MADRID TRIP WALES HIGH SCHOOL During February half term, a group of students from Y10-Y13 visited EASTER 2017 NEWSLETTER the Spanish capital, Madrid. It was an amazing experience and we got to live the city life for a few days In a different year we might have started the Summer term by this point and we and experienced some real finally arrive at the Easter break after an extremely productive period since Spanish culture firsthand. We visited some famous places, such Christmas. as the Las Ventas Bullring, I am excited by the prospect of the Summer exams and would like to wish all of our El Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid’s stadium), Toledo students who face the challenges of Public Examination, the very best of luck as (one of Spain’s most historic they continue to prepare over the next two weeks. I would also like to remind you towns), and many other fantastic places. We even had the chance all, it is never too late to make a difference, so approach this task with energy and to sample real Spanish tapas – it enthusiasm ….and please, do not forget to find some time for yourselves as well! was delicious! We say goodbye today to Mr Rowbottom, after a short period with the school and On the last night we ate at the Hard Rock Café, which was a Miss Isherwood who is moving back across The Pennines to be nearer her family. lovely way to finish a fabulous trip. We are also celebrating the retirement of Mrs Fowkes and Mrs Cole, who together, It was an amazing trip and the group got along really well, with have served the school and its community for 37 and 32 years respectively. They lots of new friendships made. have been enormous influences in shaping the school into what it is today and We can’t wait to go away again have touched the lives of so many of you over their time of service. They leave a next year! great void and will be sorely missed. We wish them well for the future. Easter Camp – 50 excited Y7 students are setting off tomorrow (Saturday, 8 April) for Easter Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Easter. Please stay Camp. They will spend 6 nights in caravans on the beautiful site at Pentewan Sands, St Austell, safe, and I look forward to welcoming you back into school after the holidays. Cornwall and take part in various activities. Let’s hope the sun shines for them! Pepe Di’Iasio, Headteacher

Carol Banks 20.01.1957 – 01.02.2017

In February we said a sad farewell to Carol Banks, a long standing member of our cleaning team, who passed away suddenly whilst at work.

Carol was a well-respected and well-loved member of our community who had worked at the school for twenty three years. She lived close to the school and many of you may End of Term have known her and her extended family. Full School Assembly She will be deeply missed by all at Wales High School.

MFL Foreign Language Spelling Bee - This year we have launched the Y7 spelling competition in French and Spanish which has seen all of Y7 taking part in class competitions! Y7s had to learn 50 words in the target language and how to spell the words out too in the French or Spanish alphabet! It was a tough competition but our wonderful Y7s rose to the challenge!

Winners of the class competitions: 7.1 Grace Williams. Runner up: Liam Betts 7.2 Erin Street. Runners up: Talia Bingham-Lewis, Fenn Russell, Scarlett Mitchell 7.3 Ava Allen. Runners up: Chloe Jolley, Flynn Ward 7.4 Eve Elliot. Runners up: Cameron Bird, Libby Raper 7.5 Georgia Hansell-Hides. Runners up: Isabella Donald, Jacob Grudziak 7.6 Milo Smith. Runners up: Millie Hammer, Caitlin Hutchinson 7.7 Ben Anderson. Runners up: Hollie Anthony, Simeon Jones 7.8 Eva Gorecki Hunt. Runners up: Louise Dimbleby, Miles Ridge 7.9 Jack Ashton. Runners up: George Carnall, Amelia Moore 7.10 Maisy Lyne. Runners up: Eve Senior, Olivia Fletcher

We then had a final school competition to find our overall winners! The finalists had to learn some new, more complex spellings and we held a nail-biting final! Congratulations to our winners! World Book Day Spanish champion: Ava Allen, 7.3

On Thursday 2nd March, Wales High School celebrated World Book Day in style, with staff French champion: George Carnall, 7.9 dressing up as famous characters from literature and each tutor group decorating a door to Thank you to all our fabulous competitors in Y7 and look out for next year’s competition! resemble the cover of a well-loved book. Parents and students got involved at Parents' Evening, with Sam Back of 8.3 winning a £25 voucher for guessing which characters certain staff members were dressed as!

