A World of Challenge, Inspiration and Achievement

To Make a Difference!

Friday 30th November saw the arrival of the long awaited, heavily prepared Also that 29,000 children under Children, Water Aid, Stop Hunger for Citizenship Charity Fayre. This rep- the age of five – 21 each min- Now, Womens Childrens Aid resented the culmination of the Year 10 ute – die every day, mainly from Foundation and CAFODwere just Active Citizenship Unit which repre- preventable causes. a few of the charities that we sents 60% of their Citizenship GCSE. focused on. The ideas for activi- Year 10 decided to TAKE ACTION! ties to run ranged from cake and Year 10 had chosen to focus on the sweetie sales, guess the num- Each class wrote a letter to either theme “Our responsibilities as global ber of sweets in the jar, Mario their local MP or to Downing citizens” looking at the issue “Should Kart racing, Glitter tattoos to Street asking what the Govern- the UK Government do more to sup- the more bizarre Can the Cam- ment intends to do to try to port people in less economically eron game! There were various ensure that these issues are ad- developed countries?” We had decided petitions available to sign for dressed as a matter of urgency . to investigate what the UK Government students to pledge their support, and UK citizens are doing to support They then decided to help in which will in turn be forwarded the Millennium Development Goals to the Prime Minister. which were a set of goals agreed by their own way by trying to raise awareness of these appalling the United Nations and non-govern- Students in Years 7-9 had the op- issues and raise some money for mental organisations in the year 2000. portunity to visit the Fayre in pe- the numerous charities who are These goals were intended to be met riods 1 and 2 whilst upper school working to support people in by 2015 but with only 3 years to go, and staff were able to explore we have discovered that many of the LEDCs directly affected by hun- targets that were set are unlikely to ger, poverty and disease. be achieved. Two of the goals that we In groups found will not be achieved are: the MDG1: Eradicate extreme poverty and students hunger chose an issue MDG4: Reduce by 2/3rds between by to focus 2015 the number of children dying on and before reaching 5 years of age. chose a charity to During their research into these goals, support. Year 10 found out some shocking facts. Oxfam, That there are 925 million hungry Save the people in the world and nearly all under nourished people live in LEDCs.

“I believe in using what you have, instead of mourning for that which you do not. In thirty years time, I want to be able to look back at my youth and know that I used my talents fully: that I wasted nothing.”

A former Highcliffe Sixth Form Student

Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 2 There was a real sense that difference globally. Nearly £1000 the various stalls at breaktime. the Highcliffe School commu- was raised to send to the chari- nity were all pulling together ties concerned. The atmosphere at the Fayre to ensure the success of this was tremendous and the feel important event. good factor associated with doing something to help others When it was all over, abounded. One Year 8 student Year 10 had a real said “I can’t believe so many chil- sense of achievement, dren die every day just because they had alerted their they don’t have clean water to peers to the impor- drink. I’ve spent all my money on tance of being global this stall so I know I have helped citizens -by acting in a small way.” locally we can make a

Sixth Form

Hard Work - Great Success

A new indicator which has Form colleges both locally and places at Oxford University appeared on the perform- nationally. The publication of for October 2013. ance tables this year is the school performance tables the percentage of students in January of each year by All three were put through gaining Grades AAB in the the Department for Educa- their paces in December 2012 ‘facilitating’ Advanced level tion always provokes a lot of during their interviews held subjects. These subjects interest both within schools at various colleges in Oxford. form part of a list deemed as and the wider community. The Jack applied to Keble College being part of the preferred new format of the tables gives to read Economics & Manage- study options by the Rus- a very comprehensive range ment and has been offered a sell Group universities – the of comparative data looking at conditional place on receipt list includes: mathemat- many aspects of school per- of his A2 results. Francesca ics, further mathematics, formance. The range is indeed underwent a range of inter- English literature, physics, so comprehensive that it must views – whilst she was feeling biology, chemistry, geog- be quite daunting for read- most unwell – but she obvi- raphy, history and foreign ers who are not from the field ously performed well and has languages (classical and of education to understand been offered a conditional modern). Highcliffe’s the wealth of information that place at Lincoln College to figure is 10%, more than is provided. The link to the read Languages. Phoebe has double the figure of 4.8% tables is: http://www.educa- been offered a conditional for state schools, and tion.gov.uk/schools/perform- open offer to read Experi- ahead of the 6.5% fig- ance/ mental Psychology. They are ure for all schools and under no illusions of the com- Sixth Form colleges. As a The beginning of January 2013 mitment needed to achieve school we are pleased that was a time for celebration for their required results. They our Sixth Form students are 3 of our Year 13 students. are determined to reach their clearly being well-prepared Jack Radford, Francesca goals and we await their news for higher education and Crisante and Phoebe Bar- in August. We wish them all performing so well in com- nett have been offered the best with their studies. parison to schools and Sixth

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 3 e x pressive ar ts

The Growth of Drama

The autumn term was an ac- 13 BTEC Acting group are very have created a truly original tion-packed one for the Drama busy at the moment touring their and enchanting response to the team and students with a Children’s Theatre performances tales which is full of energy and variety of activities involving at our local feeder schools. Having creativity! all year groups and a range already performed to over 100 of external pupils at Acting Workshops! agencies and Highcliffe St Also the Year 13 Gifted and audiences. Mark Junior Talented BTEC Acting students School, are currently working with Drama Club they have Peter Courtney from Direct Festive Fun! several Theatre to develop their impro- further per- Year 7 and 8 visational skills. Peter, a highly formances Drama Club talented improviser/actor has booked all members introduced the students to the way up treated an au- Long Form Improvisation a very until Febru- dience to some challenging technique which in- ary 2013! festive fun volves participants creating an towards the Using the unplanned piece which could end of term. Grimm last up to an hour. Without a Students had broth- script, the Year 13 students will created their ers’ tales be expected to develop char- own Christmas of ‘Snow acter, situation and plot in a themed per- White’ and spontaneous way for an invited formances and ‘Hansel audience. They will use ensem- also provided and Gretel’ ble work, listening skills and a all their own as their range of improvisation frame- costumes, props and sound starting point, the students have works to create what should be tracks. The students’ ideas recreated the poet Carol Ann a highly entertaining piece! were very imaginative and Duffy’s dramatization of these sto- often humorous including ries. Using Santa’s version of ‘Come Dine physical with Me’ to Mother Christmas theatre having to deliver the presents! tech- All students enjoyed perform- niques, ing to their friends and we are music, looking forward to our next move- project. ment, mime and Grimm Tales working as Following on from the suc- an ensem- cessful performances of last ble, the year’s cohort in May, the Year Year 13’s

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 4

The Actor’s Wheel reports. The lighting of the show I thought was very creative, The Year 13 group was joined by Sister Act for example when Deloris was the Year 12 BTEC Acting students day dreaming yellows were Recently, Expressive Arts recently to take part in a devising used to emphasise the feeling students went on a school trip workshop run by Kevin Johnson of happiness and excitement. to see Sister Act performed from Marjon University College, Also when a character felt sad, at the Mayflower Theatre in Plymouth. Kevin is in the process blues and greens were used to Southampton. Before I went of setting up The Actor’s Wheel: a show jealousy and sadness. to the show I was expecting group of undergraduates study- a performance with a few ing for a BA (Honours) in Acting in The costumes and props were singing nuns because of things Plymouth. very effective. The use of glit- I had heard about the produc- ter and sequins on costumes The workshop began with a selec- tion and about the film. worked very well and as the tion of warm up exercises before nuns’ performances became The lead Deloris Van Cartier progressing onto ways in which more outrageous, so did their was played by Cynthia Erivo, to begin the devising process. outfits. a young actress who gradu- Kevin emphasised the importance ated from the esteemed Royal of body language The sound was another great and space between aspect of the perfor- actors, working as mance and both the an ensemble, timing vocal performances and experiment- and the orchestra ing with connec- were of a very high tions between standard. The chore- actors. The work of ography was excel- the famous Polish lent; all of the actors theatre practitioner were in time with Jerzy Grotowski was each other and the explored including movements were counter-balance and bold and worked impulse responses. very well with the music. Kevin also had time to talk to our Sixth Form students Academy of Dramatic Arts. I had a few favourite char- about university courses in the The part of Deloris was Cyn- acters from the play: I really arts which was incredibly use- thia’s first lead role but after liked Sister Mary Robert and ful as several of our students are watching her performance the way she was played by considering following a perform- I would expect there to be Julie Atherton. The actress ing arts route when they leave many more leads for her in the used great body language to Highcliffe. All students enjoyed future. show her nervousness at the the workshop and now have many beginning of the play. I also The purpose of the show was new strategies which they can use liked the portrayal of Curtis to humour and entertain the when devising original pieces for Jackson by Cavin Cornwall, he audience, which in my opinion their own practical examinations. was very natural while keep- was executed perfectly. ing the stereotypical gangster Performance Visits attitude. The set was fantastic; there There were also a number of were many interesting back- My personal opinion of the excellent trips for the students of drops some of which gave event is that it was absolutely expressive arts, as can be gleaned three dimensional effects to fantastic! The acting was su- from reading the following two make the stage look larger. perb, the music and technical

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 5 elements were incredible and the songs - like Lullaby of Broadway, However, when it is time for the whole atmosphere was breath- We’re in the Money, Shuffle Off opening show the Diva breaks taking. I enjoyed the production To Buffalo and many more. This her ankle! But the show must go more than I anticipated and my- ground breaking musical also on! The producer brings in a new self and the rest of the Highcliffe included amazing comedy which surprise girl, Peggy Sawyer, to students left the theatre smiling! was appreciated by all ages, take the lead role and the show young and old. is a hit! Report by Danny Jeffs The storyline is of a young girl, The show was great fun and ‘42nd Street Peggy Sawyer, who dreams of has all given everyone taking being a Broadway star, but when Expressive Arts, from Years 9 to Recently Highcliffe School Ex- her chance of the big time comes 11, both inspiration and ideas pressive Arts students attended she is too late! Eventually she to help us with our own perfor- the award-winning Broadway earns a place in a Broadway mu- mances in the future. musical ‘42nd Street’ at the May- sical in the chorus line because flower Theatre, Southampton. of her spectacular tap dancing Nathan Smith (Year 9) This sensational musical included skills. complex tap routines, massive

Another Great Christmas Show

This year’s Christmas performance was held on 20th December and was a sell-out success. ‘Tis the Season’ featured a wide variety of music, all with the vision to celebrate the music of Christ- mas. More than 100 students were involved ranging from Year 7 singers to Sixth Form sound engineers. Every student performed to the best of their ability, resulting in a concert of the high- est standard. Parents have commented in par- ticular on the performance of the Bach by the Sixth Form and Staff Choir. In addition the Classi- cal guitar trio and the Btec ensemble were among the many highlights of the evening. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the students and the many staff members who contributed their time to help make the concert a success.

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 6

More Sporting success

It has been another success- report a considerable degree of erful side who certainly were ful term on the sports field for success. fancied to do well in the tour- Highcliffe. During the course of nament. They had beaten the the term success was achieved in The Grange U13 girls Football team the previous year in the a number of areas. Tournament. final. This game was going to be crucial to the day’s outcome Well done to the U13 girls who In rugby the Sixth form team and so it proved. The warm up ended up not only as winners were runners up in an area tour- was very focused as the team of the recent tournament but nament. In the Year 7 rugby area gathered their thoughts for the also were unbeaten throughout tournament the boys were victo- forthcoming challenge. When the whole tournament. This was rious between Ballard in the final the whistle no mean feat in a nail biting game. The Year 8 blew, Highcliffe as they faced and 9 teams went undefeated came out of stiff competi- all season on top of winning the the blocks tion from good District cup. Good luck to Year 10 firing. The quality teams team who are playing Gillingham forwards domi- representing in the County Rugby plate semi- nated position The Grange, finals. with the line Talbot Heath out, scrum and In netball all years are complet- and The Bishop broken play ing in the area netball league of Winchester. being domi- which continues after half term. nated. This All teams are progressing well, It would be dominance but the Year 7 team are the most invidious to led to Tom successful as they have only lost single out Wood, pick- one game. The Year 7, 8 and 10 any individual ing the ball up netball teams have tournaments performance from the back this term. as the whole team played so of the scrum In the girls football the U13 team well. How- and scoring are through to the quarter-finals ever Katie White (Tutor Group in the right hand corner to put of the County Cup and they 8.8) was unanimously chosen as Highcliffe 5-0 up. The backs made it to the last 32 teams in Highcliffe player of the tourna- grew in confidence throughout the National Cup. The U16 team ment. Well done to the whole the game and towards the end are currently unbeaten in the team! of the second half Finn Hay- County Cup league. ton (who played exceptionally U14 St Peter’s Rugby Tourna- well at fly half throughout the In basketball all teams played ment day) scored after making a half in the Christchurch and district break. Basketball leagues. Congratula- The Highcliffe U14s have put in tions to the Year 9 who won the some fantastic performances Oakmead had also won the league having gone undefeated throughout the season, but they opening game. Highcliffe de- all season. The Year 7 team is certainly left some of their best fended superbly in this game, also undefeated with one match rugby for the annual St Peters turning defence into attack to play. The Year 8 finished run- Tournament. Eight schools en- by pressurising Oakmead into ners up in the league. tered the competition and were mistakes. In the loose Nathan put into 2 groups. Smith and Luke Powell really A number of tournaments took took the game to Oakmead place towards the end of term St Peters were our first oppo- spoiling Oakmead’s posses- and we are pleased to be able to nents, who are a strong and pow- sion. This led to quick ball for

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 7

Finn Hayton who draw his man but throughout the season so Arter, Christian Brown, Adam and released Sami Hattab who far. They were a true credit to Coe, Michael Derham, Brod- ran the ball in for the first of a the school, and it has been a erick McKay, George Rankin, hat trick of tries. Following his pleasure to coach them again Arthur Young) playing some superb assist Patrick Busby also this year. They continue to listen great flowing rugby in all games broke the defensive line to score. and improve, shortly after the went on to win all their pool Result 20-0 tournament the team went on matches in emphatic style. In to beat Bournemouth School the final Highcliffe A faced their The Grange were next up in the for Boys 31-10. I would like to old adversaries Twynham A. pool matches. Nathan Chubb, extend my congratulations to Highcliffe took an early lead Theo Middleton, Dean Harburn, the boys and thank all the par- 15-0, Twynahm fought back to Sam Woodhouse, Oli Jenkins and ents for their continued support score a consolation try, though Cameron Rankin performed ex- they give to the team. the Highcliffe went on to 25 – ceptional in this game. All break- 5 and retained their trophy. ing the gain line, and linking with Year 9 Boys Rugby supporting players. Sam Wood- A special well done goes to house finished off a free flowing Highcliffe arrived at the Tour- Arthur Young who had to play move in the right hand corner to nament with 2 strong sides in both A and B teams after get the scoring underway. Sami ready to defend their title from an injury to one of the A team Hattab, Patrick Busby, Finn Hay- the previous year. The A team players. ton all adding to the scoreboard were in a pool with St Peters for a 20-0 win. B, Twynham B and Arnewood Dorset Schools Team Tumbling A. While the B team faced the Competition Highcliffe had won the group, tougher draw of St Peters A, and went straight through to Twynham A, Arnewood B and We must congratulate Lauren the final to play against Donaldson, Ella McGuin- Lytchett. The team perfor- ness, Jessica Mills and Molly mances had been superb Stirling who represented all day but they saved the Highcliffe School at this best performance till last. major regional competition Confidence was flowing at Rossmore Leisure Centre through the team as the in Parkstone. team was passed and offloaded in all areas of During the day almost 100 the pitch with Phil Cole teams from over 40 schools and Dean Harburn grow- took part, divided into four ing in stature upfront. age groups. Ciaran Johnston pulling Highcliffe’s team competed the strings from Scrum against 17 others int he Yars Half, and Rhys Phumphrey 7 and 8 category. After the linking any loose play into first round of competition, territory gained. Patrick Busby Portchester. The B team gave a where the standard was incred- and Finn Hayton again both sound account of themselves ibly high, the top five teams scored, before a sublime first winning against both Arnewood went through to the final. phase move lead to Patrick tak- and Portchester but narrowly Brilliantly, Highcliffe was one of ing a switch pass at full pace to losing against both St Peters and them! score unopposed directly under Twynham A teams. They eventu- the post from 20 yards out. Final ally finished joint Runners Up in Of the final five, Highcliffe result: 15-0 Highcliffe Winners! their pool but not reaching the came in third overall. This was later stages due to an inferior a great achievement anda fan- Full credit should be given for points score. tastic end to a very enjoyable their attitude, leadership and competition. togetherness not just on the day The A team ( Sid Anders, Bradley

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 8

Fun in Humanities - The RSPB Boat Trip

On a wet and windy Fri- one of Brownsea’s infamous and we headed back to day morning in December, red squirrels, one of the rar- shore. It was then that we Year 8 students and five est mammals in the UK. were lucky enough to spot staff braved the elements a peregrine falcon, which and set sail around Poole The students, although a litle was ‘exciting and amaz- Harbour in order to learn windswept, had a wonder- ing to see’ (Jessica Crozier about the ecosystems and ful time and remarked on 8.4) and both students winter wildlife in our lo- how the ‘trip was a lot dif- and staff seized this rare cal area. The group left ferent to what we usually do’ photo opportunity – even Highcliffe dressed head-to- (Benjamin Swann 8.4) as the guide from the RSPB toe in waterproofs before they were given the free- was shocked by the spot- meeting our guide in Poole dom to take in the sights at ting. where we boarded our dou- their leisure. With an excel- ble-decker boat and were lent team of volunteers from After two hours on the issued with our binoculars. the RSPB providing both water our trip came to an We certainly didn’t let the staff and students with an end and both staff and wind and rain dampen our insightful commentary, we students were sad to hand Highcliffe spirit as we piled spent the morning passing our binoculars in and get straight out onto the upper by Furzey Island and Green back on dry land. Hav- deck and headed out on Island as we travelled around ing ‘learnt a lot about the the water towards Brown- the harbour identifying dif- birds’ (Romy Caswell 8.2) sea Island, where we were ferent bird species such as all students were grateful given time to view an array the Great Northern Diver and for the opportunity and of birds on the lagoon and Goldeneye. thanked the RSPB and its an informative talk about volunteers for the unique the Harbour and its sur- After a warm and much wel- experience that they had rounding area - we were comed cup of tea and a bis- received. even lucky enough to spot cuit, the skies began to clear

Private View - Monday 4th February, 4pm - 6pm 1st - 24th February 2013 Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, BH23 4LE

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 9

It is with great pleasure that the English Curriculum Area have produced the fifth Highcliffe Anthology. Anthology Over the last six years the Highcliffe Anthology has AnthologyAnthology gone from strength to strength and the current edi- tion features poetry and prose from nearly a hundred 20122012 Highcliffe students. The anthology was created to showcase the creative and imaginative writing of our students and each year we are amazed at their crea- tive talent.

We have already had over thirty submissions for the 2014 anthology and would encourage any budding poets and writers to submit their poetry and short stories for consideration as early as possible. If you have a poem to share or a story to tell we would love to hear from you. Below is a sneak preview from the 2014 edition, an extract from an autobiographical piece of writing by Jasmine Glyde in Year 9.

Please e-mail your piece to office@highcliffe- school.com for the attention of Mrs H Pearson.

A compilation of short stories £3.50 and poems by Highcliffe students

Appearing on Stage It all started when my mum came home one night and said, “Guess what? Sarah is directing the New Forest Players’ panto - Aladdin. Fancy being part of it?” I asked myself, “Am I confident enough to be in a pantomime in front of hundreds of people? Yes, I am, I can do it!”

We arrived at the auditions rather late. My mum and Judy (her work partner) had been in an im- portant meeting. We came in the room giggling with nerves, not expecting to see twenty people sitting in silence waiting for their turn. The auditions were ‘open’, which meant everyone trying out could watch everyone auditioning. We quietly sat down and watched in amazement at some of the most extraordinarily talented people. Two women in particular, Shannon and Camilla, were fantastic. Then it was our turn, we were up! Having missed the early chorus try-outs we were forced to audition in a small group of five. I had a swarm of butterflies in my tummy and went as red as a fresh tomato. I was embarrassed. The music started and everyone started to sing. We sang Colour My World, a song I had never heard of. The song came to an end and we received a little round of applause. I wondered, “Had we got the part?”

Yes! We had the part. I really enjoyed the first rehearsal. We had taken some big bars of deli- cious Lindt chocolate for the group at tea break. We sang Colour My World and the choreogra- pher, Shannon Fisher (Aladdin), made up the fabulous dance to Colour My World.

The rehearsals flew by and each week we learnt more and improved by the minute...(To find out what happens next - buy the 2014 Anthology!)

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 10

This year is an important milestone for the school. In the spring we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the school. The school opened as Christchurch Grammar School in September 1961 in temporary premises whilst the main school building was be- ing finished. The Grammar School students moved into this building in Highcliffe in February 1963 You can see some pictures from the early days on the following page. We would love to add to these. We are inviting any ex-students from the 60’s/70s/80s/90s/2000s and of more recent vintage to contact the school with memories, photos etc. This is with a view to enlisting your help to create a memorable event, or indeed events, during the year. We would be especially interested in hearing from alumni of the very early years - in particular those who attended Christchurch Grammar School from September 1961. Simply go to the school website where you will find a contact and submission form. www.highcliffeschool.com

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 11

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 12

Aspire Dancing Success

Well done to Caitlin Heasman Ballroom and Latin events at the couple represented Eng- for all her dancing success. She Stars of the Future Champion- land at a 3 day International has been dancing Ballroom & ships in Brentwood in June and Dance competition in Paris Latin since she was 7 years old. winning the Ballroom Novice title and will have several major For a number of years she has at the DPA Festival held at the National and International competed in ISTD medallist BIC in Bournemouth in July. She competitions during 2013. regional competitions, qualifying has now moved into the Junior for the last 3 years for the ISTD category (ages 12-16) and com- Caitlin does have ambitions Grand Finals held in Blackpool. petes at National and Interna- to become a professional In November 2010 she reached tional events with her new dance dancer and the school will do the Juvenile Social Dance Final partner William Bannister who all it can to be supportive of achieving 7th place in Latin. In attends Mountbatten School in her ambition. 2011 she reached the Juvenile Romsey. Social Dance Final achieving 6th place in Ballroom. This year she On Saturday competed in the Grand Finals 17th Novem- on Saturday 3rd November at ber Caitlin the Winter Gardens in Blackpool and William where she won the Juvenile competed in Silver Latin title and came 3rd in Blackpool at the Juvenile Silver Ballroom. This the British was a significant achievement National Dance for her, having qualified and Championships competed at a higher level than in the Junior in previous years. The photo is category facing of Caitlin being presented with very tough the Latin Trophy by Richard Hunt competition (Vice Chairman of the Modern from National Ballroom Faculty and Imperial and World Dance & Dance Sport Faculties champions Board). several years older than In February 2012 Caitlin became themselves . a member of the British Dance They achieved Association and has since been a very credit- competing on the British Open able 24th place Circuit. Whilst in the Juvenile in Ballroom category she and her former and 29th place partner had some notable suc- in Latin. In cess coming 3rd in both the December the

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 13 Highcliffe Hiroshima Peace Conference

Was the atomic bombing Ms Berkely helped students to remark on eating some of Hiroshima justified? This explore the attitudes of the mocha, “That’s the weirdest was the question facing a scientists who developed the texture I’ve ever had in my group of approximately 40 bomb towards it. Finally, in mouth.” Sixth-Formers at Highcliffe “Personal Perspectives”, Mr The Conference proved to School on Thursday 31st Bryden provided a whole menu be highly successful with January. of documents for students to students having to confront Inspired by a recent school read which looked at the issue and think through trip to the city of Hiroshima, through the eyes of some enormously which featured a moving victims, POWs and difficult and emotive trip to the Peace Memorial scientists. issues before finally Museum, organisers Mrs Be- The students them- arriving at a conclu- wley and Mr Bryden decided selves came from sion. As one student to give students an opportu- many different sub- noted, “I think this nity to confront the issue in ject areas, including day is important, an all-day conference, called Religion and Phi- not just because it the Hiroshima Peace Confer- losophy, Geography , is an eye-opener ence, hosted at the school. History and Physics. and informative, but The day began with all the The event therefore because it gives you students gathered in the provided and op- the information to main study centre. Here portunity to explore support your opin- the students were briefly a controversial issue ion.” invited to offer an opinion beyond the confines Another student based purely on their own of a single subject stated, “I think knowledge. Interestingly, discipline. Students were this day is a brilliant and only one student completely therefore introduced to differ- invaluable way of opening disagreed at this point with ent approaches to help them our eyes to the suffering of most students saying they formulate their own view on others.” either partially agreed or the question. Other students explained disagreed. In the final session, Mrs Be- how their views were al- During the course of the wley and Mrs Dedman ran a tered as a result, “This day day, the students were split session in which students were has modified my percep- into groups and attended once again invited to decide tion of Truman’s resolving workshops which looked at where they would stand on the towards dropping of the the bombing through differ- issue of the A-bombing. On bomb. Despite the fact that ent perspec- this occasion, how- I still totally disagree with tives. ever, students had the bombing, I now under- In “Ethical to explain and justify stand why it could be ar- Perspec- their views based on gued that it was justifiable.” tives”, Mrs what they had learned The day is likely to become O’Connor during the course of a regular fixture although asked stu- the day. This session this year it tied in with dents to culminated in an op- Highcliffe School’s 50th an- consider portunity for students niversary. Highcliffe School what different views world to write their own message of is proud of the efforts it leaders and religious people peace on a label. These labels had made over the years may have adopted towards will be hung on a tree in the to foster a global outlook the bombing. In “Histori- courtyard for other students to amongst its students. This cal Perspectives”, Mrs Finch see. day was one way of high- introduced the students to There was not only food for lighting this feature. the factors that made Tru- thought on this day. Ms Ber- Furthermore, Highcliffe man, the US president at kely served up a taster dish School has had close re- the time, decide to allow of a variety Japanese dishes, lationship with a partner the use of the A-bomb. In including gyoza, sushi and mo- school in Hiroshima for over “Scientific Perspectives”, cha. One student was heard 10 years. During this time,

