NEWSLETTER October 2018 - Issue 73 A Word from the Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers

After the longest half term of the year it is a pleasure to share with you the October newsletter which is packed with articles and information showing how we have been spending the last 8 weeks both inside and outside school. There’s a real mixture of local and international reports with an Art visit to Brimham Rocks and a visit from a local MP followed by visitors from our French Exchange partner school in Douai. We are very grateful to all the families who hosted the French students and gave them such a fantastic flavour of life. They were hugely appreciative and are already looking forward to the return visit in February. They weren’t our only international visitors however. We were delighted to welcome two Malawian rice farmers as part of our work with Fairtrade. The students found it fascinating hearing about the education system in Malawi, and about how rice is cultivated. There were even special recipes made, tasted and enjoyed.

Health and well-being is central to all we do, so it was great to see year 7 students being trained by the ‘Restart a Heart’ team and are now equipped with the right skills should such an emergency ever arise. Year 7 have made a fantastic start to life at SGHS in general and are already making significant contributions in tutor time and in gatherings. They also enjoy the many enrichment clubs we have to offer, with some new ones this year. Please take a look at page 6 and 7 to read about just a few. The Feminist Society is thriving as is Japanese for Beginners!

Year 7 parents are also supporting Friends of SGHS with their superb ideas and organisation skills. We are very grateful for the fundraising work of the group – and for arranging family events we can all enjoy. The Family Bingo and Gameshow night was one such event. It was great fun and the food was delicious! For more Friends of SGHS events please turn to page 16. We would love to meet you socially at a forthcoming event and raise even more funds towards re-surfacing the Hollow to allow for more PE to take place there.

We hope you have a lovely half term break with fun-filled Halloween and Bonfire events, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on November 5th for the exciting run up to Christmas.

Mrs K Walter and Mrs G Fisher Joint Acting Heads of Academy

Page 2 // Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 Brimham Rocks and Artist Workshop

Year 12 students spent the morning drawing and taking photographs at Brimham Rocks, using charcoal, pastels and graphite to create several bold studies to then develop into larger scale paintings alongside David Stead in his studio in the grounds of Norton Conyers House.

David demonstrated his expressive painting style to students, how to take away the fear of the blank canvas through quick energised brushwork to create the feeling of what it was like to be in the landscape. Students produced some impressive large scale work, which showcased their experience on the moors, which they are now developing further in the classroom.

David Stead exhibits his large landscape paintings at his fabulous gallery on Kirkgate in Ripon.

Miss Smith Art

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 3 Skipton-Douai Exchange

After having taken several trains (and missing one of them), the French party arrived in Skipton for a week, commencing on Friday 12th October. The exchange began with some much- needed snacks and drinks in West Bank. The English party were excited, albeit very nervous, to meet their partners.

For many, the weekend consisted of a shopping trip to in the Trinity Shopping centre and a taste of British culture in Nando’s. Many purchases were made on behalf of the French, with repeated trips to Zara and Topshop. Despite the train strikes and more than poor weather, everybody made it home safe and well. On Sunday, many people braved the Yorkshire weather and embarked on walks, around either Malham or Burnsall, with pit stops to enjoy a traditional pub lunch.

To celebrate the end of several long days of work experience and school, we took some time out at the bowling alley in Skipton and discovered that the French have significantly superior bowling skills to their English counterparts.

The week ended with a continental quiz and extremely competitive Quizlet Live, which nearly brought about the end of many friendships. We then enjoyed the hard work of the SGHS catering team and tucked in to pizza, chips and guacamole. The brownies were enjoyed by all and were followed by music and dancing, (leaving many bewildered by the Cha Cha Slide and le Médecin).

On Friday 19th October after a very early start, 5.30am for most, goodbyes, bon voyages and hugs were exchanged and we said farewell until we meet again in February when the English party will make the return journey to Douai. Overall, the trip was a great success, many new friends were made, and it was an amazing experience for all the students involved.

Evie Craig and Cadence Sessions Year 11

Page 4 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 Elle Stone Fencing Champion Restart a Heart Day

Over the past year Elle has won the Yorkshire Youth Championships Under 12 for a second year running, and she is On 6th October 2016, all of our Year 7 and some of currently ranked 1st nationally for the Leon Paul Junior Series our Year 12 students took part in cardiopulmonary U13 age band following her recent success at Newcastle. resuscitation (CPR) training to mark Restart a Heart Day. Volunteers from Yorkshire Ambulance Service She is one of the youngest ever team members to fence on taught students how to do CPR and reminded the Yorkshire Under 17 Cadet squad and this December will students that if someone suffers a cardiac arrest, travel with the team to Millfield in Somerset for a second year their chances of survival double if it happens in front to compete on a county level. of a bystander who immediately starts CPR before the arrival of an ambulance. Elle currently trains at both Skipton Fencing Club and The Manchester Fencing Centre weekly and her goal for the next This is probably one of the most important fencing year is to be selected for the U15 squad going “skills you [the pupils] will learn in your to Poland. Selection is tough with not many places given in this whole time at school. age band to those under 13 but she is determined that 2019 ” will be the year. In support of this Elle has begun to compete Mrs F Mcmillan on the Cadet U17 circuit for development and experience, Deputy Headteacher gaining respect from both other competitors and national coaches for her resilience and tenacity.

A big thanks to SGHS for flexibility with workload and travel to national fixtures, it makes all the difference to have the support of the school.

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 5 Club Updates Feminist Society

This half-term has seen the relaunch of our proud and unapologetic Feminist Society, led by our very capable Sixth Form students.

We are delighted to say the relaunch was a hit and the room was packed. Students ranged from Year 7 to Year 13 and many a voice were heard.

Debate topics included the question of feminist as a word and the implications of this word choice, the nature and aims of equality, the problems with toxic masculinity and how it too damages women as well as men, as well as a discussion on the stereotyping of women as mothers. We also had an excellent response from a student who questioned whether feminism is continuing the victimisation of women.

We welcome any more students who would like to come along and have their voices heard or just listen to the discussions. There is no view we ban or discriminate against.

Mrs Fox and the Feminist Society

Japanese for Beginners

New for this year, the club is for students who wish to learn about the basics of the Japanese language. Students are learning about the Japanese writing system as well as basic Japanese phrases. In order for students to read and pronounce words in Japanese they will need to learn the 50 sounds (Gojuuon) and the symbols which represent them. There are 2 symbols for each sound (Hiragana and Katakana) which students practice writing and quiz each other on. There are older students who have a good knowledge of these already and volunteer helping out the younger students. The aim is for students to eventually be able to read and write basic sentences and use conversational phrases.

Mr Riley Maths

Page 6 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 Football Club

Over the last 4 years, the Football Club here at Skipton opportunity to improve their skills in Football, and also Girls' High School, has grown from strength to strength. interact more with students from other year groups. Last year we competed in tournaments and friendlies around the Yorkshire area and the girls saw plenty of The club kick-started the year with a trip to Old Trafford to successes. A big congratulations goes out to all students watch Manchester United vs Derby County in the Carabao who represented the school, especially to our Year 8 team Cup. A highly entertaining match that went to penalties. The who represented City Football Club. live atmosphere was certainly an experience for all the girls and they were all a credit to SGHS. The amount of girls wanting to play football has increased again and there is regularly a high turnout every Tuesday. Mr Barker and Mr Clifton Mr Barker and Mr Clifton endevour to give all players the

Anime Club

The club is for students to watch and share an interest in Anime and other things that are related such as Manga and Light Novels. Since the Anime is in the Japanese language, students have been able to pick up different aspects of the spoken language by using the subtitles. At the moment we are watching an Anime called Cells at Work! (Hataraku Saibou) which is about different cells in the human body and what they do. The Anime has covered different aspects of the body such as immune response and differentiation of cells. There have been doctors who have praised the show for its accuracy and simplicity in explaining how the cells in our body work. Mr Riley Maths

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 7 Science Club

Science club has got off to a flying start this year with our competition to see who could make the rocket that flew the highest. It was fantastic to see the students trialling their ideas and testing their rockets before the final showdown! Competition was fierce and Mrs Jenner’s Year 12 class got a shock when two slow burning rockets took off half way through her next lesson.

The last few weeks have seen students experiment with the iodine clock reaction to see if they could get their chemicals to change in time to their favourite song. We are not entirely sure whether baby shark will ever stop playing on repeat in everybody’s heads. It has been an absolute joy to see so many faces new and old and we are looking forward to a year of imagination and investigation with plenty of inspiring activities planned.

