Wednesday 20th July 2016 Issue 39

HEAD’S LINES

Remarkably it is only 190 school days since:

• Year 7 joined the school full of wonder about what opportunities this would bring • Year 8 moved up to become experienced guides to life at High School • Year 9 began the year that would see them make their GCSE options choices • Year 10 embarked on their GCSEs, including the new English and Mathematics courses with the 9-1 grading system • Year 11 began their final year of compulsory schooling • Year 12 chose to join the sixth form to study either A-Level or BTEC qualifications • Year 13 returned ready to focus on university, apprenticeship or gap-year applications

and in just six weeks’ time, this cycle will begin all over again. Before then, however, we should take a moment to reflect on the remarkable year that is coming to a close.

In years to come, 2016 will be remembered Such variety stems from our belief in providing internationally and nationally for a range of a powerful curriculum that is deep, broad historic events. However, for members of and balanced, a ‘whole’ curriculum that the community it also enables our students to develop the powerful deserves to be remembered for moments of knowledge, skills and qualities which will help great collective and individual achievement them flourish in life, learning and work. that have been faithfully captured in the weekly editions of High Notes. (continued over leaf)

These achievements stem from our drive to pursue excellence for every student, every day.

It is this pursuit of excellence that carries so many students to local, regional and national finals or awards in sport, public speaking and debate, business enterprise, extended writing and performing arts, the STEM subjects, community and social action or the many strands of art, design and technology.

1 This commitment to creating the conditions in which our students can flourish we describe as developing young people of character. We want Wilmslow High School students to

• have a ‘do more and be more’ approach • be guided by moral purpose, intellectual engagement and a spirit of enquiry • be determined to succeed through hard work and effort.

All of this sits within a philosophy that places our school at the heart of its community, providing all our students with a sense of belonging to, and opportunities to participate in their full community, local, regional, national and global.

These are all themes within our next three-year School Improvement Plan, a diagrammatic summary of which you can find in the End of Year Notes published this week. I, and all the staff of Wilmslow High School, look forward to continuing on this journey with you and your children in September when we all return refreshed from the summer holidays.

Good-bye, good luck and thank you! At the end of this academic year we say goodbye and thank you to colleagues as they move on from Wilmslow High School. This year there are a number of members of staff who will be leaving:

Mr Egan Mr Atkinson Mr McKeever Mrs Robinson Mr Cooper Mr Corker Mr Fitzgerald Mr Gupta Mrs Mackintosh Mr Hayley Mr Shea Mr Matthews Miss Ryan Mr Cartner

We are very grateful for all they’ve done for the school’s students during their time here.

For Mrs Knowles (English), Mrs Macnee (geography) and Mrs Maclean (learning support), today marks the end of their careers in education as they look forward to retirement.

Mrs Knowles (39 years) and Mrs Macnee (33 years) have both spent a large amount of their teaching careers here at Wilmslow High School, so a special thanks to them both for all of their many and varied contributions over such a long period of time. NEWS Afternoon Tea at Wilmslow High School During this year’s Whole Education Week we took great One guest commented, “It was pleasure in holding our 4th great for the local residents annual community afternoon tea to be invited into the school event. and be looked after so well by the next generation of Leading up to the event the Year Wilmslow” “Fabulous food 10 catering and food technology and music, thank you for all students were busy making of the wonderful service too, scones, Victoria sponges and all the students are so polite sandwiches of the highest quality, and pleasant- a credit to the meanwhile the music Xtra students school” were practising various ensembles to show off their musical talents on A big ‘thank you’ to the the day. talented music and food technology students involved, Year 9 and 10 food technology my colleagues in food students transformed the hall into technology and music and to a grand tea room, with covered the site staff who were all a tables, flowers and menus. fabulous support for the day.

Over 100 residents living locally A final thank you goes to and in nearby care homes our guests who generously attended, along with parents of donated just over £250 which the students involved. The event will go some way towards the itself is one of the highlights of cost of a new blast chiller for the year for us as teachers. Although very the food technology department. We are still time consuming in the planning, nothing beats a long way from affording this equipment but hearing the wonderful feedback from our hopefully we can raise the funds in the future. guests on the day. Miss P Speed

3 Art Exhibition The art team welcomed staff and students to view the fantastic end of year exhibition to celebrate the art work of Year 11, 12 and 13 on Tuesday afternoon.

The display featured an eclectic mix of outcomes from the graphic, photography and art and design specialisms, showcasing a high level of draughtsmanship, attention to detail and personal responses developed by students through their course of study in the department.

On display were many innovative, creative and inspiring artworks.

