Issue 13 • Summer 2017

Artwork by Raya Streets Ahead

A highlight for us this term was a visit from Her Majesty’s Ofsted Inspectors. I am delighted to tell you that they have judged BCHS to be a good school. I was very proud to show the two inspectors around our amazing school, they observed lessons, spoke to students, staff and governors, and looked through lots of the students’ work.

Their report was overwhelmingly positive, and they praised our ethos and values: “The school feels like a family and the pupils are happy. Leaders are approachable, yet have very high standards for both staff and pupils.”

“The school is continuing to grow in size and popularity due to the strong links and trust you have developed with the local communities you serve. You have worked tirelessly to create a safe environment for pupils, where they enjoy their learning and are developing into confident young people, well equipped for life in modern Britain.” In fact we have grown so much since we opened in 2012 that we are now almost 100% full. We have a reserve list of students waiting for places at BCHS, and just a few places available in Year 9.

BCHS continues to thrive in our community, our choir sang for patients, staff and visitors at Royal Blackburn Hospital; we hosted a delightful Desi Dinner, which was a colourful event of exotic fragrances and tastes. As part of their careers exploration our Year 8 students spent a few hours “speed dating” with directors from a number of local businesses. This July we will be hosting a Summer Bazaar, and welcoming future Year 7 students with our Summer School.

“The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at Blackburn Central High school is particularly strong. Pupils are tolerant and have respect for each other, regardless of background, nationality, race or religion. The community and family ethos of the pupils and staff at the school is tangible.” We are proud of our diversity and inclusivity, and proud of our students who told inspectors “that they feel like they ‘all get along like one family, with one voice’. Pupils are particularly proud of the charity work they do and display genuine care and compassion to those less fortunate than themselves.”

Whilst the attendance rate of our students is in line with the national average, we still want to improve it, and I urge parents and carers to help us. Too many families are taking extended holidays during term time, if these are not authorised parents could risk losing their child’s school place or face a fine from the education authority.

We wish all of our Year 11 students every success with their examinations. Students in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be sitting their end of year exams this June. Please see our website www.bchs.co.uk for more information.

Muslim members of our community began observing Ramadan in June, can I please ask parents to ensure your children fast in a healthy manner; We’ve provided some advice on healthy fasting on our website.

Finally all at Blackburn Central High School send love and prayers to everyone affected by the Manchester and London tragedies. We have provided a book of condolences for our community to sign in reception.

Mrs Atkinson Headteacher

2 London Remembrance

As Blackburn fell silent to remember those who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attacks in London, four Year 7 students from BCHS with Crosshill represented our school by taking part in the memorial event.

They joined representatives from all sections of the Borough, including the Mayor, Councillor Colin Rigby OBE, and leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council – Councillor Mohammed Khan, as well as Town Hall staff, members of the public and community leaders.

The students also met the Mayor, who was impressed by the maturity and the compassion shown by some of the youngest students in our school. They were later interviewed by television program, ‘That’s Lancashire’.

Diane Atkinson, Headteacher of BCHS said “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the victims of the recent attacks in Manchester and London. We are proud of, but not surprised by, the empathy and compassion shown by all of our students during this terrible time. As a school, we will stand united against these mindless acts of violence.”

Overcome Any Challenge Charity Quiz Night

Taking part in the Team Challenge is a very big Our twice-yearly charity quiz night took place responsibility and a good way to increase your at Kebabish, who have always accommodated confidence and perseverance in lessons. It is also us for our quizzes. Staff competed against each an amazing team building experience that helps other, and the police, in a general knowledge quiz improve your mind-set. - expertly put together and hosted by our very own quiz master and compere, English teacher, During the Team Challenge, I had to hand in a report Mr Caddle. every week which was very helpful as I am usually a forgetful person. Although it was extra work to get Spirits were high as we all cheered and booed each my Challenge card signed, it made me realise that I other, but in the end our prestigious trophy was can achieve my targets if I put my mind to it. won by the Police team - by just one point! Staff at BCHS have vowed to bring the winner’s trophy The Challenge helped me to achieve my targets in back to its rightful home at our second quiz night lessons, plus it created a sense of good competition of the year in October. between the different progress groups; If your progress group wins you all get a special breakfast Our quiz nights support the Al-Imdaad UK charity, and congratulations from the teachers. based in Audley. They have a wonderful programme called Food for Thought, which helps low-income or Congratulations to the following students who unwaged families, by selling won the Team Challenge last term: restaurant-quality meals Year 7: Adam, Haris, Kenzie, Saniya for just £1. Al-Imdaad offer Year 8: Christopher, Harooj. Alisha, Danyal, Ronan support to anyone who is Year 9: Harrison, Joshua, Ewan, Kane, Craig, Jack in need of help, regardless The students with the highest points in each year of race, gender or religion. were Eliza, Connor, and Umair. Thank you to everyone who supported the quiz night, - Megan 9F and Katie 8D we raised £212. 3 A Taste of the Exotic

Blackburn Central High School organised an Indian Afternoon Tea. On the menu were samosas, various Asian light-bites, with sweets, such as gulab jamun - a heavy, syrup based desert, and all washed down with traditional cardamon chai.

