhead Sings took part in their first a fantastic achievement and the girls should feel treated to performances from the Orchestra, Chamber Choir and music festival on Saturday 28th April at the Kings’ School, very proud! Year 7 Dancers as well as a spectacular solo piece by Year 8 student Chester.M The Chamber Choir were awarded first place in the smaller UKMT winners Frances Jory on the Tenor Horn. Our guest speaker, Michelle Dow ensembles class and were presented with the Delia Fitzsimons (Director of Mersey STEM - an organisation which promotes Memorial Cup. The Choir impressed judges with a performance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in schools) gave a an Adele medley of Rumour Has It/Someone Like You and Take That’s thought-provoking and motivating speech to students, inspiring and Rule the World with difficult harmonies. The adjudicator praised their encouraging them to take pride in their achievements. performance, noting how well the ensemble worked as a team and Making An Exhibition of Themselves! rtwork by five of Weatherhead’s A Level Art and Textiles students was displayed at the prestigious National Students’ Art had a “tight rhythm and sound”. Weatherhead Sings performed a Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London from 10th to 14th July. The Exhibition is organised by the Royal Society of British Jazz Band performance at Awards Evening Bruno Mars and Jackson 5 medley Just the Way You Are/I’ll Be There Artists and features the best young artists in the country exhibiting alongside work from some of Britain’s finest professional and Adele Rolling in the Deep against tough competition and were artists. Mrs Freckleton, Head of Art and Design said, “It is an honour to have work selected for this exhibition as it is a rigorous selection awarded third place, having worked very hard to prepare for the A process and the standard is high. This is the highest number of pieces we have had selected and the first time for textiles work.” competition. Year 7 student, Kezia O’Brien said, “I thought it went Congratulations go to the following Textiles and Fine Art students who had their work exhibited, Leah Kent ‘Two for Tea’, Lana Quilty ‘Les really well, we sounded like one voice and we had a lot of fun!” Year 8 Ombres D’Automne’ and Katherine Winter ‘Natural Form’ as well as Louise Coxon ‘Stone’ and Rowan Liversage’s piece, ‘Overgrown’. Jordan student, Jessica Falls added “I think we started off a bit nervous but as McWilliams was also Highly Commended for his architectural designs. The Mall Galleries described the event as “a truly inspirational we got into it we got more confident and stronger as a group.” Music exhibition celebrating gifted and talented students in Schools, Colleges and Academies.” Teacher, Miss Hartley said, “I was so proud of how all the students did. Their dedication and hard work paid off and the Chamber Choir pulled out all the stops to take first place.”

VIP guest Michelle Dow with Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl & prize winners Chamber Choir at Kings School Choir Festival Student Achievements Higher Education & Careers Programme

Riding on the Careers Advice & CREST of the Wave Guidance Work Related ver the course of the last year, twenty girls t Weatherhead, we aim to offer support for students to completed the Bronze CREST Award, a help them understand the range of opportunities available Learning Day well-regarded, high-quality and tangible to them once they leave school. Time is dedicated to this ome students may not choose to go to University recognition of success in STEM (the study of in PSHCE lessons and during assemblies as well as visits to universities, O A straight after A levels and are interested to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). events and careers fairs arranged throughout the year. Year 11 more about the career opportunities available The Award involves students completing ten hours students have an interview to help them to plan, prepare and make to them after school. To help our students to learn more, of project work and demands that students practise choices for their future. To help students and parents in this process, S a ‘Work Related Learning’ day was organised in July existing scientific and technological skills, experience a series of useful websites are listed on the school website including comprising a series of workshops, mock interviews and a and develop new ones as well as follow a scientific ‘Mersey Interactive’ and ‘U-explore’. To find out more and for guidance Careers Fair. Over fifty external providers worked with our process, demonstrate independent learning, carry on how to access the websites, please visit www.weatherhead. students to provide a high quality experience. Workshops out important research, demonstrate creativity wirral.sch.uk select the School Community, Careers included ‘how to set up your own business’, ‘what to do in a and apply their work to a ‘real world’ context. Information and Download Help Sheet Here. gap year’, ‘how to choose a degree course’, ‘apprenticeships’, STEM Club is run by the Science department and ‘CV writing’, ‘interview techniques’, ‘how to apply to continues to grow in numbers - watch this space Oxbridge’ and ‘careers in Science and Engineering’. Local for an exciting new STEM Club and Award to be employers, University Careers Officers, STEM Ambassadors, launched this term. University undergraduates and ex-students ran workshops Budding Scientists and conducted mock interviews. The mock interviews were a great success with students performing well under pressure and were given invaluable feedback to help them to practise for University and job interviews. Twenty five companies including Bristol Myers Squibb, Galleries Poetry Success! and Museums, Balfour Beatty and Jaguar Landrover attended he 2012 Poet Laureate Competition, run by the English a mini Careers Fair in the afternoon. Students in Years 9, 10 department and organised by Mr Vincent, was once and 12 were invited to visit the Fair to find out more about again a huge success with a record number of entries. careers, apprenticeships, University courses StudentsT wrote about the London 2012 Olympics and why and training. sport and teamwork were important to them. The winners each Work Related Learning Day Careers Fair received a laminated copy of their poem and a £10 book token. The winning poems by Amy McKiernan (Year 7), Charlotte Biggar (Year 8) and Amber Miles (Year 9) can be viewed on the school website via the VLE icon, LRC and are displayed along the English corridor. A big thank you to everyone who participated, the standard of writing was extremely high.

Poet Laureate winners

IRIS Winners Visit to Camelot early eighty girls from Years 7 through to 10 who had been awarded the most IRIS points and had achieved above target in attendance were treated to aN day out at Camelot Theme Park. The girls had a fabulous day enjoying some rare July sunshine! Being allowed freedom to explore the Park in groups, the girls spent the day watching a spectacular jousting tournament, having their faces painted and watching King Arthur’s Birds of Prey. Those more daring chose to be subjected to extreme G force and speeds in excess of 40 miles an hour on Knightmare, experienced stomach churning on the Excalibur rollercoaster, rode the Galleon Ship Year 9 IRIS winners and got soaked on the Log Flume and Pendragon’s Plunge! Higher Education & Careers Programme Higher Education & Careers Programme

Year 12 Work Related National Pathology Week Learning and Higher group of students who are interested in pursuing a career University of Year 12 Work in the NHS visited Alder Hey Hospital as part of National Education Events Pathology Week. The group enjoyed a tour of the hospital Liverpool Scholar’s Experience Aand spoke to members of the Pathology department about their fter completing their AS examinations in June, Year 12 achel Chong, Sarah Howard, Helen Mahoney, careers and found out more about the role of Pathology in a hospital. students participated in a range of activities in and out of Natasha Wagstaff and Ben West all Year 12 Scheme school to help them make decisions about their future. Business Studies students enjoyed two days of group of Year 12 students signed up for the Many students attended the North West UCAS Fair at the University work experience at local companies and businesses during University of Liverpool’s Scholar’s Scheme, A theR Summer term. The students were able to learn more of Liverpool - a national event attended by UK universities providing working closely with Lecturers to help them workshops, talks and information about courses. Students found the about the working environment to help them to bring prepare for the process of applying for and going to A day beneficial and were able to get a good understanding of the range their Business Studies lessons to life. They will be able to University next year. Lecturers met with the students of courses available, the grades required to secure places and were draw on their real life experiences when completing their and mentored them throughout the year whilst they able to talk to Lecturers and Admissions Tutors about the admissions coursework by giving examples of the theory they have completed a written project. Rebecca Byrne, Poppy process, course content and to students about their experiences. learnt and how it is used in business situations. Herbert and Paige Kingsbury all passed with flying colours resulting in the University of Liverpool and other redbrick universities offering them conditional places. Sophie Moran took part in a five day residential at the University of Liverpool over the Summer holidays, attending workshops and lectures whilst staying in Halls of Residence. Successful completion of the course will result in the University offering her a conditional place on a course next year. Nuffield Bursaries ebecca Byrne, Katie Currie, Alice Lucking, Zoe Stewart and Alex Whale took part in the Nuffield Bursaries Scheme in the Summer holidays hoping to secure a bursary for University in 2014. Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer up to 1,000 Intromed R bursaries a year for students to work alongside professional Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Mathematicians. hree of our Year 12 students, Rebecca Byrne, Alice Lucking and Alex Whale who are all hoping to apply for Medicine and Dentistry courses at University attended a Tfive day Intromed course at Wirral University Teaching Hospitals in the Summer term. The students were given the opportunity to tour the hospitals, talk with doctors and undergraduates, shadow doctors, attend clinics and visit patients. This was a great experience for the girls and has made them even more determined to successfully gain a place at University to study the course of their choice.

The scheme (believed to be the only one of its kind in England) is run by Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to support teenagers in their decision to become a doctor. In total, 80 teenagers from schools across Wirral attended the latest course. Introduced in 1997 by Consultant Radiologist, Dr Joyce Magennis, Intromed has supported more than 1,200 students - many of whom

Sophie Moran have gone on to become qualified doctors.

Study Project ixth Form students took part in a study project run by C-Tech Innovation, a leading internationally focused innovation management and technology development company based at Capenhurst. The students attended a series Sof workshops run by Pen Peace from C-Tech and worked on design ideas to re-design the household kettle to be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable product. The students gained a great deal from the experience and were encouraged to use Students who took part in the Nuffield Bursaries Scheme their Science knowledge and apply it to design and innovation problems.

C-Tech workshops Higher Education & Careers Programme Higher Education & Careers Programme

Edge Hill Visit ‘Summer Liverpool’ group of students enjoyed a visit to Edge Hill uring work experience week, ten girls from Year 10 attended University in June, taking part in a variety of ‘Summer Liverpool’ held by the University of Liverpool. Year 10 Work workshops learning more about how to apply to Ninety one students from fourteen schools across AUniversity and how to write a personal statement. Students Merseyside attended the residential which was aimed at raising Experience particularly enjoyed a tour of the University as they were D awareness and aspirations in relation to Higher Education. Students ear 10 students enjoyed a week of work experience able to compare a Campus University to a City University, spent three days attending workshops and taking part in activities at the beginning of July gaining essential skills in like Liverpool. The highlight for many students was talking to delivered by Lecturers across thirteen subjects. Students lived away communication, working in a team as well as students about University life and their courses. from home in Halls of Residence and spent their time experiencing taking responsibility for their own work and actions in a University life and the challenges that comes with it. They thoroughly Y real working environment. The girls travelled throughout enjoyed the experience and are now looking forward to going to the North West as well as into North Wales, working in a University in the future. range of sectors including Law, Retail, NHS Hospitality and Bristol Myers Catering, Administration and Education. Students exhibited commendable behaviour during the week and should Squibb Comenius Assistant feel proud of their achievements, behaviour and overall approach to work. Employers were very impressed with the group of Year 11 students e are delighted to welcome Magda Salamon to school girls, commenting “a credit to the school” and “never had a enjoyed a day at Bristol- this term. Magda joins us as an assistant as part of the Year 10 work experience student so willing”. A number of Myers Squibb Global Comenius programme with the British Council and will be students gained a Saturday job from their work experience Biopharmaceutical Company which working with students and staff to develop a greater awareness and whilst others enrolled in voluntary work. We are always Adiscovers, develops and delivers W celebration of the range of European cultures and traditions that we grateful to staff, parents and local companies for helping innovative medicines to help treat can learn from. Magda, who is Polish, will be working with students to make Year 10 Work Experience such a worthwhile patients with serious diseases. The girls in a range of lessons from PSCHE to Humanities. There may also be experience for our girls and a great success. learnt more about the variety of career opportunities for students to learn more about the language and paths available in the Pharmaceutical culture in extra-curricular activities. industry and took part in practical Science activities throughout the day.

Weatherhead students get a taste of University life

Oxbridge Links e were delighted to host an Oxbridge event for teachers in Wthe Summer term. Teachers from schools in the local area attended the event, run by Admissions Tutors from Oxford and Cambridge University to help HSC Careers Event teachers to support students in the application process. The event was a great success and Health and Social Care Careers Fair we are looking forward to he Health and Social Care (HSC) Department held a Careers Conference for Year 12 students as they prepared to go into hosting similar events in the Year 13 to aid them in completing their UCAS forms. The girls were asked to research HSC careers in groups and to present future. their profiles to the class. Each group made hand outs, produced a PowerPoint as well as a display. Zara French, Sam Roberts T and Chloe Warren researched the role of a Paramedic and produced a great display. Cambridge University Projects & Events Projects & Events