In a hard-fought competition, the PE department and Music department were joint winners for best-dressed department, and the winner of the doors was a Peter-Pan themed door in Learning Support. The Great Big Book Swap took place in the Grand Hall, with students sharing their favourite reads. Mrs Bolton, Leader of Literacy, said, "a love of reading is critical to the success of our students but, more importantly, at Wales High School we promote reading as part of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. World Book Day has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this whole-school ethos, but engaging our students in reading is an ongoing passion of ours."

Other Literacy - Four students this term have the opportunity to have their mini-sagas published, after gaining winning places in the nationwide creative-writing competition "Your World, Your Words." Well done to Morgan Whitworth, Victoria Thornewell, Gleb Cipriani and Sam Hudson!

Two students have also hit a significant milestone in their reading. Well done to Ellie Godhard in Year 9 and Talia Thompson in Year 7, for being the first two students to complete the mammoth "16 Classics Before 16" Challenge, where students are asked to read 16 classic books before they reach the age of 16. Both girls have received significant prizes to mark this achievement. Their names will also go onto the Wales High School Reading Hall of Fame!

MFL NEWS

MFL Challenge Event On Tuesday 7 March, 20 Y11 French and Spanish students visited Chapeltown PD/JSo Academy to take part in a languages April 2017

competition. The event started with us Dear Parent/Guardian walking into the academy, proudly carrying the trophy (that we won last year!). At this I would like to inform you that we are planning a change to our school day for the next academic year. year’s event we had to take part in a You will be aware that our educational landscape and the demands on schools have changed dramatically over the number of difficult language challenges, last decade and we want to ensure that Wales High School remains at the forefront of educational development and including crosswords, translation quizzes that our students gain the best possible opportunities during their time with us. and counting to 20 in Latin. Once the marks had been counted, we were announced as We have some exciting and innovative ideas that will enable us to offer all our students a curriculum which prepares them for life in the twenty first century. I am confident that you will share our vision of the opportunities this will open the proud winners for the second year up for your child’s future choices and understand to provide this, a change to the structure of our current school day running. After our glorious victory, we travelled to Meadowhall for a celebratory meal at the is needed. Tapas Revolution restaurant. We enjoyed a variety of typical Spanish dishes, and as the staff were so impressed, they even gave us a free serving of churros con chocolate for dessert. The To support the changes, we have worked with both Kiveton Park Infant School and Meadows Junior School about the most effective times to start and end our days to help parents, families and the local community to reduce meal was universally enjoyed by all and we returned to school late, but full and victorious. Next congestion and permit safer journeys to and from school for all. A letter will follow from these schools to confirm year we’ll make it three victories on the bounce! their arrangements to support this. We have also consulted with the school bus company to ensure that our students get the very best journeys to and from school.

Our new teaching week will encompass the following ideas:

- a slightly earlier start to the day; WHS Quizlet Sets are now up and running. MFL - an additional lesson in the week to allow for greater breadth of options and enrichment across the school; students can access their class sets on phones, tablets and - a 26 lesson teaching week, as part of which 1 day of the week (Monday) will have 6 lessons of teaching, and 4 computers. Learning vocab is now easier and more fun! days will continue to have 5 lessons of teaching; Just search either WHS French or WHS Spanish and look - a reduction in wasted ‘travel time’ between lessons; for the Spanish and French flags and your specific year - more teaching time in the morning sessions; group to get practising on the go! - the removal of afternoon tutor group time; - a slightly shortened lunchtime, though one which is still long enough for clubs, activities and intervention sessions; - an earlier finish on 4 days of the week. This term, in Spanish club we have been playing with and learning about the Spanish deck of cards. Instead of diamonds, hearts, spades and clubs there are copas, espadas, oros, bastos. You can see below how the structure of the planned new school day would look: We have learnt and played lots of new Spanish card games. For example “el cinquillo”, “la escoba”, “el reloj”. These have been helping us develop our knowledge of the Spanish 8.25 - 8.45 Tutor Group 8.45 - 9.45 Period 1 culture! 9.45 - 10.45 Period 2 Also, we have been creating games to remember the verbs we have learnt by using recycled 10.45 - 11.05 Break 11.05 - 12.05 Period 3 items. All by using an egg box and some bottle caps. It is a great way to revise the verbs 12.05 - 1.05 Period 4 especially for any tests as it is easy to do and doesn’t include buying anything, just recycling - 1.05 - 1.50 Lunch and this is all to help us remember our verbs by using an interesting game. 1.50 - 2.50 Period 5 (Tuesday to Friday) 2.50 - 3.50 Period 6 (Monday)

I am sure that a key reason for selecting Wales as the school for your child is in the breadth, depth and range of curricular and extra-curricular activities that we pride ourselves in offering. These developments will give us the opportunity to maintain all that we currently provide, as well as the flexibility to continue to offer even more for all our students and community.

Yours sincerely

G Di’Iasio Headteacher Safer Internet Day 2017

This year’s Safer Internet Day competition saw students in years 7, 8 and 9 entering with either Plastering a poster, an animation or a story. The winner for the poster was Mia Finnie in 8.3. The animation category was won by Ben Oxley and William Gabbitas in 8.2. The best story Plastering is a trade that is consistently looking to hire young workers, therefore it would be an was an entry from Ava Allen, Libby Raper and Emily Linton in Y7. excellent choice for those wanting to start an apprenticeship. By choosing the course at The KSVA, you will be able to practice plastering and see if the subject is right for you.

Woodwork

In woodwork, you will start by creating a workshop rod and, while doing so, learn about the measuring and jointing of wooden objects. Woodwork has a variety of vacancies available and at The KSVA you will learn the wood working skills you need to progress as a joiner.

Completed frames from woodwork

There is also a Hair and Beauty subject that can be taken for those who wish to find a career in this trade.

Overall, the Kevin Shore Vocational Academy is an extraordinary establishment that can help increase your abilities in construction and help you find the career you need.

COURSES AVAILABLE AT THE KEVIN SHORE TEAM HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE TAKE DISNEY BY STORM(TROOPER) “Educational, awesome and fun” aren’t often found together in a VOCATIONAL ACADEMY sentence ……. especially from a 17 year old in the sixth form. I By Tom Andrew 13.2 would also like to bet that being “treated like adults and being given free time to enjoy shopping plus being with our friends to explore the Have you ever been interested in hand craftsmanship? area” wouldn’t be a common answer if you asked an 18 year old what they had enjoyed about a school visit either.

Perhaps you are thinking about starting a career in construction based Well, they’re just 2 of the comments from the 31 sixth formers who jobs? went to EuroDisney at the end of January with the Health and Social Care Department. With 2 full days in the Walt Disney Studios and

Then you might like to consider choosing The Kevin Shore Vocational Academy (KSVA) for a Disneyland Paris as well as an evening meal in Planet Hollywood sixth form course where you will be given the opportunity to test your skills in numerous and accommodation in a Wild-West themed hotel this was no different trades in the construction industry. ordinary school visit.

This includes: You’re forgiven for thinking that we were there on a jolly, but let me stop you right there - we had work Bricklaying to do. Two seminars, which linked to the sixth form courses in Childcare and Health and Social Care that we offer here at Wales, You will start the course by creating a regular brick wall saw students able to explore classroom topics through real life and then move on to bigger tasks for example; we are currently in the process of building a bungalow. scenarios as discussed by Disney employees (although they Bricklaying can be a well-paid and flexible job so it is prefer to be called cast members!). When it came to our workshop worth considering studying at the KSVA in Y12. session I almost burst with pride - the workshop leaders were absolutely gob smacked at how our students seized the challenge Bungalow in construction of designing a new area for Disney whilst considering the

