Summer 2018 | Issue 28 The Newsletter of Flixton Girls School

Proud to lead the... HEALTHY LEARNING TRUST

HEALTHY MINDS • HEALTHY LIVES • HEALTHY FUTURES

Dear Readers, In this issue of Excel... Latest News...... 4 Firstly I would like you all to know how Strictly FGS...... 1 Community News...... 6 utterly impressed I have been with all of Faculty News...... 2 Sports News...... 8 the girls taking both external and internal examinations this year. The Upper Sixth and the Year 11 have been especially positive in their attitude and mind-set towards examinations this year showing great resilience, determination and commitment. Our proactive strategies to support the health and well-being of students and staff through our commitment to the Healthy Learning STRICTLY FGS Trust has been key in transforming the culture here at FGS. The range of activities and opportunities celebrated in this edition of Excel is exceptional. As you will know we are looking at the possibility of creating additional time for students and staff during the school day to enable more students to take part in this wonderful range of activities. We will make a decision regarding the timings of the day at the end of the trial and consultation. Many thanks to the whole community for sending in your thoughts which are invaluable in helping us to make the right decisions. Finally it has been my privilege to interview Staff at FGS really showed their flair for learning and select the new Junior Leadership Team for in our ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ extravaganza. 2018 and I am delighted to announce that Erin This one night only event took many hours of dedicated rehearsals and commitment to learning. Jones in Sixth Form has been appointed as our Contestants included Mrs Hazeldine, Mrs Trussell, new Head Girl with Laura Kasongo, Phoebe Ms Schofield, Mrs Hulse, Ms Johnston, Miss Kelly, Tanner and Breanna Bradshaw elected as our Miss Eccleston, Mr Owen and Mrs Buckley. new House Captains. The judging really came down to the wire as a Please have an dance off was required to determine the overall enjoyable, safe and winner of the golden globe trophy. Mrs Hazeldine relaxing summer and Mrs Trussell showed their true resolve and ready for an exciting performed for a second time before the judging start in September. panel finally crowned Mrs Trussell as the deserving winner. Congratulations to all the performers. Julie Hazeldine The sell-out audience really enjoyed this very entertaining evening and we hope this can be Headteacher repeated next year.

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Summer Art Exhibition CREATE FACULTY We were delighted to open our doors to showcase Healthy Eating Week the GCSE work of our students in Art and Design, May saw a variety of form activities with snacks and breakfast choices. Photography, Graphics and Textiles. Thanks to Both students and staff were able to try new tastes and ideas. Plus the everyone who attended and celebrated our students’ ‘Smoothie Bike’ really attracted a crowd during lunch time with a queue hard work and dedication. of willing assistants. Art Therapy Mrs Vekstein has been working closely with students who love Art, inspiring them to produce fantastic portraits. This wellbeing activity is a relaxation technique which allows self-expression.

production; supported COMMUNICATE FACULTY by the Onatti cast. Additionally Year Donated Whiteboards 9 and 10 GCSE We received new interactive whiteboards German students were donated from the University of . entertained by the The MECD team are delighted to have all-German speaking found a sustainable use for eight electronic production ‘Hausarrest. whiteboards, which came from the This fun theatrical Oddfellows building and have been happily story about Finn’s received by our students and staff. Mr really bad school report Deakin Business Director said: ‘Thanks uses key vocabulary very much for the whiteboards - they have to compliment the been successfully installed into our English students’ current classrooms and help to provide a different learning in a clever experience to learning here at FGS. Simon and entertaining way. Atkinson from University of Manchester and FGS year 7 students Sophie Jones, Faith Pitts Garrett and Asha Sethi. Northern France Trip Twenty four students and German Visitors accompanying staff embarked Eighteen year 9 and 10 German students visited FGS in a joint arrangement on their Northern France, Opal with Wellacre. The group from Kiel in North Germany visit annually Coast adventure, leaving very bringing boys and girls to gain experience of life within an English speaking early to catch their ferry. The school. The visitors were paired with students for their three day exchange trip included visits to Aqualud providing experiences of learning in context and allowing both sets of Waterpark, Nausicaa Sealife students to develop their language skills. Frau Steinkamp, Head Teacher Centre, Lille – capital of the commented: Our students have really enjoyed their time here and said they Hauts-de-France, Plopsaland enjoyed experiencing an all-girls school. theme park and cultural evening activities. Many students Onatti expressed how they loved the Year 8’s experienced an entirely French spoken trip particularly the waterpark production as part of our Health and Wellbeing and sweet factory visits. All in all day in April. The play was a delightfully they felt they had experienced humorous collection of different storylines French language beyond the linking five different teenagers who live on the classroom; whilst making some same street. Our girls got fully immersed in the fabulous memories.