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 14 an exchange programme, verdict? After having explored Above all, whatever the led by English teacher Mr all the different perspectives, rights or wrongs of the Bryden has been running. there were fewer students bombing, students now Every year, a delegation of who either partially agreed or knew what led to it hap- students visits from Jo- disagreed than at the start of pening in the first place. hoku High School, Hiroshi- the day. In fact, the students One student remarked: ma, and every other year were much more polarised “ I have learnt so much a delegation of Highcliffe than before perhaps a few today. I think that every- students has visited the more students disagreeing one should know the basic Japanese school. with the dropping of the A- information of what hap- This year, the students Bomb than agreeing. pened.” from Johoku School will be The most important aspect With students taking away following up the Hiroshima of the day was that students’ knowledge and under- Peace Conference with eyes had been well and truly standing like this, perhaps some presentations on life opened. They had brought the chances of something in Hiroshima today during to bear all the different skills so horrific happening their forthcoming visit in built up in different subject again are a little less than March. areas onto a controversial they were before. What, then, was the final and difficult subject.

Future England to follow. Megan started play- Captain? ing football when she was 8 years old, when she joined the Mudeford Phoenix team. Her talent was recognised early and We now have news of yet an- within 3 years she was play- other Highcliffe student excel- ing for Dorset, where she also ling at the national level. This stayed 3 years before a recent time it is in football. Megan switch to Hampshire. Her main Smith of Year 11 has recently position is as right-back. We attended a selection and train- look forward to being able to ing camp for England. This update you on her progress is her second camp and as a and watching her in a future result of it she has been given European and World Champion- a fitness training programme ships.

Medicine at I’m finding things here. At the have been learning how to take Southampton moment we’re just coming to a patient’s history. Our days the end of our ‘Foundations of are pretty much 9am until 4pm Medicine’ unit. So there is a lot every day, which is long and Here is the text of an email of work but plenty of socials to tiring but I am still enjoying it. recently received from Aimee keep us occupied. Have been Thank you all for helping me get Falla who has started her learning anatomy in the lab, into Southampton, especially degree studies in Medicine at here we use pro-sections of Mr Booker who helped me with Southampton. cadavers that have already my personal statement a lot, been dissected out, not whole don’t think I’d have made it in ‘Hi, It is Aimee Falla here. I bodies, which is quite good be- otherwise.Hope everyone at was just emailing to say that cause you can find what you’re Highcliffe is well, I promise I I can’t make the awards eve- looking for fairly quickly. We will keep you updated with my ning as I’m going skiing with also do a Medicine in Practice progress. the uni but thought I would course, have been following email you to let you know how the development of a baby and Aimee’

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 15

Gifted and Talented in Art and Mathematics

Art and Maths Gifted & Talented 10 students Evening – Rosie Ashley –East, Towards the end of term we Charlotte invited Year 5 pupils from our Colehan, feeder schools to participate in David Parker, an evening of Art and Mathemat- Alice Clif- ics along with their parents. ford and Luis Primary school pupils who had Dibdin. It been identified as being ‘Gifted’ was lovely in Maths and/or ‘Talented’ in Art to have our were invited to attend. The aim own stu- of the evening was to introduce dents with the concept that our curriculum us to assist areas are interlinked, and to the younger demonstrate how the subject ar- pupils. a good time. At the end of the eas are supportive of each other evening everyone gathered in rather than disparate subjects. The pupils and parents then the Da Vinci atrium to share We wanted to give an opportuni- went into 3 classrooms where their work and evaluate their ty for parents to work alongside they worked together to pro- outcomes. their son/daughter and realise duce a piece of artwork of their the constraints and demands own design using the Fibonacci We would like to thank the that our students meet on a day Sequence, using oil pastels. The pupils and parents for ‘coming to day basis. outcomes were excellent and back to school’ and entering everyone appeared to be having into the spirit of the evening. The participants were welcomed into the Da Vinci Centre at 6pm where light refreshments were served. Mrs Dedman welcomed Future Plans - Current Action the audience and gave a brief introduction to the Gifted & Talented provision at Highcliffe Kristian Maidment from School. Then Miss Aldis, math- 10:3 has been involved ematics teacher, introduced the in photography for about Fibonacci Sequence and how seven years and has always we are surrounded by this in been interested in art. our daily lives without knowing Since October Kristian has it. The Fibonacci Sequence and been attending a photogra- Golden Ratio is evident in nature phy course on Saturdays at and in many art forms. Then Mrs the Arts Institute at Bour- Saganic, art teacher, introduced nemouth University. As a the work of Jasper Johns who result of this passion for has created so much work using art, Kristian and his broth- the numbers from the Fibonacci er have set up their own Sequence. Mrs Saganic gave the website in order to display audience some tips on how to the work, both phtography work with oil pastels. Mrs Devlin, and drawings, they have Mr Elliott and Mr Cowley were created. You can view their also on hand to support the work at http://kramesbro. workshops as well as some Year deviantart.com/

