High School Newsletter

Website. The website is continuing to elcome back to the first Newsletter of the W receive a large and increasing number of new school year. Despite the large number ‘hits’ and we have welcomed the positive and of wet days we have had a very positive start constructive feedback about it. The of term. Our new Year 7 students have Curriculum section contains information settled into their new school very well and about subjects in school while the News appear to have little trouble finding their way Archive section (at the bottom right) contains around a very large school building. We the news archives posted each month. have also welcomed a number of new staff These reflect the many and varied activities to the school: Tom Bell – Science teacher, and events that involve our students. At the Steven Ford – Strategic ICT Manager, top of the website page there is a link to ‘My Natalie Llewellyn – Head of History, Anthony Child at School’. This is currently being Pollitt – Maths teacher, Carina Riley – trialled with some Year 9 forms and we have Geography teacher, Chloe Smith MFL had some very positive feedback. Parents teacher (maternity cover), Georgina Tier – have found accessing live data about Art teacher, Stephanie Verney – Teaching attendance, behaviour and other issues very Assistant, and Michelle Woo – English useful. We plan to roll out this access to teacher (Maternity cover). I am sure that everyone by early 2013. Further details can they will settle in very quickly and that they be found in the article posted on the website will enjoy their work at Helsby High School. on 19th September 2012. Exam success. Over the summer our Building improvements. Over the summer students came into school to pick up their the site team has worked very hard on a examination results. We were tremendously number of projects, including proud and pleased that their hard work resulted in an excellent set of GCSE and A  Refurbished girls’ toilets (based upon level results. feedback from our students)  New canopy areas At GCSE 71% of students achieved 5 A* - C  Redecoration in the Maths area and grades including English and Maths with PE foyer 92% achieving 5 A* - C grades. At A level 60% of all grades were either A*, A or B and We look forward to another very positive provisional analysis indicates that the school year and to extending the performance of our students was the best partnerships between home and school that across West and . There makes Helsby High School such a wonderful were many outstanding individual learning community. performances, some of which have been featured on the school’s website. We wish Best wishes continued success to all our young people who have moved on to university, J Dowler employment or to other training and Headteacher education programmes. We hope that our improving website will help them keep in contact with their former school. Why not take a look at our new school Transport. Unfortunately the changes made publicity material, which you can view by the local authority to the school transport via our website www.helsbyhigh.org.uk arrangements have caused some difficulties. We are always pleased to receive any We are continuing to work with the local authority to find the best solutions and would feedback . Please e-mail ask parents with any individual problems to [email protected] September refer to the information on the school’s 2012 website and contact the school if necessary.

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 1 Helsby High School Newsletter

In July, Helsby High School and Helsby Hillside Primary were very pleased to welcome four teachers from our partner schools in Cape Town for a week’s visit. The South African teachers brought work samples with them for our joint curriculum projects. These included designs of eco towns for the Geography department, recipes from South Africa for the Food Technology Department and patchwork squares for our textiles project.

On the last day of the exchange visit, the Mayor of , members of Helsby Parish Council, and staff, pupils and governors of the high school attended a farewell assembly at Hillside Primary School to celebrate our joint curriculum work. Staff from the partnership schools and Our Cape Town twinning programme continues to prefects from Helsby High School, together with the Mayor of Frodsham develop and we will be taking twenty four sixth form and members of Helsby Parish Council. students on an exchange visit to Cape Town in February, as well as welcoming students on a return visit next Easter.

Mrs G Thomas Geography Department

Alton Towers Reward trip

After the successful launch of the school’s new Rewards System students from years 7, 8, 9 and 10 visited Alton Towers on what turned out to be a wet and windy summer’s day. Despite torrential rain on the first day the students enjoyed all the theme park has to offer and had the opportunity to experience Alton Towers’ newest ride, the Nemesis Sub Terror. Congratulations to all the students who went on the trip and a special well done to all of the winning form groups, 7LWI, 8NWI, 9ABR and 10HDA. Jasmine Cook in Year 9 said ‘it was good to be rewarded for all my hard work and achievements from throughout the year’. The trips proved to be a huge success and both students and teachers are looking forward to next year’s rewards trips.