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PARTICIPATE INVESTIGATE FACULTY FACULTY Students were invited to Young Musicians participate in ‘ChemQuiz’ - the competition at Students from across all year groups Manchester Metropolitan competed in this years ‘Young Musician of the University in conjunction Year’ competition. The categories included with the Royal Society of Chemistry. Our team, instrumentalist from elementary through to who only came together for the quiz, won the advanced (grade 3 or above), ensembles and best teamwork award – congratulations Zahraa vocalists from KS3 and KS4. Dudha year 10, Olivia Waugh year 9, Seklie Huk and Isabelle rose year 8.

Performing Arts COLLABORATE Students from KS3 & KS4 enjoyed the delights of a professional production in the form of FACULTY Our guest judge Graham Smith reviewed all the Kindertransport, at the Opera House and Blood participants whittling down winners from each Brothers at the Palace Theatre. Eid Celebration category to: Elementary: first Aliyah Kanaris More theatre options including Aladdin, School of Students and staff celebrated – trumpet, runner up Eloise Bailey – guitar; Rock and Matilda are arranged for later this year. the end of a month long intermediate: first Tayler Shepherd – piano, fast with a party, for those runner up Ella Fagan – drums; advanced: Sinead As a follow up to this years ‘A Step In that participated and Brooker – violin, runner up Amy Styles – bass Time’ musical extravaganza – auditions have their friends, where they guitar. Vocalists KS3: first Isabelle Rose and commenced for our 2019 production of enjoyed samosa, pizza, runner up Namumba Kawala. Vocalists KS4: first Mary Poppins. Watch this space for future hot chocolate and cake. Breanna Bradshaw and runner up Niamh Green. performance dates. Congratulations to all who participated. GCSE Dancers East Meets West Party EMI Grant Our year 9 and 10 students have worked with Following a successful grant application by Mr Bruno Perrier, a professional dancer from Boy Blue Entertainment, an internationally renowned Deakin, Director of Business and Finance our street dance company. This practical experience music department have been able to purchase really embeds their learning and performance a selection of musical instruments. Zoe Gilpin, Hannah Whiting and Faith Pits Garrett were the proud recipients of three brand new clarinets; whilst Ellena Wood received a new flute. The Our celebration event, part of Respect Week, encouraged students to learn more about our diverse cultures by experiencing foods, music, games and activities from around the of the piece, whilst providing a detailed world. Activities understanding of how and why the production included learning came together. to write in Arabic, Henna tattoo’s, £1000 was awarded by EMI Music Foundation The Arts Award snail tasting and and allows more students to access the power Our KS3 dance and drama classes have been French boules. of music. Kate McKenny, Charity Coordinator - working towards this nationally recognised This wonderful EMI Music Sound Foundation said: ‘It’s wonderful qualification. Students take part in arts activities, team effort really to hear the new instruments have made such watch live performances, share their experiences celebrated the a difference to your students already. Our and research an artist who inspires them. It has been different cultures trustees will be delighted to hear the impact the a fantastic opportunity for our girls to showcase here at FGS. instruments have had and I hope they are enjoyed their skills - the best of which are performed at the for many years to come!’ Summer Spotlight on 12th July.

