Belvedere Ezine Winter 2018/19

Winter 2018/19

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Careers Fair

Celebrating Languages Day

Y6 Assessment Day

Old School Netball Reunion

Bug-tasting Teachers

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Carol Service

GDST Rally Children in Need

Academy Cadets’ First Review

Remembrance 1918-2018 Careers Fair

Y6 Assessment Day Y7 Residential: Lockerbie

FEATURE STORIES

Head Girl’s Address Prize Giving 2018

What’s inside…

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Celebrating Prize Giving 2018 Belevdere’s annual Prizegiving event took place on Friday, 9th November in the stunning venue of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral. All of our students were escorted by coach to the venue in order to celebrate the achievements and successes of their peers. As well as student receiving their GCSE and A Level certificates, prizes were awarded for outstanding attainment and effort, and there were many Special Awards, some of which are sponsored by prominent members of society.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome given by Canon Anthony O’Brien and was followed by a selection of speeches and

musical interludes. Mr Kennedy, Principal of the academy, delivered a speech praising the many achievements of staff and students over the course of the year.

With achievement as the focus, our Guest Speaker, Liz Ashall-Payne, CEO of ORCHA gave an inspirational talk on her own journey to the top, and she gave some invaluable words of wisdom to our own aspiring career women.

Alex McCaldon-McNally, Belvedere’s Head Girl, rounded up proceedings with a rousing and emotional speech dedicated to strong women and the anniversary of women’s right to vote.

In between awards, the audience were treated to musical numbers performed by our famous Choir and Orchestra, the highlight being Amy Roberts’ performance of ‘Do Not Stand By My Grave and Weep’, in honour of the 100 year anniversary of the Armistice. To support this, for the first time, Belvedere’s Royal Navy Cadet Unit were in full uniform selling poppies to all visitors.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all staff at the Cathedral for their warm welcome and for their support with hosting the event and a massive congratulations to all students for their well deserved achievements and prizes.

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Our Head Girl’s Prize Giving Address Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, prize winners and parents, Governors and special guests, staff and girls. I would like to begin by saying a massive thank you to Liz AshallPayne, for giving us some of her precious time and joining us as our guest of honour today. Mrs Ashall-Payne is a great role model as a female leader in modern day. I hope that some of you sitting in front of me today also aspire to be a CEO, a top surgeon or the next female Prime Minister.

The future is something that you may think about but not something you can always plan so precisely. Belvedere produces resilient girls; whether that’s from surviving Duke of Edinburgh or completing 20 plus exams at the end of year 11. In life there will always be obstacles, but it is how you overcome them that defines you. At Belvedere we are taught to always strive towards our goals no matter how many hurdles are placed in our path; it is this that makes us such a special group of young women.

Resilience goes hand in hand with drive and perseverance. This is evident through this year’s A-level results which are the best Belvedere has ever seen. I would like to take this opportunity to speak on the behalf of the current Year 13s to say that we are determined to exceed this magnificent achievement next summer. Achievements, however, are not just related to academia, they are also personal goals that have been set and reached. I would like to congratulate

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all of those who have received prizes today for their hard work, which has been recognised and acknowledged. Equally, I would like to praise the effort shown from all students, even if they have not collected a prize today, as I am sure you have your own personal achievement either inside or outside of school this year.

My first achievement at Belvedere was gaining a place here though I didn’t realise the importance of this at the time. New statistics have shown that The Belvedere Academy is the hardest school to gain a place in across Merseyside. My greatest achievement so far at Belvedere is being selected to be Head Girl, and this was one I aimed for from the moment I started in Year 7. Belvedere makes going to school an experience worth remembering. At a school like ours, you are given so many fantastic opportunities, some of which were mentioned today by Mr Kennedy, and it is essential to seize them in order to achieve and make the most of your time at Belvedere. All of the enrichments and extra-curricular activities offered serve to take you out of your comfort zone and will help you master new skills.

One group of people who work tirelessly towards achievement at Belvedere who do not get a physical prize here today are the teachers. Teachers are there to provide a service of education, but teachers at Belvedere go above and beyond for their students. This is why we obtain such impressive results year on year. The

dedication of all the staff is second to none and this also deserves recognition. Please join me in a huge round of applause for Belvedere’s teaching staff.

To support the teaching staff in their roles and to ensure the academy runs successfully, we also have a team of fantastic support staff, without whom we would not be able to host such prestigious events as Prize Giving.

In Year 7, I’d never have believed you if you’d told me that I’d be standing up here in six years’ time. It seemed like such an unreachable goal to be Head Girl that I never thought I would make it. I am honoured to represent such a unique establishment that has guided me through my time in education thus far and has contributed so much to my character. I am a student, a friend, an athlete, a sister, a daughter but, most importantly, thanks to Belvedere, I am a young independent woman, and that fills me with gratitude and pride.

