Grammar TAKING School Newsletter

Issue 51 STOCK Spring/Summer 2012

ART NATIONAL CALL UP CHEMISTRY ON YOUR BIKE Three artists have their Rugby First XV captain Chemistry Olympiad Olympic cycling artwork displayed at The James Flynn plays for entrants achieve legend visits the Lowry in Salford Quays his country outstanding results Junior School Page 4 Page 5 Page 8 Page 14 THE ARTS THE ARTS PUPILS TAKE RNCM COLLABORATION

In February the school’s Chorus and CENTRE STAGE Chamber Choir delighted parents, The Spring and Summer Terms have given Governors and music-lovers alike when they performed along with many opportunities for the school’s musicians Sinfonia and Chorale in a and performers to shine. Gala Concert at the Royal Northern College of Music.

IT’S ALL GREEK The pupils’ talent and dedication and The annual Classics play, their collaboration with such acclaimed directed by Head of Classics classical ensembles resulted in a Mr Thorley, now has a firm programme that demonstrated slot in the school calendar. the highest quality of musicianship The department continued and was a fitting start to the year’s their successful run of Greek 525th anniversary celebrations. tragedies with an impressive production of Aeschylus’s The Persians over three nights.

The story was portrayed by a brilliant cast of Sixth Formers A TALENTED BUNCH MUSIC TO Sam Allport, Tom Fawcett and Alex Collingwood who The hotly anticipated annual Vernon Ade Ferguson and Natalie Clarke OUR EARS all supported lead character Show fundraiser showcased a range played an extremely well-received Atossa played by Ayoni of talent from all age groups in the acoustic set and the special guests Rounding off a year of musical Medagoda, alongside the school, with two performances over of the show, teacher ensemble excellence, the annual Summer CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE? chorus led by Toby Jones and a lunchtime. There was a variety of One Education provoked a lively and Leavers’ Concerts once musical and comic talents, with a amount of audience participation. again exhibited not only the A fantastic sell-out Senior School A lively portrayal of The Artful Dodger comprising Luke Cawthorn, strong presence from the Lower School The two shows raised £334 for the talent and hard work of the production of Oliver! which ran over came from Third Year Jack Carter. James Earley, Walid Hassoon, this year, including a unique comedy House charities. pupils and staff but also the four nights in March showcased the Jamie Rahman, Sixth Former, gave an Ben Hayes and Will Robinson. act from Arisha-Jane Marsh, original quality and diversity of music breadth of talent across the school. extremely menacing performance in music from Lara O’Donoghue, an a enjoyed by pupils of all ages From cast, chorus and orchestra, to his role as Bill Sykes. The cast and Off stage, a 20-strong crew cappella duet from Georgia Burns and at Stockport Grammar School. backstage, technical and marketing chorus were supported by the helped to make the production Molly Royle, as well as a star turn from teams, the production saw 180 pupils accomplished show orchestra, possible. The show’s wonderful Those Four Girls, a singing and dancing The programmes featured from the First Year through to Upper conducted by Director of Music, costumes were created girl group from 1S. excellent performances from Sixth involved in a seamless and Mr Dow. Pupils were expertly directed by staff and pupils in the the Junior Band, Concert Band, highly energetic show. Notable by Drama teacher, Mrs Moffatt and the Textile Technology and Art Higher up the school, Vernon Wind Orchestra, Senior Big performances came from Sixth Former show was produced by Head of ICT, departments, while pupil Hina House stalwart Ismaeel Ramzan Band, Junior Big Band, Jazz Ollie Mills who played a charismatic Mr Flaherty. Ali was responsible for Atossa’s contributed an entertaining Band, String Orchestra, First Fagin with excellent vocal ability make up. act with his regular rapping Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, and musicality. The cast, orchestra and crew also ‘crew’ and Ed Robinson Junior Singers, Chamber Choir spent a morning delivering a Each performance of the play stepped in too, before and Chorus. Fellow Sixth Former Natalie Clarke ‘workshop’ to Lower School pupils, was also preceded by a a stellar performance sang a highly emotional As Long As where they performed several different short drama written with Jamie Simpson, Look out for coverage of the He Needs Me, the highlight of her numbers from the show as well as by an A Level Classics pupil, which had everyone end of term Music Festival and role as Nancy. First Year pupil Alex being ‘in-conversation’ with Co- who had been asked to ‘hippity-hopping’ the summer Music Tour in the Grant who played a sweet-voiced Curricular Co-ordinator Mrs Muscutt, consider the extent to which back to lessons next issue of Taking Stock. Oliver Twist reflected: sharing their experiences and relations have changed after the show. discussing what is involved in putting between the east and the west “ It was a great, new experience on a show of this scale. since The Persians was written which I really enjoyed – I learnt nearly 2,500 years ago, with a lot and definitely want to keep the results providing perfect the drama up now.” openers for the main feature.