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At FGS we aim to ensure our students have a thorough understanding of their future education BARCLAYS and career pathways. Information is power and the more knowledge they have enables everyone to make the right choices. For that reason this term has seen the continuation of our INTERNSHIP Careers Café initiative. These open style drop in sessions provided invaluable experience from organisations including Jet2, Myerson Solicitors and the NHS Careers Hub. Sureyja McKenzie and Emma Marshall, year 10 completed their yearlong Barclays Internship programme culminating in them creating and delivering their presentation to Barclays and FGS staff. Mrs Bates tweeted: ‘So proud of Emma and Sureyja completing Barclay’s internship - well done, you are a credit to @FlixtonGS.’

Year 8 students participated in ‘Star Student’ games in conjunction with Higher Education – Aiming Higher. Twenty five year 8-10 students attended Manchester Metropolitan University Health and Wellbeing session on post-16 education, careers and general anxiety / stress management for use now and in the future. Plus all of year 10 attended Edge Hill University to reflect on their future education options post18.

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FGS LAND ARMY At the start of this term Mrs Heeney’s land army were again seen planting around school, but this time sunflower seeds to add more colour to the school grounds. Groups of students from 7TL got stuck in FLIXTON ensuring the seeds had the best start in life. RESPECT WEEK Assembly and form activities took place during the last ANGELS week of April including our House competition for the Following the launch our very own ‘Flixton Angels Society’ we have most recycled paper. The winning House was Keller continued to be involved in the Every Month campaign by offering with lots of paper assistance in creating period packs; from supplies donated to the campaign. recycling and Hannah Whiting; All staff involved in this group believes this type of activity empowers 8SW/F was the students to have a better awareness of wider issues in their community; deserving winner providing an increased understanding and further engagement. of the ‘Bag for Life’ design competition.

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EVENING OF EXCELLENCE

Students from year 7 through to year 12 participated in our hugely rewarding ‘Evening of Excellence’ celebration. The girls showcased PINKY their exceptional talents and abilities through live music, dance, drama performances and inspirational speeches. Special thanks PURPLE DAY to Thai Boxing’s British, European and World Champion Rachel McKenzie, who really inspired our students to take risks and 7SL joined forces to support Cancer Research, raising over £190 follow their dreams. from donations for activities including wearing pink or purple nail varnish and hair accessories into school; additionally selling cakes for staff and students to purchase during break. 7SL said ‘We can’t believe we raised so much! We are really proud and glad we did it!’ The majority of us know of someone affected by cancer and it was lovely to see our girls supporting one another; congratulations everyone.

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FRIENDS OF FLIXTON Our Friends of Flixton (FoF) group assist at many school events, providing support with refreshments and raffles. FACILITIES They raise funds for use within school for the benefit of the whole school community. Recently the group has funded LETTINGS a year 11 prom photographer, purchased a PA system for School facilities are available for hire in the outside events and our ‘Honours Boards’ – a display of evenings, weekends and school holidays. previous head and deputy head girls. All their fundraising Our partner School Lettings Solutions and support is gratefully received. (SLS) can provide all information on availability and cost. We have a variety of New member Tracy Clarke – parent of year 9 student hirers already on-site if you are interested commented: ‘I joined FoF four months ago with a friend. in taking part or wish to make a booking, As a parent, it’s great to be able to work in partnership with please view their website: the staff. It’s provided me http://flixtongirls.schoolbookings.co.uk/ with a better understanding of how the school wishes to improve facilities and increase opportunities for students and the wider community. I loved helping out at the Alumni event and Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza recently. They were both busy events and we were rushed off our feet, so more volunteers would be helpful. Since joining I’ve made some lovely new friends, felt part APPRENTICESHIP of a team and know my volunteering is valued by the WELCOME staff and other members of We are really pleased to welcome back FoF. Looking ahead, it would Chloe Halls, ex-student from 2015. Chloe be great to see more people joins our catering team working towards joining Friends of Flixton so her Level 2 Commis Chef qualification in that we can support more partnership with College. Chloe events. Keep your eyes peeled wants to pursue her passion for catering for members wearing our and is enjoying learning new skills in familiar surroundings. new t-shirts!’