additional needs of a range of guests. There was no time to lose as all of our students set to with their ideas for what could be offered to elderly guests, families Plumbing and individuals with additional needs such as visual impairments, hearing difficulties and youngsters with autism. In fact we got so into this that we are continuing to develop our ideas and With plumbing, you will take part in activities involving we are entering them into a Disney competition later this Spring! pipework, soldering and constructing plumbing rigs. You will start connecting small pipes together and will then Enough of the work we had to do – after all we were embracing the move on to dressing a sink. wonders of Disney. Lots of us had met up with characters including You’ll be able to learn everything you need to know Mickey, Minnie, Donald (Duck not Trump) and even storm troopers about this career at the KSVA. with our 2 day park pass but the visit wouldn’t be complete without Pipes that have been stuck together in plumbing us experiencing the full Disney parade and evening firework/laser show. In fact many students have rated the parade and lightshow as being the best part of the visit (hey, Electrics we’re all big kids at heart really). Check In electrics you will learn the variations of circuits. You us out on twitter @HSC4WHS and you’ll start by wiring up a regular plug socket and you will then move on to crafting a ring-main. You will learn the basics see how much we lived the dream in on how circuits work which will help you train as an Disney. electrician in the future. PS. Does anyone want to go with us in 2 years time? Then study Health and Social Care and/or Childcare in Circuit board created in electronics Sixth form…… Want more info? Contact Dr Bouskill ([email protected])

Creative Careers in focus for Year 9 at Harry Potter Studios - The Art Department gave Y9 students an inspiring insight into the range of creative careers in film and television at The Harry Potter Studios in Watford . Students were excited to experience the actual sets and props from I am studying the CACHE We offer very successful Level I am studying CACHE level 3 the iconic films and were able to see for themselves how the magic was created. Exploring the level 3 Diploma Childcare 2 and Level 3 Childcare Diploma in Childcare and worlds of set design, animatronics, animation, costume, make-up and special effects gave Education (Early Years courses ….. In years 10 and 11 Education (Early Years students an understanding of how their art lessons could be their first step towards a rewarding Educator). I study in school 3 students study the CACHE Educator). When studying this creative career. days a week and do course I work at a Children’s Level 2 Award in Child placement two days a week. Nursery. I go to placement for a In my placement I work with Development and Care. Then first-hand experience of what young children and plan the in sixth form we offer the dealing with children is like. My activities they do. I also work CACHE Level 3 Certificate in placement is lovely and it is a with staff as part of the team. Childcare and Education as a pleasure to spend time with the I have already learnt so single option and the CACHE children and watch them grow. much while being at Level 3 Diploma in Childcare When I finish my two years I hope placement and I am really to go onto university, and this and Education – Early Years enjoying it. It will be very sad course will give me enough to leave at the end of the Educator (Chloe & Heather UCAS points to do this. When I year. When I finish sixth form clearly love this course….) as a pass this course I will be fully I am hoping to do this as a full time option. qualified as an Early Year’s career. When I pass this We are proud that for the last 5 Educator which means I can go course I will be fully qualified years we have continuously on to work in a Nursery straight to work with young children been rated as OUTSTANDING away as part of the staff ratio. in a Nursery. by CACHE. This course provides great Chloe Smith Y12 opportunities for the future. Heather Johnson Y12

Be Strong Online Ambassadors Our Be Strong Online Ambassadors delivered lessons on “Selfies and Self-Esteem” to Y7s. The ambassadors demonstrated team work and organisational skills as well as improving their confidence in public speaking. Well done to Grace Fletcher-Sorsby, Lewis Kilner, Tia Marshall, Elvie Weaver, Alice Fallon, Bethany Pitchford, Ryan Newton-Jessop, Lauren Brunt, Nikki Vernon, Lucy Hill and Lily Denton.