2018 marks the 100 year anniversary of the right to vote for women. In 1867, John Stuart Mill was the first Member of Parliament to raise the issue of women’s suffrage in the House of Commons. However, it has took just over 150 years for the Representation of the People Act to be passed and even then, this was only for women over 30.

Even now, women are underrepresented in politics, finance, as CEOs, and all major

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STEM industries. It is now our time to change this, all of you Belvedere girls sitting in this room today have the skill set to make a difference in the future in whatever career you find yourself in. Belvedere girls leave a positive lasting impression on those around them. We can create, debate, accomplish and achieve.

It’s not only Belvedere, but the Girls Day School Trust, our family of schools and academies, empowers young girls to challenge stereotypes across society. This was evident at the annual GDST Young Leaders Conference that I was fortunate to attend back in September. Here, my team and I got the opportunity to work with other GDST girls on a project over the weekend.

This experience really opened my eyes to what girls, especially GDST girls, are capable of and what a sophisticated enterprise we can create together in such a short period of time. This spirit of collaboration very much echoes Mrs Ashall-Payne’s ethos for successful businesses.

Belvedere is an institution where you create memories that will last you a life time, but this is not something you can take for granted. I would love the chance to go back to the first day of Year 7 and relive the past 6 years. Belvedere offers you some amazing opportunities and I recommend you jump at every chance you get. I would consider myself as a conscientious, driven and courageous student and I would not have been able to say this to a friend never mind in front of all of you here today if it wasn’t for the inspiring teachers, ambitious students and Belvedere’s outstanding ethos that flows through all aspects of the school.

Belvedere has given and taught me so much and not just in relation to academia; it has shaped me into the strong young woman I am today. Long may it carry on doing so for others in future generations that follow.

So, may I finish by saying, here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them.

Thank you.

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Networking at the

Careers Fair November brought with it Belvedere’s Biennial Careers Fair, and this year it was bigger and better than ever before with almost 50 employers, representing a huge range of careers.

All students were invited, and the hall was abuzz with everyone keen to learn more about the world of work.

contributed to an informative and exciting event. Moorcrofts Solicitors and The College of Law were able to guide our students through the intricate world of legal careers, whilst past pupil Chloe Carter attended on behalf of PwC, and was a great inspiration to younger pupils as she described her career path since leaving Belvedere.

We had attendees from a huge variety of sectors, including construction, retail, banking, law, life sciences and healthcare, digital technology, armed forces, pharmaceuticals and engineering! Students got to try their hands at programming LEGO robots courtesy of The University of Liverpool, listening for heartbeats with Liverpool Women’s Hospital or identifying animal skulls with Chester Zoo.

FC Architects and EFG encouraged girls to think of careers in architecture and interior design, and another ‘old girl’, Cara from North West Cancer Research not only spoke about scientific research but also the world of events, marketing and communication.

Accountants, lawyers and bankers were on hand to explain about life in the world of business, and companies including Mercer, Santander, Rathbones, Sequiris, Amey, Kier, Laing O’Rourke and the Civil Service all

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‘It was a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of the range of jobs available.’ Year 12 were able to offer post 18 apprenticeships, alongside more traditional graduate entry routes. The majority of the companies offered a variety of ways into work and were able to help pupils and parents understand a bit more about apprenticeships. A number of companies, including Unilever and Marks & Spencer, sent over current apprentices to explain about application processes and give a real insight into the life of an apprentice and how they balance their job role with studying for a degree.

The more creatively minded were not left out, with Liverpool Philharmonic and 20 Stories High explaining about careers in the arts, whilst Michael John Academy helped support pupils with an interest in hair and beauty.

Karen Kimura from the GDST came up the day before the event to work with Year 12 on developing networking skills in preparation for work experience, and many student were able to put their skills into practice with the employers who attended.

Karen was also on hand to support during the fair to support all pupils and point them in the right direction.

Due to the changing nature of recruitment, we had an emphasis on employers that

Thanks to all those who volunteered their time to help make the event such a success!

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‘I didn’t know there were so many different apprenticeships. It has changed so much since I was at school; definitely something to consider.’ Parent

‘It was great! I didn’t know there were so many different jobs!’

Year 10

‘I liked being able to try things with the hospitals and dentist.

It was good fun to have some activities and all the staff were helpful and I felt that I could ask loads of questions.’ Year 9

It was really helpful…but a bit confusing!

So many things to think about now, it really made me think about loads of jobs I’ve never considered before.’ Year 12

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The 11th November marked one hundred years since the signing of the Armistice which brought the First World War to an end.

Remembrance in November was marked in a number of ways at Belvedere.

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Major Elaine Overend spoke at an Academy assembly about the work of the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal. She spoke about the impact of the First World War on the local community, including how Garston in particularly experienced the human cost of war, and the loss of life.

