The Waconian 2013

the waconian

2013

Photographers’ Credits: Jason Lock - Pages 41, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 68, 83, 97, 98, 99, 106, 107, 108 & 109.

Martyn Cartledge - Page 34 Cover artwork: “Study for Landscape” (Venice) Becky Illidge, Year 11

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What is a Waconian?

‘The door of Scrooge's counting house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell, a sort of tank, was copying letters. Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk's fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal.’

When most of us think of Victorian clerks, this image, created by Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, springs to mind. It was these men, working in their counting houses or warehouses, who, in 1854, came upon the scheme to create a school for their children should misfortune befall them. The school was to become Manchester Warehousemen and Clerk’s Orphan Schools known today as Cheadle Hulme School, and we, the students, get to experience a slice of that history when we are called Waconians.

By Melanie Richardson, Chair of the Old Waconians' Association

3 From the Editor...

“The essence of community, its heart and soul, is the things we do and share because we care for others, and for the good of the place.”

No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.

Dee Hock

John Donne

“When you have a great and difficult task, something perhaps almost impossible, if you only work a little at a time, every day a little, suddenly the work will finish itself.”

There have been days when it seemed, at least, a gargantuan task, but in truth my first year as Editor of The Waconian has been both fascinating and rewarding. It has given me the opportunity to work with people with whom I don’t normally come into contact during my everyday teaching and shown me aspects of the school that I didn’t know existed, even after many years here. It has reminded me of the qualities that make Cheadle Hulme School what it is and of the breadth of opportunity that our students are given, quite apart from their academic studies, from music and art to sport, travel and charity work.

We have remarkable talent in every part of the School and I have tried to include articles from all years and on as many topics as possible to reflect this. I must apologize to those people whose work I was not able to use in the final version of this year’s magazine because of lack of space.

Andrea Holland has given me invaluable help and advice, for which I thank her; she laughed out loud last November when I told her over lunch one day that I was worried I might not have enough to fill the magazine.

I will never make that mistake again!

My Editorial Team has been hugely supportive and not only encouraged the younger children to write interesting and amusing articles, but also produced some

fine pieces themselves. They responded calmly and efficiently to my frequent badgering and pestering, and never failed to come up with the goods, even if this was sometimes at the eleventh hour.

I have particularly enjoyed working with the Year 5 Junior School Committee and to see the children working closely with the Sixth Formers has been enormously satisfying. I have tried to include work from all years, from Reception to Upper Sixth, and I’m sure that you will see some of the fun we have and the new experiences we encounter during trips, lessons, clubs and co-curricular activities as you read their articles and look at the photographs.

Obviously, we have not been able to cover everything that happens at Cheadle Hulme School, but I hope that you will get at least a taste of some of the things that we do in a typical year.

My Editorial Teams have been supportive and creative; my special thanks go to Alex Williams, who has written for nearly every part of the magazine and responded to my demand that she make the Body section interesting with skill and good humour; to Hugh O’Shea who has looked after the Music side of things, encouraged the younger students to write and written some lovely pieces himself; to Rosie Wood, whose passion for Art is so infectious; to Mark Ainley and Gabi James, who have written some superb pieces on the academic side of school life; to Elly Glynn, whose pictures of many school events are excellent and

who has been reliable and supportive throughout; and to Sarah Shand, who has worked patiently with her Junior School Expression Team and been organized and reliable in her attendance at meetings and in her support of the children in her group.

Thanks also to Tim Hudson, who has always managed to come up with a fine selection of photographs from a huge range of events at a moment’s notice, and has been happy to send more when his first choices have not been to my satisfaction.

I hope that you will enjoy reading the work of our students and looking at the pictures and artwork in my first Waconian. As Ruth Breese said to me when I first took over the magazine from her, this is a job and a half, but it is a job and a half that I am already looking forward enormously to doing again next year!

Judith Shand, Editor

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How Hogwarts turned into home Katie Cash, Lower Sixth Katie Cash was new to Cheadle Hulme School when she entered the Sixth Form in September 2012 At first glance the school looked like something from a film, a fairy tale, a fantasy. But above all of these things the school, I hate to say this, but the school looked like Hogwarts. I pictured cackling witches and extraordinarily frightening werewolves wandering around the cramped corridors as if this was all but normal for them. I pictured “You know who’s” name being whispered between terrified Year 7s, talking of the horrific events he had been involved in. I pictured the sorting hat being held in front of me like a prize for the taking, a prize which would hopefully secure me into my House of choice. It may sound stupid, even absurd, but that was what I was truly picturing, seeing as all I had seen of the enchanting school beforehand had been from leaflets and welcoming packages.

I tried to step through the gates but inside me it seemed as if there was an invisible barrier preventing me from passing. Would I make the right impression? Would I say the correct things? Would I survive?

It is a known fact that a person judges you within the first 8 seconds of meeting you. This judgement stays unchanged and this judgement built the hysteria that had been building up for the whole of the unusually sweltering summer. I checked my hair, my face, my perfectly preened uniform, until there was nothing left to check. I had to go in, I had to face the future place where I would speak, write, learn for the next two years. All that was left was to walk into the elusive Lower Sixth Common Room. Why was it called common? Was there a secret language that I hadn’t learnt?

Languages were never my forte. My year 8 French teacher could barely understand when I said “Bonjour”, German was even worse.

I stood there quivering in my speaking exam, confused by the alien tongue that was being catapulted towards me as if I was standing in the firing line for the worst crime that had ever been seen on this planet. My heart skipped a beat. My hands became sweaty, with drops rolling down my wrist like an out of date perfume. My foot stepped forward, my hand wrapped itself around the distinguished door handle and the aroma of fresh meat flew into the room along with my destructive body, ticking away like a bomb about to explode.

And that explosion happened, an explosion that blew me off my feet.

There were people, girls and boys, small and tall and they looked……. normal. No cackling witches, no extraordinarily frightening werewolves, but normal people. The normal people didn’t gather around me like I was a freak show visiting for the day. They didn’t even give me a look of dislike, as if I was dog dirt that needed to be wiped from their normally pristine shoes. What they did was something so unimaginable that I had to take a second look to believe it for myself. They accepted me with a smile, with a friendly “hello”, with an invitation to sit next to them. I was accepted and that feeling was indescribable.

I’d found a sanctuary within the walls. I could move without being cornered, I could speak my mind without judgement or criticism, I could be myself. I’m not going to lie and say that there was no homework, no work involved with coming into the Sixth Form, because there was. But every time I was set a piece of work it didn’t come with the orchestra of moans and groans that were expressed throughout High School; the work was enjoyable and interesting because it was the subjects I liked, loved and even occasionally adored.

“Sixth Form will be a step up,” they say, “Sixth Form is hard work,” they say, but if I was to sum up what Sixth Form is for me I would say only one word. A word that represents all that I have been through to get here. All the sweat and tears of revision when children are deliriously running after the ice cream van. All the wasted time on how to use a mole in a Chemistry equation properly, or what the velocity would be if the time and speed were at a certain amount for Physics. Sixth Form is “you”. It’s your subjects. It’s your choice whether you want to learn or not. It’s your life and you should do the things that you enjoy and not what you think would look the best on an application, because A Levels will affect the rest of your life whether you like it or not.

It still looked like Hogwarts to me. But this Hogwarts was becoming more of a reality each and every day. This was the point when I realised that I was no longer in Hogwarts, no longer in a fairy tale or a fantasy. I was home.

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torial Junior Edi

Team

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Meet the

Editorial Teams

torial Junior Edi

Team Team:

ill nior Goodw Above right: Ju l El a Bond

h with Manali Sha Stanier and Emily Body Team: Left: Junior orge Brook is with Ge l l E y n a h t Be Smith and Tally

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torial Senior Edi

Team

m: r Body Tea Right: Senio rphy and Joe Mu ams Alex Willi m Team: nior Wisdo Below right: Se inley and Mark A Gabi James Team: r Goodwill Below: Senio arter nd Lucie C a d e e a S f Sai

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Editor

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“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.�

Mary Anne Radmacher

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The annual French exchange to Caen in Normandy took place during the Easter holidays; the trip involved Year 10 and Lower Sixth students.

Here are some memories of the visit by Bethan Davis, Year 10 It had been a long and tiring journey before we finally arrived in Paris for the French leg of our exchange. The morning had started off at 3:45 am with a bus ride to Liverpool in order to take a plane to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport until finally, we arrived in Caen, Normandy at around lunchtime. Everyone was greeted by their exchange students and escorted to their new homes for the week that had been highly anticipated for months.

The weekend was spent with the French families, meaning that we were immediately thrust into rapid French conversation, completely isolating us from our native language. This was an interesting experience as it taught everyone new vocabulary and colloquialisms which proved useful for the rest of the week.

Monday was eagerly anticipated by the whole group as it meant being reunited with our friends and reverting back to speaking English. The day also brought a new set of challenges, however, as we spent the day at either the Collège (Secondary School) or the Lycée (Year eleven and Sixth Form College). The lessons were a great insight into school life in France as we discovered that their classes were almost exactly the same as ours back in England (except for the fact that everyone was speaking a foreign language of course!). On Monday we were also treated to a special cooking class where we made all sorts of delicious treats with choux pastry.

The aromas that these pastries created were amazing and we couldn’t wait to taste what we had made.

The next day was spent at the beautiful Mont St Michel. It took two and a half hours on the coach to reach the abbey, but it was definitely worth it. The sun shone onto the hill as bells chimed; it was a wonderful sight. Before our tour of the abbey, we were able to spend some time in the plethora of shops which lined the path up to the abbey’s entrance. There were many over-priced crêperies and ice cream parlours to attract tourists such as ourselves as well as several shops selling merchandise such as snow globes and calendars.

Finally, the time had come for our tour around the abbey. It was beautiful and as we walked around we noticed many incredible sights such as stained glass windows and Hogwarts-style courtyards. We learnt a lot about the history of Mont St Michel as we walked around, marvelling at the high stone pillars and large fireplaces. However, our day had to come to an end as we returned to our French families, where we had to write a diary in French all about our trip. Many people included what they ate for dinner and unsurprisingly, we all compared meals the next day, with a common occurrence being cheese, especially camembert, a speciality of Normandy.

Wednesday was also an exciting day as we went to ‘Accrobranche’, the French equivalent of ‘Go Ape’. There were several high-wire courses, which tested everybody as some of us faced our worst fear: heights. However, even with such obstacles as towering platforms and wobbling ropes, we all successfully completed the courses.

As Wednesday was a half-day at the school, the French class organised to take everyone out for lunch at McDonald’s in Caen.

The restaurant was choc-a-bloc with school students from all over Caen purchasing their weekly treat. After we had finished eating, we went shopping down the high street, past many chocolatiers, patisseries and other typical French shops. However, there were also many clothes shops to be found amongst this cobbled jungle.

Thursday was by far the most fascinating but emotional day.

We began at the German Cemetery, which was interesting as we noticed that it was very organised, which in some ways made it feel less personal. We then moved on to the American Cemetery, where all that could be seen was row upon row of white headstones, lining the perfectly trimmed grass. Many of the Americans buried there died in the D-Day landings of 1944, some of which occurred just next to the cemetery. Unsurprisingly, many tears were shed as we walked through the maze of graves and tried to appreciate the sacrifices that these soldiers made.

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Why go on the French exchange?

It improves your French. Meet new people, immerse yourself in French culture and spend a week with your friends. Plus, you can eat a lot of pains au chocolat – Meredith and Bethan To spend a week with a family you have never met sounds worrying, but I can confirm that it is the best thing I have ever done – Josh.T After visiting the American Cemetery, we visited the small but pretty town of Arromanches, which bordered the sea. Only 50 metres off the coast we could see the bridges that the British used in order to land in Normandy, which helped us to understand how much effort was put into making D-Day a success. In Arromanches, we went to a 360° cinema to watch a short film which featured many old clips of the landings. It was fascinating to watch actual footage of what had happened at Arromanches and other parts of the coast, rather than just hear about it. On our return, we were treated to an ‘afternoon tea’ from our French exchange students. As we sat in the hall, eating apple pie and signing several British flags, we listened to a mini-concert from Annaliesa as she performed a song from ‘The Sound of Music’.

Friday was unfortunately the day where we would depart and say goodbye to our French families. There were some tears as we said our farewells, but generally the atmosphere was cheery as we said goodbye to the great friends that we had made. However, the trip was not yet over for us as we visited the house of Claude Monet and the gardens surrounding it which he painted. The house was beautiful and eccentrically painted to match the green woodwork in his garden. We saw the famous green bridge and the pond beneath it, where Monet painted ‘Water Lilies’. We learnt about Monet himself and his mischievous antics, which surprised us all.

Finally, after a long but extremely rewarding trip, we arrived back in England having been fully immersed in the French language and culture. Everyone agreed that the trip improved our French by miles, some of us even remarking that we had involuntarily been thinking in a French accent or automatically translating English sentences in French in our heads. I’m sure that no-one will forget the great French experiences which we enjoyed on our exchange.

You’ll have so much fun, and gain lots of confidence with your language, and learn a lot about their culture. It gives you the opportunity to be independent, whilst knowing you still have the support of all the teachers! – Billy You will have a great time, it will be a completely different experience but it’s worth it! You gain confidence in speaking and understanding French and are able to have a proper conversation.

Also you make new friends and you can enjoy French culture!! – Charlotte You will have an amazing time staying with another family. You discover so much about French culture, and French as a language becomes so much easier to understand.

Also you make friends for life – Helen A holiday full of excitement where we could experience the French culture first hand! – Nancy The best week to make the best friends, have fun and live the French life! – Grace It was better practising French in a real environment then a classroom – Oscar It improved my pronunciation and ability to speak French on the spot and it was a laugh with the penfriends – Owen It was an interesting and thoroughly joyful experience and I feel I have had a marvellous time with the French family – Dan

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The Gambia Lucie Carter, Lower Sixth After experiencing a week in The Gambia before Christmas 2012, my appreciation for things I had previously taken for granted no longer exists. The Gambia, located in Western Africa, is a very poor country where poverty is a common occurrence. Scarcity of water is evident wherever you go, as well as lack of sanitation, highlighting how fortunate a country the UK is. Whilst over there, a group of around twenty Sixth Formers visited numerous schools which we are supporting in order to enable as many Gambian children as possible to achieve some sort of academic qualifications.

We were able to see how the money we raise here in the UK, for example from events such as the Charity Hike, can mean so much to schools over there. In one school, some money we raised for them was used to fix the roof of a building, and also to create a well for clean accessible water which would improve their quality of life.

Seeing our contributions was very rewarding, as the children and teachers were extremely grateful, and offered us a meal and a thank you reception to demonstrate their gratitude. We were able to bring some supplies for them, including paper and pencils, and the children were utterly thrilled; items we barely appreciate can mean so much to them. The comparison with our school is so interesting and we are different in so many ways, for example the number of children per classroom. However, at both schools the cheerful atmosphere is evident. One school we visited, called The Gambian High School, allowed us to meet aspiring students who were hopeful of continuing on to university in The Gambia to study courses such as medicine, which was relatable to people like ourselves. Overall the experience was life-changing and something I will never forget!

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m o r F d r a c t s o P A

LONDON! Greetings!

nt to London. the Year 5 classes we On March 5th 2013 school at 7:15 to students arrived at On the first day the 0 the students ach journey. At 12:0 set off on a long co of London. r the city at the Towe started their day in ater Gate, also saw there was the W The first thing they isoners came te, because all the pr known as Traitors’ Ga crown jewels e th ter that they saw Af te. ga at th h ug thro s went into the gn. Next the student from Edward V’s rei r from various they saw the armou White Tower. There r’s toilet! illiam the Conquero Tudor Kings and W ey did to and learned what th They saw weapons s of torture. ine ch ma e th e got to se armour. They even llywood with Ho t ed their day at Plane The students finish ers. some fantastic burg the Natural off their next day at The students kicked d there ite vis e first place they History Museum. Th saw a live ey th ere h Theatre, wh was the Attenboroug that they saw otic animals. After performance with ex nsing T. Rex with exciting superse the dinosaur section g-gone animals. and the fossils of lon

on where they Human Biology secti e th saw ey th xt Ne ain. Then they man memory and br learned about the hu . for the Globe Theatre had lunch and left e history of th t ou ab n told them At the Globe a woma of the acting at they went to one the Theatre. After th they went on from Macbeth. Then rooms to do scenes at evening th t the Globe. Dinner an expedition abou was at Pizza Hut. n of ‘Wicked’ to see the productio nt we ey th ing en That ev follow-up to icked’ is the exciting ‘W a. en Ar o oll Ap e at th ‘The Wizard of Oz’. urt. First they went to Hampton Co On the last day they e woman, the on ly ere there was on wh s, en ch kit e th saw e Maze. Then that they went to th pudding maker. After King, where t about serving the they went to find ou Hampton Court. what servants did in they learned about on. nd Lo d mpton Court an Finally they left Ha p!

It was a brilliant tri

From, n w o r B y Harr

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Ciar Egan-Savage, Year 13 In the early hours of the morning you would not expect to come across a group of 40 chirpy A Level students but when they are about to embark on a journey to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, it is completely understandable. We were on our way to Washington DC, during the last week of Barack Obama’s and Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns, for one of the History and Politics Departments’ bi-annual trips. Our luck during the trip was unbelievable; on our first day we were able to visit the White House and, to our surprise, when we arrived the security guards requested that we wait in the foyer with little explanation – except that there would be a surprise. The suspense was killing us; what were we waiting for? Our minds were eased when we were called to attention by one of the tour guides who said there was a certain man in the Oval

Office who wanted to see us. We were led outside to the gardens of the White House, where we stood impatiently to see one of the world’s most powerful leaders leave for Ohio, one of the most important swing states, for a last-minute campaign rally. The crowd burst into cheers of admiration for the man who would soon confirm his second term as President as he emerged from the White House, giving the crowd a wave and boarding his helicopter, Marine One. This opportunity and plenty of others were available to us thanks to an Old Waconian, Steve Redhead, who lives in Washington DC, working for the Congressional Research Service. During our tour of Congress, we stopped to sit in the Senate gallery to hear Steve give us a fascinating talk on the inner workings of the House of Senate and the House of Congress, the political hub of the

US, which increased our understanding of the American political system. We also received a lecture from Jennifer DeAngelis, a Legislative Assistant to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who gave us an insight into the daily routine of an American politician.