The afternoon proved very popular and raised a total of £275 towards our enrichment fund.

We followed the popular Asian food theme by hosting our Desi Dinner - “Desi” means “home-cooked” and is very different to the food we would expect to have from our local takeaway.

The food was freshly prepared in school and consisted of poppadoms, chutneys and dips, pakoras and samosas, followed by a chicken and a dahl curry. For desert there was a selection of Indian sweets - followed by traditional chai. The evening was very popular with staff, parents and visitors, including staff from Intack and Audley primary schools who came along to support the event.

The Desi Dinner raised another £958 towards the BCHS enrichment fund, bringing the total from the two events to £1233.

We are very grateful to Mrs Tasleem Hussain, PK Foods, KQF foods, Lomas Office Supplies, Morrison’s Colne and Great Harwood, Kebabish restaurant, Fig and Olive restaurant, Mina Bakery, Marhaba, and Khanjra Cash and Carry for their ongoing support and generosity towards our charity drives. The donations of goods and time really make a difference to our charity efforts.

We hold many fund-raising events throughout the year for our student enrichment fund. This fund has benefited our students, allowing them all to access experiences that many take for granted, but are out of reach for some families. This could be a trip to the theatre, clothing, shoes, extra support in activities and the chess club, as well as many other opportunities.

STEM Challenge Day

A group of BCHS Year 10 students visited Westholme School for an inspirational STEM challenge day. They were warmly welcomed by Westholme and introduced to the day’s itinerary.

The activities consisted of five challenges: A chemistry challenge where the students carried out chemical tests to identify organic compounds and used molecular models to work out the structure of unknown compounds. A technology challenge where the teams had to build an “Archimedes’ Screw” which was used to transport the most Rice Krispies possible up an incline within two minutes. The third challenge involved physics, and students had to, through trial and error, test the theory of balancing objects on the centre of their mass and build a bridge using wooden blocks. Challenge four was biology related, where the students had to identify seven different solutions, which could be a single or mix of elements, using only food tests. The final challenge was math based and completed throughout the day.

Our students came third in the technology challenge building a brilliant “Archimedes’ Screw”. All the students who took part in the event found it “very interesting and intriguing”.

4 Another Successful Ofsted Early Birds Out in Force

Blackburn Central High School continues to The Early Bird reading teams have been enjoying be ‘good’, the education watchdog said after links with Audley Junior and Audley Infant School our recent inspection. Inspector Helen O’Neill this past term. The Year 8 team, made up of our said: “All leaders, governors and staff are highly most enthusiastic and confident readers in the committed to pupils and their families. You have year group, have been working alongside Year high expectations of pupils and for pupils, and this 6 pupils as reading mentors, helping them get is clearly evident in your continued and relentless ready for their SATs. The students have taken drive for success for all members of the school.” their role as reading ambassadors very seriously and have really helped boost the confidence of She continued: “Leaders, staff and pupils work their younger peers. happily together to create a calm, purposeful and harmonious atmosphere. The vast majority of Furthermore, a second parents feel that the school is very caring and say Early Bird Readers that teachers and leaders are ‘supportive, friendly group has been set and approachable’.” up as a result of the success of our Year 8 “The school is continuing to grow in size and students. A dedicated popularity due to the strong links and trust you team of Year 7 readers have developed with the local communities you have been working with serve. You have worked tirelessly to create a safe real engagement with environment for pupils, where they enjoy their Audley Infant School’s learning and are developing into confident young Year 1 pupils. people, well equipped for life in modern Britain.” Ms Nelson, Headteacher “Pupils told inspectors that behaviour in the at Audley Infant School school is good, that teachers are supportive and had high praise indeed guide them well and that they feel like they ‘all get for our students: “Your along like one family, with one voice’. Pupils are students were attentive particularly proud of the charity work they do and and worked with patience with our pupils. It was a display genuine care and compassion to those less sight to see!” fortunate than themselves.” Congratulations to all the Early Bird Readers at “The school feels like a family and the pupils are BCHS, Audley Juniors and Audley Infant School! happy. Leaders are approachable, yet have very high standards for both staff and pupils.” Brook Workshop

“Leaders are proactive in ensuring that pupils are Simone from Brook came in to school during safe from all forms of extremism and radicalisation January to deliver a workshop aimed at internet and monitor pupils closely to ensure that they stay safety for young people and advice for parents safe from harm.” on keeping children safe on line.

“Pupils are tolerant and have respect for each The event was a huge success with great other, regardless of background, nationality, race feedback from parents: “I feel more confident or religion. The community and family ethos of the now, when I’m talking to my children about pupils and staff at the school is tangible.” keeping safe online.” “I was shocked when I realised how easy it was for someone to gain Headteacher Mrs Atkinson would like to thank access to my daughter’s personal details.” “It’s students, staff, governors and parents for their made me more aware of what to look out for and support of Blackburn Central High School, together how to address any concerns.” we are doing an amazing job! 5 “Catch me if you can, Cos’ I’m the England man”

Footballing legend John Barnes paid a visit to Blackburn Central High School to help inspire and motivate our students before the exam season. Year 11 students listened to the former Liverpool and England player discuss his career and life, plus some of our Year 9 and 10 students took part in a football training scheme.

Mr Barnes, who is now a pundit for ESPN and SuperSport, gave out awards as part of the John Barnes Programme, signed autographs and took selfies with students. Mr Barnes inspired our students by talking about his childhood and the tribulations through his career - how he persevered and kept on going. He told them whatever goals they set they can achieve. “It is a matter of persevering and trying your best.”

IT Teacher Mr Farooq commented that Mr Barnes “was a great speaker because they could relate to him. He was really able to get on their level by being comical but also getting the message across.”

Addressing the students, Mr Barnes told them about the importance of being a team player: “The biggest lesson I learnt at Liverpool was that the team is the superstar and all the players are little starlets. There are no individual superstars in football. It is about the team so that for me was the most important thing - how the team performs.”

“When you mention anything I have achieved it was not necessarily because of the talent. Talent is important but what vehicle do you use to carry that talent? The vehicle you use to carry any talent is the mentality - discipline and hard work.”

He added the student’s heroes got where they are not just because of talent but because of the hard work they put in. “Being bright at school is not enough. If you’re bright and you don’t put the work in day by day to prepare yourself for your exams, you may pass but you won’t maximise your potential and do as well as you can.”

Headteacher Mrs Atkinson said it was “a fabulous event in which all pupils were engaged and motivated leaving not only the students but the staff a positive and lasting message.”

Wet and Wild

Last term a group of Year 10 BCHS geography students spent two days on a field trip at Waddacre Scout camp near Preston. The students were carrying out a study of the river Brock to measure the depth and velocity of the water as part of their GCSE course. They were fearless when faced with the task and worked as part of a team to gather primary information to analyse back in the classroom. A fun day out was had by all, even if some students got a bit wet. 6 International Nurses’ Day

The Blackburn Central High School choir was invited to Royal Blackburn Hospital to showcase SUMMER their singing talents and raise awareness of BAZAAR International Nurses’ Day on Friday 12th May. Saturday 15th July 2017 11.00am - 2.00pm at Blackburn Central High School Haslingden Rd, Blackburn, BB2 3HJ

Contact Miriam Rathore ALL on 01254 505700 or email PROCEEDS ENTRY GO TOWARDS [email protected] THE BCHS to book a stall for just £10 ENRICHMENT £1 FUND DONATION

BODY SHOP CAKES CAR BOOT SALE SWEETS JEWELLERY BODY ART PLANTS & GARDENS BISCUITS TOMBOLA HENNA PAINTING GIFTS SIDE SHOW GAMES CLOTHING We said yes to the invitation as soon as we knew who we would be supporting; we loved the idea of helping out the nurses as they already do so much Sairah’s Villers Experience for their communities day in, day out and deserve a celebration for everything they do, they are heroes! I visited Lancaster University for a residential trip as part of the Villers Park Scholars Although we don’t feel Programme. At first I was worried that I like we did anything wouldn’t like the people there, but before long major to help the nurses, I had made lots of new friends and it was much it still showed our easier than I thought it would be. support; and hopefully now that more people I was placed into the leadership team with four have seen the BCHS other students from different schools – as a choir perform we will be leader around people I didn’t know, this pushed invited to perform more me to work on my communication and social often and become more skills, allowing my confidence to grow. popular throughout Blackburn with Darwen. I was assigned the role of director of marketing for the project we worked on. At the end of the We like that the local community are becoming residential visit we presented our project to a more aware of what BCHS students are capable of, panel of judges – which was nerve-racking, but I and we look forward to helping out Royal Blackburn learnt the correct way to present my project. Hospital more in the future. We would like to thank the nurses and the rest of the departments for Over the course of the residential we completed giving us this opportunity, we enjoyed supporting many challenges, it was a lot of fun and we learnt this special event. many new skills which I can adapt to include in my own life. - Leanne 10D

7 Cricket Scholarship Programme

BCHS are in talks with seven local cricket clubs to develop a Cricket Scholarship programme with the aim of increasing student participation.

