Duke of Edinbugh Awards

WIRRALNuntius GRAMMAR SCHOOL A Business & Enterprise School for Boys

Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3AQ | Tel: 0151 644 0908 J u l y 2 0 1 2

Duke of Edinbugh Awards National Handball At 8.00am on Saturday 26th of May, the Bronze Finals – A New Duke of Edinburgh group set off by coach for Success for Our Moel Famau. School We arrived at the car park at Farm where we were camping. the foot of the hills and waited Boys from Years 8, 9 and 10 as each group set off separately, We were greeted by the reached the National Schools which wasn’t too bad as it was remaining teachers and other Handball finals at Sporthouse, a warm day. My group set walkers on the expedition, Romford, East London on Saturday off at 10.30am and reached which was a relief after having the first checkpoint after 20 the company of sheep for the 23rd June. The U13 and U15 minutes, where Mr Webb was afternoon. After a rest we set squads were the only school sitting, and marking chemistry up the tents and relaxed; some represented in both age groups. homework! of us were a little sunburnt, well Both Teams qualified for the finals by quite a bit actually! We ate a winning at both regional and north After a gentle walk up the side late meal of pasta and sauce area levels. Sporthouse is the purpose built training venue for handball and basketball of Moel Famau, we reached the which tasted all the better, for this coming london Olympics. This was a fantastic opportunity to represent our summit, Jubilee Tower, where we knowing we’d worked for it! school in national competition in what is becoming one of the fastest growing emerging were greeted by Mr Hazledine sports. Congratualations to all the boys who particiapted at the weekend. A huge well and stopped a short while for After more chilling out, it was done to the U13 team who finished 3rd in the competition, winning 2/1 in the third/ lunch before heading off for the an early night for the big day fourth playoff. An unbelieveable achievement at the first time of asking. The U15 team third checkpoint. It was quite ahead, which was a similar unfortunatley failed to go past the group stage, needing to win there last game, they a long walk we had now from route back up Offa’s Dyke path, narrowly lost 4/3. the summit of Moel Famau to along Moel Famau ridge and Cilcain, where Mrs Clements back down to the car park, U13 squad, Scott Southwell (Capt) Jack Price, was waiting, not necessarily for where we relaxed a lot more! louis Kenton, Alex Mcbain, David Williams, us but for the AA man and van Andrew Rogers. Ethan Hitchcow. Alistair Dodd, as she had somehow managed I thoroughly enjoyed my Daniel Eames, Daniel O’Halloran. to lock herself out of her car! expedition and urge others to give it a go. I speak for U15 squad. Jordan Price (capt) David Stringer, We set off again for a short everybody when I say thank you Taylor Craven, Lewis Keen. Nick chadwick, while crossing field and paths, Mr McKinney and all of the other Theo Johnson,Elias Larson, Sam Hannah, London Olympics 2012: until we came to Mrs Bradford staff who made it possible for Matthew Calanan, Alex Brophy. Best wishes to Team GB! and Miss Tier. We didn’t stop us to go on the expedition. We as we were eager to get to are looking forward to doing camp. It was a short distance Silver next Year! until we then reached Miss Eaton Olympic Torch Relay Competitions where we were told it wasn’t far. Russell Jones Again, we continued walking 10AS Birkenhead Park and eventually reached Fron On Friday 1st June on a superb afternoon at Birkenhead Park, we took a Year 8 and Year 10 Volleyball team and a Year 9 Football team to participate in the Pre-Olympic Torch Relay celebrations. The competitions were attended by many Wirral Schools and in the football we faired very well, coming runners up to South Wirral in the final 1-0. It was the only goal conceded and out of the 12 competing teams an excellent achievement. The Volleyball was an excellent spectacle and a very well organised competition. Both our teams played very well, with the Year 8 boys winning 4 and losing 2 games and the Year 10’s in a difficult competition, having very close matches winning 3 and losing 3. The day saw many different events take place all across the park and culminated in the evening with the Torch relay itself. It was certainly a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ and thoroughly enjoyed by all!