Blackpool Hairdressing Competition, Winter Gardens Geography – Google Expeditions In March the Hairdressing students attended Blackpool Hair Competition at the Winter Gardens. The venue Imagine visiting the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, having the view of David Attenborough in the offered various competitions, demonstrations and a trade Amazon Rainforest or even seeing the penguins in Antarctica. Geography invited the Google fair. Three of our students entered the competition. The Expeditions team into school to allow students from Y7 to Y13 to go on virtual field trips, three students who entered the competition entered a first immersing themselves in experiences that bring abstract concepts to life and giving each timer class and the results were scrutinised by a selection individual a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom. of judges. The students were in a class that was made up of students from other colleges and salons up and down the country. The students were excellent Ambassadors for the school and performed creative results against their fellow contestants who were, I want to point out, two or three years older than that of our students. This was the first time the students have experienced a competition like this. The first time competitors were fantastic and the way they worked together was a credit to them. The Competition supports one of the units that they are working towards and builds the knowledge of "what" skills are required for a career such as being a Hairdresser or Beautician has to be involved with. The competitions inspired and motivated the students and they are all determined to enter next year for different classes. The trip was a great success.

BBC School Report - Thursday 16th March

13 Y8 students worked with Sheffield Hallam University's journalists to produce the school's news. It was a unique opportunity to have a go at being a real reporter and students were given the chance to present the news and to work the cue behind the scenes. Our Y8s benefited from professional advice on how to structure their articles and tips on how to interview and work as a team to a strict deadline.

You can see the results of their fantastic work on the BBC School Report section of the 'News' tab, on the school website.

A Year 8 Shining Star The Year 8 team would like to send our congratulations to Reiss Askey who has recently been performing on a nationwide tour of ‘The Full Monty’ alongside some of Britain’s most well-known actors. Reiss has shown incredible commitment and hard work for the last 6 months in order to perform in the show. He has been able to complete his studies and also play an integral role in the production. Reiss has been acting on stage for a number of years and this is hopefully the beginning of an exciting journey for Reiss. Well done Reiss! Easter Fun Y8 History Visit, St. Paul’s - Year 8 students enjoyed a visit to St Paul's in which they looked at Rotherham Town Centre the role of St Paul's over time. The students climbed to the Whispering Gallery to enjoy the view. Saturday 15th April, 10.30am to 3.30pm They also visited the journalists church of St Brides on Fleet Street, the Guildhall Art Gallery and the Roman Amphitheatre were the students tried out some gladiator moves! This great day offers sports activities and games in the Minster Gardens with All Saints’ Square hosting Easter crafts to make and take home, cupcake decorating, face painting and brilliant entertainment from the Mad Hatter Magic Show and Mr Dan’s Punch & Judy Show.

Plus, look out for our Easter Bonnet Competition on Facebook …prizes to be won! https://www.facebook.com/events/1537246769637230/

For more information please contact the Events Team on 01709 255500 or email: [email protected]

Year 7 Church Trip - One windy week in March, Year 7 and The R.E Department set off on their annual pilgrimage to St John the Baptist Church in Wales. The students have recently been studying about the Church, its features and its uses. Students were able to experience a Holy Building and look at some of the rather ancient features such as the almost 1000 year old font! Year 7 behaved fantastically and many commented that it had been their first time visiting a Church. As you can see much excitement was had by all!

Pop Maths Competition - On Saturday 4th March, four teams from Wales competed in the annual Pop Maths quiz at Sheffield Hallam University against schools from across the region. All four teams performed exceptionally well with the Year 8 team taking 2nd place in the key stage 3 event scoring 18/20 - a new school record! Friends of Wales High School It has been many years since the “Friends of Wales High School” were an active and thriving group of parents, who contributed enormously to school life. Subsequent attempts to revive them have received a lukewarm response, yet for a school which values the community it serves, it is something we would dearly like to rekindle. The enthusiasm for groups of this nature is cyclical and we do currently have parents who are interested in working with others to support the school in a variety of ways. If you would like to be involved in such a group or have ideas for how we could move this forward, please contact Mrs Fox at [email protected] to register your interest. We hope to meet shortly after the Easter break to share our thoughts.