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The following day, the academy conducted an Act of Remembrance with a two minute silence in the Belvedere garden. It had been in this location one hundred years earlier, that men injured on the Western Front had come home to recuperate by relaxing, and playing cards. It was appropriate therefore that a dedication and a blessing should be read there. Belvedere choir members sang “The Benedictus” by Karl Jenkins. Gemma Newby 11C,Olivia Isama 11C, and Charlotte Flynn 11D read Wilfred Owen’s “ Dulce et Decorum Est, with its ironic focus on the old lie, with the phrase from the Roman poet Horace “ It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.” It was also an opportunity, in a moving manner for the newly formed Belvedere Combined Cadet Force to pay their respects to those who had given their lives- remembering the Kohima Epitaph “For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

On Remembrance Day itself, two students from the Belvedere Academy Isabella Morgan in the Combined Cadet Force and Shannah McGarry represented the whole school community. They took part in the Annual Remembrance at St George’s Hall by laying a wreath as a mark of respect for the fallen of all conflicts.

It was fitting that at our Christmas Carol Concert at the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, we welcomed Major Elaine Overend who was able to attend with two veterans. In attendance was 94 year old Royal Navy and D Day veteran - Able Seaman John Dennett with Afghanistan veteran Corporal Peter McCombe of the Parachute Regiment. In the Christmas message the Reverend Keith Hitchman lit a candle, as a reminder that all of us will experience moments of darkness in our lives, but that the light represents in all world religions, the symbol of hope which overcomes the darkness.

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On Friday 14th December we hosted a reunion, where past pupils were invited back to Belvedere for an afternoon of catching up and playing Netball.

Past pupils who left Belvedere in 1997, 2002, 2004, 2015, 2016 and 2017 thoroughly enjoyed the event and want to have more sporting reunions in the future. Mrs Davis who was former Head of PE came back to enjoy the event also.

Excellent Netball skills were displayed and the current 6th form team were crowned the winners with a score of 199. They still remain unbeaten since Year 7, an outstanding achievement! All current Netball team players loved watching the event and are excited to become involved in the future.

Year 10 Graphics: Digital patterns

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Year 10 Graphics students have been having great fun experimenting with kaleidoscopic patterns. Each design starts with a triangle design which is rotated around in Photoshop to create some unique and mesmerising patterns.

Some fantastic work was produced, too many to show in one ezine!

The work featured over the two pages was from Catherine B, Daisy N, Jade R, Anna C, Robin R, Hana H, Niamh G, Neda Q, and Sadie R,.

Well done, the work would honour any art gallery wall!

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A scrumptious Belvedere Bake Off

This December, the Head Girl Team and the Food Technology Department worked together to create The 2018 Belvedere Bake Off. This was a charity event to raise money for the Radio City Cash for Kids appeal which aims to support underprivileged children across Liverpool.

Many pupils from all year groups across the academy busily worked alone and in groups to create a number of impressive bakes including, large tiered cakes, biscuits, amazingly decorative cupcakes, and a number of other festive bakes.

A number of prizes and titles were awarded including the ‘Queen of the

Cupcake’, ‘Most Mouth-watering Bake’, and ‘Innovative festive creation’. Mrs. Jecks also contributed to the prizes with some custom designed aprons for the winners.

Once again the Head Girl Team and the Food Technology Department would like to thank all contestants for taking part and all those who bought the cakes to help raise money for a good cause at Christmas.

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DECEMBER 2018

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Celebrating Languages Day From 24th to 28th September, the MFL department hosted our annual MFL Week and this year it was even bigger and better than normal!

We celebrate this every year around European Languages Day on 26th September in order to celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity in Belvedere, Liverpool and in the European Union as a whole. As always, we ran an action-packed timetable of events that were supported by staff and students of all ages across the academy.

Form classes took part in a quiz about European languages and their idioms, and laughed at the limitations of Google Translate! Students had the opportunity to teach some of their home language to others during our ‘Languages in the Belvedere Community’ event, which was a great

celebration of the huge number of second languages spoken by our students, including Polish, Cantonese, Kurdish and Korean.

and Mr Li. Everyone really enjoyed the sessions and prepared some tasty dishes MasterChef, here we come!

The MFL staff showed off their linguistic abilities and taught their classes some basic phrases in other European languages including Breton, Portuguese, Irish, Greek, Valencian and Russian. Some of our MFL staff even showed off their other skills, as Miss Pozo taught flamenco, Mr Li demonstrated his Kung Fu skills and everyone had great craic learning Irish dancing from Miss Cosgrove - Mrs Beddard even joined in too!

‘I made some pan con tomate. It tasted great and I really enjoyed cooking it as it was interesting to learn more about Spanish foods.’

Mr Johnson kindly allowed us the use of his Food Technology classroom to host some lunchtime international cookery sessions.

Students made Spanish pan con tomate with Miss Pozo, crepes with Miss Potel and Chinese dumplings with Miss Behrens

‘The crepes were interesting to make and very tasty.’

‘I think the cooking workshop was really fun. I really enjoyed it and it would be nice to get involved and make something else as well next year. The pan con tomate tasted really nice.’

Thank you to all staff and students for helping to make MFL Week 2018 so successful - we are already looking forward to next year!

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Residential trip to Lockerbie Manor In October, the whole of Year 7 went on a residential trip to Lockerbie Manor, Scotland. We took part in lots of fun exercises over an action-packed three days! The purpose of the trip was to help us settle in, make friends, develop our communication skills and to build resilience.

We really enjoyed the trip because we got to try so many new things and it was a great way to make new friends. The instructors were very helpful, encouraging and made lots of great jokes! The Manor House was lovely and comfortable and the bedrooms had everything we needed. It was like a home from home! The food was great and we got to have seconds each evening. We were even lucky with the weather!

The best part of the trip were the various activities we got to try out. Our favourite activities were the obstacle course, abseiling, quiz and orienteering.

The instructors encouraged us to overcome our fears and to give everything a go!

We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip, it was a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget.

Isabella D, Kitty T and Orla C, 7P

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UCL IOE Confucius Institute Photographers Competition In the autumn term, some of the students at the Belvedere Academy participated in a national photography competition of the University College London. The competition was open to all of the students in the academy and some of the photos that the students submitted were truly stunning.

The categories that the students could choose from included: J China at Play J Chinese Characters J China: Past, Present and Future J East Meets West

1 Amy Smith’s photograph ‘Chinese Illuminations’ has been recognised as Runner Up in the ‘East Meets West - aged 14 to 18’ Single Photograph Category.

2 Olivia Lewis-Shaw’s ‘Red Envelope for Christmas’ was awarded Second Place in the ‘East Meets West - aged 14 to 18’ Single Photograph Category.

3 Habiba Hassan Bello was Runnerup in the ‘Chinese Characters – aged 13 and under’ Single Photograph Category.

4 Ellie Moscrop’s ‘Red Lanterns in Liverpool Museum’ has been recognised as First Place in the ‘East Meets West – aged 14 to 18’ Single Photograph Category.

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Long Lasting Friendship – China: Past, Present and Future Here are some of the other entries that showcase the photographic talents of the students here at the academy. We would like to thank all of the students for their participation and enthusiasm and contributions.

These photographs show how the UK is embracing Chinese culture and incorporating it into our cities.

These pictures were taken in Chinatown, Liverpool, which has the largest Chinese arch outside of China.

The arch was made in 上海-Shang Hai and shipped over in 2,000 pieces. Liverpool has the oldest Chinese community in Europe, which means that we are affected

by Chinese culture every day, even where we pay for our parking in designed to celebrate Chinese culture.

Moreover, the style of what food we eat is heavily influenced by Chinese Culture, as we have dozens of Chinese Restaurants, which are incredibly popular. The 2 flags represent the union between China and the UK and how our 2 cultures co-exist and help each other to grow and develop which shows a long lasting friendship, since the mid-19th century.

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On the 6th of November, Miss Convery’s form (10C) held “I’m a Teacher Get Me Out Of Here!”

It was held in the gym at lunch time to raise money for Alder Hey, the Upper School charity for this year.

It was Lower School vs Upper School vs Sixth Form, and lots teachers got involved, including the Heads of each School! Lots of students and teachers came to watch the Bushtucker Trial. Crickets, locusts, mealworms, silkworm pupae and many others critters were consumed - the final round was a sickly smoothie that contained various blended bugs!

We held a tuck shop while the event was going on from which you could buy sweets and drinks to have during the event, this raised a lot of money for Alder Hey, too.

Girls from 10C helped in different ways.

For example, some girls were checking tickets on the door; others were selling sweets and drinks, Anna and I did the scoreboard; Keira, Sabah and Amran checked the teachers’ mouths to make sure all the bugs had been eaten.

We are very proud of how well it turned out and surprisingly, no teachers were sick!

We raised a total of £312.04! Thanks to everyone who got involved!

Maisie D. 10C

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Ukuladies perform at Alder Hey Risk Taking Talk On Monday 10th December, the ‘Ukuladies’ visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to play a short repertoire of Christmassy carols for children, parents and staff. They started their morning by performing at the opening of the Christmas Grotto - with Santa himself in attendance. There were dancing toddlers, mummies, daddies and hospital staff as the ‘Ukes’ worked their way through such hits as Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Last Christmas, and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. The group then turned their attention to the new ‘Secret Garden’

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which was due to open that very morning.

After many more carols and well known Christmas No.1s, the garden was declared open to the public and the pupils performed as parents and children wondered around the newly opened play area. One hospital member of staff commented that the group were “absolutely joyful” to have around the building and insisted that they come back again very soon to perform!

A second performance for around Easter time is already in discussion!

Dr Luna Centifanti from University of Liverpool delivered a talk to the Psychology students and conducted some exciting psychological research on risk taking.

Here is Sameera M’s account, “Recently I participated in a psychological study based on risk taking and decision making along with the other psychology students. I really enjoyed the unique opportunity to ask the psychologist questions about her job and previous studies that she had done. This allowed me to understand what being a psychologist is really like and how fun and interesting the job is. Firstly, we completed a questionnaire to determine our decision making in terms of risk taking, and then throughout the day we took part in 3 games that would test our risk taking. Overall, the day was a lot of fun and provided an amazing opportunity which further developed my interest in psychology and my understanding of what being a psychologist is actually like.”

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Y6 ASSESSMENT DAY

YET AGAIN, RECORDS HAVE BEEN SMASHED. WITH OVER 800 APPLICANTS, THE QUEUES ALONG BELVIDERE ROAD FOR OUR SATURDAY ASSESSMENT MORNING REINFORCED THE POPULARITY OF THE SCHOOL.

THE QUEUES STARTED EARLY, PEOPLE WERE WAITING FROM 7.20AM! THE LINE OF YEAR 6 STUDENTS STRETCHED THE LENGTH OF BELVIDERE ROAD.

THE STRATEGIC OPERATION OF REGISTERING ALL THE STUDENTS AND GETTING THEM IN THE CORRECT ROOMS BEGAN...

ONCE THE GIRLS WERE INSIDE AND SETTLED, THE ASSESSMENTS BEGAN... ...BUT THERE WAS ALSO TIME TO RELAX, PLAY A FEW GAMES AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

GOOD LUCK GIRLS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING SOME OF YOU IN YEAR 7 AS BELVEDERE GIRLS!

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DECEMBER 2018

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Year 8 China Day 2018 On the 16th November 2018, all of the Year 8 students at The Belvedere Academy participated in the Year 8 China Day. Throughout the day visiting staff from Edge Hill University led activities that broadened the girls’ knowledge about the Chinese language, the Chinese culture and their traditions.

Some of the activities included: Paper Cutting 剪纸 (jiǎn zhǐ) Qi Gong 气功 (qì gōng) Calligraphy 书法 (shū fǎ) Chinese Knots中国结 (zhōng guó jié) Chinese Movie 中国电影 (zhōng guó diàn yĭng) All of the girls really enjoyed the day and impressed the Edge Hill University staff with their Chinese speaking skills and their enthusiasm for Chinese. Thanks to everyone who supported this fantastic day, especially the students, Edge Hill University and all of The Belvedere Academy staff.

Student comments: “Year 8 China day was both interesting and fun. There were lots of entertaining activities to do.”

“I liked all of the activities because it was fun to try all of the new things that the Edge Hill University teachers taught us.”

“I liked today because I’ve learnt a lot.

My favourite thing today was doing the calligraphy because it was a lot of fun.”

“I liked calligraphy the most because I enjoyed using the magic paper.”

“I liked Kungfu lesson teaching me peaceful moves that I can also use to defend myself.”

“My favourite was the Chinese knots because I got to learn how to make a bracelet that I never knew how to make before.”

“Today, my favourite lesson was making the China knots and bracelets because now I am able to make them at home. Thank you!”

“I loved making the bracelets because I can keep it as a memory. Thank you!”

“I really enjoyed Qigong because it relaxed my mind.”

“Today I enjoyed making Chinese knots the most because you make them to show your feelings for others that you care about and it is a lot of fun.”

“I liked paper cutting the most because it was fun to see what you made when you unfold it.

“I liked paper cutting because it was fun and easy and I learnt more about Chinese culture through doing it.”

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Well, it’s been an exciting first term for the first Royal Navy Cadet Force in Belvedere’s history!

Following on from our exciting field days that took place in the summer term, Belvedere RNCF began to Parade in September. Let me tell you, it’s been filled with laughter, learning and lots of fun.

September saw our newly renovated space in the basement filled with boxes crammed full of Royal Navy uniforms. Cadets had fun ‘shaping’ their berets by dipping them in hot and cold water and then moulding then into the correct shape whilst soaking wet on their heads! Boots were polished and shined so brightly that we could almost see our faces in them. We were excited to welcome Lieutenant Commander Rigby to our team as our SSI (School Staff Instructor) and have had regular visits from our Area Instructor, Taff Urie.

Parade nights started in earnest seeing Cadets proudly wearing their number 4, blue uniform for school all day. Sub

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Lieutenant Cooper has delivered fun and informative seminars on a wide range of topics and then, of course, there followed drill. It’s quite a skill for 27 Cadets to all march, turn, salute and halt in perfect unison, but they have made a fantastic starts, so much so, that we regularly find both staff and students watching us out of the windows from the school building!

The most poignant moment so far has been the Cadets’ involvement with the Remembrance Day Commemorations. They proudly took charge of selling poppies and this proved so successful that we had to order more boxes and collection tins to house the generous donations of Belvedere students, their families and staff.

On 8th November, we held a memorial service to commemorate 100 years since the End of WW1, where Cadets laid a wreath to pay their respects to the fallen.

The Cadets added a very moving reminder that many of those that lost their lives in WWI were barely older than the Cadets themselves. It tied in well with Belvedere history, with the school gardens being used

as a place for sick and injured soldiers to convalesce. The week drew to a close with our annual Prize Giving Service which saw Cadets wearing their white number 3 uniform to represent the Belvedere RNCF at our first public school event, selling poppies once again, to staff and visitors.

A group of ten Cadets were lucky enough to be chosen to sail on HMS Charger, a Royal Navy vessel belonging to the University of Liverpool. We sailed from Langton Dock on a beautiful November day, passed through a lock and on to the River Mersey. It was here that we were fortunate enough to each be shown how to pilot the vessel, under the tutelage of Lieutenant Harsent and his crew. It was so much fun turning a ship directly in front of Liverpool’s historic skyline. Cadets also had a tour of the ship, including the engine room and where crew sleep, relax and cook.

To celebrate the end of a packed first term, Cadets enjoyed a trip out to the Climbing Hangar, where they were taught how to boulder, proving that there is literally no limit to the heights to which they will strive.

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So, the big question is, can we match this excitement in the New Year? In short, yes!

Many Cadets are booked on residential courses for a variety of skills such as windsurfing, powerboating and dinghy sailing. We have lots of activities planned both in and outside school and are also looking forward to our official opening in Spring 2019.

If you are interested in getting involved in Belvedere’s RNCF (Royal Navy Cadet Force), we will be recruiting in the New Year - watch this space.

SLt Parker

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Computer Science week brings future mapping to Belvedere During December all students had the opportunity to join in a whole host of all things “Computer Science & ICT” related.

Belvedere registered on the world map as a host school along with 136,067 other places around the world celebrating Computer Science week. Miss Foster and Mrs Brown joined millions of teachers in over 180 countries worldwide in allowing students to join in Computer Science and IT events.

The week kicked off with an assembly delivered by Miss Foster and students from Years 7 to 10 to all students and staff. The presentation included videos from Hannah, a Liverpool based architect, and Ann a Director of a renewable energy company in Toronto, Canada. Both speakers told the audience about why studying IT helped them futureproof their careers.

Everyone heard about what the week had in store from robotics sessions with Liverpool University staff, to gaming with Mrs Brown & Miss Foster for the ‘hour of code.’ All the daily lunchtime sessions were a real hit with spaces going quickly, the gaming and robotics sessions were delivered twice and run on two days to accommodate as many students who signed up as possible.

The students involved in gaming created ‘Moana’ and ‘Minecraft games.’

The ‘Women in Tech’ enrichment club students, GCSE Computer Science and IT Extended Certificate Level 3 Sixth Form students were invited to attend a trip to Liverpool JMUs Sensor City with Miss Foster and Miss Merrall. The students involved met and interviewed 10 women who work in the IT Industry. After the event many spoke with Miss Foster about considering their own

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future careers in IT and Computer Science and inventing the Tech of the future. Many students have been inspired to consider starting their own business or creating their own Tech in the future.

After a busy week of events, Miss Foster and Mrs Brown commented, “Computer Science week at Belvedere has given students a greater insight how good IT and Computing skills can allow them to shape and sustain their future in a digital world. Many students who take GCSE Computer Science or the IT Level 3 Extended Certificate in the Sixth Form are eagerly sought after by employers or those businesses offering apprenticeships, as well as having the opportunity to enter degree courses in IT and Engineering at University. It’s a really exciting time to be studying IT and Computer Science.”

“During Computer Science week I really enjoyed speaking in the assembly. I was a bit nervous at first, but when I started talking I wasn’t so nervous. It gave me a lot of confidence but I also learnt a lot about Computer Science and IT and the jobs I might want to go into needing good IT skills!” Arabella S, Y7 “I really enjoyed the week because I learnt lots that I did not know. I loved the robots because I learnt how they actually work. The gaming was also helpful because although I know a little about coding I learnt how to code a minecraft game. I enjoyed Computer Science week so much and hopefully I get to do it again next year! I would recommend the ‘Women in Tech’ enrichment to anyone who wants to learn new and exciting ways to use IT and Computer Science skills.” Sara A, Y7

“I got to learn things I never learnt before like how to program a robot and how to use code. I’m looking forward to doing more programming in my IT lessons!“ Kene A, Y7 “I loved meeting the Women who work in the IT Industry because it has made me think more about where I want to be in ten years time and how I can get there. My favourite was the lady who had started her own Tech business, if you have a good idea then you need to believe in it and yourself!“Year 11 Computer Science Student.

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Children In Need ‘Pudsey Day’ On “Pudsey Day” we were involved in numerous activities including: spotty nail painting, a huge cake sale, being able to watch part of The Greatest Showman, wearing spotty accessories and we all had the chance to walk in our pyjamas in the park!

Pudsey Day was such fun because we were able to pick an activity to do during lunch.

