Weatherhead High School WEATHER REPORT

A high performing academy providing excellence for all Autumn 2014 A Level Success

e celebrated another successful year of A Level results with an impressive 100% pass rate grades atW A*-E. Over 72% of students achieved grades of A*-C, of which over 40% achieved top A*-B grades. Weatherhead’s results, as the second biggest Sixth Form in the county, reflect its status as an Ofsted graded ‘outstanding’ school. We were delighted that over 120 students secured places at the universities of their choice, including the following high achievers:

Hannah Perry A* A* A Newcastle University - English Literature Other notable successes include university entrants to study Philosophy, Katie Usher A* A* B Liverpool Community College - Art Foundation International Business, Computer Natasha Jones A* A B King’s College, University of London - Mathematics Science, Law and Criminology, Olivia McLaughlin A* A B Edge Hill University - Psychology Aerospace Engineering, Construction Management, Biomedical Engineering, Emily Sharp A* A C Sheffield University - History and Politics Nursing, Media, Dance and Sports Emily Xu A A A Edinburgh University - Chemistry related courses. Erin Courtney A A B C Bristol University - Modern Foreign Languages Catherine Bunting A A B Manchester University - Geography Mr Dyment commented, “It is a very rewarding day to see so many of our Charlotte Burgess A A B Sheffield University - Psychology young people achieve their ambition Anna Capon A A B Aberdeen University - History after so much commitment and hard Sarah Hanna A A B Huddersfield University - Textiles work. With 100% pass rate and most students securing grades for their first Esther Richardson A A C Sheffield University - History & Politics choice places at top universities, I am Rebecca Edwards A A B Liverpool University - Chemistry delighted.” GCSE Joy Some of this year’s top performers: Danielle Hesketh 6 A*, 7 A, 1 B tudents rejoiced with another excellent year for GCSE results, with 78% of students Lauren Pringle 6 A*, 5 A, 3 B achieving the critical five A*-C grades including English and Maths. This year’s results Ellen Goulding 5 A*, 8 A were outstanding in all areas, with 85% of students achieving A*-C grades in both Maths andS English. The new more challenging GCSEs and changes to the way papers are marked have Ellen Brown 4 A*, 7 A, 3 B not impacted on our students and the results far exceed national performance projections. Isobel Wilton 3 A*, 8 A, 2 B Emily Cook 3 A*, 6 A, 2 B Annie Taylor 3 A*, 5 A, 3 B, 2 C Bria Bain 2 A*, 10 A, 1 B Alexandra Jones 2 A*, 9 A, 2 B Mr Dyment celebrates Lauren Francom 2 A*, 9 A, 1 B with students Beth Raynor 2 A*, 8 A, 3 B, 1C Melissa Saunders 2A*, 8 A, 3 B Student Achievements

Headteacher’s Welcome I am very proud of the excellent results achieved across A level and GCSE this summer which all come down to the hard work and commitment put in by all staff and students at Weatherhead. This Autumn edition of Weather Report is a great celebration of the wealth of talent and opportunity that exists in the school. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to making the activities and initiatives possible, including parents for all the support and encouragement they give to students. I am pleased to welcome our new Year 7 students and their families to Weatherhead and hope that Weather Report will give them a positive introduction to the school.

Girls Reach New Search for a Hero e were delighted Heights that two of our students aredevil sister act Wwere nominated and Emma and Charlotte shortlisted for a Wirral Cotgrove, from Years Youth Heroes Award. The 8D and 10, raised an impressive Awards recognise young £2,000 for St. John’s Hospice people who have made an when they abseiled down outstanding contribution to local landmark Leasowe their community and are Lighthouse. Supported by an inspiration to others. their friends, family and staff Emma Segar (Year 11) from Weatherhead the girls was nominated in the bravely climbed the 130 steps to the top of the Lighthouse to Enterprise/Fundraising abseil 33 metres - an amazing achievement! category by Year Leader, Miss Smith. Emma has raised almost £1,500 for Hitting the local mental health charity MIND and volunteered at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool. Beth Newcombe (Year 12) was nominated by Head of Dance, High Notes Miss Chappell, for contribution to the arts. Beth was nominated for e are delighted her continued support to the Weatherhead Dance department, that Year 10 performing in school events and shows, and helping with Junior student Frances Dance clubs. Beth is also an active member of local dance company, WJory has passed her Grade 8 Anamal, and hopes Associated Board of the Royal to follow a career in Schools of Music (ABRSM) Dance. A presentation on Tenor Horn. A very proud ceremony took place Head of Music, Mr Brown, at the Floral Pavilion said, “This is an excellent ERHGIVXM½GEXIW[IVI achievement for a Year 10 presented by the student, and being the highest Mayor of Wirral. grade expected by Music Colleges, sets Frances well on the way Both our girls were to pursuing a successful career in music.” Frances performs in delighted to be the Orchestra and Brass Ensemble and is one of many talented shortlisted in the students emerging in the Music Department, where this year there top three within have been a record number of students entering and passing their category and Music exams. Weatherhead’s Hitting the High Notes students enjoyed attending Paige Beckett, Jasmine Bungay, Julie Gallagher, Ayva Gilmour, Emma the evening with Hesketh, Jenna Sanders and Erin Thomson (Year 7) and Sophie their families. Sutcliffe and Megan Warren (Year 9) have all passed their Grade 1 Music Theory.

2 WEATHER REPORT Student Achievements

Working 9 to 5… SSLT with speaker Gavin Davies What a Way to Make a Living ear 10 students spent the last week of June out of school on work experience. Amber Blair-Keyes and Rebecca Head spent an amazing week in the kitchens at Hickory’s, West Kirby, experiencing how a busy restaurant runs. As winner and runner-up earlier this year in the Hickory’s Y YearYYear 8 cecelebrationlebration lunclunchh Junior Masterchef 2014 competition, the girls were also treated to a day out with Company Directors. Both girls mastered basic health and safety, food hygiene, and by the end of the week were competent in preparing restaurant quality salads and starters and smoking meat. Four students took the opportunity to join Police and were involved in a wide VERKISJSJ½GMEPTSPMGIHYXMIWJVSQVSEHWEJIX]XSHVYKERHHVMROEFYWI management. They were shown how an evidence search is carried out, how bomb search is co-ordinated and even spent time in a court room! Staff commented on the levels of competence and maturity shown during the Work Hard, week - well done Year 10. Aim High ur end of term Key Stage 3 Awards Evening celebrated the achievements, hard work and efforts of over one hundred students in Years 7, 8 and 9. A number Oof students also received special Year Leader Awards for outstanding contribution to their year group or for personal achievement. The evening was an opportunity to showcase the fantastic talents of our Performing Arts students. The Year 7 Dance group kicked off proceedings with an energetic routine to Pharrell William’s Happy, followed Hickory’s work experience by Year 8 who danced to Weapon of Choice by Fat Boy Slim. The audience also enjoyed performances from the Orchestra, with Rebecca Barrow on cornet and a vocal solo by Georgia Foundation with Rebecca Smith on guitar. Our Celebrate Good Times guest speaker, Mr Gavin Davies, from Tremendous Training, gave an insightful talk about his career as a business coach, ear 10 students experienced a mock GCSE Results Day to sharing his career experiences and encouraging students to prepare them for a positive GCSE year ahead. During their work hard and aim high! ½REPEWWIQFP]1VW,ITOIERHXLI=IEVXIEQGIPIFVEXIH EWYGGIWWJYP]IEVERHWXYHIRXW[IVITVIWIRXIH[MXLGIVXM½GEXIWY JSV excellent attendance and various awards from their Form Tutor, Year Leader and Learning Mentor. Star Talent alented Year 9 vocalist, Jess Year 10 celebrations Henry, was successful in VIEGLMRKXLIVIKMSREP½REPW Tof TeenStarE½VWXSJMXWOMRHREXMSREP WMRKMRKGSQTIXMXMSRWTIGM½GEPP]JSVXEPIRXIHXIIREKIVWMR the UK. The competition attracts over 8,000 acts as judges from the record industry and world of music travel across the country in the search of the UK’s best teen talent. .IWW´GSR½HIRXTIVJSVQERGISJ)QIPMI7ERHI´WRead All About It ensured that she was amongst the winners in the 1ERGLIWXIVVIKMSREP½REPWIEVPMIVXLMW]IEV8LIGSQTIXMXMSR was stiff and Jess narrowly missed out on a place in the REXMSREP½REPWHIWTMXIERSXLIVWXVSRKTIVJSVQERGIMRJVSRX of a packed audience. Jess’ audition performance can be viewed online at www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk 3 Student Achievements

End of an Era ear 11 attended a special leavers’ assembly and were treated to a buffet in the Sixth Form Common Room as a reward for their hard work and commitment towards their GCSEs. Miss Smith and the Year 11 team said their farewells but were delighted Ythat most of the girls returned to school in September to join the Sixth Form after a hard earned rest over the summer. Over 50 awards (nominated by staff) were presented to students for Most Improved Student, Most Unique Student, Most Hardworking Student and Form Tutor Award. Ellen Gill and Lucy Rylott delivered inspirational and emotional speeches with rapturous applause for Leah Sage collecting the Year Leader’s Award and Shauna Crook collecting the Learning Mentor Award. The celebration concluded with a brilliant performance by the Year 11 dancers.

Staff & students attend the Echo Awards Vocation, Vocation, Vocation taff and students from Years 10, 11 and 12 celebrated another successful year of vocational learning with a special buffet lunch ERHGIVXM½GEXITVIWIRXEXMSRVIGSKRMWMRKXLIKMVPW´LEVH[SVO ERHGSQQMXQIRX5YEPM½GEXMSRW[IVIEGLMIZIHMR,EMVERH&IEYX]S  Cookery and Childcare, along with two Year 12 students obtaining a UYEPM½GEXMSRMR;SVO7OMPPW

Echo Echo, Read All About It IEXLIVLIEH[EWWLSVXPMWXIHJSVXLI½VWXECHO Schools Award in the category of Best School Newspaper/Website. The awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Liverpool, was aW great opportunity for two members of our newly elected SSLT, Jess Chong and Ellie Brough-McLean, to represent the school, together with the Website and Weather Report production team represented by E-Learning Manager, Miss Parkins, Communications Manager, Mrs Leweson and Media Arts Coordinator, Mrs Carney.

Wise Beyond Words ead of German, Mrs Wiseman, was nominated by an A level student for the German Teacher %[EVHWEXXLI*SVIMKRERH'SQQSR[IEPXL3J½GIMR0SRHSR%GGSQTERMIHF]%WWMWXERX Headteacher, Mrs Rogers, Mrs Wiseman took her place in the line-up of outstanding teachers. HThe Sommerfest der Deutschen Sprache (German Language Summer Party) was hosted by the German Ambassador, Dr Peter Ammon, and attended by almost 200 teachers and representatives from education and language teaching sectors from all over the UK. The Rt. Hon. Baroness Coussins of Whitehall Park and Head of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Modern Languages was the keynote speaker for the event. The Sommerfest recognises outstanding achievements and pays tribute to German teachers in primary and secondary schools. Gut gemacht (well done) to Mrs Wiseman who is a credit to the department and the school. The German Teacher Award is jointly organised by the German Embassy London, Deutsche Schule London, the Department for Education and other partners.

4 WEATHER REPORT International Links

Achtung Baby!

Ich Bin Ein Berliner ntrepid AS History and Sociology students were delighted to visit the captivating city of Berlin. Once the centre of Nazi Germany, an ally target HYVMRK;SVPH;EVERHWIKVIKEXIHF]XLI;EPPMRXLI7M\XMIW&IVPMRTVSZIHEWJEWGMREXMRKEWMX[EWFIEYXMJYP(YVMRKXLIMV½ZIHE]WXE]XLIKVSYTXSSO in iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the remains of the Berlin Wall decorated with amazing paintings by those who lived in the East Iduring the Cold War. They also visited Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Check-Point Charlie, the Reichstag parliamentary building and the Kaiser Wilhelm Church. Students were also treated to a trip to Berlin Zoo, a relaxing cruise along the River Spree and a meal at the Hard Rock Café. No wonder students found it hard to say auf wiedersehen!

BenvenutiB i AAmicii i ust before Easter our Italian friends visited the Wirral on the return leg of our Italian exchange programme. Weatherhead students welcomed the group with a Einfach Wunderbar! presentationJ about their stay in Salerno followed by traditional rs Wiseman took a group of Year 9, 10 and 11 linguists on a English afternoon tea. The week was spent learning about mini-exchange to the picturesque town of Gladenbach in central life on the Wirral - the group enjoyed attending lessons and Germany. The group visited Wetzlar, Marburg and Frankfurt and experiencing school life in England. The busy programme Mattended the Europaschule Gladenbach where sixth former, Rachel Dunster, included a trip to the Liverpool cathedrals, a ride on the famous worked with a Year 8 class during February half term. The girls were assigned Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey, a day in Chester and a whistle-stop German exchange partners who hosted them for a day and showed them tour of Wirral visiting Port Sunlight, the Lady Lever Art Gallery the local sights. The group soaked up the World Cup atmosphere and were and Parkgate. The students stayed with host students and lucky enough to celebrate with 3,000 Germans in a marquee in Gladenbach their families and were given a very warm Wirral welcome. as Germany beat Argentina to win the World Cup - an experience which The Italians thoroughly enjoyed their stay and we were sad to none of them will ever forget! We hope to continue strengthening our links see them go but Weatherhead look forward to continuing the with the Europaschule Gladenbach in the future. exchange programme with future student groups.

Italian Exchange visits Port Sunlight

For all the latest international news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/international 5 Weatherhead Plus!

Duke of Edinburgh Success at Weatherhead he Extended Schools Programme continues to go from strength to strength and offers a number of activities to students. This year saw the launch of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Over 150 students Tfrom Years 9 to13 took part in the Bronze, Silver and Gold schemes with an army of staff volunteers. The Awards aim to help students develop important D of E Silver dry run PMJIWOMPPWGSR½HIRGIMRHITIRHIRGIERHWSGMEPWOMPPWERHMRZSPZIWZSPYRXIIVMRK skills development, planning, preparing and taking part in a residential expedition. Students attended regular evening sessions at school and completed weekend expeditions in North Wales and Yorkshire. Following their practise expedition, Year 9 students carried out their Bronze expedition on a very rainy Saturday followed by a very sunny Sunday in North Wales. The twenty strong group of girls followed a planned route to camp at Fron Farm, erected their own tents and prepared their own meals. Students working towards their Silver Award spent a practise weekend exploring the Yorkshire Dales followed by the ‘real deal’ three weeks later - this time planning their own route. Congratulations to all the girls who have completed their Awards and many thanks to everyone who has helped to make the scheme such a success this year. Setting up camp! How to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme at Weatherhead: Bronze D of E Training

Award Day & Time Bronze Award for Year 9 students Tuesdays from 6.00pm til 8.00pm Silver Award for students in Mondays from 6.00pm til 8.00pm Years 10, 11, 12, 13 meeting every other week Gold Award for students in Mondays from 6.00pm til 8.00pm Years 10, 11, 12, 13 meeting every other week Our Duke of Edinburgh scheme is open to all students in Years 9 to 13. All sessions cost £2.00. For more information on the full range of Extended Schools activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh, visit the school website ! www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/extracurricular/extended schools The Rainforest Roadshow Reels in Year 7 two day visit to the Geography department by the Rainforest Roadshow gave our Year 7 Astudents an invaluable insight into the fragile world of the Rainforest. The girls were shown regional artefacts and given an up close and personal view of some exotic creatures including tarantulas, bugs and piranha. They were also given a taste of the Rainforest with organic chocolate and edible plant samples. The workshops were lively and engaging as discussions looked at conservation and development in the region and how the balance is often hard to strike. It was certainly a memorable day for the girls. A big thanks to Geography staff and Rainforest Roadshow visiting team for creating such a vivid experience.

