High School News Issue 4: April 2011

Dear Parents/Carers As this term draws to a close, the students have once again started to prepare for modules in Year 10, GCSE exams in Year 11 and AS and A2 examinations in Years 12 and 13. I hope that revision timetables have been drawn up but that the students will allow themselves some free time to enjoy their Easter break. This has been a very exciting and busy term at the High School. As mentioned in the letter you should have received earlier in the week, the school became one of the new outstanding Academies on the 1st April. We look forward to the greater amount of freedom this will give us. Two events that have certainly required planning and a great deal of enthusiasm from students and staff have been the visit from the Baroness Royall, the Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, and the final of School’s Question Time. The Baroness Royall was an inspiring speaker who talked about the workings of the House of Lords and also about a range of topics, such as should prisoners have the right to vote. She was particularly keen on getting young people involved in politics. We have been delighted as a school that she has asked Chelsey Walsh in Year 13 to sit on an advisory panel which the Baroness is chairing to look at how young people can be engaged in politics. Schools’ Question Time has been a fantastic competition for our politics students in particular, but has involved students throughout the school. The students won the first two rounds of the competition (as mentioned in a previous newsletter) and became South West winners. They then had to organise, by themselves, a live debate which was watched by two judges from the BBC. The live debate happened in the school hall just a few weeks ago in front of an audience of 120 people. It was a lively debate and details about it can be found in this newsletter. They will know the outcome of the event in the next few weeks, and whether or not they have won. A week ago we also had the Leavers’ Concert. This was an excellent celebration of the outstanding musical contributions of Year 13 to the school. All students performed with great skill and will be remembered for their contribution to the school orchestra and choir. Just this week we have hosted the German and French exchanges. Students and staff have had an excellent time in Gloucester and my thanks go to all the parents/carers who have hosted students. The exchanges are fantastic opportunities, not just for improving speaking in languages, but also in enabling young people to make friends in different places in Europe. The hall was also a hive of activity on Saturday, 26th March when the Former Students’ Association held their AGM and lunch. Our students did us proud at this event as two students, Eleanor Pickett and Emily Maxted, played a variety of pieces on their flutes, while girls from the main school danced for the former students. I am particularly grateful to the students who gave up their Saturday so willingly, not only to provide the entertainment, but also to come and talk to former students. As always at this time of the year it gives me the greatest pleasure to announce the Head Girl, Head Boy and two Deputies for the 2011-12 academic year. All will be taking up their posts on 27th April at the start of Term 5. Head Girl – Hannah Carrie Head Boy – Henry Robins Deputy Head Girls – Alanna Collier-Cromwell and Emily Martin I am looking forward to working with them as each new team brings a different perspective on the school. I wish to thank Matilda Young (Head Girl 2010-11), Joseph Collins (Head Boy 2010-11) and their Deputies, Emily Maxted and Chelsey Walsh, for their outstanding contribution to the school over the past academic year. They have worked particularly well as a team and have enabled many changes to take place which will enable student voice to develop further within the school. I have asked them to write an article for the next newsletter about their experiences in these positions of responsibility. Personally I owe them a great depth of gratitude. Changes to the names of rooms I am not sure how the students have managed with room names over the years, but since my arrival at the school four years ago, I have had to grapple with finding rooms. Room numbers, to me, do not seem to have a logical order – so I was forever looking for Room 19, Room 26 or indeed, Hut D. After discussions with staff it was decided to re-name the rooms. This will happen over the Easter break. Hopefully students will then find it easier to find their way around school. We have adopted either the first or the first two letters of the subjects which are predominantly taught in the room. So the maths rooms become M1 – M5; History becomes H1 and H2; Room 14 becomes the Textiles Studio, etc. It may seem confusing at first, but I hope that, in the long run, students will find it easier to move around the school. The new names and their old equivalents are indicated on the following page. I wish all staff, students, parents/carers and governors a well deserved rest over the break and a Happy Easter. Best wishes,