Badminton Success ARC Course - Achieving Respect and Confidence Well done to our Year 9 Girls who came 3rd in the South Yorkshire Badminton Finals, a fantastic effort and excellent play by all, Melissa Coxon, Danielle Collinson, Eve Tiler and Katie Hunter

Netball

Well done to our Year 8 Netball Team, who have qualified through to the Rotherham Finals day being Unbeaten on their tournament. Captained by Alice Fallon they had 4 fantastic wins:

Aston 5-4, Winterhill 6-1, Clifton 9-0 and Dinnington 10-0

Good Luck for Finals Day Girls!!

Alice Fallon 8.3 has been chosen from the Sheffield Hatters Basketball Club to attend a one week basketball camp in Sardinia, Italy. The Basketball Camp will take place from 2nd-8th July and will also include language, educational and cultural activities. This is a fantastic experience Eight of our students from Y9 and Y10 had the chance to spend 5 days at Eastwood Fire for Alice and we wish her well on this exciting venture. Station on the ARC Course.

The ARC project offers young people aged 14–16 years the opportunity to work with Fire Service and Police staff following a set of programmed activities. The aims are to adopt a new Girls Rugby at Wales set of values, help address the consequences of anti-social behaviour, promote teamwork, gain self-esteem, self-confidence and improve communication skills, help achieve self-empowerment This year has seen the U15s Girls and self-discipline. The course also allowed our students to have awareness of the dangers of; Rugby Team play more fixtures against drugs, gang culture, including knives and guns and the consequences of Road Traffic other schools in south Yorkshire and Accidents. once again the girls have been successful in developing their skills The students who attended had a fabulous week, which ended with a wonderful passing out both inside and outside of school. parade for family and friends on the last day. Several team members recently attended a training camp run by As a school we are hoping the opportunity will arise in the future to enable more students to Yorkshire Carnegie and are attending attend and gain these new skills. development training programmes. The season has also seen new players join the squad so the team are already looking forward to next season. Netball Finals Day 6th Form ‘Star’ Reading Mentors Congratulations to both our Between November and February this year two Year 8 and 9 Netball Teams 6th form students have excelled in their attention at Finals day. Both teams to supporting the Reading Mentor scheme for Y7 played exceptionally, the pupils. Year 8's won their semi-final against Oakwood 22-7 and Daniel Dunn 13.2 and Louise Oak 12.9 read with narrowly lost in the final their partners 3 times a week to help encourage against Aston to finish the Y7s self confidence and love of reading. overall runners up. Although the scheme usually only lasts until Our Year 9's won their January both students asked if they could semi-final against Wath 20-7 and then went on to continue with a new partner until the end of win their final against February 2017. Oakwood 22-7 to be overall Daniel commented that reading the sci-fi books with Tyler had encouraged him to read more as Rotherham Champions!! well! Well done girls!!! Both students were presented with a certificate which can be added to their CV or University application as being part of the Nationally Recognised Reading Mentor Scheme, and a book voucher.

Cranedale 2017 A team of intrepid Y12 Geographers recently spent a week in North Yorkshire developing their fieldwork skills. Fuelled by cooked breakfasts and with a full range of waterproofs they measured infiltration rates and calculated carbon stores in Dalby Forest, investigated the impact of coastal management schemes in Hornsea, recorded plant succession data on sand dunes in Bridlington and spent two days in Scarborough assessing rebranding and the coastal microclimate. They were a great credit to the school.