6 WEATHER REPORT Weatherhead Plus!

All in a Day’s Work tudents in Year 7 and 8 were given a day off timetable to take part in a variety of creative and cultural activities as part of our World Arts Day celebrations. The day also allowed students to spend valuable timeS discussing their academic progress on a 1-1 basis with their form tutors. The girls enjoyed Zumba classes, making button bracelets and bows, Samba drumming, drama, mini Olympics activities, circus skills, belly dancing and cheerleading! Year 8 students also recorded vox pops detailing their hopes, dreams and ambitions under the theme ‘in 10 Years’ time’. During the last lesson of the day the girls watched a Ready, Steady, Cook! challenge run by the school caterers, Chartwells, which saw Miss Elliott’s green team narrowly beaten by their Year Leader, Mrs Ronan and the reds! Circus skills Students live for sport! Living the Dream eatherhead was delighted to take part in the Sky Sports Living for Sports Project this year and as a result we were matched with Everton andW England Goalkeeper, Rachel Brown-Finnis, as our Sky Sports Living Mentor. The project, which was guided and assessed by Rachel, aimed to develop community cohesion between Weatherhead and local primary schools. Rachel visited Weatherhead many times to oversee the project and promote sporting opportunities. She delivered two inspirational sessions to Year 7 and 8 students that centred round the six key concepts to success and put them through their paces in a Football masterclass. Her talk engaged over 400 girls as she described her journey and successes throughout her career and her role as a Living Mentor. Rachel also worked closely with our Year 12 Sports Leaders and was hugely impressed with their hard work and commitment Ready Steady Cook! to the project.

Creative Arts Showcase taff from the Art, Music, Media and DT departments celebrated Check Mate! another year of talent in the annual Creative Arts Showcase. Stunning ix Year 7 pupils and one Year 8 pupil who attended examples of Fine Art, Textiles and Product Design GCSE and A level Miss Lowe’s lunchtime Chess Club visited Riverside work were exhibited 4VMQEV]7GLSSPXSGSQTIXIMRXLI½VWXWirral Chess S Championship. The girls competed against teams from other alongside A level Film S Studies blogs, Media Wirral and Chester schools, including some county and magazine front covers international players. Our girls played extremely well, gained and Year 8 Horror valuable experience, and are looking forward to their next posters. Students, parents competition!p and guests were invited to view the work and share in our students’ achievements whilst the Chamber Choir and the Orchestra provided the entertainment.

For news updates follow us on Twitter @WeatherheadHigh 7 Student Leadership

Key speaker Rachel Brown-Finnis Students are up

for a Challenge Weatherhead Year 10 students from schools across Merseyside, including students complete , the Heath School, Bebington the Logical High School, Calday Grange, Archbishop, Greenbank Challengehallenge 150High School and the North Liverpool Academy, visited Weatherhead to TEVXMGMTEXIMRSYV½VWXLeadership Challenge Day. The students were treated to a keynote speech from Everton and England goalkeeper Rachel Brown- Finnis. The students then worked in their school teams of 10 to complete a series of physical, mental and logical challenges. Wonderful weather enabled the activities to take place outside and the students enjoyed the day immensely. A visiting member of staff praised the day commenting, “I would like to thank your staff for your hard work. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and they were shattered by the end of the day which is no mean feat. I would also like to mention how well your students did helping out. They were a credit to the School and made a big impression with us all with their enthusiasm. Thanks again”. SSLT are Awesome! e are delighted to announce the new Senior Leadership Team (SSLT) for the 2014/2015 academic year who play an important role in sixth form and school life. WJade Franks Head Girl Isabella Mawdsley Deputy Head Girl Ethan Dunbar Deputy Head Boy Ella Brough-McLean Assistant Head Girl Jessica Chong Assistant Head Girl Caroline Duncan Assistant Head Girl Jessica Gay Assistant Head Girl Adam Davies Assistant Head Boy

8LIMV½VWX YR SJ½GMEPHYX][EWXSEXXIRHEXIEQFYMPHMRKHE]EXXLIGPMQFMRKZIRYI, Awesome Walls in Liverpool, accompanied by Mrs Evans and Mrs Lambert. The students were awesome, many overcame their fear of heights and they worked incredibly well as a team, putting them in good stead for this year’s SSLT duties.

Students Lead by Example ur Young Artists in Residence initiative goes from strength to strength with eight of our Year 12 Art and Textiles students continuing to work with the EducationalO Managers based at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. The aim of the programme was to create a team based at the Gallery who were trained to deliver live art sessions and lead tours for the public. After weeks of training and planning the students delivered some fabulous tours at the Liverpool Light Night festival.

Students at the Walker Art Gallery

8 WEATHER REPORT Subject Matters

ART DANCE

Mall Galleries RARE Dance Company visit the Dance Department he Art department were delighted to submit a selection Tof our students’ A level Art and Textiles work to be considered for the annual National Students’ Exhibition at the Mall Gallery in London. This prestigious event, run by the Dover Federation for the Arts, celebrates the best of the best with tough competition A RARE Opportunity for from schools and colleges throughout the country. Mrs Dance Students Freckleton was thrilled that six indsay Inglesby and students from RARE Dance Company pieces of art from Weatherhead visited the Dance department to offer students dance tuition were selected to be exhibited in preparation for a professional career in the arts. The group this year. Miss Thomas was lucky included ex-Weatherhead student Abbigayle Shallcross who will enough to attend the opening L soon be joining Urdang Dance Company in London as a result of her on 8th July to see our students’ training. The workshop included an interactive session for our Years work alongside examples of 9 to 13 and a performance from the RARE students. We are proud the best artwork in the country. to announce that another ex-student, Katy Maddock, will be training Representatives from the Royal with RARE this year. We wish her all the best. Society of British Artists mingled with artists and students in a celebration of aspiring artists and CAT Masterclass talent. Student work at the Mall Bags of Love iss Stewart and students from Years 10 and 11 have been designing bags for charity which have been donated to Macmillan nurses, based at Clatterbridge MCancer Centre. Patients who need constant medication can choose a uniuniqueque babagg to carcarryry ttheir syringe driver and Students are captivated by CAT memedicationd around with them whwhichi allows them to be ‘hands ance studentstd t were treated t tdt to a Masterclass M t l run by b CAT frfree’,ee whilst always maintaining (the Centre for Advanced Training in Dance) to develop acaccessc to their medicines. There the Contemporary Dance skills of our GCSE and A Level araree also bags for unexpected Dstudents. CAT is a national project which provides technical training hhospitalos stays, which Macmillan for students who successfully audition for the programme. The event nunurses pack with essential was a great opportunity for our girls with live music accompanying ttoiletryoi items, chocolate and a their performances. mamagazine which look so much ninicerc in a hand decorated cacanvas tote bag, than in a plastic Upcoming Dance Events cacarrier bag (and much better fforo the environment too!). The ook out for Dance department trips to see Akram Khan’s scscheme allows patients to keep work and Matthew Bourne’s Edwards Scissor Hands during the thtthe bags for as long as they are Autumn Term. The next whole school production Oliver! also nneeded. To date, the girls have needsL dancers - auditions will take place during this term. Keep an ccreated over 100 bags. eye out on the Dance department notice boards for further details.

For all the latest Dance updates, follow us on Twitter @WHSDanceDept 9 Subject Matters

MATHS MUSIC

Girls Make Time for Festival FeverChamber Choir at Chester Music Festival Times Tables eatherhead’s talented musicians performed imes Table week returned in the Summer Term for girls exceptionally well at in Years 7 and 8. Throughout the week, students were theW 2014 Wirral Festival of Music, encouraged to practise their tables ready for a test. Speech and Drama at Birkenhead TTeaching groups 8W, 8H and 8S planned extra activities to share High School. The Brass Ensemble with other classes and at lunchtime sessions. This extra focus on XSSO½VWXTPEGIMRXLI-RWXVYQIRXEP)RWIQFPI Times Table skills resulted in an impressive 126 students gaining a test section and, although not overall winners of result of 100%. Well done to those who achieved top marks and to the festival, were ‘highly commended’ and all the girls for their endeavour. impressed the adjudicators. Similar praise for performances were given to Autumn Townsend (vocal), Cheryl White (cornet) and Jess Henry (vocal), with Jess coming second out of thirty one competitors. Frances Jory, (Tenor Horn) came fourth and performed extremely well in a very tough group. Talented sixth former Becky Smith (guitar) came second in her category ERH'SYVXRI]'EQTFIPP ZSGEP KEMRIH½VWX place. The results were a real high note for staff and students after months of hard work and practice. Congratulations to all our musicians who took part. Chamber Choir pulled off a fantastic performance at the Chester Festival of Performing Arts at the Kings School, Chester. The Choir Times Table week [IVIREVVS[P]FIEXIRXS½VWXTPEGIF];IWX/MVF]+VEQQEVFYX were pleased with second place and excellent feedback from the adjudicators. Elizabeth Elson (Flute) and Frances Jory (Tenor Horn) both achieved distinctions within their categories, whilst Rebecca Students Put Their Barrow was highly commended for her performance on the cornet. Houses in Order he 2014 Maths House Competition was won by Young And the Band Played On House who were crowned champions with a score of he Orchestra and Choirs had a busy term polishing their 147 points. Fawcett House came a close second with 138 repertoire to perform at Key Stage 3 Awards Evening. Tpoints, Nightingale House took third place with 133 points and Scott They had the challenge of playing ten National Anthems at House were fourth with 108 points. Points were awarded for a range Tour Commonwealth Games-themed Sports Day, performed at the of activities including winning form time numeracy activities, attending Year 10 Celebration and end of term assemblies, as well as playing to Maths extra-curricular clubs, entering Number Day competitions, and parents and visitors at the Summer Sizzler and the Creative Showcase. winning the Memorise Pi Competition. A winners’ celebration lunch was held and members of the winning house were invited to attend. Prizes were given out by Mr Dyment to the Heads and Assistant Disneyland Paris 2015 Heads of Houses together with the Year 12 House Captains. Here We Come… members of the Orchestra and Choirs will be travelling to Disneyland Paris next July. The group will stay three nights in the outskirts of Paris, perform a mini concert 50within Disney, as well as a performance in a public park in central Paris. The students will also have time to enjoy a day on the rides at Disney and a river cruise down the Seine.

Maths Houses winners

10 WEATHER REPORT Subject Matters

Music Students Make the Grade Performing Arts students r Brown was delighted that so many students achieved grades in a variety of disciplines including four distinctions! Well done to all our students who worked so hard and Mtook exams this year. Rebecca Barrow Grade 6 Cornet (Distinction) Paige Beckett Grade 1 Music Theory Emily Beresford Grade 6 Musical Theatre (Distinction) Jasmine Bungay Grade 1 Music Theory Georgia Foundation Grade 3 Musical Theatre (Distinction) Thomas Forfar Grade 6 Drums Grade 6 Guitar Julie Gallagher Grade 1 Music Theory Ayva-Mae Gilmour Grade 1 Music Theory Look How Far We’ve Come s part of their GCSE examination, Year 11 Performing Arts Emma Hesketh Grade 1 Music Theory students produced and performed a play entitled Look Shanane Hollingsworth Grade 2 Pop Vocals How Far We’ve Come8LITIVJSVQERGI[EWEVI¾IGXMSR on Wirral’s local history, taking its ‘spirit’ from the opening song Be Frances Jory Grade 8 Tenor Horn A Proud of Where You Come From. Students showcased historic events Grade 8 Guitar Craig Pugh which changed and shaped the Wirral through drama and song. Jenna Sanders Grade 1 Music Theory The performance was split into two acts, presented by two teams Charlotte Sutcliffe Grade 6 Trumpet of students. Corney Productions presented a moving performance Sophie Sutcliffe Grade 1 Music Theory about the development of the New Brighton community - past and present - entitled The Spirit of New Brighton. Oculas Productions Grade 1 Music Theory Erin Thomson created a performance about Leasowe Castle, entitled The Lady Megan Warren Grade 1 Music Theory of Leasowe. As well as creating the Samantha Williams Grade 1 Pop Vocals (Distinction) performance, students oversaw Tech crew the marketing and management of the event, from press and publicity PERFORMING ARTS to ticketing and technical support backstage. One student commented, “This experience has opened doors Pure Theatrics not only developing my Performing Arts skills but also developing my keen Year 10 GCSE Performing Arts students visited St. understanding of the local area and its George’s Primary School to perform as part of their history.” Theatre-in-Education Unit which forms part of their 14½REPI\EQ8LIWXYHIRXWGVIEXIHX[SWITEVEXIXLIEXVIGSQTERMIW Funbugs and Little Reds. Funbugs created a performance based in the insect kingdom about friendship and treating others with kindness, whilst Little Reds chose to mix up well-known fairy tale characters Every Dog Has Its Day to create an original story about stealing. The girls worked hard on level Drama their performances, showcasing their talents in singing, dancing and students enjoyed acting, and demonstrated great teamwork and commitment. The a performance of performances were very well received by a packed audience of almost A Dead Dog in a Suitcase 100 pupils who responded with much clapping and enthusiasm. at the newly refurbished Liverpool Everyman. The Performing Arts students on tour performance was staged by Knee High, an exciting touring theatre company, and was invaluable for the students’ devised performance which they will begin work on this term. The performance was based on John Gay’s, The Beggar’s Opera, and was a visual revelation. Drama Teacher, Miss Elliott, commented that it was one of the best plays students have ever been to see.

For all the latest news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk 11 Subject Matters

PERFORMING ARTS A QUESTION OF SPORT

Students enjoy the scenic location Athletics Results 8th April - Wirral Schools’ Relay Championships A group of 22 girls travelled to Bebington Oval to compete in the Wirral Schools’ Relay Championships. There were powerful and promising performances from the girls in Years 7 to 10 completing in the 3 x 800m relay and 4 x 100m relay and this VIWYPXIHMRXLIWUYEH½RMWLMRKERMQTVIWWMZIJSYVXLSZIVEPP

30th April - Dave Jeffs’ Memorial Trophy %WXVSRKKVSYTSJGSQTIXMXSVWXSSOTEVXMRXLI½VWX(EZI.IJJW´ Memorial Trophy event in memory of a local athletics coach in XVEGOERH½IPHIZIRXW;IEXLIVLIEH[IVIHIPMKLXIH[MXLWSQI outstanding performances by girls in Years 8 to 10. Some of our top results from the day:

Niamh Rattray 1st 200m 3rd Long Jump Alex Collins 3rd 100m StudentsSt d t TTakekU Up RResidenceid Chloe Roscoe 4th 200m he Performing Arts team took 37 Lois Campbell 4th Shot Put talented Year 8 Dance, Music and Drama students on a weekend 6th May - Year 8 to 11 Wirral Athletics Trials residential to the beautiful Howell’s School in T Niamh Rattray 1st 200m Denbighshire. The trip was an opportunity to widen students’ experience of the arts and to Megan Trevor 2nd Discus encourage girls to consider taking arts subjects Chloe Roscoe 4th High Jump at GCSE level. The girls spent the weekend working in small groups with a practitioner in 13th May - Year 7 Wirral Athletics Trials their subject area to create a piece of music, Mr Brown does the Crate Stack Lauren Ayers 3rd High Jump dance and drama. The setting at Howell’s was stunning and provided a great backdrop to inspire the students to 24th June - Wirral Schools’ Track & Field be creative. The group also found time to take part in archery, crate Championships stacking and aeroball (netball on a trampoline). After a delicious tea in the Dining Room (which was likened to the Great Hall at Hogwarts) Lauren Ayers 3rd High Jump XLIVI[EWEWQEPPMRJSVQEPHMWGSSR*VMHE]ERHE½REPTIVJSVQERGISR Chloe Roscoe 3rd 100m Saturday night. The girls loved staying in the dormitories where each room was named with a Harry Potter theme! Oliver Cast Announced! lmost 100 students from all year groups auditioned in May for a part in the next school production of Oliver! which will take Aplace on 10th, 11th and 12th December. Competition [EW½IVGIERHXLIKMVPWLEH[SVOIHLEVHLSRMRKXLIMV Artful Dodger routines and Oliver solo performances. The cast was announced after half-term with twenty named parts and a chorus of SVTLERW[SVOLSYWIFS]WERHTMGOTSGOIXWSJ½JX]8LIVI[MPPEPWSFI additional places available for Year 7 students who will be auditioned this term. Congratulations to Hannah Whiting who will play Oliver, Olivia Ord as Artful Dodger, George Jones as Bill Sykes, and Emily Beresford as Nancy, and Connor Robson as Fagan.

12 WEATHER REPORT Subject Matters

A Team Above All, Above All A Team pirits were high as almost 1,000 students prepared to take part in Weatherhead’s Commonwealth Games celebrations. After weeks of preparation, students dressed in the colours of the country they wereS representing (complete with face, arm and leg painting) and lined YTFILMRHXLIMVGSYRXV]´W¾EKVIEH]JSVXLISJ½GMEP3TIRMRK'IVIQSR] The Commonwealth countries represented were England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, Ghana, Jamaica, New Zealand and South Africa. Each country entered the astro-turf accompanied by their national anthem, brilliantly performed by Mr Brown, Mrs Rees and members of the Orchestra. The Gymnastics Squad performed a breathtaking routine before the Games began and the IceRadio team broadcast throughout the day keeping everyone entertained. Students from Years 7 to 10 took part in a variety of activities Winning team representing South Africa including rounders, netball, badminton, trampolining, duathlon and athletics, earning points for their country and winning medals. There were some outstanding performances cheered on by classmates, staff, parents and special guests. Students from Year 12 demonstrated their outstanding leadership skills XLVSYKLSYXXLIHE]EWNYHKIWSJ½GMEPWERHGSEGLIWMRIEGLSJXLIWTSVXW%JXIV a day of intense competition, 7CDN, 8BK/NRO, 9TR and 10MWI, representing 7SYXL%JVMGE[IVIHIGPEVIHXLI[MRRIVW[MXL7GSXPERHERH;EPIW½RMWLMRKMR second and third place respectively. After such a successful event, the school very much enjoyed watching the Commonwealth Games and following ex- student Natasha Jonas’ progress in the boxing.

Rounders Results Soccer Round Up Wirral Schools’ Rounders Tournament ur talented Year 7 footballers reached Round 5 in the Under 12 Teams from Years 8, 9 and 10 were English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) 9-a-side Cup. Sadly, Year 8 Rounders squad entered into the Wirral Schools’ the girls were knocked out by Wilmslow High School in a hard Rounders Tournament in June with some Ofought match and reached the last 16 out of 130 teams putting them pleasing results. in the top 20 in the country - a fantastic achievement! Head coach, The Year 8 squad played nobly Miss Lilburn, was delighted that the girls went on to win Wirral throughout the day narrowly losing to 7-a-side tournament held at Woodchurch High School. The team Birkenhead High, West Kirby, Wirral B won all their matches against Neston High, Birkenhead Academy and Woodchurch. Despite their losses, and Woodchurch High without conceding any goals and scoring an the girls’ competitive streak did not impressive 12 goals in the process! wane nor did their determined effort and team spirit! The Year 9 squad played extremely well winning three out of their four KEQIW8LI]PSWXMRXLIWIQM½REPWERH were placed an impressive fourth out of eleven teams. Year 9 Rounders squad Year 10 girls faired equally well winning their games against St. Mary’s (3-2), South Wirral (8.5-3.5) and (3.5-2.5). However some narrow losses to Birkenhead High Academy, Wirral A and Woodchurch meant that the team GEQI½JXLSYXSJXIRWGLSSPW8LI=IEVWUYEHGSQTVMWIW)PPMI Ainsworth, Janie Allen, Megan Cockcroft, Charlotte Egen, Louise Evans, Chloe Jones, Rene Kearney, Gemma Moreland, Natasha Murrell, Lucy Seddon and Jessica Spilsbury.

Under 12 Soccer Team

For all the latest sports updates, follow us on Twitter @WeatherheadPEdept 13 Read All About It

Home Grown Writing Talent Carnegie Reading reative writing and poetry competitions continued to attract an Group Visitor array of talented and creative writers from Years 7 to 11. Miss Grainger was overwhelmed by the response - congratulations to judge from the prestigious children’s book award, Call the entrants and especially our winners. the Carnegie MedalNSMRIH=IEVWXYHIRXWXS½VI up their passions for reading. The Carnegie Medal is a long-running and prestigious children’s book award COMPETITION WINNER A presented each year to the writer of an outstanding book World Book Day Writing Molly Parry (9HCO) for younger readers. This year, LRC Manager, Miss Grainger, Extravaganza Short Story arranged for one of her Year 9 reading groups to ‘shadow’ World Book Day Writing Taylor Pumford (7MGR) the award. The group met weekly to read and discuss the Extravaganza Poetry eight shortlisted books, write their own reviews, and explore World Book Day Writing Sam Balmer (9JTO) the Carnegie website. One lunchtime in May, Librarian and Extravaganza Descriptive Carnegie Judge, Kara Orford, joined the group. This was Kara’s Design a Book Cover Charlie Pritchard (7MGR) ½VWX]IEVNYHKMRKXLIE[EVHERHLIVZMWMX[EWEJERXEWXMG Joanne Spamer (9SWO) opportunity to hear all about the process. The students Spring Has Sprung Olivia Churchill (7MTA) found out how an initial list of seventy nominations is Paige Ryding (7NJ) shortlisted to just eight books. Safe to say there was an awful lot of reading involved! Kara also chatted with the group Bonus Day Tiffany Barnes (7CDN) Jenna Harding (8KCH) about the books they’ve been reading, and their opinions about the award and the shortlist. The winner, announced in Summer Time Louise Bryan (7MTA) Georgia Foundation (8PGR) June, was Kevin Brook’s, The Bunker Diary. Design A Postcard Kim Moore (7KAL) The 2014 Carnegie shortlist (all available to Leah Smith (8RPE) borrow from the LRC): O All The Truth That’s in Me Julie Berry As well as taking part in monthly competitions, there are plenty O The Bunker Diary Kevin Brooks of other ways to get involved with the LRC. You can post Eclipse O The Child’s Elephant Rachel Campbell- book reviews to earn IRIS points or if you’ve read something brilliant you Johnston just want to shout about, why not try a Review Tweet notelet which O Ghost Hawk Susan Cooper will be displayed to help students choose what to read next. O Blood Family Anne Fine Or perhaps you just want to give a book a like by O Rooftoppers Katherine Rundell completing a one-word description on a thumbs-up notelet O Liar & Spy Rebecca Stead to let everyone know. O The Wall William Sutcliffe

Our own Weatherhead Book Awards opened for votes in September, so start thinking about which books/characters his year has seen huge numbers of books you would pick and get voting. borrowed from the LRC and next year we want you taking out even more. Year 7 Twere miles ahead with almost 2,000 books loaned this year. Next year, we want every year group Carnegie aiming for 2,000 books. Medal winner 3YV½VWXIZIV6IEHEXLSRVEMWIHEFVMPPMERX† giving us a great target to aim for next year. Well done to everyone who took part and all those who achieved their reading personal challenge.

There are also more ‘proof’ copies than ever (sent to us before publication) of new books available for online Visiting Carnegie judge Kara Orford ! review - just ask Miss Grainger.

14 WEATHER REPORT Sixth Form

Year 12 Residential to the University of Chester ix Year 12 students attended a residential trip to the University of Chester to learn more about the UCAS process, how to research different universities and how to write a successful Personal Statement. Not only was the visit informative but also a great way for ourS students to mix with other like-minded sixth formers and forge new friendships. The group thoroughly enjoyed the residential and commented on its worth.

Intromed Peer Mentoring ix keen uring the Year 12 Spring term, students and in interested in a preparation for their careerS in Medicine D examinations, Year 12 attended an students embarked Intromed course on a Peer Mentoring run by Wirral Programme. Every University Teaching Hospital at Arrowe Friday morning, Park Hospital. The course is designed mentees from to help and support students apply Year 12 met their for medical related university courses. Year 13 mentors As well as a taste for what it is like who had been to work in a busy A&E department, WTIGM½GEPP]WIPIGXIH theatre, and on the wards, the day Peer by Curriculum Leaders tto work k with ith certain t i groups of f students t d t included talks with medical students mentoring regarding applications to medical SRGSR½HIRGISVKERMWEXMSRERHQSXMZEXMSR8LIMRMXMEXMZI[EW[IPP school and the expectations. WYTTSVXIH[MXLSZIVWXYHIRXWFIRI½XXMRKJVSQXLITVSKVEQQI

Powerful New Tool For Sixth Form IEXLIVLIEH7M\XL*SVQWXYHIRXWRS[FIRI½XJVSQETS[IVJYPRI[WIEVGLXSSPGEPPIHUnifrog which provides comprehensive higher education and careers guidance. Unifrog pulls together all the relevant data into one place for making choices about university or further training making it more easily Waccessible. The system includes data from UCAS, the Guardian, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, XLI8MQIW,MKLIV)HYGEXMSRXLI3J½GIJSV2EXMSREP7XEXMWXMGW3JWXIH, and other leading partners. UnifrogMHIRXM½IW the best options for each student based on their expected grades and helps them select aspirational, solid and safe course options. The Unifrog system is overseen by Weatherhead staff who work alongside students to help them with their choices for UCAS application. With XLIHEXEXSLERHWXEJJGERIRGSYVEKIWXYHIRXWXSTYVWYIJYVXLIVVIWIEVGLERHVI½RIXLIMVHIGMWMSRQEOMRKTVSGIWW-XMWERI\GMXMRKRI[ development for Weatherhead Sixth Form this year.

International Festival for Business group of Year 12 Business students visited Aintree Racecourse for the International Festival for Business. This global festival attracted a range of businesses including Jaguar Land Rover, Airbus and BT to name just a few, with universities and training providers also in EXXIRHERGI8LIEMQ[EWJSVWXYHIRXWXSFIMRXVSHYGIHXSEREVVE]SJMRHYWXV]WIGXSVWMRGPYHMRKXLSWIXLEXLEZIFIIRMHIRXM½IHEW Agrowth areas by the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership8LIKVSYTLEHXMQIXSHMWGYWWERHVI¾IGXSRXLIMVJYXYVIGLSMGIW[LIXLIVXLIMVMRXIVIWXW lie in an apprenticeship, school leaver programme or university. The trip also proved useful for the completion of part of their Business Studies course, analysing university and non-university routes and collating evidence.

Follow Sixth Form news and Future Choices alerts on Twitter @Weatherhead6th 15 Sixth Form

Prom Pizazz! nce again Weatherhead students teamed up with Mosslands School for the end of year Senior Prom which was held at the elegantO Liverpool One Hilton Hotel. The students all looked amazing extremely glamorous - some students even chose to travel in style in stretched limousines! Staff commented that it was a beautiful evening with a really lovely atmosphere and much fun was had by all. The prom marks the end of an era for our Year 13 students as they embark on the next stage of their lives at university and in employment.

16 WEATHER REPORT World Challenge

World Challengers Return! ur 15 adventurous Year 12 and 13 ‘World Challengers’ successfully completed their Malaysia expedition with Mrs Walton in July and came back to regale the school with newss Oand photos of two unforgettable weeks on the other side of the world! In total 336 teams from 218 schools nationally took part, with only 34 from the North of England, so it was a massive achievement by our students to be part of the Challenge, never QMRHEPPXLIEHZIRXYVIWXLEXXLI]GSRJVSRXIHWSGSR½HIRXP] Phase one of the trip saw the team travel to the Cameron Highlands where they visited a tea plantation and factory, then set off on an arduous trek through the Malaysian jungle to Ipoh where they white water rafted down the rapids of the Kampar River. Phase two of the trip centred on a charity project at Taman Megah Centre for children and adults with disabilities. The group met with residents and shared the array of gifts kindly donated by the Weatherhead community. The students spent a few days at the Centre, getting to know the children, playing games and making special friendships. This aspect of the trip was particularly important to the students in the group, many of whom are keen to develop medical and social care skills for future career progression. 8S½RMWLXLIEHZIRXYVIXLIKVSYTZMWMXIHXLIGETMXEPGMX]/YEPE Lumpur, where they visited the major sights such as the night market in Petaling, where they bartered for gifts and souvenirs and sampled local food. Besides creating a once in a lifetime experience, The World Challenge Programme draws on diverse project management and life skills – all fundamental to the initiative. Students take it MRXYVRXSEGXEWNSYVREPMWX½RERGITPERRIVERHQEREKIWIGYVMX] transport, food and general logistics. Mrs Walton was very proud of her dynamic team of students on this challenging adventure. ‘I was already so proud of our team for putting such efforts into fund raising to take part. That by itself showed serious commitment and initiative by our students. The group had an amazing adventure, proved their mettle in more ways than one, and have created WSQIPMJIPSRKQIQSVMIWERHFIRI½XXIHJVSQEXVYP]YRJSVKIXXEFPI experience! I have enjoyed watching them grow through the experience and am very proud to have led such a great team of people. I am also extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us to make this expedition possible.’ Thanks go to all staff, family and sponsors who made the trip possible and Weatherhead hope to re-launch the next Challengee for 2016. Jumpa Lagi (see you soon) Taman Megah! For an inspiring video capturing the trip, visit our website www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/International and click on World Challenge.

For more visit International Links on our website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk 17 End of Term Trips

Year 10 Go Further Tapas at La Tasca Afield inguists from Year 8 could be forgiven for passionate history students visited the thinking that they were on foreign shores as infamously haunted Speke Hall to carry they visited La Tasca Spanish restaurant with out a controlled assessment worth 25% its coastal setting, Mediterranean music and Spanish of their GCSE course, whilst 50 keen geographers waitersL - and all that before they even tried the Paella! 82 visited the Albert Dock to carry out their GCSE MFL department staff were proud of the girls’ efforts controlled assessment. at speaking Spanish and their willingness to try new foods. A great night was had by all and we hope to repeat the event again in the future. Alton Towers oach loads of excited Sixth Formers left school early one morning to enjoy a New Designer Exhibition day at Alton Towers. Students (and some Cstaff) were brave enough to put their mind and in London body to the test riding on the newly opened rs Freckleton and Miss Robinson SmilerXLI[SVPH´W½VWXPSSTMRKVSPPIVGSEWXIV took 10 AS Fine Art and Textile - whilst others chose to stick to students to London to visit New old favourites such as Oblivion, the Designers at the Design Centre, Islington. Pirate Ship, the Congo River Rapids, M Runaway Mine Train, New Designers is the UK’s most important exhibition for emerging design full of Rita and Thirteen. innovation and fresh thinking. It provided students with a wealth of further education course options and prospective future Year 9 thrill seekers university options. Students collected prospectuses, viewed degree shows, toured graduate exhibitions, and gained a wealth of inspiration for their personal investigation coursework. Staff were delighted to see Christiana Eaton, an ex-Weatherhead student, exhibiting from Leeds College of Art. Students also visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. The V&A is one of the world’s greatest museums for art and design and students had the opportunity to wander round exhibitions, take photographs, and gain research to use back at school. Mrs Pearson, Mrs Smith, and 30 DT students Just for the Thrill of It from Years 9 and 10, visited the same ear 9 and Year 11 trips to Drayton Manor Ex student & exhibitor, Christiana Eaton exhibition a week later. Theme Park were enjoyed by over 250 girls and staff. The girls had a fabulous day in the Students visit New Designer exhibition blazingY sun enjoying a host of thrill and water rides as well as ice creams, face painting and the Zoo, which hosts over a hundred species from all over the world. Many girls were brave enough to ride the Apocalypse (the UK’s scariest ride), the intense Pandemonium and G-Force, whilst the non-thrill seekers enjoyed Splash Canyon, the vintage carousel, arcades and the 4D cinema. Miss Smith commented on the wonderful atmosphere and attitude of Year 11 who attended this well-deserved treat after all the hard work and study towards their GCSEs.