Rishton, Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Clubs have already signed up to the programme which allows students from BCHS to get a discounted playing membership. We expect others to follow suit and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Players showing talent during school matches will be invited to join. Committed students who turn up to club training will then qualify for a free starter pack including cricket pads, bat, and helmet.

In recent years this process has been a success, with Year 11 student Adeel being identified and invited to train with the East Lancashire Cricket Club. He has since made tremendous progress not only in the junior teams but has also broke into senior teams at the club and recently made his first team debut this season with a score of 100 in the 3XI team. We hope to see many more students follow in Adeel’s footsteps.

Music Mayhem Tate Gallery

Our Year 10 BTEC music group worked very hard In April our Art staff took their Year 10 students to organise the Music Mayhem that took place to the Tate Art Gallery in Liverpool. The trip was on the 26th April 2017. The event showcased entirely funded by the school community through our talented students and included Year 11s final fund-raising events hosted during the year. performances, plus acts from other students. The exhibitions they viewed included work by: Over the past few months we Tracey Emin, a British artist known for making have been under pressure to works that convey experiences and events from make sure we get everything her own life; William Blake, a visionary British poet right, and have organised and artist who championed liberalism and freedom everything from the tickets of expression; L.S. Lowry, the much-loved urban to the refreshments. Each landscape painter famous for his “matchstick morning we sold raffle men”; and Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, one of the tickets around the school to most important contributors to the development promote our event. of abstraction at the beginning of the 20th century.

The ride might have been a Our learners enjoyed the experience and have been bumpy one but our concert able to use the knowledge gained in their artwork. went off without a hitch. A lot of people turned up to enjoy our concert and the feedback from our audience was amazing. We are very proud of our school and of ourselves, and can’t wait until the next concert.

We raised over £100 for children’s hospice Derian House, who do amazing work supporting children and young adults with life shortening conditions. – Casey 10D 8 Year 11 GCSE and BTEC Artwork

Students have created pieces exploring self-reflection, identity, pop art and superheroes.

Raeesa Mona Adam

Zainab Tasneem Iqrah Lazarina Katrin

9 #TEAM BCHS Cricket After a convincing win in the first round of the Rugby Under-13’s Lancashire Cup against Crompton Our very first rugby team has been competing in House, the BCHS team were faced with the difficult an emerging schools rugby competition against task of a second round draw against Audenshaw four other schools from the area. So far the BCHS High School in Manchester. team have done the school proud and were very competitive, had lots of fun, and ended up covered Batting first, on a difficult wicket and extremely slow in mud. outfield the boys made a slow start, but eventually made a total of 38 for 8 wickets. They played four matches, winning two of them against St Wilfrid’s and Queen Elizabeth Grammar Our fierce bowling attack then came out fighting to School, drawing against Westholme, and losing defend a small total, bowling the first 4 batters out against St Augustine’s. It was a great start for the for 6 runs in the first 5 overs, making Audenshaw team, and they look forward to taking part in more nervous. However, after a good partnership in the fixtures in the future. middle order, Audenshaw managed to scrape to the total with just 2 overs left.

This was an amazing performance from the team, and it’s the furthest BCHS has got in the Lancashire Cup tournament. This is a team full of talented individuals who have a very positive future.

Girls Football - BRFC Player Appearance Last term our girls football squad was lucky enough to receive a visit from two Blackburn Rovers football stars. Ryan Nyambe and Willem Tomlinson came to school to train with the girls football team, the players also spent time signing autographs, posing for selfies and showing off with some tricks and Netball flicks. Our Year 7 netball team have displayed an excellent work ethic this year, particularly having faced The BRFC Trust have been increasing girls some difficult opponents in the league. Their participation in football throughout school this determination was clear every game, showing year and it was great to see such an amazing turn each other how committed they were to the team. out for this special event. Thank you to both Ryan and Willem, and the BRFC Trust for organising it. The girls represented BCHS at the Blackburn with Darwen schools netball tournament. Although finishing third in the group stages meant that they did not qualify for the final rounds, their outstanding commitment saw them put in some excellent performances. 10 Enough Abuse Comic Relief 2017

BCHS, in conjunction with Enough Abuse UK, March saw the students and staff of delivered Safeguarding training to staff and BCHS with Crosshill joining Comic Relief parents. Marylin Hawes, the CEO and founder in bringing the entire nation together to have of Enough Abuse UK was captivating as she fun and raise money to help vulnerable people in imparted fourteen years of knowledge, research both the UK and the world’s poorest countries. and insight into preventing child abuse.

The training was very well attended and received outstanding feedback from all delegates. The training taught parents, carers and teachers how to protect our children from sexual and other kinds of abuse, by educating them how to recognise an abuser and an abused child by their visible behaviours, and to take appropriate steps to prevent abuse before it begins.

Having completed this training we are all better equipped to recognise a child at risk and someone who is a risk and take the appropriate action. Thank you to all the parents who attended and During the lunchtime breaks staff and supported this important event. students ran stalls, face-painting, and games, as well as tests of skill in the Sports Hall. Enough Abuse UK train schools, parents, front On Red Nose Day students had the line social services, local and county authorities, opportunity to wear something red, and safeguarding boards, the police, religious many members of staff came in fancy organisations, child centric organisations and dress. The Comic Relief activities corporate organisations and can be contacted ended with a huge crowd gathering to at [email protected] or 01438 880894. take part in “Soak a Teacher”. Thank you to the PE department for Future Chef organising the week’s activities; the staff and students had great fun whilst raising Congratulations to Bartosz, who entered the money for an amazing cause. Because of Future Chef competition at Blackburn College their fabulous generosity and hard work and managed to beat all rivals with his amazing the total raised for Comic Relief by BCHS cooking skills. Bartosz has also completed work with Crosshill stands at nearly £900, which experience at Charnock Farm restaurant near will change countless lives for the better, both Chorley, and is going back for a trial in the hopes at home in the UK and across the world. of becoming an apprentice chef.

11 BBC School Report Out of this World

Students enjoyed the experience of being Hundreds of Year 8 students took part in a part of the BBC school live report day at Media planetarium day at Blackburn Central High School City in Salford near Manchester. They had the where they were invited to discover the far-flung opportunity to meet celebrities and get real life reaches of space in an inflatable planetarium. experience of working as a journalist, on different They had a stellar time exploring the solar system news platforms like BBC Breakfast, Question of as part of a scheme encouraging them to study Sport, Horrible Histories and BBC Sport. science.

BBC School Report It was one of a number of events and activities to said: “Thank you so be held throughout the year following the launch of much for all your the Blackburn with Darwen Ogden Trust Schools hard work and help Partnership. The trust was set up by entrepreneur in organizing such Sir Peter Ogden to promote the teaching and a fantastic School learning of physics. It also offers undergraduate Report day. All of our scholarships, aims to encourage more children, staff and volunteers particularly girls, to study physics at GCSE and have told me that A-level, and to support physics teachers. they have had a wonderful time and “We are trying to run activities for every year group were so impressed and the events we have run so far have been with all of the oversubscribed. The response from students has students that they been very positive. It has created a buzz.” Janet came into contact Pickering, Ogden Trust’s regional representative with. They are a for the North West, said: “I am delighted this credit to your school partnership has formed. It will encourage kids to go and your staff.” on and become physicists and the country needs physicists. The number of girls taking physics is tiny compared to the number of boys.”

The planetarium day was followed by a Girl’s Night, where female students with a keen interest in science experienced the planetarium, followed by a meal and then a science session with a female engineer.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to Mrs Williams, Mrs Allen, Mrs Ingham and Mr McCrone for their help and support. And Finally From BBC Newsround

In February Tasha Crawford, a broadcast journalist from BBC Newsround, visited students at BCHS.

Miss Crawford was able to share her experiences of working on different platforms such as Panorama, Northwest Tonight and across the BBC. She was able to share her passion for journalism and delivered two 1-hour sessions with a number of Year 8 students.

This provided an insight into the hard work, determination and focus that is needed for such a career. The students gave Tasha a warm reception and were very focused throughout the day.

12 BCHS Hosts Scottish Students

Blackburn Central High School played host to three students and two staff from a school in the far reaches of Scotland. Farr High School, located in Bettyhill is in the highlands of Scotland and has a catchment area of 531 square miles. From reception to Year 11, they have less than 50 students.

The girls, Polliadh, Phebe and Tia were befriended by BCHS students, Amira, Humairaa and Zainab, who acted as guides for the girls during their visit. The girls experienced two typical days in our school, taking part in lessons and making new friends. BCHS is a far cry from the school the girls normally attend, with us having nearly 900 students from 58 countries, who speak a total of 30 languages.

Acting Deputy Head of Farr High School, Amanda Moseley, was very enthusiastic about the exchange visit, “BCHS is a fantastic school, we were made to feel so welcome by staff and students alike. It has been a wonderful, amazing experience for our girls to come to such an ethnically diverse school community - we are so looking forward to having some BCHS staff and students visit us at our little school.”

Whilst here, our visitors had the chance to visit Chester Zoo, a Madir-Indian temple, a synagogue, a mosque, Al-Imdaad UK and on their last night were treated to a meal at a Kebabish restaurant.

Science Tasters Smallpiece Trust

The BCHS Science department has been busy Students from Year 8 were involved in a full-day working with Year 6 students from Intack workshop with a volunteer from the Smallpiece Primary School and Year 5 students from Trust to engage in a day of engineering and Audley Junior School. problem solving.

The afternoon sessions were filled with lots The event was sponsored by BAE Systems and of science experiments and learning about included building a water pump to move water from laboratory equipment, including Bunsen burners! one storage vessel to another. Our students learned The primary school students were enthralled some key skills that will when burning magnesium and making their own be beneficial in working sparklers. life, including team- work, communication, A massive thank you has to go out to Mrs collaboration and Williams, our Senior Science Technician, for resilience. Physical skills organising and delivering the sessions. learnt included using a soldering iron, making a We look forward to continuing our links with circuit and using cutting Intack and Audley for more science tasters in the tools safely. future. We especially look forward to welcoming students to our Open Evening on Wednesday Our students enjoyed the day and learnt lots about 20th September 2017, 4:00pm till 7:30pm. being an engineer, discovering it’s not all about cars.

13 Rounders Success

Nine of our Year 9 and Year 8 students represented our school at the Year 9 BDSSA tournament and won their games against Pleckgate, Saint Bede’s, Darwen Vale and Witton Park which meant they Tootoot is an award winning, Government went through to the semi finals. endorsed, student voice platform and app that is a new powerful safeguarding tool for BCHS Team BCHS won their semi-final against Our students, staff and parents. Ladies putting them through to the final against Westholme, where they were runners up with It is accessible on most internet-enabled devices a very close score of 4-2. Bearing in mind there including computers, tablets and mobiles. It will were four younger players in the team this was an help us discover trends and give us the information amazing result. we need in order to make evidence-based safeguarding decisions at BCHS.

16,000 young people skip school every day because of bullying, cyberbullying, racism, homophobia, mental health issues and many other reasons.

Bullying relies on secrecy and often the complicity of others; Tootoot means anyone can expose bullying behaviour in a way that feels safe. All too often students are scared or just aren’t confident enough to speak to someone face-to-face about any of their concerns.

S We have had occasions when some parents come l into school saying their child was being bullied u online, of course we take this seriously but how can o we help if we don’t know about it? That’s why the f o m 7 safeguarding team at BCHS searched for an even r o 1 better option than what was already in place. s m 20 tu ht de e c ep nts r S n S Tootoot allows our students to report concerns in Get your joining us i such a way that they feel safe. Staff will be able to literacy and report incidents too, and we will be able to uncover numeracy skills off Year 7 games to a flying start Ready issues which otherwise may go undetected and help to address worries before they become big Make new art problems in the minds of our students. friends ready for September fun Having such a system will also allow communication with families beyond the school day, with Tootoot providing a safer alternative to social media. cooking Parents and carers can sign up and also discretely report their concerns or issues directly to our real- time dashboard in order for these to be resolved 9.30am to 2.30pm efficiently and effectively. 24th - 26th July 2017 Free lunch included Haslingden Road, Blackburn Watch out for the BCHS Tootoot launch, sign up and make a noise!

14 Vive La Paris

Over Easter a group of 42 students and 5 staff went on a fabulous trip to Paris and Disneyland. They were driven by the wonderful Eddie, from the Moving People Coach Company.

They all had a wonderful time experiencing the Parisian sights, sounds, culture, food, language, art, architecture and luckily the glorious continental weather. The students and staff had an amazing visit and were all enriched by their many wonderful experiences. The students represented BCHS immaculately throughout the entire trip. All the staff, including Eddie, were incredibly proud of every student in their team.

After a very early 4:30am departure from Blackburn they travelled to Dover to catch a ferry across to Calais. The sailing was smooth and a lovely, relaxing way to start their adventure. The group continued on their journey and visited the ‘Nausicca Centre National de la Mer’ sea life centre in Boulogne-Sur-Mer. This was a marvellous venue where our students were able to see up close many amazing sea creatures, tropical fish, sharks, penguins and sea-lions.

Their next two days were spent exploring and experiencing many amazing, interesting venues and sights in and around Paris; taking selfies with the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, relishing the breathtaking views from the second stage of the Eiffel Tower, relaxing and taking in the famous sights and landmarks on their ‘Bateaux Parisiens’ Seine river cruise, walking the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées and viewing the Arc de Triomphe, exploring the 2km Catacombs under the city, visiting the famous Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris, enjoying the beautiful views overlooking the whole of the city from the Sacre Coeur church and tasting the Parisienne cuisine.

Disneyland Paris was the group’s location for the next two days, where they had fun on the rides, meeting famous Disney characters, and dining at Planet Hollywood and Billy Bobs restaurant in the Disney Village. Each night was topped off by watching the amazing night-time Disney film show and firework extravaganza outside the iconic Enchanted Castle.

The trip was rounded off with a ‘Paris Oscars’ awards ceremony during the coach journey home, where students were awarded prizes for their individual achievements during the trip.

Great friendships were formed and the students took away a host of fantastic and unforgettable memories. This was yet another amazing experience, and we would like to thank every student for making it such a magical visit. 15 Able & Talented Blackburn College Taster

Able students in Years 7, 8 and 9 were invited A group of our Year 10 students have been to take part in a competition to encourage visiting Blackburn College to experience them to take more responsibility for their own different construction-based tasters days. development and aspirations. Each week the students are given a new task to complete within the session, and the students Students choose a topic finish with skills based knowledge of each that interested them and subject to aid them with their career choices completed a project on it, for Year 11. in order to deepen their understanding and develop their skills. Students were English Lessons for Adults encouraged to try something new with prizes available for For over a year our EAL team have been providing the most imaginative, well English classes for adults in the local community. thought out projects. These lessons are providing speaking, writing and communication skills that will help learners So far this term to integrate into our local community. we have had some amazing entries. The progress the ladies have made is astounding The competition and we are proud to announce that they are closes on 30th June now working towards level 2 and 3 functional but there will be skills exams. Not only have they improved their more chances to education, but they have built strong and lasting take part next term. friendships with other members of the group.

These free lessons have proven to be very successful. If you would like to join the lessons please contact Mrs H Patel on 01254 505700 or email [email protected] Community Forum

Are you part of an organisation which supports and serves the local community? Would you like to raise awareness for your charity or organisation locally? Would you like to meet others who care as passionately about the community, as you do?

We have community forum meetings at BCHS every half-term. Our school and community- based organisations meet together and support each other in promoting their services. If you would like to come along to our next meeting please get in touch with Ms Rathore by emailing [email protected].

The next BCHS Community Forum meeting is on 23rd June 2017, at 9:00 am.

16 A New Place to Start

Help your child explore their future career and education options by encouraging them to register with Start - a fantastic online careers learning tool. Start is accessible anytime on computers and compatible mobile and tablet devices, and is designed to enable young people to make informed choices about their futures.

Students will be able to personalise their profile with details about their skills, qualities, interests Virtual Field Trip and work preferences and the system will generate job suggestions matched to their personality. In February Blackburn Central High school They will then be able to map an educational hosted a Google Expeditions day with students pathway to their dream career and see live job and taking part in a virtual reality field trip. Google apprenticeship vacancies. Expeditions is a new app which aims ‘to open up the classroom for an immersive learning Young people often find it difficult to think about experience’. their strengths, therefore sitting with them and suggesting skills you think they have could be Each teacher learnt how to use the kit in a training really helpful. You may also want to give them ideas session with Google before school started. about how to stand out from the crowd in order Our students were then led on an immersive to get their dream job. Encourage them to rate experience using just a smartphone, a pair of jobs, qualifications and destinations so that their Google Cardboard glasses, and the Google teachers can see their preferences in order to Expeditions app. support them further.

Ayesha of Year 7 said, “I really like the experience As well as discussing job ideas and education because you can see all the different places and routes with your child you are also welcome to find it’s as though you are really there. It was also out more about job opportunities for yourself. We good because you can see things that you might would, however, ask you not to log in using your not always be able to see.” child’s user details and to instead register yourself, choosing parent instead of student and creating Saira said, “I liked the experience because I saw your own username and password. lots of new animals that I learned about. It also felt as if you were actually there.” For more information on Start or the support available for your child, please contact Mr Farooq Brave the Towers or Mrs Jowett at Blackburn Central High School.