My Ice Hockey Journey - Dana’s Story I started skating at the age of 3. I originally was a figure skater, but I quit as I lost interest completely and didn’t skate for a year. I then started playing ice hockey as I was inspired by my brothers and my dad. My dad has a place in the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also captain of Sheffield Steelers for many years. This made me want to be someone in the ice hockey world. I started in the Under 11s and now I’m working with the Boys 15a team. In 2015, I was asked to trial for England. I went through 4 different trials, and after a long, hard weekend in Hull I sadly found out that I hadn’t made it into the England squad. When the opportunity came up again, I thought I would give it another go and went for trials again. I went through the same pain and this time it was worth it as I got in the team in August 2016. I travelled to Finland with Team England; it was truly the best experience of my life and such a good week. When I went to Finland, England Shuttle runs were one of my priorities. If we didn’t complete 3 reps out of 6 laps in under a minute travelling 30 metres, we would not be allowed to compete in the Games against different countries. Discipline was very strict, and if we did something wrong, like being too loud in the rooms, we would be forced to run around a football pitch multiple times. It was really good for me though. A few months ago, I was asked to go on the GB development camp where over 60 girls were being considered for the team. I was the only one that was asked to train with the U16s GB Y12 History Trip to Berlin Women’s Team and to play in the Global Games. Berlin is a city is full of History, and everything we experienced as a group was relevant and interesting. I really hope the next step for me is the Olympic Team as I would love to travel the world; Even though most Nazi elements have been removed however, there is a long way to go. I’m determined to keep trying in the meantime I will continue from the city - it is still referenced and implicated through- with my efforts for England and Team GB. Dana Shudra - 9.06 out Berlin. Sachsenhausen concentration camp was a moving experience for everyone, it conveyed the terror and horror thousands of prisoners experienced during the holocaust. Here we saw medical rooms, execution trenches, prison cells, cremation ovens, mortuaries, and of course the famous ‘Arbeit Macht Fret’ entrance sign. Other highlights of the trip included the Topography of terror, Berlin television tower, The Reichstag, Brandenburg gate, Hitler’s Bunker, and the Jewish memorial. Personally I found the Nazi propaganda museum the most interesting and seeing monuments like check-point Charlie and the Berlin wall, really brought History to life for me. By Amy Congreve 12.08

A recent article about Raegan Kirkland published by British Science Week Rotherham Hockey Club Students at Wales High School have been celebrating British Science Week this term, running A Profile of Goalkeeping Cool alongside the national events. We have been fortunate enough to have guest speakers invited The goalkeeper is often an unsung hero in any in to inspire our sixth formers into careers such as Mechanical Engineering and the Medical team. Raegan is the Ladies 2nd Team Sciences. As well as this, staff and students have completed a Wales High School 'Run the goalkeeper and she has had a remarkable Solar System' during lunchtime, which saw students competing to get to the outer reaches of season. the solar system in record time, and make it back in time for tutor. The Science staff have also

Raegan is part of a 2nd team defence that, with given demonstrations of their favourite experiments and explosions, and our sixth form science 2 games left to play, has only conceded 8 goals students helped our lower school students to safely complete a heart dissection. this season. This is the joint best defensive record in the whole of the Yorkshire Women’s A huge thank you to all those involved - the Science staff certainly enjoyed it and are already Hockey, shared with Ben Rhydding 3 who are planning their events for next year! top of Division 1.

All the more remarkable when you learn that 6 of the 8 goals were conceded in games that Raegan didn’t play in! We caught up with Raegan after the games this weekend:

How did you start playing hockey? Anna Hogarth got me to come along to a training session and I really enjoyed it.

Why did you decide to be a goalkeeper? I tried it out initially because we didn’t have one. I quickly grew to love being a goalkeeper and I’m way better at that than playing outfield!

What’s the best bit about being a goalkeeper? The satisfaction I get from making a save that keeps my team in the game.

… and the worst bit? Making a silly mistake that leads to conceding a goal.

What’s your favourite memory of this season so far? Winning the game away at the top of the league to overtake them and go top ourselves.

…. And least favourite? We’ve had some games where the team has dominated the opposition and I’ve had nothing to do. In one of those games, I came out of goal at halftime and played the second half as centre forward. Didn’t score, but did hit the post!!

What advice would you give to a young player who is thinking of being a goalkeeper? Try and intimidate the opposition forwards and don’t be scared of getting hurt. With all of the protective kit I wear, the worst injury I’ve had is bruises and they soon go away.