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 16

Seaside Feeling

The stroke unit at the Royal years, including work which them.” Bournemouth Hospital took is featured in the outpatients on a seaside feel with the department and a panoramic Three students from Year 10 addition of some nautical photographic piece which accompanied the staff on the themed artwork from local was installed in the purpose- visit to the stroke unit where school students. built unit before it was of- they were able to mount their ficially opened by Sir Bruce work in the garden and see it Students from Highcliffe Keogh, Medical Director of in situ. School in Christchurch donat- the NHS, earlier this year. ed some specially designed Hannah Rice said “It’s lovely art pieces to be displayed in Clare Gordon, Consultant to see how our work will make the unit’s therapy garden, Nurse on the Stroke Unit, such a difference to patients bays and therapy rooms. said: “We are aware of the and hopefully speed up their positive impact of art on recovery”. Janet Bullas, art teacher at patient and carer mood while Felice Southwell added “It was the school, said: “The beach recovering from a stroke. theme was one that the a great experience doing the children put forward after These pieces really enhance art work and I am glad that spending time discussing the stroke unit environment we will be able to positively what it would be like to be – they are a great addition to influence the recovery of peo- in hospital and doing some some of the pieces already ple suffering from strokes”. research about what it would in place across the unit. “We Hannah Brennan emphasised be like to have a stroke. hope patients, their families the point saying “It’s good “They thought it would be and staff will enjoy them and seeing the work being used to nice to bring some of the that they have an uplifting help people”. natural environment of Bour- effect on everyone who sees nemouth into the hospital en- vironment, for patients on the stroke unit. Hopefully the patients can get some enjoy- ment from the work while they are there.” The school students have pro- vided many pieces of art work to the Royal Bour- nemouth Hospital over the

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 17

Highcliffe - Bournemouth University - Google Earth

On Tuesday 29th January a team from Bournemouth Univer- sity came to Highcliffe School to work with 30 year 9 students to showcase the capabili- ties of Google Earth.

Students had to identify archaeological remains and suggest the uses of explore Hengistbury Head them. These were then and design a virtual tour of We look forward to wel- linked to Stonehenge the Headland before design- coming back Bournemouth via an interactive explo- ing their own beach hut, University in the sum- ration of the stones via using Sketch Up and locat- mer for more sessions on Google Earth. ing it onto the headland – all Google Earth. without leaving the comforts Students then got to of the IT suite.

STOP PRESS!

Recent Highcliffe student wins MTV Contest

Some wonderful news just in that former student Ebony Day has won the MTV Brand New for 2013 Award. This is a major competition organ- ised by MTV. Ten acts were on the shortlist for the award which went to a public vote. Of the ten Ebony was the only one who did not already have a recording contract. Of ap- proximately 260,000 votes cast Ebony came in as a clear winner with a whopping 40% of the votes. Ebony will now work closely with MTV over the next year, including performing live at the MTV awards show. We will bring you more on this, possibly even from Ebony herself, over the course of the year.

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 18

Globalised Another Fantastic Visit Soon!

An introduction and some world out there can be brought set foot on such foreign soil ancient history into our lives at the press of an is still there. And, finally, the icon. So in some ways, compared spark of warmth and gratitude On the last Saturday of Oc- with when we went in 2002, Japan that comes from making real tober this year, ten students is arguably less remote and the human-to-human contact with and two students the host families and students teachers know from the school even though - Mrs Be- more we are so far from home. An wley and about the example of this is when we myself - of country returned from the ancient cap- Highcliffe before- itals of Kyoto and Nara. We vis- School hand. ited this city in the middle of gathered our stay in Hiroshima. During outside Indeed, in their time there, our students the front 2002, the had made a point of buying gates for students o-miyage - gifts for family the trip of had to members. As we returned to a lifetime. wait until Hiroshima on the bullet train, We were we’d re- the students were asking each off to Japan - the sixth oc- ceived the profiles of the homestay other what they had bought casion on which Highcliffe families to get in contact with their for their parents and their School has sent a group to buddies. Now, before going, they sisters and their brothers. They that country. have already communicated via didn’t mean their families back Facebook and Skype. in the UK. They were referring Our first delegation went in 2002 with Mr Hill, Mrs Harris But some and me - Mr Bryden - ac- things don’t companying the students. change. The It’s worth dwelling on that excitement for a moment because in the and nervous Digital Age 2002 is ancient anticipa- history. tion before meeting the Social media technology was host families in its infancy and there was is still there. no Facebook. Internet access The sense wasn’t that widespread. of wonder about what All that has changed now it will really - and the technological be like to developments mean that the