18 WEATHER REPORT End of Term Trips

All Around the World ... Museum he Science Department took the whole of Year 7 to Liverpool’s World Museum for a day of hands on science activities. The day began with a visit to the Planetarium to learn about how the development of the telescope has changed the way TScientists view the Universe. This was followed by a session by the Rock Pool where the girls learnt about the diversity of life within our local shore ecosystems. The girls studied XLIHMJJIVIRXXE\SRSQMGKVSYTWFIJSVIYWMRKGPEWWM½GEXMSROI]WXSWXYH]ERHMHIRXMJ]EVERKI of live vertebrates and invertebrates within the exhibits. The session concluded with the STTSVXYRMX]XSKIXYTGPSWI[MXLWSQISJXLIPSGEPMRLEFMXERXWMRGPYHMRKWXEV½WLGVEFWERH anemones! A How Science Works[SVOWLSTIREFPIHXLIKMVPWXSPSSOEXWGMIRXM½GIZMHIRGI through the recreation of a fossil footprint to work out what the creature was like millions SJ]IEVWEKS8LIHE][EWVSYRHIHSJJ[MXLEWGEV]GPEWWM½GEXMSR[SVOWLSTMR[LMGLXLI girls were introduced to several museum specimens and live creepy crawlies to learn about several taxonomic groups including insects, arachnids and myriapods. Armed with this knowledge, the students visited the Bug House to learn more about the world of the arthropods.

Outward Bound The Open Championship s golf fans from all over the world descended upon the S[E½VQ½\XYVIMRXLI=IEVGEPIRHEVQSWXSJXLI Wirral, Miss Byrne and Mrs Crichton took 16 Year 10 PE year group visited the Conway Centre set in idyllic surroundings on the Isle of Anglesey at the end of term. students to The Open Golf Championship at Royal Liverpool, As well as taking part in an extensive range of activities the Hoylake.A The girls watched the professionals warm up in the practice N area and were lucky enough to witness 1997 Open Winner, John residential offers students the opportunity to develop new skills ERHJSVWSQIMXMWXLI½VWXXMQIXLI]LEZIFIIRE[E]JVSQLSQI Daley, teeing off on the 18th hole. The girls participated in a Street The girls spent a glorious three days kayaking, taking part in team Golf session and had a lesson with a professional at the course. It was building challenges and ‘the night line’, trying their hand at rock an excellent day and an unforgettable experience for all the girls. climbing, the zip wire, drama and orienteering. The girls had an opportunity to work within new groups and as always the last Students enjoy the Open night disco proved a hit!

Team building at Conway

Ani-mazing Summer! lmost the whole of Year 8 enjoyed a day out to Chester Students Were Bowled Over Zoo which was recently voted the sixth best zoo in the students from Years 7 to 11 visited the Riverside Bowl, world. The girls were lucky to see New Brighton, with the PE Department to unleash their Athe ‘Spectacled Bear’ Bernardo who arrived competitive streaks trying their hand at ten pin bowling from the USA in June. As usual, face painting and60 a highly contested game of Laser Quest. This well-deserved and animal masks proved popular, as did the trip was organised as a reward to the girls’ commitment to and monorail, the orangutangs, the baby meerkats participation in Extra Curricular PE Clubs. and the bat house!

For all the latest news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk 19 Alumni

Calling Former Alumni engaged to date: 0 1 8 4 Weatherhead Students! orking in partnership with Future First, Weatherhead is working to create a thriving community of engaged Alumni who can inspire and mentor our current students, offer work experience opportunities and share their own academicW and professional experiences. We are proud of the achievements of all our students, many of whom are first generation university undergraduates who go on to diverse and exciting careers. We also have notable Alumni, including Dr Katie Petty- Saphon, MBE (Weatherhead 1962-1969 and later Newnham College, Cambridge) who is now Chief Executive of the Medical Schools’ Council and Olympic Boxer, Natasha Jonas, (Weatherhead 1995-2002). Both have returned to Weatherhead this year to mentor students interested in careers in Medicine and Sport. Dr Petty-Saphon mentors We are keen to hear from all former students regardless of when they left our prospective medics school, in further education or employment, whether they still live nearby or have moved further away. The important factor for Weatherhead is to stay connected as a school community and create an inspiring learning environment and offer a supportive network to all our students.

Weatherhead Alumni ! Click on the Alumni tab on the school website for more information. Natasha Jonas

Birthday Celebrations!

Happy Birthday Weatherhead! eatherhead celebrated 10 years at the Breck Road site by recognising the commitment and support providedW by the community. The Weatherhead Outstanding Winners Awards celebrated the relationships that have evolved over the past ten years which have contributed to the success of the school and enriched the experiences for students. A traditional afternoon tea was the perfect occasion to celebrate to which over forty of our community partners were invited to attend. All our guests were presented with a piece of student artwork and GIVXM½GEXIWSJETTVIGMEXMSRMRVIGSKRMXMSRSJXLIWYTTSVXXLEXLEWLIPTIH Above: Mr Dyment the school enjoy the success and reputation it holds today. Mr Dyment celebrates with award GSQQIRXIH±8LIXIR]IEVGIPIFVEXMSRWSJJIVIHYWXLISTTSVXYRMX]XSVI¾IGX recipient Dean Cattel, from Brook on our good fortune and achievements. It is important to acknowledge everyone - to value the unsung heroes - who contribute daily to the growing success of Weatherhead. It has been a decade of exceptional development for XLIWGLSSPERH[I½RMWLXLMWGIPIFVEXSV]]IEVMREZIV]TSWMXMZITSWMXMSR²

For more information about the Awards and the winners visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/outstanding Left: Afternoon tea ! celebration

20 WEATHER REPORT G & T Programme

GIFTED PROGRAMME AT WEATHERHEAD

Nulli Secundus IEXLIVLIEHMWTVSYHSJ½ZI Year 9 Gifted students who achieved GCSE equivalent Latin UYEPM½GEXMSRWXLMWWYQQIV)PMWI0IZIXXW Poppy Smith, Autumn Townsend, Georgia Bewley and Georgia Hepke took on the challenge as an additional academic achievement and secured impressive grades. 15 members of the Year 7 Gifted Year 10 students in Oxford and Talented cohort visited Liverpool Oxford University Trip University with Miss Brough for a day of Latin. The girls spent the day exploring ix Year 10 students visited the University of Oxford in May with Mr Reid for a the ancient language, studying artefacts, university taster day. The girls attended lectures in History and Computer Science, experiencing a gladiatorial battle and then received a whistle stop tour of the university and visited St. Peter’s College presenting their own play in Latin. The day whichS was founded in the 13th century and whose alumni include Mark Carney, current was a real eye opener on ancient language Governor of the Bank of England. The trip unveiled the possibilities of studying at this and culture and highlighted the value of prestigious university for our students and we look forward to future Oxbridge Alumni Latin as a language to study today. hailing from Weatherhead in the near future.

