Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you enjoy reading this Christmas edition of our news bulletin. The pages contain information about the activities and events which have taken place at Brighouse High School during this busy term.

I am particularly proud to share with you, in this edition, the excellent work in the area of Careers Education, Information and Guidance which has taken place across the school. We recognise that Careers information is important in informing choices made by pupils in the school and in inspiring them to aim for their personal goals for the future. I am particularly grateful to all of the partner companies and providers who work so effectively with our careers team to deliver sessions on Super Learning Days, provide information stands at the careers fair and, of course offer vital placements for our Year 12 students. Statistics show that the hard work of the teams pays off and most Brighouse High pupils go on to pursue successful and fulfilling careers.

The news bulletin also contains important details of policies which school operates to help us maintain high standards. I would especially like to draw your attention to the uniform information at the end of the bulletin and to encourage you to ensure that your child follows the uniform policy in every detail. From January we intend to re-establish some of the rules around mobile phones. Students are permitted to bring phones to school but they must be switched off and kept in bags or lockers unless teachers specifically ask their classes to use them for learning purposes. From January any phone seen out during the school day will be confiscated and held in the office until the end of the day. A second confiscation will lead to the phone being be kept until a parent or carer is able to collect it.

The policies are an important part of establishing the right environment for learning and I would like to thank you in anticipation of your support in helping us to implement them.

2016 has been another successful and eventful year for Brighouse High School. Despite the increasing squeeze on resources in education I’m sure you will agree that we have managed to maintain a broad curricular and extra-curricular offer. Students following qualification courses continue to perform well and progress successfully to the next phase of their lives. None of this would be possible without the hard work of the staff team, the leadership of the governing body and the contribution of families and the wider community. Thank-you all for the support you give. I hope you all have an enjoyable festive period and wish you well for 2017.

Liz Cresswell

Senior Awards Prize Winner’s List – 2015/16 Year 11:

Excellence: Noah Charlesworth Amy Evans Ell Hobson Harry Scott-Baxter Matthew Demaine Max Fenton Tierney Hughes Phillip Short Steven Demaine Harriet Gibson Joshua Mauger- Amy Whittington Wright

Endeavour: Lucy Barber Lusi Heppinstall Bella Oakland Molly Westhead Edward Brook Lauren Knight Aidan Quinn Hollie Wray Abbey Collins Megan Moon Saskia Uttley Kayleigh Evans Connor Murphy Maia Walker

Year 13: Excellence: Thomas Annabelle Jessop Maisie Pollard Holly Smith Barraclough Rebecca Burnhill Georgina Jessop Ellie Rika Brittany Stead Amy Greenwood Jessica Jones Emily Rushton Callum Wilkie

Endeavour: Freya Barber Max Field Georgia Holleran Simon Powell Sophie Blackshaw Amy Gibson Natalie Kershaw Samuel Redman Eleanor Ciesielski Katie Gillespie Cory Lock Jessica Smith Manpreet Chatha Rachel Hanks Paul Northcott Ellie Egan Emma Dean Zoe Hepworth Jordan Pickles Leo Bailey

Community Service:

Emily Fairburn Hannah Jones Mitchell Sutcliffe

Health & Social Care Award Performing Arts Prize Lucy Barber Harley Kinnear

Rotary Club of Brighouse Award Centenary Shield Maisie Pollard Philip Short

Quantica Award for Business & Enterprise The George Richardson MBE Tom Barrclough Award Brittany Stead Stephen Kitson Trophy Boys Sports The Karen Stepney Award Award Joshua Mauger-wright Jordan Pickles

Reeve Trophy Girls Sports Award The Rodney Archer Award Emily Rushton Alicia Broadbent

Singer of the Year The George Mellor Award Brooke Whitworth Emily McMullen

Musician of the Year Amy Whittington The Sue Thompson Award for Achievement in A Level Maths The Graham Soles Award Amy Greenwood Molly Westhead

Maths – Stretch and Challenge at Brighouse High School

As we are now one full term into the new academic year at Brighouse High School, we would like to outline the feedback on progress in the Maths department regarding the visionary set up with grouping high ability students.

The decision to expand the groups at the top of the ability range was not taken lightly. We are committed to raising the attainment and progress of all students in Maths at Brighouse High and the push at the top end is no less a priority for us and the students. The decision to move to lecture style teaching with classes ranging from 40 to 46 students across Years 7 to 9 was seen as a forward thinking and innovative idea designed to encourage independent learning skills and assure the highest challenge for the highest ability students, whilst also enabling more tailored teaching to the rest of the students in those year groups.

The decision was not greeted warmly by all stakeholders and many of you will have seen one dissenting view expressed in the local press. However, I am pleased to report that feedback from staff, students and many parents has been overwhelmingly positive so far and we are certain that this was a positive step forward for the students and staff in our school. The responsible attitudes of all of the students in the groups has been impressive to see, from the way that they enter and seat themselves to the immediate engagement in tasks and pace and challenge that has pervaded the sessions. Pupils have quickly adapted to the increased necessity to be attentive and to take high quality notes.

The atmosphere observed in lessons has been one of learning and achievement and many students have commented that they feel challenged while still being supported and learning has been set at a brisk pace. More pupils are being exposed to higher level and extension content and the best in the group are the benchmark for everyone else to aspire to; indeed the recent assessment results were declared ‘the best yet’ by Mr Storah, Head of Maths. Independence is being promoted via guidance and encouragement to solve problems/fill gaps themselves by utilising the internet and other resources. The concerns raised over individual attention for students in a large group were valid and the Maths department have responded by allocating tutorial style sessions for students to attend in order to consolidate understanding and seek help when required.

I will endeavour to update you all with progress reports from the Maths department throughout the year but I am pleased to say, at this stage, so far so good and we travel hopefully on our journey to secure the best outcomes in Maths for all students at Brighouse High School.

Mr Horsfield Deputy Headteacher (Line manager for Mathematics)

Our finale….“Brighouse Bake Off”

We are proud of our long standing work for charity and for the last five years this has been no different. We have run “The Great Brighouse Bake off” for Children in Need since we were in year 8. We were inspired after our house coordinator did an assembly about the importance of charity work in school, from then on we were hooked and decided that the BBC show “The Great British Bake Off” was the perfect way to raise money in a fun and unique way.

Each year has brought a new batch of keen and excited bakers to our tent (Brighouse’s very own food technology room) in order to showcase their talent and love of both the show and baking. In the first year, we were a little nervous and only opened it to our own year group, but received an amazing array of show stoppers from rainbow cakes to chocolate cupcakes filled with sweets. In the second year, we opened it up to the whole school and had wide interest. Bakers produced batches of twelve products with a theme of heroes to match Children in Need’s theme for the year. Last year we decided to do a Disney and Pixar theme for our Bake Off. Over the three years and three “Bake Offs” we have raised £1500.

This year we brought “The Brighouse Bake Off” back for the final time and it was one of the best and most successful yet. This year bakers were challenged with a technical bake using the creaming method. The event took place after school on 16th November and 17th November and the competition began with bakers trying their hardest to make a bake worthy of the tent. They then then sold their products the following day with the aim of becoming the ‘star fund raiser’. Overall we raised £210

School council update.

Last year’s school council was focused on three main topics: bullying, health and exercise and homework. Within these subjects were power points and information which was read out to the pupils of our school. We gained feedback on homework through questionnaires and they said it was given too often, too close to the end of lessons and in most cases not useful to the lessons.

The students in charge of the bullying group focused on cyber bullying and found out that it was a common issue between pupils in Brighouse High. We then decided to make a ‘RESPECT box’ where pupils can go to share their problems anonymously or not, depending on how confident they feel on the subject at hand. The respect box can also be used for positive things so rewards can be handed out for extra-curricular/ out of school activities.

We also worked on health and exercise which resulted in a new canteen being purchased, and designed by the school council pupils. As well as this, we created more extra-curricular activities to put the great P.E facilities to use. In an assembly in front of the school, we gave the other pupils facts and information on healthy eating and what we plan to do.

Another school council group focused on homework. We found a few issues which were fixed with a meeting with staff and from feedback from the questionnaires. Some issues we found were minor such as homework is not related to the lesson; setting it at the end of the lesson and computer based homeworks were hard to work out how to use if the students had not been taught how to navigate the website.

After we carried out the three main topics, we took part in a school symposium with other schools such as Rishworth, North Halifax and Crossley Heath. The more confident school council members performed a PowerPoint at Huddersfield University to the other schools. We shared ideas with the other schools, and everyone enjoyed the day gaining lots of ideas.

This academic year we plan to focus on: creating a new dining area to divide queues; mental health issues and recognizing symptoms of different illnesses; sexual education and making it more up to date and relevant to today’s society, and bullying which will include LGBTQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (Questioning), Asexual and others.) Our Y7 Students are also focusing on improving the Transition from Y6 to Y7, especially from non-feeder schools. We look forward to addressing these items in our ongoing meetings.

Written by Lily Shepherd 9B and Maisie Wood 9I (Members of the school council)

PE DEPARTMENT

It has been a phenomenally busy and successful first term within the PE department at Brighouse High School and the following pages highlight all the great work and successes which have happened within the PE department and beyond. The year began with the newly introduced Brighouse Run which saw all students from Y7-Y11 compete in a Cross-Country style endurance race to assess and monitor fitness levels. Thankfully the sun was shining for the majority of the runs and we recorded some fantastic times to begin what is hoped will become a Brighouse High tradition for many years to come. Rachel Hobson of Y8 recorded the fastest girls’ time with Alfie Baxter claiming the boys’ fastest runner and setting the new school record which I’m sure many will be hoping to emulate as we undertake our second Brighouse Run in January 2017. The winners of each individual year group are detailed below; Y7 Boys – James Stead Y7 Girls – Billie-Jo Wood Y8 Boys – Thomas Ablett Y8 Girls – Rachel Hobson Y9 Boys – James Shaw Y9 Girls – Jessica McConnell Y10 Boys – Alfie Baxter Y10 Girls – Rebecca Udall Y11 Boys – Jay Benn Y11 Girls – Annie Stone

The PE department has been buzzing with a hive of activity each day, as we continually develop our curriculum so that students are given the opportunity to engage in a wide range of different sporting disciplines delivered by our team of specialist PE teachers. The delivery of high quality PE is something which the department prides itself on and students reap the benefits of this through the diverse and in-depth quality of teaching received. As well as the traditional sports which forms the basis of our curriculum, students have also been given the opportunity to learn how to climb on our specialist indoor wall, take part in gymnastics lessons which focus on the art of free running and team displays as well as a new block of work entitled ‘Sports Culture’ which has been running within boys PE. The newly introduced block of work in boys PE entitled ‘Sports Culture’ looks to introduce students to a new range of sports beyond that of the traditional PE curriculum. As such, students have had the opportunity to take part in activities such American Football, Gaelic Football, Kabaddi and Aussie Rules Football in the hope of expanding the sporting horizons of our students and develop them in to well-rounded athletes capable of transferring their skills between different sports and activities.

As ever, our extra-curricular programme has been extensive and incredibly successful since September with a wide range of sports teams representing Brighouse High School in local, regional and national competitions. Our rugby programme is really beginning to take shape and the new Year 7 squad has already shown some fantastic potential.

In their very first White Rose Tournament they performed incredibly well only losing 1 out of the 5 games they played. If they continue to work hard and stay dedicated to the sport then we have the makings of a fantastic team on our hands.

Rugby training for Key Stage 3 which takes place on a Tuesday evening (3:10pm-4:10pm) continues to grow week on week with numbers reaching superb levels. The hard work and dedication which the students are showing is really helping them to build and develop their skills with our older, more experienced students assisting with the progress and development of those new to the game via leadership and coaching.

Further success on the rugby field this year came in the form of fielding of our very first Sixth Form rugby team who competed in the 1st XV Colleges White Rose Festival. A great set of young men put on some brilliant rugby to record 2 wins in the 3 matches they played and further evidence of our growing rugby programme at BHS. The Y10 boys’ rugby squad are the stand- out performers from the rugby programme so far. Competing in both rugby union and rugby league competitions simultaneously, they have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with. Having already recorded some great wins across the region in the Yorkshire and National Cups, defeating well-recognised rugby playing schools in the shape of Horsforth of Leeds and St Wilfreds of Wakefield they are hoping to lift some silverware this season.

They face Marvell College from Hull in the next round the National Champions Rugby League Cup and The Rodillian Academy in the National Nat-West Rugby Union Cup. Further congratulations must be extended to Joe Porter, Lewis Knopwood, Reece Barraclough and Ewan Lewis who have also signed scholarships with professional rugby league clubs and we look forward to supporting their journey at this time.

Our girl’s rugby programme is also flourishing where we have a superb group of young girls who are really beginning to take shape. Our new Year 7’s are just getting a taste for the game while our older girls are performing superbly. The U15 girls attended the White Rose Rugby festival in October and recorded a clean sweep of wins with an unblemished record of zero defeats. Further congratulations must go to Rebecca Udall, Elissa Neill, Lucy Coldwell and Lily Culf who were all selected to represent Yorkshire County RFU U15’s in the recent county competitions where they were also undefeated against Lancashire, Cheshire and Northumberland. Our netball programme remains a stronghold of our sporting success with teams from across the year groups competing within West Yorkshire and beyond. Numbers attending training are continually high and the hard work and determination to improve during these sessions is very much apparent in the number of wins recorded by our teams since September. Our Y10 squad were also invited to take part in the West Yorkshire invitational tournament held at QEGS Wakefield, the only state school represented in what was an all independent school based tournament. The girls performed exceptionally well and tested themselves against well-established netball playing schools such as The Grammar School at Leeds, Bradford Grammar School, Silcoates and Rishworth School.

A number of our students have also had success in being selected for representative teams which are detailed below. Huge congratulations and we look forward to supporting you every step of the way!

West Yorkshire Honours:  Grace Shinwell  Paige Ackroyd  Laura Crabtree  Alex Comerford  Imogen Firth  Kirsty Foxroft

Calderdale Honours:  Hattie Nichols  Alicia Bedford  Samantha Appleyard  Louisa Pyrah  Genie Tempest

Beyond our traditional strengths, we have also had great success in a wide range of sport competitions. Our swimming squad entered the Calderdale Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Championships in November and we tasted great success on the evening of the gala.  Molly Roberts of Year 8 claimed 1st place in the U13 Girls Individual Freestyle 50m race.

 Brody Clark of Year 8 claimed 1st place in the U13 Boys Individual Freestyle 50m race.

 Matthew Raine of Year 7 claimed 2nd place in the U13 Boys Individual Freestyle 50m race.

 Our U13 boys Freestyle Relay team claimed 3rd overall.

Our badminton programme within school is also very extensive, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills both within lessons but also in 3 extra-curricular sessions (Monday/Friday Lunch & Friday after-school) throughout the week.

As such, we have seen the hard work of the students paying off in the recent Calderdale competitions. Our Key Stage 3 girl’s squad claimed 1st place and the KS4 girl’s squad 2nd, only losing a single game out of a possible 20. The Key Stage 3 girls will now represent Calderdale in the West Yorkshire round with our Key Stage 4 girls on stand-by as reserve.

This term the year 9 indoor cricket team have played a number of fixtures against; Rastrick, The Halifax Academy, Halifax Grammar, Sowerby Bridge and Ryburn in the Calderdale Schools Year 9 Indoor Cricket League. The following boys have worked extremely hard to improve their skills and performance in matches and have been rewarded by finishing second in the league: Ben Cliff, Jack Dunn, Jacob Reeday, Elliot Paig-Hirst, Ned Hughes, Callum Heath, Harry Thompson, Joe Killick and Toby Cliff.

Our Panathlon team was also in great shape this December as they represented Calderdale in the West Yorkshire Panathlon Challenge 2016.

The Panathlon Challenge runs mini Paralympic multi-sport events such as Boccia, Polybat, Table Cricket, New Age Kurling and athletic field events and races. The team from Brighouse High School were a credit to themselves and Calderdale, claiming Silver and qualifying for the Regional Championships due to be held in York in early 2017.

The football squads across the age range continue to grow week on week and are all vying for that top position within their respective leagues.

The Year 10 squad again lead the way with an unblemished record of 100% win but others are hot on their tails. The Calderdale Cup will begin after the Christmas break so there are plenty of upcoming fixtures to look forward to and plenty of silverware still up for grabs.

The Year 7 football squad is growing in confidence after a slow start and recorded a 3-2 victory over Trinity Academy in their latest league game and were unlucky runners-up in the Calderdale Boys 5-a- side tournament.

This term we have had exceptionally strong girls’ U13 football team. The girls have shown fantastic commitment and attendance in training sessions to improve their skills and performance in matches and the Year 8 team are undefeated in all matches played.

Brighouse High School PE department is committed to the community in which it serves, and as such, we have also had some great fundraising events this term in the hope of raising valuable funds to support some extremely worthwhile charities. The first event was in support of the British Heart Foundation in which we held an Ultimate Dodgeball Tournament week for Year 7. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and most importantly raised a fantastic sum of £504.98 which we hope will go towards making a difference for somebody within our community.

Our second event was in support for Children in Need when we held a Year 11 v Staff Netball Match. Students paid to 50p to watch a master class of free-flowing, elegant, highly skilful netball from the staff team and were treated to just that. All were in agreement that the end result was not important (the staff won comfortably!) but it was all in a worthwhile cause and raised a fantastic sum of money which again we hope will make a small difference to somebody in need.

Another new element which has been introduced in to the department this year is Sports Personality of the Month, recognising the hard work and achievements of our students.

This is awarded to one boy and one girl per month based on nominations from members of the PE department, with the winners of the award automatically receiving a nomination for one of our most prestigious awards which is presented at our Annual Sports Ball; Sports Personality of the Year.

September SPOTM Haydon Faulkner & Billie Lambert

October SPOTM Jonathan Barrett & Elisa Neill

November SPOTM Reece Barraclough & Charlotte Heath

This year has seen the PE department run two very successful trips to the Theatre of Dreams to watch Manchester United. The first trip gave our students the opportunity to watch some of the best players from across Europe as we were treated to Manchester United v Fenerbache in the Europa League. A great evening was had by all, especially as the students got to observe Paul Pogba scoring a screamer (With the ‘Dab’ being used extensively) followed up with Robin Van Persie scoring for Fenerbache on his return to Old Trafford.

Our second trip took in Manchester United against West Ham in the EFL quarter finals and again it was not a game to disappoint. A 4-1 victory for the hosts surely means that Brighouse High School represent the ‘lucky charm’ for Manchester United and hopefully Jose Mourinho will invite us to all their home matches….they certainly could do with it! It is always fantastic to keep track of what our amazing students are getting up to outside of school and we take a keen interest in our students’ hobbies and sporting endeavours beyond Brighouse High School.

We are blessed to have many talented sports people at Brighouse High School, some of which have been mentioned previously for their selection for Calderdale, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and professional academies. We have a diverse range of athletes within our school from academy footballers and rugby players to dancers and future trampoline stars. As part of this, we must thank our surrounding sports clubs who support our young people in ensuring they reach their potential and we look forward to working with you closely for the foreseeable future.

Please contact Mr Wainwright (Head of PE) at the school to keep the department informed of all sporting achievements and follow our PE department twitter page @BrighouseHighPE

The Literacy and Media Hub

The library and resource centre at Brighouse High School has undergone a refurbishment and change of identity. It will reopen officially in the New Year as the Literacy and Media Hub but in the meantime newly appointed Library teacher Mrs Makinson is piloting a range of activities to promote reading and literacy development. Recently author Jon Robinson spent the day reading his work and entertaining pupils. The autumn book fair raised over £500 which will be put towards the purchase of new books. Student librarians are helping plan events and run the library and early impressions are that the hub will be a success. An official launch is planned for January 2017.

The GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET Was a great success within the LMH.

We raised a whopping £357 ! to put towards the charitable Book Trust scheme.

Our RSC Shakespeare LIVE was challenging and inspiring. Year 9 watched a contemporary production of Hamlet. Exposure to this level of literature and performance can increase students' interest in Shakespeare and heritage knowledge. As part of this experience the students were asked to engage in a wider reading activity and produced some work after the event. The play has been produced as part of the outreach work the Royal Shakespeare company are currently using to promote Shakespeare texts within school.

BOOK GROUPs at Brighouse High school.

We are fortunate in the LMH to resource a number of book clubs; the ‘Boys Book Group’ and the ‘Gifted and Talented Book Group’ being amongst them.

Students have been selected to participate in a reading challenge. The first stage is a Wednesday Lunch Reading Club where we will read set books and discuss, challenge and review the texts. Certain pupils will then be selected for ‘The Calderdale Children’s Book of The Year Award’ and will represent the school in a number of activities. Then, we hope to participate in a regional challenge and also attend a literary lunch.

Mrs Marks has been preparing our Year 7s for the Calderdale Book Awards.

A number of students who have shown excellent progression were given the chance to participate in a group presentation on the Holocaust. On this occasion a team from Huddersfield University presented a workshop. The project took place within school, on the afternoon of Thursday 29th September 2016.

Brighouse students respond well to this level of discussion and the reflection can increase students' interest in history and related subjects. As part of this experience the students were asked to engage in a wider reading activity and will produce some work after the event.

The memorial produced is on display in the LMH

Performing Arts Department

Once again this term has seen the department in full performance flow with the last few weeks before Christmas being notably busy. The first part of the school year saw students performing in the Whole School Assembly, Open Evening and Junior Awards all of whom entertained the audience with well selected pieces of music.

Thanks must go to our Year 12 A Level Drama students who came and helped out at 6th Form Opening Evening after coming back late from a theatre visit to see the Shawshank Redemption. Also joining them on the trip were the Year 10 and 11 Drama Students who then wrote a theatre review on their visit as part of the trip.

Winter Soiree – Thursday 8th December 2016

The Winter Soiree took place at Brighouse High School on Thursday 9th December. It was an informal evening showcasing the musical talents of our musicians and performance talents of our dancers.

Performances ranged from ensembles such as Wind Band, String Group, Choir and BTEC Dances from Year 10 to 13 and soloists representing all year groups.

It was a very enjoyable evening which was recorded in the photos below.

Senior Citizens Party – Friday 9th December 2016 On Friday afternoon I performed in the Senior Citizens party with a group of my friends, Mackenna Ashton, Ella Birkbeck, Ethan Jackson, Amelia Shaw and Mia Hoyle, it was my first time performing and I thoroughly enjoyed it because not much pressure was put on me . We all performed as a background to the audience while they enjoyed a snack and a drink, I will definitely be doing it next year if the opportunity comes around again! – Lauren Berry 9U

Carol Service – Monday 12th December 2016 Once again the department found ourselves at St Martin’s Church in Brighouse for our annual carol service. We had a delightful mix of Christmas themed musical items, Bible readings and extracts from secular Christmas texts. The theme for the evening was ‘overcoming struggle’. Jacob Schofield in 7R performed the opening verse from ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and Robbie Lumb in Year 13 was our first Brighouse High School organist and did amazing job. He also performed a duet with Jade Maguire who sang an angelic version of Adams’ ‘O Holy Night’. We’re already trying to book Robbie for next year’s service!

One former colleague contacted us to say:

‘The music was superb on Monday evening. Your choir especially....’ ‘I also thought that you'd 'pitched' the occasion perfectly - the right mix of sacred and secular without it becoming a concert and losing the feeling. A perfect carol service!’

The Guitar Ensemble also impressed with ‘In Dulci Jublio’ and Mr Eady’s arrangement of ‘Here Comes the Sun’. The Carol Service is always a pleasure to arrange and a fitting end of term celebration.

Senior Awards – Wednesday 14th December 2016

Rebekah Goodchild (11H) ably played the piano as parents and students arrived for Senior Awards. She also accompanied Jessica Priestly (11U) in their arrangement of ‘This Is Gospel’. Mya Rikett (10G) performed Calum Scott’s ‘Dancing On My Own’. All three performances were warmly received by parents, students and staff.

Instrumental and Extra-Curricular Provision

Well done to all the students who have recently received their ABRSM or Trinity exam results, our music tutors have been very impressed with the standard and there have been some amazing individual results.

Instrumental lessons provided by Calderdale Music Trust still prove to be popular in school and extra-curricular sessions are always well attended. Extra-curricular sessions are held during lunchtime and after school and there are no additional costs to attend them. Students also earn RESPECT points for each session they attend and extra RESPECT points are awarded for students who perform or help out at concerts. Student may also book to use the music rooms after school for their own band rehearsals if they wish.

Performing Arts Enrichment Timetable 2016-2017

Lunchtime After School 12.30 –1.05 3.10 – 4.10 Monday Choir (F16)

Tuesday Guitar Ensemble (F16) String Group (F15) Wednesday Drama Club (G15) Wind Band (F15)

Thursday Keyboard Club (F16)

Friday GCSE Composition

The department would like to take the time to thank parents and careers for their continued support

Mrs Church and Mrs Trigg Despite the fact that we’ve had a fantastic term of performances and events we will be sad to say goodbye to Mrs Church and Mrs Trigg who will be leaving the department at Christmas.

Mrs Trigg has been part of the Drama team since September 2006 and within her 10 years at the school has been involved in some amazing school productions including ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Annie’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and more recently directing ‘Grease’. Her lessons have always been engaging and well received from students and she has expected consistent high standards.

Mrs Church joined the school in September 2004 and has been an integral part of the music department for 12 years. As well as classroom teaching Mrs Church has spent a lot of her time accompanying students for exams, performances and for ensembles such as the school choir, a job that is very much appreciated by the department. Her contribution to the wider school musical life will be truly missed along with her commitment to ensuring that all pupils worked to the best of their ability.

We’d like to wish them both the best of luck for the future and we are sure that they’ll be keeping in regular touch with the ‘Brighouse High family’ in the future.

After Christmas the Performing Arts Department will be joined by Mr Hornsby and Mrs Leicester. Mr Hornsby will be teaching both Music and Drama and returns to us after a spell in the school during the last summer term. Mrs Leicester has already spent the past half-term working in the department and will be teaching Drama. We are looking forward to working with them both next year and being part of the ‘Brighouse High family’. Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) at Brighouse High School

Brighouse High School and The Mirfield Free Grammar School Joint Careers Fair – Thursday 10th November 2016

On Thursday 10th November, visitors from both schools attended the fifth joint Brighouse High School / Mirfield Free Grammar Careers Fair which was held at Brighouse High School. We were honoured to welcome The Mayor, Councillor Howard Blagborough to open the event. This year's event was supported by over 60 exhibitors from local and national businesses, professional bodies, training organisations and local universities. The evening gave students and parents the chance to discuss career opportunities, progression and even job vacancies for now and also 2017 leavers. This year local secondary schools’ students and parents also had the opportunity to attend.

Students from years 7-13 attended; the youngest students were fact-finding in different career areas, years 9 & 10 identifying entry requirements to different careers and courses at Further Education and years 11-13 understanding progression routes in Higher Education and opportunity finding for both job and apprenticeships.

The careers fair initiative is the largest project to date for both schools which have careers firmly at the heart of their curriculum, with students thinking and learning about the opportunities they will have on completing their education. The event was scheduled to coincide with the choices that students have to make in the near future; they have the chance to speak to relevant people who can help them make the right choices for their future career. The aim of this initiative is to provide a focus for careers guidance activity at an important stage in the academic calendar, to help support young people when they leave education. With many companies now offering apprenticeships, engaging with local businesses was also a priority.

Lorna Aitken, Head of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) at Brighouse High said “The Careers Fair was very successful and parents were delighted they had the opportunity to attend. Students of all ages from Year 7 upwards benefited in different ways, and enjoyed the opportunities to ask questions and interact with delegates. By working collaboratively and creatively, we have been able to deliver a high quality event for all our students. It is also good to see former students coming back with their employers."

The event was co-ordinated between the schools by Heidi Haigh at Brighouse High School.

THE CAREERS WEBSITE

Students in both Year 9 and Year 11 will soon be making crucial decisions about their forthcoming options. The Careers Website is there to help them with these decisions, whether going on to Further Education or an Apprenticeship. Links to Apprenticeships, Higher Education and The World of Work show the different job areas which can be explored to see how they link into subject choices. Parents are able to access the site at home with their child to help them make these decisions.

To access the Careers Website via the Brighouse High School Website www.brighouse.calderdale.sch.uk click on the Careers link on the top right hand side to take you to the home page shown below.

Students from all year groups are able to use the computers in the Careers Library at Finkil Street for careers work from 12.25 – 1.00pm each day. Any student who would like training in how to use the website can see Mrs Haigh in the Careers Library Office for further details.

Caroline Green is our Careers Adviser from C&K Careers

Caroline Green is available for a careers drop in for all year groups on Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes in the careers office at Finkil Street.

Caroline has been seeing year 11 students for one to one guidance interviews to allow them to discuss their career ideas and plans for after year 11. Students have been encouraged to research their ideas and also attend open days to prepare for their next steps. Students are welcome to call in to the careers drop in session in the careers office if they need further help researching their plans and applying for courses.

Year 13 Careers Appointments

Caroline Green is available to see 6th form students on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons in the 6th form Careers Office. Students can book an appointment with 6th form reception if they would like to discuss their career ideas and future plans.

Year 13 Tutorial

Since September, Year 13 students who are going into the World of Work at the end of Sixth Form have had Careers Sessions during their Thursday Tutorial. Visiting speakers included STA Travel and Martin Haigh from Lattitude7.

Students have taken part in sessions to prepare them for their next steps. These have included sessions on the following topics: Using Social Media for Job search, Job/ Apprentice applications, Online applications, and Team building skills".

We are very grateful for the input from all delegates who have been able to give up their time to assist our students. We are sure this will have helped the students to make informed decisions about their future choices.

Year 11 - L4L Sessions

Since September Year 11 students have been taking part in Careers sessions during L4L including preparing a CV and a Personal Statement. There have also been visiting speakers from Huddersfield University, The Apprentice Finder, Cummins Turbo Technologies and C&K Careers. Students have also been given an Achievement File for storing all their certificates in, which they are able to take with them to future interviews. Mrs Lee also provided information about Brighouse High Sixth Form Centre in advance of the Open Evening which many students found beneficial. It should be noted that the closing date for Sixth Form applications is Monday 27th February 2017.

Year 9 Super Learning Day

On the 20th of October, Year 9 students were off timetable and participated in a careers day focussing on their choices for KS4. Choosing GCSE subjects can sometimes be quite a challenge so students were given the chance to consider all the options open to them and how best to make these decisions using the C&K Careers Directions Booklet. Students also used a programme called JED, where students could find out the types of jobs that would match their skills, talents, likes, dislikes and personalities. We also had a session where former students of BHS were interviewed about their careers and they in turn gave students advice about moving up through school.

Year 13 Super Learning Day – 20th October 2016

Our Year 13 Jobseekers who have indicated they will not be going to University at the end of their studies, took part in a day of motivational exercises. Our Careers Business Ambassador Martin Haigh of Lattitude7 provided one of the sessions and we are grateful once again for the time and commitment he offers students at Brighouse High School. The morning consisted of teamwork, communication and leadership skills which are all skills required for their future role in the workplace.

One of our former students Chloe Richmond came in to talk about Apprenticeships with Nestlé. Another of our former students Adam Robson from the RNLI came in to do some problem solving activities with the group as well as including a session on CVs.

Once again we are grateful for their input into our activities at Brighouse High School / Sixth Form Centre.

Women of the Future Ambassadors Programme visiting Lloyd’s Banking Group

On Monday 5th December three of our Year 13 students were invited to attend this event in Halifax. Three other local schools were in attendance The Brooksbank School, North Halifax Grammar and Greenhead College.

Speakers were: Catherine Rutter – Director, Group Operations Change, Lloyd Banking Group Alex Newbould – Head of Pricing Strategy, Asda Tahira Widlof – General Store Manage, Asda

The aim of the programme was to inspire our students, giving them a deeper insight into the world of work and an opportunity to network with other students and Lloyds Banking Group colleagues.

All the girls took part in an ice breaker and a Confidence Building Workshop. There was also a Graduate and Apprenticeship talk where the students were able to find out about opportunities available to them once they leave sixth form.

Year 12 - Work Experience 10th – 14th July 2017

All Year 12 students at Brighouse Sixth Form College have now started the preparation for their Work Experience for 10th – 14th July 2017 and have been going through interviews this term, to indicate the type of placement they will undertake during the week. After another successful work experience programme in 2016, the comments from both students and employers were overwhelmingly positive. Placements were secured in solicitors, schools, hospitals, engineers, estate agents and charity organisations to name just a few. Many students travelled to Leeds or Manchester each day and some gained a week in London. Kathleen Oliver travelling to America and Celine Kart travelling to Ecuador to do a month of volunteering work within a community project took advantage of some fantastic opportunities and well done to them.

To support students with both UCAS and employment/apprenticeship applications we encourage students to work in an area that they are interested in and part of their future aspirations. We are looking forward to another successful week of work experience in July 2017!

Celine Kart – Work Experience

I went to Ecuador for four weeks with no contact to home/internet; my work experience was a week building an eco-lodge. I've also carried out work experience at two law firms.

Pichincha Volcano

Mixing cement

In front of the half-built eco lodge with my team

Photos from student placements in 2016 are shown below:

Extended Work Experience

The Careers Department has been working closely with a small group of 6th form students who have completed an internal work experience placement as part of their course at Brighouse High Sixth Form. They will move on to an external work experience placement every Wednesday from January to April 2017. The extra pair of hands in the Careers Department has been invaluable which is greatly appreciated.

Feedback from one student can be found below:

Review of Internal Work Experience

Careers Office Throughout the period of my internal work experience within the Careers office working with both Caroline Green and Mrs Haigh, I thoroughly enjoyed gaining further knowledge regarding their job role and getting involved with helping out with extra work they had prepared for me to finish and being part of Music Administration and helping out with the main schools Music department with any other work they had which needed completing for school purposes. There were a wide variety of highlights for me whilst working within the Careers department. One of my many favourites was visiting the Career’s fair in Leeds this helped me gain further knowledge than I previously knew about different job roles such as: Army, Hairdressing, Beauty and even Joinery/Building work. By visiting this fair as part of my work experience with Mrs Haigh helped me experience and view different elements of work places and the job role which they complete on a daily basis. Another strong point of being part of the Careers team for my internal work experience was having the opportunity to come back into my previous high school Brighouse High and helping out at the Careers Fair which we arranged for school where all different Colleges, Universities and work placements came to give their own opinion on their work and schools and their own job role in general. This again helped me develop more knowledge about different job roles and helped me to decide whether or not I would be willing to apply for other colleges in the area and for me to decide if I would be willing to find a University which suits me the most to earn a degree for the job and career path I am hoping to follow long term. When I walked in to the work experience on the first day I wasn’t expecting that later on throughout the period of time I was with the careers office I would be participating with some of the work which I did for example: helping check through the Brighouse High School Careers website checking all the dates were accurate and completely up to date so that students and parents reading the website knew when to attend upcoming events and so on; another job I was able to complete was helping arrange the careers office and making sure that all the dates on the colleges and work placements information were up to date and not over date. I found that many were from 2014 so Miss helped me completely by assisting me with rearranging some of the files and then putting the new information from colleges and work places into the drawers and files, for the students of Brighouse High to view and learn as much as they need to know about the certain areas and locations they may want to look at moving onto taking up once they have finished their final year of high school. Last and certainly not least I was able to assist in helping arrange the Careers Fair which was located at Brighouse High School for various colleges and work places to come and share their thoughts and opinions on different departments to see if any students would be willing to sign up or to give free information packs to keep students up to date and handed with all the information they need to know. The way I helped with this was arranging where all the different companies were to set up within the school hall and making sure that the handouts we had for the students visiting had all of the companies who were attending the fair so they knew beforehand who to expect to see and if they were looking to talk to a certain company in particular. Finally, my attendance was accurate apart from the two days I took off for a relevant reason which was spoken to the main office about. Every Wednesday I came straight to the careers office for 8:45 to begin my work and complete the tasks which were to be completed throughout my day within work experience. I made sure that every bit of work which I was given was completed to the best of my ability without fault and I was always certain to check with Mrs Haigh if there were any improvements to be made and if there were any faults with the dates on the system, I listed them for her to change alongside the other work she was yet to complete herself. I have been in touch with my ex-primary school and they have given me the opportunity to continue my work experience within their school. I have a meeting with head of Bailiffe Bridge J & I School Helen Proctor Thursday 15th December to discuss the dates of my work experience and for me to complete a DBS check so I have full permission to be part of their school team every Wednesday from the 4th January till the 5th April as we will discuss in our arranged interview tomorrow. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed working as part of the careers team and I enjoyed my time there to the full. There were no parts of the day where I felt that I had nothing to complete and there was not a time where I felt this was the wrong place for me to be. The work was active and I gained a reasonable amount of knowledge working with the teachers and learning about the jobs which they complete daily was inciteful and interesting to learn about. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Mrs Haigh for giving me the opportunity to complete my internal work experience with you.

Eloise Burke

Progression Module awards ceremony

On Wednesday 2nd November the Year 13 students who completed the Progression Module in year 12 were invited to attend an awards ceremony at the University of Huddersfield with all the other local schools that participate. Each student was called onto the stage individually and received a certificate confirming they completed the course successfully. This was then followed by a reception at the University where the students could relax with some lunch. It was lovely to see the students being recognised for the hard work they put into the module which, upon completion, also provides them with valuable UCAS points for several local universities.

On Friday 4th November the year 12 students who are completing the Progression Module attended Huddersfield University open day. The Progression Module is designed by Huddersfield and Leeds Beckett Universities to help prepare students for their next steps following Sixth Form. Students complete modules covering CVs and letters of application as well as career or university choices and how to budget finances in the next steps. Part of the course requires each student to complete some primary research into universities so the open day served as the perfect opportunity. Students were given the opportunity to tailor their day by selecting sessions in subject areas they might be interested in as well as having some free time to explore the university itself.

Brighouse Sixth Form at The 2016 National Mock Trial Competition

On Saturday 26th November eighteen Brighouse Sixth Form students attended the National Bar Mock Trial Competition at Leeds Crown Court organised by the Citizenship Foundation. We boarded the early train to Leeds full of nerves and excitement. On arrival we relaxed and emotionally prepared. The competition consisted of 12 teams over three rounds, eventually resulting in two winners progressing to a final playoff; winners are determined on points awarded by the judge for our performances. In each round one school must prosecute a case while another school has to defend it. Students take on the role of barristers, witnesses, clerks, ushers and jurors; while a real judge oversees the proceedings. In the first round we were tasked with arguing the side of the prosecution of a witness intimidation case against Appleton Academy. Joe Blane and I took on the role of barristers and began to present our case which opened with a strong speech from Joe. We were lucky to have two great witnesses on our side: James Benn and Lauren Elsey. James held off the opposing barristers during cross-examination with ease and Lauren took on the persona of a police officer with extreme skill – with our barrister mentor noting “typical copper answers.”. After completing our questioning I concluded with a speech that appealed to the hearts and minds of the jury. After they jury deliberated they found the defendant guilty. Winning the first round gave us all a lot of confidence. In the second round we had to defend an assault case against North Halifax Grammar School (the eventual winners). Alicia Broadbent and Maia Walker fought hard and incredibly well. Joshua Maugr-Wright took on the role of witness; however during cross-examination he began asking the questions, stumping the barrister with: ‘Define drunk?’ Although our case was strong the jurors sadly weren’t convinced. However we were told later we won that round by 2 points. In round three Tierney Hughes and Ben Stimpson successfully argued the defences of the same witness intimidation case seen in round one against Greenhead College. The events of round three took an amusing turn when Ben mistakenly referred to a witness as Michele Obama, instead of Michaela Ablava. After round three points were tallied. We waited anxiously to sadly find out we came third by just two points. Even though we lost by just a small margin everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it’s a day we will not forget and has inspired many of us to consider a career in the law.

Noah Charlesworth (year 12)

“The best car safety device is a rear view mirror with a cop in it.” Dudley Moore

Road Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event, coordinated annually by the road safety charity Brake. As part of Road Safety Week 2016 our Year 12 students attended the West Yorkshire Road Safety Roadshow organized by West Yorkshire Fire Service.

Karina Gonzalez, District Prevention Assistant for Calderdale, said: “The road show is a high impact production that aims to take young people specifically out of their comfort zone for them to consider the real effects a crash could have on them, their families and friends, not to mention the emergency services. “Thankfully not many people have experienced being involved in a crash and therefore we aim to give them a detailed account from each emergency service, to make them feel the feelings and to try and imagine the pain and suffering some people go through as a consequence of sometimes not always dangerous, but just complacent, driving.”

This year we listened to Watch Commander Tony Pearson; Adrian, a Paramedic for Yorkshire Ambulance Service; Cameron Buchan, a Family Liaison Officer for West Yorkshire Police; and Paul, a worker at the Lifeline Project in Halifax.

The accounts are extremely informative for personal and social development. They also support our Sixth Form students in their studies of the leadership skills and qualities required for public service work.

Slow, Sober, Secure, Silent, Sharp and Sustainable.

For more information visit: http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/content/596-our-theme-for-2016-make-the-brake-pledge

Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party

We were once again delighted to organise a Christmas party for local senior citizens on Friday, 9 December. This annual event is planned and delivered by our sixth form students, many of whom use it as one of their assessments in the OCR Technical Diploma in Business. The senior citizens were entertained by music and songs presented by our lower school students, and the sixth formers organised a raffle, Bingo and a Christmas quiz. The images below show some photographs from the event:

Chloe Collyer (in the red santa hat) chats to the guests, while Zain Mahmood hands out quiz sheets to guests who wish to participate in the quiz.

Chloe Deery, Claire Saxby, Gia Whitworth and Eleanor Holmes sell raffle tickets.

Suma, one of our local business partners, kindly donated a hamper for the raffle. Suma is the UK’s largest independent wholefood wholesaler/distributor, specialising in vegetarian, fairly traded, organic, ethical and natural products and they are based in Elland. They are a workers’ co-operative committed to ethical business and they support many school activities during the year, including offering visits for our business students who investigate the operation of this unique business.

Claire Saxby, Iqra Mahmood, Nathan Oldroyd and Iqra Asghar were some of the Year 13 organisers.

Here are the team of sixth form organisers and helpers.

We hope all the guests have a very happy Christmas and we look forward to inviting them back again next year.

Gill Wright 11 December

Extra Curricular Activities

CLUB WHERE WHEN WHO Coding Club F11 Wednesday lunch Mr Wall Spelling Bee Club S3 Tuesday Lunch Miss Rowley Maths Mentoring S21 Monday Lunch Mr Quigley Maths Mentoring F9 Tuesday Lunch DA/VS Maths Mentoring S22 Wednesday lunch Mr Rose Maths Mentoring S24 Thursday Lunch Mr Storah Maths Mentoring S24 Friday Lunch Mr Storah KS3 Art club F13 Monday Lunch Art Staff KS4 Walk in and work in Art F13/F14 Tuesday to Friday Lunch Art Staff Wednesday after school F13/F14 KS4 Art club until 4.30 Art Staff

F16 Miss Luck, Miss School Band Wednesday 3.10-4.10 Venus & Mr Clegg PE CLUBS PE KS3 Badminton Sportshall Monday Lunch Mr Wainwright Indoor Cricket for ALL Sportshall Tuesday Lunch Miss Whaley Climbing Sportshall Wednesday lunch Mr Bishop Table Tennis for ALL Sportshall Wednesday lunch Mr Spencer Y7 & Y8 Basketball Sportshall Thursday Lunch Mr Spencer Key KS4 Badminton Sportshall Friday Lunch Mr Wainright Fitness Suite open to Years 10-13 following induction Fitness Suite Every Lunch time PE Staff Fitness Suite open to Years 10-13 Mon, Tues & Wed 3.15 - following induction Fitness Suite 5.00 PE Staff

Boccia new age curling polybat Small Hall Lunch time Friday Mrs Kirby

Y10 GCSE & Homework club S10 Lunch time Thursday Mr Wainwright Sportshall / Basketball for ALL Outside Monday after school Mr Spencer Sportshall / Football for ALL Outside Monday after school Mr Wainwright Sportshall / Miss Green/Miss Year 7 & 8 Netball Outside Tuesday after school Whaley Sportshall / KS3 Boys Rugby Outside Tuesday after school Mr Wainwright Sportshall / Miss Green/Miss Y9-11 Netball Outside Wednesday after school Whaley Sportshall / KS4 & 5 Boys Rugby Outside Wednesday after school Mr Wainwright Sportshall / Y7 Boys Football Outside Wednesday after school Mr Eastwood Sportshall / Mr Spencer/Mr Y8 & 9 Boys Football Outside Thursday after school Dennison Sportshall / Girls Rugby for ALL Outside Thursday after school Mr Wainwright Sportshall / Girls Football for ALL Outside Thursday after school Miss Whaley Sportshall / Badminton Competition for ALL Outside Friday after school Mr Wainwright

Minor sickness and School attendance. A guide for parents/carers

Introduction

Brighouse High School is proud of its student’s attendance and punctuality. Good attendance and punctuality supports good progress and achievement.

Outlined below are some of the reasons why full attendance is important.

Why is high attendance important to my child's education?

As a parent/carer you want the best for your children. Having a good education is an important factor in opening up more opportunities in adult life.

Did you know that:  A child who is absent a day of school per week misses an equivalent of two years of their school life.  90% of young people with absence rates below 85% fail to achieve five or more good grades of GCSE and around one third achieve no GCSEs at all.  Poor examination results limit young people’s options and poor attendance suggests to colleges and employers that these students are unreliable.  Poor school attendance is also closely associated with crime a quarter of school age offenders have truanted repeatedly.  At least 1 million children take at least one half day off a year without permission.  7.5 million School days are missed each year through unauthorised absence.

All absence at any stage leads to gaps in your child’s learning. This in turn can:  Mean that they fall behind in work.  Affect their motivation.  Affect their enjoyment of learning.  Lead to poor behaviour.  Affect their desire to attend school regularly.  Affect their confidence in school.  Mean they miss out on the social life of school and extra-curricular opportunities and experiences.  Affect their ability to have or keep friendships.

Recording your child’s attendance

Schools must take an attendance register twice a day, which is a legal document that is kept for five years. Any absences will be recorded with a specific code depending on the type of absence.

Absences fall into two main categories:  Authorised – those which schools can give you permission for  Unauthorised – those which they will not. Examples of absences which the school is unlikely to authorise can include:  Sickness of a parent, or other family member  Inadequate clothing for school  Child being used as a carer  Problems with transport  Non-urgent medical treatment  School refusal or truancy  Days off for birthdays, shopping trips  Family holiday since new regulations came in September 2013.

Some common rules about illness absences Minor illness If your child is unwell on a school day, always contact the school in the morning to let staff know.

Longer-term absence If your child is absent from school for three or more days, or is often absent for short spells, Brighouse High School staff may ask you to present a doctor’s note to verify the reason for the absence. A letter from a parent/carer is needed when • a child has any condition requiring hospital or surgical care; • the child returns to school with a cast or stitches; • the child needs restricted PE lessons for more than three consecutive days.