Miss Dobson Science

Oxford University STEM Residential

I was fortunate to be selected to take part in an all-girls STEM three-day residential at Brasenose College, Oxford University at the end of August. The aim of this residential was to encourage more girls to study Maths and Science at degree level. I was there with 25 other girls from all over the country and we experienced student life at Oxford, from visiting the lovely city, museums and libraries to the college and the JCR. I was able to meet lecturers and students from Oxford University which was an amazing opportunity to gain an insight into both the application process and studying at the collegiate university. We also attended mini-lectures from the departments of Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Staying in Oxford was an incredible and empowering experience and furthered my love for STEM.

Poppy Johnston Year 13 CROQUE MONSIEUR CHURROS

Students and parents welcome £3 PER PERSON BreakfastEUROPEAN FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER | 7.45-8.45AM

Come and taste delicious European food and help us raise money for the resurfacing of The Hollow. In addition to the tasty European treats, there will be yoghurt, fruit, cereal and tea/coffee/juice. A gluten free option will be available on request. Tickets available on ParentPay

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 9 BIRCHER MUFFINS Playstation Cup

As part of the development of our school football teams immediate reply from SGHS brought the score back to 2-1. we entered the Playstation Cup, which is a national 11-a-side SGHS had the chance to level but were denied a clear penalty competition with regional heats. At very short notice we were when clean through on goal, and despite the muted appeals to informed that we’d been drawn away against Thirsk school and the referee the game continued. Despite a valiant effort in wild were due to play the fixture in just over a week! So on a very conditions, Thirsk ran out eventual winners 8 - 4. wet and windy Friday afternoon in early October, seventeen Y8 & 9 students were accompanied by Mr Barker and Mr Credit must go to the girls as every player put in 100% effort Clifton to Thirsk to take on Thirsk school in our very first and gave a brilliant account of themselves, representing the 11-a-side match. school in a tough away fixture. The only regret for Mr Barker, Mr Clifton and the minibus driver was the girls decision to The 60 minute match was to be played on a full size pitch with perform an SGHS version of the “Thunder Clap” for the full size goals and with the offside rule being enforced, with duration of the journey from Skipton to Thirsk... all of this another new experience for most of the players. After a bright start, SGHS found themselves 2 - 0 down after Mr Barker and Mr Clifton two quick fire goals from the Thirsk number 14, however an

(Below, L to R back row) Gemma Bristow, Olivia Garratt, Scarlett Guise, Leah Saunders, Neve Tennant, Darcey Burrell, Isra Ghani, Emily Loweth, Maiyda Amin, (L to R front row) Haleema Riaz, Isabel Cook, Safa Shahzad, Sasha Crabtree, Zoya Siddique, Kate Boumphrey, Lily Wilkinson, Emma Charlton

Page 10 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 Politician Visit

Recently in Politics we have had the opportunity to listen to local schools. Our second speaker was Mark Bennet who is a prominent figures in the political world, the Labour Senior Civil Servant for the Department for Health and Social MP, John Grogan and Senior Civil Servant, Mark Bennett. After Care in the Leeds area. Mr Bennet explained his role and this previously speaking to Julian Smith, the Chief Whip and our gave us the opportunity to broaden our understanding of the local Conservative MP it provided us with a contrasting idea of workings of Government which was invaluable. We discussed policies across the political spectrum. John Grogan became MP the unpredictability of his work in the wake of Brexit and how for Keighley in June 2017 and is a vocal member of the Labour he interacted with Jeremy Hunt and then Matthew Hancock Party in terms of increasing corporate tax and although a – Secretary of State for Health – both with very different ‘remainer’, he would not vote for a second Brexit referendum. ministerial work ethics. As the civil service is a prominent employer of postgraduates, his knowledge and expertise could With recent controversies in the Labour Party, we were able prove vital to many of our Politics students who are interested to hear first-hand a realistic and eye-opening perspective from in entering the ‘cut and thrust’ world of Politics. someone within the Party. Not only were we able to question him regarding national issues such as the Anti-Semitism scandal, Lucy Huxley and Grace Homar but also local issues such as a lack of funding in education for Year 13

A Thankyou from the Music Department

The Music department at SGHS is very thankful for the kind donations we have received from the Friends of SGHS who have given the department £85 to use for new equipment in the classroom. The department has also been given a Yamaha Arius Electric Piano from past student Hetty. Thank you all for the support, it is much appreciated. See you at the Winter Concert on the 6th of December!

Miss Williams Music

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 11 SGHS Cross Country Team Success at First Round of English School, Giggleswick

Inters (Years 9 and 10) had an impressive race as they had their four scoring runners in the first eight home. Alice Jones led pretty much from gun to tape for an individual victory, with Lilli Carr 3rd, Harisah Ghafoor in 6th and final scorer Emma Peel 8th. Their total of 18 points also makes them stand out as challengers for the final. Again their non-scorers Mia Petrucci 13th and Hannah Jackson 15th were well up the field and (Above) Inters shows the team’s strength in depth.

Juniors (Years 7 and 8) may not have won but did have a good low total of just 49 points to qualify in 3rd.They were led home by Hannah Robinson in 8th. Elsa Birch was 10th, Megan Wilkinson 14th and running her best race yet for school Emily Butcher was 17th.Their non-scorers Kate Boumphrey 32nd and Maggie Hudson 39th were well up the list of finishers.

So once again our 2 teams have qualified for the North East of England round at Stewart Park, Middlesbrough on 10th November. Good luck!

Miss Wingate PE (Above) Juniors Photography Exhibition

Please see our new Photography exhibition in Café Quad

Well done to our Y10 GCSE Photography students – these portraits were produced in response to Richard Avedon’s photographs.

Mrs Scott Art

Page 12 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 4x4 In Schools Update

Both the 4x4 teams are now well into the design and planning of their project in readiness for the regional competition in December. The KS4 ‘Development Class’ were once again busy raising money for their teams with a second highly successful bake sale, which sold out in a record 4 minutes!

To support the teams through the competition, Jaguar Land Rover assign a mentor and John Corbridge, travelled up from Birmingham. John is a control systems engineer working in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) division within the Electrical Department at Jaguar Land Rover. ADAS is responsible for all the cameras, radar, and ultrasound parking sensors on the vehicle, and uses these sensors to develop autonomous driving features to help develop driverless cars.

John was talking to both teams providing advice and guidance in preparation for the upcoming regional finals. Both teams could ask questions about how some of the technical aspects.

Rosie Rogers, of JBA Trust, in her role as a STEM Ambassador is also supporting the teams. Rosie will also be part of the mock interview process to ask questions around their business plan how they justified some of their decisions.

The KS3 ‘Entry Class’ have been equally busy with their project and have contacted Fives Landis to sponsor their team, with great success. Some of their engineers will be supporting the teams over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you to all those have and are supporting the teams!!

Mr Braden Technology

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 13 SGHS Hosts a Visit from Fairtrade Malawian Rice Farmers!

On the 18th September, to pay for a year’s worth The Fairtrade Friends were excellent role models SGHS had the pleasure of secondary education to the younger students, and were praised by the of hosting a Fairtrade for one child. Linking to visiting staff. This is what some of them had to say conference where we this, we heard a fantastic about the afternoon: had visitors from the local presentation from the young primary schools of Water students at Richard Taylor I really enjoyed the rice farmers coming in because Street, St Stephens, Christ Primary School who had “it introduced me to what it is like to work on a farm Church, , completed the 90kg rice in countries like Malawi. I now understand how hard , Cowling, challenge – organisations can it is to be a farmer in Third World Countries." as well as Richard Taylor buy 90kg of the rice, in 1kg Millie Wooler Primary School from bags, and sell them – their Harrogate. Everyone was Headteacher explained that I really enjoyed the visit from the rice farmers here to meet Howard Msuka he had the rice in his office, “because it was a great opportunity for me to learn and Webster Kito, who so every visitor had to buy a about how they lived and worked in Malawi. It was a are two of the leaders of bag of rice before they were very inspiring afternoon and I highly appreciate the one of the largest farmers allowed to leave! The 90kg time they took out to give us an amazing afternoon. I associations in Africa. They Rice Challenge is an activity can now understand how life can be difficult for the grow fairly traded Kilombero that the Fairtrade Friends farmers living in low income countries. rice which is imported into want to run during Fairtrade " the UK by Just Trading Fortnight 2019, so watch out Emaan Majid Scotland (JTS). The Fairtrade for information in upcoming Friends were superb in newsletters. their role, beginning the afternoon by meeting the Before we had a question primary school teachers and and answer session with students and helping them Howard and Webster, we with their introductory tasks. got to taste some of the The afternoon was then rice. Our super chef Mr introduced by Liz Roodhouse Lorenzo-Cabello, made a of the DEC who range of dishes using the had worked hard with Mrs Kilombero rice including a Brailsford to organise the risotto, chicken paella and afternoon. We then heard chickpea curry – they were from Howard and Webster, all delicious and everyone who explained to us how went back for second the rice is cultivated, and just helpings! It would be great how hard the work is for to see us using this rice at them. We also learnt that school – and would make going to secondary school in us the first school in the Malawi is not free, and less country to do so! than one in three families can afford to pay the fees for Mrs Brailsford their children – but selling Geography just 90kg of the rice would enable a Malawian farmer

Page 14 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 Careers A to Z

Starting this half term we have been highlighting different career paths that our students may want to pursue upon leaving school/university. The following is just one of the job profiles that has featured.

Electrical Engineer

Pay: £20 - 60k Skills Required Average hours: 35-40 You’ll need: People in the job: 49000 • excellent maths, science and IT skills • the ability to make and understand technical What will you do? diagrams Your day-to-day tasks depend on the industry you’re in, • analytical skills but could include: • the ability to explain design ideas clearly • carrying out feasibility studies for new technical • decision-making skills developments • drawing up project plans and circuit diagrams using computer-assisted engineering and design software • estimating costs and project timings • coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople • testing installations and systems, and analysing test data • You’ll usually work on projects with other professionals, like civil engineers, architects and engineering technicians

Entry Requirements You’ll need to complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND) or degree. You can do this at university or through an apprenticeship.

Your course could be in electrical or electronic engineering, or a related subject like: • mechanical engineering • electromechanical engineering • building services engineering • applied physics • aeronautical engineering • mechatronics

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 15 Friends of SGHS Update

Despite being only seven weeks into the academic year of 2018-19, we are proud to report, that we have raised over £1,500!

These funds will go towards the Hollow’s refurbishment (The Hollow is the sports area at the back of school in need of resurfacing.). We have pledged £5,000 to the school for this renovation.

A huge ‘thank you’ to all who supported the recent Bingo & Game Show Night, Oct 19. It was a resounding success, selling out with over 150 filling the hall. Thank you to all the families and individuals who cooked lasagne, prepared salads, washed up and provided hamper and chocolate prizes, as well as to those who bought tickets and had fun on the night. The event raised a wonderful £1,300!

Friends would also like to give enormous thanks to Miss Wingate and the Franklin House Captains who supported us with this event. Friends have donated £150 of funds raised from this night, to Franklin’s chosen charity, Brooklands Community School.

We also raised £205 at the recent Admissions Test Day Café. Thanks to all who popped in, served and baked delicious cakes.

Upcoming Friends’ activities include the House Hampers (more details to follow) and the Friends’ Homemade Christmas Crafts Stall at the Winter Concert, 6th December. There will also be a European Breakfast, 7.45-8.45am on Friday 7th December. Tickets are just £3 and available on ParentPay. Menu details available shortly. We welcome parents and daughters to this morning social.

Friends are still looking for a Treasurer and a Secretary. If you might be interested, we would love to hear from you: [email protected]

Finally, an important date for your diary: Friday 15th February 2019. We will be hosting our annual Curry & Quiz Night, a (Above) Some images from our highly successful Game Show Night popular and entertaining parent event. Ticket information will be available shortly. Next meeting: We hope you have a lovely half-term break and we hope to Monday 12th November, 6.00pm in the school see you soon. library. We would love to hear from you!

Thank you for your ongoing support. Contact Friends of SGHS: [email protected]

Page 16 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Issue 73 UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday 6 December Winter Concert, Gift Stall & House Hamper Raffle, 7.00pm

Friday 7 December European Breakfast 7.45am - 8.45am

Tuesday 15 January Year 12 Parents’ Evening Refreshments 5.30pm - 7.45pm

Wednesday 30 January Year 11 Parents’ Evening Refreshments 5.30pm - 7.45pm

Friday 15 February Curry and Quiz Night 7.00pm

Thursday 14 March Year 9 Options Evening Refreshments 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Friday 29 March Mother’s Day Stall Lunchtime

May (TBC) Spring Evening Social

Issue 73 // Skipton Girls’ High School Newsletter // Page 17 This Edition, and previous issues of the Newsletter, can also be viewed on the School Website... www.sghs.org.uk/newsletter

Skipton Girls’ High School, Gargrave Road, Skipton, BD23 1QL

Tel: 01756 707600 Fax: 01756 701068 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sghs.org.uk Tweet: @skiptongirls