Skills for L.I.F.E Media and Film Studies Scientists in Sport uring the Easter Holidays, seven of our girls took part in ifteen Science students were invited to attend a ‘Scientist the L.I.F.E Programme with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Tall Ships Celebration Evening in Sports’ event at Liverpool John Moores University as a he Tall Ships Programme run by Wirral Safer Service. The programme provides activities during the school he Media reward for completing the ‘Bronze CREST Award’ in STEM Schools Partnership and Tall Ship Adventures holidays and discourages anti-social behaviour. The following girls Department Club last term. Activities included testing urine samples for illegal D invited two of our Year 9 students, Rebekah F completed the four day course, Megan Doran, Rosie Hughes and hosted an drugs, learning about the limits to human performance they even had Williams and Molly Evanson to join the to Liverpool Abigail Owens from Year 8, Samantha Edwards, Charlianne Williams T exhibition of student’s work a chance to meet an Olympic athlete. Many of the girls learnt more and Lauren Swift from Year 9 and Year 10 student Chantelle Owens. leg. After a five hour coach trip to Cardiff, the girls were T about STEM careers and hopefully they will pursue these interests in at the beginning of July taken on board the Stavros S Niarchos, given a quick inviting students, parents the future. tour around the ship and The girls participated and staff to view the superb shown to their rooms. in various activities production work which Over the course of seven including practical Fire students completed this days, the girls learnt how Fighting skills - using year in Years 8, 10, 12 and to tie knots, steer the fire extinguishers, 13 including film posters, A ship (which consisted of Baroness Newlove fire hoses, foam, level films, online blogs and shouting back and forth search and rescue animation. The exhibition to the Captain), set the Visits School equipment as well as was combined with a Higher sails (and climb up the eatherhead played host to a member of First Aid awareness, Education and Careers Fair sails). Each of the different the House of Lords on Friday 15th June to teambuilding and with representatives from jobs necessitated the Year 12 magazine cover encourage students to engage more with the climbing up Moel Chester University, Liverpool girls working together political and parliamentary process. Baroness Newlove met Famau in North Wales. The girls received Students learn LIFE skills W Hope University, Edge Hill University, the SAE Institute, the Foundation as a team, ensuring that with Year 12 students for an hour to talk about the work certificates for completing the course for Art and Creative Technology (FACT), the University of Central the ship was on course, kept clean and the sixty eight and role of the House of Lords, followed by a question and and Chantelle Owens was named ‘Best Student’. Suzy Tosi, Youth (UCLAN), John Moores University and the University of crew members fed and watered! The ship made a short answer session on various aspects of the parliamentary Engagement Officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, praised Staffordshire. Students were able to talk to the Universities about stop in Douglas, the Isle of Man and the girls were allowed process and life at Westminster. Mrs Bainbridge, Assistant the girls for their enthusiasm, spirit and willingness to help each other. courses available, how to apply and discuss future career prospects. to go shopping and eat out. Most of the group were Headteacher, commented, “this was a fantastic opportunity The girls were a credit to themselves and to the School. The evening was a fantastic opportunity for our students to get seasick (apart from two) and most agreed that once the for our students to interact with someone who knows the information which will help them to make decisions about their sickness went it was a brilliant experience. During the week, parliamentary system inside out, as it can sometimes seem futures and for parents to see the wonderful work produced. the ship sailed twenty three miles in just over nine hours far removed from their daily lives.” The visit was arranged and motored 364 miles in just over eighty one hours. through the Lord Speaker’s Peers in Schools Programme, Whilst on the ship, which has been running across the UK since 2007 and has the crew rescued so far involved around 50,000 young people. This continuing an abandoned boat outreach programme sends members of the House of Lords in the Irish Sea and into schools and colleges across the country to give talks in were part of the support of the citizenship curriculum. Giants Parade in Liverpool. The ship As part of the Speakers in Schools initiative, we are delighted reached Liverpool on to be welcoming John Makinson to school this month. Sunday 22nd April Mr Makinson is the Chairman and CEO of The Penguin Group. and the girls finally got Year 10 CD cover design back ashore on Monday 23rd April having shared a once in a lifetime experience. The Big Bang! Weatherhead firefighters wenty of our Year 10 Scientists were taken to ‘the Big Jubilee Hats Bang Fair’ at St. George’s Hall in Liverpool and spent the day talking part inT hands-on Science activities. Jubilee Celebrations They learnt about bacteria, eatherhead joined the nation in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond made ‘human’ origami and Jubilee with a red, white and blue themed non-uniform day. As well as attended a lecture about a Jubilee quiz in form time, the school canteen was covered in bunting ‘Superhero Scientists’. There and transformed into a Jubilee street party with a specially themed menu of fish was also a STEM careers fair W in the afternoon. Many of the and chips, sausage rolls, jelly and ice cream. Money raised from the non-uniform day was donated to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund. Learning Mentors group are interested in STEM showed their patriotric side and got into the Jubilee spirit by designing and careers and found the day Baroness Newlove with Mr Dyment Students at the The Big Bang Fair modelling their own hats! really interesting and fun. Media Arts Media Arts