The hardest part was picking which one to take part in! After the day we found out that we had raised over £700 which is amazing.

‘Pudsey Day was the best day ever because we got to spend time with our friends, whilst we were having so much fun and we raised lots of money for really worthwhile charities!’ Kathleen R, Tessa P and Chloe P, Year 7 ‘I really enjoyed the pyjama walk because I knew it was for charity, but it was also something different. I got to the front of the line and sang the whole way. It was surprisingly warm too! If we ever had the opportunity to do something like that again for charity, I definitely would! It was great fun.’ Arabella S, 7H

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This year the GDST Northern Trust Rally was held in Northampton High School. As always it was a great success for The Belvedere Academy and we were able to take part in range of sports in an extremely competitive environment. Our biggest success was surprisingly in the volleyball tournament where we won all 5 of our matches and won the volleyball trophy for the first time in 24 years for Belvedere. This was an extremely proud moment for us as this year was our last time competing in the rally and this event means so much to us. We have always played in it since Year 8 and it is one of the best memories we will keep from our time at Belvedere as it has given us the amazing opportunity to showcase our talent that cannot necessarily be demonstrated in school. We will truly miss the challenging but fun time we have had with all our friends from our year and the younger years.

Overall Results – 1st Place Volleyball 2nd place in Fitness Challenge

Anisha S & Lauren E, Year 13.

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Latest News and Events from the PE Department Staff v 6th Form Table Tennis Charity Event To raise money for our charity and the Sixth Form prom, our class hosted a Staff vs Sixth Form table tennis tournament. During the event, some of us stood at the doors collecting money, and some organised the background music whilst others were in charge of the ping pong balls.

Sixth formers went head to head with teachers and finally it ended with the teachers declared as winners. All spectators loved the event!

Emily S and Lilia T, Year 10

New Enrichment: Gaelic Football Interform Netball Belvedere is a school which offers and also excels in a range of team/individual sports. However, I thought it would be nice to introduce a sport to the girls which has been a massive influence in my life: Gaelic football. Gaelic football is a sport mainly played in Ireland but has successfully made its way around the world in recent years. It is played between teams of fifteen players, with a goal resembling that used in rugby but having a net attached. The objective is to work together as a team and kick/ punch the ball into the net (3 points) or over the crossbar (1 point). Gaelic football, like many team sports has helped developed my teamwork, communication, leadership skills and also my sportsmanship.

These are qualities I hope to develop in the Belvedere girls who attend, as well as skill development and knowledge of the sport.

The club has been running for a few weeks on Thursday lunch times. Currently, there are 17 girls who have attended, representing each year group in Lower School. Each of the girls are getting on extremely well, especially in the two basic skills we have mastered: hand passing and kick passing.

However, the main thing is that the girls are enjoying the Enrichment and having fun, which is evident. I hope that the girls continue to attend in hope to start a small Belvedere Gaelic Football squad.

Miss McGuckin

Tensions surrounded the sports hall on the day of Interform Netball. A highly competitive event for all forms of year 10, it was a day that every member of every team had been training for since the date of the event was announced. Every team played incredibly well, showing the immense sporting skills within Belvedere, but once again, the reigning victors, 10M, walked away with the title on a final score so close that it came down to the number of goals scored against the teams. Well done 10M (a triumph well deserved) and well done to every team for showing incredible sportsmanship and pride in their forms.

Year 10 Interform Netball Results: 1st 10M 2nd 10C 3rd 10F 4th 10W 5th 10LF

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Latest News and Events from the PE Department Our trip to Rock and River We had a great time on our trip to Rock and River. Whilst taking part in activities such as: ‘The leap of faith’, archery, rock climbing and raft building we built on our confidence, trust and friendship with our new classmates.

Our favourite activity was ‘The leap of faith’, friends cheering us on from the bottom really helped! Another activity we loved was raft building where we got to work together as a team to build a raft, which we then tested on the water. We got really wet but it was so much fun. We would love to go back!

Happy Christmas Bags Over the last year I have been regularly volunteering for Food Cycle, who support people who are hungry and lonely by serving tasty lunches and dinners every single day in towns and cities across the country. Many of the guests struggle to afford the basics to eat and many will eat alone without company or conversation.

who contributed to the bags especially 10C who completed 7 bags. The remaining items were donated to St Gabriel’s Church Food Bank along with food that was collected by the Sixth Form. I’m starting early for next year, if you have any unwanted gift sets from Christmas please donate them to our Happy Christmas Bags.

Some of our guests live on their own and

Mrs Backstrom.

the thought of them getting up Christmas morning, on their own, bothered me. So I thought of giving each of our guests a ‘Happy Christmas Bag’ containing a hat, gloves, socks, sweets, a gift set, deodorant, shower gel, biscuits, tea and coffee. It was a token gesture but it would have been impossible to do them all by myself. So I sent an email to all the staff at the academy and asked my family and friends if they could help. The response was overwhelming from everyone. In all we made up 42 bags.