2 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 3 THE ARTS SPORTS ARTISTIC GOOD DIFFERENCES SPORTS CALL UPS TO EXHIBITING AT THE LOWRY NATIONAL SIDES Three of the school’s top artists have SGS has a rich history in the Rugby First XV captain James Flynn is now had their artwork displayed at The competition with Sophie Watson being playing for his country after being selected Lowry in Salford Quays as part of chosen as a winner in 2010, and Jenny for the Under-18s Clubs and Schools Living Edge magazine’s School McLoughlin, Ellie Broster and Simon IN THE TOP THREE Rugby Squad. James impressed the selectors HOCKEY TRIUMPHS Arts Competition. Howard all having their work highly The Under-13s hockey during his excellent performances for the North The First XI have capped a commended in recent years. squad have finished in the at the Under-18s Divisional Festival which saw tremendous season by winning Rebecca Hosfield (under-14s), top three in England with an the Prop score the winning try in a 7-5 victory the Schools’ Gwen Harris (under-16s) and impressive performance in the against the Midlands. James has also played Under-18s tournament. Jessica Hadfield (under-18s) all had National Schools’ Mini Hockey for Sale Sharks’ second team in the Aviva A their work hung in the gallery before Championships Final. League this season, further demonstrating The team, led by captain it was judged by some of the north- what a promising future he has in the game... Charlotte Bailey, played four west’s leading artists, with Jessica’s After progressing through the games without a rest, but the entry being chosen as a runner-up in Greater Manchester, North- ...and Sixth Former Jamie Simpson has girls took that extra challenge her category. West and North rounds of the enjoyed continued success in his fencing competition earlier in the year, in their stride by opening with with the captaincy of the Northern Ireland a 4 – 0 win against Withington Mr Davies, Head of Art, said: the team travelled to Cannock squad for the UKSG and a bronze medal followed by a late 1 – 0 victory “ This year saw a record number of Hockey Club as the first ever in the men’s team Épée. against Altrincham Grammar. entries from many of the best schools Stockport Grammar hockey Their next game was a real from across the north-west, and so team to reach a national final end-to-end battle, with Martha the fact that all three of our entrants in the Under-13s age group. Watson, who is also goalkeeper were accepted was very pleasing.” Jessica Hadfield HOUSE RUNNERS COMPETE After losing the first match, for the England Under-18s the squad quickly turned things There were some impressive Morgan Hanson. Nicholson was team, pulling off a triple save “ It has been fantastic to have a round and took control to win performances from First and Second the winning House. against Cheadle Hulme. A creative output whilst the rest of my the next three matches before Year pupils in the House cross country 1 – 0 win secured the trophy subjects have been essay based.” a third place playoff against events at the end of the Spring Term. In the Second Year competition, and despite their tired legs, Hymers College, who had Winners of gold medals in the First Warren House won, with Patrick the girls took to the pitch once Pupils have been encouraged to defeated the girls in the Year were Daniel Woodside and Magner and Juliet Downs winning again to score a 2 – 0 victory be inspired by the landscape and North finals. Georgia Bourke, with Liam Sorah gold, Joshua Foran and Lauren Hunt against St Bede’s to round off architecture around them as well and Molly Tinker taking silver and taking silver, and Ciaran Collins and the day’s achievements. as drawing on school trips to inform Revenge was sweet as bronze going to Sam Howard and Sarah Stretton claiming bronze. their work – such as Kate Mitchell’s Lauren Hunt, Lily paintings of the Namibian children she Kate Mitchell Helen Topham Wolstenholme and captain worked with last summer. The groups Francesca Bailey scored the have also been looking at established 7 UP goals to secure their hugely A VISUAL TREAT artists (both contemporary and from The Under-15s rugby boys lifted the impressive finish. This year’s GCSE and A Level art the past), resulting in very varied and prestigious King’s Macclesfield Myles exhibitions opened to a private individual work. Marshall Rugby Sevens trophy to Francesca said of the day: viewing for parents, staff, Governors round off another impressive season.

and donors who were impressed by AS Level pupil Abigail Saunders has The quarter and semi-finals saw the “ We were really nervous, the high standard of work presented. been fortunate enough to spend time boys beat Solihull and Warwick 36 – 7 playing against the teams we in acclaimed artist Liam Spencer’s and 24 – 7 respectively before they had lost to in the third and At all levels, pupils have embraced studio and A Level pupil Helen avenged an earlier defeat to Lymm by fourth rounds, but we beat a range of media in their practice. Topham’s work has been selected for beating them 20 – 12 to secure the them and ended up coming A Level student Arran Mackay who, the prestigious Royal Academy A Level tournament win. With just a handful third in England so we were as well as painting, has experimented Summer Exhibition. A number of the of defeats in their first three years of really proud of ourselves. to fantastic effect with various textile A Level students hope to go on to rugby at the school, the team also It’s been a great season!” techniques such as batik and study courses such as Architecture, made their mark on this season’s Daily felting, commented: Fashion and Photography at University. Mail Cup, reaching the sixth round of the competition.

4 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 5 SCHOOL TRIPS SCHOOL TRIPS

HERE ON THE PISTES Mayrhofen in Austria was the Skiers varied from beginners to There was plenty of time for fun THERE AND destination for the February Half-Term the experienced, but all found their away from the pistes too. As well as ski trip, with thirty one pupils from feet on the resort’s wide range of the excellent accommodation, pupils across the Senior School taking to runs. High winds and poor visibility enjoyed ice skating, bowling, an ice the slopes. at times helped teach the pupils cream evening and a trip to a water EVERYWHERE important lessons about skiing in park, while a glorious final day of School trips have once again taken tougher conditions, a challenge sunshine offered the group fantastic which they all embraced. views from the mountains. pupils far and wide... A FAIR EXCHANGE Twenty four Fifth Year pupils travelled to Bad Segeberg over Spring Half Term for the return half of their German exchange.

The new friendships made when the German pupils were at Stockport Grammar the previous term had been maintained, and pupils were very excited to be reunited with their partners.

SGS pupils sampled life in a German classroom, spent a weekend with their host COMING TO AMERICA families and enjoyed trips to Hamburg’s centre where they New York, Philadelphia and The group then travelled to The tour’s museums and sights skated, socialised and were Washington were visited by Washington DC for the final stage were of particular importance taken to dinner. History and Art A Level and GCSE of the trip, where the artists took in to Sixth Form pupils and their students during the Easter break on The Phillips Collection, The Smithsonian A2 work on American civil rights, As well as getting a first-hand a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the east Museum of American Art and the as well as the GCSE classes insight in to German culture coast of the USA. National Gallery of Art, where they who have been able to use from their host families, the were presented with an extraordinary their experiences to support the pupils got to see some of Starting their trip in New York, the display of major pieces by many of the international relations element the area’s most famous Art department visited some of the greatest artists from both America and of their course. CONQUERING sights including the world’s most famous galleries and art Europe. Staff and pupils alike were picturesque town of Lübeck collections including MoMA and The impressed by the sheer scale of the and Miniaturwelt, the world’s Guggenheim, while historians took galleries and benefited from SNOWDONIA largest miniature railway. in some of the city’s most recognisable the opportunities to learn sights on foot, including the Empire about and appreciate the Thirty two pupils spent their Easter Based at the Llanberis Youth Hostel, The highlight of the trip for State building, Rockefeller Centre art they were viewing. breaks on the peaks of Snowdonia on the climbers headed out each evening many was a VIP visit to the and Times Square, while a boat trip the annual mountaineering trip to the for activities to support the day’s Reichstag. A guided tour took them to Liberty Island to see the The History students took Welsh mountains. climbing. Pupils learnt basic first aid, was followed by a visit to Statue of Liberty. in all the major sights, role-played rescue scenarios and the glass dome at the top, as well as the more sombre Despite the fog, rain and sleet, all practised bushcraft skills. where panoramic views of the The next stage of the tour took the visits to Arlington National of the Third Year pupils managed to German capital were enjoyed. pupils to Philadelphia where historians Cemetery, the city’s tackle the Tryfan scramble, and also Although the weather on the last day learnt more about the American numerous war take part in climbing and abseiling. prevented the climbers from going With friendships cemented, Revolution, the Declaration of memorials and Most of the group also conquered up into the hills, the group were able language improved and Independence and the Constitution the Holocaust Snowdon via its various routes, to learn more about mountain rescue German culture explored, of the United States. Memorial Museum. assisted by four Sixth Form helpers and the role of the Police in the area this was a tremendously who joined the trip for the first time with visits to the Ogwen Rescue Base successful exchange. this year. and the Cheshire Air Support Unit.

6 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 7 AWARDS AWARDS ARTERIAL RISING TO THE ROUTE Upper Sixth Formers, Chloe Withers and Andrew Prossor made it to the CHALLENGE final of the National Science and Engineering Competition, being nominated for the prize after carrying out research at Manchester Royal Infirmary on the effect of diabetes on small arteries. They had already won one of the British Science Association’s prestigious Gold Crest Awards for the project, which was partly funded by MASTERCHEF BUDDING DIPLOMATS Andrew’s Nuffield bursary. Chloe and Andrew were given stand space on the AT SGS Two hundred pupils from fifteen Delegates followed Paul’s talk by main exhibition floor at the Big Bang First Year Emma Winder was schools across the country gathered debating issues relating to technology Fair in Birmingham in March where crowned 2012 SGS Masterchef at Stockport Grammar for two days and its impact on the international they explained their project in person champion after her Thai green CHEMISTRY AWARDS of political debate, when the school community, before gathering for to thousands of visitors. curry with sticky coconut rice played host to the Model United General Assembly where they debated followed by a chocolate torte ALL ROUND Nations conference. a surprise crisis issue set up by the It is the second consecutive year that wowed chefs from Alderley school’s organising committee. a Stockport Grammar pupil has been Edge’s Grill on the Edge who The school’s Chemistry Olympiad Lower down the school, the Chemquiz The conference, where delegates nominated for the prize after Lauren were judging the competition. entrants have achieved some team, Georgia Burns, Daniel Jones, research a nation and take on roles as Earlier in the term, at the Dublin Fowler completed a similar project outstanding results in this year’s Ali Khattab and Ana Krywonos, were that country’s diplomats, was a roaring conference, SGS delegates picked in 2011. The chefs critiqued the competition, with Sixth Formers placed third in the regional heat of the success and was run entirely by Sixth up some top awards in recognition eight finalists’ dishes on Alastair Watts and Miranda Cupit Royal Society of Chemistry’s annual Form pupils under the guidance of of outstanding performances. taste, presentation, skill and finishing among the top 7% Chemistry Quiz – a great result as English teacher Miss Spence and Sam Allport and Zoe Harris were preparation, with Emma’s in the UK to take gold awards 41 schools entered the competition. Psychology teacher Mr Browne. commended and Ali Watts and meal just beating runners-up and other pupils receiving silver The team finished top in the chemical Jo Boon were highly commended, Natasha Hurst (Second Year) and bronze awards. knowledge and multimedia sections of Delegates debated complex issues while Tom Fawcett won the prize and Ellie Goldstein (First Year). the quiz and also performed brilliantly such as stem cell research and justice for the best delegate in the security YOUNG Organised by the Royal Society in the practical element. for war criminals. The level of debate council, which has the highest level CONSUMERS Having progressed through the of Chemistry, the Olympiad is was consistently high, and the pupils’ of debaters. Most impressive, though, competition’s earlier rounds, a challenging written test of chemical Third Year pupils who attend Crest knowledge was boosted thanks was the team’s award for best The school’s Young Consumers finalists had just 60 minutes to knowledge which stimulates much Award Club also achieved their Bronze to guest speeches from local MP delegation in general assembly, of the Year team finished as cook their choice of menu, with debate on, and enthusiasm for, Crest Awards after undertaking a Andrew Stunell OBE on international the equivalent of finishing second runners-up in the north-west the chefs from the Grill on the the subject. research project in groups, examining politics and Paul Smith from in the competition. final at the Trafford Centre. Edge keeping a close eye on the efficacy of various household PricewaterhouseCoopers, who spoke the preparation skills, speaking washing powder brands. about the internet and its impact on Jaimin Lakhani, alongside to the pupils about the dishes international relations. fellow Fourth Year pupils Fergus and offering professional advice. Bell, James Longbottom and Anand Thalava, represented As well as the Masterchef CREATIVE ANIMATION SELL, SELL, SELL! SGS after scoring 86 out trophy, and a £75 voucher of 100 in the competition’s for the restaurant where her For the third year running, pupils from This is Christian’s second consecutive Economists and Business Studies over a five-day cycle, with their previous round. winning dish will be featured the ICT department’s Animation Club year as a prizewinner after he was pupils from the Sixth Form spent a success or failure dependent on the on the specials board, Emma have been nominated for a prize in highly commended for his animation morning buying, selling and trading day’s real-life trading news. Despite being up against much ended the day with great Manchester University’s UK Schools on staying safe online, FaceJournal shares with representatives from the older teams of Sixth Form memories: Animation Competition. last year. Fourth Years Christian Bank of New York Mellon in a game This game certainly challenged pupils’ pupils from across the region, and Yusuf will both be guests at the of Fundopoly. economic knowledge, understanding the boys excelled and finished “ I enjoyed the competition Christian Anderson’s War with Animation12 Awards Festival and of data and their decision-making second, narrowly missing out so much. I love to cook and Mathematics and his joint entry with Computer Science Day at Manchester Joined by members of the Fourth skills, with the team of Sixth Formers on a place in the national final. can’t wait to try my dish Yusuf Ahmed, The Inspiration, are University in July, where they find out Year Share and Investment Club, Chris Marshall, Chris Robinson, James at the restaurant.” amongst just 35 nominees from a which prizes their creations have won. pupils were divided into teams and Collins and Fourth Year Jaimin Lakhani nationwide field of over 900 entries. The animations can be viewed given a budget to buy and sell shares, being named as the winners at the on the school website. commodities, currencies and bonds end of what was an enjoyable and rewarding morning.

8 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 9 JUNIOR SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL

JUNIOR SCHOOL VISITING THE Pupils have enjoyed a fantastic spring with trips, TOWN HALL drama, sporting achievements, academic highs The Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Stockport have been regular and fun-filled activity days... guests of the Junior School during their year in office, and it was their turn to play hosts when some of the pupils were REPRESENTING invited to the Town Hall. THE COUNTY MAKE DO Twelve former and current Four girls from the Under-11s hockey AND MEND House Captains were given team have matched their Senior a guided tour of Stockport’s Pupils in Year 5 arrived at School counterparts by being selected grandest building, including school dressed as evacuees to represent their county. MAD SCIENTISTS the Mayor’s rooms and the for a special World War II Day. Children from the Nursery up to Year Year 5 conducted experiments in the iconic marble staircase, and Dora Barlow, Isobel Croft, Kitty Taylor were allowed to sit at the chairs The day began with the 6 enjoyed a day of experiments and school swimming pool to learn about and Annabel Tordoff attended six and tables usually reserved for children listening to the craft when the Junior School held a aerodynamics using push and glide Cheshire training sessions and were important dignitaries. announcement of the start of Science Day. techniques. all successful in being selected for the war and finding out from the Under-12s development squad. As well as inspecting the Mrs Pinkerton-Smythe (Mrs Over a dozen different activities took Finally, the whole school gathered Mayor’s robes, hat and chain, Flint) and Mrs Pinches-Hooper place during the day, varying from around the field to witness theScience the pupils also viewed the (Mrs Sullivan) where they creative crafting in the Nursery and Boffins launch a rocket high into the stained glass window inscribed would be spending the next Infants to lectures and microscope Stockport sky to signal the end of with the name of Sir Edmund few months. work further up the school, as well a memorable day. as exciting experiments conducted Shaa, former Lord Mayor of London and founder of MUSICAL MURDER MYSTERY The morning’s activities ranged by the visiting Science Boffins Continuing the science theme, the Stockport Grammar School. from emergency first aid to company. Creative Chemistry Club in following morning Senior School repairing old clothes and making the Senior School also got involved, Chemistry teacher Dr Pitts visited the their rations last. After a with a performance of Legend of the Infants to help them create chemical packed lunch (with plenty of Dragon written by the club as a special reactions, erupting mini volcanoes and Spam and corned beef on the showcase of scientific tricks, amazing conducting the classic diet cola and menu) pupils were rushed off the audience of visiting children Mentos explosion. Year 1 pupil, Amaya to the air raid shelter having from Year 3. North was amazed by all the results; heard the familiar siren. “ Wow! Science is exciting… I didn’t Once there, they worked know we would make this happen!” PIANOFORTE together to put out the fires Year 6 pupil, Isobel Croft, was from the bombs. selected to represent the school at the AJIS Piano Festival in May. The afternoon was spent Children from fourteen schools decorating, cleaning the throughout the north west enjoyed courtyard and sampling food an afternoon master class with Mr before celebrating the end of Nicholas Oliver from Chetham’s the war with songs and games. Year 6 production Clusical the Musical, Oliver!) was born following their School of Music in preparation for the first ever full length original collaboration on some of the songs in the evening concert. Isobel was the Reflecting on the day, Jake musical to be performed at the school, last year’s Year 6 play, Trolls. Musical only child to have composed her own Thorley said: played to a packed house in March, direction came from Mrs Cole. music and Mr Oliver commented: with a wonderful musical score of “ I liked the activities we did. extravagant chorus numbers, romantic Full of eccentric characters and set in “I thought it was an evocative I was surprised about the food. duets and amusing solos. the 1920s, the show boasted polished and imaginative sounding piece I thought it would be a bit like performances from over fifty Year 6 which could have easily been a Victorian gruel but it turned A comedic murder-mystery, scripted pupils, who will surely go on to star in soundtrack to a scene from a movie.” out to be nice, sweet, tasty by Drama teacher Mrs Sullivan, with the Senior School productions in years food! Yum!” music and lyrics by Upper Sixth Form to come. pupil Oliver Mills, (who played Fagin in

10 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 11 JUNIOR SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL

A GOOD CAUSE

Cheadle Hulme-based charity The was presented with a cheque for £385 by children from the Junior School who had raised the money during the annual POETRY IN MOTION charity week.

