The Magazine of Christleton High School Spring Term 2015

• An emotional Barcelona!Barcelona! return for a former 1960’s student

• When our students met George Osbourne

• A visit to the Royal Northern College of Music 2 Christleton High School Magazine

Stop Press...Stop Press...Stop Press... Bank of America Merrill Lynch has worked with the school throughout the planning stage and is a key partner moving forward. Their support has enabled the Studio to plan to meet employment gaps, NEW STUDIO SCHOOL particularly in the banking and commerce sectors, both locally FOR CHESTER and nationally. We are delighted to be able to qualification – an internationally We believe that this is a fantastic announce that Christleton High recognised alternative to A opportunity for those students School has just received the levels. who could benefit from adding go ahead from the Department a significant work-related for Education to establish an The Studio working day, week and term will be longer and programme to their academic innovative new Studio School - studies. It is anticipated that this Christleton International Studio. will reflect a highly professional workplace. It will provide an will lead to internships and, in As a Studio School, it will offer a exciting alternative pathway some cases, to supported degree very different curriculum based for those students who will be places. By working closely with around project learning, and will better served by a project based local employers and utilising culminate in students achieving academic course. the International Baccalaureate the International Baccalaureate qualification, we believe we can enhance the life chances of the Studio students.

As you know, we were inspected by Ofsted in November 2014 and were naturally very pleased to receive the ‘Outstanding’ Before You Post grade but we are all absolutely determined to continue to develop and improve the High School for the benefit of our current and future students.

The addition of the Studio is key t? to that development. It will reflect the values of the High School, with the highest standards, and will create a culture of enjoyment in learning and challenge to excel. The Studio will welcome students of all abilities and backgrounds and will open its doors to students THINK in September 2016, reaching its full capacity of 320 students by 2018. T - is it TRUE ? H - is it HELPFUL ?

I - is it INSPIRING ? A J Lamberton Headteacher N - is it NECESSARY ?

K - is it KIND ? Mrs S Leake Chair of Governors

Spring Term 2015 3

Welcome to

Contents

4 Headteacher’s Report 19 Hot Scholars @ Daresbury 36 Grosvenor Gallery Art Show

6 Young Chef Competition 20 Pathway News 36 Wonderous Warhol

7 D of E Reaches New Heights 22 Travel and Tourism Work 37 Arty Hot Scholars Experience at Carden Park 7 Year 13 Biology Visit 38 Barcelona Visit 24 Mid Cheshire College 8 Young Chef Competition Pt. 2 40 Amazing Athletics Placements

9 Early Pancake Day 41 Gym and Dance Show 25 A Future Mechanic

9 Hot Scholars Need You! 42 Netball News 26 Airbus Apprentice

10 Fab Lab 44 Football News 27 Pathway to Coaching

10 Biology Olympiad 45 Girls Football 28 Pathway: Placements

11 Lollipops! Approach! 45 Ping Pong

12 World Book Day 29 Meet Our CCF 46 Basketball

13 Vocal Workshop 30 An Emotional Return 46 Anyone for Cricket?

14 Royal Marines Food Workshop 32 Royal Northern College of 47 Cross Country Champ Music 16 An Evening With 47 Indoor Athletics George Osbourne 33 Recording Studio Visit 47 International Netball 17 Students Visit Labour NHS 34 Art Tutorials 48 The Lion King Announcement 34 Flushing Away Poverty

18 Biology Field trip 35 Prize Winning Sketchbook

The Swan is the official magazine of Christleton High School Village Road, Christleton, Chester CH3 7AD Tel: 01244 335 843 www.christletonhigh.co.uk 4 Christleton High School Magazine

Headteacher’s Report of our development. Election success in sport. Details of time is frustrating in terms the sporting successes this of school leadership as it is year are featured later in the quite difficult to anticipate magazine. the future direction of government education policy. There are already significant changes which have been made to AS and A2, along with the GCSE changes brought in by Michael Gove which are still making their way through the system. The Spring is always a very overall effect of this is still busy time in any secondary taking us in the direction of school. Much of the exam linear courses with terminal and course work is coming to exams, and the return to a more traditional curriculum. a head, students are planning We finally have a Combined and thinking about the next Numbers at the school Cadet Force (CCF), led by stages of their careers, and remain very buoyant; we are Pilot Officers Mr Hollywood planning is underway for the currently at 1330 students and Mrs Stott. They are new timetable and budget. with numerous appeals supported by the Cadet I hope you have noticed running. You will notice one Administrator, School Staff no slackening of the pace aspect of the SSDP discusses Instructor Mr J Hudson, and of change and the drive extending our educational we are now up and running. to ever raise standards provision, but not on this site. I am delighted with this within lessons, and the I am currently investigating development as it allows school generally since our a number of options and students of all backgrounds inspection. reporting regularly to and abilities to work Governors on this matter. together, enjoy some great If there is any news of experiences, and learn new significance then I will write skills which will be of use to directly to you. them throughout their lives. Our children seem to In Music and Drama we get better and better at continue to grow. In sport. At the end of 2014 February, a large group of our we were named 12th musicians joined our partner best school in the country rural schools for a concert nationally (second state day at the Royal College of comprehensive), and we also Music in Manchester. The welcomed Mr Horrocks to music chosen for students to lead the Department with the perform was challenging, the challenge of generating even resulting concert outstanding. greater levels of participation Our next school musical and success. for lower school students, We have begun the Miss Lidgard has secured The Lion King, is now cast. implementation of the the Head of Department Record numbers auditioned, Strategic School Development post at Bishops’ High which is a testament to Plan (SSDP) which can be School in Chester. We are students’ self-esteem and found on our website, and delighted for her, wish her desire for challenge. Please which charts progress for the well, and thank her for remember to book your next 2-3 years and provides her significant contribution tickets early as our musicals direction for the next stage to the development and sell out quickly. Spring Term 2015 5

the exterior of our building been to add some £300,000 to a high standard, making which will broadly match it thermally efficient and the increased costs and a much better learning loss of other grants, but environment. leaving us solvent and in a strong position to continue We have been really been developing. disappointed by the defect which has been found in the If you have spare time and swimming pool, and which capacity, our volunteer was causing very significant network always welcomes leakages. You may have read new people and skills. My about this in the local press. thanks go to the many people The pool is likely to be out of who already volunteer, and to action for some time, initially Jean Charlton, the governor while liability is established, who leads them with such and then for the corrective enthusiasm and commitment. works. At the end of February, we were visited by 30 Headteachers and Senior We have been undergoing Leaders as part of the a major refurbishment to “Looking at Outstanding the back of school, which Schools Programme”. Their has been quite a difficult comments about the students project to manage. Timelines and the general operation of have slipped and as a result school made me very proud disruption to students has of the way your sons and increased significantly, with daughters come to learn and paths being closed and ugly the quality of teaching they plywood panelling introduced receive. to speed up the building work and ensure that it completes Although we know we still on time, which is a condition have much to do to get of its funding. better, please be assured that we believe we are on the This is regrettable, but I do right track and are impatient believe that when the new for greater success for all our work is completed in mid-late students. April, the same classrooms Whilst we are not responsible which are being disrupted for this, we recognise the I hope you have a happy and will benefit from much better inconvenience and loss of peaceful Easter, and are able acoustics, good insulation and opportunity it causes to our to spend time together, even a fit for purpose building. local community, and in if it’s helping with revision! particular the young people We are awaiting the outcome who are learning to swim or of a second bid to complete developing their swimming the re-fenestration around skills. the front of school (this is the silver cladding which we put Financially, we have had on as a temporary measure some adjustments made to as it was cheaper than re- future budgets as a result painting the building, which of the Government looking had become particularly at the funding formula and unsightly). topping up the worst funded Local Authorities. The If successful, we should be impact on our budget has able to largely complete Tony Lamberton 6 Christleton High School Magazine

Young Chef Competition

Congratulations to Dominika Sadczuk for winning the Chester heat of the RIBI Young Chef competition in November 2014. Task: To prepare in two hours a three course healthy meal comprising of starter, main course and dessert for two people costing less than £15. All students produced restaurant standard food. Well done and thank you. Thank you to Deva Rotary Club and Ian Worley, Head Chef of The Chester Fields, for their support and judging.

For results from the next round... Please read on in the magazine... Spring Term 2015 7

DofE reaches new heights

DofE is growing. Christleton participants to complete their High School had a record awards in 2013-14. breaking year in 2014, when Once again the current the number of Year 9’s taking number of DofE students has up the Bronze challenge risen again there are 122 on certificates and badges were topped the 100 target. Bronze, 70 on Silver and 63 awarded to Bronze and This achievement was on Gold. Silver achievers. A proud acknowledged by the North moment for students, family, In February the local DofE DofE office by awarding us volunteers and staff to see awards evening, hosted at for, not only enrolling over how big and successful we are. Christleton High School, was 100 Bronze participants but dominated by our students. It DofE inspiring and preparing also supporting over 100 was a fantastic evening when for life! Year 13 Biology visit to The DNA conference at Wrexham University In November in the lectures. All the correct understanding of genetics, it 2014, the quizzes would then be entered is possible to treat individuals Year 13 into a ballot and a lucky winner with genetic conditions on a Biology would be chosen to receive personalised basis. He also students, a prize of £20 in high street conveyed his excitement myself vouchers- a prudent move by the regarding the future of medicine included, conference organisers to ensure with such advancements being visited students were paying attention! made in the understanding of the Glyndwr human genome. The initial lecture was immensely University beneficial as not only did it give Mrs Heaver recently came to see in context to the subsequent talks, me with the surprising (and very Wrexham but it also related to our class welcomed) news that I had won for a Sixth work on DNA and inheritance. the £20 worth of vouchers from Form ‘Discovering Genomics’ The lecture I found to be most the conference- this made the conference. The day comprised interesting, however, was on trip seem even more worthwhile of six half hour lectures pharmacogenomics. and I am very much looking discussing topics ranging from forward to spending them! ‘the ABC of DNA’ to epigenetics The speaker, a paediatrician at and UK 100,000 genome project. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, A huge thank you to Mrs Heaver explained the many medical and Mrs Dentith for taking us on On arrival, we were given a quiz applications of genomics and the trip. to complete whereby answers to highlighted that, with an the questions would be voiced Katy Boyce Yr13 Biology student 8 Christleton High School Magazine

Young Chef Competition The Next Round

Dominika Sadczuk represented the Chester area at the District Final of the Rotary Club Young Chef competition and competed against 15 other students from North Wales and the North West.