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Welcome

Dear All Iwele

As another school year comes to a close, we are able to look back Iwele means twin in Xhosa on a wide range of both academic and extracurricular achievements. and that is what we now have. With Wirral Girls GCSE and A Level results at the start of the year demonstrated we now have really firm a continuation of excellent standards. As always, our Nuntius links with two schools in provides a flavour of the extracurricular activity throughout the term and this issue is no exception. Cape Town. This has been facilitated through the While the rhythm to each year is broadly the same, each year Afritwin group and we have received our initial funding presents new opportunities, successes and challenges. Achievements from the British Council to facilitate the first of our teacher exchanges. Bardale School is a in sport have been especially notable during 2011/2012 and brand new school in Mfuleni township and is currently housed in prefabs while they wait especially fitting given the focus on the Olympic Games this Summer. for government funding for their new building. Sans Souci is a girls’ school which was Boys have excelled in all areas of sport and we have gained a originally for whites only but is now multi-racial. national profile in Rugby, Hockey and Handball, with regional successes in Basketball, Cricket and Athletics. In March Neli Hopa and Justin Grundlingh visited us for a week and spent their time observing lessons and speaking to pupils. It was wonderful to see our school through their 2011/2012 saw the completion of significant capital improvements eyes and during that week they met with the with the opening of our Food and Cookery room at the start of group of girls and boys who are really driving the links forward. In May Mr James Sills the school year. It has been a pleasure to see pupils making (WGSG) and I were fortunate enough to visit their two schools in Cape Town and what a trip very effective use of this new facility with all boys having had the it was! opportunity to learn some basic cooking skills. The Art Department moved into new, purpose-built accommodation in January. We have so many amazing memories from the week. Both schools were so warm and welcoming and we just felt so at home in both schools. What struck me was that regardless During 2011/2012 we have enjoyed excellent musical of where we are in the world, regardless of whether we live in brick built three bedroomed performances with our Chamber Concerts and termly Music Society houses or in a one roomed corrugated iron shack, regardless of whether our home language Concert, the last of which took place in the penultimate week of term. is Xhosa, English, Afrikaaans or Tswana, we are all the same with many of the same It is gratifying to see so many boys taking part in both music lessons uncertainties and issues when we are growing up. and our public events. Plans for the future include a The Awards Ceremony at the end of term provided the opportunity green fair across all four schools to celebrate the boys’ achievements during the course of the school in October, a film of a Day year and I congratulate all pupils on their successes whether they in the Life of one pupil from be in the classroom, or the sports field or through the wide variety each school (filming for this has of extracurricular opportunities. Hardly a week goes by without the already begun) and improved news of a significant achievement of some description. music links between all four schools. Students from our two At the end of the year we say our farewells to Mrs Finnegan (ICT), schools have already started Mrs Walker (Learning Mentor), and Mrs Mounsey (ICT), Mr Webb raising money and had stands at (Chemistry) and Mrs Nyakatawa, members of staff who have been two recent local fairs in order to with us for the duration of the academic year in a temporary capacity. promote our partnership. Please Staff retiring this year are Mrs Lewis (office administrator) who will go towww.iwele.org for more be retiring after nearly 23 years of service and Mr Hayes(caretaker) information and pictures as well as who will be retiring after nearly 11 years of service. Mrs Chalmers the blog we kept while we were (Music), Mrs Chambers (SEN Teaching Assistant) and Mrs Gibson there. (Science Technician) will be starting maternity leave and we wish them well with their new arrivals! From September 2012, Mrs Jones Mrs O Kahn (Deputy Headteacher) will be assuming the position of Head of History with Mrs Ahern as Head of Politics. I wish to pay tribute to Mr Clive Cooper who has served the school as Head of History and Politics with distinction for many years. Mr Cooper assumes a part-time position at Wirral Grammar from September. My thanks also to Mr Wayne Shaw who retired last year, but has been back for the whole of the year as a cover teacher.

From September, we will be welcoming the following new staff to our school: • Mr Gareth Edwards as Teacher of History and Politics • Mr Michael Yee as Teacher of ICT and Computing • Mr Taylor, Miss Steen and Miss Sephton as Teaching Assistants • Miss Walker as Art & Display Technician • Miss Ryan as Temporary Teacher of Music

I would also like to thank all parents for the superb support that they have given the school again this year and I hope that all families enjoy a relaxing summer break in what is going to be a very special Summer for Great Britain with the London Olympics. We hope that ‘Team GB’ fairs well and that the athletes who have spent so long in training achieve their goals. Open Evenings Mr David Hazeldine, Headteacher, will Our new academic year commences on Wednesday 5th September talk to parents in the school hall. Talks 2012. Within the first two weeks of the term I will write to all parents Parents of boys who will be in Year 6 at will be repeated at intervals during the with details of our examination results and our calendar of school their Primary School in September are evening. events for 2012/2013. invited to attend one of our Open Evenings on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th The whole school will be open for parents Best wishes October 2012 at 6.30pm. Our Open to view the work and activities of all Morning will take place on Friday 5th Departments and parents and pupils will October 2012 from 9.00am until 12 be able to talk to current pupils about life noon. at Wirral Grammar School. David Hazeldine Headteacher

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a chance to try out circus skills! There was Parliament Trip 2012 Study skills day diablo, poi, rhythm sticks and unicycles. It was the most fun I have had in an On the 10th of May, the Lower Sixth politics students went on On Wednesday 2nd May, Year afternoon at school ever! a trip to the Palace of Westminster in London to get a better 10 had their Study Skills Day. feel of how Parliament functions and to see democracy live To round off the day we were taught and in action. We set off on a very early 8:35am train to This day was designed to encourage us important methods of how to memorise London and arrived just after eleven. We then proceeded to to study well and revise effectively by information and to relax during the exam giving us tips on how best to use our time. period. All in all it was a fantastic day the Palace of Westminster via the London Underground. Throughout the day we took part in five which will certainly help us in our revision sessions. during this stressful period.

First, we learnt how mind-mapping is Ben Morris 10 PAC. an easy and creative way to revise information. We then took part in a group exercise where we had to construct straw bridges using our initiative and limited resources. This was a really fun and innovative team game, which I enjoyed.

Lastly, we had a session where we had five challenges to solve in groups. This thought-provoking task made us all use our minds to come up with solutions. Throughout the fun-packed day we had When we reached our destination of Embankment, we walked to Portcullis House; one of the modern buildings on the Thames, which is a hub for all politicians. It is here we met Alison McGovern MP, who greeted us in Portcullis House and gave a tour of the place. We then took an underground passage to the Palace of Westminster, and arrived in Westminster Hall. This is where the Queen holds some of her banquets when not in Buckingham Palace. The sheer history of the place was astounding and it was very interesting to see the heritage of our country.

Next we moved onto the Lobby, where many people who are part of a pressure group lobby the House of Commons or Lords. It was an interesting visit, as it is only 100 years old, yet the décor and ornate design suggests its being older. Activity Days After that we went to see the House of Commons, where we got to see Theresa May MP in action, defending her decision Boarding, Dancing, about Abu Hamza. Next, we went to the Liverpool Room, a Cooking and so much room for select committees, in which we had a question and more! This year Y7, answer session with Alison McGovern MP. Lastly we went to see the House of Lords. It showed how massive the difference Y8 and Y9 enjoyed a was between the Commons and the Lords, with the gold wide range of activities ornate design and the layout of tradition. during the PSHE Activity days held at the end of Overall it was a fantastic experience and was an aid for my the Spring term. studies and understanding of Parliament. A massive thanks to Mr and Mrs Ahern, and Mr Ronayne for taking us, as it was Pupils learnt street dance, first aid, a valuable experience cookery, yoga, sign language, African dance, skipping and skate Jay Panchal, L63BC boarding, and listened to talks on solvent abuse and alcohol addiction. Y9 pupils also participated in the Brook Bitesize event which really concentrates on Relationship and Sex education. Unfortunately Y10 and 11 pupils did not have activity days this year and although I know they have missed them it was a decision that was made because of the difficulty of finding time to accommodate the wealth of extra-curricular activities that the school offers.