Mrs Sawicka, Headteacher

Page 1 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 What’s on in Term 5 … You should have received this newsletter via email … Monday, 25th April Easter Monday th We are setting up the structure to send parents/carers Tuesday, 26 April School closed for regular emails and updates about the High School and Staff Training hopefully you should have received this newsletter via th Wednesday, 27 April Term 5 Begins email. If you have not received this newsletter via This is Week 2 email it may be worth checking your spam filter or that Summer uniform may be we have your correct email address on our system. We worn from today would value your views on the information you would Thursday, 28th April Consultation Evening for like to receive and how often you would like to receive Year 10 Parents/Carers updates. We have put a survey on the school and Students website (www.hsfg.gloucs.sch.uk) so please Friday, 29th April Bank Holiday – Royal take the time to fill it in. Thank you to those Wedding parents/carers who have already taken part in the Saturday, 30th April Duke of Edinburgh Bronze survey. Practice Weekend (return Mark McShane, Deputy Head 1st May) Monday, 2nd May Early May Bank Holiday New Room Names th Old New Wednesday, 4 May Governors’ Finance Maths Room 3 M1 Committee Meeting – Room 4 M2 6.00 pm Room 5 M3 Monday, 9th May PTA Committee Meeting – Room 6 M4 7.30 pm Languages Room 10 L1 th Room 11 L2 Tuesday, 10 May Governors’ Meeting Room 12 L3 (Management) – 6.00 pm Room 13 L4 Wednesday, 11th May Year 7 Progress FLA Room L5 Monitoring Sheets issued Art Room 19 AS1 Saturday, 14th May Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Room 29 AS2 Textiles Room 14 TS1 Qualifying Weekend Food Room Room 17 FT1 (return 15th) Technology Room 8 DS1 Monday, 16th May Start of GCSE, AS and A2 Hut T DS2 exams (until 27th June) IT Room 1 IT1 th Room B IT2 Wednesday, 18 May Consultation Evening for Music Room 27 MU1 Year 8 Parents/Carers Room 26 MU2 (not students) Practice Rooms MU3 Monday, 23rd May Second-hand uniform sale MU4 – 3.30 – 4.30 pm MU5 Sixth Form C1 SF1 Year 6 Welcome Evening C2 SF2 – 7.00 pm English E1 same Thursday, 26th May Years 7-9 Song and Dance E2 same Evening – 7.00 pm E3 same Friday, 27th May Year 10 Science Module – E4 same E5 same am Drama Studio DR1 Term 5 ends at Science S1 SC1 3.30 pm S2 SC2 Monday, 30th May – Friday, 3rd June – Early S3 SC3 S4 SC4 Summer Break S5 SC5 Term 6: Monday, 6th June – Friday, 22nd July New Lab SC6 Parking! Physics SC7 Humanities 30 G1 Please could parents/carers refrain from parking on 31 G2 the yellow lines in front of the school at any time 32 H1 during the day. U-turns are also being performed 33 H2 outside the school which is extremely dangerous. Room D GP1 These actions are endangering both pedestrians Psychology/Sociology M1 PY1 M2 SO1 and cyclists. Please see page 9 for new parking M3 T1 restrictions. RS Room A RS1

Page 2 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 A Right Royall Visit! World Book Non-uniform Day

Here are some of the students who dressed up as characters for ‘World Book Day’.

The High School Politics’ students were lucky enough to have a visit from a rather illustrious guest on the 11th March. Baroness Royall (who insisted on being called Jan) came in to deliver a talk about the workings of the House of Lords, as well as the political system in general. The Baroness is the Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords – and was previously special advisor to Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and Gordon Brown – and as such was able to give a colourful, often amusing, account of the goings-on in Westminster! Living locally in nearby Blaisdon, Jan has been involved in many recent campaigns, in particular the “Hands Off Our Forest” campaign in the Forest of Dean, which managed to overturn the Public Bodies Bill that proposed the privatisation of UK woodland. As the Baroness said herself, “Our woodlands really are a vital part of Britain’s heritage and so had to be kept safe from the government’s far-reaching programme of cuts to public spending”. The talk was incredibly well- received by even the staunchest Conservatives in our midst and it gave students an excellent insight into how Government really works. Almost an hour of questions followed her initial presentation which covered a huge range of topics, from voting reform and gender equality, to foreign policy and the NHS. Politics teacher Mr Kennedy said of the morning, “I think it’s been a great success. It’s talks like these that can really get students enthused about politics and we’re incredibly lucky to have Baroness Royall here with us today”. Ben Horton, Year 12TT

Creative Writing Competition The closing date for this competition is now Tuesday May 3rd. Open to all years, from Year 7 to Year 13, entries should be on the theme of childhood. Students may choose to write the opening chapter of a novel, a short story or a poem. Further details from the English Department or the Library.

Page 3 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 Maths & Psychology trip to New York – February 2011

The journey began at 2.00 am Planet Hollywood, the Statue of on a rainy Saturday morning in Liberty and many more! Tesco’s car park. 40 eager Although obviously not students and 4 brave teachers forgetting Bloomingdales and filed onto the coach for the Macys. start of their transatlantic Each day was packed with non- adventure. stop activities, with clear We arrived at the Westside favourites being both of the YMCA, luckily still in the observation platforms of the company of Dr Young, who was Empire State and Rockefeller taken away and searched at buildings, which enabled us to airport security, while Mr Bush have a panoramic view of New misplaced his passport and, in York City. The snow-capped his panic, ran into a lamp post! buildings and their sheer height From sightseeing to shopping, and density were breathtaking; our days consisted of riding the it was an indescribable metro and touring New York’s experience, definitely worth main attractions. For the standing outside in minus teachers, navigating the temperatures for! ‘concrete jungle’ with a party of On 25th February 40 worn out 44 was no easy task, especially students and 4 exhausted with all the girls, and Jon, teachers arrived back in the UK wanting to stop on every street after the trip of a lifetime. Eyes to do more shopping! drooping and suitcases bulging, Among the sights we saw were they boarded the coach back to Times Square, Broadway, Gloucester before dispersing 5th Avenue, the Empire State and going home. Building, Rockefeller Platform, By Ellie Dolby and Hannah

Hard Rock Café, Ground Zero, Carrie 12VV Introduction of experimental waiting restrictions to address parking problems and safety issues for students/staff entering and exiting the school This experimental review was guided by requests from residents, the police and the school, with a view to improving the management of parking in the vicinity of the High School. The police, City and County Councillors have all been consulted on a preliminary basis and support the Experimental Order. Summary of Experimental Restrictions – effective from 28th February 2011  No stopping on school entrance markings between 8.00 am – 4.00 pm, Monday – Friday.  No waiting at any time on the following junctions: Oxford Road/Denmark Road, Seabroke Road/Denmark Road/Henry Road, North Road/Seabroke Road/Lansdown Road, Malvern Road/Lansdown Road, Hinton Road/Lansdown Road  No waiting and no loading at any time around the Electricity Sub-Station in between Lansdown/ Denmark Roads and on either side of Denmark Road (Kingsholm Road end). The Order is experimental and may continue to be in force for a period of up to 18 months commencing from the date it was first made. Within 6 months, and no later than 29th August 2011, any person may object to its indefinite consultation. Any representation must be made in writing to Director of Law and Administration, Quayside House, Quay Street, Gloucester GL1 2TZ quoting reference HB/47393. A copy of the plan is available in reception to view. Thank you for your co-operation. Mrs Dallow

Page 4 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 Learning Resource Centre News Non-Uniform Day To celebrate World The Library has really been Book Day students buzzing! In addition to our weekly came to school dressed activities, Tasnim Alam of 12YY as their favourite has started a Creative fiction characters. As a Writing Club at lunch- part of Book Week, the time on Tuesdays. library was holding a The group winners of the fancy dress competition Students are currently fancy dress compet- working on their ition, judged by an X factor-esque panel of teachers – entries for the Young some, notably, having made more of an effort with their Writers’ Mini Saga costumes than others. English teacher, Mrs Murran, competition and, of managed to calm the crowd momentarily before course, for our own commenting that this was “the most wonderful the School Creative Wri- library has ever looked”. ting Competition. Our heroes from “Holes” giggled and nudged each other Every Monday Sixth up the catwalk before dutifully posing for the panel, Form Librarians have waving their carefully crafted, laminated card spades. been running the ‘Big This opened the floodgates for a variety of characters: Fat Quiz’ – a quiz with The individual winner of the the audience were treated to a very energetic Pippy fancy dress competition a difference. Longstocking, an odd arrangement of the Mad Hatter, Each week one team the Artful Dodger, and Noddy, and Renn from “Wolf has been eliminated until there was a winning team Brother” (with her own home-made bow, which wowed from Year 8. the judges) to name just a few! We would like to thank you all for your support of the Although the Judges were very impressed with the effort Scholastic Book Fair. We raised an impressive £228 made by the entrants, there could only be two winners and have used this to purchase new fiction. (group winners and single winner). After a frantic drumroll Of course the main event of the term has been Book from everyone, it was announced that our trio from Week. Each day had its own event: a Treasure Hunt, “Holes” had won the group category (and a box of a visit from popular author Jo Cotterill, a quiz and Maltesers) whilst Renn (alias Alisa Davies of 9NE) won the dressing up as characters from books on World Book individual category, along with a book token. Day itself. We hope you enjoy reading these Emily Reed, Year 12 accounts written by the students.

The Book Week Quiz! News from the Dining Room On the 2nd of March 2011 the Library held a quiz in We have had a very busy term. We honour of World Book Week. Nine teams entered to have had lots of special days: Chinese represent their forms. There were four teams entered New Year, St David’s Day and from Year 7, four teams from Year 8 and one team St Patrick’s Day. We also had a ‘Day from Year 9. with a Difference’ with chefs from Knorr Food Service. There were some very creative team names including, After Easter we will be having celebrations for American The Dazzling Pages, The Team With No Name, Independence Day on 4th July and Bastille Day on 14th Spellbound and many more… July. Please see the menus in your tutor bases. Round 1 questions were general knowledge, round 2 We are now stocking healthy bags of guess the people in the people from the pictures, dried fruit that can be found in the round 3 films, round 4 authors and round 5 was true vending machine and also by the tills. We or false questions. will be having a slightly altered menu Two teams came joint 1st. The teams who won were next term, so please see menus in tutor Spellbound from 7F (Ashleigh Hirst, Izzie Green, bases or ask at the dining hall. The current menu is Safoorah Dhalech, Mehjabi Moolla, Hannah Haggie) always to be found on the dining room entrance door. and The Team with No Name from 7D (Lydia Crabb, The ordering system is going well, but please remember Alex Dodd, Beth Ablett, Julia Parsonage, Beth to write your exact requirements. If you put main meal Edmondson and Rebecca Layzell). you will get the whole meal! Please also state if you do The runners up were ‘No nothin’ ‘bout books’ from 8R not wish to have custard or vegetables. We will be and ‘Krásné’ from 7G. wearing our ‘eat well, do well’ uniforms on Fridays and We would like to thank everyone for participating in ‘Special’ days. Weather permitting, ice lollies will be on the Book Week Quiz 2011! sale in the Summer term. Hope you all have a good By Ashleigh Hirst, Isobel Caine, Katie Hayter Easter and don’t eat too much chocolate! and Molly Hage La Verne Armstrong, Catering Manager

Page 5 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011

and Austin Healey visit the High School for Girls

On February 17th 20 Year 10 girls were given the opportunity to attend a rugby session organised by ESPN. The session was run by a number of coaches, including ex- England player, Austin Healey, and TV presenter, Mark Durden Smith, with the aim of trying to get more girls involved in rugby. During the session we learnt various skills and drills, such as passing and tackling, and eventually put our practice into play with a 10-a-side mini-game. At the beginning, everyone was a bit unsure of what to expect as many of us had never played rugby, but before long we all became familiar with the game and really considerable success. We look forward to providing enjoyed ourselves. Overall, it was a really good day our sponsors with a squad photo of the boys taken and we were all grateful for the opportunity. on the pitch at Kingsholm.

The inaugural season of rugby has been a huge success and it is hoped that this team will be the first of many to represent the High School on the rugby pitch. Miss Leathart

Gloucester Rugby are delighted to ann- ounce that boy band sensation 'The Wanted' will perform live at Boys’ Rugby Kingsholm on Sunday, The boys’ rugby team continues to go from strength 29th May, for what will be the first music concert to strength. They have continued to enjoy coaching hosted at Kingsholm. sessions with Scott Hambleton who has worked hard The Wanted, whose number one hit single 'All time to develop the boys’ skills and fitness and has given low' has been nominated for 'best British single' at his invaluable support and advice at matches. The the 2011 Brit Awards, are one of the hottest boy squad have also benefitted from a special coaching bands around. session that was delivered by ESPN. During the Book your tickets online at http://www.liveat session the boys gained a valuable insight into the kingsholm.co.uk or http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk game of rugby from ex-England and British Lions alternatively contact the club direct on 0871 871 scrum-half Austin Healey as well as being put 8781 and choose option 2. through their paces by a team of three excellent coaches. Year 8 Orienteering The boys have now played a total of four matches. They have enjoyed victories over Pates 3rd XV, Beaufort 2nd XV, Bournside 2ndXV and lost to Tewkesbury 2ndXV. All the games have been hard fought and have offered the team the opportunity to put their skills to the test. The squad have two fixtures remaining against a Sir Thomas Riches 6th Form XV and Gloucester Academy. Thomas Badger has worked extremely hard to encourage local business to sponsor the boys with

Page 6 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 2011 Ski Trip to Schladming, Austria

On Saturday, 19th February a The next group of 40 excited girls and 5 morning willing staff got on the coach everyone ready for a 27-hour journey to got up Austria. We all had our purple bright and hoodies on: we looked the part! early ready We stopped at certain service to have stations and slept a lot of the breakfast way. When we got to and venture Schladming, we got off the to the coach and found our suitcases. slopes. We Everyone was then given their climbed on keys and ran up to their rooms to the excitedly. After this, we were coach, had a called room by room and had quick check our skies, boots and poles fitted. we hadn’t forgotten anything was the silliest person that day. We were all ready for a good (which lots of people had) and Each night a different person got night’s sleep but instead we all set off. We had been put into it, starting with Rhiannon Ryder, went down to dinner wondering ability groups and went our then Alex Rowberry, Miss Leathart what the food would be like. different ways, knowing we and Alice Davies! We always had soup to start off would see each other at lunch. It our meal and that day we had had snowed the night before so Every day, after 5 hours of skiing, chips. it was very scenic and beautiful. we took part in a different activity. We shopped in Schladming, had a The snow was great to ski on. We met at lunchtime and talked quiz night and bowled. The overall about our amazing morning; we experience was fantastic. The view then left to carry on skiing. was lovely and each day was great That night we went swimming; fun! I would recommend this trip the pool had a slide, a whirlpool to anyone. and a swimming area. Later that By Annabel Staley and day (after dinner) we nominated Rhiannon Ryder , Year 8 people for the moose hat. This District Netball Tournament Community Sports Leader Award Teams A group of Year 12 students have been from the working towards their Community Sports Leaders’ Award and have recently had the High School in opportunity to attend Kingsholm Primary Years 7, School where they led a mixed ability group of Year 5 students in 3 weeks of 8, 9, 10 and 11 sports sessions. competed The students were responsible for the in their planning, delivering and evaluation of the sessions. They started by introducing respective district tournaments this term. For the first time in several years, the High School were victorious at each event. some basic ball skills and then developed All teams, without exception, played competent netball this into a 'benchball' game. The students’ against the City schools and demonstrated excellent team hard work culminated in the Year 5s work. The senior tournament proved to be particularly taking part in a tournament. exciting with both the Year 10 and the Year 11 team As a part of the course the Year 12 competing for the district title. The deciding match was a students have also led potted sports closely fought game between the two with the winning goal activities for Year 7 students and fitness being scored in the final minute to allow the Year 10 team to sessions for Year 11. become District champions. Well done to all students concerned. It A fantastic finish to the netball season - well done to all can be daunting leading little children but players. they definitely rose to the challenge. Mrs Kirk Mrs King

Page 7 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 Important Information for Parents/Carers Please note that the guidance from the DfE on Driving tests should be taken during free lessons or holidays/leave of absence during school time clearly out of school time. Doctor/dentist appointment cards states that time off school for family holidays is should be shown to Student Services when students not a right. It is given at the discretion of the sign out. Parents/carers should pick up Year 7-11 Headteacher and can only be given “if the students from Student Services (near the library). circumstances warrant it”. Leave of absence can only Students in Years 7 - 11 cannot leave the school be given, for example, if a parent/carer is on leave premises without a parent/carer/adult picking from the forces or in the case of serious illness or them up from Student Services. This person bereavement. should be on our system as a contact. Requests for leave of absence must arrive in school at Data Sheets least one month before the date of departure, on Please make sure the data we hold on your the appropriate Leave of Absence form which is daughter/son is correct. Some data sheets are still available from our website (details below). outstanding for students. It is important that we hold Only the Headteacher can give permission for leave of current telephone numbers and addresses just in case absence, even for a music exam. Parents/carers need of an emergency. Please contact the main office to fill in leave of absence forms to request absence immediately if you change your address, telephone BEFORE it is required. Forms can be downloaded number or email address or if you wish to change a from our website (www.hsfg.gloucs.sch.uk/PDF/Leave contact on your daughter’s/son’s details. You can %20of%20Absence.pdf). email [email protected] with changes.

Textiles Department Study leave dates for the Summer Do you have any textile materials Examinations lurking in the back of your cupboards or Year 11 & 12 - Last day – Friday, 13th May. drawers? If so, the Textiles Department Year 13 will leave at 12.30 pm on Friday, 27th May. is currently seeking a range of Year 12 will return to begin their A2 courses on unwanted fabrics, buttons, lace, beads Monday, 13th June. scrabble letters, buttons, ribbons, used DRY teabags, old plain bed sheets, Advance Warning – Results ostrich eggs, and beads suitable for A Levels Results – Thursday, 18th August 2011 recycling projects. GCSE Results – Thursday, 25th August 2011 If you are willing to donate such items, please send them into school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank HSFG absence Line: you in advance for your donations, they are very much appreciated. 01452 389983 (24 hour answerphone) Miss Bennett Summer Uniform High School for Girls’ Showcase – th Students may wear summer uniform from Alice in Wonderland - Thursday, 14 & th Wednesday, 27th April until the end of Term 6. Friday, 15 July – keep these dates free in Please note that all students should return to school your diary! Tickets will be available May/June in September in full winter uniform. – keep a look-out on our website. Mrs Dallow Term Dates for Students – 2011/12 Examination Timings Term 1: Monday, 5th September – Thursday, 20th Morning Examinations October 2011 st th 8.45 am Students must register for the exams and Term 2: Monday, 31 October – Friday, 16 queue ready to move to examination room. December 2011 Term 3: Wednesday, 4th January – Friday, 10th 9.00 am Examinations start promptly. February 2012 Afternoon Examinations Term 4: Monday, 20th February – Friday, 30th March 1.15 pm Students must register for exams and queue 2012 ready to move to examination room. Term 5: Monday, 16th April – Friday, 1st June 1.30 pm Examinations start promptly. Term 6: Monday, 11th June – Thursday, 18th July

Page 8 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 Year 8 District Netball Tournament Schools’ Question Time @ High School On Tuesday, 29th March, a team of Year 12 politics’ students put on an hour- long Question Time event in the third and final stage of the BBC’s Schools’ Question Time competition. Months of hard work and determination culminated in a fantastic evening of political debate and discussion, organised entirely by the students, aided only by the wisdom of Mr Kennedy and Mr McShane. An audience of over 120 people joined us to see local politicians discuss topical issues such as the importance of including women in politics, whether

On Tuesday, 22nd March, the Year 8 netball team played in the Gloucester District Tournament. We got off to a good start beating Severn Vale and

Beaufort.

Our next match was against Churchdown, this was one of the closest matches but with the team prisoners should be given the vote and how much the passing and marking very well we managed to score government should be getting involved in the current some great goals, eventually beating them. With situation in Libya. Our panel consisted of ex-MP for our spirits high we played the next match with Stroud, David Drew; Liberal Democrat Councillor confidence. We had some great defence and Sebastian Field; Superintendent Bridget Woodhall; managed to beat St. Peters. Our final, and Conservative Councillor Mark Hawthorne; and a Year 11 toughest match, was against Ribston Hall, our student from the High School, Helen Tatlow. The panel greatest rivals. Ribston were marking tightly but we were very good sports and worked extremely well dodged and passed well in the centre of the court, together, batting contrasting viewpoints back and forth scoring some great goals. After half time they came and answering spontaneous questions from audience back stronger and we really pushed ourselves in members. Chairing the debate was Councillor Debbie order to win. The final score was 8-5 to us - this Lewellyn, who did a brilliant job of rallying the audience meant we had won the tournament! Thank you to ask their questions and encouraging a lively debate very much to Miss Wilkes for being a great coach. between the panellists. The event was attended by two The whole team played excellently and we are judges from the BBC and we will find out in the next few grateful for the opportunity. weeks whether or not we were successful in winning the By Hannah Green, Year 8 competition. The dedication and enthusiasm exhibited by the team have been truly remarkable, and whatever Living Gloucester is the outcome, it is safe to say that this has been a Gloucester City wonderful experience that will shape our futures and Council's million-piece, stay with us throughout our lives. four-dimensional jigsaw of our city. Laura Scott, Year 12 The site is based on three broad themes of Gloucester Made, Gloucester Histories and Gloucester People and has been designed to provide an entertaining and educational analysis of the City. You can explore each theme by hitting the top bar and whilst you're there, try out the exciting interactive areas. If you've got your own Gloucester stories contact Living Gloucester with them. Like the city, the site will be changing and growing all the time. www.livinggloucester.co.uk

Page 9 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 High School for Girls’ Music District Swimming Gala Department – A Plea On Wednesday, 16th March the High School for The school holds a number of ‘larger’ concerts throughout Girls took part in the District Swimming gala held at the year to give our numerous musical ensembles the GL1. chance to perform. If your child is a member of a school Students from Years 7-12 represented the school in musical group they will be expected to perform in the a number of events over 50 and 100m, including a following concerts: Prizegiving in September (usually just fun canon relay with Sir Thomas Richs’ to end the the Orchestra), the Charity Concert in December, and the event. Leavers’ Concert in March. These dates are published in The girls performed exceptionally well, securing a the calendar every September and letters are distributed majority of first and second positions in the first during rehearsals in the preceding weeks giving more half of the day’s events. These gave the High details about the evening. School a leading position after the 50 metre events. Increasingly, it seems students are telling us the day A strong sense of sportsmanship and support before, or even on the day, that they are unable to within the squad lasted throughout the day, with all attend, often for no particular reason other than it is year groups cheering each other on. “inconvenient”. We are extremely lucky to have many The High School finished less than 10 points shy of talented musicians in the school and we base our choice first place, finally finishing second. However, the of repertoire, even entire concerts, on the number and girls were pleased to have beaten their close rivals level of students. Even if only a few key performers are of last year, Newent, pushing them into third place. missing from an ensemble it can throw the entire public It was, again, a pleasure to escort the swimming performance. squad to the competition, who performed and We are sure you will appreciate that it is very stressful to conducted themselves at the highest level. be told at the last minute if someone is unable to Miss Wilkes perform. We do understand there occasionally will be a clash with a date, but we would welcome a letter or email with plenty of warning before the performance so we can make any necessary adjustments. There seems to be a pattern developing of students who attend final rehearsals during school time (and thus miss lessons) but then simply do not attend the evening concerts. We would be really grateful if you would check the new diary in September and mark in the concert dates so we can avoid this situation next year. Many thanks. Music Department

Leavers’ Concert The three flautists all performed Hall of the Mountain King’ and An appreciative audience listened musically and confidently: Ruth highlights from Harry Potter to to the school’s musical ensembles Smith played a movement from a open the second half and we as well as solo items from our Year Concerto by Bach, Ellie Pickett ended the evening with a toe- 13 students, marking their final performed the melodic ‘Sun- tapping slot from the Jazz Band concert within school. streams’ and Emily Maxted wowed directed by Carole Marshall. The evening started with a rousing us with a Concertino by Good luck to all the Year 13 rendition of ‘Dance of the Chaminade. Leavers, we hope you will continue Tumblers’ played by the Orchestra. Rachael Holsgrove performed a to enjoy performing in the future. We were treated to a jazzy version trumpet solo by Ravel which Mr Haynes of the clarinet solo Tattle Tale from evoked a Spanish scene with its Zoe Steinhardt and a technically habanera rhythms. proficient Haydn piano Sonata from Naomi Harris gave a confident Helen Udolloress. vocal performance of Laudate The Junior Choir sang beautifully Dominum by Mozart. and the Senior Choir went for out- Izzy Trott sang a solo in the Senior right show tunes with ‘I’m Gonna Choir and Lucy Holman performed Wash that Man Right Out of my in a flute ensemble. Hair’ and ‘All that Jazz’, both The Concert Band gave two performed with great conviction. powerful performances of ‘In the

Page 10 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011

Re-design Sustainable Living Competition Croeso I Sain ffagan

th On Friday, 25 March, six Year 13 Product Design students visited Oxford University, to take part in the Re-design Sustainable Living Competition run by the On Friday 26th March, the whole of Year 7 ventured Ellen MacArthur foundation. The foundation across the border and into Wales to St Fagans, as part encourages all people who have a stake in the UK’s of their DEAL experience. infrastructure to re-think, re-design and build a more From the very start of the day, we were lucky to have sustainable future. warm sunny weather which made exploring this Set with a task, our six intrepid designers took part in outdoor museum a real treat. The aim was to study a a day’s workshop. Professional advice was on hand variety of buildings from Celtic times to the present from five sectors of industry, BT, B&Q, Renault, Cisco day. and the National Grid, who helped guide us as to the The highlights of the day were undoubtedly:- viability of our design proposals for sustainable living  the amazing St Teilo’s church with its brilliant wall here in the UK. Also present was Dame Ellen herself, paintings – to help Middle Age congregations who spent time working with each of the 28 schools understand Biblical stories which would only have attending, as well as giving an inspirational speech been heard in Latin in church on her experiences of sailing and why ultimately she  the Celtic village with its dark and pretty smelly gave all this up to start the Ellen Macarthur thatched houses foundation.  the Rhyd–y-car – a row of terraced houses from The day proved very useful, and was enjoyed by all various years between 1850 and 1970, which were those involved. Many new ideas were presented to tiny in comparison to modern houses and showed the students, and really gave us plenty to think about such extraordinary features as the bath in the in the future! kitchen, the outdoor tin baths and the “coffin drop” Tom Badger, Year 13  the Cockpit, where barbaric sports were held Royal Wedding Fun Day  the Gwalia stores – a mid-twentieth century shop which seemed to attract many visitors for ice-cream at Gloucester Rugby Club and traditional sweets.

A FREE family fun day will be held at Gloucester We were very grateful to all the staff – Miss Wilkes, Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium to celebrate the royal Mrs Welsh, Mrs Day, Mrs Le Prevost, Mr Colvin and wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Mr Haynes for making the day possible – but were sponsored by Mitsubishi Motors Cheltenham and extremely glad to get back to our own houses with Gloucester. electricity, running water, kitchens and indoor loos! From 10.00 am at Kingsholm Stadium on Friday, 29 April there will be a host of entertainment on offer at the famous ground including the chance for children to get into fancy dress and have their faces painted. There will also be the opportunity for children aged 7 to 14 to get involved in the on-pitch activities arranged by Play Gloucestershire. Watch out for the kooky clowns and caricaturist doing the rounds, don’t miss live music performed throughout the day by ‘The Bridge’, have a go on the selection of fun fair rides, and tuck into the hog roast and barbecue. The wedding will also be shown live on the big screen in Kingsholm’s Shogun Bar. Admission: Free of charge, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Page 11 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011 High School History Society Free activities for Easter - The History Society have been completing their locally and further afield …… animation project and studying Royal Weddings in GLOUCESTER FOLK MUSEUM, GLOUCESTER History, ready for Prince William and Kate's A truly spectacular array of artefacts can be found behind the walls of the attractive timber-framed Tudor and Jacobean wedding. This concluded on Monday, 4th April with a Royal Tea Party to showcase their display buildings (one of which being traditionally associated with the final night of the protestant martyr, Bishop Hooper) that make work and mini films. up the Gloucester Folk Museum. Easter activities too! THE MUSEUM IN THE PARK, STRATFORD PARK, STROUD Set in beautiful parkland is a rather grand 17th Century Mansion House, which currently houses colourful and varied displays celebrating the rich and diverse history of the Stroud District. CHELTENHAM ART GALLERY & MUSEUM Maybe you want to explore Cheltenham's history and the galleries of ceramics, jewellery and oriental art, or maybe you want to discover the Arts and Crafts Movement gallery with its internationally important collections. This ever-changing building is home to a wealth of art and design plus free exhibitions throughout the year. TETBURY POLICE MUSEUM, TETBURY Dedicated to the Gloucestershire Constabulary and fast becoming one of the main attractions in this lovely town, the High School museum is housed in the original Police office and (extremely Former Students’ Association secure) cells. DEAN FOREST RAILWAY MUSEUM, LYDNEY Calling all Former Students and School Not content with running their lovely steam and diesel trains, Leavers the DFR also operates a superb museum with a large Would you like to keep in touch with the school collection of Forest of Dean and Severn & Wye railway and its activities? Why not join the High School memorabilia and telecommunication equipment. Combine a Former Students’ Association? It gives you the train ride through wonderful countryside with a visit to the opportunity to meet old friends and receive museum for a perfect day out. information about the school. You will also be SOMERSET SPACE WALK, NORTH PETHERTON, contributing financial support to the school’s social SOMERSET The Spacewalk is a full-scale model of our solar system, fund. Membership of the Association is only arranged along 15 miles of the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. £15.00 for Life or £2.00 for Annual Membership. Ride or cycle all or part of the route, looking for models of the If you would like to join, or find out more about planets. Signposted off the A38. the Association, visit the school’s website at SOMERSET RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, GLASTONBURY http://www.hsfg.gloucs.sch.uk where you Learn how to make cider and grow willows at this West will find a Former Students’ page or contact us at Country museum, which shows what Victorian farming life [email protected] was like in a series of reconstructed farm buildings. Sue Price and Pat Burdett, FSA Secretaries NATIONAL ROMAN LEGION MUSEUM, NEWPORT Learn how the Romans changed our lives in this fascinating museum built within the remains of the Roman fortress at PTA - 49 CLUB Caerleon. Try on replica armour and see what it was like to be a centurion. www.museumwales.ac.uk We have launched a new numbers ST FAGANS NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM, CARDIFF club to help raise money for the St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and school, called the 49 Club. To enter, Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the you will need to pay £12 for a year’s grounds of the magnificent St Fagan’s Castle, a late 16th- subscription and then choose your century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the lucky number between 1 and 49. On the last Earl of Plymouth. Free admission but car parking is £3.50. Saturday of each month the bonus ball from the NATIONAL SLATE MUSEUM, LLANBERIS, GWYNEDD National Lottery will be used to select a winner for This offers a fascinating insight into the slate industry and is that month. If the club has a full 49 players, the surprisingly great fun for kids because it is built in Victorian prize for the month will be £20. workshops in an old quarry and feels just like it did back in its heyday. If you are interested in joining, or require further COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM, COVENTRY information, please contact Tim Sheppard by email: View hundreds of cars, buses, bikes and engines - with loads [email protected] of extra Easter activities. www.transportmuseum.com

Page 12 of 12 - High School for Girls’ Newsletter – Issue 4 – April 2011