Michealmas Aspire 2015

Welcome to the Michaelmas Term Review.

We’ve had an exceptionally strong start to our new academic year. The joyful arrival of new students in Year 7, other years and in the Sixth Form, together with freshly painted corridors, refurbished language rooms and new facilities reminds us that life is all about new beginnings and new commitments to be and do the best we can with everything we have been given or are able to receive. Being and doing our best is encapsulated in our mission statement ‘Aspire not to have more but to be more’ and our value of living with “honourable purpose.” Using what we have been given and the opportunities we are offered for the good of ourselves and other people is living our value called “stewardship”. As is usual during this term I’ve been taking lots of prospective parents and students around College and I’ve felt incredibly proud of our students from the youngest to the oldest, who are not only able to name our values, but describe and explain how the difference they make in their own words.

This term has seen the official opening of our John Paul II Centre for Sport and Fitness, including our amazing 3G pitch and our Changing Pavilion. The guests of honour were Alex Bedford (Cheshire FA) and Fr Vladimir Felzman (John Paul II Foundation for Sport). We’ve also welcomed the first cohort of Macclesfield Town Football Academy students. These students are combining their academic studies with expert football training with the local football club. Our Year 7 students arrived with friendships already made and high aspirations already set for their futures following a brilliantly organised and successful residential experience at Liverpool Hope University – an experience we intend to continue for future Year 6 students entering Year 7. The Year 7 Welcome Service was a great celebration of their time together and a commissioning to live our mission statement in our College.

As new students arrive, we wish other students well as they continue their learning journeys at university, college or on apprenticeships. Our Y11 and Y13 Classes of 2015 did themselves and our College proud as they all made progress which was way above national expectations.

Collectively almost 70% of Year 11 students gained five or more A*-C GCSEs including English and Mathematics with many superb individual success stories. Our Sixth Form broke all previous records for progression to university, with an overall pass rate of 99.6% and 65% of all grades A*B. As ever, this edition of Aspire is packed with articles which show the rich variety of experiences here at All Hallows. I think we can also see how our students carry their experiences and our values forward in life. I’m delighted to read articles from two former students – one who has been inspired by his experience at All Hallows to go into teaching and another, a graduate nurse, who has visited our project in India, who is preparing to work for an international aid agency.

We wish Nathaniel and Emma all the very best with their chosen paths in life.

Happy New Academic Year to all our students, parents, governors and community partners,

01

ALL HALLOWS SIXTH FORMERS ARE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMERS…...P.03 ALL HALLOWS YEAR 11 MAKE THE GRADE…...P.05 HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH ACADEMY TRUST…….P.06 LANGUAGES AT ALL HALLOWS, ARE ON THE UP!…….P.07 KOREAN VISITORS COME TO ALL HALLOWS …...P.08 MUSIC TECH BOOST FOR ALL HALLOWS…...P.08 FUN SUMMER SCHOOL…...P.09 MIDSUMMERS NIGHT DREAM…….P.10 BRING HISTORY TO LIFE AT ALL HALLOWS…….P.11 UGANDA..…….P.13 INDIA FUNDRAISING…...P.15 MY INDIAN ADVENTURE – EMMA BAILEY ..…P.16 MUSIC FOR LIFE…….P.17 LET’S SING TOGETHER…...P.18 FORMER STUDENT’S VISIT REINFORCES DECISION TO TEACH…...P.19 YEAR 7 WELCOME SERVICE …...P.21 SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR AWARD…...P.22 CAFOD…….P.23 TRIP TO LONDON…...P.24 INTERNSHIPS Y12 2015…..P.25 MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING…...P.26 NEW ARRIVALS AT THE FARM……..P.27 RECOMMENDED READS…...P.29 MAN BOOKER AUTHOR EVENT…...P.31 STUDENT LEADERSHIP AT ALL HALLOWS…...P.32 ALPHA, OMEGA, PAX, ICTHUS – WHERE DO YOU BELONG?......P.32 JPII OFFICIAL OPENING…...P.33 EX-SILKMEN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE STAR …...P.35 SPORTS RESULTS…..P.37 MACCLESFIELD FOOTBALL ACADEMY…...P.39 STUDENTS SUCCESS……..P.41 PRAYER…….P.46 Did You Know?

This academic term in the Christian tradition is called Michaelmas. It is the term, which comes before the October break and is named after the Feast of St Michael and All Angels which falls in the 29th September. All of our terms are named after special Christian times or seasons. Michaelmas is followed

by Terms; Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Whitsun, Trinity.

02

The 2014 Ofsted inspection, praised the culture of high expectation at All Hallows, integrity and ambition, which students have once again proved inspectors’ judgment of ‘outstanding’ to be spot on by performing exceptionally well in a wide range of Advanced Level subjects. The sixty five students notched up an overall pass rate of 99.6% with 65% at the higher grades A*-B. 20% of all grades were A*, the highest grade at A Level.

These results mean that there is a very high rate of progression to university and a wide range of subject choices based on excellent experiences of subject teaching at A level. Teachers of Mathematics, Psychology and Art are particularly delighted with the large number of students progressing to university to study their subjects and the College is proud to have a large number of students progressing to universities well known for innovation and research. Principal, Tony Billings, said ‘We wish all our students the very best as they continue their academic studies, move into work or take up advanced level modern apprenticeships. They have been a wonderful group of young people to work with and they’ve made a great contribution as young leaders at All Hallows.’

The highest performing male student was Nathan Wanjau with 3 A levels at (A*AA) who will be reading Mathematics at Durham University, and the highest performing female student Harriet Pickup with 4 A Levels at (A*A*A*A) who will be reading Chemistry at Liverpool 03

University.

Harriet Pickup said “when I started sixth form I didn’t really want to take Chemistry A level, but now I am going to carry it on to study at University. Thanks to all the Chemistry teachers for all their help and support”.

Head Boy, Sean Maguiness 3 A levels (A*AB) and Head Girl Emma Kane 5 A Levels at (A*AABC) have performed superbly well alongside making an excellent contribution to the College in their leadership roles. Sean will be reading English Literature at Leeds University and Emma will be reading English Literature and History at Newcastle University.

Emma said that collecting her results was ‘such a relief!’ and that she ‘can’t wait to go to Newcastle and am so grateful to everyone at All Hallows who helped me get there’.

Sean added that ‘it feels incredible to achieve and exceed an aim that I had set for myself two years ago. Proving that hard work can go a long way, especially with the help of the fantastic staff at All Hallows’.

Michelle Garvey, Assistant Principal and Head of Sixth Form said ‘These students have served All Hallows admirably in their roles of Head Boy and Girl and have set the highest possible standards for leading others and representing the College at all events.’

Another team of high flyers, shown in the picture, deserve a special mention for their superb results in four or more subjects and the interesting array of subjects they are going to study at university: Finola Billings – (A*AA) studying English with Creative Writing at Nottingham University Orla Haigh – (AAB) studying Art and Design at Leeds University Callum Byrne – (A*A A) studying |Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores Lee Tayler – (Distinction*/ Distinction*/ Distinction) applying to the RAF In addition two of our Polish students achieved exceptionally high results. Klaudia Niemiec (A*A*A*) and Marysia Stefaniak (A*BC) both are going on to further study at University.

Overall, the vast majority of our students, have done superbly well and have met or exceeded their target grades – it’s a big well done to all and we wish all students continued success in the future.

04

Following on from a recent Ofsted inspection, which praised All Hallows’ students ‘consistently excellent attitudes to learning which create a desire to do outstandingly well’, Year 11 students have proved the inspectors’ judgment of ‘outstanding’ to be spot on by performing exceptionally well in a wide range of GCSE Level subjects. The 203 students notched up an overall pass rate of 76% for five or more A*-C passes with nearly 70% of students gaining five or more A*-C including both English and Mathematics. These results mean that there is a very high rate of progression to Advanced level Sixth Form studies. Principal, Tony Billings, said ‘We are delighted with our students’ results which are well above the nationally expected rates of progress in English and Mathematics. We are also delighted with results across the board which demonstrates how the College is providing a well-rounded education which helps all students reach their potential.’

The highest performing male student was James Musgrave with 12 GCSEs at A* and the highest performing female student was Rebecca Lynch with 10 GCSEs at A* and 2 at A. James said ‘I am on top of the world with my results. I would like to say a big thank you to my teachers for all their support. I’m looking forward to studying English, History, Philosophy and Mathematics in our Sixth Form.’

Special congratulations are due to students of all abilities for making good progress and especially to the following high flyers who gained 7 or more A*-A passes: Aidan Briggs, Roisin Conry, Darcy Fowler, Phoebe Geary, Charlotte Haigh, Nathan Haigh, Thomas Hamman, Jemima Hill, Aidan Hughes, Meghan Iveson, Alexander Jones, Jacob Kalnins, Rebecca Lynch, Louisa Mackintosh, Eddie Meehan, James Musgrave, Emma Nay, Lily Nye, Madeleine O’Connor, Niamh O’Sullivan, Sophie Parry, Emily Rafferty, Jacob Smith, Millie Stanier, Jamie Webster. A further 45% of students achieved five or more A*-B grades.

Some of our students achieved highly despite having extra challenges. Madeleine O’Connor gained 7A* and 4A’s despite breaking her collar bone just prior to the exams. She said ‘I am delighted with my results as I was determined that nothing would stop me from getting my target grades. I’m really looking forward to continuing my studies. The teachers at All Hallows are second to none and I love the College.’