If your child has seen their GP or been to hospital, please follow the recommendation of the doctor on when your child can return to school.

When a Parent or Sibling is Ill You should make alternate arrangements to get any well children to school. Family illness is not usually considered a good reason for school absence. Please discuss any difficulties with the school as they may be able to offer support.

Punctuality Establishing good habits is important. Ensure that your child goes to bed early as lack of sleep will affect his/her ability to function in the morning, leading to lateness.

Medical appointments Where possible, please arrange doctors’, dentists’, opticians’ appointments outside of school hours. If this is not possible, your child should attend school for the remainder of the day.

Medication in School Your child does not need to be kept at home, just because they are taking medication. If your child needs to take prescribed medication during the school day, please talk to the school staff about this. Each school will have a policy for management and administration of medicines.

Common sense Use this when deciding whether your child needs to stay at home. Work on the basis that sick children belong at home and well children belong in class! Please remember that early morning aches often pass, so don’t keep your child at home “just in case” when he or she could be learning in class. If you are not sure, check the guidance in this leaflet. For further advice, you could talk to a member of the staff, your GP surgery or NHS 111.

Your contact details Please make sure that the school has these up to date. It is important that staff can contact you during the day if your child is not well enough to stay in school.

If your child needs a leave of absence you must ask for permission in advance. The Headteacher can only approve the absence if she views them to be exceptional reasons. The Headteacher also decides on the number of days to authorise or unauthorise. You can request a leave of absence form from your school.

Brighouse High School will be carrying out home visits to students whose attendance is deemed as below 90%. Please be aware you may be visited by a member of staff at home to discuss your child’s attendance/ absence.

Advice on “Is my child well enough to go to school?”

Your child should only be kept away from school if they have an infectious illness, need care during school hours that cannot be carried out in school or are not able to cope with lessons. Many children experience common ailments from time to time. Most of these do not need a prescription, are rarely serious, do not require a visit to your doctor and do not require time away from school. Often treating your child’s illness yourself, or with advice and medicines from your pharmacist, can be the quickest and easiest way to deal with it.

Brighouse High School may not agree to authorise your child’s absence for minor illnesses and you have a duty to ensure your child is not absent where this can be avoided.

High temperature If your child looks or feels shivery or is unusually cold or hot, he or she may have a high temperature. There may be various reasons for this. A child with a high temperature should not be in school. However after feeling and looking better for 24 hours, a child should be able to return to school.

Cold and cough A slight cold and a cough does not disable a child from attending school. However children with heavy colds or persistent coughs should stay at home. A child whose cough is disappearing and who is feeling better should return to school.

Sore Throat If your child complains of a slight sore throat and has no other symptoms they are fit to go to school. If the sore throat occurs with a raised temperature, they need to stay at home.

Rashes A rash could be the first sign of one of childhood’s many illnesses, such as chicken pox or measles. The rash or spots may cover the entire body or appear in only one area. Do not send a child to school with an unexplained rash or skin eruption until you have contacted NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice.

Minor aches and pains A child with persistent toothache should see a dentist without delay and one with earache should see a doctor without delay. A child whose only complaint is a minor headache does not usually need to be kept at home.

Vomiting and diarrhoea If vomiting occurs, your child should stay at home until he or she can keep food down. A child with diarrhoea should also be kept at home. If your child does not improve as you expect, contact NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice. NHS advice is that you should stay off school for 48 hours following vomiting.

Raised Temperature (fever) If your child is shivery or feels hot, they may have a raised temperature. This may be due to a variety of reasons. If your child has a raised temperature (over 37.5˚C), they should not be in school. It is important to measure the temperature accurately with an appropriate thermometer. However your child should be able to return to school once they feel and look better.

Toothache, headache or stomach ache If your child has a persistent tooth or ear ache, they need to see a dentist or doctor without delay. If the only complaint is slight headache, your child will not usually need to be kept at home. If your child complains of repeated mild stomach ache, headache or other symptoms and does not want to attend school, this could be due to your child being unhappy at school e.g. bullying or finding school work difficult. Speak to staff to discuss this and find ways of dealing with it.

General information Please remember that early morning aches and pains pass, so don’t keep your child at home ‘just in case’ when they could be learning in class. When you send your child to school with minor aches or pains, tell the school staff and they will phone you if your child continues to have symptoms.

If you are not sure, check the guidance in this page. For further advice you could talk to a member of school staff, your doctor or visit the links below.

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/ Emergencyandurgentcareservices/ Pages/NHS-111.aspx www.meningitis.org https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence

Family holidays/school holidays Children have 13 weeks annual holiday from school and school holiday dates are published well in advance online. As such, all parents/carers are expected to plan and take their family holidays at this time so as not to disrupt their children’s education. Education law states that parents do not have a right to take their child out of school for a holiday during term time. Only in exceptional circumstances may the Headteacher grant permission for leave; and it is the Headteacher’s decision on whether the absence is exceptional and how many days to approve. When you take your child out of school during term time for a holiday this is likely to be recorded as an unauthorised absence and can lead to a fine. School also has a policy of excluding pupils who have unauthorised absence from any term time rewards trips which take place in the academic year of the unauthorised absence.

Transition and Beyond – Emotional Well-being Information Events for Parents and Carers

Brighouse High school have organised a series of awareness raising meetings for Parents/Carers on Emotional Health topics.

The first event on Wednesday 28th September 2016 was an information fair for new Year 7 Parents/Carers on Emotional Health & Well-being. Its aim was to raise awareness of local agencies that support young people’s emotional well-being.

There were representatives from the following agencies: - Community Police Support, Barnardo’s BEAMS, Lifeline, PACE and local youth agencies. Brighouse High School Council had student representatives who outlined to parents/carers their project work on supporting other young people with their emotional needs, e.g. stress and homework.

The second event on Bullying was held during Anti bullying week. The meeting was delivered by Mrs Naylor and Ms Wardle who discussed indicators of bullying, how home can support young people and where victims of bullying can get help. Ms Wardle went through all the different types of support in school and the bullying policy. Below is an outline of our policy and support mechanisms.

Brighouse High school Anti – Bullying policy Three strands:

Preventative • Encourage a culture of support and openness • Supportive • Communication with victim, provide support mechanisms around the victim, communication to staff e.g. seating plans, provide secure place/refuge. • Bullies – monitor behaviour closely, give support, mentor and contracts.

Corrective • Victims - use outside agencies and mentors to improve self-esteem and access to counselling agencies. • Bullies – Parents informed, punishments and targets.

Recording is key to ensure no repeat offenders.

Anti Bullying Support Mechanisms in School

Preventative Mechanisms Supportive Mechanisms  Tutorial programme (L4L)  Respect box  Assemblies  Pastoral teams + SMT  SLD  Prefects  Theatre group productions  Safeguarding leads  Poster campaigns  Peer mentoring programmes  School Council  Counsellors  Student Planners  Mentors  BHS Website  Group counselling  Community Police  Bullying Reflection Programme – For repeat offenders

The school office has accumulated a large amount of lost property without names, including several winter jackets. If your child has lost any items please ask them to check with the school office. Any items not collected by 13th January 2017 will be recycled.

Mobile Phone Policy – REMINDER

From January some of the rules around mobile phones are being re-established. Students are permitted to bring phones to school but they must be switched off and kept in bags or lockers unless teachers specifically ask their class to use a mobile phone for learning purposes.

Anyone seen with a phone out during the school day will have it confiscated and held in the school office until the end of the day. If it is a second offence parents must then collect the device.

If your child needs to contact you for any reason they will be able to do so at the school office or with permission from a member of staff.

The policy is being re-established in an attempt to reduce the number of mobile phone technology and social media related incidents and to emphasise that during the school day we expect pupils to focus on academic work, extracurricular work and face to face social interaction. Many schools locally and nationally are adapting similar policies successfully and we look forward to the co-operate of pupils and their families in this matter.

Please note that if you allow your son or daughter to bring a mobile phone to school, this is at your own risk and any loss or theft of the device would not be covered by the school policy.

Thank you in anticipation of you support with implementing this policy and ensuring all students have the right learning environment.

UNIFORM REMINDER

We regard school uniform as an important element in maintaining standards and hope that parents will support us in this. Sensible attire and hair styles sum up our approach. The school colours are navy and light blue and most items can be easily obtained locally. Ties can also be bought through the school. The following uniform applies on the journey to and from school as well as within.

Boys  Dark grey trousers (School type, not cord, denim or cotton)

 Pale blue shirt – worn tucked in to trousers and sleeves rolled down

 School tie (clip-on tie for Years 7-9). Tie knots should be fully visible and clip on ties should be attached at the top

 Navy Brighouse High school sweatshirt

 Standard length plain dark socks

 Plain black leather or leather-looking shoes (No trainers / boots / pumps) No logo, writing and must be all black. Canvas, suede or fabric, Vans and Converse style footwear are not appropriate

Girls  Navy A-line or pleated skirt with a length to the top of the knee.

 Navy trousers (school type, not cord, denim, cotton and no leggings)

 Pale blue shirt – worn tucked in to trousers and sleeves rolled down

 School tie (clip-on tie for Years 7-9). Tie knots should be fully visible and clip on ties should be attached at the top

 Navy Brighouse High school sweatshirt

 Standard length Plain dark socks or navy or black tights

 Plain low heeled black leather or leather-looking shoes (No trainers / boots / pumps) No logo, writing and must be all black. High heeled or backless shoes, boots, canvas, suede or fabric, Vans and Converse style footwear are not appropriate

Notes  The minimum length of skirt Frank Harrison’s will provide to our students is a minimum of 18 inch to ensure the length of the skirt reaches the top of the knee. For some younger or petite students the suppliers may order a shorter length.

 All outdoor clothing must be removed on entering school and is at risk of being confiscated if worn in class or corridors.

 Articles of clothing made from denim are not regarded as appropriate for wear to and from school nor inside the school.

 Minimal jewellery; a watch, one small stud in each ear for boys and girls. (no stretchers, spikes or tunnel type earrings). No bracelets and bands. No other form of body piercing is allowed. All jewellery must be removed for PE/Games.

 Hair should not be extreme in terms of style, cut or colour

If you are in any doubt about any of the information above, please contact the school before making your purchases

Are you wearing the correct school uniform?

BOYS

Hair should not be Pale blue shirt – extreme in terms of worn tucked in to

style, cut or colour trousers and sleeves rolled down

Navy Brighouse High school sweatshirt

Years 7, 8, 9 Clip on tie Years 10, 11 School Tie Minimal jewellery; a Tie knots should be watch, one small stud fully visible and clip in each ear (no on ties should be stretchers, spikes or attached at the top tunnel type earrings). No bracelets and bands.

Dark grey trousers (School type) (Not cord, denim or Plain dark socks, cotton) Standard length

Plain black leather or leather-looking shoes (No trainers / boots / pumps) No logo or writing and must be all black. Canvas, suede or fabric, Vans and Converse style footwear are not appropriate Are you wearing the correct school uniform? GIRLS

Hair should not be Pale blue shirt – extreme in terms of worn tucked in to style, cut or colour trousers / skirt and

sleeves rolled down

Navy Brighouse High school Years 7, 8, 9 Clip on sweatshirt tie Years 10, 11 School

Tie Tie knots should be fully visible and clip Navy A-line or pleated on ties should be skirt with a length to the attached at the top top of the knee.

Navy trousers (School type and n ot cord, denim, cotton or Minimal jewellery; a leggings) watch, one small stud in each ear (no stretchers, spikes or

tunnel type earrings). No bracelets and bands. Plain dark socks (Standard length) or navy or black tights

Plain low heeled black leather or leather-looking shoes (No trainers / boots / pumps)

Notes No logo or writing and must be all black. High heeled or backless shoes, boots, canvas, suede or fabric, Vans and Converse style footwear are not appropriate

Advertise your Business here!!

For £20.00 per year

If you own a business and want to discuss advertising in this newsletter, then contact

Nicola Carthew at school on 01484 404830

www.DrivetoThrive.co.uk

Professional Driving Instruction

 Driving lessons for beginners.

 Free on-line Theory / Hazard Perception

 Pass Plus.

 Refresher and development lessons available in motorway driving, parking, fuel efficient and safer driving.

 Driving Instructor training available for those looking for a new career opportunity

 Occupational road risk management available for businesses

Andrew Adams ( A.D.I. ). 0791 3900 494 : [email protected]

Please see the website for current lesson prices and special offers

*NEW YOUTH DANCE PROJECT – YOUTH DANCE ELLAND* A community dance project for young people in Elland and the surrounding areas. Focusing on health and wellbeing, participants will develop their strength, co- ordination, flexibility and self-esteem whilst also learning a new skill! Suitable for complete beginners.

Places are limited – get in touch as soon as possible to secure your place.

Come along to Orange Box this Christmas holiday for some FREE festive activities for ages 11+. Make your own Christmas crafts, sing your favourite karaoke tunes, act out a Christmas scene, cook an alternative Christmas dinner, enter a table tennis tournament, climb to new heights or make Christmas party treats. No need to book, just turn up

Monday 19 December 2 – 4pm: Christmas Crafts – make your own cards, crackers, decorations, wrapping paper and gift tags. Feel free to bring along a gift you would like to wrap up in a special way to impress your friends and family Table Tennis Tournament – if you’re good at table tennis, or fancy a go, then enter the tournament and show off your skills Karaoke – sing your favourite songs or go all festive with Carol-oke

Tuesday 20 December 2 – 4pm: Christmas Crafts – make your own cards, crackers, decorations, wrapping paper and gift tags. Feel free to bring along a gift you would like to wrap up in a special way to impress your friends and family Table Tennis Tournament – if you’re good at table tennis, or fancy a go, then enter the tournament and show off your skills Karaoke – sing your favourite songs or go all festive with Carol-oke

Wednesday 21 December 2 – 4pm: Christmas Crafts – make your own cards, crackers, decorations, wrapping paper and gift tags. Feel free to bring along a gift you would like to wrap up in a special way to impress your friends and family Karaoke – sing your favourite songs or go all festive with Carol-oke Acting – act out a Christmas scene with a qualified drama tutor

Thursday 22 December 2 – 4pm: Acting – act out a Christmas scene with a qualified drama tutor Climbing – have a go at making it around the bouldering tunnel Cooking Christmas Party Nibbles – create some tasty treats for Friday’s Christmas party

Friday 23 December 2 – 9pm: Acting (2 – 4pm) – act out a Christmas scene with a qualified drama tutor Climbing (2 – 4pm) – have a go at making it around the bouldering tunnel Cooking Christmas Curry (2 – 4pm) – help prepare a festive feast of turkey curry and vegetable curry served with vegetable samosas, naan bread, brussel sprout bhajis, red cabbage chutney and rice Christmas Curry (4.30pm) – serve your festive feast to paying customers in the Orange Box café, or come along and be a customer - perfect for parents and carers of those who have helped cook earlier in the day Christmas Party (6 – 9pm) – round the week off with a party to celebrate the Christmas holidays

For more information call 01422 433200 or email [email protected]

Tuesday 3rd January – School Opens

Wednesday 11th January – Year 11 Parents Evening

Thursday 19th January – Year 9 Guided Choices Evening

Tuesday 24th January – Super Learning Day

Year 12 Parents Evening Tuesday 31st January – Year 9 Taster Day

Thursday 16th February - Year 11 Taster Day Year 12 Development Day Friday 17th February – School Closes

Saturday 18th February- Ski Trip Departs

Monday 27th February- School Opens

Wednesday 1st March- German Exchange

Monday 20th March- Shakespeare Week in the LMH

Thursday 23rd March- Parents/Carers information on PREVENT

Monday 27th March- Year 9 Exam Week

Tuesday 28th March – Year 10 Parents Evening

Thursday 6th April- School Closes (Pupils)

Friday 7th April – China Trip Departs

Barcelona Football Tour

Wednesday 19th- 21st April- Easter Revision School