In April a number of SEND students visited Alton Represent Towers. The trip supported students in being independent, promoted social skills and allowed Well done to Alisha who them to have new experiences. The trip was part was awarded a trophy paid for by our enrichment fund to allow more in a recent Freestyle students access to the experience. Dance and Gymnastics Championship. The students had a wonderful time and showed they could be responsible and independent. New friendships were formed and some students realised just how brave they were! 17 BCHS with Crosshill Uniform Outdoor Clothing • Scarves, hats and gloves are permitted for • Grey Blazer with purple piping. Purple BCHS outdoor use and can be of any dark colour. logo on the left chest. Flaps on the pockets. • Plain dark coloured coat or BCHS Cagoule. • Purple Jumper with grey stripe around the neck. Grey BCHS logo on the left chest. • Shirt – Long or short sleeve plain white formal School Day 2017-2018 school shirt with collar. 8.00am - 8.30am Breakfast Club • Tie – Clip on purple & grey tie. Additional colour stripe for each year group. 8.30am - 9.00am Progress Time • Trousers – Grey trousers with purple BCHS 9.00am - 10.00am Period 1 logo below the left waist band. 10.00am - 11.00am Period 2 • Skirt – Purple & grey tartan, knee length, 11.00am - 11.15am Break (15 min) stitched down box pleated skirt. Worn with either opaque black tights (minimum 80 denier) 11.15am - 12.15pm Period 3 or plain black ankle socks. 12.15pm - 1.15pm Period 4 • Head Scarf – Optional 2-piece. Purple inner & 1.15pm - 1.50pm Lunch (35 min) outer, plus year badge on top left blazer lapel. 1.50pm - 2.50pm Period 5 • Shoes – Plain black flat formal shoes. No boots. 2.50pm - 4.00pm Enrichment • Sensible school bag to fit A4 folders.

PE Kit • Rugby Top – Half sleeved purple and grey Term Dates 2017-2018 quarter rugby top with black collar and black Summer Term 2017 logo on the left side. • Shorts/Skort – Compulsory plain black shorts/ Closes Friday 21 July (after school) skort with purple BCHS logo on the left side. • Tracksuit bottoms – Optional plain black Autumn Term 2017 tracksuit bottoms with purple BCHS logo. Opens Tuesday 5 September 2017 • Socks – Purple football socks with black hoops. • Suitable Footwear – Trainers for indoor use, Closes Friday 27 October NO pumps. Football boots required on grass. Opens Tuesday 7 November Closes Thursday 21 December Hairstyles & Make-up • Hair should be sensible and of a natural colour. • High fashion/extreme styles or unnatural Spring Term 2018 colours are NOT allowed. Opens Tuesday 9 January 2018 • No lines shaved in eyebrows or hair. Closes Friday 9 February • No make-up may be worn in Years 7-9. Opens Monday 19 February • In Year 10 & 11- Minimal eye-liner may be worn. NO other make-up, foundation etc is allowed. Closes Friday 23 March • The use of FAKE TAN is NOT allowed. Summer Term 2018 Jewellery Opens Monday 9 April 2018 • Students may wear one pair of small earrings – Closed Monday 7 May (May Day) studs or sleepers and 1 small ring. • We DO NOT allow nose studs, tongue studs, Closes Friday 25 May eyebrow piercings or any other piercings. Opens Monday 4 June • Students may wear a wristwatch. Closes Friday 20 July • No other jewellery is allowed. 18 Community Use at BCHS with Crosshill

Gym Time Monday to Friday 6:00pm - 9:15pm Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 2:00pm Standard price: £4.00 (Free for Gold members) All gym users need an induction - contact 07730 283721 for information

Fitness Class Day Time Yoga Tuesday 7:30pm - 8:30pm Standard price: £6.00 (Free for Gold members)

Activity Price List *beeZ Member Non Member Badminton or Short Tennis (per hour, per court) £8.55 £9.50 Table Tennis (per hour, per table) £5.45 £6.05 Cricket (per two hours) £70.00 - Indoor Football (per hour) From £37.00 - Astroturf (per hour) *Summer Offer* normally £29.00 From £15.00 - Equipment hire charges may be incurred and child prices are applicable, all courts are subject to availability.

To book a class, gym induction or activity please call 07730 283721

At the Heart of our Community There are a wide range of activities available at Information can also be found at: BCHS with Crosshill including: fitness classes, www.blackburn.gov.uk/blackburncentral-cu gym, sport facilities, astroturf, conference facilities, private room hire, and more! or visit us on Facebook at ‘Community Use at Blackburn Central High School’ Opening Times: Monday to Friday 6.00pm – 9.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm Sunday 10.00am – 2.00pm For more information about Community Use at Blackburn Central High School please contact:

Duncan Carmichael (Centre Manager BSF Community Use) on 01254 680012 / 07738 737525 or [email protected] 19 Blackburn Central High School with Crosshill Details Haslingden Road Blackburn BB2 3HJ

Phone: 01254 505 700 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bchs.co.uk Twitter: @BCHS_uk Facebook: BCHS with Crosshill

...... Headteacher: Diane Atkinson (BCHS & Crosshill) Contacts Chair of Governors: Dot Thomson (BCHS) Chair of Governors: Philomena Keigher (Crosshill)

...... Visits to the school can be arranged by contacting Deputy Visits Headteachers: Shanaz Hussain or Simon Braithwaite

Phone: 01254 505 700

......