Somerville Film Project Arts Leaders Visit Weatherhead choir at the Summer Sizzler edia Demonstrator, Miss McKeane spent the Summer term working with a group of enthusiastic Year 5 pupils Egremont Primary School Summer Sizzler his year’s community showcase event ‘The at Somerville Primary School to create a short animation dozen Sixth Form students visited Egremont Primary Summer Sizzler’ was a sell-out! Almost 400 based around living space. The pupils went on to form a film club and School in the Spring term in their role as Arts Leaders as M students worked for 6 - 8 weeks with created an Olympic themed animation based around Olympic events part of the Sixth Form Enrichment programme. Students practitioners from Wirral Youth Theatre and MultiVox. using Lego, Play Mobil and Sylvanian Families characters. Both films ran a series of workshops in Drama, Music and Craft teaching the T were premiered to pupils at Somerville before the summer holidays A pupils drama techniques, songs and engaging them in games. Chelsea Inspired by the Olympic motto Faster, Higher, Stronger and will be entered into next year’s Wirral Schools’ Film Festival. Dawson and Lisa Weatherhead students together with students from Williams planned Mosslands, Foxfield and many primary schools including St. George’s, Mount, an afternoon of Somerville, Egremont, Liscard and St. Alban’s took part in two nights of song craft, where pupils and dance performing to family and friends. The programme included an created individual amazing gymnastic display by the Weatherhead Gymnasts, dances to Chariots muslin patchwork of Fire and Daft Punk, as well as performances of the Rocky theme tune and squares using their We Are the Champions. favourite person or character as Inclusion Dance Company at the Summer Sizzler inspiration which included Sponge Bob Square Pants, World Arts Day Transition ‘Stepping Up’ their teacher, the Arts Leader Chelsea Dawson with Egremont artwork Queen, family and friends. he whole of Year 7 and 8 (almost 500 students) took part Later in the term, once they had created a full patchwork art piece, in One-to-One and World Arts Day in the second to Summer School Chelsea and Lisa returned to Egremont and presented the school last week of the Summer term. Year 7 spent the morning s part of a new Government initiative we were delighted Somerville Primary filming project with the completed banner. developingT their to run a Summer School in August for thirty of our ‘Study Skills’ with new Year 7 students. Over the course of five days, the their tutors and girls received One-to-One tuition with Weatherhead teachers in later in the day A English and Maths, participated in exciting sessions LIPA in craft, jewellery alented Music, Dance and making, self-defence, Drama students from circus skills, Zumba, Years 9, 10 and 12 took drama and dance. partT in a six week course delivered by Year 8 spent the the Liverpool Institute for Performing morning in their The Big Art Arts (LIPA) in Liverpool. The first form groups taking session took place at LIPA where part in three activities and students had the opportunity to the afternoon taking part take part in a workshop followed by in the Big Art. In groups of a tour of their world class facilities. five, the girls took part in Summer School The workshops aimed to develop an Olympic themed quiz sock puppets musicians’ song writing skills and and had the chance to learn about ‘bandship’, whilst decorate a flag using collage enjoyed Drama themed dancers studied a variety of dance techniques with crepe, paper, Olympics, games and styles and choreographed their Bag decorating on World Arts Day tissue paper and activities, took part in own performances and budding lolly sticks. Each orienteering, created actresses studied characterisation student also had textile puppets and improvisation. The course a One-to-One and produced crazy character art. On the culminated in a showcase Summer Schoolers appointment penultimate day, the group visited the University performance to a packed with their form of Chester where they took part in Roodee the Roman’s Campus audience in May in the theatre to over two hundred family and friends LIPA project dancers tutor to discuss Challenge and took part in Slavery Day activities at the World with students showcasing all that they had learnt which was extremely well received. their progress, Museum, Liverpool. The week allowed the girls to get to know each Weatherhead is now a partner school with LIPA and can offer enthusiastic, talented students the opportunity to get targets and other better and to familiarise themselves with the school as well as involved with LIPA activities. This link should be beneficial to students if they intend to apply for a Performing Arts course at LIPA how their year learn to work in teams, build confidence and encourage friendships. had gone. World Arts Day workshop Parents were invited into school for an Awards Ceremony on the Friday afternoon to celebrate the girls’ achievements. Olympic Celebrations Olympic Celebrations

Get Set Go - Olympic Celebrations! pirits were high on the morning of Tuesday 19th June as over 1,000 students prepared to take part in Weatherhead’s Olympic celebrations. Weeks of preparation by the PE DepartmentS as well as input from many other departments made this whole school event a huge success. The Design Technology Department took time to create an impressive Olympic winner’s podium whilst Sixth Formers successfully ran a tuck shop - the ice pops went down especially well in the warm weather! The event was supported for the first time by the school radio station, Ice Radio, with live presenting, music, requests, shout outs and messages which all added to the atmosphere.

Students, dressed in the colours of the country they were representing, lined up behind their country’s flag in preparation for the Opening Ceremony. Abigail Blacklock in Year 10, carried an Olympic torch which her sister, Rebecca Blacklock, carried on the Wirral leg of its journey and led the parade of countries onto the Astro-turf. Each country was accompanied by their National Anthem, excellently performed by the Brass Ensemble, Jazz Band, Year 10 Band and Samba Band accompanied by Mr Brown on the trombone with Mrs Henderson and Miss Hartley on vocals. Musicians had worked particularly hard to learn anthems from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain and the USA.

7M performed the Olympic ‘Big Dance’ followed by the Gymnastics Squad who wowed us all with a technically difficult and beautiful performance during the Opening Ceremony before the Games began. Students took part in Football, Rounders, Netball, Rowing and Athletics over two days of competition, earning points for their country and winning medals. There were some outstanding performances cheered on by classmates, teachers, parents and special guests. After two days of intense competition, covered by our budding journalists, France were declared the overall winners, with USA and Great Britain finishing in second and third respectively. Olympic Celebrations Olympic Celebrations

Radio City Bolt Out of the Blue! x-Weatherhead student Olympic Hopeful . . . 96.7 Interview Rebecca Blacklock’s Olympic Torch eatherhead staff and students proudly supported former group of PE students from Years 9 - 12 were grandmother took up Weatherhead student, boxer Natasha Jonas, who interviewed by Radio City nine days before the Ethe Radio Times’ challenge to knit Bearers competed in the London 2012 Olympics in the Women’s start of the Olympics about the assemblies and Usain Bolt! Rebecca, who was eatherhead were delighted to have two ex- Light Weight 60kgs Boxing. London 2012 was the first time Women’s training sessions they had with Natasha. The group talked also an Olympic torchbearer and students chosen as Olympic torch bearers, W A currently studying at Birmingham Boxing has been included as an Olympic discipline. Earlier this year, about what inspired them, who they were looking forward Rebecca Blacklock and Hannah Cassidy. Hannah, Natasha took time out from her job as a Youth Worker in Liverpool to seeing compete at the Games (including Natasha, North University, was lucky enough who starred in a Coca Cola advert for the Games with band to present Usain Bolt with the W and strict training programme to meet most of the school in a series West gymnast Beth Tweddle, diver Tom Daly and gymnast the Wanted, was selected for setting up the charity Team of assemblies, inspiring Lewis Smith). Several students talked about how lucky and doll whilst he was completing George and raising over £30,000 for her nephew, George, the students with excited they were to win tickets via school to a Women’s his pre-Olympic training at the who has a very rare condition and is fed through his heart. her stories about her Football match at Old Trafford. At the end of the interview, University of Birmingham in July. Hannah brought her torch into school for the second day pathway to success. students recorded several good luck messages to Natasha! of our Olympic celebrations and kindly allowed staff and She also made time Rebecca Blacklock with Usain Bolt students to hold the torch and have their photograph taken to put the students Olympic with it - a once in a lifetime opportunity! through their paces Olympic torch bearer Hannah Cassidy with a series of Celebration Tournament tailored circuit sessions. Natasha is already t the end of June, Weatherhead joined thousands of four times Amateur Boxing Champ Natasha visits Weatherhead students from Wirral schools to participate in an Olympic Boxing Association of celebration tournament at the Oval Sports Centre in England Champion, 2009 EU Gold medallist, GB Champion of 2010 Bebington.A Weatherhead’s football team made up of students in Years and more recently in May 2012 won a Bronze Medal at the World 8, 9 and Year 10 (Molly Brislen, Shannon Gower, Rebecca Martin, Championships, which secured her place in the Olympic GB team Izzy Mawdsley, Ashleigh McDaid, Rebekah Williams) played against and was featured on the cover of the Times Style magazine on 17th Bebington High, Hilbre, Ridgeway and Wirral Grammar who they June and Channel 4’s documentary Knockout Scousers the month lost 2-0 to in the semi-final. Year 12 PE students, Charlotte Abraham, before the Games began. Marley Forster, Chloe Hughes, Ashley Stones and Olivia Stowell-Smith assisted with Leadership throughout the day and our Gymnastic Natasha’s progress during Squad made up of Lauren Buchanan-Lloyd, Alex Collins, Melissa Students are interviewed for Radio City the Games was watched Edwards, Lauren Gallagher, Kirby Holsgrove, Aimee Jackson, Amy by millions throughout the Jones, Jessica Jones, Faye Kendrick, Hannah Thurlow and Chloe Warren country and the World - in PSHCE Olympic performed their fantastic Olympic themed routine for the Opening the Wirral and Liverpool, Ceremony choreographed by Miss Chard. her performances were watched with a special Activities pride. Her success and tudents across Key Stages 3 and 4 completed Maths Olympic Activities the way she conducted an ‘Inspire-Aspire’ poster in their PSHCE lessons he Maths Department got involved in the build up to herself set an example to using the Olympic and Paralympic values, London 2012 using Olympic and Paralympic themed all young athletes - Natasha identifying things they were good at, things that they eventually went out of the S activities in lessons including quizzes, relay activities and a could be better at and how they could improve. The Murder Mystery Workshop. The girls enjoyed taking part in various competition in the quarter next task was to select an Olympian (past, present or T tasks, commenting, “we had lots of fun and a laugh,” “everybody was finals narrowly missing out future), explain why they found them inspiring and identify involved,” “it made us think” and “it was fun but challenging.” on a medal. which of their values they admired. They also researched Cover girl Natasha Jonas inspirational sporting quotes, evaluated what they had learnt during the process of designing a poster and had a peer assessment of their work. Students were awarded a ‘All In It Together’ certificate on completion of their poster. taff from the PE Department escorted a group of students to Birkenhead Park on 1st June to compete in an afternoon of Olympic events alongside 1,000 Wirral school students, prior to the torch relay. Janie Allen, Abbie and Chloe Buckenham, Shannon Gower, Rachel Jones, Georgia Murphy, Rebekah Williams and Amy Wyatt competed in the Olympic Celebration Football Tournament. SThe girls played incredibly well against Bebington High, Ridgeway, Wallasey and Woodchurch to secure third place. Many staff and students joined 25,000 locals in Birkenhead Park later that evening to cheer on Olympic Gold Medallist and Cyclist Chris Boardman, MBE and Spice Girl Melanie C who carried the Olympic torch through the Park. Maths Olympic activities Weatherhead Goes Global Weatherhead on Tour

The Battlefields of Ypres Barcelona Martin Mere ate in the Spring term, Miss Stewart and Miss Robinson took s part of their Ecology portfolio, Year 13 Applied Science and the Somme a group of Sixth Form Art and Textiles students to Barcelona. students visited Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Lancashire. Music for Youth he History Department took a group of Year 9 girls on a Students and staff had a great trip with highlights including The students met one of the Centre’s Rangers who gave three day residential to the Battlefields of the First World anL open top bus tour taking in the amazing sights and sounds of the Athem a guided tour of the wetlands; they saw many species of birds National Festival War in the first week of July. After a very early start city, a traditional tapas meal, a trip to the stunning Park Guell and the and learnt about the management strategies that the Trust employs n Friday 6th July, Year 8 student, Frances Jory travelled on the Thursday famous Sagrada Familia. The girls were truly inspired by the work of to encourage increased numbers of migratory birds. After collecting to Birmingham with the Wirral Schools’ Brass Band T Gaudi and upon their return, used ideas from the trip to inform their and interpreting data, the students were able to evaluate the success morning, the group (WSBB,) to play in the Music for Youth National crossed the Channel exam pieces, achieving some excellent results. of the management strategies carried out by the WWT. Students Festival, after going through from the Regional Heat. The were interested to learn that the species of bird whose numbers have O from Folkestone Festival ran from 2nd - 7th July and featured young musicians to Calais via the seen a dramatic increase is the Whooper Swan due to the careful from around the UK playing at various concert venues in Eurotunnel and after management of the lakes and daily dietary supplements provided. Birmingham a short drive arrived City Centre. in the beautiful WSBB played town of Ypres. at Birmingham The day continued Town Hall, with a visit to on the stage the interactive once occupied ‘In Flanders by Edward Fields’ Museum Elgar! Their followed by dinner piece of music, at a charming Newstead, local restaurant. was especially Every evening, Art & Textiles students in Barcelona commissioned Year 9 at the Somme Memorial there is a ceremony of by the Parents remembrance at the Menin Gate in Association of Ypres which provided an opportunity for two of our students to lay WSBB and is a poppy wreath on behalf of the School. The second day was jam- now used as packed, starting with a guided tour of the Battlefields and cemeteries PGL a test piece of Ypres Salient before heading to Sanctuary Wood for the authentic uring the penultimate week of the Summer term, for Brass Band muddy trench experience. After lunch, the group enjoyed the Musee twenty two students embarked on a 24 hour competitions. The Somme 1916 which is based in an underground tunnel system. The journey to the South of France accompanied by music, written final morning consisted of a rather sombre tour of the cemeteries, MissD Byrne and Miss Sullivan. The first part of the week saw by the late Goff memorials and battlefield sites of the Somme with an expert local the group tackle the 30 kilometre descent of the Ardeche Richards, features guide. The journey back to the UK on Saturday gave everyone time River by canoe which they completed successfully despite three movements, to reflect on an amazing experience for both staff and students. The a number of capsizes in the rapids! After three days, they Fanfare to the girls felt that the trip really brought home to them the sacrifices made made their way further down the coast to Club Mimosa Docks, Caldy Hills to the Priory and Shipbuilding on the Mersey. on the Mediterranean. Soon after their arrival, the girls in the Great War and the importance of never forgetting the millions Scientists visit Martin Mere Trip The students had a memorable day, making music in an who lost their lives. took part in the Beach Olympics which involved a variety outstanding venue. of silly races including walking like elephants, getting dizzy and finding a lottery ticket! The girls had an early start the next morning, straight London Calling! down to Black Sand beach try their hand or the fourth year running, a at snorkelling, spotting schools of fish and group of thirty Year 12 English searching for octopus. After grabbing a bite and Media students enjoyed a to eat, everyone headed down to the beach whirlwind two-day trip to London. Students for kayaking and catamaran sailing, before F enjoyed a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe heading back to get ready for the disco. theatre, a stroll along the South Bank, a Other activities that the girls tried their luck picnic lunch in Hyde Park, a flight on the with included Pico sailing, windsurfing, raft London Eye with fantastic views of the building, banana boating, Feva sailing and a City, a shopping spree in Harrods, a river spot of sunbathing before arriving back in cruise down the Thames with an excellent rainy England after a 26 hour journey. The view of Tower Bridge (complete with girls had had a fantastic time and enjoyed a decorative Olympic rings), front row seats Olympic rings at Tower Bridge trip to remember. at the West End phenomenon Wicked and a tour of BBC Canoeing down the Ardeche Centre. Students also enjoyed an afternoon of free time which they spent shopping on Oxford Street, visiting Madame Tussaud’s and Buckingham Palace. Chilling on the South Bank Weatherhead on Tour Department News

Year 7 Conway Trip PSHCE Art n the last week of term, 191 students took part in the annual Year 7 trip to the Conway Centre in Lanfairpwll, Anglesey, Zoo Life arly in the Spring term, Year 12 braved the cold and accompanied by their Form Tutors and other Weatherhead staff. rainy weather to visit Chester Zoo as part of their The mixed weather dampened bodies but not spirits and the girls Year 9 Cherish Fashion Show I Applied Science coursework. The purpose of the trip had the most fantastic time! They all chose an outdoor activity to take was to gain an understanding of the Science that takes place at he Art department took a group of Year 10 Textiles part in and this year, Abseiling was the most popular activity - one E DARA Workshop students to the Liverpool World Museum to help and the Zoo and to gain an insight into other important aspects of which took bravery, perseverance and team work. The low ropes the business. Students were able to chat to members of staff group of Year 10 students were selected to participate in inspire them with their project on ‘Cultures’. After course plus zip wire came a close second - students also took part and recognise the many essential tasks they carry out on a the ‘Cherished’ workshop which took place over one day exploring several floors and viewing hundreds of exhibits the girls in open canoeing, kayaking, raft building, high ropes, bush craft and T daily basis. They were able to see the importance of Science in at the end of May. The workshop was led by two youth watched Liverpool Community College perform their Graduate sailing. All of the students took part in outdoor problem solving the running of the Zoo and to appreciate the need for highly workers from DARA (Drugs, Alcohol and Relationships Advice). We Fashion Show in St. George’s Hall. Students were impressed by both activities, which really put their team work and leadership skills to the A the amazing venue and the high quality designs on show. qualified Scientists in many of the jobs including Endocrinology also use DARA’s work in lessons as part of the PSHCE programme test. They also developed their Drama skills in an energetic Physical Technician, Herpetologist, Vetinarary Nurse, Conservation in Years 7 to 11. The day Theatre session and Officer, Safari Ranger, Nutritionist and many more. Students consisted of personal their creative sides attended a talk led by, Alison, a Safari Ranger at the Zoo who development and life were encouraged revealed the varied roles and aims of the Zoo, this consisted skills activities, designed in a calming and of much more than providing recreational fun for the many to foster confidence imaginative Art visitors. The group also gained knowledge of how a business building skills, teach coping session. The students Private Art Viewing controls hazards through the use of risk assessment, manages strategies and practice S and A2 level students showcased their talents will receive their energy usage and uses ICT in data management. The day was problem solving as well in the annual Art exhibition in the school foyer Batik work in a great success and the students were able to collect vital as raising aspirations. Each student built up a self-reflection scrapbook in July. Family, friends, Governors and staff were September to keep information for their coursework. They have since used this which they got to take away to complete further work in it as and invited to view the results of a very successful year in the Art as a memento of A excellent research and their experience at the Zoo to secure when they wished. Department. The work remained on show for several weeks their trip. Evening some outstanding coursework grades. so that visitors to the Summer Sizzler, Key Stage 3 Awards activities included Evening and New Intake Day could also view the work. the very popular, and this year very Year 8 Great Expectations muddy, Nightline, another test of group of year 8 students completed a two day workshop communication with the Brook Education Team during June. The workshop skills and team looked at behaviour, attitudes and keeping safe and raising work, plus a disco, Astudents’ aspirations for the future. which had all of the students up and Year 7 in Conway dancing for hours, thanks to Justin Beiber! The Conway Centre staff could not praise the students enough for Road Safety their positive attitudes and good behaviour, they were a credit to the group of Year 12 students worked with the Wirral Road school. One student was so excited by the Raft Building Race she said, Safety Team in July, viewing and giving honest feedback on “It’s like being in a movie”, a good summary for the whole visit! Furry friend a new resource to be used in schools across Wirral from A September 2012. Jeff’s Motivation Workshop group of Year 8 students took part in a motivation workshop with Jeff Moran who taught the girls about perseverance and different ways around a situation. Jeff presentedA the ‘TEAR’ technique - the idea that a thought leads to an emotion or feeling, causes actions which brings responsibilities. Girls worked on how they can change from a fixed mind set to a growth mind set and found the workshop informative and useful. Chelsea Taaffe commented, “I’ve learnt how to stay on task, because later on in life I’m going to need these skills and I’ve learnt that everything’s easier when you have a technique and we all worked out our own techniques which will help us. I hope Jeff can come back to Weatherhead and teach us again”. Year 7 in Conway Year 7 in Conway Department News Department News

PE Cross Country Everton Mini Kickers tudents from Years 7 - 9 competed in the Merseyside Cross iss Chappell’s Mini Kickers programme continues to go Country Championships 2012 at Sefton Park, Liverpool with from strength to strength attracting Wirral’s most football Year 9 student, Kyra Woolley and Year 7 student, Niamh mad and competitive Key Stage 1 pupils from schools Trampolining SRattray selected to represent Merseyside. acrossM the Borough! Dozens of boys and girls attended after school coaching sessions every Tuesday evening for six weeks from 3.45pm ollowing the Trampolining Squad’s success earlier in the year to 4.45pm in the Spring term. The Leadership Ambassadors in Years in the Zonal Heats, the Squad secured their place in the 10, 11 and 12 helped staff the sessions. Year 10 - Grace Blundell, Molly finals of the National Schools’ Trampoline Championships Brislen, Chelsea 2012F at the City Academy in Bristol. The Championships is an annual Wirral Schools’ Relay Corrish, Ashleigh competition run by the British Schools Gymnastic Association McDaid and (B.S.G.A). Our Under 19 Elite squad comprising Lauren Buchannan- Isabella Mawdsley. Lloyd, Melissa Edwards, Jessica Jones and Hannah Thurlow who not Championships Year 11 - Kim only represented Weatherhead in the Finals but also represented tudents in Years 7 to 10 represented Weatherhead Harding, Melissa the North of England, Scotland and Ireland. The girls performed at the annual Wirral Schools’ Relay Championships Lopez Georgia fantastically on the day and produced their usual high standard in the Spring term taking part in the 3 x 800m relay Year 10 Athletes Moss. Year 12 - with some incredible routines. The competition was fierce with and the 4 x 100m relay, Weatherhead finished in fourth place Charlotte Abraham, some impressive routines and despite the pressure the girls put in S overall. Competitors were: Year 7 - Georgia Barber, Amy Jamie Crane, Chloe outstanding performances. The Squad finished in sixth place and McKiernan, Charlie O’Reilly, Charlie Quinn, Niamh Rattray Hughes, Ali Reid, is now ranked sixth in England, Ireland and Scotland - an amazing and Chloe Swift. Year 8 - Janie Allen, Amber Blair Keyes, Alex Wirral Schools’ Olivia Stowell-Smith achievement! Collins, Rebecca Gardner, Georgia Murphy, Abigail Owens and Ashleigh Stones. Everton Mini Kickers and Amy Thompson. Year 9 - Rachel Beattie, Faye Dean, Track and Field Shannon Gower, Megan Smyth, Sophie Turner, Kyra Woolley and Amy Wyatt. Year 10 - Abigail Blacklock, Ashleigh Mcdaid Championships and Beth Newcombe. he following students represented Weatherhead, at three Wirral Schools’ Track and Field Championships in May competing in the 100m Relay,T 100m, 200m, 300m, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump, Discus, Hurdles, High Jump, Sprinting and Shot.

Year 7 - Georgia Barber, Jessica Henry, Charlotte Longstaff, Amy McKiernan, Charlie O’Reilly, Charley Quinn, Niamh Rattray, Lucy Roberts and Chloe Swift. Year 8 - Janie Allen, Amber Blair Keyes, Alex Collins, Rebecca Gardner and Amy Thompson. Year 9 - Faye Dean, Shannon Gower, Sophie Turner, Kyra Woolley and Amy Wyatt. Year 10 - Abigail Blacklock, Hannah Fulton, Ashleigh McDaid and Beth Everton Mini Kickers Newcombe. Year 11 - Elle Barnes Reen, Anna McGreary and Jess Molyneux. All of our girls performed well against some stiff CSLA competititon - highlights from the events included Alex Collins (Community Sports Weatherhead Trampolinists winning 1st place in 100m, Faye Dean 2nd place in 100m and Year 8 Athletes at the Wirral Relay Championships 2nd place in Triple Jump and Amy Wyatt 2nd place in 300m. Leadership Award) Follow us Festivals s part of our CSLA programme, Weatherhead hosted on Twitter! three football festivals on the Astro -Turf for Year 1, 2 and Updates about Weatherhead are 3 pupils from Bidston Avenue, Eastway, Fender, Greenleas, now available on Twitter. Follow us @ Liscard,A New Brighton, Park, St. George’s and Woodchurch Primary WeatherheadHigh Schools. CSLA students who helped to organise and run the events were Charlotte Abraham, Lauren Buchanan-Lloyd, Laura Cook, Jamie Crane, Melissa Edwards, Chloe Hughes, Jessica Jones, Alexandra Reid, Sophie Russell, Zoe Stewart, Ashleigh Stones, Ellen Strachan and Hannah Thurlow. After a tough final, Year 1 Festival winners were Year 9 Athletes Fender Primary School with runners up Park Primary. Year 2 runners- up were Greenleas and the winners were Park Primary School. The Weatherhead Trampolining squad winning schools went through to the Merseyside Finals held at Finch Department News Department News

Science Merseyside Maths STEM Fair UKMT Junior Maths group of keen Year 8 Science MEM Maths Challenge students took part in the Merseyside Challenge STEM fair hosted by the Mosslands tudents from Year 7 through to Year 10 took part in the MEM wenty seven budding Mathematicians from Year School in July. The girls participated in a A Maths Challenge, which involved taking home a booklet of 7 and thirty enthusiastic Year 8 students took hands-on Sports Science workshop in which puzzles for completion during the holidays. Holly Cook was part in the Mathematics Trust’s they collected their own physiological data, awarded first place from Years 7 and 8 and Ellie Brown was overall (UKMT) Junior Maths Challenge, which involved studying and including measuring their reflex actions, lung S T winner in the Year 9 and 10 competition. taking puzzle style tests, competing against students from volume, blood pressure and heart rate. Using all over the country. This was a great opportunity to apply the latest technology, mathematical and problem solving skills developed during they recorded who lessons. Certificates were presented to the highest achievers could row the furthest with Grace Riazi from Year 8 being awarded ‘Best in School’. in one minute, who was the strongest, who could jump the highest and who could throw the fastest. The girls had a lot of fun and became very competitive during the activities and also had time to talk to local companies, Vauxhall, Mersey Maritime and the Liverpool Universities about courses and careers in Science. Year 9 MEM Winner Students enjoy the STEM Fair

Year 8 MEM Winner New Outdoor Classroom uring the penultimate week of term, Weatherhead’s first outside classroom was officially opened! The outdoor teaching and learning space has been the culmination of lots of hard work and determination and was the brainchild ofD Mr Riley, Science teacher. The space consists of a wooden pavilion set in a landscaped garden area. The Jazz Band played at the ceremony which was attended by students, staff, Governors and guests. Students and MEM Maths Challenge Day staff cannot wait Creative Maths Murder Mystery to use the space for team meetings, Maths Gets Creative classes, lunchtime clubs n June, As Creatives visited school for the day to introduce Year 7 students to creative Maths. Using problem solving techniques, students and extra-curricular were challenged to solve a murder mystery involving the murder of Michaela Maths! The sessions challenged students to think out of the box, activities. New Outdoor Classroom make connections, nurture their creativity and develop their problem solving skills. The girls really enjoyed the sessions and learnt some useful techniquesI to help them in their curriculum Maths. Department News In Other News

Music G’Day Weatherhead! by Caitlin Fegan oving to Weatherhead from Australia in July was a big change in my life. My old school Whites Hill State College was ‘Sense of Sound’ coeducational and differed in many ways to Weatherhead. Students joined the ‘prep’ (Foundation stage) and went all the way through to Grade 12 with students leaving school at ver 200 hundred Year 8 and 9 students were invited to attend the age of seventeen to go straight to University and there was no vocal workshops run by nationally acclaimed choir Sense of M Sixth Form. I joined Weatherhead in Year 8 and am now in Year 9, Sound. Established in 1992, Sense of Sound is an award winning but in Australia I would have been going into Grade 10 in January Ocompany based in Liverpool specialising in vocal training. Having when the school year starts, with a six week holiday at Christmas performed at the Royal Albert Hall, they were grand finalists in the time. The school uniform was very different, we wore a regulation BBC Choir of the Year competition and more recently featured in school blouse, tie, long skirt and regulation socks complete with BBC2’s award winning series, The Choir, with Gareth Malone. The girls the school logo. Even though it was a public (state) school like spent a lesson with Jenny and Alice learning warm up techniques and Weatherhead, parents were expected to buy exercise books, arrangements to songs including Jessie J’s Price Tag and Someone Like text books and calculators, pay to use computers, print and make You by Adele. photocopies as well as pay a sports levy and school fees. The school was very much an outdoor school with only classrooms indoors. We did not have a canteen, we had a tuck shop where you could buy pies and ice blocks. Wednesdays were dedicated to inter-school sports with students wearing their sports kit all day. We also had an outside pool which was used from Spring through to Autumn and hosted annual swim carnivals - it was too cold to use in the Winter! School started at 8.40am and finished earlier at 2:55pm with lessons lasting for 35 minutes or 70 minutes. We did not study Geography, the things that I am learning in Geography at Weatherhead I studied in Science at Whites Hill. There is a long tradition of going on annual Camp starting in Grade 5 and when students graduate in Grade 12 there is a ‘formal’ (or prom) held in a hotel complete with Awards Ceremony for parents followed by a meal and party for students only. I think I have settled in well into Weatherhead and have made lots of new friends as well as securing a part in Peter Pan, as I enjoyed starring in Grease and Fame at Whites Hill. Sense of Sound Workshop Vocal and Samba Trip to Workshops Listen to Me! Sixth Form Makeover earning Mentors Miss Brough, Mrs he upper Sixth Form ver one hundred Year 5 pupils from St. George’s Primary the Philharmonic Marshall and Miss Cumiskay along with common room went School were treated to vocal and Samba workshops in July led ICT teacher Miss Waine, Year Leader through a dramatic by Mr Brown and Miss Hartley assisted by Year 13 students Mrs Hepke and Learning Support Coordinator makeover during the Summer Jasmine Scarisbrick and Christian Watts. O MrL Morris were all nominated and received holidays!T The old seating and tables awards at the Listen to Me Awards Evening have been replaced with long white on Wednesday 13th June. The Awards were and funky white round tables with presented by the young people who had pink, blue, lime green and yellow nominated them for listening, supporting and seats. There is also a small comfy being there in times sofa area towards the back of of need. Mr David the common room. The new Armstrong, Interim furniture will create a better Director of Wirral’s study environment with more Council’s Children of a college feel. Year 13 also and Young People’s have exclusive access to ten Department, brand new computers with Year 10 GCSE musicians at Spiro performance acknowledged the creation of a mini ICT suite ear 10 GCSE Music students visited the Liverpool the wealth of and the pop art decorating the Philharmonic earlier in the year to hear folk group support given walls adds to the funky new to the students look. There are also plans in Spiro perform. The girls loved the music and the Listen to Me certificate Yhighlight of the evening was meeting the performers back here at Weatherhead the future to makeover the stage at the end. (Weatherhead was the school with the most Year 12 lower common room. nominations for awards). Samba at St. George’s New Upper Common Room In Other News

Peter Pan

ack in June, almost one hundred and fifty students from Years 7 - 12 auditioned for a part in the much anticipated next school production of Peter Pan. The competition was stiff and after dancing, acting and singing their hearts out in a two hour audition, over one hundred girls successfully gained parts as Lost Boys, BPirates and Fairies as well as the main characters Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, Captain Hook, Smee and Tinkerbell. Rehearsals will start this term, with some costume fittings already completed. A percentage of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Please keep an eye out on the website for rehearsal updates, tickets and performance details for what promises to be another great Weatherhead production! Year 7 students will also be given a chance to audition for the chorus this month … look out for further information.

Titanic the Musical News from Kenya n June half term, Mrs Henderson’s eatherhead staff and students have continued to production of Titanic the Musical was raise money this year for the orphanage we support performed at the Liverpool Empire in Kenya and have helped to set up and stock a Theatre. This was the third show she Library for the children to use for their studies and leisure hadI directed in a large professional W as well as purchase fire extinguishers. The Sixth Form raised theatre and the cast received standing enough money to buy them sports equipment, including a ovations for their efforts. Weatherhead table tennis table, football, basketball and volley ball nets and students, past and present, were balls. In June, Mrs Ellison ran a half marathon with staff, friends involved as actors, singers, dancers and and family helping her to raise nearly £600, which is going to back stage crew including ex-Head Girl buy personal items and toiletries for the girls. The children are Jenny Foulds (2006). The production extremely grateful for all of the support they receive from gave all involved an opportunity to Weatherhead. Their wonderful new home and mini bus are work in a professional venue under Mrs Henderson’s experienced constant reminders to them of how much we have helped eye. Her GCSE and BTEC Performing Arts students will also benefit, them to build a new life and future for over one hundred and as she recorded a backstage video, showing the processes involved fifty children. in putting on a professional show. She plans to use the video during lessons in the Autumn term.

Cast of Titanic Dates for Diary

School Closes Thurs 18th October Peter Pan Performances Wed 12th - Fri 14th December INSET Fri 19th October School Closes for Christmas Fri 21st December Half Term Mon 22nd - Fri 26th October Christmas Holidays Mon 24th Dec - Fri 4th January School Opens Mon 29th October School Opens Mon 7th January School Christmas Craft Fair Sat 17th November

Weatherhead High School Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 3HS Follow Tel: 0151 631 4400 Fax: 0151 637 1805 Email: [email protected] Website www.weatherhead.wirral.sch.uk us on. . .