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 19

to the families looking after them able to overcome barriers and History and culture - both in Hiroshima. forge good relationships. Thanks recent and more ancient to Mrs Bewley’s endeavours back A Warm Welcome in England, we were also able to During our time at the hand over a present that cre- school, we also had some We arrived at Hiroshima Airport ated something of a stir amongst trips out organised for us. on the Sunday evening. The first the 1000 plus students gathered We visited Hiroshima Peace friendly faces we were greeted before us: Southampton shirts Museum which details by were Mr Wood and Mr Asano signed events leading up to the of Johoku School’s International by the atomic Committee. They whisked us team’s bombing onto an airport bus and in the Japa- of Hiro- darkness we gradually saw the nese shima, the glittering city of Hiroshima and players terrible the surrounding dark, looming and a event itself mountains. signed and its aftermath. We arrived at Hiroshima Station ball. They This is where we were warmly greeted profoundly by the host families. For most of were quickly moving our students, it was, of course, place and the first time to meet their fami- put on display! brings lies. For two of them, however, home the (Olly Jackson and Abigail Clarke- Meeting Old Friends horror of nuclear war. The Jones) it was a re-union, because school also organised a visit they had looked after their Much of our time was spent at to a place regarded as one buddy when they had come to Johoku School itself. Students of the most beautiful in all England in March. attended lessons during the day Japan - Miyajima. and in the eve- On our first ning spent time Midway through our stay, day at Johoku socialising with we visited Kyoto and Nara. School, the their host fami- Assisted by our tour guide, students had a lies. we visited some of the most taste of what magnificent and iconic sites it’s like to be a One thing that in the Japan, such as the celebrity. The was really heart- Great Buddha in Nara and whole school warming to see Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. turned out for was some of our She also took the students a welcome students meet- to some lovely market areas ceremony. ing “old friends”. selling tasteful traditional This highlight- Many of the goods which enabled the stu- ed to the stu- Johoku students dents to get in that all-impor- dents - both who had visited tant quality shopping time! Johoku and Highcliffe school Upon returning to Hiroshima, Highcliffe - the popped by to the travelling didn’t stop for importance of greet our stu- one student - Ryan Davies. the interna- dents. Charlotte, As soon as he stepped off the tional dimen- Abi and Georgia, bullet train, he was handed sion. Georgia Gunnell delivered a who had all hosted a student another ticket for another speech to all the students, thank- from Johoku, were delighted journey by bullet train to ing them for the welcome and to have the chance to meet up the south of Japan to visit expressing our hopes for being again. Kumamoto and its spectacu-

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013 20

lar castle! visited a kindergarten. Was this how much the students of actually the real highlight of the each of our schools have built One of the most magical things trip - being greeted by 30 smiling such warm and friendly rela- about our time in Japan, though, 4 year old faces as we stepped tionships. was not just the trips out. Johoku into the classroom? I think some also kindly of our students The party could have ended organised for might say it was! simply with photos being some hands-on taken and thanks being given cultural lessons The trip ended - but there was one more mo- for our students with the Fare- ment of magic to come. The on the art of well Party . This front of the hall was cleared kimono wearing was a chance to and a semi-circle formed. (the traditional give thanks and Japanese cloth- formally express From behind a door, carrying ing), the tea our appreciation a guitar, came Jamie Adams. ceremony and for the efforts He sang two Beatles songs - calligraphy. As you can imagine, the staff, students and homestay Baby You Can Drive My Car there was so much to enrich parents had made to ensure that and Blackbird. The audience and stimulate - far too much to we had a most fantastic time. was spellbound. mention here. There was the New friends had been made and And that’s a good word to moment we entered the sparse barriers had been overcome. It end on - spellbound. Going to beauty of the traditional restau- was quite clear that both stu- Japan is like going somewhere rant in Kyoto. There were the dents and families had both been magical. Our students have times spent wandering around enriched by the experience. One brought something of that temples, taking in sights and of our students did have good magic back with them and it sounds. reason to be a little bit anxious will remain with them for the at the Farewell Party: Josie Dear Some students had particular rest of their lives. Recently, I would be met an ex-student “projects” they were working on. sitting in a Visits with their host families to Joe Smith who room at Jo- had been a part of the traditional gardens of Shuk- hoku School keien in Hiroshima were particu- the 2008 delega- the follow- tion. He was wear- larly appreciated by Katy Taylor, ing evening Josie Dear and Annie Howard ing the official taking her Johoku t-shirt they because of their interest in Oxford Japanese art and style. Ben Tilley, give us as a gift. entrance Through Face- who has studied the language, exam. If it began Japanese with increasing book, he is easily was trou- able to stay still confidence during the course of bling her, his stay. in regular contact she didn’t with the family he show it! It Smiling Faces and Moments of stayed with and was par- Magic the one he looked ticularly after. “Not a day The trip wasn’t, however, just impressive goes by,” he said, about us learning about Japan. how many “when I don’t The students of Johoku school Johoku think about my were learning from us. We gave students time in Japan.” presentations to some English turned up to the Farewell Party. classes and participated in Eng- There were plenty of students It will be the same for these lish conversation with the stu- there from previous exchanges, students, too. dents of these classes. We also which I think is a testimony to

H2U, Volume 12 Issue 3, February 2013