KFC or MacDonalds? MacDonalds 100% chicken nuggets every time

Fish and Chips or Chinese? Can’t beat Chinese

Madonna or Rihanna? Definitely Rihanna

And finally, what’s the best part of being in the Rotherham Ladies 2nd Team? That’s easy. I’ve made friends for life and I can be myself around all of them Y8 Geographers visit The Deep Movement Evening - Another spectacular On 20 March a group of 40 Y8 showcase of talent at the PE Departments annual geographers visited The Deep in Hull, movement evening. There was a record number of learning about marine life and drawing performers with acts from every year group. It was links with our recent topic on Antarctica. a fantastic night enjoyed by all! The students spent the day exploring The Deep and learning about the array of animals in it, including watching two brave divers feeding some very hungry sharks. The students also had the opportunity to learn about coral reefs and conservation projects in interesting classroom sessions. Overall a fun day was had by all; Mr Ridler and Mr Lawrance are looking forward to returning with more classes in the future!

Our U15 girls football team have had a phenomenal season. They have been undefeated playing teams from all over South Yorkshire. This culminated in the South Yorkshire Cup final only yesterday at Balby Carr. It was a nail biting match in which Wales dominated most of the play. The girls played brilliantly but were unfortunate to lose against Birley Academy.

Fund Raising - Bella Poulston 9.3 and Olivia Rodgers 9.2 have had their very long hair cut off to raise money for Cancer Research charity. Bella did this very recently and has raised over £1000 so far. Olivia did her fund raising at the start of this school year and managed a similar amount. House Activities - It has been a really busy term for house competitions with Badminton, Top of the Form, Girls Basketball, Dodgeball and Rugby being just a few of the events that have taken place. It has been great to see so many volunteers and the house captains have done a great job of helping organise teams. The competition is tight this year and up to date scores can be found on the website. there is certainly all to play for after Easter when the summer sports begin with Tennis.

Year 7 Rotherham Schools Cup Final - The Year 7 football team have had a very successful first season as Wales High School students. Over 25 students have represented the school football team throughout the school year. Many of these students also played and successful took the team through to final against Aston. The students narrowly missed out losing 5-4 on penalties after drawing the match 3-3. Corey Walker, Flynn Ward and Jak Whittingham were the goal scorers on the day. The players have been outstanding throughout the season and have been a credit to the school. Well done to all students’ involved and good luck next season!

PARENTS’ EVENINGS Thursday 18 May Y6 Parents’ Induction Evening Thursday 15 June Summer Camp Parents’ Evening Tuesday 27 June Y12 Higher Education Parents’ Evening Thursday 29 June Y7, Y8 & Y9 Tutors’ Evening Wednesday 12 July Y6 Tutor Evening The Great Wales Bake Off is currently in full swing with dozens of our budding Year 7 pastry chefs competing for the 'Star Baker' Apron. Mrs Hemming and Mrs Brown have been WALES HIGH SCHOOL TERM DATES 2016/2017 delighted with the effort and enthusiasm of the students who have taken part, and the quality of First Day of Term Last Day of Term the bakes has been outstanding. Round one is now complete, which involved all participants attempting to make 6 identical perfectly baked scones using their own recipe and technique. Monday 24th April 2017 Friday 26th May 2017 Summer The Star Baker for the first round was announced in Full School assembly. Round 2, the Term Monday 1st May 2017 is a Bank Holiday technical challenge, will take place after Easter and we look forward to seeing how our competitors progress! Monday 5th June 2017 Friday 21st July 2017 WALES HIGH SCHOOL TERM DATES 2017/2018

2017/2018 First Day of Term Last Day of Term

Monday 4th September 2017 (Staff only) Friday 27th October 2017 Tuesday 5th September 2017 (1st day for Students) Autumn Term Monday 6th November 2017 Friday 22nd December 2017

24th and 27th November 2017 ‘school closure’ days

Monday 8th January 2018 Friday 9th February 2018 Spring Term Monday 19th February 2018 Friday 23rd March 2018

Monday 9th April 2018 Friday 25th May 2018 Summer Term Monday 7th May 2018 is a Bank Holiday Friday 20th July 2018 Monday 4th June 2018 (Monday 23rd July is a school closure day)