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 2 Helsby High School Newsletter

Year 7 - Cultural Diversity

During Activity Week in the penultimate week of the Summer Term, Y7 were involved in a variety of workshops designed to encourage them to think about Cultural Diversity. Workshops included Celtic jewellery, Rap Poetry, making Japanese puppets, making Scarecrow figures of characters from ‘Of Mice and Men’, Mancala, Mandala, Native American Symbols, Le Senegal, African drumming, Aboriginal History, Aboriginal rock paintings and the chemistry of colour, breads from around the world and making croissants and playing Lacrosse.

The week also included a trip to the zoo to sketch the animals ready to produce miniature wire and beaded versions in a workshop at school. There was a Fairtrade workshop and a Fairtrade shop all week with lovely gift items and, even lovelier, chocolate for sale. There were Afritwin workshops with a visiting speaker from World Muzik Makers to introduce the students to the art, music, dance and dress of West and South Africa. Mrs Brockbank shared stories of her travels in India during an assembly where some students read poems for us.

The students were all given a supporting booklet with information about each of the workshops and a list of menus on offer in the canteen during the week which were especially designed, in this Jubilee year, to reflect the Commonwealth, and students who were able to identify all of the flags around the menus have submitted their entry for a prize draw in September. Prizes will also be awarded then for the most helpful feedback given by the students on their feedback forms.

Students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the week. For the former it proved to be an exciting and thought-provoking week and for the latter a rewarding, if exhausting ,one!

Ms L Boyer

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 3 Helsby High School Newsletter Watersports Trip to La Fosca, Spain On 5th August 2012 a group of Year 9 and 10 students arrived at school at 6.45am to get on a coach to La Fosca in Spain. It took us 26 hours by coach including the ferry from Dover to Calais. At 9am on the Monday we arrived on site in time for breakfast. First, we were all shown our cabins by Bush and Amy, our Team Leaders, then we went for breakfast. Inside the cabins we had bedrooms with 2 beds, a shower and toilet. They were very comfortable. During the week we did lots of different, fun activities such as canoeing, catamaran, topper, funboat and pico sailing, kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkelling, banana boats, windsurfing and paddleboarding. In the evenings we did different games with our group and then went to the disco with the other schools from , Wigan and London. As the week came to an end we all packed our bags and got ready for the final day. We walked to the beach in the sunshine along a long, winding path past pretty bays and sandy coves to a beach called Castells. Trying to put on our wetsuits was a challenge but once we did we got straight into the sea to look for fish! We saw huge fish swimming around and schools of tiny, multi-coloured ones. Starfish as big as my palms were stuck to the rocks. After dinner we got on the coach and left PGL, unfortunately having some coach problems soon afterwards. We found out that we would have to stay overnight but were rescued the next day and arrived home at Helsby the following day. We had a brilliant week trying new watersports and spending time in the sun with our friends! Lauren Abrams and Megan McEveley

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 4 Helsby High School Newsletter Helsby All Stars vs. Helsby HELSBY JUNIOR RUGBY Students Charity Basketball CLUB

The last week of term saw a team of ex Helsby Junior Rugby Club’s season has just students and staff take on the current school started and the club welcomes new players U17 basketball team in a charity game in order from 6yrs to 16yrs. Training and matches to raise money for the Nyakatukura Memorial are held on the Rugby pitches behind Secondary School in Ibanda, Uganda. Tesco in Helsby at 10:30-12:00 every Sun- day. Call in to meet the coaches, learn more about the sport and have a go at A packed sports hall was treated to an exciting, high scoring match which was eventually just some taster sessions. won by the school team. Our U7 to U8 teams play "Tag Rugby",

which is a safe, non-contact, fast-moving The highlight was undoubtedly game that is suitable for boys and girls to the appearance of ex-pupil play together. Devan Bailey who plays for the

Mersey Tigers in the BBL and who this summer represented Our U9 to U17 teams play contact but at Great Britain in the FIBA 3v3 gradual levels with various team and pitch World Championships in sizes, to introduce players in a controlled Greece. manner to all aspects of the game.

Helsby RUFC and all Coaches are RFU ac- Thanks to the great support of the spectators credited, holding the RFU Seal of approval. we were able to raise over £200 to allow the Ugandan school the ability to buy much needed sports equipment. For further information vis- it www.helsbyrugby.com, or

email [email protected] or call Rob Al-

lerston 07983526392.

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 5 Helsby High School Newsletter SPORTS DAY 2012

Boys Girls Total Position 7CCR 70 51 121 6= 7EHU 68 53 121 6= 7RMC 85 42 127 4 7LWI 75 49 124 5 7AJA 67 78 145 3 7EMA 66 84 150 2 7HMO 80 72 152 1 7TSH 49 59 108 8 Champion Athlete (Girls): Charlotte McDaid Champion Athlete (Boys): Con Ouzounidis Boys Girls Total Position 8MDA 87 76 163 1 8REV 82 63 145 3 8GMC 85 65.5 150.5 2 8LME 78 53 131 5 8PTA 49 42.5 91.5 8 8ETH 61 55 116 7 8NWI 53 67 120 6 8KWR 80 61 141 4 Champion Athlete (Girls): Joydel Finney/Annabel Kitchen Champion Athlete (Boys): Luc Stephens Boys Girls Total Position 9ABR 32 63 95 6 9RHA 91 61 152 1 9JMA 65 56 121 4 9GTH 70 37 107 5 9LCO 74 15 89 8 9TRA 83 66 149 2 9SRO 72 66 138 3 9EWA 39 52 91 7 Champion Athlete (Girls): Megan McEveley Champion Athlete (Boys): Matthew Critchley Boys Girls Total Position 10KCA 15 5 20 8 10THA 30 38 68 7 10NTU 54 40 94 5 10RPA 55 30 85 6 10HDA 53 51 104 3 10MBE 96 85 181 1 10DME 61 63 124 2 10AME 72 27 99 4 Champion Athlete (Girls): Martha Cottrell Champion Athlete (Boys): Callum Leslie

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 6 Helsby High School Newsletter

Senior Band Perform in the Helsby Jubilee Parade, Saturday 2 June 2012

After the initial surprise that the lorry we had to get on the back of was 40 foot long, we set out to decorate it with our bunting, banners and balloons which proved an interesting task. After an hour of that we were ready to set off to go from Helsby High School to Helsby Community Centre and play the music after Miss Wells’ words of advice “No one play while we go over the speed bumps!”, thankfully no one did.

The band comprised students ranging from Year 7 to 11 and instruments such as trombones to flutes to saxophones and clarinets. All in all the journey took around an hour and a half giving us lots of time to play our songs a few times; at least twenty times for the National Anthem which now I don’t think there is a single person in the band who cannot play that song without their music. Other songs that we played included Singing in the Rain; Meet the Flintstones; Pachelbel’s Canon; Flourish for Winds. Each song was brilliantly executed by everyone who was playing (well at least when the stands weren’t falling over or a certain trombone slider came off).

In the parade we were accompanied by cheerleaders, students of Helsby Hillside Primary, a rumba band and others. The cheerleaders and rumba band especially giving us a run for our money on how loud we played. However once we had reached our destination we made an attempt to play along with the rumba band instead, though we were quick to stop after Miss Wells realised they weren’t noticing.

The day as a whole was fantastic! The weather held up for us, everyone played what they were meant to and it was such a privilege to be part of the parade with crowds of people waving and supporting you, making it impossible not to get into the patriotic mood.

Nick Chambers (Yr 12 alto and baritone saxophone)

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 7 Helsby High School Newsletter Berlin Trip June 2012 Day 1 As we arrived at the airport, everyone was really excited. We checked in our bags and then got on the plane for a two hour flight to Berlin. Once the flight was over, we took trams to the hostel, had some tea then went ten pin bowling which was lots of fun. Day 2 First on our list of things to do was a visit to the TV Tower. We all waited in line for the lift which went so fast it made our ears pop! When we reached the top, everyone took pictures because you could see everything and it was amazing. We spent a bit of time up there, until we were allowed some free time to have lunch. After that we went to the cathedral, the ‘Berliner Dom’ where we went all the way up to the top of the dome. Later we went to the DDR Museum which was all about former East Germany. The weather was boiling (about 31 degrees) so we were all really hot. Later we went to get some dinner but it started to rain so most of us just ran and ambushed an Italian restaurant! Day 3 First we went to the Olympic Stadium where the tour guide explained the history of the stadium and showed us the main arena, the changing rooms and even the conference room. Next we went to Potsdam and visited the Sans-Souci Palace where we had some lunch. We then went to the pedestrianized town centre to have a look around. After tea at the hostel we went to the Jewish Holocaust Memorial but, on the way, we saw part of the Berlin Wall which was covered in chewing gum and graffiti. When we got to the Jewish Memorial, we saw that it was full of stone blocks of all different sizes and the floor was also of different heights to show the uncertainty of how many deaths actually happened during the Holocaust. Afterwards we walked to the Reichstag, the parliament building, where we had to go through lots of security. We walked up a long slope to the glass dome at the top and there were also some German people there doing back flips on the benches which was quite entertaining. Finally we went to the Brandenburg Gate. Day 4 Everyone was really sad to be leaving and we ate our last breakfast in the hostel and then everyone got dressed and packed ready to go to the Berlin Zoo. We saw so much including a panda, three polar bears and even baby leopards. We then met up at the aquarium and saw some strange fish and reptiles. On the way back on the train, a German man and his son started to play some songs and it was really funny. We got our suitcases from the hostel and went to the airport for our flight back to . We would just like to say a big thanks to all the teachers who gave up their time to go to Berlin with us. I can say on behalf of all of us that we would definitely go again, as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we would recommend it to everyone!

Report by Rachel Hetherington and Beth Lupton www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 8 Helsby High School Newsletter Healthy Living Week 2012

Year 8 students spent a week in July taking part in a range of sporting and food related activities. This is what they said.

Evaluations from Year 8 students 87% of students think they now ought to exercise more and eat healthier foods. 71% of students thought that the week was fun and interesting. Students liked trying new sports.

What Year 8 students said about the week and the individual activities. Food: It was educational, interesting and fun! Watersports: Great fun but got soaking wet! JFR: It was enjoyable and entertaining and the teacher was funny! Body Combat: Miss was scary! Rowing: Shattered and have no energy! Keep Fit: Energetic and Fun. Loved it!

Skipping: Well good! Fencing: Awesome! Dance: Cool! Smoothies: Really tasty! Golf: Amazing. Learned about technique!

MITJ: Learnt about CSI skills! Destress: Very interesting and educational! Relay: It was good to use general knowledge! Trio Challenge: Tiring and muddy! Crystal: Challenging! Ariel Extreme: Really good. I would go again.

Orienteering: It was fun! Olympic Values: Enjoyed it! I’ve liked everything! Enjoying the week so far! It’s fun because it’s

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk 9 Helsby High School Newsletter

Improvements around school! Wet Weather Canopies Installed! Over the summer break many changes have happened around school. One of the biggest has been the refurbishment of the girls’ toilets in both A block and C block. The changes have come about after an in depth consultation with a group of female students across all year groups. The students have been involved in the planning stages and had an input into the final design. The new toilets feature sensor controlled toilet flushes and taps and anti-graffiti wall coverings. The students chose bright colours to freshen up the areas and suggested layouts for the toilet cubicles. I am sure you will agree that the end result is very impressive! Following feedback from student focus groups it was decided that the students needed more space to congregate during wet weather. A group of students were selected to take part in the consultation stage and even visited a local school to discuss the position and use of their canopy. It was decided that there would be two canopies, one directly outside the breakout space and the other at the back of the library. This will provide a much larger area for the students at lunch and break time regardless of the weather conditions.

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk Helsby High School Newsletter Language leader

I decided to choose Language Leaders as my extra opportunities because of my love for languages. We meet up most Wednesday afternoons to discuss how we would teach French in a primary school. Meeting up each week showed commitment and dedication and I found the lunch time sessions enjoyable and exciting, being the teacher instead of the pupil. It gave me a chance to interact with some other students who I wouldn’t normally talk to and a chance to be a leader, be in a team and to be a role model. I found my self confidence increased and I was able to stand up in front of a class of 30 primary school children without worrying. I am now able to write about Language Leaders in my UCAS form which is seen by the universities and I have a certificate to show my hard work. I would definitely recommend doing Language Leaders, especially if you are thinking of going into a profession such as teaching or working with children.

Helsby High School celebrates am very proud of all our pupils’ achievements and as a department we are thrilled with all our GCSE success results.” The long wait was finally Congratulations Year 11 on outstanding results. over when Year 11 pupils were able to open their GCSE results on the 23 Students celebrate outstanding August. In the English department we are, once A level results again, thrilled to announce fantastic results. Yet again, Upper Sixth students at

Helsby High School Whilst English results are celebrating an dropped nationwide, outstanding set of A Helsby High School pupils -level results. bucked the trend Provisional analysis achieving 83% A* - C shows that A* to E grades in English pass rate was 99%, Language and 91% A* - C grades in English with 29% of grades being A* or A, 59% being A*- Literature. The number of A* grades achieved B and 85% being this year has doubled since 2011 and almost 60% of pupils achieved a B grade or higher. A*-C.

Among the many successes: Jaynie Particular congratulations go to the 13 students Blanchard, Elizabeth who achieved at least 3 A* or A grades, as well Cartwright, Madeleine as all the other students who have worked so Clarke, James hard to produce an excellent set of exam results. Critchley, Olivia Mr John Dowler, Headteacher, has commented Dunseath, Jennifer “We are very proud of the outstanding set of Dybell, Ellie Holloway, exam results produced by our students. I know Charlotte Jordin, Marissa Lo, James Longworth, how hard they have worked and this, together Georgia Martin, Poppy Newall, Georgia Nield, with the support and guidance from staff and Kate Owen, Jennifer Owens, Ruth Shelton, home, has resulted in some fantastic Rachel Sizer, Mary Smalley, Philippa Snow and achievements. I should like to wish all students Courtney Trevett all achieved A* grades in both every success in the future and to thank them for English language and Literature. their contributions during their time at Helsby High School.”

Mrs Booth, current acting Head of English, said “I

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SCHOOL SPORT PARTNERSHIP COMPETITIONS Cross country - Delamere Forest

Keysteps Gymnastics - Gymnastics Club Winners - Helsby Hillside

Kwik Cricket - Frodsham Cricket club Winners - Kingsley C.P.

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Trigolf - Helsby Gold Club

Mini red tennis - Helsby Sports & Social Club

Olympics 32 Schools from Ellesmere Port, Helsby, Frodsham and Weston took part. Gold Medallists were Kingsley CP School Silver Medallists were Helsby Hillside CP School

Final at David Lloyd Winners - Helsby Hillside

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk Helsby High School Newsletter Year 11 Prom

On Thursday 21 June, as the long GCSE examination season neared its end, Year 11 pupils celebrated, in school, the end of five memorable years at Helsby. They were presented, by their form tutors, with the memorabilia that they had ordered; yearbooks, hoodies, year photograph and also their Prom ticket. The Prom was held at the Holiday Inn the following week and for many this was the most anticipated event of the year. The first pupils began to arrive at 6.30, almost unrecognisable in their elegant, formal attire. Many modes of transport were used including limousines and open top sports cars. The most original, however, was a tractor driven by Laura Warburton herself! The climax of the evening was the presentation of the prizes. Dom Hanzak won ‘The best alternative outfit ‘and Josephine Edwards, ‘The biggest transformation. Laura Warburton and Alex Mooney were unanimous winners of ‘The best entrance’ for their arrival on a tractor suitably decorated for the occasion. The top awards of Prom King and Queen went to Sam Lawson and Emma Scott. If there had been a prize for best 70’s style disco performance, Mr. Dowler would have danced away with the award. Mrs Foulder and her team of prom prefects deserve praise for organising a truly spectacular and memorable evening.

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk Helsby High School Newsletter A WARM HELSBY WELCOME! Our budding Sixth Form reporters have been hot on the trail of the new staff who have joined the school in September. Read on to find out more about them. We hope that they will enjoy their time at Helsby and extend a warm welcome to them!

Mrs Llewellyn – HEAD OF HISTORY Previous Schools: and First Impressions of Helsby: Friendly staff and pupils Lots of talented and enthusiastic young people Looking forward to: Contributing to the continued success of the school through hard work, enthusiasm and creativity Helping students to achieve success Joining the school band and getting involved in other extra-curricular ac- tivities Running some great History trips-watch this space!