Mrs O Kahn (Deputy Headteacher

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a visit to the former concentration camp STOP PRESS! SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2013 History trip 2013: at Auschwitz in Poland. 46 boys in the current Year 8 and 9 will be going on Berlin and Auschwitz the trip and I am sure they are already Next year’s major looking forwards to it. For those currently A report on the Munich trip at Easter in Year 7 and 8, another trip will be school production with 2012 has already been put on the school organised for the Easter of 2014, so your website. However I would like to add my son should watch this space, look out for the Girls’ School is: thanks first to the staff that accompanied any notices that come his way, as places me on the trip to make it the success it go fast for my trips. I realise that there Open Auditions: Years was. These are Mr Taws, Mr Metcalf, Mr are a lot of trips going on in school but C Hughes, Mr Shaw and Mr Atkinson. I the History trips have been a feature of 9-12 in September would also like to take this opportunity to school life for nearly 15 years now and thank the 64 boys from the current Years every Eastera one is planned with the 9 and 10 for their excellent and sensible boys who would be in Years 9 and 10 behaviour on the 6 day trip. They were at that time of the year. I hope some will complimented by members of the public be able to go, with the venue yet to be for their behaviour and manners which decided. Drama Cup Winner 2012 – is nice for the staff to hear. We were told at the Hard Rock Café in Munich by the Mr L McKibbin Ben Caveen resturant manager that we were the best behaved and most polite group they had The Drama Cup is awarded each year to the student had in years at that place, which was who has contributed the most to drama within the school. very impressive I think you will agree! This year’s worthy winner is Ben Caveen. Ben was first The trip for next year will focus on the involved in his Year 7 when he played one of Fagin’s boys history surrounding the city of Berlin and in ‘Oliver’!. His pure singing voice and undernourished physique was an obvious choice for the starving pickpocket in Fagin’s gang. “It isn’t surprising that putting yourself under the blinding lights of the theatre affects you. When three hundred people stare up at the stage, you are Ben’s next appearance was completely exposed and defenceless, with nowhere to run or hide. Your fate the main radio announcer is entirely in your hands, and the fear of failure is never so tangible. But the Jack Scott in ‘High School accompanying anticipation is electrifying; the adrenaline, a driving force. Musical’ which did not The pay-off that awaits is intensely satisfying; nothing is quite as rewarding require him to use his legs. as a laugh, applause or standing ovation. The confidence gleamed from the experience has a profound impact on your character. He then had a part in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. I was fortunate enough to be involved with the Drama Society from my first year of school. The production Oliver! required twelve year 7s for Fagin’s Ben really began his gang, and so my acting career began with the line “fabulous food!” From acting/singing career year 9 onwards, I have been involved with every production: the hilarious when puberty had been Little Shop of Horrors, the energising High School Musical, the terrifying successfully negotiated Sweeney Todd, the poignant Cabaret, and this year’s captivating We Will and he played three major Rock You. Each has showcased our school’s deep pool of talent with Danny’s roles, each one contrasted chilling portrayal of The Emcee and Yyanis’ challenging vocal performance as and each one a showcase Galileo particular standouts. The shows certainly could not go on without the for his extraordinary talent professionalism and commitment of our lighting, sound and backstage crews, and singing ability – Pirelli and the front of house ushers who solidify the theatrical experience. Of course, our productions are musicals — they are totally dependent upon the patience in ‘Sweeney Todd’, Herr and enthusiasm of our musical directors, Peter Snowdon and Amy Chalmers. Schultz in ‘Cabaret’ and the But the complete process, from first rehearsal to final night, is wholly lived by amazing performance our director Geoff Hinde MBE. His vision and guidance inspirationally pulls the he gave as Khashoggi entire operation together, from a group of disparate teenagers to a professional in ‘We Will Rock You’. theatre production.

Ben is a formidable Over the weeks and months of rehearsals and preparation, a tight bond performer and a great between the cast is formed. Some of the closest friendships begin backstage, asset to the Drama and the most enjoyable memories emanate from our party antics. These Society, always relationships and social fellowship are inevitably what are felt long after the giving support to final bow. Our school experience has been affected so deeply by drama, and others and boosting I personally would not be who I am today had I never performed. Now, as the morale. We will all curtains close on our time at Wirral Grammar, we are just stepping out onto the stage of the rest of our lives. We don’t yet know the script, but the direction miss him. we have received here will be invaluable in guiding us towards a starring performance.” G R Hinde MBE Ben Caveen U64KC

‘Nuntius on-line’ Larger articles can be found by accessing the ‘Nuntius On-Line’ link via the school website www.wirralgrammarboys.com Articles included are: ‘We Will Rock You’ review by Andrew McEwan U6

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT UPDATE HOUSE MATTERS – Continuing the Department’s visits to primary schools during the summer term, we were able to SUMMER UPDATE visit 5 of the schools who requested a visit but missed out in previous years. The Junior Brass Group, Treble Choir, Woodwind Group and Ukulele Group, as well as a number of soloists As the last few weeks are spent busily performed at Thornton Hough, Barnston, Devonshire, Christchurch and Hillside primary schools collecting House Commendations to throughout the day, and over 60 boys in years 7-10 were involved. 61 primary schools have establish which house will be in receipt now received performances in the last 12 years, and this is now one of the Department’s most of the House Rewards event on 10th important annual events. July, I thought it would be appropriate to offer a brief update on the on-going Kieran France L65, Jack Griffith L65 and Ross Handforth 11PC were asked to provide the developments within the house system. musical entertainment at a poetry reading event at Lingham’s Bookshop in Heswall on Thursday 3 May. This is the third time the school has been involved with this group, and Kieran (guitar & We have now appointed our new vocals), Ross (guitar & vocals) and Jack (flute) were warmly received by all who attended. House Captains. They are:

A GCSE trip to the International Music Eisteddfod in Llangollen was organised on Thursday 5 Luke Harris - Dodds July, involving 28 boys in Years 9 and 10. As well as listening to musical acts from all over the Stephen Caraher - Barber world, boys took the opportunity to participate first hand in a number of the music and dance James McIver - Hodgson routines, and there was also the opportunity to listen to various performers competing in the main Chris Crowley - Lever festival. Congratulations to these boys and I All of these groups and more performed to the usual high standard at the Summer Concert on wish them well for a successful year of Thursday 12 July, whilst the Music Society Dinner proved to be its normal gastronomic success leading their houses to great success. on Friday 13 July. Many thanks to Mr Phillip Connolly, an ex-pupil of the school who went to Cambridge to study music, for a most enjoyable speech, along with the other members of the A pilot scheme of awarding Music Forum reporting on their ensembles. cashless catering credits and amazon vouchers has been A number of boys took music examinations this term, but with the results not yet with us, running this school year. This has been congratulations will have to wait for Autumn’s Nuntius. However, the results from some of last a popular development but as with term’s exams did not make the Spring edition of Nuntius. Congratulations therefore to the all schemes has experienced a few following list of successful candidates, many of whom have passed with merit or distinction: teething difficulties. It is in the process of being reviewed and revised for Name Form Instrument Grade Result next school year and more details Sam Fisher 9JHH Keyboard 3 Distinction regarding this will follow in the autumn. Declan Barrigan 9JMC Keyboard 3 Distinction You will notice some changes Ethan Lloyd 8JB Keyboard 1 Merit to the 2012-3 Planner page Calum Ramsay 9IPT Guitar 3 Merit for the recording of House Adam Rasel Watson 9JMC Guitar 3 Merit Commendations. This is an Kevin Ren 7JM Piano 3 Merit attempt to simplify the recording of paper house commendations as well Ben Sanders L64 Piano 2 Distinction as allowing boys to record their totals Ben Turner 9JHH Keyboard 5 Distinction from Electronic House Commendations. Ben Jenkins 9JMC Keyboard 3 Distinction A distinct record will now be available Joseph Houghton 8RR Keyboard 2 Distinction for each half term. Daniel Lee 10HD Guitar 3 Pass Vertical Tutor Groups will Thomas Lewtas 8JB Guitar 2 Pass continue to be used on a regular basis Matthew Buckley 8JB Guitar 2 Merit for the purpose of developing inter- Jordan Price 10AS Guitar 3 Pass phase communication, although there Joseph Kershaw 9SMC Guitar 3 Distinction may be changes made to the number Daniel Hale 8GWG Piano 3 Pass and composition of these groups for the autumn term. Matthew Hooker 7JM Drums debut Distinction Zach Jones 8JB Piano 1 Distinction Along with the house captains, James Tarver 7AD Piano 5 Merit I look forward to reporting more Sam Molyneux 11WS Theory 5 Distinction developments within the house system William Bracken 8JB Piano 6 Distinction as next year unfolds and I thank all boys for the contributions they The whole Department wishes Mrs Chalmers well as she begins her maternity leave, and we have made to their house through welcome back Miss Ryan who will be covering music lessons during next year. working hard and through their many contributions to the extra-curricular life And finally, as the long summer months get under way with a vengeance, remember that 7 of the school. weeks without music lessons does not mean 7 weeks without practice! Mrs L Ahern. Mr P Thomas

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Thursday 10th May. The day started off brightly with an early start of 4am. Myself, Miss Burns, Comenius 2012 Mrs Walker and three fellow students met at school to make a start on what turned out to be one of the best trips of my life. We went to the small Spanish province of Melilla, situated on the north coast of Africa.

The trip to Melilla was part of the foreign exchange programme which six different countries attended, the six countries being ourselves, Turkey, Norway, Romania, Holland and the host Melilla, Spain. Our visit lasted for five days, from Thursday to Tuesday 15th May. During this time we stayed with Spanish students and their families. All hosts families spoke Spanish or Arabic as their first language with some of the people speaking bits of English and French. So despite the struggle to communicate, with best efforts and the combination of the three different languages we managed.

During our trip we took part in many different daytime and night activities. On the Friday night all six countries attended a cultural evening at the school where we performed for each other, We arrived at Melilla’s only airport showing some traditions, the ways of celebrating full of angst and anticipation. We and some talents from the countries involved. went on the trip as part of the Thankfully we had Leo Gopfert who proved to be European Eco Volunteers Project. a skilled guitarist and myself, Galen and Drew not The first thing I experienced in my as skilled accompanied him on stage for a bit of host students house was his mother’s friendly support. hospitality. I was bombarded with plates of chips, squid and all sorts The following day was the hottest of all days. The of exotic dishes filling my nostrils thermometer read 38 degrees; it also happened with the unusual but exciting to be the day of our three mile hike up into the aromas of the food. After eating mountains where all countries planted over 100 all I could and more I was told to new trees as part of the trip’s theme ‘European Eco get changed to go round to his friend’s house, where Volunteer’. After the tree planting we were treated the whole family was tucking in to about 3 roast chickens surrounded by to a traditional Spanish paella and barbeque in the other dishes. ‘Eat! Eat!’ everyone exclaimed in Spanish as they pointed breath taking location of the Melilla forest. towards the mountains of cuisine. On Tuesday we had to leave Melilla and fly home. The following morning students and teachers from all 6 countries walked We returned home from Melilla knowing we had through the mountains in the baking midday sun to do our bit for the made friendships that will last a lifetime and gained environment. We got out shovels and got to work at planting and watering memories which are impossible to forget. All the trees and after a couple of hours of hard manual labour Drew and I had students including myself have stayed in contact succeeded in planting 3 trees. The trip to Melilla was a great experience with our hosts and new friends and are taking where I have made lots of friends and also been part of a fantastic project. I another trip back to Melilla in the near future. am planning to return there as soon as possible. Lewis Keen 10HD Leo Gopfert 10HD

‘The Wirral Boys’

As a crucial part of our English revision for the literature GCSE this June, 22 students in Y11 visited the ‘Theatre on the Lake’ in Kendal to watch a production of Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’. The journey was rather long for an evening performance but the theatre’s setting and the outstanding performance more than compensated for it. Highlights of the evening were undoubtedly the pace and vibrancy of the staging, the fish and chip supper in Kendal and making our parents fetch us at 1.00am! Thanks to our parents, Mrs Davies and Mrs Kahn! Daniel Kowalski 11JLH

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Year 7 Trip to Normandy

Wherever you go in Normandy an overwhelming Onto our accommodation. Chateau Beaumont lies sense of history pervades. As soon as we left our in verdant, rolling countryside not far from the town overnight ferry at Caen the signs of our joint history of Laval. The main building speaks of a grand past pop up everywhere: ‘Pegasus Bridge 1944’ ‘The of 19th Century Romanticism and Impressionism, the Tomb of William the Conqueror’ ‘Juno Beach 1944’ novels of Stendhal and the paintings of Monet up The Bayeux Tapestry’ all testify to our intertwined, to WWII American officers with Jazz records and sometimes turbulent history. cigars.

Today a sense of peace and reconciliation with our The town of Laval is pretty and bustling on European neighbours is found everywhere, from the a Saturday market day, a chance for us to rows of German dead lying next to the graves of practise our French, eat ice cream, meringues the British soldiers to the flags of the Allies and the and sausages. This year an almost carnival The Fancy Dress dinner-Frogs Leg’s on the menu modern German nation presented together at the attitude prevailed with politicians and activists out altar in Bayeux Cathedral. campaigning for the National Assembly elections, all keen to have their photograph taken with lots The Tapestry is a masterpiece of medieval art and of Turquoise hoodies in the background! A visit to history telling. Today, kept in a low light to avoid the local hypermarket rounded off the morning with deterioration, it winds around the walls of its parent cheese, wine and perfume topping the shopping list building. When you reach the arrow in King along with forgotten towels and toiletries. Harold’s eye you know it was the end of the road for the tired, ill equipped Anglo-Saxon army and Saturday afternoon brought a wealth of activities England’s history and culture changed forever. including Zip-Wire, Archery and a pretty cold swim, the temperature down several degrees on last year. The annual French Fancy Dress evening followed with the ubiquitous stripy shirts and berets, the winner a striking French Paratrooper aka as Jean Claude van Damme aka Richard Morris (7JM). To the beach at St Malo My colleagues excelled themselves again with some er…interesting outfits. We had two roughy, toughy French football supporters, a French Maid, Americans. Unable to breach the massive stone a resistance girl from ‘Allo Allo’ a Can-Can dancer, walls the troops called in the US Air Force who someone who was a cross between D’Artagnan bombed the citadel for over a week until virtually and Cyrano de Bergerac and another, a mix of nothing was left. Today, the city has been lovingly Pierrot and Andy Pandy. The winner by a clear re-built and is a chic holiday destination for tourists margin was a splendid Foreign Legion Officer, from around Europe. looking like he was straight off a Hollywood film set. The boys Talent Show rounded off Sunday evening with some marvellous, very funny acts. The staff Mr Hughes and the boys outside Bayeux Cathedral Sunday and Mont St. Michel. This amazing Gothic were hard pressed to choose an overall winner but island edifice rises out of the sea to face its foes. Daniel Carter (7AD) made us laugh the most. W ell Never captured during the many wars of the middle- done and thanks to you all. ages between our nations a new addition this year is the park and ride facility which has dispensed Monday heralded an early start for the sojourn to with the crowds and makes access and egress Disney Paris. Despite a showery and cool day the easier. boys had a magnificent time before the long and sleepy journey home to CH63 3AQ. The bright blue hoodies turned up next in the beautiful town of St. Malo with its beaches and My heartfelt thanks to all the boys for their endless off-shore islands. It’s hard to believe that this ancient enthusiasm and to the staff of Wirral Grammar for ‘Corsair City’ was almost totally obliterated during simply being there. WWII. Following D-Day the German plan was to deny the Allies access to the Channel ports and the Mr P Ronayne The market in Laval garrison refused to surrender to the advancing Community Partnership Manager

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Community Development Mr P Ronayne Community Partnership Manager

Science Clubs are back! Where were you in ’92?

Miss McClure Do you remember the start of the Yugoslav Civil War in the Balkans? How with some of the about the opening of Euro Disney in Paris? Maybe you recall Denmark beating Germany to become European Champions? The Olympics in children in the Barcelona? Physics Lab Well…maybe some of you will remember After a break of nearly a day in September of that year when a two years Science helicopter landed on the field at WGSB to Clubs for Year 5 whizz away some of our boys for a flight children have resumed around the Wirral. at Wirral Grammar. Stuart Mackay of Crewe has sent me these amazing pictures of the Gazelle Miss McClure and Mr helicopter that landed on the field to pick up the boys pictured after they Mountford have been had won a team building exercise with the RAF. Stuart takes up the story: running the clubs for several weeks with ‘It flew in over the school rugby fields and landed just short of the children from Stanton playground. A fire engine also arrived as a safety precaution. It was so loud Road and St Andrews Primary schools attending. The clubs are proving as it landed, most of the school came out to look. I remember feeling lucky popular and even some Year 4 children have come along! to be one of the ones going up in it….It was the strangest feeling taking off vertically, like going up in a lift….It was incredible to see the school from the air! The whole day is still one of my fondest memories.’

My thanks to Stuart for the pictures and a smashing story. Do you have Wirral Grammar Boys’ any memories and photographs of your time at Wirral Grammar Boys? If Alumni you would like to share them please send me details at: pronayne@ wirralgrammarboys.com

My thanks to those former students and members Mr P Ronayne, Community Partnership Manager of staff who have contacted me about forming an Alumni Association at Wirral Grammar Boys. In order to take this forward please email me at: [email protected]

Include your contact details, the period you were at the school and any memories and anecdotes you may wish to share. At this stage it’s important to try to get as many people as possible aware of this initiative so if you have friends, relatives or colleagues who are former pupils, members of staff or anyone who has had close connections with the school please let them know!

I will be posting future updates on the school website. If you have any suggestions, ideas or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Chess Club Mobile Phone Policy – Reminder

Chess club is held on Wednesday lunchtimes (12:30- 1:30pm) and all are welcome Our policy on mobile phones is very clear. Pupils to join. Currently, in our ladder, James Evans is first, Frank Larty second and Nick are permitted to have phones available for use Ainsworth is third. Here,you can eat lunch whilst playing chess, but you are also before and after school but during the school day welcome to play other board games and puzzles. We took part in a chess tournament in they must be switched off and out of sight. Staff will the spring term and look forward to doing the same next year. Thank you very much for confiscate mobile phones that are on view/in use everybody who attends and thank you to Mrs Turner for giving her time up for the club. during the day and they will not be available for collection until the end of the next school day. Frank Larty 7LEM

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Family Welcome ALEX JARMAY: social interests when they had left school. Wirral Grammar As a student at Wirral Grammar School Transition Programme School 1997-2005 from 1997-2005, Alex was typified by his buoyant attitude and sense of fun. At the time of writing we are very nearly at the end He always knew how to throw himself of another successful Family Welcome Transition It was with the utmost shock and with gusto into the wider social life of Programme for Year 6 pupils and their families. This sadness that the entire school the school and was popular with a wide year 35 families signed up from the programme from community learned of the tragic circle of friends. Upon completion of 23 schools. The sessions covered discussion and death of Alex Jarmay on 27th study at A level Alex decided to move activities based on the following areas; self-esteem, February as the result of a violent into direct employment, first seeking a motivation, attention, organisation, team work, altercation whilst Alex was in career in the police service and then friendships and internet safety. We hope to run London to watch the Carling Cup moving into the distribution industry a family welcome reunion for all those who have Final between Liverpool and Cardiff where he was beginning to carve out a promising future. attended once their children start in year 7 …. more City. details to follow. That future has now been brutally and Both Alex and his brother Luke, who was tragically cut short and our thoughts and Thanks to all the parents/carers/grandparents with him when the incident occurred, deepest sympathies remain extended and students who attended this year’s programme shared several interests. They were fans of to Alex’s family and closest friends. We for making it so much fun! Thanks also go to Mrs Liverpool FC in the very warp and weft, will always remember him as a popular, Hardcastle and Mrs Evans for their help with the they were both students of this school cheerful and valued member of the school introduction and cookery sessions. and they both represented the school at community. Perhaps in the roar of the a senior level and with some distinction Anfield Kop we might always hear an Mrs Walker and Mrs Bradshaw on the Hockey pitch. Their closeness was echo of his presence. also seen in their pursuit of very similar

Wirral Grammar School Parents’ Association Meeting Dates for Parents’ Association 2012-2013 Our Annual General Meeting takes place on The following meetings will all take place at 7.00pm at school

Monday 10th September 2012 held AGM Monday 10 September 2012 in the dining hall at 7pm. Following Monday 15 October 2012 the AGM, there will be a Committee Meeting Monday 12 November 2012 Thursday 6 December 2012 at which officers will be appointed. All Tuesday 22 January 2013 parents are welcome to attend. Extra support Tuesday 5 March 2013 Tuesday 30 April 2013 is always welcome. Thursday 13 June 2013

Visit of Esther McVey MP

Esther McVey, Member of Parliament for Wirral West was a recent visitor to Wirral Grammar Boys.

Esther spoke to 40 6th Form students in the Conference Hall and answered questions on various subjects such as the economy and the recent local election results on Wirral. Afterwards, she was presented with a school plaque and flowers by Head Boy Sean Kavanagh.

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Year 9 Cricket Report SPORTS HONOURS The Year 9 team had only played two selected for other games were Alex 2011/12 games up until this report was written. Brophy, Liam Richardson, Oliver Sinclair, This was mainly due to cancellations Mitchell Crabb, Matthew Crowe, RUGBY due to the awful weather we have had Sean Griffiths, Gabriel Rutherford, 1ST XV National Daily Mail Vase Semi Finalists in this summer term. The first match was Daniel Heron, Oliver Webster, Tom U16s Preston Grasshoppers Floodlit Cup against Helsby, who batted first. The Marsden-Beckett, Callum Williams, Ian Competition Winners Wirral bowlers and fielders did a good Jones, Alex Burnet, Theo Johnson, Lewis Cheshire U16 Sevens Winners job to restrict Helsby to 81 for 9 off their Davies, Liam Hayes, Joe Laurence, Merchant Taylors School U16 Sevens 20 overs with Daniel Heron taking 2 Daniel Bristow, Sean Bissaker, Luke Winners for 9. In reply, Wirral had no answer Hassall, Joe Cartwright, Sam Hannah, Junior Bantams (U13s) Cheshire Cup Winners for Helby’s accurate bowling attack and Lewis Whiteley and Anish Yunas. CHESHIRE U18 Group Luke Harris only Sean Griffiths with 10 troubled the CHESHIRE U17 Group Jake Carter, Chris Crowley, scorers as Wirral went down heavily. In the two house matches played so Sandy Davidson, Alex Griffiths, In the second game, Wirral played far, Barber beat Dodds by 12 runs Mark Griffiths, Luke Harris St Anselms at Wirral CC. Batting first, with Will Hardy taking 4 for 8. Lever Daniel Bristow played some good shots beat Hodgson by 73 runs with Liam HOCKEY and batted sensibly in making 32 not Richardson making 34 and Daniel U18s Wirral Schools’ Champions out, with Wirral ending on 65 for 6. St Bristow taking 4 for 15. In the second Anselms had two good openers who round, Hodgson beat Barber on the U18 NW Semi Finalists managed to get the runs without loss last ball of the match, by 7 wickets, with North Indoor Hockey Finalists which meant a heavy defeat! However, Will Hardy scoring a 50 and Daniel U17 JRPC Andrew Heath, Sam Bilton many of the cricket squad have a lot of Heron 30. Dodds beat Lever with Tom – NW Selection potential and I hope they keep training Marsden-Beckett scoring 25 and Lewis and playing in the coming years. The Davies unbeaten on 48 for Dodds. BASKETBALL team captain is Will Hardy and those U16s (Year 11) Wirral Schools’ Champions who played in this game and were Mr L McKibbin U15s (Year 10) Wirral Schools’ Champions U12s (Year 7) Wirral Schools’ Champions

HANDBALL U15s (Year 10) National Finalists Year 8 Cricket Update U13s (Year 8) National Finalists The Summer of 2012 has not really arrived yet and when it does weather wise, I’m ENGLAND U16s Ben Brooks, Jordan Price sure the school cricket will improve. Nevertheless the Year 8 boys have attended nets from February and begun the season brightly. Despite narrow defeats to Bluecoat and SWIMMING Wilmslow in the Cheshire Cup, there is a positive look to a squad of 25. The school Hayden Ward Nationally ranked at 50m Breast Stroke house matches have shown that with the Anthony Knott famous performance that saw Jack Boniface North West 12s 1500m Open Hodgson win against Lever in the first round of matches. I would say I have never seen Water Regional Champion a better house match catch by Knott and his three wickets ensure is team won. Barber Nationally ranked at 200m Breast defeated Dodds after also defeating Hodgson in the second round. This will leave the Stroke mouth-watering tie between themselves and Lever for a chance at the House crown. ATHLETICS Mr A Metcalf Intermediates National Track and Field Cup (Year 9/10) NW ‘A’ Finalists Juniors (Year 7/8) National Track and Field Cup ATHLETICS Competitions: the Juniors earning NW ‘B’ Finalists an ‘A’ Final spot at the North West Year 7 Wirral Schools’ Year 7 Athletics Regional Finals in Blackpool and the Championship Winners The incessant wet weather since April Inters progressing to the ‘B’ Final. At has meant that much of the Athletics Year 8 Wirral Schools’ Year 8 Athletics the time of writing the regional finals Championship Winners season has been a ‘wash out’! have not yet taken place – a report However, there have nevertheless will be published in the next edition been some highlights! MOUNTAIN BIKING of Nuntius. Robert Rogers Sainsbury UK Schools’ Games Selection

Our Year 7 and Year 8 teams were Added to this, a number of our both winners of their respective FOOTBALL athletes were selected to represent Jake Philllips Tranmere Rovers Apprenticeship Competitions at the Wirral Schools’ Wirral Schools’ at the Merseyside Year 7 and Year 8 Track & Field Schools’ Championships, including Championships. CRICKET some from Year 7 which augers very Jonathan Crick U17 Cheshire well for the future! Our Junior and Inter teams both Matthew Stewart U16 Cheshire Jack Dixon U17 West Cheshire won their respective first round Mr P Crowley, Head of Physical English Schools’ Track & Field Cup Education

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After a few minutes of the restart the try of the game was scored. Deep in Junior Bantams their own half Wirral passed the ball down the backs to Charlie Norman who the bounced tackles and ran 60m to score under the posts, converted A team Played 20 Won 19 Lost 1 for 639 against 81 difference +558 by Will Titherington 19-0. More Wirral forward pressure led to a penalty B team Played 13 Won 13 Lost 0 for 563 against 60 difference +503 and the quick thinking Tom James tapped and went under the posts from 15m out, converted by Will Titherington, 26-0. With about 10 minutes to Another outstanding season, and one in which the B team have now gone go Wirral made numerous replacements to ensure all the squad got a run two years unbeaten, a great achievement by all the players that have been out with the game over. To Lymm`s credit they never gave up and scored 2 involved over the past couple of seasons. consolation tries which were also converted.

COWBRIDGE FINAL SCORE Wirral 26 Lymm 14. A very successful trip to South Wales saw great wins over Stanwell School 24-5, and Cowbridge School 17-0, the first time we had won SEVENS both games. The boys were a credit to the school and had a wonderful experience including a trip to the Millennium Stadium and Rodney Parade, KEQM`s Thurs. 24th February where they watched the Newport Gwent Dragons play Munster. The boys Another successful tournament saw us defeated in the Final against Lancaster got autographs of some famous Welsh internationals and appeared on Grammar School 21-5. The players were excellent in the group stages, television supporting the Dragons in their new rugby shirts and jester hats. only conceding 14, followed by a good 24-5 win in the semi-final against To Mr Mckibbin`s pleasure the Triple Crown was paraded around the Altrincham Grammar. Top Scorer: Charlie Norman 55 points (7 tries, 10 ground to rapturous applause from the Welsh supporters and also all our conversions) lads, showing no signs of bitterness at the result from the week before at Twickenham. Once again the lads were very courteous both on and off the BRADFORD Wednesday 7th March pitch, and only got their chance to have a go at Mr McKibbin when at the In a very prestigious tournament with all the top schools in the North BAA in the Millennium Stadium. They used this opportunity to get all the competing we had another excellent performance. Group wins over Sheep jokes out at once. I would like to thank the players for their behaviour Crossley Heath, Lymm , and Audenshaw meant we needed to beat and also Mr McKibbin for organising all the events over the weekend. Lancaster to qualif. After two defeats to them we would have to be at our best. A convincing 24-14 win laid the ghosts to rest, and in the Final CHESHIRE CUP FINAL game we beat RGS Newcastle 19-5 to lift the trophy. Top Scorer: Nathan Wednesday 25th April 2012 - Wirral Grammar School v Lymm High Mckinney 53 points (7 tries, 9 conversions) School I would like to thank all the players for their efforts throughout the season, The final was played at Wilmslow RUFC and was contested by the best and also like to thank the parents for their magnificent support both home two teams in the county. It was a magnificent game with both sides trying to and away and to those parents who help with refreshments on Saturday run the ball from all parts of the pitch in poor conditions, a credit to all the mornings. Mr Hughes has been an excellent help this year and his support players. has pushed both teams to play a much better standard and continue their rugby journey onwards and upwards. Finally I would like to wish all the After some early Lymm pressure, Wirral`s forwards took the ascendancy players every success for next season, and thank them for being a fantastic and powered towards the defence’s try line. The backs then moved the ball team to coach this season. along the line to give Tom James an easy run in for the first try 5-0. Wirral continued to control the ball and scored through Captain Scott Southwell, Junior Bantams Coach converted by Nathan McKinney 12-0. HALF TIME Wirral 12 Lymm 0. Andy McKinney