KS2-KS3 GIFTED GATEWAY TO WEATHERHEAD Investigative What a Cracker! e invited Scientists in Year 5 students from our partner the Making primariesW to a Gifted Gateway Performing cience surrounds us - it is Arts workshop everywhere in our daily lives. to create a mini Asking ‘why?’ brings science performance based on Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. toS life and is the essence of being The Nutcracker is the most widely viewed and a true Scientist. Weatherhead staff, in conjunction with the Mosslands School, performed ballet in the world. With many delivered two half day Saturday Science workshops to Gifted and Talented pupils fascinating elements including fairies, fantasy, dancing, JVSQPSGEPTVMQEV]WGLSSPW1SWWPERHWHIPMZIVIHXLI½VWXWIWWMSRPSSOMRKEXXLI sweets, toys and Christmas, it proved a wonderful future of science. Weatherhead developed this further and looked at the role of way to introduce the joys of theatre to primary Food Scientists, our relationship with food, and considered the famous analogy, pupils. The pupils worked with Miss Elliott and Miss ‘you are what you eat’. The event was an opportunity to explore new ideas Chappell on their Drama and Dance performance and the Year 5 primary pupils proved themselves keen scientists and talented skills. Key Stage 2-3 Gifted and Talented Coordinator, investigators! Mr Riley, commented, “The pupils showed a These workshops are part of a series of Gifted and Talented events at remarkable amount of creative talent developing Weatherhead, organised to help primary school pupils experience different their own choreography and by taking on the secondary curriculum subjects. The workshops have been well attended by pupils challenge of performing part of the Nutcracker from our partner primaries and a new and exciting programme for 2014/2015 is which students study at GCSE!” Well done to being developed. everyone involved - a real cracker of an event!

! For more information on our Gifted Gateway and Gifted Programmes visit the school website www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/gifted For all the latest news visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk 21 Primary Liaison

Weatherhead Sizzles eatherhead’s annual community showcase, the Summer Sizzler, took place over two nights and celebrated 10 Years at Breck Road. Tickets for both nights sold out with an audience of almostW 700! The popular event showcased the performances of nine of our partner schools, as well as our own dance acts, gymnasts, band and choirs. Practitioners from Vox and Wirral Youth Theatre ran eight weeks SJ[SVOWLSTW[MXLSZIVTYTMPWJVSQ*S\½IPH+VIIRPIEW1SWWPERHW Mount, New Brighton, Park, Somerville, St. Alban’s, St. George’s, Liscard and Somerville, culminating in a performance at the event. Two groups from Wirral Youth Theatre, Inclusion and Contembreak, performed as well as Vox’s own swing group 4EGM½G7[MRK. Our Year 7 dancers performed to Pharrell William’s Happy using commercial dance style, Year 9 performed with a mix of contemporary and carnival dance styles, whilst Year 12 performed a group piece in the style of Alvin Ailey in preparation for XLIMV%[SVO8LILMKLPMKLXSJXLI½VWXRMKLX[EWXLI&SPP][SSHERH CSI at 'IPIFVEXMSRHERGIWJVSQ*S\½IPH7GLSSPERH1V&VS[R´W7EQFE&ERH Weatherhead whilst the Weatherhead Gymnasts and the Somerville dancers stole the show on the last night. CSI Weatherhead! Year 8 Dancers with Miss Chappell eatherhead’s Science department hosted a special forensics workshop for Year 5 students from Christchurch, Egremont, Mount, SomervilleW and St. George’s Primary Schools. A clever ‘who-dunnit’ activity had enthusiastic pupils with a particular passion and talent for Maths, Science, creative writing and the arts exploring the concepts of forensic science. The pupils were great ambassadors for their schools and adjusted maturely to the hustle and bustle of Weatherhead’s Science department. The Science team were impressed by their knowledge and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Pupils Get Active! ear 11 and 12 Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA) leaders led an action packed activities fun day for almost 100 pupils and teachers from Bidston YAvenue Primary School and Mount Primary School. The group of boys and girls took part in different activities on the astro-turf including skipping, team building games, football, dodgeball and games with the giant parachute. The pupils really enjoyed their afternoon with us and said it was fantastic.

22 WEATHER REPORT Primary Liaison

Greenleas Bird Boxes Science Department Dazzle Year 5 with the Science of Fireworks! Year 5 pupils from Liscard Primary School visited the 7GMIRGIHITEVXQIRXXSHMWGSZIV[L]½VI[SVOWEVIWS colourful. The group learnt how to safely use a Bunsen burner90 before making their own golden sparklers using iron. The highlight of the session involved experimenting with different chemicals to reveal the metals used to produce the different GSPSYVWMRXLI½VI[SVOWTSXEWWMYQTVSHYGIHETYVTPI¾EQI GSTTIVEKVIIR¾EQIPMXLMYQEVIH¾EQIERHWSHMYQERSVERKI Build a Bird Box Masterclass ¾EQI4YTMPW[IVIWYGGIWWJYPP]E[EVHIHXLIMV&YRWIRFYVRIVPMGIRGI he DT team welcomed 54 pupils from Greenleas Primary and a fun afternoon was had by all! to Weatherhead to spend an afternoon building their own 4YTMPWGVIEXI½VI[SVOW bird boxes. The opportunity offered pupils experience in Tusing machinery and tools and demonstrated new skills including drilling, sanding and sawing. The pupils were a delight and were very keen and quickly mastered the use of a saw and a drill with some great results! Greenleas will be using the bird boxes in the school garden to promote bird life.

Sensational Samba! The Scottish Play Comes ith Brazil’s World Cup to Weatherhead fever in the air, Mrs e were delighted to offer pupils Rees and a dozen from Egremont Primary School Year 12 BTEC Music students W the chance to perform their visited Somerville Primary School version of Shakespeare’s famous Scottish to deliver three exciting Samba W play, Macbeth, in our state of the art themed music workshops to theatre. 25 talented pupils from Years 4, over 100 Year 5 pupils. Our 5 and 6 performed an hour long adapted students enjoyed introducing version of the powerful story of a Scottish Samba instruments to the general, Macbeth, who receives a prophecy pupils, including Surdos, Tamborims, Shakers, Claves, Agogo Bells and from witches that one day he will become Cowbells. After quickly mastering the instruments, pupils performed King of Scotland. Egremont’s Headteacher, as groups and learned to do Call and Response. The pupils thoroughly Mr Greathead, and staff were delighted with the pupils’ performance enjoyed the workshops as did our students - Courtney Campbell, which was enjoyed by an invited audience of family and guests Kerri Chamberlain, Jenna Doswell, Hannah Lamb, Sam Kydd and including the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Mr Dyment, and Chair of Becky Smith should be proud of their hard work. Governors for Egremont and Weatherhead, Mrs Owens.

Cupcake Bake rs O’Hea and Food Technology staff hosted an afternoon Cup Cake Bake for 30 Year 5 students from Mount Primary School. The pupils made their own fairy cakes (aided by some helpful sixth MJSVQIVW XLIRHIGSVEXIHXLIQMRXLIXLIQISJ;SVPH'YTGSYRXVMIW¾EKW and team kits. The boys and girls were very proud of their cakes which they took home to enjoy with their families. To welcome our new year 7s on New Intake Day, students enjoyed a lesson making their own fairy cakes and decorating them with butter cream icing. The girls worked very hard and were really looking forward to taking Food Technology lessons and joining Cookery Club next year. The Great Weatherhead Bake Off!

For Primary Liaison updates visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/primary liaison 23 Dates for Diary

Open Evening Thursday 20th November 2014 6pm – 8pm Te l : 0151 631 4401 Email: [email protected] IRIS Loyalty Card AUTUMN uly saw the introduction of the IRIS Loyalty Card for students, as part of the positive behaviour reward TERM DATES scheme. The cards cost 50 points and will allow students toJ roll over any unspent points into the next school year. If you haven’t School closes Thursday 23rd October already got your card, log on and order one today. INSET Friday 24th October Half term Monday 27th - Friday Follow us for all the latest news 31st October School opens Monday 3rd November @WeatherheadHigh @WeatherheadPEdept School closes Friday 19th December @Weatherhead6th @MusicWHS Christmas holidays Monday 22nd December @WhsDramdept - Friday 2nd January @WHSDanceDept School opens Monday 5th January WeatherheadHigh WeatherheadSixth

Weatherhead High School Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 3HS Tel: 0151 631 4400 Fax: 0151 637 1805 Email: [email protected] Website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk