Whitsun Aspire 2015

l a ip c in r P e h t m o A Welcome fr Dear Friends, Welcome to the Whitsun edition of our College magazine, it’s that time of the year again! The time of the year, when we say goodbye to our students who are moving on and the time when we take stock, individually and collectively, of what we will have achieved by the end of this academic year.

These thoughts will be particularly strong for students in Year 11 and 13 who are finishing phases of their education, completing their studies and taking final examinations in GCSEs or A level. We have had wonderfully meaningful Leavers Liturgies and we have enjoyed reminiscing and story telling. It has been a pleasure to work with our Year 11 and Year 13 students; we thank them for enriching the life of our College and we wish the very best for them as they face new challenges and choices in the future. Once again we look forward to welcoming many of our Year 11 students back into our Sixth Form and we wait with eager anticipation to discover the destinations of Sixth Formers as they go off to university or apprenticeships. We pray that all our students enjoy the success they deserve in proportion to the effort they have put into their studies.

During this term (on May 23) there has been an exciting event in the life of our Church. Our role model behind the words ‘Aspire not to have more but to be more’ Archbishop Oscar Romero has finally been beatified. This means he now has the title Blessed Oscar Romero and is on the way to being formally recognised as a Saint in the Christian Church. To many Christians and especially those in Latin America, Romero is already recognised as a Saint-martyr standing up for justice and equality, paying the price with his life for defending the rights of those on the edges of society.

We are very familiar with Romero’s story at All Hallows. He modelled his life on Jesus and he has inspired us to get our priorities right as we work to include everyone and build a better world.

Romero, as he reflects the life of Jesus is the inspiration behind our ‘pay it forward’ view of life which has led to amazing social enterprise activities and charitable works. We will continue to learn from this great man of faith and we try to put his words - our mission statement ‘Aspire not to have more but to be more’ into action and live according to Christian values. We have included a little summary of Romero’s life in this magazine written by one of our students to share with you.

Blessed Oscar Romero and All Hallows (Saints), Pray for Us Thank you to everyone who makes All Hallows the special place that it is – a place driven by good values where all can thrive.

Tony Billings—Principal & National Leader of Education

In This Issue....

Oscar Romero is Beatified …...p.03 Reconciliation Services…...p.05 Great Success for students at the Year 5 and 6 Disco…...p.06 Psychology Trip to London…….p.07 EPQ Evening…...p.08 Chinese New Year 2015..…P.09 Love Food Hate Waste..…….p.11 Trip to T.G.I. Friday's…….p.12 Class of 2015……..p. 13 All Hallows says goodbye to Year 13…….p.15 Public Speaking Winners…….p. 17 Writers’ INC…….p.18 Bring WW1 to Life……...p.19 UKMT intermediate Maths Challenge…….p.20 Carnegie Book Awards…...p.21 Staff Vs Sixth Form Football Match..…….p. 23 Paralympic Hopeful Visits All Hallows…...p.25 Year 9 & 10 Rugby Success…...p.25 Trampolining Success…...p.25 Student Sailing Success…...p.25 Prayer…...p.26

Oscar Romero - the Roman Catholic archbishop murdered during the 1980-92 OSCAR ROMERO IS BEATIFIED civil war - has been beatified at a ceremony in El Salvador attended by huge crowds.

In our faith, we often reflect on one question to strengthen our belief: in whom do we recognise Christ? One that is particularly the focus of our College’s ethos is Oscar Romero, who was Archbishop of El Salvador. This year on the 23rd May, this remarkable man was beatified. Over 500,000 people attended the celebrations in the Plaza Divino Salvador del Mundo in El Salvador's capital.

The word beatification comes from Latin, “beatus” (blessed) and “facere” (to make). Granted by the Catholic Church, it is recognition of a dead person’s soul entering heaven and that notable individual being able to intercede for those that pray in his or her name.

People often feel inspired by a particular Saint because their achievements and aims give us motivation to reach our own goals.

Oscar Romero is a very good example: his courageous acts of using peaceful yet powerful ways to campaign against oppression for the good of people is very relevant to the issues going on around the world and in our lives.

Oscar Romero was Archbishop of San Salvador from 1977. During his time in the post, he became increasingly outspoken about the human rights violations in El Salvador. Towards the end of the decade, the Salvadoran Civil War began; this was a conflict between the military-led government and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (a coalition of guerrilla groups). Rapidly there came extreme violence from both sides, including deliberately targeting civilians, recruiting child soldiers as well other horrendous forms of means to an end; a lot of these things were committed by the military-led system that was corrupt and in power.

During his three years as Archbishop, Oscar Romero was aware of these crimes becoming widespread, including the murder of his close friend, Rutilio Grande. Romero repeatedly denounced violence; he spoke out on behalf of the victims of the civil war; despite the heavy press censorship, he used his weekly radio broadcast to name the atrocities that were happening; also, he defended the right of the poor to demand political change. This defiant stance made him a troublesome adversary to the rulers and on 24 March 1980, Romero was shot while celebrating Mass.

As we the students are aware, the College advocates the brave and conscientious mind-set that Blessed Oscar Romero held and preached. Personally, from my lessons and the research I have recently done, I continue to be astounded by this incredible Christian; I think of him him as a real role model who inspires me to be aware of the world around me, to embrace the positive and actively campaign against the negative.

Not only an inspirational person to the Christian Community, Oscar Romero is admired and respected around the world as a courageous peacemaker who gave up his life by standing up to injustice. He engaged politically, famously writing a letter to President

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Jimmy Carter, urging the US to stop backing the Salvadoran government and supplying it with arms and military advisers. Romero also engaged with the people, encouraging them to not be resigned and stand up for what they believe in. Blessed Oscar Romero’s legacy will, if we work with acceptance and co-operation, stand the test of time; in his own words: “We know that every effort to better society…is an effort that God blesses, that God wants, that God demands of us.”

By Chen Ji, Year 9

LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP OSCAR ROMERO Oscar Romero was the Archbishop of El Salvador, who was born on the 15th of August 1917 into a family of 10 in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador. His father worked in the local telegraph office and Oscar would sometimes help his father to send the telegraphs alongside learning to be a carpenter making different things like tables, doors and chairs.

In 1930 (when he was just 14!) he declared he wanted to be a priest so went to study at a junior seminary. In 1937, having left the seminary, he went to study theology in Rome and stayed there through World War Two. While he was staying in Rome, sadly, his father and one of his brothers died. 5 years later in 1942 he was ordained a priest and returned to El Salvador and became his parish priest.

Oscar’s sermons began growing in popularity and he also did parish work like visiting prisons and providing help and food for the poor, which obviously paid off because in 1970 he was made a bishop. In 1974 violence was increasing in El Salvador with the government killing people who attempted to stand up for their rights and when 3 people were killed by the army in Tres Calles, a village in Oscar’s diocese, he assured their families he would find justice so he wrote to the president of El Salvador to protest.

In 1977 he was made Archbishop of San Salvador (the capital city of El Salvador) because all of the rich people there thought he would stop the poor fighting for their rights but in fact he did the opposite when his friend, an outspoken priest called Father Rutilio Grande, was assassinated.

Because of this, Oscar started radio broadcasts where he would speak out against the murders of the innocents.

On the 23rd of March, Oscar was giving a sermon, urging the army to stop killing people and the very next day while giving mass was shot dead, while allegedly shouting ‘May God have mercy on this assassin!’. It was later found out that a major in the army had given the order. Thousands flocked from all over El Salvador to witness his funeral, though sadly, the army fired guns into the crowds and because of this, 30 people died and hundreds were injured. In 1992 the civil war in El Salvador finally ended and on May 23rd this year Oscar became a martyr for his endless work for the poor.

By Aidan Feely (Year 7)

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Reconciliation Service

RECONCILIATION SERVICES 2015 On Maundy Thursday students were invited for a time of personal reflection and preparation for Easter. Liturgies led by Mrs Garvey and Reverend Harrison challenged students to consider the mistakes they have made and how these have damaged their relationship with their families, friends and with God. Through a guided 'Examination of Conscience' and the Sacrament of Reconciliation students were given the opportunity to admit their mistakes and ask for God's forgiveness.

A Dance piece was choreographed by year 9 Dance students to show how gang culture, conflict and violence can lead to destruction and grief; dividing communities of people.

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AR 5 AND 6 E Y E H T T A S T N E D U ST R GREAT SUCCESS FO

DISCO

Reconciliation Service The Year 11 students at All Hallows were bowled over by the great success of their disco for the Year 5 and 6 primary school pupils that they organised and hosted themselves on Friday 27 March. The students were impressed by the smooth running of the sweet stall and the music throughout the night in aid of fundraising for the India Appeal.

With weeks of planning and the combined efforts of all Year 11 students the disco was attended and enjoyed by over 120 Year 5 and 6 pupils from the local primary schools in the Macclesfield area. Year 11 students were fulfilling their roles as great hosts as they continuously switched between running the sweet stall to entertaining the dance floor with their guests. The Year 10 performance students that volunteered their time as entertainment were massively welcomed onto the stage demonstrating the dance moves— including the cha-cha slide!

The evening was filled with laughter, some great dancing and lots of sweets! The Year 11’s took control of the event and hosted the event with great professionalism, one student said “It was fun seeing the Year 5 and 6’s have fun at something we helped create” and they were “hopeful for the chance to do something like this again!”. Form tutors of the students who helped create the night were very impressed with how the night went and enjoyed a dance or two themselves!

By the time the last song was played it was clear the night had been a great success with a total of £631.05 raised in ticket sales and the sweet stall for the India Appeal.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils were sad to leave the buzzing atmosphere and the new friends they had made, but now had a taste of what secondary school is like and the confidence to know they had a friend who they’ll meet again when they move into high school. A big thank you to the Year 11’s and their form tutors on a successful event!

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PSYCHOLOGY TRIP TO LONDON On Friday 17 April 2015 the Social Sciences department visited London with 22 students and 3 teachers. We set off for London Euston on the 8.56am train (an early start!) but that didn’t stop the students from being in good spirits.

When we arrived in London the sun was shining and we made the short walk to the Wellcome Trust, where we had the opportunity to see a free forensic science exhibition. This exhibition explored the history, science and art of Forensic Medicine through a range of original evidence, photographs, film footage and even real bones!

After leaving the Wellcome Trust it was time to head to Bromley in South London, which is the location of Bethlem Hospital.

Bethlem Royal Hospital is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the world dating back to 1247. To begin with, we took part in a workshop which delved into the history of the hospital, from its days when it was an asylum referred to as ‘Bedlam’, to its present day status as a modern psychiatric hospital.

The students then got a chance to look round an art exhibition by Bryan Charnley, titled ‘The Art of Schizophrenia’. Charnley used his artwork to vividly illustrate the experience of living with schizophrenia, which he did from adolescence until his death in 1991. We then had the opportunity to look around the Museum of the Mind, which is a collection of pictures, artefacts, films and real life experiences from patients, all detailing the experiences and treatment of those living with mental illness. The students were respectful and interested in all of the documents in the museum, taking time to read and discuss what they were seeing and applying it to their Psychology studies.

After a good look round the museum, it was time for the second workshop which was on the topic of ‘weekend leave’. This was a more interactive workshop which focused on a patient and students had to decide whether she should be allowed weekend leave from the hospital. They were shown videos and given a range of documents on which they should base this decision. The decisions of students varied and it highlighted to all of us the serious and difficult decisions that have to be made by teams of doctors and nurses every day at hospitals like Bethlem.

We then headed back to central London where it was time for the students to explore Covent Garden. After dinner at some of Covent Garden’s many restaurant such as Jamie’s Italian, students were able to have a look round Covent Garden taking in the wealth of Friday night street entertainment.

After the final checks that we still had everyone, we headed back to Euston station for our train back to Macclesfield. On the way, the year 13 students treated Mr Howells to a very touristy Union Jack hat- which didn’t stay on for very long!

After a long day, many students used the train ride back to relax while some used the opportunity to get in some revision! We arrived back in Macclesfield at 11.30pm after a thoroughly enjoyable and educational day. The students were a credit to the College and the trip allowed them to discover how hospitals treat mental illness in the real world, rather than just in the classroom.

Miss Clark– Social Science Department

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EPQ EVENING 2015

Now in its third year, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), gives an opportunity for year 13 students to extend their studies beyond the normal A Level Specifications. Students may choose to study anything that interests them, but usually linking to their degree choice.

The EPQ consists of three parts; a log book; a written essay; a presentation. Students must manage their time across the year to complete all of the sections.

This year six students undertook the EPQ on a variety of different subjects.

Joe Burns - Has the Space Industry Stagnated?

A discussion of the state of the space industry, compared to the ‘golden age’ of space flight.

Nathan Burton - Antibiotics and the immune system How antibiotics work and how much of a threat is Antibiotic resistance?

Hannah Corcoran - Is Synaesthesia beneficial?

A brief description of what synaesthesia is and an insight into what impacts the variation graphene-colour synaesthesia has on cognitive abilities.

Sarisha Freeborn - Psychology of Dreaming The purpose of Sarisha’s investigation has been to come to a conclusion as to what would be the main difference between dream content or dream experiences for people with mental illnesses and those of the rest of the population.

Emma Kane - Suffragettes or Suffragists?

The aim of Emma’s project was to conclude which the most important factor was leading to the eventual succession of women’s votes in 1928.

Nathan Wanjau - Geometry and Architecture What is the function of geometry on the aesthetics of Persian and Islamic architecture?

Students had to present their findings to an audience of staff and students and then face a tough question and answer session afterwards. The students coped admirably with the variety of questions and showed a deep understanding of their subject matter.

The students have now submitted their projects and will receive their grades in the summer with their other A level grades. EPQ is not always put in a formal offer from universities, but it often lowers the grade offer if students do have it.

We wish them every success, and hope that the skills learnt this year will benefit them at University.

Mr Howells– Head of Sixth Form

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 2015 Chinese New Year came about on February 19 this year resulting in mass celebration all across the globe. As we begin what many believe to be the Year of the Goat, the students at All Hallows looked into the traditional celebration of the day and what it really means.

You may ask yourself, what does the Year of The Goat actually represent? According to Chinese astrology, each year (starting from the Chinese New Year) is associated with an animal sign, occurring in a 12-year cycle – goat being 8th in line. The number 8 is also a lucky number for the Chinese, and being born under the 8th sign is auspicious indeed!

Each of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac has unique characteristics and is traditionally known for predicting what’s to come in the following year from health and fortune to love and marriage. Also it is understood and believed that babies born in the Year of the Goat will assume characteristics of a goat: goats are kind, elegant, creative and loyal. Empathy comes naturally to goats: their happiness is derived from other people’s happiness.

During the event the students at All Hallows were able to take part in the traditional celebrations and decorate the school. In forms, all of the students across the College were able to watch the bright colours of fireworks and large parades through the streets of China to understand traditions that many Chinese families partake in preparation for the year to come. One custom that shocked many students is that before the year begins it is a Chinese custom that their house is clean from top to bottom to get rid of all the bad luck gathered over the previous year. Red and gold banners containing New Year messages of good luck were created by many students and decorated around the school wishing everyone luck for the future.

The Year 9 Mandarin students celebrated Chinese New Year with Mrs Zheng by having a lovely “Hotpot Meal” (a Chinese traditional meal people eat at spring festivals). Just as many people celebrate Christmas with turkey or ham, the Chinese enjoy a great variety of food. The meal contains many of the “lucky foods” including

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oranges for wealth, tangerines for good fortune and steamed dumplings for good luck.

One student said “It was a great experience – it really brought the Chinese culture into our classroom and the food tasted great!”

All across the College the walls were covered in New Year paper cuttings and lovely bright red lanterns to get everyone into the celebratory spirit. To celebrate the end of the Chinese New Year Festivities with the first full moon of the year, the Chinese have a ‘Lantern Festival’. On this bright night thousands of lanterns line the streets, hung from homes and shops, setting the mood for large colourful parades filled with music and performance.

On Monday 23 February Mrs Zheng also held a Chinese New Year Karaoke Party – with lots of music for students to sing to. The students said that “it was a lot of fun” and that it felt like they were “part of Chinese culture ”. The last part of the College’s festivities was a beautiful fashion show with students from Year 7 and Year 9 dressed in ethnic group traditional wear as a tribute to the great day (you can find the video on our College website). Overall the week was filled with fun, culture and some very tasty food. We wish you all good fortune and luck for this year and all the years to come.

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On Monday 30 March 2015 eight of All Hallows’ talented Food Technology students were given the chance to take part in the “LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE” campaign held at Macclesfield College. You may be wondering what the campaign is all about— LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE is a global campaign involved in reducing food waste and raising awareness of the problem on a local scale. The campaign shows us how to actively take action by some simple practical everyday things at home to reduce food waste. The idea is that a small change on a personal level can benefit us all and the environment in the long run.

The event itself was run by the Cheshire East Council as a way to make us think about the food we eat—and the food we waste. The main focus was a cookery event where the Year 8 students worked in pairs to cook a dish using leftovers. Throughout the event you could see the struggle on the students’ faces as they came up with ideas, methods and their own personal recipes for a great dish! One student said, “it was hard at first as we couldn't think of anything to make—but once we started to think of the food we had we were able to make a nice meal.” All of the participants of the event were provided equipment and the food, resulting in some amazing smelling and tasty food! We were very impressed with what the students were able to accomplish with the restrictions they were given. Hopefully they will be able to share all that they learnt with their friends and family!

Throughout the day other events were hosted including a fun dance mat game, a home composting session and a food storage hints and tips seminar! All the events had a common theme of food waste and recycling and the students really enjoyed the extended learning experience. Ebony Woods said, “it was great fun. I found out many facts about soil that I did not know beforehand. The people running the event were very friendly and passionate about the cause.” Another student, Claudia Cunningham commented, “I had a great experience. I have already used some of the ideas they gave us to help with composting. The staff were very knowledgeable and gave us some great ideas for cooking with leftover foods.”

Overall the event was a great success and we learnt a lot about food waste. Big well done to all the students who took part: they were great representatives of our College.

Mrs A Heaton—Food Technology Teacher

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A LETTER FRO&M VISIT TO TGI-FRIDAY’S CHESTER’S EM

MA NAY

As a class we have recently visited T.G.I.FRIDAYS’ American Themed restaurant at Cheadle on 18 March and Chester’s Fine dining Restaurant in Macclesfield with our Year 10 & 11 Hospitality and Catering students on 6 May 2015. The students were keen to see how the restaurants were run and the food that they served there. The two resturants we visited had many similarities that made them beautifully run; but also many differences that made them stand out as individual restaurants and services. T.G.I.Friday’s has over 900 franchises in 12 different countries and is known for its delicious standard American cuisine, bar food and alcoholic beverages—with a emphasis on food quality and excellent service. The company prides itself on customer service and the staff were quick to teach our students about the way they were taught to serve food and how to present it. During the visit students were able to delve into the wonderful tastes of American style burgers and fries and even the butterscotch chocolate fudge cake served for the individual to wish its patrons a very Happy Birthday! One student said “The chocolate sauce saying ’Happy Birthday’ was a great service touch, and tasted great too!” The visit was seen as an enrichment activity open to all our students studying this subject, to take our learning out of the classroom into the world of work to study the menus and style of service in two very different establishments. During the visit to Chester’s in Macclesfield we saw how the smaller local chain was able to bring class and prestige to a more affordable and approachable clientele of Macclesfield through marketing strategies. Being locals to the area the students were able to understand service techniques and were impressed by the style of food they served. Wowed with the luxurious strawberry desserts, the students were quick to engage and later reflect on the style of menus offered. For example Table d’Hote or A la Carte and the reasons customers would choose a specific type of menu. Reservation and ordering systems were discussed and how smartphone technology has revolutionised the reservation procedures and marketing strategies for many franchised restaurants such as T.G.I.Friday's through online booking. The skills and qualities of staff working within the restaurants was a worthy debate which concluded in both restaurants being hailed as providing excellent customer service and delectable desserts! An enjoyable time was had by all students and staff. We would like to thank both restaurants for their excellent hospitality and look forward to visiting again soon.

Mrs A Heaton—Food Technology Teacher

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The Class of 2015

The time has finally come to say farewell to year 13. As a year group they have worked closely with their peers and teachers; becoming a closely knit group, who have supported each other and the College well this year, both academically and in their social enterprises. Year 13’s last day in college consisted of a leavers’ mass, prepared by the students, an awards ceremony and finally some time on the inflatables. The students went through the full range of emotions during the day as they reflected on their time at All Hallows. We now wish our students every success in their exams and future endeavours.

Stay in touch and let us know your successes and celebrations.

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The Romero Seed Prayer It helps now and then, to step back and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection, no pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church's mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capability.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.

Amen.

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Year 13 Say Goodbye

ALL HALLOWS YEAR 13 SAY “GOODBYE”

As the summer examinations fast approach it is time for us to say “Goodbye and Thank you“ Thursday 21 May 2015 marks the end of our time at All Hallows. As many of us have been here since we joined in Year 7 it has certainly been a remarkable experience, we have grown together, laughed together and of course worked hard at our studies.

Our last day started with a shared breakfast in the common room and thank you speeches to Mrs Garvey and Mr Howells for all the support they have given to us over the past two years. This was followed by a very emotional mass in the chapel, which we had prepared during our General RE lessons. Sean (Head Boy) challenged us to “be the change we want to see” through a powerful reflection. The Gospel (Peter Kay style!) called us to continue to live our Christian College Mission in the world. The Eucharist was followed by Thanksgiving where we were invited to release balloons containing the name of all those who have worked with us and supported us in the College over the past seven years. We said a collective prayer for vocations in particular those who are living out their vocation as a member of our College community. At the end of the mass we were 15 presented with a Leavers card and a ‘Holding Cross’.

Our Awards ceremony had us laughing and crying in equal amounts . Head Girl—Emma Kane put together a brilliant show containing a video hosting embarrassing school photos, great memories, times out with friends and of course the occasional picture with teachers. The End of Year awards were presented to the students that had the greatest impact on their year group, from “Best Hair” and “Most Likely to become Prime Minister” to “Female Flirt” and “Future Mr and Mrs” to name a few Then it was outside to enjoy the sun and BBQ and two hours on the inflatables!

It is with great pride and sadness that we say a fond farewell Daniella Lambe - Sixth Form Student

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‘People demand freedom of speech as a substitute for the freedom of thought they so rarely use.’ Ben Wardle.

Congratulations to Ben Wardle, Emily Rafferty and Rachel Taylor who gave an exceptional performance at the Rotary Public Speaking Competition 2015. The judges awarded the All Hallows Senior Team first prize in the competition and commented on their excellent subject knowledge and the genuine rapport the students created with the audience.

Ben Wardle chose the challenging subject, ‘Free Speech or a Free Lunch,’ which dealt with a number of complex issues. The competition organisers were so impressed with the students that they wrote to the Principal Mr Billings to thank the College for the ‘professionalism’ and ‘high standards’ the students displayed.

The intermediate team Aidan Arch, Chen Ji and Donnacha O’Kierney spoke passionately about gender inequality as they raised the question ‘Are women worth less than men?’. The resounding reply at the end of the talk was ‘No!’ Both women and men have key roles to play and there needs to be further progress to ensure that everyone has the opportunity and challenges they deserve.

Miss Gerrard said the students were: ‘ A credit to themselves and to the College. What a brilliant result. Well done’.

The All Hallows team went onto give an exceptional performance in the Regional Final and spoke passionately about raising awareness about mental health issues in the UK. Their talk ‘Free Your Mind’ was rated very highly and judges asked to see the students at the end of the competition for some further praise and feedback. The All Hallows team were one of the youngest teams to enter the senior round and the judges wanted to congratulate them on their superb team effort. Ben received the award for ‘Best Speaker’. Adrian Ramsden from the Macclesfield Rotary Club wrote to Mr Billings to praised ‘the hard work and professionalism’ from everyone involved.

Mr A Power—English Teacher

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The Writers' Inc. page celebrates the writing talent and creativity of All Hallows students. Every half term, a group of students meet to share and develop their ideas with the College’s writer in residence Mr Power.

This is the opening to a short story called ‘Principles’ by Chen Ji in Year 9. The piece was inspired the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which ended World War 2. This story will be entered into a national competition to promote Nuclear disarmament in May. The day the bomb fell was the day I came into the world in the hospital in Nagasaki. My name is Norio. It means "Man of Principles". I did not start my life in principled circumstances; the world was in brutal conflict.

My mother lay in hospital, recuperating, exhausted but happy.

‘That hour when you were born, your father couldn't stop babbling and blubbering,’ my mother told me. It was in this fraction of calm and security that chaos erupted. Doctors were soon screaming instructions over the terrified scramble: babies and mothers were the top priority, they were told. Mother said she survived because fate is not like people and has principles. She said fate took pity, and thought it too cruel for me to be born under such terrible circumstances and be born an orphan. My mother often told me to count my blessings.

I used to watch my mother fearfully when she looked at the photographs from before the bomb. She always looked so lost, as though she was searching for something. I think she was looking for the times when things were whole, and when she was looking at the Polaroid photos, it must have seemed just fingertips from her reach. There are photographs of my mother sporting dark lipstick and a pale, pretty dress. The black and white photography accentuates her porcelain skin; the dramatic tone of the colour casts sweeping shadows beneath her youthful cheekbones. Looking at these memories, my mother's scarred hand would brush her cheeks, ‘Nothing worth painting on now’, she would mutter.

My mother's complexion is now ravaged with deep, harsh and jagged lines.

She often talked about my father. She showed me pictures of him; she has a collection of them. One of him staring into the distance; another snapshot of him smiling so openly at the camera; many of the two of them, smiling into each other's eyes. About brother, she talked more to him than about him. She asked whether he'd found father in the afterlife; she asked whether he was happy. She asked him to watch over me, his little brother.

My mother would lament not having fought hard enough to keep my brother alive. Then she would plead for his forgiveness for trying to prolong his life in this world, when he was screaming in pain, with open wounds weeping all over his body; trying to bathe him only added a whole new level of pain.

My mother has an ID called ‘The Certification of Victims of the Atomic Bomb’. When I was a child, I would ask my mother why although because of this ID she is entitled to free healthcare until she dies, she never went to the doctor; my mother told me it was because a healthy body is not achieved by concoctions from a laboratory, but looking after one's family and oneself. Gradually, I came to realise that pills can heal a cold overnight but they can't heal pain. Pain of losing the love of your life; pain of war stealing a child from your grip; pain of raising another child in a place ravaged by nightmares of the past. Dedication can. Love can.

You may know me by my artist name: "Shima X". You may know that painting is my true passion; that my works have been exhibited and I guess could be described as "critically acclaimed". I am immensely proud of this. Or you may not.

When I am talked about in the media, they always display my name first, loud and clear. I wanted to tell you my story first. I create pictures of happiness, at a wedding; at a birth; a bite into a chocolate bar. I paint funerals and eulogies; a modern interpretation of Pietà. I try to live, like my name, with principles. I stick to the truth because without this, nothing makes sense. I depict innocence because without this, the world would be barren.

18 Do you have a story you would like us to feature? Please let your English teacher know or contact Mr Power: staffjp@allhallows.org.uk

BRINGING WORLD WAR ONE TO LIFE As part of the commemorations for the World War One centenary, our Year 10 students were introduce to real and replica artefacts relating to life in the Great War. The box was supplied by the Imperial War Museum North as part of an outreach project. Included were items related directly to the soldiers’ experience such as a replica training rifle, an original button shiner, an original gift tin and replica jam tin bombs. Also inside were items relating to the life of those left at home, a replica munitionette’s bonnet, a teddy made from an army uniform and an original silk postcard.

The idea of the box was to allow students to handle a variety of significant artefacts and bring their study of the period to life. As World War One was being studied in both English, through the play Journey’s End and History, by an examination of the Battle of the Somme, our students were able to get a clear insight into the technology used by soldiers and their living conditions, as well as how the war impacted on the home front. The Imperial War Museum also collated film and sound clips for use by teachers to further enhance the experience.

Ms Sinclair, who organised the loan of the box, said, ‘It was amazing to be able to unpack the box and see people’s experiences brought to life. I learnt a lot about different aspects of the war that I never knew about and I think our students did too.’

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GE

HALLEN C S H T A M R IO N U UKMT J

In summary we got 4 gold certificates, 12 silver certificates and 13 bronze certificates. We also have 3 students who have been invited to participate in the next round - the Junior Kangaroo Challenge.

GOLD CERTIFICATES

BRONZE CERIFICATES

JACK CROKER

JOESPH FRANCE

ALEX INSLEY

ADAM ROBINSON

PATRICK BRAUN

CONOR MORE-OFERRALL

JACOB B BROWN

ISAAC KENNEDY BENJAMIN WOLSTENHOLME

SILVER CERIFICATES

LIAM O’CONNOR

JAMES TAYLOR

IZZY REID

AIDAN ARCH

JACK CHEUNG

LOUIS HILL

IMOGEN DRAKE

ALASTAIR KNIGHT

ERIN PRENDERGAST

HOLLIE GILLESPIE

NATHAN REYNOLDS

CHARLIE MARSHALL EMILY MASSEY EVE SMITH

JUNIOR KANGAROO CHALLENGE

ANNIERUD MAHESH

JACK CROKER

BRYN PRICE

ALEX INSLEY

ROISIN MIDDLEMASS

JACOB BROWN

LUCY MOTTERSHED

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The Carnegie Medal, established in 1936, is awarded annually to the most ‘outstanding’ book for children. It is named after Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish industrialist and philanthropist, who made his fortune in steel in the USA during the nineteenth century. Carnegie used his wealth to set up more than 2800 libraries across the English speaking world. The first book that won was ‘Pigeon Post’ by Arthur Ransome and last year’s winner was ‘The Bunker Diary’ by Kevin Brooks. Both books are available from the College library, along with a selection of past winners. The full list is available here: http:// www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/carnegie/recent_winners.php

CARNEGIE BOOK AWARDS Apple and Rain (11+) - By Sarah Crossan

When Apple's mother returns after eleven years of absence, Apple feels whole again. She will have an answer to her burning question - why did you go? And she will have someone who understands what it means to be a teenager - unlike Nana.

But just like the stormy Christmas Eve when she left, her mother's homecoming is bitter sweet, and Apple wonders who is really looking after whom. It's only when Apple meets someone more lost than she is, that she begins to see things as they really are.

Buffalo Soldier (14+) - By Tanya Landman

Charley, a young African-American slave from the Deep South, is freed at the end of the American Civil War. However her freedom is met with tragedy after her adopted mother is raped and lynched at the hands of a mob, and Charley finds herself alone with no protection. In a terrifyingly lawless land, where the colour of a person's skin can bring violent death, Charley disguises herself as a man and joins the army. Trapped in a world of injustice and inequality, it's only when Charley is posted to Apache territory to fight "savage Indians" that she begins to learn about who she is and what it is to be truly free.

Cuckoo Song (11+) - By Frances Hardinge

When Triss wakes up after an accident, she knows that something is very wrong.

She is insatiably hungry; her sister seems scared of her and her parents whisper behind closed doors. She looks through her diary to try to remember, but the pages have been ripped out. Soon Triss discovers that what happened to her is more strange and terrible than she could ever have imagined, and that she is quite literally not herself. In a quest find the truth she must travel into the terrifying Underbelly of the city to meet a twisted architect who has dark designs on her family - before it's too late.

When Mr. Dog Bites (14+) - By Frances Hardinge

Dylan Mint has Tourette's. His life is a constant battle to keep the bad stuff in the swearing, the tics, the howling dog that seems to escape whenever he gets stressed. But a routine visit to the hospital changes everything. Overhearing a hushed conversation between the doctor and his mother, Dylan discovers that he's going to die next March.

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The Middle of Nowhere (11+) - By Geraldine McCaughrean

More Than This (14+) - By Patrick Ness A boy drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments. He dies. Then he wakes, naked, bruised and thirsty, but alive. How can this be?

And what is this strange, deserted place? As he struggles to understand what is happening, the boy dares to hope. Might this not be the end? Might there be more to this life, or perhaps this afterlife?

When her mother dies from a snake bite, Comity's life in the Australian Outback changes for ever.

With her father lost in his grief, Comity makes friends with Fred, the Aboriginal yard boy.

But then the evil Quartz Hogg arrives, who delights in playing cruel games. And when he sets his murderous sights on Fred, it's up to Comity to stop him.

The Fastest Boy in the World (9+) - By Elizabeth Laird Eleven-year-old Solomon loves to run! The great athletes of Tinder (11+) - By Sally Gardner the Ethiopian national team Wounded in battle, Otto Hundebiss are his heroes and he dreams defies Death and finds himself on a that one day he will be a goldjourney to a realm of dark magic and medal-winning athlete like them, in spite of his ragged mystery. He meets Safire, brave of shorts and bare feet. heart and pure of spirit, and learns the powers of the tinderbox and the secret of the wolves.

As a school, we are following the judging process by running a shadowing group. Students and staff can read and post their reviews on out group page on the Carnegie Website. Log onto: http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/ shadowingsite/ Then search under ‘A’ to find A New Chapter – the name of our group. There will be a meeting Tuesday lunchtimes in the library for students to discuss their choices. See Ms Sinclair for more details.

Cheshire Schools’ Book Awards If you are looking for a gripping read, especially over the Easter holiday and haven’t tried one of the shortlisted books for the Cheshire Schools’ Book Award, then below is a list of the novels

      

Noble Conflict by Malorie Blackman Haunt by Curtis Jobling Stay Where You Are and Leave by John Boyne More Than This by Patrick Ness The Wall by William Sutcliffe Half Bad by Sally Green A Boy Called Hope by Lara Williamson

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News STUDENTS VICTORY AT STAFF VS SIXTH FORM FOOTBALL

The previous seven days saw Mayweather defeat Pacquiao, Barcelona destroy Bayern and Toulon win an unprecedented third European Cup, but this all paled into insignificance when compared to the annual All Hallows Staff versus Sixth Form football match at Moss Rose.

The staff, reigning champions, went into the match in the midst of a selection crisis with Mr Lees unavailable through injury, Miss Thomason away on retreat and a number of staff citing age and the Manchester 10K as excuses not to play.

The Sixth Form side on the other hand, arrived with a squad of eighteen, hungry for revenge after consecutive defeats.

Led by Callum Byrne, a veteran of this fixture, the team conducted a serious, organised warm up, whilst the staff team was left wondering why Mr Wilson had forgotten to bring a football.

The fixture started at a frenetic pace, high on enthusiasm, but low on quality, with both sides failing to impose themselves on the game. Eventually, the deadlock was broken by 23 a cross from Chris Weetman that somehow ended up

in the back of the net. Further scores came thick and fast after that: a brace from Crumplin, plus goals from Chilufya and Proudman sealed the win.

The staff fought back using their experience with goals from Mr Wilson (though Mr Lawson continues to insist that it scraped his heel on the way in), Mr Bailey also got one and Mr Keane is still insisting that he was ‘never offside’ for his disallowed goal.

At time of writing the two team captains were unavailable for comment, but I think it’s fair to say that Callum Byrne was over the moon and Mr Wilson was as sick as the proverbial parrot.

All in all the game was played on friendly, but competitive terms in front of a good natured crowd. The event was well supported by a cross section of the College from all year groups as well as staff.

The best news of the day came from the large amount of money raised by the fixture. Seven hundred and two pounds was raised for the India Clinic, from ticket sales, the tuck shop and the generous donations of all the players. We would like to thank everyone who took part and helped out, in particular Callum Byrne who took the lead on the organisational front.

We hope that this tradition will continue for many years to come and continue to raise money for the India Clinic.

Mr Howells Year 13 Learning Leader

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PARALYMPIC HOPEFUL VISITS ALL HALLOWS A group of students finished their Boccia training from the lovely Debbie ( hopefully appearing in the next paralympic Great British Team) We are hoping to take on other schools in competitions soon. She was very touched by all the children and cried when she received their ‘Thank You’ gifts and cards.

YEAR 9 & 10 RUBGY SUCCESS Students of Year 9 and 10 travelled to Winnington Park to take part in the Emerging Schools Rugby Tournament. They competed well against schools from across the North West winning one match, drawing two and losing to the eventual winners to finish third in their pool. They showed excellent commitment particularly after two key losing players to injury. The most valuable player was Dominic Waite, in his first ever game of rugby! An excellent effort from year 9/10. This week it is the turn of the year 7 and 8s tournament.

TRAMPOLINING SUCCESS Congratulations to the Girls' Under 13 Trampolinists who won the Macclesfield District competition at Macclesfield Academy. Overall individual 2nd place was awarded to Rebecca Mooney in Year 7 (captain). Our Under 15 Girls also achieved 2nd place in their competition and did really well as a team. Well done to all girls involved. They were an absolute credit to the PE Department and Mrs Ellicott was really proud of them all!

Under 15’s Jess Earl Sasha Forbes Megan Morris Grace Whalley

Under 13’s Rebecca Mooney Pippa Scott Lela Sky-Murphy Alena Poole Anneka Forbes Hannah Potts

STUDENT SAILIING SUCCESS All Hallows wants to say a big well done to Izzi and Madeleine Bristow for their brilliant sailing results over the half-term. At the European Championships, on Lake Garda, Izzi and her sailing partner came 12th overall, and Madeleine sailing with her Dad came 19th. The wind was very light for the event, making it especially challenging.

Izzi then had one day at home to get her kit washed and dried and then headed off to the National Championships this weekend. The weather was the total opposite with the first day being the very top limit of what they would be able to sail and race in. Izzi and Matt, her dad, did brilliantly and finished the 3 day event 6th overall and were the first mixed crew, so Izzi the highest placed girl in the event. Well 25 done to both girls and we wish you luck in all your future competitions.

Prayer Lord, I ask for the gifts of knowledge and wisdom and understanding.

What I pray for I intend to work at, so that I may be someone with an open mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a wisdom that makes good use of my knowledge and experience.

I know that my gifts are useless if I do not also have love and concern for others, and so I ask that you inspire me to live in such a way that I am caring and compassionate and promote understanding between people.

May others respect me, Lord, as much as I respect them.

Amen.

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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