The third annual Poetry Competition Scarlett Sim and Annabel Mobley Speaking after the competition, The charity, formerly known final was held with boys and girls from with her confident delivery of her Mrs Lawson said: as Royal Schools for the Deaf, Reception through to Year 6 reciting poem, while Daniel Grant’s dramatic “The standard achieved by all the helps people with sensory their favourite poems in front of a performance took the Lower Junior competitors was excellent and impairment and learning and packed hall of children. The exciting prize of a signed Gervase Phinn book. choosing a winner was particularly communication difficulties. atmosphere in the hall was added to Kia Gerami, Charlie Hallows and difficult this year. Although he didn’t by the Infants who were dressed as Isabelle Barratt were also commended win his category, I have to offer The money was raised thanks their favourite book characters as part for their confident deliveries. special congratulations to Jenson for to the enthusiastic participation of the school’s Book Week. his moving recital of a poem about of the children, from the The Upper Junior round provided the death of an airman. He spoke the Nursery through to Year 6, Judge, Mrs Lawson, Head of First Year stiff competition, with Hannah Nolan words with real passion and showed in a number of fundraising in the Senior School, was impressed taking home the first prize, but Jenson everyone the power of poetry.” events, including dressing by the Reception classes’ entertaining Cullen’s moving recital of a poem about up, quizzes, a toy raffle and group recitals of I Had A Little Turtle the death of an airman ended the a cake sale. and Our Bog Baby. For the Infant competition on a reflective note, with prize, Kate Horsley beat off strong Lauren Suddards, Lukas Amstutz and competition from George Brown, Nathan Eckersley all coming close too. GOING BACK IN TIME An overnight stay in York didn’t just “ I really enjoyed the evening story ACTIVE IN take the Year 4 children to the other about Thor’s hammer. We were sitting side of the Pennines – it transported in the Lord of the Village’s Long A three day residential trip at Charlotte Gover was a big fan The ‘piranha pool’, which puts them back to the Dark Ages and House. It was going dark and the fire Cumbria’s Robinwood activity centre of the giant swing: teamwork to the test, was another Tudor times after they visited a was right in the middle of the room...” provided the Year 5 children with the favourite, particularly of Toby Jones: living history village. perfect end to the Spring half term. “ I felt scared yet excited at the top of the swing – I felt like I was hanging “ I was the second person to run The following day, pupils visited Jorvik There was no time to relax after Dig, an archaeological centre where Teamwork, motivation, setting on the edge of oblivion!” through it. I felt quite scared but arriving at Murton Park’s Danelaw they were able to excavate artefacts personal challenges and lots of fun my team encouraged and helped Dark Age Village; the children were from four different historical ages, are the main aims of the annual me. The water was so cold!” whisked off by a Viking, dressed up in including the one they had spent trip which sees the boys and girls tunics, gowns and headscarves and the previous day living in. A working take part in dozens of activities were put straight to work, trying out archaeologist showed the children including climbing, archery, pottery, fieldwork and housework as a selection of bones and other finds tunnelling and zip wiring. well as carrying out training as Viking which they learned to identify. soldiers. Later, children gathered The children all returned around the fire for stories, before The pupils completed their journey to school with plenty of heading back to their accommodation into the past with a visit to Murton new stories to tell about in the city. Park, spending half a day living as their adventures, and Tudors, where activities included everybody had their Speaking about the atmospheric writing with quill and ink, candle own favourite challenges. storytelling, Ali Chaudury said: dipping and making pomanders, before their adventure finally came to an end.

12 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 13 INSPIRATION INSPIRATION INSPIRATION Pupils have been fortunate to count authors, a news correspondent and athletes amongst the many guest speakers this year...

WORLD OF NORM TALES FROM THE Author Jonathan Meres treated RED CARPET the Juniors to an entertaining Old Stopfordian Lucy talk about his latest book in the Cotter, Sky News Arts and World of Norm series before Entertainment Correspondent, the half-term break. Jonathan, HORROR STORIES returned to school to speak to a former stand-up comedian, pupils about journalism and spent most of the hour making Author and “master of horror” look at the Saga of Larten Crepsley held a workshop with the First his audience of Year 2 to Year Darren Shan visited the Senior School series before taking questions from Year school newspaper team. 6 boys and girls laugh before to shock and surprise an audience of the floor during a varied question and reading a chapter from May First and Second Year pupils and meet answer session. Lucy talked about covering Cause Irritation. Afterwards a legion of fans from all age groups. the key award ceremonies the children had the chance Shan read from his Demonata series Darren spent lunchtime meeting his and red carpet events including to get their own copies of the of books, making the audience jump fans, signing books and answering The Oscars, Baftas and Brits book signed. and finishing on a cliffhanger. questions – and still had time to be where she regularly secures interviewed by the school’s young interviews with A list celebrities Charlie Hallows, in Year 3 As well as discussing his other journalists for SignPost newspaper. as well as her work covering became a fan of Jonathan’s projects, Darren took a closer major new exhibitions books after the talk: and shows. “The World of Norm is a very, HOLDING COURT Joining Senior Tutor, very, very funny story about Mr Howson and the school a boy who dreams he goes to Old Stopfordian OBE, ON YOUR BIKE newspaper team, Lucy used the supermarket naked. I can’t who is an organisational consultant, the day’s papers to help give Olympic cycling legend and former Rob Hayles also visited the Nursery wait to read it properly!” high performance coach, best-selling World Champion Rob Hayles was a and Infant classes before spending author and former NBA basketball pupils writing tips, as well as guest of the Junior School when he time with Year 6 pupils, where a player, returned to Stockport taking a look at the team’s came in to talk to pupils about question and answer session gave CHILLING TALES Grammar to talk to pupils from editorial process. his career. them a unique insight into the life across the whole school. of an Olympic athlete. Award-winning author Bryony Pearce Later on in the afternoon, During assembly, the three-time visited the Senior School library to In a series of sessions he spoke to Lucy held a more careers- talk about her debut book, Angel’s orientated discussion with Olympic medalist spoke about his Year 6 pupil Shaun Zizinga-Jones Junior School Year 6 and Senior Fury, and later joined in with an older pupils who are progression from getting into cycling was inspired by the visit: School First Years, A Level and at the age of 12 through to competing English lesson. Bryony shared her GCSE PE pupils, as well as a thinking about a future in the sport at the very highest level. “ I loved the fact that we could ask experiences of writing and discussed captivated lunchtime audience in the profession. As well as being captivated by his questions that you would never the themes and influences behind of pupils and staff in the library. story, the children were thrilled normally get the chance to ask. the book, partly inspired by her own In what was an invaluable to be able to examine his bike, It was really interesting to hear vivid dreams. During the talks, John discussed a session for those involved, and even more excited to see his how an Olympic athlete trains.” wide range of topics including sport Lucy took questions on silver and bronze medals. After speaking to keen readers and and social responsibility, London 2012, John is currently a director for everything from her news Rob will be commentating on the signing books at lunchtime, Bryony his journey to and experiences in the the London Organising Committee team’s morning meetings cycling in this summer’s London captivated two Third Year English NBA, and the inspiration behind his for the Olympic Games Board and to the challenges of Olympics for BBC Radio 5 Live. classes with an experiment which decision to become a psychologist. reported on human rights issues 24 hour news. looked into the pupils’ consciences, John also encouraged pupils to think in China during the Beijing Games following a key theme in her novel, about their aspirations and how they as a sporting ambassador for which is packed with symbolism may go about reaching their goals. Amnesty International. and puzzles.

14 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 15 A selection of artwork produced by GCSE, AS and A2 pupils.

William Robinson AS

Sophie Harnett GCSE Kate Mitchell A2 Daniel Thorburn GCSE

Yasmeen Elturkie A2

Sarah Hammond GCSE Arabella Kasler AS Elly Cramer GCSE

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL Stockport Grammar School Buxton Road Stockport SK2 7AF Telephone: 0161 456 9000 Email: [email protected] www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

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