Students worked very hard and created wonderful dishes although they were not used to the industrial cookers and the kitchens in which they were working. All students were praised for the very high standard achieved. Unfortunately Dominika did not go through to the next round but the winners were from Catering Colleges and this shows how hard the competition was.

It was a fun afternoon for me to watch although an exhausting one for Dominika. Thank you to her for all her hard work in representing the school and the Chester area. Mrs Kelly Spring Term 2015 9

Hot Scholars We Need You!

Hot Scholars opens up a variety of opportunities within the subject chosen, in our case that would be RE. We were given the opportunity to teach a Year 7 lesson for the hour, from lesson monitor to work; we did what a teacher would do in a usual lesson.

The lesson was based on the Jewish Holiday, Hannukah. Each of the Year 7 students brought in sweets and played the dreidel game in groups of around 6. After that, we gave a brief talk about the holiday game and then put on an episode of “Rugrats” that was about Hannukah.

At the start of the lesson I guess you could say we were pretty nervous, but as it went along we slowly started to gain confidence in teaching and were able to adjust to our surroundings properly.

Year 9 RE Hot Scholars Opheilia Cathrel Davis, Rebekah Day, Curie Beth Woodard-Lord and Ellie Partridge.

On Tuesday 10th February we celebrated an Early Pancake Day. There were 100 golden tickets available. Students and staff Early were encouraged to ‘impress’ a DT teacher in order to receive one of these tickets. All winners came to the food room to cook Pancake and eat a pancake. 100 pancake chefs through the food room in 25 minutes. There was a great atmosphere amongst staff and students and all pancakes were eaten very quickly. Thank you to all those who took part (and to Mrs K for washing up!!) . Day Here’s to next year! Mrs Kelly 10 Christleton High School Magazine

FabOn Wednesday 4th February the TheLab experts in the lab will train topic of staff CPD time was ‘Staff you in using the equipment and Breakout’. This is a brilliant help you develop your ideas into opportunity for us teachers to real working prototypes for free; step out of the classroom and all you pay for is the materials! learn about something new The lab is open for anyone to related to our subjects. drop in all weekend, although if The D&T department decided to you are under 16 you need to visit Fab Lab in Ellesmere Port. bring and adult with you. This not for profit company offers BIOLOGY A number of students have a creative space for budding already expressed an interest designers and entrepreneurs to and visited Fab Lab to help OLYMPIAD test out their ideas and bring them produce parts of their them to life. We are amazed and coursework or just for a look inspired to say the least! around. The Biology Olympiad is an In the open access lab you can If you are interested in design build, code, solder, design and international competition this is the place to visit. As engineer pretty much anything a department we are now taken part in schools all over you can think of. The lab has hoping to work with Fab Lab highly trained staff on hand the UK. to develop student projects, to help you with your project, inspire our students even more whether it is something for your and make more links with the home or a brand new product manufacturing industry. you want to prototype. 7 AS level students Pop down and have a look you The lab has amazing facilities participated in it this year will love it as much as we did! and equipment for budding designers including: from Christleton. The first • 3D printers round of the competition is a • Laser cutters multiple choice test covering • CNC table routers • Silicone moulders and more! many different topics in Biology a lot of it needing A2 knowledge. The second round will be a written paper which will occur in March.

It was a really good opportunity because it broadens your knowledge on what topics we’ll be learning next year and is also a great thing to write on your personal statement.

Sarah Lusher 12.4 Spring Term 2015 11

LAs part of thellip GCSE Food Course ps! students are looking at different types of carbohydrates and in this case the properties and uses of sugars. For one practical they have considered caramelisation whilst making homemade lollipops using sugar, cream of tartar and water with colouring and flavouring as desired. Technically it is quite difficult to boil the mixture to exactly the correct temperature for exactly the correct time and then work quickly enough to create blobs of lollipops and place the stick into them. The food thermometers certainly helped but the old fashioned glass of cold water also helped some students to assess the actual setting point! Here are photos of some yummy samples. One group even began making some spun sugar…we might have a go at that next! Wherever possible in DT we try to teach theory through practical work and the students certainly seemed to be challenged by it whilst having fun. Mrs Kelly 12 Christleton High School Magazine

Cowley collectively dressed up in Where’s Wally costumes while the iResearch student assistant team dressed up in costumes inspired by dystopian novels such as Divergent and Hunger Games. Lucas Duthie, a Y8 iResearch Assistant who wore a Maze Runner inspired outfit said, “It was incredibly mind boggling and fun – especially seeing people dressed up!”

There were 14 teams who came to take part in the ‘Around the World’ book quiz and iResearch assistant Joe Bramall provided excellent technical support balancing countdown music with the microphone. At the end of

World Book Day On Thursday 5th March the If you don’t know what to read Christleton High School English in celebration of World Book the quiz the top scoring teams Department and iResearch’s Day you’ll be able to find book were ironically named winners Librarian Miss Cowley joined recommendations from anyone ‘The Thick Kids’ in Y9 and together to celebrate World Book in the school. Miss Cowley has runners up ‘The Reading Rioters’ Day as the iResearch hosted a recommended ‘Every Day’ by made up of the Y7 book club. Book Quiz for keen readers in David Leviathan which follows Meanwhile the Christleton English Years 7-9 during lunchtime. the intriguing story of a teen staff team finished in a fairly who wakes up every day in a “World Book Day is the one day respectable fifth place! different body while Miss McCann every year reading is celebrated The book quiz wasn’t the only recommends ‘The Book Thief’ by and encouraged, a day when highlight of World Book Day. In Markus Zusak for older students people can read and talk about all subject departments teaching and ‘The Edge’ by Alan Gibbons what reading means to them,” staff spent 10 minutes of their for younger students. said iResearch’s librarian Miss lessons reading to students from Cowley. “For a lot of people And for those students who one of their own favourite novels. reading is a solitary experience do love to read all year round For keen readers there was so it’s great to have at least one in Years 7, 8 and 9 there was also the opportunity for social day of the year when everyone an invitation to iResearch’s ‘All networking with their favourite celebrates reading for pleasure Around the World’ Book Quiz authors as part of the Teen Fest together.” Miss McCann added between 12:30pm and 1pm on online book festival. that World Book Day is “a time Thursday 5th March with the All in all, World Book Day gets to explore the creativity that opportunity to win a prize of livelier every year! goes alongside reading – having National Book Tokens! fun with reading, sharing book Written by iRC Hot Scholar In honour of the big event, the recommendations, book quizzes Jude Jones & English Department and Miss and fancy dress!” iRC Manager Miss Cowley Spring Term 2015 13

WorkshopVocal We were delighted to invite Ian Chesworth into school on Tuesday 3rd March for a Vocal Workshop. Ian is a highly experienced vocal coach who has worked with many groups in the UK, including on the hit TV Series Sing While You Work. Ian worked our students hard for a solid hour, starting with some vocal warm-ups which are a little different from the norm, ensuring the students know how to use their voices properly, and he worked on two songs with them, complete with harmonies and actions as well! All of the students came away with smiles on their faces.

Ian is the newly-appointed conductor of the Cheshire Youth Choir, and is hoping to attract some of our students to join; with his excellent leadership the group is sure to progress quickly. 14 Christleton High School Magazine FOODRoyal WORKSHOP Marines

We were pleased to invite students and any interested parents to an exciting presentation from the Royal Marines on Wednesday 21st January 2015 in our school Lecture Theatre and Cookery room. C/Sgt Mike Beaton RM has served around the globe for over 25 years and has also achieved fantastic sporting success in Triathlon, Ironman, and Gorge- Running Endurance competitions.

Not just a Royal Marine he is It was a great opportunity for able to attend the presentation also a Royal Marine chef, who students and parents to gain after school in the Lecture at present is educating today’s a real insight into the work Theatre and Cookery room. 45 young men and woman to cook of the Royal Marines and the students attended and I have and eat healthily so that they can importance of nutrition in never known a group of students fulfil the dream that they chase. keeping the body at its peak. to have so many questions. This His presentation included: - is probably due to the way the There were also two practical team delivered the presentation • Introduction to Royal food workshops where Mike and and were able to connect with Marines/Royal Navy. his team of Lee Cuasby and the students. Harry McLinton reinforced with • Cooking presentation, the GCSE Food students the need I was impressed by the specific including interactive slicing, for healthy eating and cooking. questions they had about the dicing and tasting. ‘Your body is your engine and Royal Marines. They were you must look after it’. interested in the different jobs • 24-hour ration pack within RM especially medical Year 9, 10 and 11 students were demonstration; the and snipers as well a student able to gain so much inspiration importance of fuelling the being inspired by Mike’s catering and motivation on several body in operations around training. different levels whether it was the globe. eating/cooking for health or team It was also interesting how the • Question and Answer building. Year 7 to 12 students team broke down some invisible session. (and some staff) were barriers and pre-conceptions Spring Term 2015 15

of service personnel. Some are very much in demand students were wary of entering across the country and we were the food room but, after privileged to have them choose coaxing, they quickly felt settled Christleton High School to visit. and really benefited from the In conclusion, staff and students work that the team did. The at Christleton High School team demonstrated excellent, had a superb educational and instinctive communication skills. inspirational experience …and a lot of fun.

Some feedback from our Year 7 students:

It was really fun and the marines were very welcoming and happy because we had given up our free time to see them cook. They cooked chicken with crème fraiche and pasta, garlic and mustard. They also told us about the intense 30 mile run they do to qualify to be a Royal Marine. The Marines also told us how bad energy drinks are for you. I think I benefited from going to it. Sarah Efobi

I thought it was absolutely hilarious. Interesting things were there too and a dish I did not know about. I thought the Scottish man was funny because he said ‘BOOM!’ all the time and was throwing sugar all over the place when he was talking about how much sugar there is in a can of Red Bull. I just couldn’t stop laughing at the funny bits! I was also impressed by the Megan Williams modesty demonstrated by the team in light of the vast array of experiences they were willing to The Royal Marines were amazing. share with the group. The food they cooked was I have never had such a amazing and tasted great. They positive response from students started off explaining about the regarding visitors before. I Royal Marines and the different arrived in school the following ranks and then they started day to be met straight away by a cooking. They explained about student who said ’it was brilliant’ healthy eating and their 24 hour and to be told by staff that they ration packs. At the end we got had felt a real ‘buzz’ in the school to eat the food and even though with very excited students. it was healthy, it was great! Students and staff of all ages Oliver Hynds really gained from the visit from the Royal Marines. They Mrs Kelly 16 Christleton High School Magazine

Gareth Thomas ‘It was insightful to see a political conference function, it was a great experience and I enjoyed meeting the politicians. I found Patrick McLoughlin’s background and journey into politics to be inspiring. It was interesting to discover how much the party valued youth campaigning and involvement and how much hostility there was towards the opposition, particularly the Labour Party’.

Harry Hatwell ‘I met MEPs Sajid Karim and Jacqui Foster and took part in a group discussion with Patrick McLoughlin who was interesting and slightly larger- than-life. I was lucky enough to meet Michael Gove last year (he An evening with was extremely impressive). It was a great opportunity to meet connected people and I spoke to various campaign managers George Osborne and MPs. The event has made me more interested in politics An opportunity to attend a The students also met Rt Hon. and I am now thinking about reception and dinner in February Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary getting practically involved in and to meet the Chancellor of of State for Transport, Jacqueline campaigning’. the Exchequer George Osborne Foster, MEP for North West was one too good to miss for England, Esther McVey MP for Jordan Stevens ‘Mr Osborne Christleton’s Sixth form Politics Wirral North and Sir Robert seemed to be a genuine guy and students, regardless of their Atken, former MEP. was a man with real presence’ political affiliation. The opportunity to discuss The students were given an politics with such prominent Harry Killoran ’I had a great opportunity to attend the third politicians was not lost and opportunity to talk to some Cheshire and Wirral annual budding Paxmans honed their prominent politicians as well as Conservative conference and skills. Mr Osborne. Quizzing them about were provided with a Louis issues I have learned about in Katy Boyce ‘I thoroughly Theroux style insight into the class gave me a totally different enjoyed meeting George Osborne local Conservative Party. perspective’ and other MPs and MEPs. There On arrival, we were treated like was great atmosphere and VIPs and were met at the door energy. Stephen Mosley was Matthew Entwistle ‘He seemed by Chester’s MP, Stephen Mosley, very friendly and genuinely really interested when I told who was a most attentive host. seemed happy we took an him about our campaign to raise George Osborne arrived in style interest in politics. It was political awareness amongst in a black 4x4 and made a grand fascinating to hear George young people and asked me to entrance, but after that, things Osborne’s views on the election, write to him about it’. and those of other MPs and were much less formal. MEPs - essentially criticising Myles Grant ‘I was surprised Instead of waiting for an all of Labour’s recent pitfalls, to find out that Mr Osborne had opportunity to see Mr Osborne including the recent slip made by also studied politics at A level from a distance, the group were Ed Balls (‘Bill Somebody’) which and that his teacher, who he held both surprised and pleased to I must admit was quite funny. in such high esteem had been a be introduced to him almost Patrick McLoughlin was a good staunch Labour supporter’. immediately. conversationalist and as he used to be a miner, was interesting The atmosphere was relaxed and to hear his views about strikes, Jordan, Matthew and Harry convivial and Mr Osborne spoke his education and what got him ‘We were also invited to stay for warmly of his favourite teacher into politics. Overall it was a the dinner; the food was good and how he had also studied very interesting evening- an and the evening was fun thank Politics at A Level. eye-opener into the lives of you! politicians’. Spring Term 2015 17

Student Visits Labour Party NHS Policy Announcement

Student Spencer Mitchell We know from his earlier than any school day could went to see Ed Miliband speak announcement that he have been and I am as he set out Labour’s Agenda plans to fund this through a grateful the school gave me for the 2015 election. Spencer mansion tax on properties authorised absence to go and went with local Labour worth over two million pounds attend the event.” candidate Chris Matheson and a super tax for the super to the announcement in rich. Manchester. At the event Ed Miliband was very Ed Miliband set out his 3rd charismatic in his speech and electoral pledge, On the way to the event in in his answering of questions Manchester Spencer got a afterwards. He showed chance to talk to the local confidence and demonstrated “Build an NHS Labour candidate, debate that he knew the answers and with the me to and discuss the history of the that he was in control. care: 20,000 Labour party and talk about more nurses current polices. and 8,000 more The BBC attended and GPs. Join up recorded the event for the “I really enjoyed the evening news channel, and services from experience and it also taught asked a very odd question, home to hospital, me a lot that I am going to “When was the last me you guaranteeing GP need to know if I go into used private health care?” Ed appointments politics. Milliband pointed out that he within 48 hours used the NHS and not private and cancer health care. It was very useful to me and tests within one Spencer Mitchell 10Ke1 week.” it was far more productive

Parkers for Private Hire 18 Christleton High School Magazine

Learning outside the classroom A2 Biology Fieldtrip to North Wales

In late November, the Year 13 Biologists went on a 3 day residential field course to Rhyd y Ceuau Drapers’ Field Centre, Betws-y-coed, Conway valley, North Wales. During the field trip, students had the opportunity to carry out three ecological I found the trip really investigations and experience useful because it brought a range of different fieldwork ecology to life, making a subject that I had previously found tedious and boring, techniques in several much more interesting; this has helped my contrasting habitats: learning and revision. I also enjoyed the change of scenery. It is a beautiful • Ecological succession at area and helped relieve some of the Morfa Harlech National stress of A-level life. Nature Reserve Elizabeth Haigh 13 Hawking

• Freshwater ecosystems at I feel like the trip Rhyd-y-creuau stream I enjoyed the Biology was essential to my learning because we could apply the • Woodland ecosystems trip – especially the centre we stayed in which had great knowledge we learnt in the classroom at Coed Hafod, a nearby food. The sampling activities to the field. This significantly helped Ancient oak woodland we carried out at Harlech beach my understanding of the subject. were useful and fun. Richard Muir 13 Goodall A highlight of the trip Eve Riley 13 Goodall for me was learning about sand dune succession at Harlech Abridged the gap beach. It was a fantastic oppor- On the trip we collected between my classroom ‘dune’-ity to enhance my learning. samples of freshwater knowledge and practical experience- organisms; I enjoyed this part Beck Nibbs 13 Hawking allowing me to consolidate the course of the trip the most because we were and gain a rounder perspective on able to take the organisms back to the topics. Helped my future the classroom to observe them in revision significantly. more detail. Eve Cornwell 13 Goodall Sam Parkin 13 Turing Spring Term 2015 19

Hot scholars @ Daresbury

The Science Hot Scholars helping organise a trip to Daresbury Laboratory for a “Science at Work” day. Hot scholars attended and also organised a competition to allow other students to attend. It was a full day event consisting of five sessions & workshops, a mix of hands-on activities, challenges & inspiring talks through the day.

We had an engagingly In my Hot Scholars group, interesting talk by some staff ‘We took the we have only done a couple from Vauxhall. They told us activities such as talking about about the process in which plunge! – First what we plan to do in the future. the water used for cleaning For example, we have talked the bodywork car paint and oil, is purified. We were split impressions as about making an article for into small groups and given the Swan and on the 12th of a sample of water containing a Science Hot March we are going to the Big bacteria and organisms to Bang Fair, which takes place in test. We then got given a Manchester. But we have done tablet to dissolve in the water Scholar’ sample, the solution then one big thing already! We made changed colour. From this I really enjoy being a Science copper sulphate crystals after we were then able to identify Hot Scholar! SO far this year, school by following a method. whether or not the solution we have done a lot of things We are planning to make these was acid, alkali or neutral. already! For instance, we made crystals bigger by using a We were also told about the saturated solution. process of manufacture of different types of crystals that new car models. are in the process of growing. This year, we will also be staying after school on certain Ellie Wilkins In the future, we hope to do days to try experiments and The fifth and last workshop more complicated experiments, we are planning to do a lot of we visited was an go to primary schools and do “inspirational talk” by Alan independent research to find out experiments and talk about Brown. He told us about information for ourselves. Finally how he started off his career science. We also plan to do we will make displays around the in science as the cleaner revision and homework lessons science department of things we at Daresbury laboratories, at lunch and break times. have found out. previously being told at school, “We will always need Ella Wood James Ellison 8L2 people to sweep the streets”. This led to a career in lots I am a science Hot Scholar and I love it because we get to try lots of of different areas of science around Daresbury. The story different experiments that we otherwise wouldn’t and make displays was really interesting and for school. At the moment we are researching the best way to grow inspirational, proving that no different types of crystals because if we have a physical document it matter what you are told, you counts as an exploit. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the time can always achieve what you want, but not always by the that I’m a Hot Scholar because we are going to do a lot of things like conventional means. It was going to the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham and help out at the open an interesting end to our day! evenings here. James Mizen Leah Parry 8ba2 20 Christleton High School Magazine

summary so that students and school have a record of what was discussed and the steps identified.

Any student who wishes to News from meet with me for help, support, advice or guidance related to Sylvia Wood, careers and future pathways can make an appointment to see me our Pathway through Mr Francis or Mrs Varley. I will also be available at most Careers Advisor… Parents’ Evenings at school and appointments to meet me can be arranged for this as well. I Happy Easter Everyone! can also be contacted directly at [email protected] As I am sure you know by now, my name is Sylvia Wood and I Many more students have been am the Pathway Careers Advisor • Welcome and brief keen to see more to find out for Christleton High School. I introductions more about apprenticeship am based here at Christleton • Summary discussion of opportunities. I have included an High School every Wednesday where the student is in his or Apprenticeship Checklist in this and since September I have now her thinking edition of the Swan magazine met individually with over 150 which may be of interest. students from Year 9 upwards to • Exploration of the choice of I look forward to getting to discuss future pathways choices. options ahead know even more of you over the You may be wondering what the • Next steps in terms of actions months ahead. format is when students come to and how to proceed see me for information, advice • Follow-up meeting arranged and guidance. I aim to provide where appropriate Sylvia Wood a service to meet the needs of Pathway Careers Advisor each individual but each meeting Within a week of the meeting will normally proceed as follows: I will email a short one-page

A ‘CRACKING’ EXPERIMENT

Year 7 STEM club members some with large parachutes recently completed an and others suspended in egg drop challenge. They a container full of water in were faced with the task order to soften the impact. All of producing a pod/device students demonstrated some that would prevent an egg eggstraordinary skill in the from breaking or cracking manufacture of their device when dropped from a great with the majority of the eggs height. Many students surviving the fall. Well done succeeded with this trial and year 7 STEM member you they developed some very ‘smashed’ it. creative designs including Mr Prouse Spring Term 2015 21

Sylvia’s Apprenticeship Checklist You need to go through several stages when applying for apprenticeships: You need to draw up a list of firms you want to apply to: • Sylvia’s apprenticeship list (those firms who recruit apprentices yearly) a mix of engineering, business, finance, construction etc. (Highlight those firms you want to apply to.) • You may hear from family and friends that there are apprenticeships where they work. • Or you may find that there are small/medium size firms you would like to apply to. Get a list from www.yell.com and talk to your family about them. • Apply to more than one employer there is no guarantee that your application will be successful and you may need a back up plan.

Research the employers: • Visit their websites and look for information about their apprentice training, how to apply, closing dates, tests. • Read their instructions about what you need to do e.g. fill in an online application form, send a copy of your CV etc. • Visit www.gov.uk/apprentices and search for vacancies weekly. Apply for any you are interested in... the website will tell you whether you need to apply through them or will direct you to the employer’s website. • Register on the Training Provider’s websites so they will contact you if they have any apprenticeship vacancies (see below).

Get ready to apply: • Gather information about you – work experience, part time jobs – employers; starting and finish dates. • Create a CV for the different type of apprenticeship you are applying for. You may be asked to upload this onto the employer’s website so be prepared. • If you are sending a speculated application (ie you are hoping that the firmmay be recruiting) you will need to send a letter with your CV.

Record: • Information - Name of firm you apply to, contact details, dates you applied etc. so you know where you are up to with your applications and who you need to follow up.

Keep checking the websites and the dates as not all employer recruit as the same time e.g. Bentley Motors recruit March to May!

• Around March you may find that there are more vacancies on www.gov.uk with medium and smaller firms. • Keep checking on who you have applied to; heard from and need to contact etc.

If you are invited to sit an aptitude test for Engineering apprenticeships please contact Sylvia on woods@ christletonhigh.co.uk You are unlikely to get an interview if you do not pass the test!

Useful websites:

• www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk • www.gov.uk/apprenticeship • www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk • www.remit.co.uk • www.nwtc.co.uk • www.indeed.co.uk • www.totalpeople.co.uk • www.totalpeople.co.uk

Please contact Sylvia for websites for specific jobs, apprenticeship titles, and training providers. 22 Christleton High School Magazine

Sixth Form Travel & Tourism Students at Your Service!

“Will the hotel hair-dressing salon be open?” Sixth Form Travel & Tourism Students brave the strong February breezes at Carden Park.

“We aim to give service with a smile!” Katherine Hinde and Chelsea Hallal enjoy Carden Park’s newly-refurbished lounge area. Year 12 Students find out about Career Opportunities in the Hotel Industry. Earlier this term Travel and Tourism students were able to find out about how a large organisation meets the needs of internal and external customers, assesses the effectiveness of the customer service it provides, and the measures it takes to make improvements by visiting Carden Park Hotel near Chester. Students also made their own evaluation of the customer service delivery and the service provided. We are very grateful to Debbie Corbett, People & Development Officer at Carden Park for hosting such an excellent visit and providing plenty of ideas for students to develop further in their coursework. of Cheshire. The main purpose a number of questions such as of the visit was to note how an “what sort of surveys do you use Here’s what our students thought organisation as large as Carden to get customer feedback”, “do of the experience: - Park provides a good level of you provide a comment book?” Our Year 12 Travel and Tourism customer service with regards and “what type of facilities do class, accompanied by Mr to meeting external and internal you deliver for business visitors?” Francis and Mrs John visited customer’s needs. The first impression that I Carden Park on a very windy What is meant by this is that received of the hotel was quite Thursday afternoon to observe as a group, in order to receive extravagant as what lead us the customer service held at the information, we had to ask to the main building was a the four star hotel in the South Spring Term 2015 23

mile long driveway that had a the trip very useful as it was They have two restaurants on beautiful landscape beside it. very informative. I found looking site and also a 24-hour room After the five minute drive past around the facilities and the service. They have an onsite the golf course and the helicopter suites helpful as it gave us an salon owned by an outside landing pad I couldn’t help but idea of the standard of the hotel company which is mostly used notice the remarkable scenery even though the suites were still for weddings. There is access that lay in front of me. The 1000 to be refurbished. for disabled people and all the acres of land that stood beside disable room are on the ground Beth Dunning the hotel had many appeals floor for easy access such as fountains, a pond and Justin Bellis Pheasants (as the bird is their mascot). The thing that I found most interesting about the trip was Chelsea Hallal how big and glamorous Carden Carden Park use online surveys Park actually is. I’ve always instead of comment books and heard things about Carden Park; suggestion boxes that other Carden Park, based in the area the stories are nothing until you companies use. This is so that of Broxton, is a 4 star deluxe see it for yourself. I fell in love people who visit can access hotel. The purpose of our trip with Carden Park when I saw the the survey and they use this was to find out how Carden Park 1000 acres that they own with as it’s easier to collate the data aims to provide good customer the beautiful Cheshire country and also the data is stored service and the operations that side and the mile long drive and there’s no risk of it getting take place in order to make sure through their golf course. deleted. the hotel is the best it possibly Alongside of the beautiful Tiegan Kenton can be. The trip involved taking scenery, I learnt that the a tour of the hotel and looking communication between the at the different things that make internal customers has to be the hotel be as good as it is. We found out lots of interesting spot on. Employees have to information such as the Our tour guide Debbie Corbett carry round phones with them, percentage of guests they have; was extremely helpful answering and have them on at all times. for example 60% of the guests questions that we had to ask Reasons for this are because are for leisure such as families, about the hotel. Many of the if they have visitors such as holidays/weekend away and answers were specific to the mystery shoppers, they have to couples; 40% are business questions we asked and was prepare themselves to provide travellers, so they offer certain extremely helpful to us. My the best service possible. As a facilities to those guests. The favourite part of the trip was group, we’d like to thank Debbie trip was very useful and allowed the tour around and looking Corbett - Assoc CIPD People & us to see how they meet the at the deluxe room which was Development officer, for taking needs of all visitor types with the extremely clean and spacious. her time out of work, showing customer service they offer. us round and doing her best to Joe Wells answer all of our questions. It allowed us to get an experience of the travel industry Courtney Phillipson and all the different aspects they The purpose of the visit to offer. Thank you to all the staff Carden Park was to find out more that helped out and assisted with about customer service in hotels. I found the experience at Carden our visit. We were there to find out about Park to be really useful and Georgia Barlow what the hotel offers. The hotel it was a really lovely hotel. It is set in Cheshire country side was a safe environment for all within 100 acres of land that hold customers and the hotel had paid the many facilities Carden Park millions on refurbishments. offer such as the luxury spa and Emily Doolan golf course. The hotel’s popular view is one of the many things that attract Carden park is a four start tourists to Carden Park, as it deluxe hotel and had a lot of gives Carden Park a unique edge facilities and things to offer because of its stunning scenery. customers. From golf to outdoor As we were shown around ropes courses and restaurants to Carden Park all of our questions spas. Recently they have spent were answered in detail as all the 3.5million on refurbishing all the facilities, attractions and services bedrooms which can be a double were shown to us, this made room, suite or double- double. 24 Christleton High School Magazine

Pathway to Learning for Work

Year 10 Students

Enjoy College

Placement

Success

As part of the Year 10 Work Skills BTEC course, students have been enjoying a half day placement every Wednesday at West Cheshire College.

This has given students the opportunity to experience the Active Learning: Connor Clark10K2 world of work by learning the and Lewis Davies Total Concentration: and Lewis Davies Total Concentration: skills of particular skilled trades 10K1 Luke Whittaker 10K1 which are always in demand, such as joinery, brick-laying, and painting and decorating.

Their joinery skills have cumulated in the production of some very sturdy wooden tool boxes which are now in good use in a variety of households! Careful Nicolas Zimmermann Measurements: James During BTEC Work Skills Louis Whittaker 10L2 10K1 Palmer 10K2 lessons in school students have been completing units such as Applying for a Job, Self Management Skills, Preparing for an Interview, and Managing Your Health at Work; the regular placement has allowed students to see the relevance of the ideas

Mitch learns not Karter Cutler-Evans covered in school and then apply to rush: Mitchell 10L1 and Taylor these to a real and practical Rush10L2 Owen10BA2 experience. Spring Term 2015 25

Owen’s Pathway to a Future in Mechanics K.M.A. Motors Owen Dance in Year 11 has been enjoying a regular work placement at K M A Motors in Brown Heath Road, Christleton every Monday.

Established in 1997 by proprietor, Simon Rowland, KMA Motors have been servicing the local community around Christleton and Waverton ever since.