Final pieces produced by Year 13 students Hannah Saks, Ellie Prime, Alice Du Fresne and Lauren Mooney were selected by the Wilmslow Decorative and Fine Arts Society (NADFAS) for

submission to a National A Level competition organised by the RBA.

Their work will go forward to the next stage of the competition and will be considered by a team of academics from the association. If successful, the students’ work will go on display in February at The Mall galleries in London.

The art team will continue to showcase students’ talents during The Wilmslow Art Trail in October.

4 Youth Dance Showcase Members of Year 7 and 9 Dance club had the opportunity to perform at Aquinas College, Stockport on Tuesday 12th July. The dancers represented Wilmslow High School as part of a Youth Dance Showcase.

The Year 9 dancers performed two beautiful contemporary dance pieces: ‘Royals’ and

‘Grenade’. Year 7 Dance club performed an exciting version of ‘Fame’.

All dancers had a wonderful experience of performing in a modern theatre and participating with other local schools. They were very professional and performed with energy and enthusiasm.

The Dance World Cup Three talented dancers from Wilmslow High School were selected to represent Team at The Dance World Cup in Jersey. All girls were competing against children from all over the world in their individual sections.

Martha Burwood and her dance team were awarded a bronze medal in both the Children’s Hip Hop and Classical Ballet sections. Hollie Burwood (right), Susy Pythian (left) and Martha Burwood (right) competed in the junior group modern section, where the standard was incredibly high and they missed out on a medal by only 1.3 marks, awarding them 5th place.

The points from all of the girls’ dances contributed to England being the overall winning country of The Dance World Cup 2016. Well done!!

5 Activity tracker trials A number of our Year 10 students have been trialling activity trackers this term. The project has been run in conjunction with one of our Achievement Partners, Life Leisure/Actilife, who approached us to help trial this innovative new product.

The group of 20 girls were provided with a “Pebble” which was worn on a shoe or on the hip throughout the day, including during PE lessons, extra-curricular practices and even some competitive fixtures.

The data captured included the number of steps taken during the day, exercise Year 8 visit places of worship intensity (whether light, moderate, or During Whole Education Week the Social vigorous), the distance covered, and the Studies Department took Year 8 to length of time that students have been Manchester to further their exploration of the active. world religions. Having studied Sikhism and Buddhism throughout the year the students The project allowed students to compare were very excited about the visit. personal activity levels, set themselves challenges, work together to achieve At the Buddhist centre students began to group targets and gave them an master the art of meditation. Thoughtful insight into healthy daily activity levels. questions were raised regarding the nature of Connecting automatically to a computer or a religion without God. to the student’s phone, the girls were able to monitor their activity over time. The Sikh temple (Gurdwara) filled students with curiosity as they wore customary bright It wasn’t just the orange headwear upon arrival. We learnt of students who got Sikh identity and the symbolism of the turban involved either. for Sikhism. Sikhs acceptance of religious Mr Williams, pluralism and langar was a reflection of their Mr Lightfoot value of equality. Langar is part of a Sikh’s and Mrs Kelsall practice, when they offer free vegetarian all took part. It food to all. Everyone sits on the floor to eat, was certainly a symbolising the theme of equality. The Sikhs great motivator filled plates with delicious potato curry, rice for staff and and chapatti. students alike – Mr Williams has Students followed the ‘Wilmslow Way’ been known to showing pride in belonging to such a multi- walk laps round cultural society. We very much look forward to his garden when he gets home to make running the visit next year. sure he passes 10,000 steps for the day.

6 Silly Sports Day 2016 During the afternoon of Wednesday 13th July, some of our lucky students had the opportunity to partake in ‘Silly Sports Day 2016’. An inclusive sporting event where the primary focus is not winning, but having fun!

The fun was abundant, with Welly Wanging, Space Hopper Races and a Tug of War amongst many more. The original plan of utilising the backfield was abandoned due to the rain, however, this did not dampen our spirits. Well done to all of the students and staff involved in making Silly Sports Day 2016 a Super Success!

North West Ambulance Service Local school children gathered at Wilmslow High School on Friday, 8th July, to be taught life-saving skills by North West Ambulance Service.

Students from Alderley Edge, Ashdene, Dean Oaks, Gorsey Bank, Lacey Green, Lindow, St Anne’s Fulshaw, Styal, Wilmslow Grange and Wilmslow Prep primary schools came together to learn how to perform CPR and safely use a defibrillator. Hockey stick trials Nine of our junior hockey players took part North West Ambulance Service organised a in some stick testing with STX Hockey on ‘pretend collapse’ and helped the children to Tuesday. intervene safely. The students tried out a range of sticks and Tatton MP George Osborne joined the local were invited to give feedback on each of schools who have installed defibrillators and them. Simon Swatland (pictured) took part in observed the students being taught crucial a study to measure the difference in vibration CPR skills. To read more click transferred to the player when hitting the ball http://tinyurl.com/zqx2enx using different sticks. 7 London visit On 13th July three members of staff and 31 students travelled down to London for a 3 day tour of the capital.

We started with a short walking tour of Whitehall and visits to the National Portrait Gallery and Churchill War Rooms before walking through St James’ Park for a photo opportunity outside Buckingham Palace.

The students were delighted to catch sight of David Cameron on his way to see the Queen in order to offer his resignation. After a meal in Leicester Square, we settled down to a fantastic performance of Les Misérables.

The next day was spent at Hampton Court Palace, one of Henry VIII’s official residences. After an interesting guided tour covering the history of the palace and its royal occupants we had time to enjoy the sunshine in the extensive and beautiful gardens. On the third and final day the group enjoyed fabulous views from the London Eye before heading to the Imperial War Museum.

Last but by no means least, the visit was topped off with a fascinating tour of the impressive Palace of Westminster where the students stood in the House of Commons and House of Lords, gaining an insight into the history and day-to-day operation of Parliament.

Macclesfield College taster day 38 students visited College to take part in a number of taster sessions. This experience was organised to support their aspirations and inform their Post 16 destinations.

Students took part in sessions including beauty therapy, chefs’ academy and business/ ICT and media/design. The students involved really enjoyed this opportunity and participated enthusiastically.

8 Cowling residential A group of fifty Year 10 GCSE PE students made the annual trip to Cowling in North Yorkshire for an outward bound residential as part of their practical assessment.

After a miserable, wet first day, the weather was quite quite kind as students took part in canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering and mountain biking assessments. A series of early mornings, late nights and demanding instructors ensured that all students had to work hard for their grades, which they duly did, achieving some fantastic results. A great trip, and a few bumps and bruises aside, students and staff all returned in high spirits.

Sports Award awarded to students who had displayed not Presentation only achievement in their chosen sport, but a On Tuesday we combination of outstanding commitment, fair held our annual play, team work and leadership. Our special Sports Awards guest was triple Olympian, Paul Manning. Presentation, Following a cycling career that saw him win celebrating the bronze at Sydney 2000, silver at Athens 2004 successes of individuals and teams across and Gold at Beijing 2008, Paul is currently the full range of sports. working with the Women’s Endurance The PE teachers and coaches were asked to Team and will be with nominate individuals for ‘Player/performer of them out in Rio next the Season’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution month. Awards’. The Players of the Season were awarded to the students who had consistently It was a fantastic performed to the very highest standard, who occasion and an were respected by their team mates and opportunity to considered to be the most valuable player by celebrate what their coach. has been a hugely successful sporting The Outstanding Contribution Awards were year for the school.

USEFUL LINKS Sports X-tra: http://tinyurl.com/hoq2zvn Arts X-tra: http://www.wilmslowhigh.com/?p=265 X-tra – Xtra: http://www.wilmslowhigh.com/?p=269 Previous issues of High Notes: http://www.wilmslowhigh.com/?p=2239 Letters sent from school: http://www.wilmslowhigh.com/?p=2043

9 Grammar in 1974 as a MFL teacher.

In 1977 she became a Head of Year at the Girls’ school, and in the mid 1980s she took on the role of Head of Year 11 across the 3 schools after re-organisation.

In 1992, Gill became Head of Norcliffe House when the House system was first established, and she retired from full time teaching in 1997 and took on part time work until 2002. Since then, Mrs Winder has been a Senior Invigilator. A little bit of history comes to life Last week, the Humanities group, taught by The students quizzed Gill for over 40 minutes Mrs Birchill, invited former Wilmslow High with a variety of questions, such as: did you School teacher, Gill Winder, to speak to them use the cane? What was the canteen food about her time at the school. like? Were you paid in shillings and pence?

Mrs Winder, who has decided to retire from Students learned a lot about the school’s education, after a long and successful career, history and thanked Mrs Winder for taking to came to what was then Wilmslow Girls’ them. We would like to wish Gill all the best in her retirement.

German exchange visit MFL recently made the decision to change the Year 10 Germany visit from a city visit to a school exchange, which would allow our students to improve their language skills, gain a fuller experience of German culture, as well as making strong friendships with German peers. We would saw strong evidence of these aims throughout our short stay in Tübingen. Whether enjoying an early evening punt along the River Neckar or hiking to the picturesque, historic Hohenzollern Castle situated in the Swabian Alps, our 44 Year 10 students really appreciated what this beautiful part of Germany has to offer.

The highlight of the visit was hearing our students conversing in German and watching our boys beat the Germans in a mass kickabout).

The students involved were an absolute credit to their families and the school. I would like to thank Mrs Coltman, Mrs Bargery, Mrs Stoner, Mr Munro, Mrs Hulme and Miss Plaat for their help and support with organising this visit. Attention now turns to October when the students and teachers of the Carlo-Schmid Gymnasium will be coming to Wilmslow High for the return leg.

10 NOTES

LOOKING AHEAD The start of year next term arrangements letter and End of Year notes were given out to students yesterday. These can be found at the following link:

http://tinyurl.com/jxxxf89 http://tinyurl.com/j5rpaxt

As there are some changes to the start of term arrangements, please could you read this letter carefully. When Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students arrive in school on Wednesday 7th September for their first day programme they shouldreport to their form room.

As you may know, schools across the country have been responding to national changes to assessment across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 this year. At Wilmslow High School, our staff have been working hard on our new assessment and reporting procedures for 2016-17 and we are looking forward to sharing these with our parents and carers at the following events at the start of next year. Further details will follow at the start of next term:

Year 8 Expectations Evening: Wednesday 14th September 6.30 p.m. Year 9 Expectations Evening: Wednesday 21st September 6.30 p.m. Year 10 Expectations Evening: Wednesday 22nd September 6.30 p.m. Year 12 Welcome Evening: Thursday 15th September 6.30 p.m.

Summer Work for students Fresh Year’s Fair opportunity Through this year we have been reinforcing the message to our students that practice is On Wednesday 7th September, Key Stage vital to performance. This is a message that 3 and 4 students will attend the Wider we will continue to focus on next year. Many Curriculum Fresh Year’s Fair in the hall during schools are using Knowledge Organisers to their first day back. help students to learn the key content that will build their knowledge base and improve The aim of the Fair is to promote the many their performance, so you may find that your and varied opportunities that are available son or daughter has been given Knowledge to students, at school and within the local Organisers in some of their subjects to work community. We have invited a number of with over the summer. local voluntary organisations to take a stall in the Fair to promote their activity to our young English, Mathematics and Science have people. all set summer work for students to help them to consolidate their knowledge and If you work or are part of a local club or understanding, and you should have received organisation and would like to take a stall communication from these departments at the Fair to promote your activity (10am informing you of the tasks that students will - 2.30pm), please contact Mark Vincent on be expected to undertake. mvincent@wilmslowhigh..sch.uk

11 YOUR children could be dicing with death Over the past year in the Wilmslow/Macclesfield areas there has been a significant increase in incidents of children trespassing and playing on the railway lines. Some of these incidents also involve children putting objects on the track and train windows being smashed.

Clearly this is extremely dangerous and British Transport Police and Network Rail are seeking the support of all parents and guardians in ensuring children do not stray onto the line this summer. The railway is not a playground.

Please be aware that railway trespass is very dangerous and can cause life-changing injuries or even result in death. Around 60 trespassers a year are killed as a result of being hit by trains.

Trespass, throwing stones at trains and putting objects on the track are criminal offences that can result in arrest, prosecution and a criminal record.

Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) are working in partnership to deal with trespassers in the area involving both uniformed and plain clothed patrols. Assistance will also be provided by helicopter and CCTV monitoring. If you are found to be trespassing or committing any offences on the railway you may face prosecution.

If you wish to report any information to us, please call us on Freephone 0800 40 50 40 or text the information to 61016. Please visit www.btp.police.uk for more information and advice about BTP and crime prevention.

Part time job opportunity: The Market Co The Market Co, the company behind the Wilmslow and Northwich Artisan Market, are looking to recruit two additional set-up staff. Apprenticeship Opportunity Candidates will need to be physically fit, Royal London are looking to employ 2 prepared to work unsociable weekend only apprentices. hours (most are 4.30am starts), polite, able to Great Career progression. take instruction and be good team players. Starting salary £13,000 per annum. Staff are transported to and from each venue. Rates are £7.50/hr eg £60.00 for Northwich Email [email protected] or phone Estio (4hrs in the morning 4.30 - 8.30 and 3 or 4 Training on 01422 898 888 hours in the afternoon (3.30- 6/7.30). Owner, Denise has been delighted with former The company is really keen to offer these Wilmslow High Students who have taken on opportunities to Wilmslow High School this part time work, and would be interested in Students. speaking to any other hard working students (Year 11 and older). Contact Denise on 07789 181677 [email protected]

12 SPORT

Tennis On day three, they were drawn against Hagley The senior girls’ tennis team were involved in School. The first singles match proved rather the National Finals at Queenswood School, decisive. The overall result might well have Hertfordshire last week. The team of Olivia been very different had we won. Olivia French French, Ellie Aldrich, Jess Purdy, Laura was unfortunate to lose that match in 3 sets Jackson and Alice Kraunsoe, were playing in and although Jess Purdy won her singles and the finals for the third consecutive year – a she and Ellie Aldrich won their doubles, the fantastic achievement in itself. team unfortunately lost by 4 matches to 2.

On Wednesday, the girls played against On Saturday, the team played against Bede’s School, winning comfortably by 5 Holmfirth. Olivia, Ellie and Laura won their matches to 1 ensuring they would finish the singles matches and Ellie and Jess won tournament as one of the top 8 schools in the their doubles match to win the tie 4 matches country. to 1. This ensured that the team finished in 7th position in the country. It was an A tough draw saw them come up against the outstanding performance, with not one of tournament’s number 2 seeds, Talbot Heath our players losing a match to anyone with on Thursday. It was a titanic 6 hour battle, but a lower rating or ranking than them. Mrs Talbot Heath eventually proved too strong, Kelsall was extremely proud of the girls, their winning by 4 matches to 1. performances continue to be of a really high standard and they were a credit to the school.

Congratulations to Charlotte Wood and Lucy Walmsley who won the U13 Tennis Tournament at the Cheshire and School Games last week.

13 CALENDAR

Week commencing 18th July 2016

Day/date Time Venue Activity Monday 18th July 10.00am Year 7 Joe Hart Soccer School residential departs Chester Year 10 Chester Zoo visit Iceland Year 11 and 12 Iceland visit departs 4.30 - 5.30pm Main Hall Wilmslow Concert Band Tuesday 19th July Periods 1 - 3 Main Hall Sports Awards presentation Wednesday 20th July Year 10 French visit returns 12.30pm School closes for summer break Thursday 21st July 3.30pm Year 7 Joe Hart Soccer School residential returns Friday 22nd July Year 11 and 12 Iceland science visit returns

Week commencing 15th August 2016

Day/date Time Venue Activity Thursday 18th August A Level results

Week commencing 22nd August 2016

Day/date Time Venue Activity Thursday 25th August GCSE Level results

Week commencing Monday 5th September 2016

Day/date Time Venue Activity Monday 5th September INSET Tuesday 6th September INSET Wednesday 7th See start of year letters for students and September Main Hall programme attached Year 7 parents’ welcome evening Thursday 8th September All students return to school

14 COMMUNITY

WOMEN WHO LOVE SINGING! Cheshire A Cappella, the Wilmslow-based ensemble is looking to swell its numbers and is keen to attract new singers from around the region to join in the fun.

Recent summer activities have included singing with Russell Watson at one of his ‘Songs from the Heart’ concerts and a free concert and flash mob event at the Barnaby Festival – both great fun! So whether you sing high or low or somewhere in the middle, give some thought to joining the girls on Sunday July 24th from 11am ‘til 4pm at their Taster Day workshop and experience the magic of four part a cappella close harmony singing. There’s no obligation, just a great opportunity to see what it’s all about, meet the girls, sing some songs and who knows, make a whole bunch of great new friends!

If you can’t make it then, the chorus offers Open House rehearsals on the last Wednesday of every month so feel free to come along.

If you’d like further information on the A Cappella Appetiser day, or on any of Cheshire A Cappella’s activities, please call 07975 927423 or email [email protected].

15 • Bought a bike & not sure where to go … • Bored of cycling the same old routes … • Want a challenge but don’t want to get lost …

http://ukcycleroutes.com/wilmslow-cycle-routes/ £4.99 pdf download + free sample routes

Included in the Guide:  An introduction to cycling equipment  Checklists of what you need to buy and take with you on rides  Details of the hills you’ll find on the routes The Routes included: Red  5 routes, ranging from 20 to 40 miles. Green  Requires moderate level of cycling fitness,  5 routes, all around 5 miles in length avoiding the  Including many longer and steeper hills. main roads.  Suitable for families & new-starters, Black  No hills.  5 routes, including several of the steepest climbs in the area ranging from 28 miles with 3000’ elevation Blue gain up to 45 miles with 5700’ elevation gain.  5 routes, introducing minor hills, ranging from 4 to 25 miles. Mountain Bike  Suitable for reasonably fit new-starters and older  5 routes, ranging from 15 to 39 miles, including areas children. such as Macclesfield Forest and Lyme Park.

Hill profiles and locations Practical Advice & Information

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