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QUAD CONFIDENCE SPORTS AWARDS performances by our choir, local primary dancers, Ellie Stott, year 7 took her first quad biking footsteps at Our annual Sport Awards evening was hosted gymnasts, FGS dancers and our House team competition level at Grittingham Motocross track, Wiltshire. Ellie said: ‘I really enjoy building up speed around the track, by students and staff with our special guest challenge. Reaching your potential is something it makes me feel happy – travelling at 60mph with mud Craig Heap, Gymnastics Olympic and Double that at FGS we plan for every student. We want to splattering all around me.’ Commonwealth Gold Medallist, providing some empower everyone to reach their full potential, witty sporting anecdotes. The evening celebrated regardless of the challenges and obstacles that our students’ sporting achievements, over the may be encountered. This in turn helps to build LACROSSE CLUB last academic year and included some fabulous courage and resilience to get up and keep trying. Students enjoyed a new sport via cross club links from Brooklands Hulmeians Lacrosse Club, really enjoying the sunshine everyone! SPORTS LEADERS TRAINING DUKE OF EDINBURGH Sophie Cox two times Team GB Judo Olympian Thirty one students took part in the Silver Duke of and Youth Sport Trust Athlete mentor attended Edinburgh practice expedition, spending three days walking FGS to talk with our future Sports Leaders in the Peak District and camping overnight in Edale and in conjunction with Trafford School Sports Hope Valley. All students successfully completed the expedition. Thank to Ms Holt, Mr Gill, Miss Perkin and Mrs Partnership including students from FGS, Bates for their support and time. Wellacre , Wellington High and BTH.

NATIONAL SCHOOLS Results: Year 7 1st 2nd 3rd SPORTS WEEK Cricket 7FH 7KE 7SL A - 7AJ A - 7TL A - 7KE We had a great team effort, during National Tennis Schools Sports Week, for our year 7 and year B - 7KE B - 7AJ B - 7ZN 9 inter-form competitions. Thanks all staff Rounders 7SL 7KE 7EH who came down to assist with the umpiring #rounders # cricket #tennis. Plus year 10 vs. Year 9 1st 2nd 3rd staff enjoyed a friendly rounders’ match in the Rounders 9NH 9SM 9NS NETBALL evening sunshine - well done everyone! As part of this terms Feel Good Friday activities year 7’s had a Netball Inter-form competition. It rained from start to finish, proving every participant was an absolute champion but the overall winners were 7SL and 7EH as runners-up. HEALTH AND WELLBEING ATHLETICS - TRAFFORD ATHLETICS COMP As part of our off timetable Health and Wellbeing Days students All year groups performed amazingly in some have experienced an array of beyond the classroom learning very hot conditions. Year 7 - finished 7th, year activities including safe relationships, anti-social behaviour and stay safe in the sun, road and water safety. These have been 8 - finished 1st, year 9 - finished 7th and year 10 undertaken by both staff and external partners and we wish to - finished 4th. Particular individual achievements thank Footlights Theatre and MMU for their support. from Ebony Riley 9NH/P and Jasmine Richardson 8LM/F who won the 100m race overall in their respective year groups. Great work everyone on a DANCING DEDICATION fabulous athletics meet. Year 7 student Demi Aughey 7AJ has really shown dedication to her chosen sport by raising funds to allow her to attend the UDO European Street Dance Championships. Demi and her team represented Britain in Germany; after qualifying first in the Flixton Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 5DR national competition. Demi trains six days a T: 0161 912 2949 www.flixtongirls.com week; approximately forty hours on top of her school work which from her recent glowing report, shows she is able manage her time ‘LIKE’ US AT facebook.com/FlixtonGirlsSchool effectively. Very well done Demi! @FlixtonGS - FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS