Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

31st January 2020 Dear Parents/Carers

It has certainly been another busy fortnight at AGSB. Assemblies this week have been delivered by Ewan B from Year 12. Ewan was selected from thousands of applicants to attend the Barcelona International Youth Science Challenge (BIYSC) last summer. He shared his amazing experiences with the School and encouraged those who are passionate about Science to apply in the future. As part of his experience, Ewan produced a scientific paper which has been nominated for two awards from the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation and the Victor Grifols i Lucas Foundation.

We also welcomed parents into School for the Year 7 Curriculum Evening, the Year 12 Higher Education Evening and it was a pleasure to see Year 8 parents and pupils at Wednesday’s Parents’ Evening. There was a very positive buzz, with valuable conversations taking place about children’s progress. Parental turn out to our Parent/School information evenings is excellent and highlights perfectly the close and essential relationship between pupil, school and home that we enjoy at AGSB.

To that end, I hope to see many parents at our next Parent’s Pastoral Information Evening on 19th February (see overleaf). The session (delivered by Jonathan Taylor - Online Safety specialist) will provide an overview of the main social media platforms used by young people, as well as covering sensitive topics, certain to be of great concern to parents, such as ‘sexting’ and online sexual exploitation. The session also covers suggestions on practical ways that parents can help their children to stay safe online and ways to support them to become responsible digital citizens.

The annual January UCAS deadline has passed and the majority of students have applied to courses in higher education. A few hold unconditional offers but for most their places will be secure only when they have achieved the A-Level grades stated in their offers. Having something tangible to aim at really can motivate students but it brings pressure too, so we wish our senior students well as they navigate the remainder of their courses and prepare for what will be, for all, a demanding few weeks in the examination hall.

There are a number of trips going out next week and I wish all the very best to those travelling to Berlin, Barcelona and Austria. Good luck also to our Senior Math’s Challenge Squad who are in the National Finals on Tuesday at Lindley Hall, London.

Finally, all the best to the rugby teams who are playing their final block fixture of the season tomorrow against Kirkham Grammar School.

I wish you and your families well for the weekend ahead.

Yours faithfully

Mr G. A. Wright Head Master

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

ESU Public Speaking Team

Congratulations to our ESU Public Speaking team who did brilliantly last week at High School for Girls. They won best speaker (Tom C), best Chair (Sammy B) and were announced as best team! Hassan S was the questioner and did the school proud! The boys are now through to the North West National Finals at The Grange School, Cheshire on the 7th March and we wish them the very best of luck! Mrs E Chapman Head of Year 9

Oxbridge 2020

We have had a bumper crop of Oxbridge Offers at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and we are delighted to have secured a record 20 offers for Oxford and Cambridge. A very well done to all Year 13 offer holders. For the full story click on this link: https://www.agsb.co.uk/ Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Year 7 Classics

Year 7 are learning about the Battle of Marathon in their Classics Lessons. What fantastic shields they have made!

Mr P Ellis Head of Latin

Art, Technology & Food Stars of the Fortnight

This week we feature some exceptional work from the Art, Technology and Food Department as can be seen below here:

We have Ravi H (Y8) presenting his “Floating Stationary” artwork

Yajat H (Y9) who has designed a Clinometer

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

And last, but not least, Dhruv P (Y9) presents his outstanding bake!

Mr R Baker Head of Technology & Art

Jonathan Taylor – Social Media & Online Safety Lecture

Jonathan Taylor - Social Media and Online Safety Lecture at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys - 6.30pm -8pm on Wednesday 19th February 2020

Free Tickets available for all parents/carers of boys in years 7-13 – follow the link to register

Please book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mr-perkins- 18326301363 (Limited number of tickets available) Jonathan Taylor worked within Law Enforcement for 30 years and for 8 years Jonathan specialised in covert online internet investigations gaining a wealth of knowledge in online offender behaviour. Graduating with an MSc in Criminology / Criminal Psychology, Jonathan now specialises in Online Behaviour and he continues to research into how Social Media is used by children, young adults and online sex offenders.

Jonathan frequently appears on Sky News, The One Show, BBC Breakfast TV, LBC and Radio 5 Live as an Internet Safety and Social Media Consultant and has recently filmed documentaries for Channel 4 and CBS on the dangers of online paedophiles.

He currently works as an Independent Online Safety and Social Media Consultant, specializing in Online Safety, Social Media Awareness and offender online methodology. Jonathan is a renowned Online Safety and Social Media Awareness Trainer for all Schools, nationally and internationally.

Mr R Perkins Head of PSHE

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

House Smash Event

Thanks to DigitalSchoolHouse, we have two Nintendo Switches on loan for the year so we can compete in an upcoming National Super Smash Bros competition.

It quickly became apparent that many of our lads were interested in this and the selection process has been ongoing since October (regional heats are 24th February). Due to the demand, the eSports club held the first of hopefully many inter-house Esports competitions, comprising mainly of Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Tom H and team (many thanks to all those who helped out and Matty C and Dan C for commentating/casting) staged a fabulous tournament that drew close to 400 students on Wednesday to witness the Grand Final between the undefeated Tatton team and Stamford. Some close and exciting matchups followed but STAMFORD came out victorious (well done to Rui Y for winning player of the tournament). Please follow our AGSB Twitch channel to see more of our Esports adventures with two teams currently competing in the British Esport Championships (fixtures are Wednesday after school). We are trying to expand our club and secure funding for more PCs so that we can enter more teams, so if you have any ideas for funding or contacts that may be able to help use grow and expand, please contact [email protected].

Mr R Cummins Head of Year 12 GCSE Art Residential in Conway

Our Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE students recently had a weekend away on an Art residential at the Conway Centre where they explored lots of different workshops for their GCSE coursework.

Ms F Cooke Art Teacher

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Year 13 House Debating Competition

The Year 13 House Debating competition was held today and the motion was ‘THBT: Intuition is more important and useful than rigour in the study of Maths’. The standard was very high and the result closely contested. It was ultimately won by the opposition, consisting of Shiraj M & Ayomide A (Stamford) and Sam L & Matthew D (Tatton). Tatton were awarded first place by virtue of Matthew's articulate and persuasive closing remarks. The defeated proposition team consisted of Advaith & Tabosh A (Massey) and Guy L & Hamza B (Bradbury). 'Star Performer' on the opposition team was Advaith for his well-informed and measured contributions and so Massey gained third place. The final rankings were:

1) Tatton, 2) Stamford, 3) Massey and 4) Bradbury.

Thanks to Miss Chancellor, Miss Potter, Belema B and James B for judging the competition, to Archie E for chairing and to all other staff who came along to support the students.

Mr N Croxton Head of History & Politics

AGSB Horizons Outreach Project

This week some of our Sixth Formers went over to Oldfield Brow Primary School to help the pupils with their Art Project. This is our Outreach Project - Horizons in action.

Ms A Cathcart Head of Outreach

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Holocaust Memorial Event @ Sale Waterside

The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial was ‘Stand Together’ and the idea is that we are meant to unite to stop another genocide or any injustice.

Mr Croxton took 12 Year 9 students to Sale Waterside on Wednesday 29th January to attend an event which commemorated the victims and encouraged us to think about modern prejudice.

There were many speeches and stories at the service and one involved Sam Walshaw. He was a Holocaust survivor who lived through three concentration camps and being shot as well as having a wound which became gangrenous. The stories were inspiring and made us remember some of the horrors the Jewish communities suffered.

Wellington School, , Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College and Springfield Primary School all delivered presentations. told a particularly touching story of Kitty Hart-Moxon who survived the Holocaust but only by taking some really difficult decisions. In later life, she wrote widely to help educate future generation and help avoid a repeat of such a tragedy.

Will Cross Year 9

House Events Spring Term 2020

House Spring Term Sports Festival

1st Week back after half term, every lunchtime, there will be a House Sports Festival.

Monday 17th February – Year 7 Tuesday 18th February – Year 8 Wednesday 19th February – Year 9 Thursday 20th February – Year 10 Friday 28th February – Year 11 Year 12 will take place during 6th Form games on Wednesday 19th February Year 13 Will take place during 6th Form Games on Wednesday 26th February

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Study Skills Program for Yr 11 Students & Parents

We are delighted to announce that Elevate Education are coming into school to run a two-hour study skills session for students followed by a free session for Year 11 Parents on Tuesday, 25th February 2020 at 7pm. Letters will be sent home to all Parents next week. Please contact Mr C Kidd, Head of Y11 or Ms A Cathcart, Head of Outreach, for any further information.

Back to the 80’s

The Musical Theatre Society have been rehearsing hard for the forthcoming theatrical extravaganza of “Back to the 80’s” which will take place on the 11th to the 13th March 2020.

There will also be an element of House competition. Each House is invited to perform one musical number as part of the show. Judging by the success of the House Shout back in November, I know there will be plenty of pupils desperate to get involved.

Mrs Jarrett will provide each House with an 80’s song for up to 15 people to perform. Anyone from Year 7 to 13 can perform (excluding named cast members). The performance will be judged by Mrs Jarrett and Miss Clarke on creative effort and 80’s costume and performance style.

Performers must be available for show week (9th – 13th March 2020). If you are interested, speak to your House Manager.

Tickets will be available for Parents shortly – watch out for the email!

HM Commendations

Well done to Aiyush G (9PS) for producing an excellent factual pamphlet on The Himalayas. He has worked very hard on this and receives a Head Master’s Commendation.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Zach T (Year 7) who recently won the Regional Tennis Championships which means he automatically qualifies for the Nationals in Bath in February so good luck Zach!

Well done to James D (Year 9) who swims for Wilmslow Scorpions. James has qualified for the Cheshire County Championships this year which will be held over three weekends in January and February 2020. James will swim in the 50m and 100m backstroke and we wish him the very best of luck!

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Goodbye to Mr Olney

We say a fond farewell to Mr Olney who has worked in the Maths department since last May. Mr Olney has not only been an excellent teacher of Maths, but has also coached rugby, helped with chess and has been part of the highly acclaimed staff choir. We wish Mr Olney the very best for the future.

Head Master

Sports Roundup

Following the success of the Indoor Hockey season, AGSB hockey have made a strong start to 2020 in the outdoor format of the game. Hockey The U14’s were runners up in the Cheshire Cup but qualified into the North West Championship on the 30th January. They played brilliantly against Manchester Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth School, Caldy Grange and the Lakes, finishing the day undefeated. As such they have qualified to the North of Championship on the 12th March. This gives them a shot at claiming the North West title against King’s School Chester and a potential pathway to National finals is at stake. Seb H was the standout performer from the North West Champs and played brilliantly all day. The U16’s, already crowned Cheshire champions before Christmas, started their National Cup knock out run with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Uppingham School. Man of the Match on that occasion was Ali A. They travel to Repton next to test their skills against one of the strongest teams on this side of the draw. Good luck lads! The U18’s have one game still to play in the Cheshire Cup, but are in pole position to be crowned Cheshire Champions if they beat Sandbach in their final game. The U18’s started their National Cup knock out campaign with a tough away fixture against Rossall school. With the fixture 1-1 after normal time, it took penalty flicks to separate the two teams. AGSB went on to win 4-1 in the shoot-out and Man of the Match was Tarun S (Y12). The team are at home to either Wilmslow or Calday Grammar next.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Rugby As the 15 aside season comes to an end there is plenty to look back on. The 1st XV enjoyed a successful season making it to the last 16 in the National Vase competition and played some fantastic rugby overcoming strong opposition such as, King William School, St Anselms and Bolton School. We have seen some fantastic individual performances. Harry C, Ted W and Dan H have shone in their final year at AGSB. James L and Charlie W (both Y11) have made great strides for school, county and Sale Sharks showing AGSB Rugby has a bright future.

Football The final Saturday of the season: Nearly 100 games have been played in total from September 2019 to January 2020 with over 60% win ratio.

Highlights for AGSB were wins across the board versus Rossall, AKS, and King’s Chester at the start of the season. Great results against MGS second time round of playing them and very positive set of results versus Bolton after struggling last year.

Cup Results AGSB Senior XI got through to the final of the Cup and lost to Bolton School 4-1. Our Year 10’s got through to the Quarter Final of the Greater Manchester Cup but unfortunately lost to BTH 2-1 The Year 9’s got through to the semi-final of the Greater Manchester Plate where they beat Thornleigh 4-0 with the semi-final to be played after half-term. Our Year 8’s lost in the semi-final of the Greater Manchester Cup to Wright Robinson and finally the Year 7’s got through to the quarter final of the Greater Manchester Plate competition, beating Glossopdale in the last 16 and the quarter finals will be played after half term.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

PFA – Mad Hatter’s Party

The PFA are delighted to announce the Mad Hatter’s Party on Saturday 29th February 2020 at The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham. There will be a three-course dinner, live entertainment and a DJ. Tickets are on sale at £52.50 per person. Please come along and support the PFA and have a great evening.

AGSB House Points

House Points awarded 17th to 26th January 2020

Congratulations to Tatton and Stamford!!!!!!

Joint 1st Place: Tatton and Stamford - 355 House Points. 3rd Place: Massey - 351 House Points 4th Place: Bradbury - 326 House Points

Noticeboard for Parents

SAFETY WHEN TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Please be aware that there have been an increasing number of incidents in the local area where our students have been targeted by other young people/gangs in the area. The young people/gangs have acted in an intimidating and threatening manner before asking our students for their phones and money. This is happening in various locations in the Altrincham area such as bus stations, parks and tram stations.

We have reminded our students to vigilant at all times when leaving School. They should ensure that they travel in groups (where possible) and they are aware of their surroundings. We have encouraged the students not to wear headphones or Air pods when walking home as this makes them especially vulnerable.

If you do have any concerns, please do get in touch.

Forthcoming dates February 2020

Sun 02-02-2020 to 07-2-2020 Y9 Football Trip to Barcelona

Mon 03-02-2020 to 04-02-2020 Senior Team Maths Challenge National Final, London

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys A Grammar School with Academy Status Head Master: Mr G. A. Wright MA (Hons) FRSA Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 2RS

Tue 04-02-2020 to 07-02-2020 Y10 History Trip to Berlin

Thu 06-02-2020 to 14-02-2020 Ski Trip to Kitzbuhel, Austria

Fri 07-02-2020 Y11 and Y13 Reports sent home

Fri 07-02-2020 School Closes for Spring Half Term

Mon 17-02-2020 School Opens after Spring Half Term

Tue 18-02-2020 Y10 Parents Evening – 5pm

Wed 19-02-2020 Jonathan Taylor Social Media & Online Safety Talk to Parents 6.30pm

Thu 20-02-2020 Y9 Options Evening for Parents

Fri 21-02-2020 School Closes at 12.20pm for Staff CPD

Tue 25-02-2020 Y11 Elevate Study Skills Evening for Parents - 7pm

Wed 26-02-2020 AGSD AGM – 7.30pm

Thu 27-02-2020 Y9 Immunisations

Thu 27-02-2020 Film Music Concert – 7.30pm

Please refer to the AGSB Calendar for term dates and other useful dates which can be found here.

Don’t forget to follow the Head Master https://twitter.com/agsb_official

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Marlborough Rd, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2RS. Telephone: 0161 928 0858. Email: [email protected]