I would personally like to thank everyone

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Food Cycle, Liverpool is based in St. Cleopas Church, Mill Street on a Wednesday evening 5-9pm.

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Daisy N’s fantastic final outcome came from a series of well-planned stages; from photo-shoots to careful image selection and transfer, then adding the marvellously detailed pattern work.

CRAZY ABOUT

PATTERN Year 10 Graphics students have been having great fun experimenting with patterns. Their work was initially inspired by the work of contemporary award-winning British female designer, Nikki Farquharson.

They produced pattern designs that were then developed further enabling the students to experiment, develop and showcase skills in mixed media, colour pattern with ink, photography and learning how to plan for photo-shoots (using their fellow Y10 colleagues as aspiring models!), using Photoshop to develop kaleidoscope patterns, and some students have taken their designs even further by using animation to help them explore movement and further experimentation with different hues.

Catherine B’s work shows many stages and is almost animated by its moving figures, all of which are integrated within the monochromatic pattern backdrop.

I think their work is great and I’m honoured that they have used my art as inspiration.

They all look fantastic! I hope they continue to create with love and passion.

Nikki Farquharson’s response after seeing Belvedere students‘ work that took inspiration from her pattern work (examples on the right).

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CRAZY ABOUT

PATTERN

Year 10 Graphics: Patterns 34

Some more fantastic examples of Year 10 Graphics students’ patterns. There were far too many to feature them all, but there was some truly fantastic work, well done girls! Here the work is designed by Catherine B, Lauren G, Isobella M, Neda Q, Hana H, Siobhan N and Robin R.

ousands... th by en se be d ul co rt ve ad Your from teens to parents to grandparents ...

...it makes sense to advertise your business or event in the Belvedere magazine.

The Belvedere Academy magazine is published several times a year, with 1500 electronic copies being widely distributed among parents, primary schools, local businesses, nurseries and churches.

Advertising with us in the magazine will reach a large target audience throughout Liverpool. The magazine is also published on issuu.com - offering global exposure to your brand. The magazine is designed

by Mr Dykeaylen and articles are contributed from both pupils and staff.

GREAT RATES! The advertising rates and advert dimensions are: • PRIME POSITION FULL PAGE COLOUR ADVERTISEMENT ONLY £250 Position - back cover or on the inside front or back cover. 210mm x 297mm.

• FULL INSIDE PAGE COLOUR ADVERTISEMENT ONLY £200 210mm x 297mm.

• 1/2 PAGE INSIDE PAGE COLOUR ADVERTISEMENT ONLY £175 Landscape 210mm x 148mm or Portrait 148mm x 210mm.

All revenue is put back into the production of the magazine.

Low cost, high coverage, wide audience range.

FORTHCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY JAN

21 JAN

24

Yr11 Parents’ Evening, 4-6:30pm

JAN

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To place your advertisement, please contact Mr Peter Dykeaylen on 0151 727 1284. Advertisements should be submitted electronically as either high resolution JPEG files or as PDF files, either on CD or emailed to p.dykeaylen@belvedereacademy.net Cheques should be made payable to GDST Academy Trust.

All copies and payments must be received one month before publication.

Sixth Form Open Evening, 4.30pm start (Principal’s talk 5.30pm)

JAN

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It’s easy to book your space:

Yr9 Parents’ Evening, 4-6:30pm

The magazine is also published online at issuu.com, publicising both the school on a global level and also any potential advertisers.

Many thanks to teaching staff who have contributed articles and photographs. For more news please visit www.belvedereacademy.net If you have any comments or suggestions for the magazine then please contact Mr Peter Dykeaylen: p.dykeaylen@belvedereacademy.net

Yr9 Option Forms to be returned

The Belvedere Academy, 17 Belvedere Road, Princes Park, Liverpool, L8 3TF. 0151 727 1284 E: info@belvedereacademy.net www.belvedereacademy.net

Drama Festival 2018 was undeniably the biggest and most competitive yet! 270 students, supported by over 100 Sixth Formers, worked tirelessly on their recreations of hit theatre and film classics. The day was packed full of atmosphere and high spirits. Never before has a Drama Festival seen so many big numbers.

There must always be winners though, and this year’s prestigious first prize for Best Play was 9KS with Nightmare Before Christmas, second place to 9Y with Harry Potter and third place to 9S’s Pitch Perfect.

The Belvedere Company at ‘ArtsFest’ The Belvedere Academy Drama Company achieved great success at the Liverpool Speech and Drama Festival: ‘ArtsFest’ held at St Julie’s.

Facing stiff competition from schools across the city, especially from the city’s other girls’ schools St Julie’s and Arcbishops’ Blanch, they did extremely well.

Gaining 1st and 2nd place in their respective monologue/duologue categories across all three key stages, they brought home six trophies!

All Belvedere performances were awarded a Distinction mark (mostly full marks or a couple less) and the adjudicators couldn’t believe the talent of our girls.