Team Captains gave their annual reports which were very well delivered, Colours were awarded and ANNUAL RUGBY individual trophies were presented as below:

CLUB DINNER Individual Trophy Winners:

In May, over 200 boys, parents G Noonan Novices Cup (U12 Player of the Season) Jack Nelson and staff attended the 45th Annual E Langton Junior Bantams Trophy (U13 Player of the Season) Scott Southwell School Rugby Dinner in the School E G Hodgkinson Bantams Cup (U14 Player of the Season) Will Hardy/Liam Hayes Hall. The Guest Speaker this year was Corporal Stephen Ashcroft of The Colts Cup (U15 Player of the Season) Jordan Price the RAF Regiment and Wirral GS 1st Wirral RUFC Under 16 Cup (U16 Player of the Season) Tom Parry XV 1998 – 2000. Stephen was very 2nd XV Player of the Year Ed Forshaw badly injured whilst on a tour of duty in Afghanistan nearly two years ago, West Trophy (1st XV Players’ Player of the Season) Tom Sweeney but has made great strides towards J P Howarth 1st XV Cup (1st XV Captain’s Trophy) Chris Burrows recovery. He received a magnificent welcome and spoke superbly about Thompson Cup (Top Captain) Matthew Stewart both his time playing rugby at Wirral Kent Trophy (An Outstanding Contribution to Rugby Football) Chris Burrows Grammar School and his experiences in Afghanistan. Mr P Crowley, Head of Physical Education

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Head Boy Team: Appointments School Lost Property Service

Following the process of staff and student nominations and The school operates a Lost Property Service, the co-ordinator candidate interviews, the following students have been for which is Mr McKinney. The unclaimed lost property has appointed: been a growing concern to us and amounts to considerable replacement expenses for parents. The arrangements are as Head Boy: George Wilkinson follows:

Deputy Head Boys: James Sexty 1. The Lost Property Room is located near the gym, next to and Christopher Wiles the playground entrance. 2. The room is open on three days each week: Wednesday, House Captains: Luke Harris - Dodds Thursday and Friday from 8.45am to 9.00am. Stephen Caraher – Barber James McIver – Hodgson 3. The room already contains a wide range of items Christopher Crowley - Lever including; glasses, pencil cases, watches, sports kits (including boots and trainers), trousers, jackets, coats, Senior Prefects/Charity Co-Ordinators: calculators and keys. Simon Flavell, Max Hunt, Sandy Davidson and Jack Griffith 4. MOST of the lost property is unnamed. This means that we cannot return the lost items to their owners. We wish our new Head Boy Team every success for their period of office in 2012/2013. 5. If your son has lost an item, please remind him to go to the Lost Property Room at the stated time.

6. At the end of each term, unclaimed lost property will be given to local charities. Fundraising Update - We are now nearly at the end of another year of 7. Please ensure that all items of personal property (clothing, charity fundraising and the current bags, shoes, equipment etc) have your son’s name on amount raised for Cancer Research UK is them. Where names are included, we are able to return items to their owners. a fantastic £7,169.59. Any queries relating to items of lost property should be Everyone in the school should be congratulated for their part in directed to Mr McKinney. raising this sum, but the fundraising hasn’t finished yet! With the money from the recent disco still to be counted, as well as the annual Fun Run and another non-uniform day to come, it’s possible we could reach the highest total ever. Wirral Grammar School is also participating in The Big Give, a part of the Parents’ Thank you to Mitchell Philanthropy in Schools programme, throughout the summer term Group for supporting and has secured sponsorship from the Mitchell Group. Special Surveys - The congratulations must go to 7RW as the form that has raised the our Charity ‘Big most money but this year’s Head Boy Team would like to thank 2011/2012 each and every one of you for your help in raising money this Give’ Programme year. Analyses

Head Boy Team Many thanks to all parents who have reported through our Parents’ Evening surveys Fundraising which are always available at our Parents’ For the next academic year the four senior prefects are also acting Evenings. The full as Charity Co-ordinators to raise as much money as possible for the analyses for all year school’s chosen charity. They are Max Hunt, Simon Flavell, Sandy groups will be available Davidson and Jack Griffith of the Upper Sixth. If you have any ideas very shortly. Please of charity fundraisers please do not hesitate to contact us. follow the link from our website home page. Max Hunt Senior Prefect/Charity Co-Ordinator

Admissions Enquiries: enquiries relating to admissions should be directed to Mrs Tanya Fry in www.wirralgrammarboys.com school on 0151 644 0908 or by visiting the school website: www.wirralgrammarboys.com/admissions • news • achievements • events • admissions an ISO9001 Quality and ISO14001 Environmental accredited company. (ref 4471-07/12), Created by www.concept4.com