As a specialist Business Enterprise and Language College, All Hallows is also proud of its results in Languages as it bucks the national trend both in terms of the number of Students taking languages and in the results. 75% of All Hallows students take at least one GCSE in a language chosen from French, German, Spanish, Latin and Mandarin. This year marks the first set of results in GCSE Chinese (Mandarin) which are exceptional with a pass rate of 87% at A*-C with 22% at A* -A. To the best of our knowledge All Hallows is 05

the only school in our area to offer such a wide range of languages, which also includes Mandarin. Mandarin is considered to be a major world business language and potentially gives these students a unique advantage in future employment.

In addition our EAL students achieved outstanding results, which include 11 GCSE’s for George Joseph and Aleksandra Walicka and 10 GCSEs achieved by both Michal Sienko and Julia Rosinska.

Aleksandra said ‘I am really pleased with my results, particularly my Art and English as I plan to study Art at College. I came to England in 2007, not able to speak any English, so to get a good grade at GCSE in both language and literature is wonderful. Thank you all the teachers who gave me so much support.’

Well done to the GCSE Class of 2015 for being exceptional performers and meeting or exceeding your challenging targets.

Have you spotted the two new logos being used on All Hallows letterhead? The revised All Hallows logo includes the St Chad’s Cross together with the sunrise from our traditional badge. These two symbols continue the traditional features of our badge and remind us of our Latin motto ‘Christi Crux Et Mea Lux’ which translates as ‘The cross of Christ is my light.’ The second logo is the purple Academy Trust logo, which includes a symbol of the Holy Family of Jesus with Mary and Joseph.

To date, four members of All Hallows Learning Community have now become voluntary academies and this style of logo is being used across each of the academy schools, each with its own badge in the centre of the St Chad’s Cross.

If you wish to find out more about the Holy Family Academy Trust and All Hallows Learning Community, follow this link: http://hfncat.ahcc.org.uk

06

All Hallows Catholic College is proud of its status as a Specialist Language College. In the UK there is a lack of language skills with only about half of students nationally taking a GCSE in languages and this figure is sadly currently in decline. The picture at All Hallows differs, with Languages at the College on the up, with nearly 80% of students taking a GCSE in languages and GCSE results in the subject on an impressive upward trend.

We were particularly pleased with our first cohort of students taking a GCSE in Mandarin this year where 87% of students achieved grades A*-C and five student s achieved grade A/A*. These students and all those with a GCSE in a language can be proud of their achievement and confident that they have a skill which is shared by few others. Apart from the obvious language skills it brings, having a GCSE in a language improves employment potential and success in university applications. Employers and recruiters are impressed by the resilience, determination, communication skills and cultural understanding this represents.

All Hallows offers five languages including; French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Latin. We work closely with our partner primary schools and, in nearly all cases, are able to ensure that students are able to continue learning the language they studied at primary school at All Hallows.

Our next step as a department is to increase significantly the time that the language students are learning is used as the natural means of communication. This means teachers using French, German, Spanish or Mandarin throughout lesson to develop students’ listening skills, increase their vocabulary and of course their own ability to speak the language. This will require perseverance, concentration and resilience on behalf of both students and teachers. Wish us luck!

We are always keen to hear the views of parents and students on this subject. Please email a.harrison@allhallows.org.uk

07

KOREAN VISITORS COME TO ALL HALLOWS

Thursday, 15 October 2015 saw the arrival at All Hallows of a party of 10 visitors from Korea, together with a translator who lives in the UK. Julie Thorpe and Steve Kingman of The Cooperative College joined together to select All Hallows for the visitors who were particularly interested in their work with schools and had asked if they could arrange a visit to a school that is well established in delivering enterprise education. Jane Lynch, Faculty Leader in Enterprise organised a packed programme for the visitors who were amazed at the wealth of enterprise activities The College is involved in. Students Oliver Franklin and Dominic Cook led a tour of the outdoor enterprises, whilst James Bradbury worked with his team of Go Shop assistants to give them an insight into the stationery retail function of The College and The Stalls Project. The real strength of the visit was the students ability to convey their excitement and enthusiasm for all they do whilst at the same time talking through an interpreter. Sixth Form students Megan Royle and Harry Jaques also joined the party as they toured the Business and Enterprise classrooms meeting Y8 and Y12 students and looking at classroom and corridor displays. All the students involved in the visit were a real credit to The College and they were genuinely moved when the visitors finally had to leave with the many kind and appreciative comments that came their way. Myungshin Kim, Head of Seoul School Co-op Promotions Team, presented the students with some gifts from Korea as a thank you for hosting the visit.

08

At the end of July, the thought that 'school's out for summer' was not on the mind of all, as many pupils woke up and got ready willingly and happily on the Monday of the first full week of the holidays to take part in either a one week or a two week summer school programme.

Several of the students were the new Year 7 wanting a head start in learning at All Hallows and the opportunity to engage in a range of fun learning activities, meet some of their teachers and make new friends. Other included some Year 5 and 6 pupils, some of whom have been attending for a few years now who cannot wait to get to All Hallows, plus a number of new children enjoying the experience for the first time.

A range of fun, exciting activities were on offer including; Music Theatre - a music and drama project which led to a full scale fantastic production of Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies at the end of each week. Plenty of knights, fights and footlights!

Farm and Craft Skills - outdoor learning, including a forest visit and animal based activities, getting up close to pigs, goats, snakes and many more animals including the star of the farm, our famous larma Vinny.

Bake and Make - wonderful smells and wonderful foods including a range of sweet and savoury items.

How jealous we felt when we saw this group taking their baked goodies home for tea each evening.

Animate and Create - marvellous creations using the Mac suite including animation, graphics, 3D printing and product design.

Film and Media - pupils became film directors for the week, writing, directing and filming their own short films. A film premier was organised complete with popcorn and ice cream.

Dance - dance routines including modern street and contemporary were practised, polished and perfected and then choreographed into a superb performance to an invited audience of very proud parents, grandparents, siblings et al.

The summer school experience was enjoyed by the students and the staff alike.

We were really blessed to have a number of external deliverers join us as well as our own teachers to run the sessions. They all commented on the wonderful attitude and enthusiasm of the students who attended.

09

As one students said ' I love coming to All Hallows for my summer holiday!'

Perhaps we should think about a beach party for next year!! If you have any suggestions for future summer school activities please do let us know. Look out for further information for the summer 2016 programme and book early to avoid disappointment.

On Thursday 1st October the cast and technical crew (of 2) visited the Contact TheatreManchester to see the venue in which they will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The show will be performed in the contemporary main space on Thursday 5th November. If you are unable to catch it there then you can also see it here at All Hallows on Friday 6 th November at 7pm.

The cast mainly spent their time rehearsing technique, focussing on the language of the text and working with the very experienced members of The Shakespeare Schools’ Company. I think a highlight for them all was the fact we went to McDonalds for lunch but, aside from that, they all had a great and beneficial few hours working their way through this abridged version of the text.

The feedback was extremely positive, all students really enjoyed the day, Sam Craig and Dan Hulme from Year 13 thought the experience was “rewarding and challenging”. “We loved the chance to rehearse at the Theatre, it brought home the fact that we got to perform in a professional setting”.

Nica Reyes said it was an experience she “loved” and asked “Will we get to do this again next year?”

Our technical team- Dominic Cook and Oliver Franklin got to have a ‘real life’ production meeting and were talked through the various lighting stages and sound effects they were able to use on the night. They were shown cue sheets and prepped for the big day. Both boys thought the experience was “really interesting” and Oliver said “It was good to actually see the space and discuss lighting states in a real theatrical setting, it’s a professional venue so there’s a lot to think about, it will certainly be a challenge”.

So- all that’s left to do now is get the actors OFF SCRIPT….and of course put ‘bottoms’ on seats.

Please help us out by buying your ticket to see A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM @ The Contact Theatre ManchesterOr from reception at All Hallows £5

10

Students from All Hallows have taken advantage of a range of opportunities this year to learn outside of the history classroom. In November, sixth form students Victoria Rathmill and Mary Walsh visited Auschwitz in Poland shortly before the 70th anniversary of the death camp being liberated by the Red Army. The students found the experience incredibly profound and humbling, and could not believe the brutality and scale of the murder that took place there. Victoria commented, ‘We have learnt about the Holocaust in lessons this year but nothing prepares you for how Auschwitz affects you. I could not believe why anybody could do this.’

Before Christmas, 60 GCSE history students visited Berlin, supporting their learning of Nazi Germany.

During the four-day visit, students visited Sachensenhausen concentration camp which brought to life the Nazi apparatus of terror, helping the students realise why it was so difficult to oppose the Nazis with the constant threat of the Gestapo. Other key attractions were visiting the Olympic Stadium where African-American runner Jesse Owen won Gold in front of German crowds during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Students also visited The Reichstag Parliament, which was burnt down in February 1933, giving Hitler and the Nazis the excuse to arrest and detain 3,000 Communist opponents. Speaking of the visit, Chloe Priest commented, ‘I loved visiting the Olympic Stadium as we had a tour and then were able to explore the stadium, learning about interesting stories of Jesse Owen at the 1936 Olympics.’

11

Commemorating the centenary of the First World War, two year 10 students, Charlie Cowburn and George Croker attended a visit to the battlefields of Belgium in February.

Charlie and George paid their respects at Thiepval Memorial and Tyne Cott memorial, where they found the names of Macclesfield soldiers such as Jack Stanier, who had left Macclesfield a hundred years earlier to fight and give their lives in the Great War. We held a short service in Jack’s memory at Thiepval Memorial in honour his life and service. The students also met soldiers and veterans who had fought in Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan and they learnt how modern warfare compares to warfare a century ago. Charlie remarked of the experience, ‘It was a fantastic experience to visit the battlefields of Belgium exactly a hundred years after the start of the First World War. The tours of the battlefields were especially interesting, particularly learning directly from veterans who reflected on their own experiences. It’s something I will never forget.’

And in July Sixth Form students at All Hallows visited London to learn what being a citizen in the United Kingdom really means. Twenty six students walked the corridors of power in the Houses of Parliament on the day Chancellor George Osborne delivered the first Conservative budget in almost two decades. After a tour of the Houses of Parliament, students experienced what it would be like to chair a Parliamentary Select Committee with their Member of Parliament, David Rutley. David took answers from the students across a range of themes from his role of MP, and what bought him into politics, to the regeneration of Macclesfield town centre and his support for dairy farming families within our College.

Furthermore, as well as experiencing the London underground, students enjoyed the hustle and bustle of court proceedings at the Old Bailey Crown Court.

Overall it has been a very successful year for students in History and school trips have played an important role in allowing our students to extend and enrich their classroom learning.

History may be the study of the past but at All Hallows we agree with Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote that 'the more you know about the past, the better prepared we are for our future.'

12

How can I sum up all the sights and sounds of the part of Uganda that I saw? Without over writing and taking up the whole of the Aspire Magazine, I can’t! Twelve people, who mostly did not know each other met at Manchester Airport. With many many bags donated by Chrome Motors in Macclesfield and filled with knitted hats and jumpers, medical supplies, assorted clothing and craft material made the long flight to Entebbe Airport. We were all from different denominations and different parts of the UK and, all except two of the group, visiting Maria’s Care for the first time.

We arrived, tired but excited, into blue skies and baking sun, red dust and a dodgy vehicle, which were to be the marks of our stay. Travelling to Entebbe Village we passed through the capital Kampala with its towering buildings, advertising hoardings along the road, traffic queues and shopping malls, until on the fringes of the city we came to our hotel via a traditional Ugandan village with huts made of tree branches and mud and thatched rooves, goats and chickens wandering about and the first of the cries of “Bazungu” (White person) which we would get used to wherever we went outside Kampala and Jinga.

After visiting some of the former pupils of Maria’s Care who made a special trip to Kampala to share lunch with us, and to record their experiences for the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of CRU, we travelled to Jinga where we were able to visit the Mission Hospital and visit the maternity unit and other wards. Here we were able to distribute the first of the many things we had brought with us, and to hear about the work of the hospital and future plans to bring it up to a higher standard. There was a very impressive project working with people who were HIV positive to help them live with the condition and take precautions to ensure that they did not pass the virus to others. We were also able to visit the training centre for nurses and midwives. Although there is a Government Hospital in Jinga, the Mission Hospital is the one that deals with all the difficult cases and the poorest people. We also shared worship with the congregation at the Victoria Baptist Church in Jinga, a beautiful octagonal building with stained glass in the windows and the words to the choruses on a screen! We listened to a good sermon preached by a visiting Pastor, shared the peace and heard testimony about the work of God in people’s everyday lives. It was different and yet the same worshipping God in another place.

Then on to Kamuli, and Maria’s Care school. The main work of the trip was to run a Holiday Bible Club for the children in the school. There are still a number of orphaned children at the school (it started as an orphanage) who board there, as well as children from villages nearby who come as day pupils and a specialist unit for deaf children. Currently the roll of the school is around 160 children, and 130 of them were there to share in the activities.

Each day began with a Bible story about Jesus on the lake; in a country which borders Lake Victoria, the children were able to imagine the scenes in the stories. Following this we sang together and then took part in activities, crafts, parachute games, music and team sports. The children were divided into groups, and each group went round in turn to the activities with their leader. I led a group, where my name was temporarily Tug not to confuse the children (or the group) as there was another Rachel; I had about 18 deaf children in my group of around 36 children, and by the 13

end of the week had learned a fair few signs, some of which were British Sign Language and some a Ugandan variant. As the language for teaching and administration is English, the rest of the group had an easier time! The week, among the children, accompanied by the Head teacher, Mr Dan and his deputy, Mr Fred, was a really happy time; with teachers joining in as well as the children, eager to join in with all that we had planned. The favoured activity was craft – glitter everywhere – followed by parachute games which were a complete novelty for them. Mr Dan even learned to play the recorder along with the music group. Each person in the group had their own particular gifts to offer, and each of us had also brought money to finance particular things that the school needed. We were able to pay for teacher training workshops, the fees for this year’s exams, furniture for the “dining room”, a television and DVD player for the deaf unit so that children could watch signed lessons on top of pencils and exercise books for children in all the classes as the new term begins.

Outside the gates of Maria’s Care, we visited villages and saw the everyday life of most of the people – tilling their plot of land, collecting water, selling their produce by the side of the road, or in the market place. Maria’s Care has a bore hole so that the children have fresh, clean water, some villages have pumps and wells, but some collect water from a spring or pool, and we saw adults and children with their jerry cans taking water from a muddy stream where cows and goats were drinking. Even very small children had to carry their share of the water, sometimes quite a distance. In these places, further away from the main roads (made of baked earth), there were children who had not seen white people before and who wanted to touch us to make sure that we were real!

After a service at a church in Kamuli we were treated by a true feast at the Pastor’s home where traditional food – including goat stew – was served and was surprisingly very tasty! This was a huge honour for us and we all ate each dish. That particular part of Uganda (in the south east) is mostly Christian so we all felt relatively comfortable, but there are still many places where the Gospel has not been heard and traditional forms of religion are practised so the Minister in our group and the Ugandan Pastor were planning many possible Mission ideas. In the north there is a large Muslim presence and there are some Muslims and a mosque in Kamuli.

All too soon, we were on our way back to Jinga and Entebbe, with two days of being tourists – visiting the source of the Nile, bird spotting along its banks and shopping at the markets and small enterprises along the main street.

Returning home, we brought back only a few of the Chrome Motors bags, having left nearly everything we took with us in Uganda. Twelve strangers became friends through our shared experience and we are all in contact through a special group on Facebook. There are plans to visit others in the group and hopes of returning to Uganda in the future but for now I will use my experience to help me in life and keep the memories in my heart.

By Rachel Tugwood 14

Since the beginning of September 2014 All Hallows has raised a considerable amount of money to help the clinic in India, by doing a range of activities, cake sales and simply donating. Over the last year we have raised £6893. This has helped improve so many lives and will continue in the future. A massive thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed in so many ways.

Two of our Sixth Form pupils have been busy raising money for their trip to the India Clinic in 2016. They have been very well supported by the members of the Faith Council, of which they are also a part. On this most recent occasion they have been busy with a very successful cake sale. The range of cakes and quality of cakes was fantastic! and we owe a huge thank you to all those who helped to bake and buy the cakes. In total the cakes raised in excess of a massive £150.

This has kick-started the Sixth Form students travels to assist in the India Clinic with real gusto. More fund-raising ideas will be necessary but knowing you are all behind our cause is hugely appreciated.

Thanks to and from the Faith Council and especially George Joseph and Niamh O’Sullivan.

Dear students Yesterday, the Doctor Eye specialist and team from Aravind Eye hospital, a famous eye hospital in Theni , visited us in Manalathukudisai and has planned for an Eye camp for the people of that area. They were happy about the infrastructure (hospital building) for the camp. God bless the children who contributed it. When we have that I will send the photos of it and a short write up. Your children should be very proud of the project here.

I am looking forward for to your College visiting us again in February 2016 Lots of love SR Dr Pushpam

15 11

ALUMNI INDIAN ADVENTURE – EMMA BAILEY Since leaving All Hallows, Emma Bailey has graduated and qualified as a Registered General Nurse.

She has spent six weeks volunteering with the community in India. Emma has brought us her unique insights into how our project is making a difference to the lives of people in Varusunadu and surrounding areas by sending us regular blog updates for our website on her progress and experiences.

As a former student of All Hallows, Emma along with all her fellow students helped raise money to fund the first phase of the College’s India Clinic project. The clinic is now in it’s third phase and plans are being made for the future improvements and possible expansion.

Please follow the link to view her blog in full— http://www.allhallows.org.uk/indian-blog/

MUSIC TECH BOOST FOR ALL HALLOWS STUDENTS Music Technology at All Hallows continues to go from strength to strength with new investment in computers and software for the Mac Suite. Over the summer holidays the music room has been transformed from having 14 workstations to one per child for most classes. The iMacs, all boasting the latest software are available for all students from Year 7 upwards. Logic Pro X is a complete recording and MIDI production studio with everything a pro musician needs to write, record, edit and mix like never before. It comes with a massive collection of instruments and effect plug-ins. The sound library provides thousands of patches and apple loops created by top sound designers. All of this, combined with our brilliant recording studio, set up with top of the range microphones, allows for even greater recording and music, enabling more possibilities than ever before. Students in the Sixth Form are now able to access industry standard equipment and sounds, preparing them for a career in music and allowing them to get a head start in what is a very competitive industry.

Mr Richardson, our Music Technology Specialist, said: “We would like to thank the IT Support and Site teams, who have all worked tirelessly with us to ensure as smooth as possible a start to the new academic year with the new technology.”

16 16

MUSIC FOR LIFE Wednesday 26th September saw an exciting music workshop day, culminating in an evening concert attended by over 90 students. Three different ensembles were formed under professional tuition throughout the day with: Samba drumming, choral singing and big band Jazz all going on.

Led by our very own Rosie Douglas, the choral ensemble worked with a live band and practised hard, learning lots of new repertoire. In the evening concert they showed they had mastered a number of tricky modern songs including ‘Titanium’ and ‘Don’t Stop’ by Five Seconds of Summer and “Pompeii” by Bastille.

The Big Band music included solos from lots of the students, playing classics such as Watermelon Man and other lesser well know songs such as Mas Que Nada.

Samba drumming is traditionally a vibrant and complex drum band usually heard at carnivals. The carnival atmosphere was truly invoked at All Hallows with pupils, led by drum teacher Stevie Oates putting on a fine display. Controlled by a whistle, the only way to be heard over the noise, they set about a lively performance. Rhythmically together and visibly enthused, the pupils put on a great show.

Alastair McWilliam, Director of Music for Life, commented on the day by saying, "It is always a pleasure for me personally to come in to All Hallows Catholic College to work alongside such a wonderful team of Music teachers and such great students. Everyone is so welcoming, students are attentive, polite and enthusiastic and the workshops are always hugely enjoyable, combining serious learning with the joy that comes from making such good music. Thanks to all who took part.The concert at the end of the day was a real testament to what was achieved during the workshops and was a credit to all student musicians who took part can't wait to do it again soon!"

Our students were a credit to the College and worked with a maturity beyond their years, showing just how professional they could be when collaborating with ‘real’ musicians

17

LET’S SING TOGETHER

On the evenings of Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st October we had our first ever musical showcase, with all of Year 7 involved!

All half term, year 7 had been working on singing in class, developing their vocal and performing skills.

Each class was given two songs to learn with the aim of performing them on stage in the concert. With songs ranging from Take That’s Rule the world to Phil Collins’ You’ll be in my Heart the concerts were varied and interesting. At the end of the evening, all the students assembled on stage for a performance of Michael Jackson’s Heal the World. With some of our own Music staff making up the band, and over 100 pupils singing, the sound had to be heard to be believed! In fact it was so loud, it could probably be both heard and believed in Congleton!

Miss Elliott, Head of Music, said “I commend the effort and enthusiasm shown by all the pupils, and I hope that their visible love of music continues throughout their time at All Hallows. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Special mention must go to our program cover design competition winners; Elanor Malyan, Annabel Horrocks, Luke St Leger, Ebony Watt, Tom Mason and Rian Martin, well done all.

18 18

Former Student’s Visit Reinforces Decision to Teach The Principal’s son, Nathaniel Billings, reflects on his time at All Hallows, his recent work as a cover supervisor and his decision to train as a Secondary Teacher of English. Nathaniel graduated from Sheffield Hallam University this summer with a BA Honours (2:1) in English Language.

I wasn’t overly interested in pursuing a teaching career until about a year ago. Volunteering in primary and secondary schools, combined with training for the TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate, made me realise that teaching was an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable profession. Having experienced teaching across a variety of ages, I chose secondary as my desired career path, with English as my subject, as I felt this is where I could have the largest impact and influence on students’ learning. Having just completed my English Language degree, it seemed to just be a case of waiting around until my Teacher Training (PGCE), begins in September in Sheffield.

However, with a month remaining of term for most schools, I decided to throw myself in at the deep end and become a Cover Supervisor at All Hallows Catholic College. Having attended the College as a student, and achieved highly thanks to the superb teaching staff, I wanted to give back to the College, as well as gain more classroom experience in preparation for my training. At first it was very strange seeing the College from the perspective of the teaching staff, and even stranger that the teachers who once taught me were now my colleagues. I did, though, quickly adapt to my new role and all the teaching staff were as welcoming and supportive as I remember them being when I was a student. One of the first things I noticed was that there is a real sense of togetherness between all the staff; teaching and associate. This is vital in order to deliver the best educational experience possible for the students.

This experience has been fantastic for me personally. I’ve taught a range of subjects from Computer Science to Art and even Maths, which has sometimes been very challenging, yet enjoyable. I hope this will 19

help me to appreciate and be involved with the whole of school-life when I am a teacher, and not just my own subject. The opportunity, this College has given me, has reinforced my decision to go into teaching, improving all my skills including my pastoral care, understanding SEN, and my classroom management. Now I’ve got to look forward to the planning and marking!

Nathaniel Billings, BA (Hons)

20

Year 7 Service of Welcome—an evening of Aspirations and Inspiration.

‘Inspired’ was how one visitor expressed his reaction to having witnessed a multi-talented presentation by Year 7 students at a Welcome Service to mark their entry to their academic life at All Hallows Catholic College.

Family and visitors alike, in a packed College Assembly Hall, were treated to an evening of joy and aspirations by talented Year 7 students who put in to words, drama, dance and song what it means to be a part of the All Hallows community.

After a warm welcome from 7 John Paul II, 7 Josephine Bakhita, recalled memories of their Liverpool Hope University experience, 7 Padre Pio enlightened us as to how Blessed Oscar Romero and other notable Christians had, over the years, lived out our College values and 7 Abbé Pierre put into perspective what it means to be a believer in God. The Year 7 Dance Company delighted us with an energetic piece around the theme of graffiti, which encompassed flowing movement and dynamic dance moves. 7 Theodore Rhomzha reminded us as to how we can put our faith and College values into action through a modern adaption of the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ (Man City/Utd. fans take note!), 7 Bernadette Soubirous brought alive the miracle of Lourdes, and 7 Sophie Scholl who pulled it all together by revealing the essence of the All Hallows College values.

The whole evening was filled with prayer and song, particularly the Bidding Prayers by 7 Thérèse of Lisieux and the beautiful music from the College Choir led by Mr Andrews.

Our thanks go to all the hard work by the Year 7 students and their tutors, to the Y7 Dance Company and College Choir, to Fr Peter Burke and to all other students and members of staff who gave of their time to help make the evening a great success.

Newly formed Inspire Choir gave their first public performance at the Year 7 Service of Welcome on the 28th September. Over 26 pupils performed with confidence, leading the hymns and encouraging all present to join in the worship. Their first solo item of the year was heard during the handing out of prayer cards.

They sang a piece with lyrics written by our own choral director Mr Andrews and music composed by Karl Jenkins. Although the music was in 3 parts, they performed with accuracy and confidence. Mr Andrews said “I commend the effort put in by all the pupils at the start of the new term,” adding “I was proud to direct them today.” Special mention must go to: Gemma Barnshaw, Emily Glyn, Jasmine Amos, Millie Riseley, Izzy Reid, Steph Atkins and Isabella Dronsfield for confidently holding a beautiful, but very high descant line.

21

Year 7 dancers showed immeasurable amounts of confidence during the Year 7 Service of Welcome on Thursday 1st October.

Sienna Carnell, Millie Ellison-Bradshaw, James Martin, Francesca Mauro, Yazmin Smith and Alex Opelt performed a Street Dance style routine, based on the expressive art of graffiti.

This term, year 7 students have been studying the shapes, lines, colours and effects of graffiti art, and learning how to translate them into a Dance. Students have also held discussions, debating whether graffiti is artwork or vandalism.

It took a lot of courage to perform in front of a crowd that size, but it didn’t stop the 6 students from wowing the audience. Well done!

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER: DANNY TOWNS (CHROME MOTORS) The Silk FM Radio Local Hero Awards Ceremony was held on Friday 16 October 2015 at The Tytherington Club in Macclesfield. Amongst the 12 categories of winners was The Award for Social Enterprise sponsored by All Hallows Catholic College: The Social Enterprise of the Year Award recognises businesses with a social conscience. Whether the business promotes social justice through fair trade , eco-responsibility and environmental awareness or supports a local social enterprise for the benefit of the community.

Danny Towns was presented with the Award, joined by members of his team from Chrome together with two sixth form students, Megan Royle studying The Subsidiary Diploma in Business and Harry Jaques studying Economics and Business in The Faculty headed up by Mrs Lynch at All Hallows. Danny, himself an ex-Business student of All Hallows and former student of Mrs Lynch was delighted with The Award which in particular recognised all the work he does in the local community, sponsoring sports events and offering paid internships to students. Megan herself completed a 6 week paid internship with Chrome Motors this summer and now continues to work with Danny on a part-time basis as she continues her studies.

The whole evening turned into a fantastic celebration of social enterprise and many other initiatives and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Musical entertainment was provided by students from All Hallows.

22

CAFOD HUMANITARIAN AID WORKER IN SYRIA “Probably wise to leave your Union Jack beach towel at home!” Alan Thomlinson (CAFOD Humanitarian Aid Worker) Alan Thomlinson, currently working for CAFOD providing humanitarian aid in Syria, was a welcome speaker in College on 30th September 2015 when he spoke at length to Year 13. This formed a part of their General Religious Education studies.

Not only is this particularly topical but it has the ability to be a polarising topic when coming to the question of finding a solution to the Syrian crisis. Alan was able to give his take on the crisis from a personal perspective both his and some of the young people he has come across during his time working there. Our students and guests were highly respectful and given the opportunity to ask questions and participate in the talk throughout.

However, Alan began the talk asking the students if they had ever considered working for CAFOD. Taking this to another level when he asked if they ever thought about working in a conflict situation. When he embellished on this train of thought he pointed out that the environment they work in may be poor, dangerous, mostly non-Christian and provoked the students to consider what they would need to take with them or to do ahead of going. In so doing he identified some of the needs and conditions of the people living in these environments and what they are experiencing on a daily basis.

It led the students to recognise that injections would be needed to combat the infections that existed; clothes appropriate for both climate and culture (particularly appropriate to the ladies in the audience); medical training which included dealing with gunshots, burns and car accidents. This helped to highlight that often the road systems had collapsed and cars were less than safe from our perspective; identifying that on top of all this, the medical system may have collapsed too.

He helped us to appreciate that often research needed to be carried out to understand fully the history of the combat, why were they fighting? Who was fighting who and why? If bombs are dropping, do you agree with it?

Finally, if they know you are British or European would you be hurt or taken as a political move? He jokingly added that it was probably wise to leave the Union Jack beach towel at home; but all present knew it was no laughing matter!

He ran through his approach of the basics of working in an emergency. This began for him with assessing the situation from a food point of view. Asking what food do the people need and is it appropriate? He gave an example of a wellintentioned organisation who provided sardines but with no means for the people to open the cans. What number of calories are needed and what is it the people will eat? He also helped us to recognise that it was important to get the food to the right people – an obvious point perhaps, but the phrase “truck and chuck” often has resulted in the fittest, young men getting the food when the weakest and, arguably, most in need have to go without. This is when the fights start and it rapidly becomes a situation out of control. So coordination of agencies is often required; who is doing what for whom?

Amongst other thought-provoking points he also identified that quality and accountability of charity work is now also being measured. Whether this be on how long someone needs to wait in line for clean water or healthcare.

Alan explained the differences between the natural disaster emergencies and those more complex emergency situations, such as Syria. Here where deaths, killings, injuries, repeated displacements are ongoing and the people are naturally insecure about where they are going to live, their society is broken down and everything is being destroyed.

Alan also highlighted that there is the added risks of food drops being targeted by the aggressors with bombings in busy market places and safety of self and the people Alan is there to help is a priority yet not welcomed by all. For instance, if some perceive you as a politically motivated worker they will not welcome you e.g. educating women or handing out Bibles.

Alan gave some examples of young people who had been displaced. Often these people just want their old lives back; to see their family and friends, to go to school, to have fresh clothes and, increasingly more painfully to hear, from Graham (aged 10) who wanted to know where his father was. Krist (aged 13) was kidnapped with his family, tortured, robbed, threatened and as a family fled for their lives; now uncertain when they will get to go home. Finally Hussein (aged 23

10) who couldn’t understand what they had done to deserve any of it; the bombs dropping when they fled, leaving their home, friends and animals and living now with seven people in a squashed single room – grateful for the colouring pencils to keep them occupied. Those who have tents to live in are freezing in winter and scorching in summer. For those who have seen the news reports showing tents with satellite dishes, please be aware, this technology is used to establish safe routes should they need to flee.

Approximately four years ago school pupils had to flee their homes and education; their futures now uncertain and filled with worry not least about when they are doing their GCSE equivalent for a future.

So when people ask “why are they fleeing to Britain?”, we might recognise that as English is a language widely spoken that England is a place that has a stable economy, stable life, stable society and is a place parents see as possibly providing the best opportunities for their families with a sense that they will not be able to return home any time soon.

Alan did point out that small things were happening. Villages were making in-roads to peace. Where the villagers are not prepared to put up with the fighting any more. If it can happen on a small scale, there is hope it can happen wider.

When asked “what can we do in Macclesfield?” Alan replied that we can be aware of what actually is happening in Syria; aware of the needs of the refugees. He pointed us to the CAFOD website to help us to be able to find out more; to follow some of the initiatives that are ongoing and potentially do-able from the comfort of our home. In addition, there is a fun run in Bollington on 28 December 2015 in which all proceeds go to the refugees. Please see www.tinyurl.com/BollyFunRun for more details should you wish to take part and show your support in running off that turkey and Christmas pudding.

TRIP TO LONDON In July, the Performing Arts Department took 35 students to London for an overnight stay. Our first stop was at Pineapple Dance Studios, where students participated in a fast-paced Stage Combat workshop, followed by a Q&A session with the cast of Les Miserable (whilst Mr Richardson and Mr Slobodian went in search of Louis Spence!!).

After free time and lunch in Covent Garden, we made our way to Drury Lane to be stunned by the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was a spectacular array of lighting, set design and singing, which had the students in awe.

We arrived at the hotel, which was situated right next to the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral. Little did we know that the Cathedral’s bells would chime every 15 minutes- even through the night!!!

On the second day, we were taken back in time to historic London to have a glimpse at what life was like. We

experienced life as citizens during the time of The Plague, Jack the Ripper and Guy Fawkes gunpowder plot. Most students left the dungeons without a voice, after screaming so much.

The trip was action-packed and tiring, but was a huge success and all of the students and staff had a great time. Needless to say, the coach was very quiet on the return journey!

24

JACK HUTCHINSON Over the summer holidays I completed a four week paid internship at the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. My internship was based at the Macclesfield site which is mainly based on research and development, however there are packing halls and production lines as well. On the first day I had to attend a health and safety briefing then I was informed of what I would have to do throughout the internship. I was tasked with writing reports on topics such as water leak management as there are thousands of different pipes on site with losses being recorded on the sites water balance, ground remediation and on the soft services help desk which is operated by a third party company-Sodexo. At the end of the experience I also had to create a presentation which was delivered to a number of high ranking AstraZeneca and Career Ready workers. I feel the whole experience has served me well and has given me new skills, some as simple as being able to answer an email formally to then being able to present a formal presentation. These skills and this experience will help me with university applications which I am pressing on with but also in the world of work. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I would like to thank everyone involved.

OLIVER BOWDEN For my Career Ready internship I completed a 4 week paid internship with AstraZeneca in the Human Resources Department. I worked specifically with the benefits team in Alderley Park. At the beginning of my internship I was nervous as it was my first experience in a proper work environment. But as I got used to the work place I enjoyed the experience more and more. I touched on all areas of benefits during my experience. I also prepared information for meetings with benefits providers for AZ. During my internship I also worked with pay role for all of AZ. The30 page document I produced on this showed the difference in pay based on gender, location and grade.

This is important to AZ as they cannot be seen to be discriminating against women and it was interesting to see the breakdown of pay across gender. I am limited, however, to how much I can say as a lot of the information I had access to and used is classified to AZ. In my last few days of working at AZ I knew I was going to miss the work environment I had become a part of. The experience was extremely useful and enjoyable and has encouraged me to consider an apprenticeship rather than university after A Levels. However I am still undecided.

MEGAN ROYLE During the summer, I was lucky enough to get a placement at the car dealership Chrome Motors, where I stayed for 6 weeks. Whilst there, I learnt a lot about how the motor industry works. I spent the first week preparing for a football tournament that Chrome were holding for local teams within the community. I helped with the marketing side of this event and also helped with the setup and running of the event. Towards the end of the placement, I also took on an administrative role, where I took on a lot of the sales-based paperwork. The placement developed a lot of basic skills I previously lacked such as speaking to customers in the showroom and confidently answering phone calls. I now have a part-time job at Chrome Motors which I have settled into well and am enjoying very much. The internship was definitely beneficial for me as it gave me an insight into a business environment, helping to confirm which direction I would like to steer my future towards.

25

HARRY JAQUES My internship experience with The Lloyds Bank Group I completed a 6 week paid internship for Lloyd’s Banking Group. I worked directly for Halifax in Crewe. At first I was anxious as I was working quite far from home and I didn’t know my surroundings very well. However, I was very welcomed and on my 3rd day I travelled to Liverpool to talk to students about banking in general and opportunities at Halifax, this was nerve wracking but built my confidence and public speaking skills. As well as this I was involved in all departments of the bank, including the front desk, counter and interview rooms and I was lucky enough to observe multiple meetings between the banking consultants and customers. I was also given the responsibility of balancing the ATM and IDM machines along with another member of staff which meant I was counting large sums of money daily. I also conducted weekly security tests on the branch and on my final week presented the results to the senior branch managers in the area. This was an unforgettable experience that I am very grateful for and it will undoubtedly be very useful to me when I apply for apprenticeships after I have finished my A levels.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

£376.89 (including gift aid)

At All Hallows the staff and Sixth Form students were pleased to support the 'Biggest Coffee Morning' raising £376.89 (including gift aid) and enjoying the cakes and company this provided. More than one in three people get cancer. Statistically speaking we will all know someone who has been diagnosed and therefore have some experience of the challenges sufferers face. Macmillan's motto is that 'No one should face this alone.' Macmillan nurses offer the care and support for patients and their families from the point of diagnosis They offer far more than medical intervention, supporting families emotionally, practically and financially. Macmillan cancer care is a force for change, listening to people affected by cancer and working to improve their care experience.

26

NEW ARRIVALS IN THE FARM

This time of year on the farm tends to be fairly quiet. Although on a commercial sheep farm, the tups would be going in with the ewes, we have no plans for lambs in the foreseeable future as our grazing is so limited.

Over the summer though, the mound of soil excavated when the new astropitch was laid has been grassed and fenced.

This has given us some much better grazing and the sheep particularly are enjoying the viewpoint from the top of the mound.

The area has been split into two small paddocks so that we can rotate livestock as required. This means that we now have three paddocks on the far side of the sports field, plus the area that was originally fenced for the llama. This has also now been split into two with the intention of restricting the ponies to a small dry area with access to their stable over the winter. Hopefully this will help prevent poaching in the new paddocks.

The grazing is standing up much better than our previous areas as it isn’t overshadowed by trees. This means that the paddocks on the steep bank by the Fisher building will now just be grazed occasionally by the ponies to keep the grass down and we will no longer need to graze anything there long term.

We have bought a couple of “Calf Kennels” as shelters for the new paddocks. They are currently waiting to be built as they arrived as flat packs…if we have any parents who would like to volunteer to help put these up we would be very grateful!

Since we are now running BTEC Animal Management at both level 2 & level 3, we have a couple of new additions to our exotic animal species. During the Summer, I went down to a ferret rescue in Rugely and the school adopted a pair of female (jill) ferrets. I chose to adopt a pair of older girls as they have been very well handled and are very friendly. Young ferrets are extremely playful and have a tendency to nip like a kitten or puppy would. Although they rapidly learn not to, it can be a bit off putting for novice handlers. The girls, which we’ve named Hermione and Luna, are well past that stage but remain very playful.

Ferrets are a domestic animal, but they are related to polecats, stoats, weasels, and badgers. They are obligate carnivores (i.e., they can only eat meat) and like all carnivores they are innately playful, curious and active. They enjoy being handled and coming out to play in the area we have made for them…and they are proving very popular with the students.

They have a (largely unjustified) reputation for biting, and indeed, if you are bitten properly by a ferret you are going to know about it! A well-handled and properly fed ferret is very unlikely to bite though, in fact they make much better pets for younger children than rabbits because they 27

don’t mind being dangled! Where a rabbit will kick ferociously if it feels it isn’t being held securely, ferrets normally just go limp. They do have sharp claws which they would naturally use to get a rabbit out of a hiding place, but they don’t purposefully use them to scratch people and they lack the immensely powerful back legs that mean a rabbit can do so much damage.

Like all animals, if they are frightened or hurt they will of course defend themselves, but they are generally very tolerant and are normally less likely to bite than a hamster!

In America (and this country as well) they are hugely popular as house pets. They can be litter trained, don’t chew cables or the woodwork and love to curl up on the sofa for a nap! On the down side, they can get into the most improbable spaces, will dig up all your house plants….and they do have a certain “musk”! This is something that bothers some people, and in America it is routine to have ferrets “descented”. This is illegal in this country for welfare reasons…but you can give them a bath! Both male and female ferrets come into breeding season, and during this time they are much smellier. If you are going to keep a ferret as a house pet, it is very advisable to get it neutered for this reason if for no other! In addition, jill ferrets will stay in season until they are mated. If this doesn’t happen, then it is likely to result in an infection which can be fatal. Although there are a couple of ways of bringing a jill ferret out of season, spaying is probably the best.

These are really very minor negative points though, and don’t detract from the fact that a well-cared for ferret is a delightful creature! There are some great videos of ferrets playing on YouTube; take a minute to have a look!

Can I just remind all of our new year 7s that we run a number of clubs involving the animals.

Farm Club: every day at break 1 we go out and feed the farm animals and make sure they are OK. If anyone is interested in helping with this, they should come to the main Science prep room to sign up. And would those of you who have already signed up PLEASE check the rota on the garden shed door to see what day you should come….

Animal Care: This runs on a rolling rota during periods 5/6. We are currently full for this 10 week session, but if anyone is interested in putting their name down for the next course which will start in January, please email me (staffdks).

Spade Brigade: Again, this is running for 10 weeks on a rolling rota during periods 5/6. There are currently spaces available if anyone would like to sign up. Please send me an email if you are interested.

In addition, our new Animal Management teacher is offering a Zoology Club at break 2 on Fridays. If you would like to sign up for this, you should come to the Science prep room and speak to Miss Needham.

28 28

As the nights draw in and the weather turns colder, what could be better than curling up with a good book?

Here are our recommended reads for the October half term holiday…

For animal lovers, why not try the ‘Wild’ trilogy by Piers Torday?

The books focus on Kester, a boy who finds the last wild animals in the world, has to save them and the world he loves. Full of adventure and suspense, these award-winning books are suitable for year 7, 8 & 9 students who want a dystopian story with a difference.

For more information about the author, log onto to: http://www.pierstorday.co.uk/

If you are looking for action and adventure, why not dip into the world of Ali Sparkes? The award winning, Shapeshifter and Unleashed series both contain enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat! We also have plenty of Ali’s stand- alone readers too!

The Unleashed books focus on a group of teenagers, living under special government protection, each of whom have an unusual power. When out in the ordinary world they are not supposed to use these powers, however, that is easier said than done….

In the Shapeshifter series, Dax Jones’ life changes forever the day he finds out he is not like other boys. Backed into a corner and frightened, he changes and from then on, nothing is the same. Bundled away to a special government school, with others of his kind, Dax find himself in danger…

More information about the author and her books at http:// www.alisparkes.com/ (Suitable for year 7 to 9 students.)

29

For Gill Lewis fans, her new novel ‘Gorillia Dawn’ is now in stock.

If you read and loved ‘Sky Hawk’ (or any of Gill Lewis’ other animal novels) you won’t be disappointed. This dramatic story is set in a rebel camp in the heart of the African jungle. Two brothers, Imara and Bobo are witness to the rebel soldiers plans to sell a baby gorilla into captivity. Their decision to return it to the wild is both exciting and tense.

If you want to find out about more about Gill Lewis, log on to: http://www.gilllewis.com/web/ (Suitable for year 7 to 9 students.)

There are plenty of chillers on the shelves in our Hallowe’en display, to get you into the spirit of the season. Below are some of my favourite spine tingling stories: Why not try the site below to help you find a new read: http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/children/ - follow the Book Finder link - this really useful page has age appropriate books helpfully divided up into genres.

The holiday is a perfect time to join or rekindle your membership of your local library. Why not pop in and see what books they have in stock?

For more information: http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/libraries.aspx

30

This year All Hallows were chosen to be a ‘shadowing’ school for the Man Booker Prize. This annual book award is for ‘the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom’. Previous winners include Hilary Mantel, Anne Enright and Salaman Rushdie, whose classic ‘Midnight’s Children’ was awarded the Booker of Bookers in 1993 on the 25th anniversary of the award.

The shadowing process involved 6th formers and one dedicated year 10 student, volunteering to read one of the six shortlisted books and then sharing their opinions on the online forum. This year’s shortlist was the usual eclectic mix of genres and styles. The books range from an imagined biographical account of an attempt on the life of Jamaican star, Bob Marley in ‘Seven Killings’ to a family saga spanning three generations of the Whitshank family in ‘A Spool of Blue Thread’.

For more information, log onto: http://themanbookerprize.com/man-booker-prize-2015 where you will find summaries of all the nominated books and information about the authors.

For the author event, we travelled to The Library of Birmingham where Tom McCarthy (Satin Island) and Sunjeev Sahota (The Year of the Runaways) read from their novels and answered questions about their work as writers.

One of our students, Chen Ji described the experience: ‘I found the visit insightful about the writer’s craft and what defined the ‘novel’. Challenging concepts were discussed in a really engaging manner and it was great to meet Sunjeev Sahoto and get him to sign ‘The Year of the Runaways’, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Ms Sinclair, our librarian, said of the shadowing process: ‘Although the shortlisted books are challenging, our students have really enjoyed getting to grips with them! The whole process from learning about the Man Booker, choosing their book and meeting authors of adult fiction has been a stimulating and valuable experience for all concerned.’

The Man Booker prize winner was A brief history of seven killings by Marlon James

31

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AT ALL HALLOWS The summer term last year saw the introduction of a prefect system to All Hallows for Year 11 students. Prospective prefects were invited to submit an application and attend an interview. In the interviews students proved themselves to be outstanding members of College community; committed to the core values and to achieving to the best of their ability in all areas of their studies.

Following the interviews, 26 prefects were appointed and have since been given several opportunities to develop their leadership skills around College. Prefects mentor students in Year 7 and 8, perform duties around College during break times and have assisted at Open Evening.

Form tutors have reported that having a prefect in their form on a weekly basis has provided an excellent positive role model for younger students.

Next term will see their role develop further when they launch a College-wide improvement project – watch this space!

ALPHA, OMEGA, PAX, ICTHUS – WHERE DO YOU BELONG? For the first time at All Hallows, students and staff have been sorted into houses, each with its own symbol, colour, and student and staff leaders.

Across the College events have already taken place to promote community identity and cooperation amongst our students For example, Alpha House, led by Miss Easter, have successfully organised a bake sale in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising over £100!

In the last week of Michaelmas term the first house assemblies took place; this is where the house leaders officially launched their houses and gave information about future projects.

Throughout the Christmas term, Houses will be participating in a food drive to support the Tree House food kitchen in Macclesfield.

32

JPII OFFICIAL OPENING On Friday 18 September Alex Bedford, Chief Operating Officer at the Cheshire FA, officially opened All Hallows Catholic College’s new £992,000 third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) and changing pavilion. The facility was made possible thanks to a £499,900 grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund which is delivered by the Football Foundation and provides grants towards developing new or refurbished grassroots football facilities.

The new 3G AGP will be used extensively by the College, as well as a number of local Charter Standard football clubs, including Richmond Rovers FC, Bollington FC and Tytherington Juniors FC. The facility will be the first of its type in the town and over the next five years will increase the number of teams that use it from 63 to 102. The new pavilion will contain changing facilities for players and officials and will include wheelchair accessible toilets and office space.

The College have developed a link with Macclesfield Town FC who will deliver the ‘Street Football’ programme which targets ‘hard to reach’ young people through diversionary football initiatives. Additionally, Macclesfield Town FC’s Academy of Football will also now be based at the site.

All Hallows worked in partnership with the Cheshire FA to secure a £499,900 grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund.

The Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund is funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government, via Sport England. It is delivered by the Football Foundation, the country’s largest sports charity. Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation has awarded around 13,000 grants worth more than £530m towards improving grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional partnership funding of over £740m – £1.3bn of investment into the grassroots game.

Since 2000 the Football Foundation Funding Partners’ investment has provided 295 grants worth £13.9m towards grassroots sports projects worth over £27m across the whole of Cheshire.

By providing more high-quality facilities, coupled with coaching at the appropriate age group, the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund aims to improve the experience for regular players as well as attracting new players to the game.

Alex Bedford, Chief Operating Officer, Cheshire County FA, said: “It was a great pleasure to officially open All Hallows Catholic College’s new 3G AGP and changing pavilion. The facilities here in Macclesfield are fantastic and will be of great value to the school and local clubs.

“I know how much hard work and effort that has been put into making this 3G and pavilion happen. Thanks must go to the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund for their generous 33

grant that made this project a reality.”

Tony Billings, Principal of All Hallows Catholic College, said: “The College would like to thank Alex Bedford for officially opening this state-of-the-art facility. The centre will be known as the JP2 Sports Centre, to acknowledge the College’s links with the John Paul II Foundation for Sport.

“With this development, the College is proud to be able to provide opportunities for the local community and grass roots sport working in partnership with other agencies and organisations including Bollington FC and Tytherington Juniors FC. It has enabled the development of a partnership with Macclesfield Town FC through the new Football Academy, and we can also celebrate the enhancement of the sporting facilities here at the College for the benefit of the students.

“The sustained cultural impact locally will undoubtedly be significant as the opportunities provided by the use of this facility develop.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “I am delighted that a grant from the Premier League & Te FA Facilities Fund has enabled All Hallows Catholic College to build this 3G pitch and changing pavilion. This development will provide a real boost to sport in the local area.

“Since 2000, the Football Foundation has supported grassroots projects worth more than £1.3bn, investing into areas where the need is greatest and where it will have the biggest impact in terms of getting more people playing football and a wide range of other sports.

“With this funding, provided by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England, we are helping to improve community sports facilities across the country and thereby the playing experience of those who take part. This latest project in Macclesfield is the latest addition to the inventory of modern community sports sites we are developing that cater for the needs of local people who want to play sport purely for the love if it and to stay healthy.”

34

EX-SILKMEN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE STAR OPENS WITH HAT-TRICK FOR MFA The Macclesfield Football Academy played their eagerly awaited opening competitive match in the British colleges category 3 League. This home game verses local rivals Congleton proved to be an exciting and entertaining affair.

The Home side got off to a poor start and conceded within the first 10 minutes, although scores were levelled after a brilliantly taken free kick from MFA's Darren O'Connor. 1-1.

The visitors once again took the lead when a mix up at the back allowed the ball to break free inside the 6 yard box for the striker to slam home. 1-2. Enter Niza Chilufa, the MFA number 9 who was a part of the Macclesfield Town FC Centre of Excellence before, its unfortunate closure, slotted home a coolly taken penalty to bring the game level. 2-2.

An end to end game followed, with Congleton grabbing the lead 2-3. The game looked over when on 85 minutes MFA's Callum Duffield was shown a straight red card for an aggressive tackle on the halfway line.

But Chilufa hadn't finished yet! The MFA front man equalized on 86 minutes and with the last attack of the game slotted home the winner in added time after good control on the turn to glide past 2 defenders and hit a power shot into the bottom corner of the goal. 4-3.

35

Paul McGuire said "It was good to take 3 points and give the lads confidence going forward, it was pleasing to see an ex-centre of excellence lad (Niza Chilufa) be back in the fold and do well. Niza played for me 5 years ago and he has the same attributes now as he did then, he's effective for sure and will score plenty of goals at this level".

Byron Jenkins lead Coach commented "We need to work on defending better, but the lads showed heart. A win’s a win and at least our training paid off as we went to the final whistle".

Paul McGuire went on to say: "The new Academy system based out of All Hallows Catholic College runs in partnership with the Clubs Community Sports Trust and the Football Club. This locally focused project allows all key stakeholders to establish joint initiatives in order to maximise positive outreach and, you never know, maybe even make a player one day. Ultimately we'd like to get season tickets into the school and create training and employment opportunities for young people within the Football Club setting.

That's the goal really".

Read more at http://www.mtfc.co.uk/ news/article/macclesfield-footballacademy-4-v-3-congleton-high-6th-form2707743.aspx

36

RESULTS NETBALL

On Wednesday 16th September there were netball fixtures for year 7A, 7B, 8, 9 and seniors against Tytherington High School.

The results were as follows: Year 7A won 12 - 11 player of the match Maddie Whitehurst Year 7B lost 4 - 2 player of the match Lucy Mottershead Year 8 won 17 - 0 player of the match Molly McNicholas Year 9 lost 13 - 9 player of the match Hollie Gillespie Seniors lost 25 - 15 player of the match Sasha Brown All Hallows vs Kings on Wednesday 30th September. Well done to all teams that put up a brilliant effort on the night.

Players of the match are shown next to each result: Y7A 22-11 (Maddie Whitehurst) Y7B 8-2 Lost 8-2 (Casey Sadler) Y8 19-7 (Ella Barnard) Y9 29-8 (Katie Whyatt AND Rosa Hart) Y10 20-10 (Holly Malins) Senior 18-4 (Sarah Duffy) Also congratulations to Madeleine Whitehurst, Year 7, who has successfully got onto the Under 12 Cheshire County Netball Squad and Katie Whyatt, Year 9, who has successfully got onto the Under 15 Cheshire County Netball Squad. Fantastic achievement!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL RESULTS

Y10 English schools cup V Weaverham. Lost 2-1. Great performance from the team who were very unlucky to get beaten. A promising start to the season. Goalscorer - James Chadwick/Jack Shields! Man of match - Sam Knight. Well done!

A great win for the Y11 football team in Round 1 of the English Schools cup. They beat NCHS (Newcastle Academy) 3-0 with a very convincing performance. Goals from Will Pickford (2) and Josh Churchman. Man of the match - Will Pickford, but an excellent performance from Nathan Evans should also be highlighted. Well done!

MACCLESFIELD ACADEMY

Congratulations to the Macclesfield Football Academy students who won 4-3 against Congleton High School The team are currently second in their league after the following results; 23 September—Macclesfield Academy 4, Congleton High School 3.

7 October—Macclesfield Academy 5, Knutsford Academy Egerton FC 4.

37

DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY - TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER Congratulations to the following students who represented All Hallows at the recent Cross-Country Championships at Macclesfield Track.

Y7 Roan Clarke Alex Opelt Tom Vitta Owen Wright Hayden Ronan Ethan Rowley Dara Fowler Adam Richardson Yasmin Smith Francesca Bartoli Hannah Wainwright Madeleine Whitehurst Ebony Watt

Y8/9 Alistair Nickson Max Linton Kanta Sibbett Drew Evans Harrison Waddington Sian Heslop Hannah Bristow Rhea Jegge Hannah Booth Orlagh Grimshaw Isabella Moody

Y10/11 Pat Penny Stehen Hughes Ethan Hardman Tom Coates George Tyldsley Tom Silcock Alfie Tyldsley Holly Malins Phoebe Lennon Lucy O'Donovan Holly Robinson

Well done to all students especially the following who will now go on to represent the District Francesca Bartoli , Sian Heslop (Bottom Left), Lucy O'Donovan (Bottom Middle), and also Owen Wright (Bottom Right)who just missed out finishing 7th. Other excellent performances from Max Linton, Drew Evans, Stephen Hughes, George Tyldsley, Holly Malins and Holly Robinson!

38

Academy Overview Combine football training with competitive match play at one of the region’s best educational establishments. This programme allows players to study for their chosen subjects with All Hallows Catholic College whilst training and playing with the Macclesfield Football Academy programme throughout the academic year. The programme takes advantage of the excellent teaching staff and facilities on offer, including a newly built full-size 3G pitch and gym.

Players may study any academic course of their choosing such as Science or Business, although you may see the Sport route as the one for you. The sport and exercise sciences course offers students the chance to study the different factors that affect participation in sport and exercise.

The Football Programme Typically training will take place 2-3 afternoons per week after classroom studies, with Wednesday afternoons a designated time for students to participate in competitive matches in the British Colleges League. Training and matches will be taken by Macclesfield Town Football Club staff, all UEFA standard coaches.

Players on the MFA programme may also be available of selection for Macclesfield Town FC u18, u19 teams including participation in the FA Youth Cup

The Education All education for the academy is provide by All Hallows Catholic College and takes place on site. There are 3 options for student-players in terms of education.

Option 1 - Advanced Levels & BTEC Level 3 Open to all students including Macclesfield Football Academy student-players.

Courses available include A-Levels & BTEC Level 3 range from any academic course of the student39

players choosing ranging from Science to Business. However, student-players may see the Sport route as the one for them. The sport and exercise sciences course offers students the chance to study the different factors that affect participation in sport and exercise.

Level: Advanced Levels and BTEC Level 3 of your chosen subject.

Option 2 - Technical and Vocational Courses Particularly suitable for students with less than 5 GCSEs at grade C. Courses available include BTEC Level 2 programme from: Enterprise, Health and Social Care, Travel and Tourism, Hospitality and Beauty Therapy English and/or Mathematics GCSE re-sits are available to student-players.

Level: BTEC Level 2 of your chosen subject & English and/or Mathematics GCSE re-sits.

Option 3 - Football Academy Option Only open to Macclesfield Football Academy student-players.

This option has been designed specifically for student-players joining the football programme, therefore, is only available when joining the Macclesfeild Football Academy.

The course explores the structure and function of the human body during exercise; psychological aspects of sports performance, as well as allowing the students to develop their own practical sports competencies through training and fitness and sport specific choices.

Level: BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Sports Or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports & English and/or Mathematics GCSE re-sits.

How To Find Out More Trial events take place throughout the next few months at All Hallows Catholic College, Macclesfield. 3G pitch; Please email, text or call Paul McGuire: paul.mtfc_cst@hotmail.co.uk – 07753536787 to find out dates of upcoming session.

If you would like more information please visit www.macclesfieldfootballacademy.com or get in contact with Head of MFA, Paul McGuire: 07753536787

40

Key Course Information Course Type ·

Full-time (All Course Options)

Course Level · · ·

Option 1 - Advanced Levels & BTEC Level 3 Option 2 - Technical and Vocational Courses Option 3 - Football Academy Option (BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Sports / BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports)

Sport ·

Football

Location ·

All Hallows Catholic College

Course Start Date ·

All courses commence September 2016

Duration ·

2 years

Qualifications · · ·

Option 1 - Advanced Levels and BTEC Level 3 of your chosen subject.

Option 2 - BTEC Level 2 of your chosen subject & English and/or Mathematics GCSE resits.

Option 3 - BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Sports Or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports & English and/or Mathematics GCSE re-sits.

Method of Assessment ·

Graded Assignments, Project work, Presentations, Exams.

Course fee ·

16-18 free

Entry Requirements · · ·

Option 1 - 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including English & Maths Option 2 - Particularly suitable for student-players with less than 5 GCSEs at grade C Option 3 - BTEC Level 3 requires 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including English & Maths / Level 2 in Sport requires four GCSE’s at grade D or above

Course progression ·

Access to University, Apprenticeships. Football professional routes in the UK and overseas.

Career Opportunities ·

Coming Soon...

Course Partners ·

41

Macclesfield Town FC, Macclesfield Town Community Sports Trust, All Hallows Catholic College

Name: Sasha Brown Age: 16 Sport: Dance Tell us a bit about your most recent competition and how did you do?

I went to Romania to represent Team England in the Finals of the Dance World Cup 2015. I competed as part of a dance troupe that was entered by my dance company. We came third out of twenty three in our section; receiving bronze medals. The points we were awarded went towards Team England’s overall score for the competition; leading Team England to winning the World Cup for the third time in a row.

How long have you been involved with the sport?

I started dance when I was three and have been a student at my dance company since the beginning.

What is a typical weeks training for you? Do you have to follow a particular diet?

I train between fifteen and twenty hours a week for different classes and styles. My dance is very intense and we work towards various different goals throughout the season.

What are you up to next?

Next is to compete in the British Troupe Championships 2015 in November, and to start the heats for the Finals of the Dance World Cup 2016 in Jersey. We compete in festivals around the country all season, the British Troupe Championships every year and biannually perform and compete at the Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. On top of this I am training for vocational exams in all styles.

What tips would you have for someone else who wants to have a go at your sport?

Start by having motivation to get to the top. It will take a long time, but if you are determined and train hard in all areas you will succeed. I am still working my way to the top and I am looking forward to keep advancing in my sport.

42

SPORTING STUDENTS SUCCESS CONTINUED Name: Hannah Bristow Age: 17 Sport: Sailing Tell us a bit about your most recent competition and how did you do?

It was the twenty ninth Grand Prix at Poole Yacht Club, whereby I competed in the Youth Squad (highest squad possible in my age group) qualifier. We finished first in the ladies and fourth overall out of fifty, qualifying for Youth Squad Provisional on a fitness test. Before this I competed in European Championships, National Championships, World Championships and Youth Olympic (ISAF) qualifiers; we are now ranked as the top two females in the country.

How long have you been involved with the sport?

My family has always been involved in sailing and I attended my first event when I was two. I started competing when I was nine at a local club progressing to a national level and I competed in my first World Championship when I was twelve.

What is a typical weeks training for you? Do you have to follow a particular diet?

Friday’s, I eat a lot of carbs in preparation for the weekends, where I spend 4 hours regularly travelling down to the South Coast for events. I compete or train most weekends with sixteen to twenty hours on the water as well as fitness training Sunday mornings. I travel back late Sunday nights and take Mondays off to recover and eat a high protein diet to quicken my recovery. I then do fitness every day before school and after my homework. My mum makes balanced meals throughout the week and I take vitamin and mineral tablets and drinks to help keep up my immune system. Then it starts all over again with roughly one weekend off every five weeks.

What are you up to next?

I have fitness testing this weekend to determine whether I get into the Youth Squad. I am also eligible for tailored support (top four boats in the country) if I get a 20% above benchmark in the testing, so pressures on! The testing is in Rutland so I’m training there next Saturday evening and Sunday with a few boats. Then, if it all goes to plan, a winter full of training.

What tips would you have for someone else who wants to have a go at your sport?

Stick with it. There are times when it’s horrible, but the speed and excitement and skill of it when you get there is worth it. Just find a sailing club and get out on the water, liking the sea is also useful.

43

SPORTING STUDENTS SUCCESS CONTINUED Name: Alexander Jones Age: 16 Sport: Fencing Tell us a bit about your most recent competition and how did you do?

I competed in the British ranking competition in Bristol. The Saturday was an U17 event where I came 2nd, winning the semi-final 15-14 and then losing the final by the same score. This result placed me 3rd in the under 17 British rankings. The next day was an under 20 where I finished 8 th, it’s the first time I’ve made the quarterfinals at an under 20 competition. Both of the competitions had a field of over 50 fencers.

How long have you been involved in the sport?

8 years. I started my fencing at Bramhall Sword Club which is a non-competitive club. I moved to Manchester Fencing Club and Salle Kiss when I started to attend fencing competitions.

What is a typical weeks training for you?

I fence three nights a week and do one evening of fitness which includes strength and conditioning along with some weight training and speed and agility.

What are you up to next?

My next competition is Manchester Cadet which is an under 17 international. I have also qualified to represent Great Britain in another competition, which is on the same circuit as Manchester Cadet, and takes place in Mödling, Austria.

What tips would you have for someone else who wants to have a go at your sport?

Start with fencing foil because even if you decide to change weapons later on it gives you a good grounding in both sabre and epee. Also fencing is considered to be physical chess so you can still be successful even if you aren’t the fittest, strongest or tallest person as long as you use your brain to outwit your opponent.

44

Name: Alex Hartley Age: 16 Sport: Dance Tell us a bit about your most recent competition and how did you do?

I recently competed in the Norwegian championships representing England. I travelled to Norway with my Sponsors ‘Pose Freestyle Design’. Considering it was my first national competition I achieved first place in my solo performance and third place in my slow dance category.

How long have you been involved with the sport?

I have only been a part of my dance school ‘Dance Addicts’ for 3 years and have been competing against other schools for 2 years so to take this title was a massive achievement for myself.

What is a typical weeks training for you? Do you have to follow a particular diet?

I normally train 12 hours a week to get ready for any upcoming competitions although if I have a competition I will dance for around 12hours in one day which would normally be on a Sunday. I do not have any particular diet but I have to make sure that I keep my fitness up and health in good condition.

What are you up to next?

In the upcoming weekend I will be competing in Blackpool Winter gardens representing my dance school. Shortly after that I will then move on to perform in a dance festival which lasts a whole weekend, this will be the weekend of Halloween.

What tips would you have for someone else who wants to have a go at your sport?

If you want to succeed then you have to be willing to give up your time and train hard

45 18

Prayer God our father, We thank you for this earth, our home; For the wide sky and blessed sun, For the salt, earth and the running water, for the everlasting hills And the never-resting winds, For trees And the common grass underfoot.

We thank you for our senses By which we hear the songs of birds, And see the splendour Of the summer fields, And taste of the autumn fruits, And rejoice in the feel of the snow, And smell the breath of the spring.

Grant us hearts that are wide open To all this beauty; And save us from being so blind That we pass unseeing When even the common thornbush Is aflame with our glory, O God, our Creator.

Amen

46

All Are Welcome at All Hallows Catholic College Come in and visit our wonderful Church College

All Hallows Catholic College Brooklands Avenue Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 8LB www.allhallows.org.uk