Owen has been doing really well, always arriving on time, and working hard. He is planning on going to West Cheshire College in September to study Motor Vehicle Mechanics, and so this placement has been ideal.

When asked about his placement Owen said: “I have enjoyed learning to change tyres and fix some of the problems that are most common”.

Many thanks to Simon and Paul at K M A Motors for giving Owen such a valuable opportunity, and congratulations to Owen for making such a positive impression. 26 Christleton High School Magazine

Apprenticeships: Want to Know More? Flying High with an Airbus Apprenticeship Former CHS sixth form students Steven Brown and Jack Ellson are both now with Airbus as Apprentices

Steven Brown left Christleton looking to study further in 2010 after taking A-levels in or climb the ranks within the Psychology, PE, and ICT: workplace; “After working in a café in • Increased future earning Chester for several months I potential; apprentices enjoy applied for an Apprenticeship marked salary increases at Airbus. I’m now in my when they complete their fourth year and I’m really training, and those with an enjoying it, especially relating Advanced Apprenticeship earn the theory to the real world around £117,000* more of aircraft” than those without, over the course of their career; • Learning at a pace suited to Jack Ellson left Christleton in the individual with the 2012: support of a mentor; “Since leaving the sixth form • Paid holiday. with A-levels in Geography, Maths, and Physics I decided to pursue an apprenticeship with Engineering. I applied within the autumn term of Year 13 to begin the following September. The process required me to carry out an aptitude test • Apprenticeships take between containing Maths, English, one and four years to and Engineering-based complete and cover 1500 questions. On completion job roles in a wide range of I was interviewed for the industries, from engineering role and asked about my to accountancy, public knowledge of engineering, relations to veterinary aerospace and Airbus itself. nursing. The apprenticeship allows me to earn while learning and • Apprenticeships are now gaining valuable experience available up to degree level within engineering” and beyond.

What is an Benefits of doing an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeship • An Apprenticeship is a • Earning a salary; real job with training which • Training in the skills would allow young people Entry Requirements to earn while they learn, employers want; whilst gaining a nationally • Excellent progression Apprenticeships are available to recognised qualification. opportunities, whether anyone over the age of 16, living Spring Term 2015 27

in England. There are different Applying for an entry requirements depending on Pathway to the sector and job. Apprenticeship • At any one time there are Apprenticeship up to 20,000 Apprenticeship a Coaching vacancies available on the Levels apprenticeships website in Career a variety of careers and There are three types of industries across England. Apprenticeship young people can apply for depending on their • Click on ‘Search for vacancies’ current skills and qualifications: on the home page of the website. You can search • Intermediate Apprenticeship by area, type, level or salary (level 2); and set up alerts. • Advanced Apprenticeship • Once the right job comes up, (level 3); you can simply register on • Higher Apprenticeship (level 4 the website and follow the or above). step by step instructions to apply for the role. The core components for Intermediate and Advanced • You can also download the ‘Av Apprenticeships are: Search’ app for smartphone to see vacancies while on the • A nationally recognised move. vocational qualification; • The “How to apply” film at • Functional skills (e.g. apprentice.tv has useful hints literacy, numeracy and ICT); and tips on applying. • A technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Need more info? Guilds (relevant to the • Just before Christmas some specific Apprenticeship); changes were made and the Students in Years 11, 12 • Other professional website and 13 who were ‘on the www.apprenticeships.org.uk qualifications or requirements ball’ and interested in a as specified by the particular no longer exists. Information can now be found on: career in Football Coaching job. / Sports Management had The core components for Higher www.gov.uk/apply- the opportunity to attend Apprenticeships are as above apprenticeship a presentation by two but exclude the functional skills representatives from David element. Campbell Soccer School. • Have a look also at the Types Salaries of Apprenticeships and the Coaches Jade McNichois and Parent’s Guide to Lee Andrews gave a summary The minimum wage for Apprenticeships in the of the National Qualification in apprentices is £2.68 per hour, PATHWAY section of our Football Coaching, and outlined but many employers pay more school website: than this. The average gross the opportunities for work weekly wage for an apprentice is www.christletonhigh.co.uk/ placements and international £200. This is dependent on the school_information/pathway_ travel available, including sector, region and apprenticeship downloads.php placements in the USA. level e.g. some Higher Apprenticeships can pay as much Students then had the as £300 – £500 per week. • Make an appointment to opportunity to register their see Sylvia Wood, our Pathway interest in attending a local More details on salaries Careers Advisor who is based event to find out much more. and entry criteria in specific in school every Wednesday. apprenticeship occupations can Appointments can be made Thanks to Jade and Lee for be accessed by looking at the via Karen Varley in the school giving such an informative and vacancies on the apprenticeships office. inspiring presentation. website. Further details are available on the website: www. davidcampbellsoccer.com 28 Christleton High School Magazine

Calling all Year 10 Students... Work Experience week is just six months away! Work Experience: Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October 2015 • The week before October half term is • A list of some possible placement options Work Experience week; this means that is available on the PATHWAY section of our Year 11 students (our current Year 10) school website; this shows over 120 will be off-timetable for the week and be different employers who have been happy able to get valuable experience of the to host placements in previous years. world of work and a possible future career. • All students should now be registered with • Recent research has shown that in a U-Explore www.uxplore.com and can use highly competitive jobs market relevant this to find out more about careers of work experience can make a big interest. difference to students’ employability. • The most useful placements are those Work Experience also helps with future that have some relevance to a possible decision making about careers; students future career, so it is worth considering can understand work likes and dislikes carefully what is most appropriate. Any better, learn about an occupation and students who may find difficulty finding decide whether it is for them. something appropriate should contact • So that students are able to gain a Mrs Karen Varley, our work experience placement that best matches their coordinator in the school office as she interests and possible future career should be able to help with making some pathway it is usually best if students are suitable contacts. able to arrange their own placements, with the help of parents and any contacts through friends or family that may exist.

Local Employers: Can You Help? If you are able to offer the chance for a fifteen / sixteen-year old to have a week’s work experience with you, please let us know. Contact Karen Varley [email protected] Thank You!

“Our aim is to ensure that all students are given the best start for a rewarding future career during their time at Christleton so they can move on to a secure working future, whether it be at age 16, 18, 21 and beyond.” Spring Term 2015 29

Meet our C C F

On Tuesday 24 February 2015, the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Contingent officially started with 16 students from Year 10 and Year 12. This is expected to expand to 30 cadets by the end of this academic year, and any students in Year 10 or 12 who want more information are encouraged to speak to Mr Hudson, Mr Hollywood or Mrs Stott.

The CCF will afford cadets the opportunity to take part in flying, gliding, adventurous training, leadership training, drill, shooting, radio communications, fieldcraft, RAF Station visits, map reading and expedition training amongst other activities. The purpose is to develop leadership by promoting the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.

Furthermore, the CCF is to impart a basic knowledge and understanding of the Armed Forces, although there remains no expectation that cadets will go on to a career with the military. 30 Christleton High School Magazine

In December, Christleton High School recieved a visit from a former student... It was An Emotional Return” “The ‘50 years of Christleton High Being a student of the mid 60’s School book’ brought back many we saw a great change especially memories from my time there in the U.K. and with that the from 1962 to 1967. new breed of ‘student’ coming through. Not only did we want Surprisingly I can still name all to learn but we wanted to know of my classmates from the latter why and the reasoning behind it years and of course the teachers. all. Each teacher had a nickname, none of which were derogatory or cynical. In fact the teachers knew these and were accepting of this ‘honour’. in October that year and have To see Mr George on the front made this my home. Melbourne cover took me back immediately is centrally located to Sydney, – he was a marvellous Head Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart Master firm, fair, appreciated and all of which are within an hours most of all respected. I read with flying time. Its population is interest that Mr. (Phil) Hodges around 4 million it’s a well later became headmaster – he planned and laid out city and was was my art teacher in my years the first capital of Australia. there. The teachers I recall were Those great teachers responded The suburban limits stretch Messrs Allen, Randle, Bryan, and many a lesson turned into a over an area of 70 x 80 km. Cutts, Graham, Dromgoole, and debating session. The teachers and it is continually expanding. Deputy Head Master Mr Birch. were prepared and saw the Home to the tallest building And would you believe I still have change that was happening. This in the southern hemisphere, my Report Book (the same as created a great bond between us best restaurants, arts, theatre, that pictured on page 71) and which we enjoyed. visits by international stars, and my Bible that was presented to scenery - yes, it’s a great place I left England after finishing me upon leaving in July 1967. to live. school and arrived in Melbourne Spring Term 2015 31

Ok, we can experience 4 seasons I can see that Christleton High in one day but we have the most School is still a proud source of consistent climate – hot summer education as I found myself 50 days can reach 40+ Celsius and years ago. A few more buildings, cold winter nights can dip below extensions and alterations 0 deg but it’s the best of all (but no longer any bike sheds) capital cities. since the 60’s. I was proud and privileged to attend such a fine Designed and printed by And then there’s the sport. school. Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia (if not the world!) We have just hosted the annual Australian Tennis Open – part of the Grand Slam, the F1 Australian Grand Prix is in March, the World IDO Cricket Creative Tournament is just about to start with the final being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Graphic Then there are International Golf Tournaments on our sand belt courses. We have a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup Design horse race each year in early Thank you, and to the school, November in which many English teachers, staff and students my horses compete. best wishes to you all for the • Print future. • Web Design I can say without doubt many of my school days at Christleton • Promotions were the best days of my life.

Best Regards, Wes Egerton Cheshire’s Creative

Social Enterprise

Part of the Winsford based

There’s also football of course. charity The NeuroMuscular We have rugby league and union, football - referred to here as Centre, all profits go soccer to distinguish it from Australian Rules Football. These towards supporting four codes have multiple teams based in Melbourne playing in our vital work. national competitions every The ‘50 years of Christleton weekend. There’s always a game to watch. High School book’ is still available to buy from the Also there’s always some where Contact Alison Evans to go, something to see, School Cash office at a cost something to do and something of £8.00, please e mail 01606 863464 new. cashoffice@christletonhigh. [email protected] That’s a brief snap shot of co.uk if you would like to Melbourne, a great place to live, purchase a copy. nmcentre.com work or even visit. But I still love Chester too. 32 Christleton High School Magazine

Inspirational music trip to the Royal Northern College of usic The music department was delighted to be M invited to collaborate with our REAP schools (Neston, Bishop’s and Tarporley) in a whole day of music making at the world-renowned Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on Saturday 14th February 2015. Alastair McWilliam, director of Music for Life, organised and led the event, and 43 of our students attended as singers and instrumentalists, ranging from Year 7 right through to Year 13.

After an early rise to get the coach, we arrived in Manchester and the students met up with their peers from the other schools. Two rehearsals were run throughout the day, with the choir learning 5 songs (including harmonies and actions!) and the band rehearsing 5 challenging pieces in a range of styles.

The minimum standard for entry into this event was Grade 4, and we were delighted to be able to take the range of student which we did. They really benefited from the experience of playing in such a challenging environment, and also being led by Iain Dixon, who is a leader in the world of jazz music and was inspirational in his teaching and leadership of the group.

Jude Johnson in Year 9, who led one of the pieces on drums, played violin in another and also improved a piano solo in the final piece, said “the day has been really good. I want to come here when I finish school!”.

We hope to collaborate with Alastair and the other schools in a similar way again in the future.

Mr Ralphson Spring Term 2015 33

Recording

Nine sixth form students went played us some of his music to Manchester to visit The Box and demonstrated exactly how Studio on 13th February with Mr. it was created and mixed, ready Studio Ralphson and Mr. Cumberford. for selling to potential buyers. The Box Studio is based in the He also discussed his career ultra-high-tech Sharp Project, development, and also how to and the students were excited manage a business yourself. by the cutting edge design and Visit atmosphere. Our students had an excellent

day which was both educational, What made this visit even more fun, and inspirational in special was that the owner, terms of career Max Brodie, is an ex-student opportunities. of Christleton High, and he Max said was in the first cohort of Music “It was great Technology students in 2009. He to have the composes music for television students and produces it all in the studio round to which we visited. The fact that see what he has gone through a similar I do here educational experience as the and to students he was speaking to answer enabled him to talk about his some experiences since leaving school, of their and how he got to where he is questions”. now.

Max started by giving us a tour of the studio, and he encouraged students to look at whatever they wished and to ask as many questions as they could. He then 34 Christleton High School Magazine

Video Tutorials in Art Art Hot Scholars are creating Star Scribble that is used with a series of video tutorials to biros. I hope that we can make help other students learn art more tutorials soon as we really techniques. enjoyed the process.

The videos, which will be The videos will be available on posted on YouTube and on the Mr Hornby’s YouTube channel- school’s network, can be used by Mr.H@CHS . There is an students who want to learn new advertisement poster for the techniques and improve home videos in Mr Hornby’s room for learning responses. Jess Jones, anyone who would like to find Ellie Carter and I have made out more about them. the first of these videos which is on the shading technique Ellie Smith

Flushing Away Poverty Over the past year, Sixth formers in the Religious Studies department have been donating money for blasphemy, and, with the help of a considerable £100 donation from Matthew Brunskill and his fellow carol singers, they have managed to twin Over 2.5 billion people do not have created a toilet twinning program two of our toilets at school with one somewhere safe to go to the toilet. that enables you to twin your toilet new toilet in the Democratic Republic Without a safe and clean toilet, at home, school or work with a of Congo and another in Uganda. The women become a target for sexual new toilet that can be built in the project sends you a picture of your assault as they go to the toilet in the countries that need the most help, toilet and the GPS coordinates for open. However, providing people with including Cambodia, Bangladesh and you to be able to see exactly where basic sanitation is an extremely cost- Nepal. Toilet twinning is an excellent your toilet is. effective way to release people from cause and a great way to help a poverty. The charity ‘Tearfund’ has community. Lydia Ward

Spring Term 2015 35

Every term, the Art Department holds a sketchbook competition. WinningWinning thethe ArtArt Short listing from six hundred KS3 books is the first step Department’sDepartment’s and this narrows the field to one boy and girl in each class. Then judges from outside the Art Department are invited to SketchbookSketchbook come and award 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Members of the Art Department are not involved CompetitionCompetition in this stage at all, so that the competition is fair.

The students whose books are placed in the top three in each year receive prizes and all short listed students get a celebratory sticker on the front of their book.

In the last competition the 1st place winners from Year 7 to Year 9 were: Charis Inchley and Callum Stock in Year 9, Natasha Lawrence and Ted Harris from Year 8 and Kate LeBreton and Charlie Doyle in Year 7.

Arabella Wagner, a past 1st place winner of the sketchbook competition said, “I was really pleased and also overwhelmed when I won, and to receive a prize. If you win a competition you will always feel good about yourself, but in this competition it gives you the pride and determination to carry on doing just as well in Art for years to come.”

Charis Inchley

& Arabella Wagner

Year 9 36 Christleton High School Magazine

The Grosvenor Museum Wondrous a r h Art Show o l

An exciting art exhibition has taken place at Tate Liverpool art gallery. The exhibition is called ‘Transmitting Andy Warhol’. The show started on the 7th November 2014 and has lasted 3months. Every other year Chester holds requiring electricity and it should a 4 month art exhibition at the only use one or two people to Grosvenor museum, it is now carry it. Anyone can enter the The exhibition introduces the 11th year that the exhibition competition even children! has taken place. The art entered the man who changed is contemporary, which is art The last competition was in modern art. Transmitting 2013, two years ago and First from this period in time. Entering Andy Warhol has more artwork gives people a chance to Prize went to Mark Sheeky than 100 artworks on show off what they can do. Many from Crewe for his oil painting people enter the competitions ‘The Paranoid Schizophrenia of display by one of the most and a total of £1,950 in prizes Richard Dadd’. He told me that powerful and well-known he didn’t start painting until 2004 is given out to the people who artists of the twentieth enter. when he was 34! He had entered every competition but this was century. The exhibition The competition was created for his first prize. provides a better the people of Chester to produce understanding of the man their own work and show off the He told me that he was inspired himself, and his artworks talent in the area. Hundreds of by people like Van Gogh from different styles are used in the reading his letters, and that throughout his career. exhibition and the competition is his favorite artist is Beethoven open for any type of art. One of because he was inspirational. the judges told me that it is so Beethoven had a hard, lonely life hard to judge the art works as but knew he had talent so fought The exhibition highlights they are all so different. for it. He told me that this is include the Marilyn what a true artist does. Diptych, Dance The 1st prize is £1000, 2nd is £500 and £250 for 3rd. Other Mark has inspired me a lot. He Diagram and Do-it- prizes are given like the Visitor’s has shown that you don’t need Yourself paintings. As well to have a lot of experience, Choice Award and The Peter as many more inspiring, Oakley Award. The Peter Oakley you just need a strong passion and amazing artworks. Award is the award that the head and maybe this year in the of the Royal College of Art gives competition someone else can out. The rules for the competition start their journey to become an are quite simple. It can be artist like Mark Sheeky did. any visual art piece, but not Gemma Hemens 8L1 Isabella Ford 8k1 Spring Term 2015 37

Hot scholars

Hot Scholars is an original Arin Theard Year 9 Current Hot Scholars are part of Christleton High School idea. I was a Hot Scholar last year and a big movement that influences It started here when it didn’t I really enjoyed it. I wanted to Hot Scholars in waiting: exist anywhere else. Since do it again this year but wanted then, it has grown stronger to focus on a different subject Emily Page Year 7 and stronger at Christleton instead. It’s good to try a new As I have always loved and and has been adopted by subject in your second year as a enjoyed Art, I thought it would other schools including our Hot Scholar. be a good idea to be an Art neighbouring school, Neston. Hot Scholar. I’ve always been It is also currently taking off Arabella Wagner Year 9 creative at home and I find it a at Winsford Academy from It’s a bit different because we fun way to spend my time. where we have received the to do interesting things that following update: we wouldn’t normally get to do Holly Grainger Year 7 during lesson and, importantly, I want to be an Art Hot Scholar Things are going really well and we get to do them with our because I love Art and always the staff are very happy! friends who are also Hot have done. I create things all the Scholars. time at home and I truly enjoy We have all the applications in, it. When I’m older, I really want so now is the time to choose. to be an Art teacher too so that I can share ideas. Our ICT person has already come up with some fantastic ideas and I would like him to share them with our colleagues. Hopefully, if everyone has as much What it is enthusiasm about it as he does, it will be a success. like being an Again, thank you very much for your on-going support. Art Hot Scholar! Ms E Morris After applying to be an Art Hot Scholar, we were all Winsford Academy excited to become part of this skillful department. Here at Christleton, we are now in our Pride, responsibility, involvement were the emotions we felt in our first fourth Hot Scholar Hot Scholar meeting. We also felt excited about learning new skills in a year. Our 2015 subject that is close to our hearts. We are looking forward to working Hot Scholars with new people who share the same interests as us. include the Firstly, we wanted to become Hot Scholars to expand our art skills. Since following students becoming Hot Scholars we have been able to take part in other opportunities: who all have like writing this article! something to say: We chose to be a Hot Scholar in the Art Department, mainly because we are most interested in art and we also feel like we can contribute the most to this Jac Goodall Year 9 subject. Being a Hot Scholar in PE is fun. We We also know that our friends, who are not in our form or year, are also Art Hot Scholars and we look forward to meeting with them to work on organise lots of projects. We can take part in Hot Scholar projects such as helping other activities for other years, decorating displays and providing unique art work for the school. year groups and get to be involved in setting Now we are Art Hot Scholars, we have become student up events like the Gym members of the department. We have more responsibility & Dance Show. to be good role models for Hot Scholars to come... Charis Inchley Year 9 I have enjoyed being a Hot Emma Smith, Charlie Mayers Scholar so far because we get to and Eve Griffiths do our favourite subjects more often and in more depth. 38 Christleton High School Magazine

Art and Spanish Students Rambling around Barcelona

During February half term, Year 10 and 11 Art and Spanish students came together to visit Barcelona. The experience included the Picasso Museum, Gaudi’s Park Guell and the Sagrada Famillia. They visited the beach (where brave people paddled, crazy people swam), went shopping on Las Ramblas and ate paella that was cooked in a giant pan, in front of us. An amazing art and cultural experience that will be remembered for a long time to come! “Barcelona was really good because you got to see lots of amazing buildings and share the experience with your friends!” Jordanna Mayers “I enjoyed being away with friends. The trust and free time was really good in a nice city.” Garth Davies-Paul “My favourite thing was the Sagrada Familia because of the way the sun shone through the stained glass windows.” Maddy Allman

“The community aspect was great. Unbelievably, my cousin was on another school trip to Barcelona and was staying in the same hostel as us! The gallery stuff was surprisingly good!” Fraser Lester “It was amazing to see the Barcelona!Barcelona!magnificent architecture by Gaudi.” Blythe Walker “It was an amazing experience and I loved how well everyone got along!” Izzy Jones “The trip was really interesting and I especially loved the incredible Sagrada Familia.” Anna Kew Mrs Bolam and Miss Lindgard Spring Term 2015 39

Barcelona!Barcelona! 40 Christleton High School Magazine

Amazing2014 was a great year, I didn’t think it couldAthletics get especially in the discus much better from here; field. I started the apparently I was wrong. season as 17th in the The events that followed country, with 25.20m as a were recommended by my personal best, and barely coach ‘to gain the experience competing. It was mainly from competing at big school competitions that I competitions’. The first of took part in, and seemed these two was the Northern to do quite well. Only Athletics Championships, in when I was put forward, Wigan. through various schools In this, I competed against and club competitions, three of the people ranked to the Mason Trophy that above me in the country, it started to become a which was quite intimidating. serious thing. It was the second really I began to compete more serious competition after the for the West Cheshire English Schools, where we Athletics club, following were put into pens and then recommendation from had to walk out in groups for The same system that was teachers and judges our event. used in the English Schools at league events, and and Northern Championships If the status of this trained more regularly to was applied, just to add to competition wasn’t enough, improve my throws. The the pressure. I went out going through this system school competitions also with intent to improve on again was nerve racking. continued, and my personal my personal best again, not I managed to surprise best improved with every even considering reaching the everyone, especially myself, competition. podiums. by finishing 2nd, and again Each event increased in adding onto my personal Once again, I surprised prestige until I found myself best, so that it stood at myself and managed to not put forward to the English 31.41m. only win the competition, but Schools Championships. This get a new personal best of The last big competition in was an amazing experience, 38.63m – which placed me the season was by far the staying in Birmingham with at the top of the ranking in best. Yet again, I was against a team of people who I had the Under 15 girl’s discus in people ranked higher than me begun to befriend at training, England. To say I was happy in the country, but this time over a course of three days, is a huge understatement. with the addition of everyone and throwing discus while else ranked within the top ten I had an amazing season in representing Cheshire in the in the Under 15’s discus. This 2014, and to top it all off, Under 15’s. was the England Athletics on Friday 13th of February Being part of this was an Championships, set in 2014, my club awarded me unforgettable experience, and Bedford, with people from all with the Best Performance while I was there I managed over the country aged Under Female Athlete award, out of to improve my personal 17 and Under 15 competing. all the women’s age groups. best to 30.33m, boosting This was considered, by my This was a huge honour and my position in England to coach and club, to be the I couldn’t have hoped to end 7th and finishing 6th in the biggest competition of the the season any other way. competition, managing to get season. a place on the podium when nobody expected it. Izzy Griffin Morris 10ke2 Spring Term 2015 41

Gym and Dance Show

AThe show was evenHuge bigger and Success better than the previous year. Pupils performed to a sell-out crowd which demonstrates how well the show has developed from it first year in 2012. Over 80 students were involved with the show and one pupil mentioned it was a great chance to do something they would not normally do in school.

To open up the extra-curriculum programme and give pupils this opportunity is amazing and to see so much talent and smiling faces really does highlight the importance of the show.

There were performances from a group who are studying GCSE dance, a group of boys who frequently perform the vault in the Christmas show to an elite athlete (Lillie Fisher) who represents Wales frequently.

This demonstrated the vast experience of all students involved and there are many new faces who just love to show their skills. There are also great leaders in the 6th form such as Annie Howarth and Kelly Stevens who choreographed most of the dances, while others choreographed their own dancers and gymnastic routines.

Well done to all involved, you really did put on a great show and I look forward to working with you all again next year.

Mr G Barton 42 Christleton High School Magazine

Fortunately, Christleton drew a Approaching the final quarter of home fixture against Bedford the game, Christleton remained NetballSchool which was played on 10th .focused discarding. the current. February 2015. score line and playing as if it were 0-0. The last 15 minutes The support from family, of playing time were the most friends, peers and teachers was crucial and the girls were fully incredible as they gathered on aware of this. The quarter got the sports hall balcony. It was underway with a shaky start, evident during the warm-up that Christleton conceded 3 goals Bedford School had exceptionally consecutively; Bedford School talented players, Christleton were prepared for the fight. were aware they were in for a Charlotte Parkinson (C ) uplifted tough semi-final game. the teams spirits with her fighting attitude, encouragement National School The atmosphere was truly and performance. inspiring from the word go; Cup Finalists... the first quarter was underway Defensively she was there to Here We Come! finishing 11-10 to Christleton. support from a backline pass, Both teams were in fighting her strong presence throughout It’s been an exciting term for the spirit, chasing down every ball midcourt never went unnoticed Year 7 Netball team who have and capitalising every shot taken. and her feeding into the circle successfully won two important was perfection. The final whistle During the second quarter, matches landing them a place in was blown however Christleton Christleton continued to lead on the National School Cup Final. were awarded a penalty pass the scoreboard however Bedford of shot. Alice Watkinson (GA) School were not backing down Leading up to the quarter finals stepped up to take the last shot without a fight. Every goal was game against Yarm School, of the match, the nerves and crucial; Alice Watkinson (GA) and Christleton were physically and excitement could be felt and Emily Roberts (GS) were focused mentally prepared. Tuesday 20th heard by all. January 2015 arrived the nerves and dealt with the pressure were electric as Christleton extremely well. Defensively, The shot was successful leading welcomed Yarm School to the Georgia Thomas (GK), Emily to an explosive uproar from sports centre. The first quarter Bolton (GD) and Raimi Harrison the crowd, cheers and chants got underway to a flying start; (WD) were put to the test but bouncing off all four walls. Christleton dominated possession fought to the end with some The final score was 37-26 to and were playing exceptionally fantastic interceptions and Christleton. Players of the match well. rebounds. awarded by the opposing team were Charlotte Parkinson ( C) The third quarter saw some team On true form were Alice and Alice Watkinson (GA). Well changes, Hannah Ritson moving Watkinson (GA) and Hannah done girls!! Ritson (GS) who led the team to GS and Tamsin O’Keefe to a victorious win; the overall making her appearance at WA. score being 39-18. Player of the The dynamics of the centre Bring on the National match, voted by the opposing passes changed, Tamsin’s speed and finding free space helped to team was awarded to Alice School Final... Watkinson. Well done!! boost the team’s mural. Hannah was also on true form, forcing The successful win against Yarm her GK out of the shooting circle School now meant a tough fight with her quick pace and tactical ...Were ready in the semi-finals. Christleton play. The score at the end of were now facing Bedford the third quarter was 29-20 to for the fight!!! School for a place in the finals. Christleton. Spring Term 2015 43

U15 Netball County Champions! Again this year has been an outstanding season for the U15 netball team. With them competing a year young in the National schools age group and only just missing out on regional qualification the county competition was a chance to against older players. Sophie prove themselves. Clark from Year 11 combined well The girls went into this National with the U15 team to produce competition as reigning county some excellent results. Coming champions so expectation was 3rd overall they just missed out high. The event took place at Schools on regional qualification. There Whitby High School on Saturday were high hopes for the U14 7th February 2015. The team team who were unbeaten this were well prepared having Netball season and had dominated the trained hard all season. The district netball for the past 3 On Saturday 22nd November team of Amy Russon, Cat Nibbs, years. The team again combined 2014, the U14, U16 and U18 Emma Cresswell, Alex Bell, well and the talent of individual Netball teams travelled (again!) Emma Newnham, Fern Horsfield, players and excellent team work to Whitby High School in Erin Brackenbury, Megan Davies meant they were undefeated Ellesmere Port for the first round played well throughout the and progressed onto the regional of the English Schools Netball. morning in cold conditions. finals. There were high expectations After excellent wins against with the U14s reaching National Due to take place on Saturday Lymm and Kings Macclesfield we final last year and the U18s February 4th in Nelson, faced Kings Chester. We knew consistently reaching the next Lancashire the regional finals this would be a tough game and round over the past few years. fell at the end of the week. the girls played extremely well to Despite fine weather in Chester finish the game 7-7. All teams played exceptionally that morning, conditions in well …. The U18 team had some Lancashire were very snowy and On count back and looking at close games, however were unfortunately the event had to be goal difference the teams were victorious in all their matches postponed. We are now awaiting also tied on plus 19. After a with a draw against long-time a trip to Preston on Saturday long debate it was decided rivals Fallibroome in the final 28th February 2014, with the fairly that Christleton and Kings game. This put them through to Chester would share the county aim of reaching the National final the Regional finals. The majority championships. We look forward which will take place in March... of the U16 team were U15 to playing them again in the players competing up a year district competition. Updates to follow! 44 Christleton High School Magazine

We are Christleton tra la la la la… as Charlie Bedford returned a recent 7-1 victory over Football News from injury. We hope that in Holmes Chapel, apparently At the time of writing, the the Summer Swan we will be Harry Style’s old school. reporting on a Cup success! There was only to be One season is finely poised Direction the result went with much success still to in however, Harry Killoran play for at all age groups. Year 10 have had a mixed scoring goal of the season, term. The lads bowed out of coupled with a magnificent Our Year 7s enjoyed a both National Cups, edged individual performance from superb run in the 5-a-side out by East Manchester Kieran Trevor. In the District competitions, reaching the Academy and Ribblesdale Cup, Christleton did enough Regional finals. The lads were Valley respectively. The to battle through to the victorious in the Chester Cheshire Cup campaign semi-final. A brave defensive competition before being marches on, and the time display was enough to move crowned number one in of writing the lads are set to past Kings earning a 1-0 Cheshire. The team went on host Wilmslow or Plessington victory, as ever, Cameron to represent Cheshire at the in the semi-final as they Black was among the goals. North-West finals, finishing a defend their trophy. A District respectable fourth. Our Year 7 Cup semi-final awaits after girls went one better than the a 5-0 victory over Kings, The Under 13 girls are still boys however, winning both Sam Ward the top performer. progressing in the Cheshire District and County rounds Late February saw a touring Cup and are set to face before then being crowned team from Sweden travel to Wilmslow in the semi-final. North-West champions Christleton. The lads won well qualifying for the National with George Stockton scoring Final. See Mr. Hesketh’s his first goal for the school report for more details and sparking wild celebrations. the Summer Swan for a full There is a rumour this is the All in all, there is still a report. first goal George has scored. lot to play for in what has Ever. been another great term for football at Christleton. Three Year 8 were runners-up teams are still competing in at the Chester and District County Cups, with the Year Year 11 put in a good 7-a-side competition, edged 7 girls flying the Christleton performance against Bishop out by Bishop Heber. The flag on the national stage. It Heber but were unlucky to team did well to reach the has been fantastic to see so go down 1-0 against strong quarter-final of the Cheshire many Year 7’s at their weekly opposition. James Allen and Cup, outdone by Wilmslow on football club with nearly half Mike Woollam impressed but a wet and windy day. the boys in Year 7 turning out Heber pinched the victory. every week as well as Myles The lads also hosted a touring in the Sixth Form! team from Sweden but were Year 9’s most recent edged out 2-1. Hopefully the Summer performances saw them Swan will see us report on defeat last year’s cup District more success as cup finals Cup winners 10-2. Phil The Sixth Form have been approach. Hopkins was excellent and the success story of the last amongst the goals as the lads Come on you half-term. The lads have reached the quarter-final. The Yellows!! been superb, reaching both Quarter-Final saw the lads the semi-final of the District cruise past Abbeygate, again Cup and the County Cup. hitting 10 goals. Myles Carter The Cheshire Cup run saw was Christleton’s main man Spring Term 2015 45

Under 12 & Under 13 Girls Football Lancashire and West Yorkshire. half but key The team of Hannah Snape, goals from Eve Jess Graham, Nung Sirisot, Gordon and Harriet Lambert, Hannah Ritson, Hannah Snape Raimi Harrison and Maisy Doyle secured victory cruised to a tournament victory for Christleton. without losing a game to reach They will face the National finals played on 2nd Wilmslow in the semi March 2015 in Derby. This is an finals to try and reach the It has been a successful start unbelievable achievement and Cheshire final on 16th March to high school for the Year 7 we will update you on the results 2015, results to follow. girls football team as they have in the next edition of the Swan. been successful in reaching the Again, I would like to 5-a-side national finals! They The Under 13 girls have also congratulate and thank all the first won the Cheshire final in a had a successful season so far girls who not only play in the close tournament in Northwich and have reached the semi-final teams, but those who turn up to which secured them a place of the Cheshire Cup. They beat training every week and I would in the North West final on the Birchwood 5-3 in a tense quarter encourage as many girls to come 7th February 2015. Here they final which required extra time and play football as possible. faced the best schools from to find a winner. Birchwood were Everyone is welcome! Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the stronger team in the 2nd Mr Hesketh

around the arena that he was facing last year’s runner up. Ping P ng! Mcnally’s opponent knew how to use the bat, and unfortunately February saw a mixture of Year The Under 13 boys had more Dan’s sole point was the only 7’s, 8’s, 9’s and 10’s travel to success also, Max Wade swapped thing the Christleton support had the Halton Stadium for the a cricket bat for a table tennis to cheer about. Cheshire Schools Table Tennis bat and showed real ping pong We waited around two hours Championships. prowess to move into the to find out who Max Wade and knockout stages. Wade’s partner It was a strange day, taking part Louis Mullineux would face, only in crime Louis Mullineux also at a stadium best known for to discover they would then face reached the knockout stages as hosting Widnes Vikings Rugby each other. This guaranteed a Christleton dared to dream. League team. The team arrived, Christleton victory, but also a bats in hand ready to play some Maddie Macdonald was our only defeat. It was confirmed that ping pong! girl representative, unfortunately there are no friends in ping missing out on a place in the pong as Max edged out Louis in The groups were drawn and knockout round in a really tough a tough contest. Unfortunately, our Under 15 boys were set to contest. Max was eliminated in the next play first. Jamie Martin, Oliver match despite a loud backing Brunskill and Matthew Jones Pie and chips slipped down nicely from his peers. were eliminated in the group at lunchtime as Christleton’s stage, as was group leader Will remaining representatives Overall, a great day had at a Macdonald. Tom Wyatt crashed awaited their knockout stage competition Christleton are out also as well as Jac Goodall matches. Those eliminated were very new to. Well done to Will and Keane Kumdang. Daniel now firmly backing their school Macdonald for organising and Mcnally marched into the next mates with vociferous support. looking after Mr. McIntyre during round having qualified from his Daniel Mcnally was set to play the day. We will be back next group. first with rumours circulating year… 46 Christleton High School Magazine

and industriousness. Some Year 8 and 9 excellent contributions from the bench most notably Tristan McFarlane, James Day (not pictured), Jason Taylor and Matthew McDonnell provided a whole team effort which vastly ChesterBasketball and District Champions With only one practice to prepare for the first game against Bishops Bluecoat, it looked like the Year 8 and 9 Basketball team were in for a tough season. However, with the team squeezing in a two point win with a clutch shot from Jac Goodall in the closing seconds, this performance set the tone for the rest of the games against the contrasted with most opposition Chester and District schools. with Ben Clark and Arran Brearey teams who had 5 or 6 players. (not pictured) creating some Next up was Blacon High School, fantastic shots but not quite With a squad of 20, the Year 9 a team with many players finishing. boys Basketball team boasts a involved in Basketball outside of strong and deep roster with an school. The game was a nail- The end result was a exciting future ahead. At the biter with both teams trading disappointing draw for time of writing this article, it has baskets throughout the game. Christleton. been confirmed that Christleton Christleton were trailing behind are the Chester and District by one point in the last minute, The next games against Catholic Champions and will be competing when the Blacon point guard High, Kings, Queens Park in the County Championships on fouled Reece Owens. High and Upton were merely a formality with Christleton 17th March 2015. This is a great Going to the line for his free breezing past each of these achievement in the face of such throws, he had to make one to teams with relative ease. a short preparation time and tie the game and two to win… Outstanding play from the first the fact that Christleton has not or he could have missed both five of Ben Clark, Jac Goodall, entered competitive basketball for a loss. Reece missed the Arran Brearey, Reece Owens for some years. Well done boys first and scored the second. and Ollie Trollop secured these and good luck in the County The last minute was hectic with impressive victories with Championships! Christleton dominating mainly excellent displays of team work Mr Horrocks

Christleton High School Cricket is coming... - Weekly nets with Cheshire Cricket coaches - Cheshire Cricket tournaments - Inter year one day matches - Gifted and Talented workshops

Interested in Cricket?

Please see Mr Hesketh and Mr McIntyre for more details... Spring Term 2015 47

Year 8 Indoor Athletics On 27th January 2015, the Year 8 boys and girls indoor athletics teams travelled to Queens Park High School to compete against other schools in the district in a range of athletic events. The girls’ team performed excellently against a very talented field to place fifth. However outstanding performances from the likes of Ted Williams, Ben Lawrence and Ewan Bradley helped the boys win overall!

The boys will now represent Chester in the county final on Monday 9th March. We wish them all the best!

Mr Hesketh Cheshire On Sunday 14th December 2014, Christleton High school girls went Cross to the Liverpool Echo Arena to watch an England International Country Netball match. The girls were very excited and it was a chance Jac Goodall for our very talented netballers to see the best in England play. Recently Jac has been selected to represent Cheshire at the English The match originally was to schools X Country National Final. be played as a friendly against This was after competing for the Malawi, however due to visa district in the Cheshire schools problems for the visiting team cross-country at Winsford on Saturday January 17th 2014. Netball International After a superb run and qualifying at the last minute the match in the top 8, Jac was selected for opposition was changed to the county. Wales. This delighted Miss Jac is a dedicated athlete and Lidgard and Mrs Leedham as ex runs 3-4 times a week at West Christleton student Suzy Drane Cheshire AC, each session was captaining the Welsh team... completing between 3 and 5 although loyalties were divided miles at different speeds getting supporting both England and ready for different X country Suzy! The game was enjoyable courses. He also runs in the and England showed their class Manchester and Staffordshire in beating their Welsh opposition leagues and sometimes the comfortably. Delamere park run where his PB is 19 minutes. Cat Nibbs, Sophie Bridgewater, Holly Mottershead and Grace Best of luck to Jac who will next Parry were selected through run on the 14th March 2015 at Boughton Belles Netball Club to Witton Park in Blackburn. From Jacs training he is prepared be flag bearers for the England for this wet and hilly course team and did a great job court- and knows what to expect! side. Grace, Cat and Holly are Representing the Cheshire team pictured at top. is great honour and we are very A great evening of netball and proud of Jac and his superb big thanks to Jo Edwards & achievements. Parkers travel for providing Miss Lidgard transport for the event.