Miss Tier – ART TEACHER Previous Schools: Wirral Grammar School for Boys First Impressions of Helsby: Welcoming, supportive staff Enthusiastic students Calm and purposeful atmosphere Looking forward to: Working hard with the students Contributing to the successful Art Department Going on extra curricular Art trips

Mr Bell – SCIENCE TEACHER Trained at: University of Manchester First Impressions of Helsby: It’s a very LONG school!!! Pupils welcoming and polite Friendly staff Looking forward to: Contributing to the success of the school Helping with conservation work and eco-groups Accompanying students on field trips

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Miss Riley– GEOGRAPHY TEACHER Trained at: Lancaster University/Placement School was Ripley St Thomas, Lancaster First Impressions of Helsby: Very friendly and welcoming-lovely students and staff Looking forward to: Enthusing students about Geography Contributing to extra-curricular activities , perhaps starting an Astronomy Club.

Mr Ford– STRATEGIC ICT MANAGER Previous School: Rock Ferry High First Impressions of Helsby: Friendly and welcoming Looking forward to: Providing Helsby High School with an ICT system which is stable, reliable and allows students to do all they need to do on their learning journey

Miss Verney– TEACHING ASSISTANT IN THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Trained as a teacher at: University of Chester First Impressions: As a former student at Helsby, amazed at the new facilities added since I was here Friendly and helpful staff Nice children who want to learn and do well Looking forward to: Helping young people achieve their full potential

Article by: Grace Ellcock, Jenny Barry, Hayley Whitmarsh, Myriam Hogan (Upper Sixth Media students)

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FRIENDS OF HELSBY HIGH SCHOOL

What do you know about the Friends of Helsby High School?

If you've used the minibus you'll notice a new one has appeared....bought from funds raised with the help of FHHS. If you've bought school uniform or experienced the very efficient running of the uniform shop at Year 7 induction meetings, you'll no doubt have met some people involved with FHHS. It's not just a little group that holds a meeting every now and then however, just by being a pupil, parent, past pupil, teacher or a local community member, you're part of the Friends of Helsby High School. Turn up to meetings when you can and support a few of the events - the more people who can be involved even just once a year, the better.

It's also a handy way to get to know other parents and help to express your views or concerns about the school; the FHHS was instrumental in the creation of the parental forums, which the teaching staff has taken on board with enthusiasm.

Friends of Helsby High school want your views on how as parents and pupils you want to raise any funds - and what for? Do you have any amazing ideas? We already have a wish list put together by Mr Capstick. How do you want the local community to be involved in the school? How does the school want to be involved with the local community? We hope to be able to bring you news of what's going on via the school newsletter and on our page on the website, but for now 'hello' and keep in touch (contact details on the website).

Latest News 4 New Canon cameras for use by students & staff

Friends of Helsby High School donated £1000 for the purchase of 4 Canon cameras, for publicty/ market- ing/celebration use by students & staff. These very good quality cameras are available for staff & students to reserve and borrow to record events they have organised or taken part in. The cameras have been put to good use by students on a pre-filming/planning day for the school DVD.

“The quality is superb and they are very easy to use. Please would you pass on my thanks to the other parents who work very hard on the school’s behalf for the donation” says Mrs Neal, Assistant Headteacher

Hand held voting consoles for the RE department

The RE department has purchased a class set of hand held voting consoles with £1000 donated by Friends of Helsby High School.

Mr Wheeler, Head of RE & Citizenship tells us:

“This will not only help to engage students but should also help to highlight how RE has moved with the times as a subject RE Department. We hope to use these as a tool for testing students on what they have learned as well as helping less confident students interact with the lesson fully. OFSTED are always keen to make sure that all students are making progress and contributing in lessons. Hopefully we now have the tools to demonstrate this easily.”

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Helsby High School are pleased to announce that they have achieved the School Games Bronze Kitemark. Please see below the certificate & also the logo which we are permitted to use on letterheads etc.

Year 8 Celebration lunch Sixteen year 8 pupils attended a special celebration lunch as a reward for their excellent progress during Year 7. The top two performers from each form were invited to eat sandwiches, pizza and cake where they were congratulated by Mrs Clark, Mr Cooney and Miss Roberts for their hard work.

Mr J Cooney Head of Year 8

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Enterprise week

As part of ‘Enterprise Week’ Year 9 were taken to Old Trafford in Manchester. The purpose of this trip was for pupils in Year 9 to understand the costing involved in running a football stadium and how this costing is affected by the Olympics. The students were given a tour of Old Trafford, otherwise known as ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ and were also given a chance to look around the museum there. The tour took the students around the main areas of Old Trafford, which is the biggest football stadium in the UK holding a maximum capacity of around 76 thousand spectators. The tour also included areas like the home team changing room, the player’s tunnel and the Munich tunnel (built in legacy of the Munich air disaster in 1958). Other activities during the day included an enterprising talk about how Old Trafford will host the Olympic football tournament. The talk provided the students with information about marketing, ticket costing, revenue and the cost to run the stadium. The day was really enjoyable for the students and they learnt a lot about all the things which need to be taken into account when running a stadium as big as Old Trafford. We were then expected to use the knowledge we gained from visiting Old Trafford in our Olympic bids challenge later on in the week. This involved each form group putting together an Olympic Bid by research various aspects of a nominated city such as culture, history, tourism etc. On the Friday of Enterprise week the forms then presented their bids to an Olympic Committee which included a recent Young Apprentice finalist, Emma Walker.

Report by Megan McEveley - 9TRA

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Art and English Trip to London From the amazing art to the wonderful West End, London promises you the trip of a lifetime, which is exactly what we received. The huge amount of culture we were introduced to is something everyone should have a chance to experience at some point in their life. The Victoria and Albert, the Saatchi and the Tate, some of the most famous art galleries in England, gave us a chance to explore and enjoy the huge variety of interesting and diverse pieces on display- a must see if you’re lucky enough to ever find yourself wandering the famous streets. A few hours are all it takes to immerse yourself in the work and minds of world famous artists, with something for everyone to appreciate. After the days of art were the nights of theatre, giving everyone a chance to relax and be submerged into the breath-taking performances. Wicked at the Apollo Victoria was the untold story of the Witches of Oz, a remarkable show full of shocks and surprises that left us all wanting to see more. Similarly War Horse at the National Theatre was a moving and imaginative drama, combining laughter and tears to create an innovative show featuring magnificent puppets, that should not be missed. Whilst in South Bank we visited the renowned Shakespeare’s Globe, where we were treated to an eye- opening tour of the past; we felt what it would have been like in the audience of some of the most celebrated plays in history. As well as this we took part in a stimulating workshop run by one of the performers at the Globe, as she worked us through some fun and interesting exercises featuring scenes from Hamlet. I’m sure if given the chance each and every one of us would go back and experience it all over again, as there was so much enjoyment packed into a short space of time. Even the simple things like enjoying a meal with friends at Planet Hollywood, or going shopping in Chelsea, to even sharing a room at the hotel, it was a thrilling trip that will leave us cherishing the memories for years to come.

by Sophie Lockett

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LANDS END …… TO JOHN ‘O’ GROATS

The season starting in 2012 has been a whirlwind for Henry Pettinger -Harte. Henry started the season by trialling for Great Britain, by Final trials he was 5th in the country, bronze medallist at National Schools in his single and had qualified in a quad for Henley Royal Regatta. In the rowing world he is at the top of Junior rowing, unfortunately an injury at Final trials on the 3rd day of seat racing prevented him from making the GB team this year. At Henley the four lads, racing in a quad - Henry, Sam Edwards (former pupil), Marc Pinnington and Stuart Beards - stormed through qualifiers but were unfortunately knocked out in the next round. They were devastated and exhausted, they felt they should have got further, they were looking for answers! They realised the answer was to prepare for the event now, ready for next year, and raise money for a more suitable boat so they could compete against the top clubs and get as fit as they could. The idea for cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats was born, a sponsored cycle 874 miles in 9 days. They started from Land’s End on 23rd August and finished on 31st August. Day 1 didn’t start well, 5 miles into the cycle Henry had a puncture, 10 miles down the road from that Marc’s tyre had a blow out and to top it all they got lost up a farm track!! They arrived at the hostel at 9:45pm very tired and hungry. Day 2 was a little bit better, only a broken chain, split tyre and a puncture but very wet. Morale in the camp was not great but they were still together and day 3 was much better. Day 4 - they were in their own beds, well fed and joined by Henry’s brother Sam and George Patrick a former pupil. Sam enjoyed himself so much he continued the next day with the lads up to Moffat. From Moffat to Perth they could feel the temperature change; they were hit with hail stones, punctures and driving rain. They were tired but only 2 days to go, unfortunately they were going to be the longest days, Perth to Inverness found them encountering a near death experience on the A9 and the last day saw them averaging 22miles an hour, they were flying and the team spirit was really good . They had learnt a lot about each other and about themselves, and done a lot of growing up but most of all, they learned a lot about team building.

If you would like to read more about their adventure and maybe sponsor them please go onto Rowing Club website.

Val Edwards

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk Helsby High School Newsletter

audition

Tuesday 25th and 26th Wednesday Sept 2012 The audition for Helsby's new school musical: CATS saw over 110 students from years 7-13 singing, dancing and acting their way onto the new cast list. The standard as always was high and the directors now have the difficult task of choosing the cast. Mrs Cross was quoted as saying "the auditions went perrrrfectly" while Miss Wells said that she was "feline good" about the process.

CATS will run for 4 nights starting on February 27th at 7:00pm.

Tickets will be on sale from January.

www.helsbyhigh.org.uk Helsby High School Newsletter

confirmed that the bus can be caught outside school Helsby High School - at about 3.35pm each day and travels right through Frodsham though it does cost more than the Bus Update subsidised services. The pupils confirmed that the The school is continuing to liaise Arriva bus costs £1.30 to the stop by the Chinese with the Local Authority on behalf of Delight and £1.50 to Quayside. those parents who have experienced problems this term with the buses. The Transport Department representatives Representatives from the Integrated Transport recognised that some of the other changes had Department were in school again on Wednesday th caused problems. Some services that previously 26 September to listen to some of the complaints had allowed pupils to pay a daily fare had become the school has received and to witness first hand the all pass buses because the number of pupils who over capacity problems that exist on certain were eligible for passes closely matched the size of services. bus contracted. The effects of this change has meant some pupils in villages like Alvanley, who The Transport Department representatives agreed were not eligible for a pass and where there is no to continue to investigate how pupils might be better public services, faced a long walk to school. The distributed between some services to alleviate the school has passed on those requests it has from problem. They committed to supply the school with parents for a hazard assessment of a walking route increasingly detailed information about the capacity, and in some cases the assessment has found the the routes and the timings of the contracted services walking route to be hazardous. The loss of the fare so this can be displayed on the school web site. It is paying option has greatly reduced the flexibility of hoped that this information will help parents make the bus services for those families whose children informed choices about ensuring their children can travel to different destinations after school on some get to and from school safely. days of the week. These cases can only be dealt with on an individual basis and parents in these circumstances are advised to contact the Integrated The problems experienced by pupils using the 40429 that travels to and from the school along Transport Department directly. Frodsham Main Street towards Sutton Weaver was the focus of much discussion. This is a service that The most frequently asked question from parents is currently contracted for 74 seats and although the that have been in touch with the school has been operator runs a bus that has 84 seats and can why has there been these changes. The answer is accommodate 8 standing places it is a service that really in two parts. For the last three years there has has had to turn pupils away after school. Another been a service from Frodsham to the school that contractor (Arrowbrooke Coaches) has agreed to was provided so that pupils who had previously increase its capacity after school and there are attended Frodsham College would be no worse off spaces on the buses that go into Frodsham and turn after they transferred schools. It is that service that towards Kingsley at the Bears Paw. Since last came to an end of its duration last summer. In week’s meeting Arrowbrookes have agreed to delay addition there has been a decision taken that where the departure of the AB45 service so that anyone the number of pupils eligible for free passes and the unable to catch the 40429 service can catch this size of a contacted service are closely matched the service. service should be contracted as a bus pass only service. The school understands that there was a suggestion, at a Community Meeting that discussed The most up to date information about the routes, this issue, that a change of route for one of the stops and fares of the school buses has been services that take pupils to Kingsley might help the supplied by the transport department as promised problem. If a service to Kingsley turned at Fluin and will be added to the school website this week. Lane rather than the Bears Paw it might be possible We will continue to monitor the situation as many to find safe places to stop that met the needs of parents have expressed concerns about their sons some pupils currently experiencing difficulties. This and daughters walking home from school on dark suggestion is under active consideration by the nights. If a pupil misses a bus or is unsure of how Local Authority. they are to travel home they should go to pupil services (which is open until 4.30pm) who will help The Transport Department representatives also them make appropriate arrangements. checked out the Public Services available to pupils who wished to travel from school into Frodsham by Mr S Capstick - Deputy Headteacher talking to some pupils who do catch that bus. They www.helsbyhigh.org.uk