She spoke frankly of how she got involved in politics which was no doubt inspiring to many of the students listening attentively to her personal anecdotes.

One of the most significant moments on the trip was our visit to the Newseum, a museum dedicated purely to the history of news, and its commemoration of the people who risked their lives to report the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The stunning yet harrowing tribute in the form of a giant wall, covered with worldwide front pages that were published the following morning, resonates with me particularly. The exhibition

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featured a moving short film dedicated to the photojournalist William Biggart who died covering the attacks, highlighting the determination to help the American people understand the terrible tragedy amid the chaos. Our understanding of 9/11 was furthered by a tour of the Pentagon, including a moment of reflection in a small chapel inside the building, dedicated to ‘America’s Heroes’.

Our adventures were not limited solely to the grounds of Washington; we journeyed into Virginia to visit Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. For the History students on the trip, the details of his home were enchanting. In his hall sat the key to the Bastille, given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette a few years after the French Revolution. It was also here where popular myths were debunked by the well-informed guides. George

Washington did not have wooden teeth nor did he chop down a cherry tree! There was the chance to campaign for Obama too, which involved us ringing households in the swing state of Virginia to encourage voters to support him in the Election. Yes, that’s right, the students of Cheadle Hulme School aided Obama in his victory!

On election night itself, we visited the National Mall to see Abraham Lincoln lit up at night. During our stay in Washington, many of the chatty locals had urged us to go to see the Lincoln Memorial at this time as it was, supposedly, the best time to experience it and they were not wrong.

It was possible to see Lincoln on his seat all the way from the end of the Reflecting Pool and we found it extremely impressive.

We then continued to the White House, taking in the uncertain atmosphere, and then returned to the hotel to spend the rest of the night huddled in our rooms

anticipating the result as the votes were counted. Much to the delight of myself and my fellow students, who are very much ‘Team Obama’ (plain to see from the number of Obama 2012 shirts we bought!), Obama was re-elected for a second term.

There are so many other noteworthy experiences from this trip, but if I were to write them all down I would need much more room than this! Not only was the trip of such rich educational value but there was enough time to form new friendships and experience parts of American culture, such as seeing the Washington Wizards basketball team play the Boston Celtics. Of course, this trip would not have been possible if it were not for the teachers who were with us. It is necessary to give thanks to Mrs Cleary, Madame Masters, Mr Thorn and Mr Axon for making this week away so enjoyable and memorable for us all.

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Around the World in 80 Words

The Year 8 students were asked to write a descriptive piece in 80 words as part of a Creative Writing Competition for 11 – 18 year olds. The subject set was Travel Around the World.

Here are some examples of their work.

The Thunderous Pounding dale Andrew Chippen

o the splashing down int unding of the falls po us spray us cio ro ro de Fe . un ea th ar e Th h the surrounding ug ro lls. th es ho ag ec ensely. Ni ara Fa water below s, soaking them int tim e vic t th es on ar lls ne e rfa th te drenches greatest wa to visit one of the e ur nt ve ad ing A gripp heat planet. nyon. An array of lives the Grand Ca ico ex uring M pt w Ca .

Ne ap in Sn h Far sout us chasm. t traps this enormo gh tic nli as su nt ing fa ch st or mo sc and e world’s le sight of one of th the truly remarkab t. los nt never wonders is a mome

Long Range Back Sea

Mar r a k e c h

Ella Greenw ood A donkey stan ds impassive to the chaos four pass by around it. A , balancing pr family of ecariously on my senses ar a scooter. In e stimulated th . e souk all Th e the carpets, smell of the the baffling spices, the co bartering, th lours of And as for to e sweet tast uch, the smoo e of mint tea. th scaly skin wrapped arou of a snake, su nd my neck. ddenly I turn to see wide eyed w my brother st ith a monkey anding on his should Welcome to er.

Marrakech!

t Driver

Luc y Crookall

n the other , especially whe rd ha is y tr un reign co r horn as they Driving in a fo ne honked thei yo er to Ev s. er tt l nu ed. I pulled over drivers are tota and I got stress t ght ho ou ry th I ve t as ha w w lled out onto overtook me. It pu I es ut in m ter a few . The silence calm down. Af then…….CRASH t bu , e. ad ro r ea from my phon was a cl ly heard a beep en dd e su iv I dr e. to m r scared emembe Mum, saying; “R It was from my on the right.”

Too late!

Australia, The Great Barrier Reef

Liora Lieberman

I dipped my foot cautiously into the freezing water. My wetsuit clung to me. My heart raced as I was entering The Great Barrier Reef. I treaded water rhythmically. Gingerly lowering my head I saw stunning shoals of fish. I ventured deep er; the fishes swam elegantly towards me. Exotic colours captu red my attention.

Coral branches swayed to the beat. I kicked to the bottom.

I frightened the fishes away. Suddenly, an oyste r was facing me containing a gleaming white pearl.

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Year 10 Poetry For the GCSE English Literature course, students study a group of poems about Relationships. In a ‘found poetry’ exercise, students were asked to choose ten words or phrases they particularly liked from these poems, and then were put into small groups. Each group had to produce a poem on the theme of ‘The Pain of Love’, using only their chosen words. Not an easy task! These three poems are the result.

Millionaire’s Grazed Heart

Starved of Breath

Nour Ishmail, Leah Burgess-Smith, Harry Coleshill, Daniel Keighobadi, Tony Rosler

Lucy Moran, Sarah Jackson, Esme Hedley, Hafsa Maudidi, Abbi Farley

Bright as a dropped coin You gilded seconds After the first phase, I widened the search

When we met You concealed your shame The arrow of calamity Scarring deep within It punctured our passionate phase Froze my limbs

Starved of breath Bundled intimate days now Passionate nights Only then moon’s eye shed tender silk Hummed high notes Handle and hold wounds and spent it

Marooned Innocence Slashed in a blast

Not on flowers At rest we kiss Then attend the summer sky Replenishing replenishing

Regiment of Spite Callum Slack, Joshua Davies, Lewis Jones, James Elliott Three summers since you were gilded finches to me.

Don’t talk to me.

Love’s not Time’s fool, My children.

He honed the blade, The heart is pierced, Spared his soul for a song.

If mine is the venomous tongue You were the regiment of spite I am the serpent’s tail Deep and bold and fathoming You tattooed me on your lips You were mine for a coin Hawk to my shadow But you die in the west – Sunlight through stained glass Moth to my flame...

Artwork by Rosie Wood, Lower Sixth

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CHS hit Brittany!

Amy Dunning, Year 8 On Saturday 29th June 2013, there were a lot of very excited Year 8s about. Why? Because we were off to Brittany! The suitcases had (finally!) been closed, packed lunches had been prepared, the boys had bagsied the back seat on the coach and everybody was set and raring to go.

We arrived at school with our parents and collected in huddles to discuss what we thought the best parts of the next few days would be. There was a mix of opinions, from the aquarium to Combourg castle and from the oyster farm to the hypermarket!

The atmosphere on the coach was electric. Shouting, chatting, singing, munching and snoring were all heard. Six hours, two service station stops and 232 miles later, we arrived in the bustling city of Portsmouth. Too bustling, really. In fact it was so crammed with traffic that all the teachers and pupils abandoned the coach and decided to speed-walk through half of the city in order not to miss the ferry.

By the time we arrived at the ferry terminal we were the last people left to board. Pink faced and panting, we ran up the ramps and finally we were on the ship! Paul, our trusty coach driver, and his noble steed Billy Bullock followed about twenty minutes later.

After a night on the boat with very little sleep we arrived at our first destination, St. Malo, where we found ourselves taking part in a leisurely stroll on the ramparts of the town. After an hour or so, we descended into the quaint idyll of the old town itself.

It was truly beautiful, crammed with cobbled streets and tourist shops. In the air hung a smell of melted chocolate and pancakes, making our mouths drool with desire. There were two shops in particular, in which most of the CHS crew were to be found. One was a sweet shop with a pirate theme, where everything from parrot gums to pieces-of-eight chocolate coins was to be found, all at extortionate prices. The second was a chocolatier on the edge of town; many people spent all of their day’s money in that little shop.

After discovering most of what St. Malo had to offer, we headed to La Licorne, a Breton restaurant specialising in sumptuous galettes and crêpes. Everyone’s favourite was the chocolate and caramel

one, quite possibly the best thing I tasted on the whole trip. Once everyone was well and truly full, we left the old town of St. Malo and travelled forth into the unknown land of the aquarium.

And believe me, there were a lot of fish. I know that is a really stupid thing to say, considering I am talking about an aquarium, but it was considerably bigger than I had imagined. There were fish of every shape and size, every colour on the spectrum, all in tanks in about seven different rooms. At the end of the visit we were led through an arch and down a pathway into a building housing something which goes by the name of “Nautie Bus”. That’s more like it, I hear you cry! But, alas, the bus which promised so much was neither a bus nor very naughty at all. Yes, I know, I was very disappointed, too. Basically, we were led down some steps into a sort of submarine where we bobbed slowly round a track, looking through some slightly misty glass at plumes of bubbles.

Keeping the nautical theme, our Youth Hostel in Cancale was designed to look like a ship, which was apt considering its close proximity to the sea. All the floors were ‘decks’ and all the rooms were ‘cabins’. This really didn’t appeal to me, because I had spent enough time on a ship in the last 24 hours to last me a lifetime, thank you very much. But what relieved me was the fact that this ship remained well and truly rooted to the ground. We were sent to our ‘cabins’ to unpack and decide who would be the lucky ones sleeping on the top bunks and charging various appliances first. I’m sure the Hostel’s electricity bill was higher the week that we were there than it had been for a very long time. Still, these are all very necessary components of a good school trip.

The days that followed were filled with excitement, many sights and memories to last a lifetime. From the feeling of awe looking at towering Combourg castle, to the excitement of our Velorail afternoon …… despite some mishaps (well done Mr Cooke!!) …… and the disgust and admiration of watching Mr Cooke and Madame Shand attempt to keep down an oyster at Cancale oyster farm, Brittany 2013 was an amazing trip, where so many once in a lifetime opportunities were had. Special thanks are certainly owed to Madame Shand for organising the trip, Mrs Mutch for her nursing skills, Mrs Johnson for her prize ceremony and Mr Cooke for making it so active!

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Junior adventures at chs

Castlehead ADVENTURE! Sophie Jones, YEAR 5 All the Year 6 children were really excited about their amazing trip to Castlehead; everyone thought the school organised it really well and gave it an overall score of 8.5/10.

Despite the long journey to Morecambe Bay the children said that it was definitely worth it!

They were put in rooms of ten but there was one room of three. “The trip was good because we got loads of free time in the common room where we could relax!” said Nina.

Some Year 6s thought the bedrooms and food could have been better but apart from that it was brilliant!

Castlehead was packed with great things to do, such as abseiling, coastal studies, sea traverse and many more; because of this it was one of the Year 6 children’s best residential trips ever! One sentence to describe it was; ‘Really fun and challenging’!

One of the biggest challenges for them was the High Alaboard !

Because of its idyllic location it was home to some beautiful sights which were enjoyed by lots of people.

Lucy also said; “ You had to make your own lunches, which was difficult but fun!”

So everybody loved Castlehead!

Castleton TRIP Sophie jones, Year 3

The Castleton trip took place on 17th October 2012. The Year Three classes went by coach to the Blue John Mine just outside Castleton.

They had a tour around the Blue John caves, polished the Blue John and kept one piece each!

Some of the children liked looking at gravestones outside the church most of all and some of the children also enjoyed sleeping on the bus. They all liked the 100 steps.

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cooking with Gusto!

Written by Sophie Jones, interviews by Harry Brow n, YEAR For their first school trip the Reception classes went to Gusto in Bramhall by coach. This was very exciting for them because of course they had never been away for a trip with school before.

On the coach they all chatted to each other.

When they arrived they all sat together at a table , then their teacher ordered lots of pizza bases and toppings and they made their own pizzas. They enjoyed this very much because you could put whatever you wanted on your pizza.

After their delicious meal they got a talk from the chef about healthy eating; they could all ask questions about how they could be extra healthy.

So after a lovely day for the Reception they all went back on the coach talking about their first school trip.

When it was hometime they all told their parents about their exciting trip.

Apparently they were very tasty and everyone enjoyed them.

SilkBROMWNu, sYeaeru5m HARRY

Year 6 enjoyed a thrilling trip to the Silk Museum in Macclesfield.

Macclesfield was the heart of silk making in Britain. The mill was built around 1860. Between 1912 and 1981, the silk weavers specialised in making the finest silk ties.

The exhibition areas visited by the school were built to give an idea of what working conditions were like in the 1930s.

The students enjoyed dressing up and experiencing what life for a Victorian mill boy or girl felt like. They also got to see some olden day toys and were even allowed to handle them.

The dressing up and role play continued when Year 6 got to compare the difference between the rich and poor Victorians by

dressing up in mill owners’ and workers’ clothes and standing next to each other.

Toward the end of the tour, they also saw a small room where poor Victorian workers slept. This was little comfort after a long hard day in the mill. I guess they were all so tired that they barely noticed the cramped conditions.

“The dressing up and trip in general were fun and we learned a lot”, said Brodie Dunn.

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3 Trip to Munich James Walker, Year 8 “Come on, come on. We’re going to be late.”

This was my first trip away to a foreign country with school and it wasn’t starting quite as I had imagined. Ironic because we’d had a whole year to prepare yet still we were rushing. It was the 13th of December and today was the day we went to Munich.

I had looked at the itinerary and I knew we would be absolutely shattered when we returned on Sunday.

We had the usual palaver at the airport: somebody was late; a student didn’t remove all metallic objects before going through the metal detector and somebody mislaid their European Health Insurance Card. This was all before we had even got onto the plane. Finally, though, we did board our Lufthansa flight to Munich and all found our seats. One of the advantages of going on a mixed year school trip is that you get to meet lots of new people. For example, there was a Russian boy returning home for the holidays sitting behind us. When we arrived in Munich it was bitingly cold as it was 11pm; thankfully the bus wasn’t far away and we were all grateful to be in the warm again.

On Friday we all came down with dark rings round our tired eyes. First on the agenda was a bus tour round the sights of Munich.

The tour guide pointed out the famous university, Munich’s art gallery and lots of statues. Then we visited the famous Munich film studios. Before starting out on the tour, we were all allowed to go to MacDonald’s.

Truthfully I think the food there was better

than our cheese sandwiches from the youth hostel, so everyone went. This was one of the highlights of the entire trip; the tour of the film studios I mean, not MacDonald’s!

We walked through models of submarines from the film “Das Boot”, experienced a 4D film and got to make our own old style movie. It was an excellent tour and I will try and watch more of the films produced there now. That night Frau Haffner had arranged to go bowling and it was really good fun for everyone. After having dinner the teachers told us that we had to be in the dining hall no later than 8am the next morning.

We weren’t! Waking up at 8:10 meant we had to get changed faster than ever before.

It certainly woke us up. After breakfast we all set off for the Aquarium where one of the highlights was a shark tunnel; this was slightly unnerving! Also, watching a certain Year 8 student (who shall not be named) riding the toddlers’ dolphin was certainly amusing. Later we travelled up the Olympic Tower, which enabled us to see the famous attractions from a bird’s eye view. Next on the tour we visited the BMW museum. Inside was every type of BMW car ever produced as well as some other activities. You could drive BMWs on the Xbox, see stunt drivers racing up and down flights of stairs and watch a video about how they made their cars. As Rolls Royce is part of BMW, they had some cars on show, including a rare two door version. Finally we visited the Christmas Markets. There were more wooden decorations than I had anticipated, but it didn’t matter. The crepe

stall was an instant hit. It’s funny because that was the only non-German produce stall there! Frau Haffner gave us all five Euros to spend on certain German things like Bratwurst and that certainly helped those pupils who were low on cash. That night everyone was really tired and went to bed quickly. Thankfully we remembered to set our alarm clocks for the next day.

On Sunday first we were due to have a tour of the famous summer palaces of an old king. For me the highlight of the trip was seeing a table worth thousands of pounds because it was made up of rare stones that had been cut to fit exactly together. Some of the artwork was fantastic and the garden was easily the size of five football pitches, if not bigger. The last place we visited on the trip was the Allianz Arena. The teams playing were Dynamo Dresden and Munich 1860. Apparently Dynamo Dresden fans have a history of violence so we were told to take off any hats and scarves with badges on. The match was very exciting and definitely full of incidents. The home fans set off a flare and the Dresden fans rioted. The game ended 1:1 but the way the Dresden fans were celebrating, you’d have thought they’d won the Champions League Final.

The full-time whistle marked the end of our trip to Munich. The memories will be with me forever; I will remember fondly Mr Upton organising the bus music, Mr Winter’s flashing duck and most of all just having a good time with my friends.

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What is in Staff House?

Phoebe Mcgowan, Year 9 It’s the question that every student wonders. What happens when those fairly average doors are closed? What lies in the one building that no student has been in? What is the secret of Staff House?

Perhaps it’s a jungle in there, with rivers of knowledge and trees of yellow cards. The student teachers squirrel away and hide, their large, scared eyes looking everywhere at once, truly fearing that one of the Deputies or even the Head will come prowling looking for some innocent prey to attack. All teachers guard their marking possessively, growling when another advances towards it. There are sacred temples of learning where all teachers will come daily and recite the vows taken when they were first employed. At morning and at night they’ll murmur; “Always use a ruler. Never chew in class. Answer in full sentences...”

Or perhaps it’s more luxurious. Teachers will enter and immediately have their coats taken by servants. They will then be ushered to a recliner near the fire and will have a back massage whilst they mark. After all their work is done they’ll head up to the roof to converse with others in the hot tubs that line the dance floor which covers the roof. They’ll emerge at around 8 and sashay their way to the huge host of limousines waiting to take them home.

Maybe it’s not quite as perfect as we all think. Maybe inside is a competition, a battleground for the strongest teachers. Downstairs are gyms full of teachers training endlessly, sweat dripping down their foreheads, preparing for the next fight. Upstairs is the arena where the actual fighting takes place. Hundreds gather to see teacher after teacher battle on, all desperate to keep teaching.

The rules are: 1 fight lost and there’s a substitution teacher the next day, 3 fights lost and you’re fired. All dream of taking on the Head. Very few survive and many lose, but if you manage, by luck, sweat and determination, to beat her, then a promotion is due.

The truth is that it’s probably boring. They’ll come in, take their own coats off, sit down and do their work. Maybe have a cup of tea and a quick chat as they do so. No jungles, no hot tubs, no arenas.

We should probably stop turning it into this myth, this legend of our school life.

But where’s the fun in that?

Out of the green, into the blue… the GCSE to Sixth Form transition…

Saif Saeed was asked to write about his experience of moving from Year 11 to Sixth Form after being in both Junior and Senior School at CHS. There we have it. After over a decade of formal education, with everything from learning how to count up to 10 to analysing Shakespearean texts (and everything in between) leading up to these dreaded events known as ‘GCSEs’, they’re gone. The last couple of years are now nothing but a blurry memory. It isn’t over yet though. On the 5th of September, donning my blue blazer for the first time I stepped into the next stage of my education (and the Lower Sixth Common Room) having no idea what to expect.

After being bombarded with information about forms, classes, timetables and clubs left, right and centre, it finally settled in that there were only two years of school left. Two years during which my results could make or break my future. Some weeks in, being a Sixth Former hasn’t quite sunk in and the heavy workload has hit me like a level-shaped cannonball. However, it’s all wrapped up in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with extra privileges that alone make Sixth Form a better experience than previous years. Whether it’s the oh-so-satisfying feeling of telling the now old-fashioned looking green-blazer-wearing students to tuck their shirt in as a prefect or munching down on the ‘un-baguettable’ (bad pun intended) food at Strollers, joining the Sixth Form here feels like entering a new school, and a great one at that. Time already seems to be against me, hurtling me towards my exams. Back when I was in the lower years, Sixth Form and University felt a long way away, but not anymore. It’s only a matter of time before these next two years follow the last two in terms of blurriness in my memory.

Somehow, being an Old Waconian has never felt closer…

3 Year Nine Latin Trip to Wroxeter Ellia Webb, Year 9 Raining again, great, and we’re spending the day on a windswept field in North Wales, just brilliant. Why on earth did the Romans choose to settle in this dismal country of all places? Italy, Greece, Egypt, what was wrong with these hot countries that they’d already conquered? These were just some of the questions that sprung to mind when Year Nine woke up to yet another day of typical English weather and resigned themselves to a day spent going around Roman ruins in the pouring rain.

However, we were in for a treat. During the two hour coach journey the skies cleared, the rain stopped, and one of the brightest rainbows that I’d seen in a long time appeared over the Welsh countryside, surely a sign of the great day ahead.

Upon arriving in the small car park, the first thing we were told was to be careful of the road that separated the ruins of the town’s forum from the replica of a Roman villa that had been built by modern builders using ancient tools only two years before. I can assure you, there was no immediate danger; I saw only two cars pass along the road during the whole time we were at the site. However, this particular road was very significant during Roman times. It was, and still is, called Watling Street and it runs all the way from Wroxeter to Dover, not exactly what I would call a street, but there you go……. It is, of course a traditional Roman road, i.e. very long and very straight, not avoiding any landmarks, simply ploughing straight through them.

We were split into two groups and directed towards the bright yellow villa; though it looked typically Roman, I must say I wasn’t particularly keen on the choice of colour; maybe a traditional white would have been more subtle. However, that aside, the house did give a very realistic impression of Roman lifestyle in England, though the mosaic on the dining room floor was described by several of the party as “a cross between a bull and a dinosaur.”

After lunch we were escorted across the road to the museum, which, though small, was packed full of information on what life was like in Roman Britain. We were then taken on a guided tour of the ruins of Wroxeter. The poor guide was dressed in authentic Roman clothing, which, unfortunately for him, meant no trousers, only a short tunic which didn’t even reach his knees, and sandals which didn’t exactly retain the heat and therefore, he apparently “could not feel his feet, though he’d only just begun to feel them again after his last tour.” Yes, it was very windy, in case you were wondering.

Though it was cold, the actual tour itself was very interesting.

The guide told us all sorts of interesting facts in a very amusing way. For example, when explaining Roman toilets, he had the teachers demonstrate the concept of sharing a “sponge on a stick”, just in case we hadn’t understood.

After this interesting episode, we were released into the shop, where some boys spent over five pounds on Roman helmets, shields, and daggers, which they had great fun playing with during the journey home.

All in all we enjoyed a very informative and memorable day out, which certainly helped to bring Roman Britain to life, and enhanced our learning of their lifestyle in a way that we certainly won’t be forgetting any time soon.

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Trip to Thakray Art Museum Emily Keown, Lower Sixth The Thakray Museum: the destination for the Sixth Form Art trip.

The mission? To take artistic photographs to help inspire us for our coursework on ‘Science and Art’. The museum was originally a hospital but it had been recently transformed into a medical museum.

After being told to disembark from the bus by an excited Mr Yearsley, who was clearly very keen to go in and get started, we entered the building and were released, free to roam the many exciting, and slightly strange, exhibitions.

We watched a presentation on amputation and we all got the chance to perform amputations on some mannequins. In another room we found fake limbs, bottles, pills and more mannequins - which tended to be placed around corners ready to terrify an unsuspecting photographer. The next couple of hours were spent taking as many interesting and relevant photographs as possible. The museum has a beautiful collection of blue and ruby bottles which caught my eye especially. A real skeleton caught Mr Yearsley’s eye and he was almost kicked out of the museum for trying to take a photo of it!

After exploring every nook and cranny, a large group of us headed back to the maternity exhibition, which entertained us all for another hour.

Before making our way to the café for some tea and cake, we ventured to the interactive area of the museum for one final photography session. This area had been modelled on a Victorian street and it was complete with fake rats and a foul smell. We all felt a little apprehensive entering as we had heard a scream coming from one of the girls when a mannequn surprised her as she turned a corner. We all refused to continue until we were sure that the mannequin wasn’t going to turn around!

After 20 minutes in the café the art teachers emerged from whatever fourth dimension they had visited and we headed back to school to start thinking up ideas for the art work we could create from our photography. But not of course before buying our novelty syringe pens from the gift shop!

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Chestnut centre Harry Brown and Sophie Jones, Year 5, with help from Martha, Max, James and Soraya from 1H

The Year 1 classes went to the Chestnut Centre on Thursday 20th September. They were learning about nocturnal and dayternal creatures. They saw giant otters, owls, deer and frogs. They also saw bat boxes and rabbit houses.

During their visit the children also saw wildcats and there was a bug house called Buggingham Palace. They got lots of animal toys and puppets because they were spotting lots of things and every time they spotted something the lady gave them a prize.

Y3 York trip Harry Brown, Year 5

On the 25th of April the Year 3 classes went on a trip of discovery to York. On the first day they did an Archaeologists’ Dig, which involved exploring a lot of different sandboxes. Using authentic tools, they dug up false remains from various rooms and then tried to identify which room they came from based upon the remains.

The students also went to York Cathedral where they learnt about the cross-shaped roof and how heavy it is. They also went on a tour of an exhibit underneath the Cathedral that contained the remains of the original Roman Cathedral with the actual walls and a pillar that they could touch.

The students stayed at Yorkshire Racecourse centre in dormitories where the jockeys normally stay. There, they enjoyed a delicious roast dinner before getting a good night’s sleep.

On the second day they went to the Yorvik Viking centre, beginning with a slow ride through time with a narrator describing facts about the Vikings. After this they did a lot of Viking activities, including pottery making, spear throwing, guarding, baking, finding firewood and chasing Anglo-Saxons. The Mums and Dads got involved too and had to do three hours of work! When they were guarding they had to look out for Anglo-Saxons and give an alarm call if they saw any. When they were baking they learnt how to bake bread. Collecting firewood was hard but they found just enough to make a fire. After that they went back to the racecourse centre where they made bracelets out of leather, just like the Vikings did and then, after a tiring day, they all went to bed. When they woke up they had breakfast and finally went on a delayed trip back to Cheadle, which took 4 hours!

Cadbury World Ella Bond, Year 5

The Year 4s went to Cadbury World in Birmingham because they were lucky enough to be learning about chocolate! Kiera and Oscar both said it was super cool!

They all got to see chocolate being made! Despite it being quite a long journey to Birmingham, everyone thought it was definitely worth it!

The chocolate company Cadbury was founded almost 200 years ago! However, Cadbury World is only twenty three years old; it opened on 14th August 1990.

Every single Year 4 loved their trip and couldn’t wait to carry on learning about chocolate!!!!

The Tempest

Sophie Jones and Harry Brown, Year 5 The Year 5 classes went to the Lowry Theatre. They went by coach and watched the Shakespeare play ‘The Tempest’ because they were learning about the Tudor period.

It was really exciting and the actors made it very easy to understand. After the play, they went back to school on the coach to have their packed lunches.

All the Year 5s really enjoyed it. Harry Brown from 5H said; “There was very good music and fabulous acting”.

Sophie Jones, 5C, said; “It was really good and they made it very easy to understand”.

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Where did you get that hat?

Sophie Jones, year 5 On Tuesday 23rd October 2012 the Year 2 classes went to the Hatworks. They said they had really enjoyed learning about Victorian and old fashioned hats. There was a breathtaking hat about a metre across!

On their visit they saw a hat machine and heard it; everyone said it was very noisy!

All the Year 2 children made felt as well.

Bharathi Muthukrishnan from 2H said; “I liked the different styles of hats; it was fun trying them on!”

anywhere on the back of their camel, like a tent. They were amazed to learn how water is used to make felt.

Daniel Jones from 2C said “The children in the olden days sometimes became deaf or blind because they had to clean the noisy machines.”

They also found out that there were over thirty Hatworks in Stockport and Stockport is famous for all of them!

Erin Jenkins from 2H said; “I liked listening to the machines and making felt.”

At the Hatworks there was a house made out of felt that they could fold up and take

With help from Bharathi Muthukrishnan, Erin Jenkins, Daniel Jones and 2H.

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ZAMBIA DIARY LOUISE MANSON, lower sixth

9th July

11th July

After 24 hours of plane travel we finally arrived at Lusaka airport. It must have been over 30ËšC when we landed, which is quite different from what we are used to.

We had an early start today. The tents had to be packed away by 7am so that we would be able to avoid the strong wind on the river which made it hard to paddle.

We then took a 3 hour bus journey to our campsite, driving past different villages with children knocking at the windows trying to sell us fruit and sweets, although most of us missed this as we were fast asleep!

We stopped off for lunch on another island with lots of shade as it was very hot and we were all very tired.

The campsite is amazing and there are not too many mosquitoes.

There are some hippos near us in the river which are very loud and they make a sound like an evil laugh. We had spaghetti for dinner and now everyone is in their tents trying to get some sleep before we wake up early to go canoeing in the morning.

After lunch we saw an even bigger herd of elephants drinking from the river and we managed to get very close to them. We saw baboons on some of the islands we passed and quite a few crocodiles.

We had beef stew and potatoes for tea whilst watching the stars and all went to bed at 9pm as we were worn out from all the paddling.

10th July

12th July

At the moment we are all sitting on a small island watching the sunset. Dinner is cooking on a fire and we are about 50m away from a family of hippos (who are still in the water luckily).

Had a lie in until 7:30 this morning! The weather was good for canoeing and we had lunch on an island surrounded by elephants, hippos and buffalo. We finished canoeing at about 3:30pm and went on an hour game drive to our camp, where we are staying for 3 nights. We are all very happy as it has showers and toilets and camp beds!

We spent all day in the canoes and we must have travelled about 20km. It was quite funny watching people trying to learn how to steer the 10ft long canoes around the hippos and crocodiles, but the guides managed to get us all to the finishing point in one piece and no one fell out!

After we stopped off for lunch and a siesta on an island we saw a herd of elephants and we all made a raft with our canoes so that we could get very close to them, which was amazing and it meant that we could all take pictures.

We had Egyptian goose for tea and we sat around the bonfire. It is very dark now and I can hear lions and hyenas in the distance.

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13th July We got up at about 6:30 this morning for a game walk. We saw baboons and impalas and one group was able to dissemble a snare that they found.

We came back to a cooked breakfast and headed off after in the jeeps to the orphanage which was about an hour’s game drive away.

The children greeted us with a song they had prepared and we gave them the toys we had brought with us for them. We taught them different songs and showed them how our cameras worked.

Some of us helped water the orphanage garden using water from the river which we had to carry around in broken crates; this was quite hard work.

When we got back we had dinner then went on a late night game drive where we saw Impalas and bushbucks. Because there are no roads we got lost and didn’t get back to camp until about 10:30.

14th July Some of us went on the 6:30 game walk this morning where we saw lots of baboons but no lions unfortunately. After breakfast we went back to the orphanage to help teach the children, dig foundations, make a sign and help in the garden. The orphanage also had a small shop which we pretty much bought all of.

When we got back to camp we watched a herd of elephants play in the river right next to us. After dinner we roasted marshmallows on the fire and the guides quizzed us on what we had learnt about all the animals during the trip.

15th July We woke up at 7:30 today and packed up quickly. We drove to a village near the orphanage to give them clothes and afterwards drove for 3 hours back to the camp we stayed at on the first night.

There’s a pool so some of us went in to cool off while others sat reading on the decking. We had our ‘last supper’ and the guides told us some stories about the animals. After this we all went to bed since we had to get up early tomorrow to drive to the airport.

16th July After breakfast we said goodbye to the guides and drove to Lusaka airport. I can’t believe it’s time for us to leave but I know that a lot of us will be coming back in a few years to revisit the orphanage and try and get a glimpse of a lion!

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Anna Chippendale, Year 10 As we drove to the airport on a bleak Monday morning to board our flight to Chicago, I don’t think any of us were expecting the short Facebook message we all received from Eleanor McCabe, one of the girls on the trip. It read, “It says on the American Airlines website that our flight is cancelled”. It was April Fool’s Day, so we all brushed off the comment, saying “Good one, Eleanor”, “Nice Try”, and “April Fools!”.

It was only when we got to the airport and read the large red writing on the Departures Screen that we actually realised; it wasn’t a joke.

It certainly didn’t feel like a joke when, an hour and a half later, we were trying to negotiate a new route to Chicago with the woman at the American Airlines information desk, who eventually gave us tickets for the Tuesday morning flight to London Heathrow, then onto Toronto, Canada, before finally landing in Chicago a good 22 hours after we set off.

And it most definitely didn’t feel like a joke when a certain girl on the trip who will remain nameless (it may or may not have been Eleanor Heath), realised she’d left her passport at home so her Mum had to dash home to get it. This was fine until her Mum got back to the airport to find policemen armed with rifles at the doors to Terminal 3,

letting nobody in. It turns out there was some sort of suspect package nearby, so the whole airport was being patrolled, with Terminal 1 temporarily evacuated. By this time it was only just 10:00am, and we were all ready for April Fool’s Day to be over.

Next morning at 4:30am, we all set off for London Heathrow. All went well until we arrived at Toronto; let me just say that after almost losing our luggage, missing our flight and dashing from bus station to baggage retrieval to security and back again, followed by a two and a half hour wait for the next available flight to Chicago, none of us will want to return to Toronto any time soon! The plane was tiny, with the air hostess informing us whilst we were boarding that someone at the front would need to go and sit at the back to balance out the plane. Not the most comforting thing to hear when flying to the Windy City.

Finally, we arrived in Chicago, our body clocks completely messed up after a day of flying. It was getting close to 10pm (4am in the UK – we’d officially been awake for 24 hours), but we still soldiered on and took a late night trip to the Hard Rock Cafe for tea. When we eventually got back to the hotel, we collapsed in bed, ready for a good night’s sleep.

At 7:00am the next morning, we got up, ready to spend a morning in Chicago.

What had initially been a 2 day visit had turned into a brief stopover, but we were determined not to let it go to waste and started the day with a hearty breakfast of waffles or pancakes at a local diner called Lou Mitchell’s, accompanied by complimentary doughnuts and ice cream (ice cream for breakfast? only in America).

After a quick trip to “The Bean” (we’re still not actually sure if this is what it’s called, but it’s a huge mirrored statue in Millennium park shaped like a bean) we took a very brief visit to the Science Museum (which we went to mainly for the gift shop – Miss Purchase ended up spending $70 on heat sensitive pencils), before we returned to the airport for our flight to St. Louis, Missouri.

When we finally arrived at Columbia Independent School on Wednesday afternoon, school had finished so we drove home with our exchanges to unpack, and then headed out for a meal at a local pizza place before going to bed.

The next week was easily one of the best I have had. The school was tiny, with around 350 people in it from age 3 – 18, so within a couple of days, I began to recognise people, especially kids in the High School,

30-31 and we all quickly became friends. Trying out the lessons was so interesting because for most, the format was very different from in England – each student had a laptop or iPad that they made notes on, and in most classes, the students sat around a large table or in a square so they could all see each other. There were only around 15 (or fewer) people in each year group in the High School, so they were all really close friends, and that was something I noticed very quickly. They also all had great relationships with their teachers, as many had been taught by the same teachers every year since they were 10 or 11. We actually had the chance to go to a couple of high school assemblies which were held in a room smaller than A1.1, and the whole school assembly, which was held in the cafeteria (probably about the size of Holden Hall). All the Elementary School sat cross legged on the floor as we got onto the stage to show them a presentation of Cheadle. The kids were especially impressed when we mentioned the swimming pool.

We also went on different excursions during our week in the American Midwest, including a trip to St. Louis, perhaps Missouri’s most famous city, two hours east of Columbia. Columbia is home to the Arch, an enormous metal monument which Americans refer to as the “Gateway to the West”. It was a sight to behold, towering over the skyscrapers forming the city skyline. We also managed to pack in a trip to Fitz’s, an all-American diner which is very well-known throughout Missouri for its famous Root Beer. All of our exchanges were so excited to have their Root Beer floats, but I think we English girls will be leaving it for them to drink in the future.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and the end of our week in Columbia, Missouri, came faster than we could have imagined. I think all the girls would say it was one of the best school trips we have ever been on. Despite the painfully long and chaotic journeys, it was an experience I would not have missed for the world; I would definitely go back to Columbia in a heartbeat.

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Welcome year 7... Let’s go to Condover Hall!

Lee Richardson, deputy head Whenever you try anything new there is always some tension, no matter how much your internal dialogue is telling you that everything will be OK. ‘Look, it’s going to be fine.’ ‘We are dealing with professionals here.’ ‘Safety is what they do.’ ‘All the planning has been thoroughly completed.’ ‘Worst-case scenarios envisaged and measures put in place to mitigate risk.’ Yes; but still your stomach is telling you that this is new ground, unfamiliar territory, out of your comfort zone. So there is that gnawing feeling, the product of your animal brain, that won’t quite go away no matter how hard your logical faculties try to override it.

night (and that was just the staff). But there were no major mishaps and lots of happy faces as we got back on the coaches. Tutors who now knew their forms very well. Students who knew their classmates, and possibly themselves, a lot better. 175 people who had tried something new and come out of it smiling. Including me.

So, what is the challenge that I am talking about here? Climbing?

Abseiling? The Gladiator Wall? No, none of those are keeping me awake at night. They are all fine in my head and well within my field of past experience. I probably won’t get to have a go at these exciting activities anyway with all those pesky children in the way!

No, the new ground that I am covering is the task of organising the first CHS Year 7 Residential to Condover Hall. 163 students and more than a dozen staff, not to mention quite a bit of money and time, and all building towards what we hope will be a great experience for everyone. But what if it is not? This is something of a step into the unknown for all of us. Change and novelty are like that. What if we haven’t planned thoroughly enough or anticipated absolutely all the things that could possibly go wrong?

It is a potent reminder of the challenge that we are offering to the students. We are taking them outside their comfort zones. That is one of the major aims of the trip and it reminds me of the benefits of new challenges, no matter how old we are. Anything new asks questions of our skills and competencies and demands higher levels of resourcefulness from us. We are concerned that we will be found wanting, but this is often a positive force as it requires us to raise our game and set new standards.

After the event there is time for reflection. How did it go? How did we do? Well, there were a few mishaps, minor cuts and scrapes, a bit of sickness, a small dollop of silliness and the odd tear in the

Eloise Hughes, year 7 Condover Hall was a great experience. It enabled us to bond with our peers and to make new friends at the beginning of year 7.

When we got there we had lunch then got straight into activities.

All the activities helped us to get to know the other students as we always had to work as a team. Some of the tasks we had to do such as The Gladiator, The Whistle and The Spider’s Web helped us trust each other more. I think it was a great trip and I would like to go there again.

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Hettie Smith, year 7 The Condover Hall trip was a wonderful experience. We went there to get to know each other as most of us had joined CHS from many different schools. At Condover Hall there were many activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, assault courses, orienteering, a disco and shelter building, Everyone had such a great time. On the last night we had a disco.

Not just any disco, a silent disco where we heard the music through headphones! If you took your headphones off you could only hear people singing and see them do the most hilarious dancing!

My favourite activity was the assault course. There were ten different activities that we had to do and I really enjoyed them all.

Mr Richardson helped us complete a course called ‘Get the Tyre over the Pole’. The tyre was really heavy and we had trouble getting it over the pole. Mr Richardson let Amber stand on his shoulders so we could complete the task. It was really fun!

Condover Hall was a great opportunity to make new friends, get to know the teachers and try lots of new activities. It was my first trip at CHS but I’m sure it will be one that I remember for the rest of my time at school!

MANCHESTER

GALLERY

By Sophie Jones, interviews by Harry Brown, with help from Ellie, Sofia and Aneesa.

The Year 6 went to Manchester Art Gallery.

They went by coach and they took a packed lunch.

After this, David sang another song to them as they sketched the paintings that they could see around them.

Most of the children’s favourite room was the interactive room; it was a room where you could dress up as the people in the pictures.

There was a man called David who sang songs about the paintings.

Everyone enjoyed going to the gift shop where there was a huge array of different items you could buy with the money you took with you.

There was another room with thousands of models made out of lots of different things, e.g. there was a map with each country made out of its currency.

Sofia enjoyed the paper room most because everything was so different and incredible.

Aneesa preferred sketching different paintings. Ellie enjoyed the interactive room because it was different and exciting to explore.

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“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.”

William James

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Gareth Matthews, Head of Economics and Business Management Once again Cheadle Hulme School took to the slopes, some for the very first time, to test our skills against everything from the beginners’ slopes to the very tricky off-piste routes.

Switzerland, or more precisely the picturesque resort of Fiesch, was our destination and provided a beautiful backdrop to the week.

The Feriencentre accommodation was fantastic and was more of a University Hall and sports complex than a hotel. Many visits to the pool included some excellent executions of “The Bomb” from all the students and even some members of staff, while the sports hall brought out everyone’s competitive streak when trying to master games devised by Miss Greenwood. Even with a Manchester United game in town, the sporting highlight was the bowling evening, where the boys thrashed the girls, despite having to carry a number of players who managed to get very close to scoring zero points.

The skiing itself was superb. The instructors were exactly what the students needed and they were full of praise for all the students’ technical development and ability by the end of the week. All the so-called beginners should now be confident to return to the Alps, knowing they have achieved an awful lot in only a very short time. The Intermediate and Advanced groups also progressed well, despite the fact that Tal Walshaw demolished part of the fencing when going off-piste; this had us all worried for a while before we realised that the post came off worst!

Less fortunate was Miss Harms who, while completing a Blue Run and taking in the scenery a bit too much, managed to tear her medial ligament on the first day. She didn’t let this stop her though and she still came up the mountain each day to enjoy the atmosphere and buzz around the students, unfortunately having to do this on crutches.

Miss Harms, Miss Greenwood and Mr Jones were all fabulous to have on the trip but it was the students especially who made it an excellent week. They got stuck in, learnt a lot and most importantly enjoyed every minute.

Where to next?

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Where are the limits?

Anna Parker, Year 8 Looking back on 2012 we realise what a significant impact last summer had on sport at CHS. The Olympics, the Paralympics, the Tour de France, the list goes on; each and every student has embraced the meaning of sport in school, whether it be collecting sponsorship for the annual Charity Hike or racing against classmates in InterHouse events.

2013 is the year that I have a feeling will be the best year yet for sport at CHS. No matter which team you are part of - hockey or rugby, football or netball, badminton or swimming - each match, tournament and practice leaves every member of the team with a desire to win. Being a member of the U13 Hockey Team I know that every outing in school colours is an opportunity to show our coaches, our supporters and ourselves just how much we have improved since our previous match (and hopefully the opposition too!)

At CHS the pace at which we learn combined with inspirational teaching means that, for me at least, not a single practice goes by which I don’t come away from having learnt something new. We are all high-achievers, yet will always find someone who is better than us – faster, stronger, more skilful. That is what I’ve always been told. We have good starts and bad starts, but how we finish is what

matters. I know that in hockey, CHS are always pulling ahead after an error. I don’t know how many other schools have the ability to do that quite as well as CHS. Each time I pass a hockey ball I think: I didn’t know how to pass that ball, at that speed, at the start of Year 7. Now here I am in Year 8 and I’m a player for both the school ‘A’ team and the Bowden U13 ‘A’ team and that wouldn’t all have happened without CHS. I know lots of people who feel the same way. Having your friends as your team mates is the best thing, because when you get out onto the astro, you know that you can win the game with the people you spend every day with and that really helps.

Every day I know that what I put in I will get out, so although there are tough times on the pitch you know that you have an outstanding team behind you.

We have such talented players on the U13 team. Hannah McColgan, our formidable midfielder, has recently been selected for Cheshire County Hockey, joining forward Lucy Crookall. There’s no doubt that the many goals scored by our Captain, centreforward Gabby Young – also a player for Alderley Edge Hockey Club – have secured several of our wins. Jenni Park and Elise Johnson, fantastic players who have been in countless national events with their club Alderley Edge, have both competed for the

school in U14 North Finals; what a great achievement! Our defence has been a real success with Zakia Doran on the right, Alicia Yates on the left and Ella Greenwood, our excellent centre defender (she also happens to play for Alderley Edge too!). In midfield there’s Liora Lieberman and Imogen Hill (who plays for Sale Hockey Club).

Even though our ‘B’ team don’t have as many games as we wish, because many other schools simply do not have enough players, their Captain Frankie Stott is a fabulous player, as is the rest of her team.

Well done to both teams and the girls who show up to practices without fail! Although it may seem like all the players come from Alderley Edge Hockey Club (!) I’m a member of Bowden Hockey Club with two other terrific players, Polly Offland and Alex McConkey who I have great time practising alongside.

Sport at CHS is the most amazing experience.

Such a great opportunity is open to everyone.

The thrill of a CHS match is the best feeling.

When I was in Year 7, playing my third game, I remember Ms Pearson coming over to me and a couple of other friends of mine and saying, “Good luck, little sunbeams,” and that made me think how fortunate we are to have a Head who gives up her time and is as enthusiastic as Ms Pearson. She is a real support to sport at CHS.

Sport at CHS is the most amazing experience. Such a great opportunity is open to everyone. The thrill of a CHS match is the best feeling.

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m i O f w O S T he u Amy Dunning, Year 8 I was primed and ready. As I looked around, observing the opposition, I was slightly nervous. Their sleek, supple bodies would surely prove to be tough competition. The first whistle blew. I climbed onto the diving block and the butterflies in my stomach went haywire.

I was nearing the wall. In one swift movement, I arched my back and did a full somersault. My feet found the wall and pushed off with all their might. Time for the home-straight. Kick, pull, kick, pull. My rhythm was similar to that of a ticking clock. I was within touching distance now, just one final push away...

“Take your marks” came the starter’s orders. Then, a long, shrill whistle. The swim of my life had begun. I threw myself into an almighty dive, soaring through the air for a precious split second. In an instant, I hit the water, kicking for all my life was worth. I broke the surface, just finding time for a deep breath, fuelling my body for what was ahead.

There! I had finished. I whirled around to see what position I had come. What? Second! I squealed with delight. When all the other swimmers had done, I climbed out of the pool and gave Helen, my friend, a very wet, triumphant hug.

My brain didn’t need to tell my body what to do next. My arms pulled over my head and I cupped my hands so I could move the maximum amount of water. I tucked my chin up to my chest, making my body more streamlined. My ankles went floppy and my thighs put all their energy into the kick. Perfect. It was time to show those Stockport Grammar girls who was boss.

The final score was about to be announced. The tension was building. Our rivals looked at us nervously.

“44-43... To Cheadle!” came the referee’s booming voice. We had won! We jumped up and down and screamed happily.

That is why I swim. Moments of joy and adrenalin after galas are just about the best feelings in the world.

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U13 Football trip to Lisbon James Walker, Year 8 What a trip!

It had everything: humour, travelling to a foreign country and of course football. The actual trip started on a Wednesday. At 3:30am.

As you can imagine the whole team was blearily staring out of sleep deprived eyes as they boarded the coach, complete with blue bags and team tracksuit. Then we sat through a 40 minute drive to the John Lennon airport in Liverpool. We got through security without a hitch. Next, we had a long wait for our plane. The teachers (Mr Cooke, Mr Thomson and Mr Upton) headed off through the food court to get a croissant and a refreshing cup of tea. Amazingly, at 4:30, people still wanted a Burger King! The tannoy announced our flight was boarding and then we were on our way to Sporting Lisbon Academy.

Year 8 Football Tour to Portugal Martin Cooke, PE and Games Department In the Easter holidays 22 Year 8 students spent five days at Sporting Club de Portugal, home of the world-renowned Football Academy and First Team training complex for Sporting Lisbon. The students had the opportunity to train alongside Sporting Lisbon’s first team, which has recently produced hugely talented players such as Christiano Ronaldo, Nani and Luis Figo. The students also had the chance to meet and speak to future international stars who train and live at the academy complex. Each day on the trip students had two training sessions lasting two hours each with the coaches, during which they learnt tricks and new tactics and had mini tournaments. Our students were allowed out on the pitch and up in the Director’s box, and had their photos taken sitting in the same seat that Jose Mourinho had previously warmed in the press conference room. After 5 successful days, 2 matches, 12 hours of coaching sessions and tournaments, a stadium tour, a Harlem shake video, tour awards and a few late nights the boys were exhausted and for the first time ever were nearly admitting that they had had enough football. A fantastic tour had come to an end!

The first thing I noticed when I stepped off the coach at Sporting was the warmth. It wasn’t hot by Portuguese standards, in fact they thought it was freezing, but compared to the rain and snow of Britain, this was boiling. After putting our bags away in our rooms, we were given a guided tour of Sporting’s complex. The entire area of the academy is massive, including 7 outdoor pitches, an indoor pitch and all of the accommodation and offices. Everyone was really tired by then, especially the few boys who hadn’t gone to sleep at all. The tour was followed by a 5 a-side tournament and then it was dinner. It was a good job that everyone was hungry at Sporting as the portions were massive and absolutely full of carbohydrates, which of course gave the players lots of energy.

When we had training sessions, the goalies were sometimes taken away to do their own thing. As Hei Huang, the normal B team goalie, was not going on the trip, a new goalie was needed. Alex Menger volunteered to be in net and by the end of the trip was hard to get past. The training for the rest of the team focused on being able to pass backwards, keep possession in congested spaces and the ability to attack the gaps. We also worked on beating players in a one on one situation. Incorporating the work we had done in Friday’s session we were set to play a local team. It was the hottest day of our trip and by the end we were all sweating loads.

The score at the end of two matches was a draw so it went down to penalties. Sadly, we lost but we had a good go to try and win.

One of the highlights of the trip was going to Sporting Lisbon’s stadium. It’s huge and very impressive and all the seats are painted different colours so there appear to be people there even when it’s empty. We also got to see all the medals, trophies and cups that Sporting have won and I can tell you that it’s a lot. Only Barcelona has won more than them! However, Sporting don’t only play football, they also have athletics teams, hockey teams and any type of team you can think of. After our visit, the teachers had organised another 5 a-side tournament. Everyone really enjoyed it, especially at the end when all the lights went out! Another highlight was our very own Harlem Shake. Mr Upton stood very still throughout whilst the rest of the team went mental.

It really had been a fantastic trip and it was capped off with the quiz which covered different topics such as general knowledge, music and sport. Mr Cooke also told us that there would be a drama round. By the end of it everyone was in fits, thanks to the hilarious duo that is Cameron and Adam. They impersonated many of the teachers, including Mr Cooke and Mr Thomson, who took it very well. Finally, the trip awards were given out to all the players. It marked the end of an excellent trip.

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Junior Sport at chs Hockey at CHJS George Brook, Year 5 In the Junior School one of the sports most enjoyed by both girls and boys is definitely hockey. It is an extremely popular activity, with all lunchtime and after-school hockey clubs very well attended. This enthusiasm has led to some excellent results in hockey matches against other schools. In fact CHJS has done amazingly well in all their matches! Both the boys’ and girls’ hockey

teams have won virtually all their games.

One of the best matches for the boys was a victory against Saint Arnolds School, one of the best teams in the country. Captain Dan Adams said. “I encourage younger girls and boys to play hockey because it’s a great team sport. We all get on really well. Playing hockey is both fun and competitive”.

CHjS Netball

AJIS Crosscountry

CHJS Sporting Talents

Tally Smith, Year 5

Tally Smith, Year 5

George Brooks, Year 5

A group of Year 5s went to Rossall School in Fleetwood to compete in the AJIS crosscountry event. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams found it quite tricky, especially because of the cold weather, but tried their best. Benjy Barker came 5th out of about 100 Year 5 boys, which is an excellent achievement. He said; “It was quite easy; the cold weather slowed me down a bit but I would definitely like to run it again.” Tally Smith came 8th out of about 100 Year 5 girls She said; “ It was very windy and that held me back a bit but when I saw my team cheering me on that made me really go for it.” All the runners tried their best and completed the run; most of all they had fun.

There are many sporting talents at Cheadle Hulme Junior School; two of our leading players are Jack McIntyre and Hugo Chinea. Jack is a great footballer; his position is goalkeeper and he plays for the Manchester City U10 team. But sometimes he plays with the U12s and if that’s not impressive then what is? Jack said that he loves playing football and the City Academy is a really nice place where he has lots of friends. Now moving on to Hugo Chinea; Hugo is a very good golfer and plays for the county. He is one of the youngest there, being only 10!

Hugo says he really enjoys the sport and that it’s a big part of his life.

Netball is probably one of the most popular sports for girls in the Juniors with the majority of Years 5 and 6 participating.

Girls have the chance to play netball in Games lessons and also in Netball Club on Thursday night for one hour, when we play on the outdoor court. Felice Wardle, a member of the CHS Year 5 netball team, said; ‘The highest score against a team this year has been a 10 – 0 win, which was a big achievement for all. Netball Club is great fun and all the girls enjoy it. The coaches give us lots of encouragement and support.

I personally love netball and I’m sure most girls in Years 5 and 6 do too.” In every match all the team try their best and have fun and that’s what is most important to us.

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Football at CHJS

Libby McCoy: Junior Swimming Talent

George Brook, Year 5 It’s been a busy football season for the Junior Squads. With strong A and B teams in both years 5 & 6, CHJS have achieved some really good results. Early on in the season the Year 5s competed in a tournament held at The King’s School, Macclesfield. After a difficult start, the team put in a brilliant performance to go on to win the plate competition.

Tally Smith, Year 5 Libby McCoy, a 10 year old Year 5 student, has a top swimming talent. She said; “I swim three or four times every week for 1 hour 30 minutes each time. I swim in regional and county competitions in the Junior League. Last year I came 3rd so this year I’m hoping to improve.” Libby is an exceptional swimmer and has definitely got a huge sporting talent!

Mr Morris said, “You only have to look at the playground every lunchtime to see how popular football is here in the Junior School. We have very strong squads in both Year 5 & 6 and I expect some more great performances before the end of the season.”

CHS Swimming Tally Smith, Year 5 Most children in CHS Juniors enjoy learning to swim and love the water. Obviously, this year may be the first time some of the Reception children have tried swimming independently. Sasha Kate, a Reception student, said; “I love learning to swim even though it’s my first time; I’m especially enjoying learning to swim on my back”. A fellow student said; “I had already tried swimming but I still love learning it and jumping in!”

Mrs Davis, the head of the Swim Department for Juniors told us; “It’s a joy to teach swimming for the Juniors and I love watching them all improving. Our best result so far has been a win against a team which we do not usually beat, which was a big achievement. Even though I always dreamed of being a swimmer myself as a kid, I still wouldn’t change this job for anything else!!”

Many children come to Swim Club, which pleases all of the swim teachers.

From going to Swim Club the children get opportunities to be part of the teams and into the AJIS competition, which only comes around once a year so it’s very important. Swimming is a big sport in the CHS tradition!!!

3 The Message Miles Tragen, Year 8 “Good luck,” the woman said as she handed me the keys. Her hands were as cold as the snow in the North Pole. She had short, thin hair and a pale white face. “Thank you,” I said as I took hold of the pink keys. Strangely they were warm. “What do you mean ‘Good luck,” I shouted, as she got into her green Volkswagen. “You’ll see;” and she drove away.

I turned to face the door. I slotted my keys into my new house, my house! I still couldn’t get over it. I congratulated myself on finding such a well-made Victorian house, and at such a good price. As I entered, my face lit up with joy. Ideas flooded into my mind. I ran up and down the stairs. I looked in every room. It was perfect. The day passed by in seconds. I had brought my bed, TV, couch and tables into the house. All that was left was the decoration.

I sat down on my couch and turned on my TV. Quickly I flicked through the channels, wishing I had a bag of popcorn. I walked into my kitchen and headed for the microwave. A few minutes later and it was ready. I poured the warm popcorn into a large, glass bowl.

Then I heard a noise like scratching. A shiver went up and down my neck. I turned. “Who’s there?” I asked into the silence. No reply. I walked into the hall. I screamed. SMASH! The glass bowl exploded as it fell out of my now frozen hands onto the hard floor. Glass went everywhere. There on the wall were the words…

The Arnold of Cheshire 1632 AVENGE ME! Almost immediately I was at my laptop. Cheshire Arnold 1632.

Lots of answers came up but nothing helpful. I scrolled down to the fourth page and there it was: “How to survive at SL9 2FA.” It was my post code. I clicked on the link. Pictures of the wall were everywhere. This is what she meant by ‘Good luck’. I was so worried.

I picked up my phone. I tried to call Mum. See if she would let me stay with her whilst I got all this sorted. But the phone was dead.

I looked back at the computer. On the screen there were plenty of questions, but not any answers. I was shaking all over. The silence in the room was deafening. I felt cold. Empty. Lonely. What could I do now? I went up to my room. It still had the wallpaper from the last owner. I sat on my bed. I did try to sleep. I did. But it was no use. I just sat up thinking all night about those words. Avenge me. Why did Arnold of Cheshire want me to avenge him? How? What did I have to do?

The following day, I checked the wall. Nothing. No writing at all. It was as if it had never happened. I got in my car and drove to the town library. It had high, large, stone carved walls. There was only a small area on the paranormal. I spent half the day reading the books in that section. Not that any of it helped. The books were obsessed with suggesting insanity. Insanity. In-san-it-y. Insanity.

I’m not insane. No, I’m not. I’m definitely not. Am I? I don’t think I am. Why am I talking out loud? Insanity. I don’t need books. I don’t need anything. I can work this out on my own.

I walked down the street. Yes, that’s what I did. The clock struck one o’clock in the morning but the sun was coming down. This made me think again. Insanity. I could feel the cold crisp pavement on my warm feet. Images invaded my mind. Where was my shadow?

Is it cold or warm? I felt cold. Uncertain. Scared. Insanity. Why is it getting darker? An hour had passed, I thought. But the clock said 9:00. I ran home. I’m so confused, so lost in my own thoughts.

Why are those parents ushering their children away from me?

“COME BACK!” I cried.

After another half an hour I walked back to my car and drove home.

As I arrived home, I still couldn’t get over it. I congratulated myself on finding such a well-made Victorian house at such a good price… wait, haven’t I already said that? What do you mean ‘Good luck’?

Avenge me. Me. Avenge me. I’m not crazy. I’m not insane. I’m not.

I’M NOT. No, I’m not. Or am I? I broke into a laugh. A strange laugh.

Yes, a very strange laugh. Then a thought popped into my head.

Popcorn. I walked into the kitchen and put my, yes my, popcorn into the microwave. Ding. It was ready. I turned into the hall and there it was again on the wall.

The Arnold of Cheshire 1632. AVENGE ME! My heart started pounding. Up and down, again and again. Faster, faster. Stop. And that was all I remembered because that was the day I died. Wait. If I died, then who’s writing this?

Dear reader....Avenge me, reader. Avenge me!

Artwork by Emily Keown, Lower Sixth

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Crossing Sporting Boundaries in the Sixth F rm Brandon Few is interviewed by Tom Poyner, Year 8 At CHS, Sixth Form is a time for giving yourself fully to the causes you are most passionate about and usually that means fewer activities are possible than in the lower years. It is therefore always encouraging when a student remains loyal to more than one team or club at the highest level of school participation.

Brandon Few of the Lower Sixth is highly involved in sport inside and outside of school and plays for both the school’s Hockey and Rugby 1st teams.

On Hockey

The Lows

I play right midfield and enjoy the fast pace and the amount of action that occurs in the game – there is never a moment to sit back and relax. I would have to admit that our most competitive match is always against the girls’ 1st Team but there are plenty of other games that we throw ourselves into against other schools!

It’s no lie that commitment to team sport takes up a lot of time and effort so you have to learn to organise yourself and balance school work and other obligations. It’s also sometimes an effort to motivate yourself when really you feel like staying at home in the warmth instead of running around outside in the freezing cold and, in the case of rugby, plenty of mud.

On Rugby At the start of the school year we hadn’t played together and so we had a few defeats but as we’ve progressed we’ve improved and become a functioning team, and together we put out a great performance in pretty much all our matches. I play on the wing for rugby and I’ve found that you learn to control your frustration when playing with others who aren’t as experienced. Also, even if you are playing in a team with little experience, when everyone puts 110% into every match you can beat teams who have better players.

The Highs Put simply; sport is fun. It gives you a lot of self-confidence and also forces you to get to know a group of people in a short space of time as you all have a love of that particular sport and are thrown together with a common goal: winning. It also encourages leadership and team work. Team sport especially provides the physical advantage of regular exercise as well as the social aspect of playing with a group of people you get on well with.

Final Thoughts My prior involvement in sport – playing hockey and rugby for clubs – meant that even before playing for the school teams I knew a lot of the guys in my year before I’d started at the school, so when preseason for the school teams happened I had a great opportunity to forge friendships with a large group of people. Sport also provides a place where you have more freedom to talk with people on a personal level – be it during training or on the minibus to a game – and socialising with teammates is a really important part of the whole process.

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Playing hard/ winning hard: Victory is Sweet for the Netball 1st VII An Interview with Captain and Goalkeeper Nicky Nathoo by Alex Williams, Lower Sixth As any Lower Sixth Former will confirm, the Upper Sixth Common Room is a place of utter terror. Maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but as you push open those cunningly confusing double doors – the ones you always unsuccessfully try to pull – with a deep sense of foreboding, you know you’d better have a good excuse for entering. Fortunately, I do. Tripping down the steps into the lair of the A2 students I spy senior netball captain Nicky Nathoo who, smiling, beckons me over. We sit in the quiet corner of an otherwise bustling atrium on this particular Friday recess, an atmosphere of ‘weekend’ very much already upon us. But for Nicky and I it is not. We have a netball match tonight.

champion in the tournament itself but not to lose a single game in the process. I begin our informal ‘interview’ by asking Nicky to describe the moment when she knew her team had won the tournament. “Exciting” is the first word to tumble from her lips; “we worked really, really hard and we knew we could do it if we put our minds to it. It was the realisation of the achievement more than anything that made it so amazing”.

Beating strong local teams like Withington, Loreto, St Bede’s and arch-rivals Stockport Grammar seems to have made their victory especially sweet, especially as the North West is notorious for being the strongest region for netball in the UK and extremely competitive at Senior School level.

With that energetic thought in mind let us hark back to December. Cold, cold December, a month which held the joys of Skyfall, Christmas and an unprecedented win for the CHS 1st Netball VII. The Manchester and District Netball Tournament is no walk in the park (and this is from someone who still clutches at the glory of having captained an U13 winning side!) yet our girls managed not only to

Did they enter the tournament expecting to win? “We entered knowing we could win. Team performance depends on so many factors and we just needed to focus because in terms of skill we were always very capable of succeeding”. When asked if her role as captain equates to more personal pressure for being responsible for the team’s performances, Nicky said that it definitely did. “Because we’re all close friends I need to make sure I’m still leading the team, I do

have a tendency to get overly excited at tournaments! I have to keep my head in the game, as do we all. When the trophy is visible on a table in a corner of the courts there’s a definite energy in the team – we want to win”. For Nicky and the majority of her team, this year marks the end of school netball. The defining moment for Nicky was, predictably, this season’s tournament win. Despite what she describes as a “rocky start” to the year, they came into their own with their Manchester and District trophy proving absolutely that they could do it.

Looking to the future, does Nicky think she’ll continue to play at university? I am answered with a resounding “yes”. “I will definitely keep playing netball and I think all the other girls will still play sport”. Nicky says that she and all the team will especially miss the coaching of Mrs Sym, who Nicky describes as “our team mummy”! “She keeps us driven and in shape and she’s just really fun to be with. There’s a special dynamic in our team which makes her a central part of it”. There’s no doubt Mrs Sym is as proud of her team as they are of themselves, they being the first senior team to win the tournament in years. As Nicky puts it so simply, “it’s just really nice for us to have something to show for all our hard work” – and no one can argue with that.

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Year 7 Rugby Annual Challenge: St. Gerard’s School, Bray, Ireland Cec Lowry, PE and Games Department For more than 30 years, the school Year 7 Rugby Teams have been playing an annual fixture against St. Gerard’s School, Bray. This fixture is the only regular international match played by CHS teams.

The match is played on alternate years on a home and away basis.

Bray, known as the Brighton of Ireland, is a town 12 miles south of Dublin and is the fourth largest town in Ireland. It is the location of Ireland’s only dedicated film studio.

In recent years CHS has enjoyed scant success against the Irish boys with only the current Year 11s led by Captain Dan Walker winning at home in 2008.

This season in November 2012, led by Captain George Sewell, the CHS boys put up a strong challenge only to go down narrowly in the second half. On the previous day, the St. Gerard’s boys travelled with us to Birkenhead School to play in a three way tournament against the hosts. The CHS boys beat St. Gerard’s but lost to Birkenhead in an exciting contest.

The exchange with St. Gerard’s is always the highlight of the Year 7 rugby programme and gives our boys the opportunity to sample a rugby tour from an early age. The boys have always enjoyed the hospitality of our Irish hosts which is reciprocated every alternate

year when they visit Stockport. Many of our boys have made long-lasting friendships over the years. For the coaches too, this fixture is always one of the most enjoyable tours in the rugby calendar with the usual Irish hospitality handed out.

Over the years the boys have brought back many memories: “I stayed in a Castle, sir”, said one boy in amazement.

“We were given 40 Euros to spend in the amusements on the sea front, sir”, said another. Suffice to say that he stayed with the owner of the amusement arcade.

The St. Gerard’s tour is always looked forward to as soon as the rugby season starts in September each year.

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Mud, Sweat and Trophies; How the U13 Rugby Squad Conquered All Chris Squires, Year 8 Outstanding: the only word to describe the U13 rugby teams this year. Amassing a total of 732 points so far, the U13 first team have surpassed themselves in every way this season. This fantastic achievement is the result of hard work, perseverance, dedication and skill; from the inspirational coaching to the selfless support and teamwork shown by everyone involved.

Although no individual can claim full credit for these achievements, Cameron Cresswell has played brilliantly all season and taken full advantage of the opportunities supplied by the team by scoring numerous tries and conversions. No match has been ‘easy’ and it is a testament to the team that despite robust, talented opposition and, at times, extremely challenging conditions, we have seen it, done it and won it!

From nerve-racking matches with seconds until the final whistle, key players falling by the wayside with injuries, to clawing back points in tough games and cold, wet and muddy conditions, the team has worked together to become the first placed for performance in the country for the U13 age group. Recognition is clearly deserved.

The second team have also shown great determination and attitude despite a single match win. They have played with resolute determination, coming close in all their matches and scoring more points in their first match than in the whole of the last season put together! Again, the entire squad deserves praise for working for and with each other. That said, there is one performance which should be singled out: Oscar Jones outsprinting the entire

opposition team to score a magnificent try on the wing in harsh conditions.

The achievements of both teams could not have been accomplished without the dedication and experience of coaches Messrs Burnage and Thorn, whose skill and encouragement have inspired us all to train harder, become fitter and work as a team.

Mr Burnage sang the team’s praises thus: “The team performed magnificently all season, winning all 15 matches, which is an outstanding achievement. Although they performed as a team, Cameron Cresswell is the player of the season having scored 66 tries and many more conversions.

Well done to all the U13’s.”

Cheadle Hulme School U13 Rugby Team at Rosslyn Park Steve Burnage, Head of Year 9 The U13 Rugby 7- a- side team travelled down to London in March to play in the prestigious National Tournament held at Rosslyn Park. This tournament is the largest schoolboy event in the world and in the U13 section there were over 120 schools entered.

The Tournament at Rosslyn Park was played in atrocious conditions and the Cheadle Hulme boys rolled up their sleeves to show great character and commitment throughout.

The boys played some outstanding rugby throughout the Tournament and had Cameron Cresswell not suffered an injury at the end of the first half against Monmouth (at the time we were winning 7 – 5), who knows how the game may have finished?

All the team represented Cheadle Hulme with pride and are to be congratulated on this outstanding achievement.

“ Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision.”

Muhammad Ali

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Smells like Team Spirit: Football becomes Soccer as the 1st and 2nd XI head across the Pond Alexandra Williams, Lower Sixth It seems fitting that Mr Upton arrives at our interview having just been photographed with the football 1st and 2nd XIs of 2012/13, as many members of the two teams formed part of the cohort of 30 boys who embarked on a two-week tour of the East and West coast of the United States in July 2012, accompanied by Messrs Upton, Thomson and Morris. The mission was simple: to develop the skills of both the squad as a whole and of individual players whilst also saying a final farewell to the Upper Sixth, and according to Mr Upton it was most definitely accomplished. “It was full on but we kept moving”, he says. “In two weeks we managed to visit and play games in Philadelphia, New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Monica”. Of the decision to take the squad to America he tells me that having completed a similar tour there in 2009 it seemed the ideal location – a pleasant climate and an English speaking country (meaning language difficulties wouldn’t arise when the boys were hosted).

The trip was clearly one to be remembered – when I ask Mr Upton about his highlights they are many and varied. The boys going on a training run in Central Park and some of them later appearing on the big screen in Times Square in their tour kit. A day on Venice Beach in L.A. with ten foot waves. Meeting an English lady who had lived in America for 30 years on a public bus in Hollywood and the whole squad singing the National Anthem to her (and everyone else on the bus) and then continuing to sing the Beatles, Robbie Williams, Coldplay and U2 until they reached her stop. Perhaps most memorable of all though was the 1st XI spontaneously bursting out into the National Anthem before the last game of the tour just after the opposition had played, over the intercom, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. By sheer coincidence, footballer Nicky Watmore bobs his head round the door to speak to Mr Upton and we simultaneously ask him to enlighten us about his most vivid memory of the USA: it was “sitting in Times Square, watching the sunset and listening to a banjo player”.

But what about the actual football? “In Santa Monica we were playing on a huge university campus where there were people of all ages out training, including girls’ soccer teams. You can notice the difference in attitudes there; sport is taken very seriously and they are big on conduct and discipline. Because of this they don’t want to win at all costs, it’s more of an “it’s the taking part that counts” mentality. We were certainly more competitive”. In terms of match results, the 1st XI won four games, lost one and drew one whilst the 2nd XI won two, lost two and drew two – a feat to be applauded considering how much time was spent travelling between cities!

A huge benefit of such a tour is the unity created between team members and coaches and the camaraderie that ensues when spending so much time together over an intense two week period; when I ask Mr Upton to sum up the experience he smiles and simply says; “Boys, it’s been emotional”.

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Cheshire U16 7s Rugby Tournament Ben Robertson, Religious Studies Department The first and only 7s tournament for our U16s showed coach Mr. Tann and assistant coach Mr. Robertson exactly what they knew all year. A talented and strong team with plenty of pace just needed some confidence to reach their true potential. Clearly no one had told the weather it was the 7s season; it was freezing. Fortunately the rain stayed away and the dry conditions suited our style of play.

We were certainly not favourites in our group and being not altogether sure how good we really were, we made a cautious start against St. Edward’s College. This soon turned into a comprehensive victory when the pace and direct running of James Stott, Crad Roberts and Sam Carter-Blythe committed enough defenders to allow walk-in tries for Tom Semple, Josh Heap, Joe Murphy and Jordan Omokeowa. Crad and Sam stretched defenders before recycling the ball and giving it to our more direct runners, who found acres of space in front of them. This system seemed to work and we saw off challenges from St. Anselm’s, Wilmslow, St. Ambrose and Caldy.

CHS finished top of their group, having played more matches than any other qualifying team. The depth in our squad proved invaluable and James Birchall, Miles McCrave and Sammee

Chaudhry all made a good impression; being allowed to rotate players certainly gave us an edge in fitness over other teams. Dan Walker provided some calm and experience when he came on, slowing games down and seeing the victory out.

Without really seeing too much of a challenge in the group stage, CHS were feeling confident. We had seen off strong teams and were now relishing the opportunity to play on the wide Sandbach 1st XV pitch which could surely only play to our strengths.

The semi-final proved one game too many, however, and we lost to a strong King’s Macclesfield side in a hard-fought and close game. A few mistakes early in the game saw us go two tries behind in the first half. CHS fought back in the second and brought the game level. Unfortunately the tired legs began to show and a kick through led to a foot race which King’s Macclesfield won, scoring the winning try.

A most successful season with an enjoyable end that saw the boys play the style of rugby they’d come to epitomise over the last year.

They played with discipline, integrity, intensity and aggression. Well done lads! We can’t wait to follow your season next year!

A Coach’s Viewpoint of Boys’ Hockey Michael Jones, Head of Year 10 “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with all the boys’ hockey teams at CHS since I joined the school in 2010. Our current five year development plan has the overall aim of wanting every boy at CHS to aspire to play first team hockey.

It is a deliberately bold and ambitious target but we want to reach out to as many potential players as possible. When I first started, the majority of our players only played hockey for the school, but with all our fixtures taking place during the week there is a fantastic opportunity for students to play multiple sports during their time here. We have specifically targeted new players lower down the school and our player base at U12, U13 and U14 level has more than doubled within the space of two years.

A great deal of credit for this must go to our full time hockey Head Coach, Fay Nash, who has worked with us for two years now. As captain of the Bowdon Women’s First Team, who play in the National Premier League, she provides a unique insight into the nature of the modern game at the highest level. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the sport are unrivalled and I’m always able to learn something new each week whilst working alongside her.

There are two concepts on which we specifically try to focus with the players; teaching them to do the basics well and enabling them to take responsibility for their own training and development.

Last summer in the build up to the Olympic Games, several of the

hockey coaches at CHS spent a day at Bisham Abbey watching the GB Men and Women Squads (Bronze Medalists) train, followed by a Question and Answer session with the coaches. One thing that stood out for me was how the women in particular took total responsibility for what they did in training. All the coaches did was to ask questions of the players as opposed to barking instructions at them, which encouraged the players to think more carefully about the decisions they made in match situations and why. This is something I have tried to develop myself as ultimately it is the players who make decisions on the pitch and therefore they must train in the same way.

Something that can be easily overlooked in all sports is mastery of the basics. Players at all levels are often more concerned with just playing matches during training sessions (something I am guilty of myself) but this neglects the hard, repetitive and often boring drills required to master the basic skills and techniques of the sport.

In January of this year I was fortunate enough to visit the Everton training ground and Youth Academy where there was a common theme running through the club from the six-year olds up to the first team squad. Basics, basics, basics, practised repeatedly every day.

I believe firmly that supposed ‘natural talent’ is a pure myth and that success in any field can be achieved only through hard work and dedication, traits that can be seen in any successful sportsman or woman. If we can instil that belief into players here I know we will have made a difference.

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The CHS House System Allen House Clare Greenwood, Head of Allen House It is a great honour to be the first Head of the best House, Allen. The House is named after Sarah Ann Allen who was Matron of the School from 1905 and dedicated most of her life to the pastoral care of students, embodying what Cheadle Hulme School is all about.

The House System is something I strongly believe in as it unites students across the year groups and gives them a chance to lead and support each other in various events and activities. It also means that students can participate and shine in a variety of events in which they may not necessarily represent the School, such as sport, music and drama.

I have really enjoyed taking part and supporting Allen House this year. The Music Competition was the highlight for me, along with Sports Day. The Music Competition allowed all year groups and

Clarke House Marcus Sparrow, Head of Clarke House In September 2012, after a gap of over 30 years, a House System was reinstated at CHS. The four Houses were named after four Foundationer students from the school who represent the four areas of the CHS Learner Profile: Giving, Thinking, Feeling and Doing.

members of the House as possible and producing a high standard of performance.

For Clarke House Harry Dubois did a great job in co-ordinating our contribution and, even though Clarke House didn’t win, the enthusiasm, quality and diversity of the performances made it a compelling evening.

Clarke House is named after Arthur Clarke who joined the school in 1930. Ten years later he was shot down and killed while flying a Hurricane in the Battle of Britain.

His connection with the school resonates today as his great niece is a student at CHS; she is a member of Clarke House.

At the start of the year the Heads of House invited nominations for charities for the House to support over the academic year.

Beth Oldbury suggested Clarke should support Wheelies, a charity based in Macclesfield which provides sports and activities for people in wheelchairs. During Philanthropy Week members of Wheelies came into school to take a House assembly and students were able to have a go in a sports wheelchair and hold an Olympic torch. It was gratifying to see our students interacting with the Wheelies members.

Beth has worked hard to facilitate the contact and fund raising activities. We have donated over £1000 to Wheelies this year.

When the House System was re-introduced it was hoped that this would give more students an opportunity to participate in competitive events, provide leadership opportunities throughout the Senior School and strengthen the co-curricular component of school life.

My two favourite events of the year so far have been the House Music Competition and the House contribution to Philanthropy Week. The House Music Competition was a new event where each House was challenged to produce a half hour musical selection aiming to cover a wide variety of music styles while involving as many

Next year I hope the House System will continue to evolve and develop. There will be new initiatives and competitions. The most important thing for me is to get as many students as possible participating in as many events as possible (and, of course, for Clarke House to win as many as possible!).

staff in Allen House to unite and work together to produce an entertaining and varied musical performance, with all the entries at a high level. The Allen choir was far superior on the evening and brought both fun and talent to the competition, which enabled us to win on the night. It was led entirely by the students and I was very proud of what they achieved and how they themselves encouraged staff to take part, in the true Allen spirit.

Sports Day saw Allen at their best with all students playing their part and often finishing in the top two. We were also the best supported House with the students cheering the loudest and a visit from our special guest Allen The Marmot – Allen, Allen Allen! I am looking forward to next year and watching Allen build on what we have achieved as we see the House go from strength to strength; remember: “We are not arrogant…just better!”.

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Marsh House Andy Wrathall, Head of Marsh House I am extremely proud to be the first Head of House for Marsh, the Thinking House.

The House is named after Cyril Marsh, who joined the school in 1907 and won a number of Form Prizes throughout his school career, culminating in winning a John Rylands gold watch. On leaving the School in 1914, he served in the Royal Army Service Corps. After the war he performed a number of roles as a successful businessman and at the time of his death in 1972 he was a trustee of the School, Honorary Treasurer, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and a Governor.

I wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of a House System as it brings the whole school closer together by giving students an identity between year groups. It allows for leadership opportunities and enables students to showcase their talents in a number of different areas, be it on the sports fields, in the classroom or on the stage. The House System at CHS has created healthy competition in all the activities and has given the opportunity for every student to shine in some way and contribute towards the success of their House.

I have been thoroughly impressed with how quickly the students have bought into the ethos of being in a House and it has been great to see the friendly rivalry develop both within and between year groups.

Throughout this first year it has been wonderful to watch the students competing and performing to the best of their ability so that they can score as many points as possible for their House. Particular highlights have been the Charity collections for both FoodShare and Easter – I was genuinely amazed to see the generosity of our students – we really did create mountains of tins and cartons, and eggs! However, the event that I most enjoyed was Sports Day. To see all the students in their House colours cheering each other really was a sight to behold. It highlighted the true meaning of a House System as the students enthusiastically cheered and supported their fellow House team-mates in all year groups. Obviously, the students from Marsh were the loudest and most passionate! All I can say is roll on 2013-14 as the House System can only go from strength to strength.

Whitehead House Leanne Curl, Head of Whitehead House This time last year I was delighted to hear that a House System would be introduced here at CHS. Having been involved in a House System whilst I was at school I related immediately to the positive ethos that can be gained from whole school involvement across all aspects of school life. Initially the goal was to encourage participation and develop a House culture that students would be proud to be a part of. I would like to thank each and every student who has played their part in contributing to the success of the House to date.

Whitehead House is named after Jack Whitehead, who joined the school in 1920. Jack himself was a House Captain and excelled in Lacrosse at CHS, as well as locally and nationally. He also took part in the raid on Dieppe in WW2, earning himself the Distinguished Service Cross. Whitehead House is therefore honoured to represent Doing in the CHS Learner Profile.

The past two terms have seen a vast array of House Competitions across the following

four areas: Academic; Charity; Creative; and Sport. The Year 8 and 9 Maths Challenge was particularly enjoyable; I never knew Maths could be such fun! The highlight of the year so far for me has been the House Music Competition. The range of performances, effort made and numbers of students participating from all Houses was absolutely fantastic and resulted in a truly unforgettable evening.

Whitehead House is supporting East Cheshire Hospice and the Akamba Children’s Educational Fund, as suggested

by Grace Lambert and Brandon Few respectively. The House Charity committee has worked hard this year to organise fundraising events to support this. In addition to the money raised from the Charity Hike, over £1100 has been collected and divided between the two charities: a remarkable effort by all involved.

As it currently stands, Whitehead are in first place in the Academic, Charity and Creative areas! I must add that we would be first in Sport too if Allen House didn’t keep fixing

the results. I don’t doubt that we will be in first place overall at the end of the Summer Term; let’s be honest, we deserve it.

I would like to finish by saying that it is an honour to be Head of House to such an impressive group of individuals; those who give their all, are committed to the cause and aspire to be the best that they can be in whatever life throws at them.

Well done, Whitehead House.

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‘After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.’ Aldous Huxley

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Sp r t e c n ring C o

Emily Cole, Upper Sixth When asked to write something about the Spring Concert this year I came up with a huge list of things I could write about; the music choices, the memories, the stressed out rehearsals running about wondering if it was ever going to be a success. I realised the most important thing to me was the memories, the experiences which we were given through the Spring Concert. Not until recently did I realise what a privilege it was to perform at Stockport Town Hall; it always felt so normal because I had been there since a very young age; my Mum has performed there since before I was born!

Then, the moment I looked out to perform my solo, the first proper solo I have ever done, it dawned on me……..

I was that Sixth Former performing, who I had always looked up to in the past. I was one of the Sixth Formers who would be standing up at the end, leaving the rest of the performers wondering how they were going to manage without the senior players.

Of course, the Music Department always manages even though these players seem so important at the time but it made me think: how many performances have we done here? Seven! How many pieces had I (and many other members of the Sixth Form) played and sung in? At least fifty, probably many more! From the very first performance in year 7 to the last I realise how much we have all grown. We all used to be so shy, we felt so small and yet I know

we have all developed so much. Though it was so obvious one day it would be us up there at the front, it was hard to imagine that it would actually happen.

The variety of talent shown this year was incredible. To see Becca play ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’, the piece which many of us would agree seems to be made for her; her emotion shone through so clearly; to see Jon play ‘Swing! Swing! Swing!; the piece which as a green blazer made me look up in awe at the blue blazers; to listen to him play the drums and keep a steady beat whilst playing the most intricate passages (something which I can only dream of doing); to listen to Nicky play ‘Canticle’, the first musician at Cheadle who I looked up to in year 7 when we were in the same form, the person who I saw and still see as being one of the most talented musicians in our year. It is an honour that I could be part of that and also play a solo with the rest of my Music set. Together they have made up one of the best classes I have ever had. They are all so talented and I wish them all the best.

The early mornings for A Capella, though a shock to the system at first, are one of my highlights. I am so thankful to Mr Pomphrey (also known as Pombear!? Mr PomPom!?) for letting me be a part of that. The group this year has been amazing and I will always hold a place in my heart for them. Then there was ‘Fields of Gold’

with Sixth Form Singers which really made my evening as it is one of my favourite songs and I was so proud that we actually managed to remember the words (for some reason there always seems to be some sort of uncertainty when we have to sing a song off by heart...) At last the altos could be heard and we actually properly blended with the sopranos! I think we can call that a success!!!

For me the Spring Concert wasn’t about the goodbyes, the sadness a lot of us felt when we realised things are coming to an end, but it was about happiness. It was about the happiness I felt looking at the things we had all achieved, looking past all the tiredness and the stress in the build-up to the concert and seeing the passion many of us share for music. Through the various groups I have made so many friends, we have had so many jokes, we have been on trips and got to know each other and I know the Music Department will definitely not be one I will forget.

So thank you to the students present and past. Thank you to the teachers who have always been there to support us and keep up the motivation. Thank you to the School for making all this possible because as everyone who is involved in music at CHS knows... there is NEVER a dull moment in the Music Department!!!

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Rebecca Griffiths, Upper Sixth The end of an era……….all good things must come to an end Another Spring Concert! However, this time was different from all of the rest. Being in Upper Sixth, this would now be my final ever performance for Cheadle Hulme School. So, with an element of sadness, I approached the day.

Climbing on the coach with all my peers we trundled down to Stockport Town Hall, the perfect venue for our music.

The afternoon provided last minute fine-tuning ready for our big night...our last night!

The big night arrived and to begin the concert, the School Orchestra played both ‘Capriccio Espagnol’ and ‘Swan Lake’ to rapturous applause from the appreciative audience. However, following this came one of the highlights of the evening for me with the performance of ‘Les Misérables’ by Schoenberg featuring Hannah Milligan as Fantine. This dramatic number, with costumes, acting and tremendous vocal lines, highlighted the strength and depth of our Music Department at Cheadle Hulme, and for those who were deeply affected by the storytelling in the music it even led to tears flowing!

As tradition states, each of those who take A Level Music are asked to perform a solo item as part of the Spring Concert. This year this included Emily Cole, Jonathan Needham, Nikita Nathoo and myself.

Emily was the first to perform out of our music group, and tension hung in the air, each of us hoping that we each would perform to the highest standards as we knew we could. Emily’s flute solo of Gluck’s ‘First Movement from Concerto in G’ went extremely well and all of the rest of us knew that a high standard had been set. Jonathan featured in Big Band in ‘Swing Swing Swing’ with a tremendous drum solo that set the room alight. Nicky was next to grace the stage, playing ‘Canticle’ on the clarinet with the School’s Concert Band. Again followed an unbelievable performance, showing her ability to bring the music to life and emphasising why she was recently crowned ‘Young Musician of the Year’. Finally, I was left to end the series of solos as part of Upper 6th Music with a rendition of ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ with Concert Band. At the end of the

programme, I hoped that I had managed to connect with each and every listener and that this would inspire many others within the school to learn the oboe, and to gain from the experience as I have done.

The Spring Concert not only included individuals but also masses of people who when combined together can make a magnitude of sound. In the Sixth Form Singers and Chamber Choir numbers, especially in the works of ‘Mack the Knife’, ‘Viva La Vida’ and the ‘Shoshone Love Song’, we could not only see the beauty yet also the power that the choir were able to create within the music.

A Cappella showed us how individuals must blend together, for without a piano they had to be finely tuned to each other and take the lead from each other.

It was all over. Fourteen years of music concerts at the school.

I had journeyed from recorder concerts, with the endless efforts of Miss Garrett to prepare us in Reception, to this; and I acknowledge the work of Mr Dewhurst, Mrs Cocksedge, Mrs Evans, Mrs Drennan, Mr Lawrence and Mr Pomphrey, who have all influenced my music career within the school. So when the request for those who are in Upper Sixth to stand up finally came, it did not surprise me that some of those who had made this journey were indeed crying at its end. However, I was aware that for many their musical career would continue wherever their lives took them and that we would never forget the marvellous concerts and pieces that we had had the chance to discover. I am sure that future generations will continue to benefit as we have done from the Music Department at Cheadle Hulme School.

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The

Sound of Mus

ic

Annaliesa Ray (Maria von Trapp), Lower Sixth Acting and singing and dancing–performing …these are a few of my favourite things!

After being given the unforgettable opportunity of playing Maria in the school production this year, I have learnt so much, made so many friends and had the time of my life!

Naturally, my audition was a little daunting.

After, I am ashamed to say, not having watched ‘The Sound of Music’ for at least seven years, I sang ‘The Hills are Alive’ in front of a small audience of hopefuls, never expecting to be given the part of my dreams!

The rehearsal process began and I started to learn my many, many lines. I am sure Ms. Harms would agree that the rehearsals were somewhat stressful, but thanks to the incredible patience of staff and students all were at least bearable (although I do think that the Laendler will be in my head for ever and a day!) As the show week drew nearer the excitement really started to kick in.

Costumes were made by the wonderful Kay, sets were created by the fabulous Art Staff and lighting and SFX were set up by the lovely tech team! With the excitement came the nerves. The number of people who approached me at school to ask how the play was going was incredible; however, the answer to this question was not set in stone, so I always replied with a smile, and said I was looking forward to it, inevitably ignoring the question. Tickets sold. Last minute rehearsals

took place. Finishing touches were put on costumes and props. And then, as if out of the blue, show week was upon us.

Before the first performance I could not quite decipher how I was feeling. Nervous?

I was of course, but the whole thing felt awfully surreal and I didn’t have much time to worry about nerves. Excited? I was exhilarated. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and my heart was beating so very fast. The introduction for my first song is something I will never forget! I strode onto the stage wearing the oh so familiar Maria costume, with apron and boots, knowing that I had to deliver my very best. From then on I promised myself that I would enjoy every single moment on the stage, and I did, thoroughly. There were so many high points on stage that I just absorbed the wonderful atmosphere, never wanting it to stop.

Of course, all good things must come to an end, but I will always have the memories and experience to take with me. I have enjoyed working with absolutely everyone in the cast and crew, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support and help that they have given me.

So all I have left to say is this; to be blessed with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,

“somewhere in my youth, or childhood, I must have done something good!”

Faye Ainley (Marta von Trapp), Year 8 Playing Marta in ‘The Sound of Music’ was a great experience for me, as it was my first ever musical at CHS and my favourite event of the year. I got to meet many new people and made lots of friends. It was really inspiring working with older students as I got to work with amazing performers, and I learnt a lot from them. It was great being with my brother as members of the von Trapp family, and we were siblings in the play! My time in the musical was great fun, exhilarating, and I would love to do another musical next year. Even though rehearsals were long and tiring we all made the best of it and had an amazing time. All the rehearsals paid off in the end and they were the best four nights I have had in my Senior School years. I still miss it and wish I could do it one more time. I was very grateful for being chosen as Marta as I was one of only two people chosen from the Lower School to play in the Upper School musical. I loved every second and thank you to all the cast and teachers for making it an amazing and fun experience. I will never forget it.

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“If you lack the courage to start,

Diary of a Theatre Kid: Mark A

you are already finished”

inley (‘Kurt von Trapp’), Lower

My heart was pounding in my head, the lights were dazzling my eyes, and I was pretty sure I hadn’t taken a breath in the last two minutes. Welcome to ‘The Sound of Music’ Opening Night. This was to be my first time in a leading role on stage since Year 6 and it is safe to say I was very nervous.

Backtrack five months to my audition.

After much deliberation over whether to try it out and a near mental breakdown, I made my final decision just 10 minutes beforehand and proceeded to run through the song I had chosen in a cubicle of the A-Block toilets (apologies to the person who walked in, heard me singing, and immediately walked out.) Even after messing up the words, I still left the audition room with a feeling of epic elation and huge accomplishment; thrilled with the knowledge that I had the confidence even just to try.

It is with bittersweet nostalgia that I now look back on the whole rehearsal process and I find it amazing how quickly those three months went. From wet Sunday mornings in September to frosty evenings in December, the cast turned out time and time again to rehearse; sometimes just one scene for hours on end (Yes, ‘Ball Scene,’ I am talking to you.) There were occasions where everyone was dubious over whether we would finish such an ambitious project

in time; but the extraordinary commitment of the entire cast and crew–along with the teamwork ubiquitous at every rehearsal– resulted in a show we were all proud to be a part of; where nothing fell flat (apart from Holly literally to the ground during a rendition of ‘So Long, Farewell.’) In spite of the colossal commitment, I may have laughed more in those 3 months than I have at any other time in my life, and would not trade the experience I had for anything else.

I still struggle to find the correct words to describe my time in the production, but it is certainly an experience that has given me a different perspective on Cheadle Hulme School, and has changed me as a person.

I have discovered that sometimes all it takes is twenty seconds of insane courage to make a perpetual change, and I am so glad I did not choose to miss that first audition.

No matter how much of a toll the relentless

Sixth

rehearsals took on me; I honestly enjoyed every single one, and genuinely looked forward to them. Whether they consisted of performing myself on stage or watching in awe of others, Mr. Dewhurst screaming ‘NO!’ at me over and over for the best part of half an hour, or simply just sitting talking to people I had never met before for hours on end. Getting to know the cast and in particular the von Trapp family was a huge blessing. I made many friends who I won’t forget, had an incredible opportunity to do something I love, whilst learning many valuable lessons about myself. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year.

With a wistful ‘so long,’ and a heartfelt ‘farewell,’ thank you to everyone involved for making my venture into Theatre such an exciting and special one.

Elise Johnson (Gretl vo n Trapp) , Year 8

I really enjoyed performin g the role of Gretl in ‘The Sound of Mu sic’. It was an honour to be chosen, con sidering it was an Upper School play and I’m in the Lower School. My favourite sce ne was the scene

featuring my favourite song ‘Do Re Mi’. It was my favourite song because it was really fun. At the start I was ner vous, but by the end I was so excited. Wh en the play had finished I was really tire d but it was worth it!

3 Le journal d’un peintre impressionniste Joe Worthington, Upper Sixth Ce matin, j’ai décidé de commencer un nouveau tableau sur la vie moderne et mes expériences de la journée. Après m’être réveillé et habillé, j’ai pris un peu de pain et un café et j’ai quitté la maison avec juste un chevalet, mon pinceau et deux ou trois tubes de peinture. Maintenant que nous avons les tubes de peinture, c’est si facile quand je veux peindre en plein air.

Simplement, c’est quelque chose que je n’aurais pas pu rêver d’entreprendre il y a une décennie. La peinture n’assèche jamais et je trouve que c’est un des meilleurs avancements en art aujourd’hui. De ma maison juste en dehors de Paris, j’ai pris le train au centre de la capitale pour commencer mon travail.

J’ai choisi une grande avenue près de la région industrielle de la ville. J’ai le plaisir de vivre pendant l’apogée de la révolution Industrielle et j’adore dépeindre l’effervescence de la vie de nos jours.

Partout dans mon tableau j’ai essayé de saisir les deux; le travail et l’amour de Paris.

J’aime toujours garder le naturalisme de la vie pour capturer l’essence d’aujourd’hui pour l’avenir. Après avoir passé environ trois heures à peindre mon tableau, je suis rentré chez moi pour passer le soir avec ma famille.

Normalement, j’aime me détendre pendant le soir, mais aujourd’hui j’ai passé une heure dans mon atelier en observant le monde

par ma fenêtre et en peignant un tableau que j’ai travaillé pendant longtemps. J’ai essayé de créer une équilibre vraie entre les couleurs claires et sombres et aussi la lumière douce au fond. J’espère que je pourrai finir ce tableau pendant les jours prochains. Après, j’ai mangé mon dîner et je me suis endormi pour être prêt à aller à Paris tôt le matin suivant.

An Interview with Ella

All About Alyssa

Ballerinas Ella Bond (pictured below left) and Alyssa Holliday-Smith (below right) have been dancing in a performance of ‘Swan Lake’ and we have interviewed them to find out what they have been up to.

Alyssa Holiday-Smith goes to ballet six days per week and the only day off she gets is Wednesday. She has been doing ballet since she was 2 years old, so for the past 8 years.

She does ballet, but also learns tap, jazz and modern dance.

Here is Ella’s interview: What part have you got in ‘Swan Lake’?

“I am the King’s niece.”

Are you nervous about the show?

“Yes. A little bit.”

How many years have you been dancing?

“8 years. Since I was 2 years old.”

What is the story of ‘Swan Lake’?

“Well, a man needs to marry a princess but he doesn’t like any of them, so he gets sent to a forest to shoot some birds; but there he sees a really beautiful girl and falls in love with her. Then an evil owl says they can’t marry each other and the man gets into a fight with the evil owl; in the end they both die and the girl kills herself to be with him.”

Is it fun?

“YES!!!!!”

Alyssa practises for between one and four hours per day. She first started dancing and enjoying it after she watched professionals dancing. Also Alyssa goes to dance at The Royal Ballet, Elmhurst, Handforth and Prestbury Schools of Dance.

Alyssa was chosen to be in Preston Charter Theatre’s ballet production of ‘Swan Lake’ this year. She played the part of the niece of the king. She was very nervous because she did three performances; but she says it was a wonderful experience!

Interviews by Alice Brown, Year 5

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Les Misérables Hannah Milligan, Lower Sixth

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We had also choreographed some very simple movements to help us to convey the story of each song, and spent an entire Sunday afternoon working on important aspects of the performance, such as singing traditionally solo songs as a group (‘On My Own’) and the characterisation and the way in which we had to change our characters simply through our voices and facial expression between each song; for example making the distinction between a 9-year-old girl daydreaming her way out of poverty (‘Castle on a Cloud’) and an ex-convict praying for a boy he does not know to be kept safe during the battles between the Revolutionaries and the French National Guard (‘Bring Him Home’).

Judging by the rapturous applause we received and comments we received afterwards, all this hard work paid off, and we did manage to do justice to one of the greatest musicals of all time, even if some people did find us “terrifying” as we marched towards our audience asking them to join us at the barricade.

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Little did we know what we were letting ourselves in for: the medley we chose to perform is around 10 minutes long in total, and the magnificent music cannot be sung half-heartedly. It requires energy and emotion to truly do justice to each and every song, and so even singing it through just once is physically tiring. In addition, the music itself requires a great variety of vocal skill, as this medley in particular features songs originally sung by both men and women for a wide range of voices; Mrs Drennan worked with us tirelessly so that we could ensure we balanced the harmonies correctly and maintained the necessary energy throughout the piece. I personally was particularly honoured to be singing some of the greatest songs from ‘Les Mis’, as I was chosen to sing the introduction and ending to what is arguably the most famous song from the show,

‘I Dreamed a Dream’, as a solo. In the Thursday night rehearsals this was fine, but on the day of the Spring Concert, I began to get very nervous about introducing one of the most iconic songs in musical theatre alone in front of such a large audience in such a huge space. However, once we were in our costumes, we were no longer students of Cheadle Hulme School; each of us became the revolutionaries of 19th Century France, and for me personally, wearing Fantine’s dress was significant in quelling the butterflies.

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‘Les Misérables’ is without doubt one of the most recognisable musicals in the world; even those who are not fans of musical theatre will admit that in the 28 years it has been on stage, ‘Les Mis’ has introduced some of the most iconic songs to the world, including ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ and ‘On My Own’. As a long-term fan of the show, by which I mean that I have known all the words to every song and even the bits in between since the age of about 8, when I learned that a film version was being produced I was ecstatic. The film version has made the incredible music and lyrics of Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer accessible to everyone, not just theatre-goers, and so it seemed like an obvious choice to become Encore’s piece for the Spring Concert.

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Junior expression at chs Year 3 String Evening Alice Brown, Year 5 Alice Brown’s Dad (Martyn Brown) went to the Year 3 string evening to learn how to play a string instrument, so when his daughter practised her instrument he would know what to look for and be able to check

if she was holding it correctly. Martyn said; “I played the violin. It was funny because of the sound we were making. I liked plucking because I could play the right notes and make a nice sound. The teacher (Mr Gills)

was very helpful and he didn’t laugh at me when I was playing with the bow as I found it very difficult. I learnt ‘ The Grand Old Duke of York’. It was a fun night and I learnt a lot.”

Infant Christmas Play Lucas Anderson, Year 5 When I saw the Infant Nativity I was amazed by the way they managed to fit so much comedy and the traditional nativity story into one play. The story this year was one of the best I have seen.

The beginning of the play shows the birthday of one of the three Kings and because it was his birthday they put on a talent competition that had The Wrong Direction in it. This was a band that danced around the stage doing funny moves! When they had finished, some belly dancers arrived on stage and danced an Egyptian type of dance. Just then a gigantic star appeared and the wives of the three Kings nagged them to follow the star because they thought it was beautiful. The birthday boy complained; ‘But it’s my birthday!’ But still they were sent on their way by their bossy wives.

Whilst the Kings were wandering in the desert, they saw the belly dancers again who just couldn’t stop dancing and told them that they were on their way to see a new born King. They asked where this new born King could be found and the belly dancers said he was in Bethlehem. Then they came across some Roman soldiers who tried to persuade them to join the Roman Army by telling them they got paid in gold and silver. Luckily, the Kings refused and said that they must find the new born King.

At the end of their journey they arrived at the stables that the star had led them to and delivered their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, the new King.

My eardrums almost burst with the thunderous applause. The cast did an amazing job with their acting skills and the teachers put on a great show as usual. Another fantastic Nativity from the CHS Infants!

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junior music alice brown, year 5

Junior School Trumpet Players

The Progress and Spring Concerts

I play the trumpet and I go to lots of musical clubs such as Trafford Youth Windband and Stretford Windband. Although I think I play quite well, I still get nervous just like other people do.

The Progress Concert was a concert designed to showcase everyone’s talent. Lots of children joined in and lots of different pieces were played, ranging from pop to jazz and also classical styles on a variety of different instruments.

Jacob Baxter, who also plays the trumpet, said; “It’s fun. I like it because it is exciting, easy to play and put away. Trumpets make a good noise and I like the pieces.”

The Spring Concert was for anyone who played in a musical club such as: recorder groups, percussion groups, choirs, string group, brass ensemble and orchestra. At the end all the choir did a song together.

Manchester Cathedral Year 3 Strings

The choir of Years 4, 5 and 6 went to Manchester Cathedral at Christmas to perform and to listen to the other school choirs.

We asked Mrs Drennan, our conductor, what she thought of it and she said; “I really enjoyed it. One of my favourite things was listening to the other choirs because it was nice to hear everything they had been working on. I was really happy when our choirs sang ‘Colours of Christmas’ because they were amazing.

It was also really fun.”

Year 3 looked at string instruments in Music this year.

They had three choices: the violin, the cello or the viola.

Grace Brown, who played the violin, said; “I like how you use the bow and I also like learning songs. The best type of working is in a group.” Holly Seddon, who played the viola, said; “I like using the bow as well and I like working on my own”. Orla Fox-Partridge said; “I like the sound and how you hold it. I also like working in a group.”

Why I like playing the guitar Poppy Charlesworth, Year 5 I like playing the guitar because it is fun. You can make up songs, play pop songs, and have lots of fun doing it! I’m learning to play ‘Scream and Shout’ at the moment, and it’s awesome! You can do guitar exams, and there are usually some more songs to play for it. I got a Distinction in Grade 1 and Preliminary Grade and a Merit in Grade 2, and I can’t wait to start working towards my Grade 3.

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Junior creative writing

the great fire of London Alex Gardiner, Year 2

Gabby McIntyre, Year 2

The fire started one September night.

The people all looked up in fright.

I found out when some smoke came weeping through my door, The smoke was almost on my bedroom floor,

The fire spread orange and red; lots of people turned and fled.

The thick black smoke made me choke.

The sky was full of sparkling flames as I galloped down Pudding Lane.

As I walked the wind blew, but no-one knew quite what to do.

I saw the fire spread, the sky was turning orange and red, The fire would not go down.

Instead it went to the other side of the town.

Gabriella Adams, Year 2

Smoke was in my throat whilst, I raced to a boat.

As I slept in my bed it was one September night, The 2nd of November we will remember; The flames were raging! And I had such a fright.

After 1666 Then all of a sudden the flames emerged!

The houses were made of bricks.

The sound was hurtful to the people submerged, People were rushing about. Meanwhile the king was thinking but he did not know what to do. So he called to the mayor and he knew!

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Whale

What Am I?

A whale is black and white.

I am round and juicy.

A whale can splash.

I am as small as a pea.

A whale lives in the sea.

I have smooth skin.

A whale can kill.

I grow on a bush.

A whale has fins.

I am blue.

I have been to a whale show.

What am I?

Edward Coppock, Reception

Whale facts

Aditya Sarkas, Reception

Yash Agarwal, Year 1

Fruit

Keira Henry, Year 1 Shiny smooth cherries Red squishy strawberries

It is 30 meters long.

Sour bitter lemons A girl whale is bigger than a boy whale.

Crunchy crisp apples A whale has no teeth.

Spiky bumpy pineapples Sweet squidgy grapes

Bill Sykes Junior writing inspired by the performance of ‘Oliver!’

Bill Sykes is an abnormal specimen to say the least; he has a close shaven beard, giving him a powerful and criminal look. He has an atrociously short temper and can be as rash as a bull in a china shop when provoked; he will easily go as far as killing someone so he is not discovered. Jet black hair, never combed, is rarely observed on his head, but covered by an intimidating rich man’s hat. Normally he is described as a notorious criminal by the locals; his distinctive scar shows his risky past although many still ponder about the cause of this injury. His angry serpent eyes are generally observed by those unlucky enough to get in his way. He will always take any course of action to make his life more tranquil.

Soft bendy bananas What is your favourite fruit?

Crab

By Emmie Roberts, Reception H A crab can pinch people.

A crab has sharp claws.

A crab can walk sideways.

A crab is small.

A crab can go in the water.

Living in the humid climate in this region of Cuba was ideal; his remote holiday home was perfect and consequently he was even more lethargic. Although the vivid colours and Caribbean sun did not suit him or his uncharacteristic personality, this assisted him in his desperate struggle to become an exile, and his desire to forget his unforgiving past. Mr Sykes’ home, if you could call it a home, is extremely ramshackle and not a pleasing place to live. His decrepit bed is nothing like comfortable and the kitchen is an open sore.

Crabs are red.

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The Junior School Production :

‘Oliver’

Lucas Anderson, Year 5

Following the success of the Junior School production of ‘Oliver’, we asked the directors Mr Turner and Mrs Drennan how they set about organizing such a wonderful play.

How did you decide who to cast in the play?

“We ran workshops with the Year 5 students and then we were able to choose the most suitable children for each part. We didn’t hold auditions so it wasn’t too scary for them!”

How did you pick the songs for each class?

“We fitted the songs to the classes; the Year 5 and 6 songs were the hardest. We thought Year 3 would be good at ‘Oom Pah Pah’!”

What does the role of Director involve?

“It’s about having an overview of everything and bringing all the different aspects of a production together. It’s important to make sure that rehearsals don’t take over and also to use the strengths of the staff.”

How did you learn the music so quickly?

We did a lot of practice but we were also playing and singing the songs every day with the classes so that helped.”

How many extra hours of rehearsal were there?

“We rehearsed for an hour after school every Monday from September. As it got closer we added in more rehearsals. This added up to about 15 hours of after school rehearsals.”

What was your favourite part of the play?

(Mrs Drennan) “My favourite part was ‘Pick a Pocket.’”

(Mr Turner) “I really liked ‘Food Glorious Food’ because Years 3, 4 and 6 were all in the hall and in time!”

Have you done ‘Oliver’ before?

(Mr Turner) “I haven’t, although Mrs Drennan has directed the play in another school. I would love to do it again now but only with Mrs Drennan and Miss Chak to help.”

How do you plan to top this next year?

“Wait and see – but it will involve some magic!”

Liverpool Tate Tash Walker, Year 11 Housed in a converted warehouse within the Albert Dock on Liverpool’s Waterfront is Tate Liverpool, an Art Gallery created to display British Art from 1500 to the present day and International Modern Art. In recent years the gallery has introduced a programme of temporary exhibitions, including one which brings together works by J.M.W Turner (1775-1851), Claude Monet (1840-1926) and Cy Twombly (1928-2011). This ambitious exhibition was visited by Year 11 students studying GCSE Art in October, helping us to understand the process of creating our own art as well as the differences between Realism and Expressionism displayed in these artists’ work.

The exhibition boasts work from three of the most prolific and well-known artists of all time, and explores the similarities between their style, subject and artistic motivation during the last 20-30 years of their lives. It’s an exhibition that works well as alongside Turner’s atmospheric works and the emotive art of Monet is Twombly’s original and contemporary style.

When we arrived in Liverpool on the sunny morning of the 3rd October we headed towards the museum, an old brick and stone building built over a row of orange columns. Once inside we were separated into our three groups and taken around the gallery by our teachers.

At 1 o’clock we had a break for lunch, and while all students had been required to bring a packed lunch, many conveniently forgot and chose the option of the cafe. We sat by the dock hiding our food in an attempt to conceal it from the seagulls above. After lunch we headed back to the Gallery. The rooms we entered displayed a selection of work by all three artists, and from this we quickly understood the artistic differences between them. Cy Twombly is an Expressionist artist who is well known for his large-scale works, which tend to blur the line between drawing and painting. Although he is an artist who has divided critics, his work is incredibly unique, although many students struggled to find the art in his extremely abstract painting.

On the other hand, Monet’s work is very realistic, although as he got older his vision deteriorated and this caused his art to become slightly more abstract. He focused a lot on the times of day and how this affected the colour in his landscapes, which inspired many students to do this in their own work.

The last artist was J.M.W Turner, an English Impressionist painter who throughout his career had an increasing interest in colour as the main constituent in his landscapes and seascapes. This helped many students understand both the importance of colour within artwork and how to use it.

After we left the Gallery we gathered at the coach and said goodbye to the home of the work that would inspire us in the following term.

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What Art Means to Me Rosie Wood, Lower Sixth The definition of art in the Oxford Dictionary is ‘the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.’

However, to be honest, when I was entering my early teens I certainly did not see art as something abstract and philosophical.

I simply saw it as a hobby; a light way to relax over the school holidays, creating and reconstructing images that appeared in my head and in reality. Nevertheless, as I have progressed through the school years, I have increasingly learnt that ‘sketching and painting’ mean significantly more to me than I originally thought. Studying Art at AS has proved not only to be a therapeutic break from the strenuous day, but has also offered an opportunity for me to delve into the style and history of some of the most celebrated artists of this century and others. Over the past year I have definitely developed an appreciation of certain artists such as Lucian Freud and Jenny Saville (work pictured), whose thickly impastoed portraits and figures have strongly influenced my personal style of art.

subject, because of its ability to challenge the student and the subtle way it forces a student to observe an object, quality or concept in an alternative light. An artist’s choice of medium is comparable to an English student’s choice of diction or a Chemist’s choice of elements.

Moreover, many of the subjects on which we as AS Art students at CHS have concentrated this year focus on a range on topics, varying from the human anatomy to patriotism and the influence of American history. Personally, I find the sheer volume of subjects that can be studied in Art overwhelming and a unique chance for students to intertwine their different subjects together.

I have discovered that for me, the greatest appreciation of the connection between subjects can be found in Oscar Wilde’s gothic novel ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ which I read last summer. This melancholy and hedonistic novel contemplates the purpose of art along with the negative consequences of the influence and the supremacy and preservation of youth. Wilde’s novel is one that has made a great impression on me, as I now view art in a completely different way from how I saw it two years ago. Wilde’s preface in particular forced me to look at the purpose of art and its influence on all aspects of the world; its ability to enhance our knowledge about historic events, the way in which society functions or even the workings of the mind.

“Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it” Bertolt Brecht Some see Art as a studied subject not quite pertaining to the academia of core subjects such as Maths, Chemistry or English Literature. In contrast, my experience as a Maths and Chemistry student at GCSE and my study of AS English Literature have shown me that this preconception is false. Art is one of my chosen AS levels, and I believe that it has the same importance as any other

This leaves me to conclude that art does indeed have a great abstract and philosophical value, and can tell us significantly more about the world than originally perceived. In my opinion, art can be accurately defined not through the Oxford Dictionary, but through the words of the philosopher Aristotle who believed; “the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”

Both images © Jenny Saville

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‘Animal Rocking Chair’ by Liam Chrales

‘Girl with Auburn Hair’

by Emma Walker

Monoprint by Lisa Gravely

‘Baby Head’ by Anya Moore

‘Body Dressed’ by Isabella Bianchi

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Art and Design Technology Exhibition 2013 Rosie Wood, Lower Sixth The Art and Design Technology Exhibition, which took place on Thursday 6th June, showcased all of the Artwork and Design Technology work that our GCSE, AS and A2 students had produced throughout the year. On the summer’s evening, friends, family and teaching staff had the opportunity to see the outstanding work that the students had created during the Autumn and Spring Terms. The scope of creativity ranged from skeletons, dresses and personalised chairs to canvases encapsulating everything traditionally American. The evening was a huge success with the collaboration of the students, teachers and catering staff.

‘America’

by Brandon Few

In GCSE Art, the students had been designated the theme of landscapes for their Unit 1, displaying bucolic scenery in a variety of styles. The students were able to select a topic of their own choice for their second Unit, and through the use of clay, textiles and canvases the Year 11s presented some innovative pieces.

The AS students on the other hand adopted a science based theme, some of which may have appeared quite grotesque to the attendees at the evening! Their trip to the Thackray Museum in October enhanced the students’ knowledge of the human anatomy and gave them a greater understanding of how Science and Art are intertwined. In contrast, the A2 students focused on the work of Gaudi and other artists of a similar style for their Unit 3 after being inspired by their trip to Barcelona in December. With canvases growing larger in size every term, visitors were astonished at the high standard of the A2 work.

Moreover, the Sixth Form had the opportunity to gain an insight into what a Foundation Course might entail with the addition of Life Class every Wednesday. The Art students were able to experiment through a variety of mediums in order to explore different styles; Mr Yearsley even suggested that one class paint with bamboo sticks! The work students had produced from Life Class was displayed at the Exhibition and certainly complemented the topics students had studied in lessons, demonstrating a wide range of techniques.

‘Chicken Nugget’

by Emily Keown

Not only did the Art and Design Technology Exhibition illustrate the creativity and talent of the students, but also the hard work of their teachers. Without their commitment the Exhibition would not have been the success it was. The evening acted as a fantastic opportunity for younger students to observe the work that their Peer Mentors have created and inspire them to take a further interest in creativity. The Art and Design Technology Exhibition highlighted the dedication of both students and staff and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

‘Shoe Speakers’

by Freddie Charlesworth

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Vickie Gardner and Kay Haspell, Drama Department ‘Millions’, written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, appeared to be the perfect choice for a Middle School Production in the year following the Olympics and its spectacular opening ceremony. Danny Boyle directed the film version of ‘Millions’ and he enlisted Cottrell-Boyce to help him with the daunting task of kicking the Olympics off with a bang. The Opening Ceremony’s story line and themes were developed by Cottrell-Boyce, including the show’s title: ‘The Isle of Wonder’.

On reading ‘Millions’ we discovered a similar kind of ‘wonder’ in the play’s combination of real life with fantasy which allowed us to use a range of theatrical techniques, including dance, mime and puppetry, to realise the story on stage.

Added to the play’s theatricality was its central message which we felt complemented the CHS learner profile: fulfilment comes not from material goods but through giving to and serving others.

At the heart of our production of ‘Millions’, however, was its ensemble of highly committed and talented young actors without whom the play would not have come to life. The ensemble in ‘Millions’ is required to change from school children, to policemen, to Eurovision contestants at a frenetic pace and it was a highlight for us to watch the students’ focus and creativity as they endeavoured to embody those characters on stage.

A huge task was taken on by some young actors playing the lead roles and it was a joy to witness the students develop through rehearsals and produce subtle and sophisticated performances.

Ultimately, could our production of ‘Millions’ be compared to the majesty and spectacle of the Olympic Opening Ceremony? We’re not sure, but directing this year’s Middle School Production was a delight, as we hope the production itself was for those who saw it.

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Rebekah Tyler-Brough, Year 8 My experience of ‘Millions’ was great! I am so glad I decided to take part, as I think not only has it boosted my confidence but I have also made some great friends. The rehearsal schedule was intense especially as the performances got closer; but it was all worth it!!! I played the removal man, a school child, a charity worker and a shepherd in the nativity scene. All these roles were fun but my favourite was a school child because I had to be quite childish and it wasn’t hard for me to do that! I have so many highlights of the production, some during rehearsals and some while we were performing.

A moment during rehearsals that really made me laugh was when we were doing the nativity scene and needed a knocking sound effect, and instead we kept getting a Gloria sound effect. No matter how many times the tech team were told not to play it, it kept coming on every time Mary knocked on the innkeeper’s door. Another funny moment was when we were warming up just before a performance and the whole cast danced to ‘Making Your Mind Up’; it got us energetic and ready to perform. Finally my key moment from performing was the very end scene. We all had to re-enact a charity deed to some really powerful music.

It made me realise what charities do and how our actions can help others.

Parisa Tavakoli, Year 7 ‘Millions’ is a great play. I had read the book and seen the movie and we had been studying it in drama. It was awesome to see how it was performed fully with all the props! I went with my Mum and brother and they both thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards! I think it was a great idea for it to be performed on a thrust stage and the actors and actresses had thought about their positioning very well!

No one forgot their lines and the sound, lighting and set made it feel as if we were really there with the characters. The last scene was very touching and I really liked it a lot! I think the message of the story is to give to charity and not be afraid to do so.

My family says they really liked it and were impressed by the talent of the students.

Christmas Carol Service Hannah Milligan, Lower Sixth Christmas is perhaps the busiest time of year for the Music Department at CHS, with each ensemble playing at a wide variety of venues in a very short space of time. The last of these festive concerts this year took place two days before the end of term at St Michael’s Church, when the “Christmas Spirit” of all those involved was perhaps beginning to lag as the holidays slowly crawled nearer. The long afternoon of rehearsal inside a cold church did not aid in the feeling of good cheer, but as 7.30pm drew nearer and our audience filed in, there was a sense of determination to make this last concert the best. As we - the members of Chamber Choir, A Capella and Sixth

Form Singers - took our places at the front of the church, and the congregation stood to sing with us, I realised that this concert was, in fact, the most truly festive of them all. The performances at places like the RNCM and Bridgewater Hall were fantastic, but a group of people, many of whom did not know each other, singing together in a tiny, candle-lit church brought a true feeling of Christmas back to the music we were singing.

This was the first performance where it did not feel as though the audience and performers were separate, more that we were a single group of people celebrating Christmas together. This carol concert was also the site of a conspiracy, concocted by Mr Pomphrey, who, half an hour before the concert, told the Sixth Form Singers that we would be giving an impromptu performance of “Merry Little Christmas,” while refreshments were served after the concert; it is safe to say that my personal highlight of the evening was seeing the look of confusion on people’s faces as we sang the first chord.

3 The Message Jess Appleby, Year 8 ‘I only have a few days.’

This is the note I received from my husband three years ago. He was a World War II private and a great one too. Loyal and dedicated to his country. I still don’t know what this note means but I am planning to find out.

In exactly four days’ time, it will be the three year anniversary of reading this note. I will never forget that day. Sitting on the bed weeping, understanding that he was gone and not knowing where he was. I just couldn’t let go. I still have all his clothes, all his favourite possessions and all the letters he sent me. They still smell of him; the warm, familiar scent of his body.

I still ask the same question every day, why him, why me? We were madly in love, inseparable, and when he was taken away it was as if my heart was smashed. He was only twenty, I was only eighteen. My parents loved him, my sister loved him and I adored him. After just three months we were happily married, but our vows, they didn’t sound the same as most. My husband was a neglected child, so when he did something wrong he was severely punished. He was so abused as a child that he stopped talking in the hope of not being noticed. He hadn’t spoken since. So we had silent vows (nods). It meant even more. The day before he left we decided we would both get christened in the hope of him returning. But he didn’t. God has betrayed us, left me alone. I have to find his body and return him home so his soul can always be with us.

I am trying really hard not to look at the concentration camp, but I can just see it out of the corner of my eye. A dark, ghostly place.

Dying there would be like your worst nightmare. A cloud of mist is hanging over the camp, which makes it look even more terrifying.

From here I can see high walls surrounding the perimeter still keeping strangers like me out and deathly memories imprisoned in.

Evil drips from the mouldy fence and barbed wire. Sadness screams out like the lonely tears of a hunted hare.

Half-way between Sachsenhausen and me I can see a small farm building. Its welcoming cosy features are out of place in this treacherous and deathly place. The delicate flowers are the only splash of colour in this black and white scene.

This looks like a very friendly, warming house; maybe they know about my husband. I really hope they do. But I shouldn’t get my hopes up, just in case. When I am within a few metres of the door it feels as if all the horrifying pictures of the camp have just drifted out of my mind, to be replaced by calming peaceful images.

My soft banging on the oak wood door is like the slow, longing drip of a single drop of water. As the door creaks open, an old woman, using a walking stick, is slowly moving across the rotting floorboards. She looks like she has been through a lot of stress during the War, you can tell from the look on her face; extreme panic. I wonder what it would have been like to live so close to the concentration camp. Every day, hearing the desperate screams of people crying for their lives.

Travelling to Germany with my mother to look for him will help ease my pain. I know there is only a very slim chance of his survival and finding him, but I must do all I can. Packing my bags is one of the worst things I have ever done. It feels like I am leaving him to never return.

‘Have you …?’ Before I could finish my sentence, a warm sensation swept through my body. A feeling of hope is pumping from the tips of my fingers to the points of my toes. I can feel his presence; he is near, very near.

As the wheels grind against the hard tarmac a feeling of dread is spreading through my body. Is this the right thing to be doing?

Driving through Berlin, it makes me think maybe my husband took this route? I don’t know if I should be doing this, maybe I am just following my husband to come to the same fate as him.

I can’t believe I found him. It is a miracle, thank you God. What will my parents say? My heart feels as if it has been glued back together. I don’t know whether to run or not, would that make me look desperate? I want to savour this moment, the best moment of my life.

We have just arrived in the centre of Berlin. Imagine, my husband standing here, staring at a smashed up city. Dust in his eyes, smoke in his nostrils. My mother has already started crying. I guess it’s from the thought of dead bodies and the smell. Nobody talks about the concentration camp, but there’s a sign for it, Sachsenhausen, just thirty-five kilometres from the city. How sad. So many innocent people died there. Maybe one of them was my husband. I am sure I recognise the name from somewhere. Perhaps that would be a good place to start.

Hang on; this man’s scent is hatred, that’s not right. Slowly spinning him around I want to cry. It’s not him. ‘I have to go, sorry,’ I say to the stranger.

I give up; he’s gone. I will just live my life in misery from now on.

Accept the fact that he’s dead. But my memories live on.

Artwork by Emily Keown, Lower Sixth

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House Creative Writing Competition For the House Creative Writing Competition, the year 7 students were asked to finish off a story which began like this: She hadn’t been expecting anyone today. Truth be told she hadn’t expected anyone in years. She lived a secluded life, on ‘the’ hill, a hill considered by the majority of children in the village to be haunted with the ghosts of other school girls and boys who had dared to investigate.

For many, a knock on the door was not unusual. Most likely a postman, a neighbour asking for some spare milk, or even a family member who had forgotten his keys. But a knock at the door for her was unusual. She thought that it could have been the wind, jesting with her emotions; which was all she needed to be convinced not to answer the door. However, the knock continued......louder, more persistent, more real. As she edged towards the door her fears escalated, until they became as strong as the repetitive tapping on the door. The sound seemed to copy the beat of her heart. Tap tap. Tap tap. Tap tap. She couldn’t stand the anticipation any longer and opened the door.........

This is the winning entry: Sarah Belfield, Year 7 The door creaked open in the palm of her hand as the suddenly dazzling beams of sunlight shone through the tiny crack in the door. As she nervously pulled the door even further open she noticed the fierce black silhouette of a tall, slender figure standing in her elaborate porch. Her blurred vision finally focused as the tall figure, seemingly, disintegrated into the air.

“Hello…?” She called out mystified, her voice quaking and noticeably higher in pitch than usual, receiving no reply except the wind whispering in her ears.

For many, a scene like this would be shrugged off as a harmless prank, but Lucia was curious. She pulled on her favorite winter coat and stepped outside onto her porch, glancing around the area surrounding her home, but nothing was to be seen of interest except the familiar raven that lived nearby. He - Lucia assumed the raven was a male - looked at her menacingly and flew off after croaking to her a few ugly notes.

Raising a rather amused eyebrow, Lucia returned to her home, spooked and curious after the unusual experience.

She bolted up the pale, spiral staircase leading to the second floor of her

mansion and strolled down the corridor, breathing quickly after the long run. As she approached her own room, something unfamiliarly bright red caught her eye.

Frowning to herself, she twisted round and read out the numbers in bright red paint on the door of the room: “13…” She murmured to herself quietly, remembering that this number was unlucky. Leaning in closer, she gasped as she noticed something; this wasn’t red paint...it was blood. Staggering back, she tripped up on the carpet and knocked her head roughly. Her vision went suddenly and fiercely black……

One that was very familiar to her, a child weeping. It rang through her ears from all directions, almost driving her insane. The grandfather clock downstairs struck once, twice, three times…all the way to 12 o’clock midnight. She started wheezing loudly and her hands were shaking uncontrollably. As she curled up, terrified, in the corner of the hallway, the doorway where she had seen the number 13 creaked open and a large mist drifted towards her. “Help!!

Somebody, please!!!” She screamed as the mist consumed her, her vision again struck a deep black.

When Lucia woke up, she bolted upright and rubbed the back of her throbbing head; luckily there was no blood or damage done.

She twisted her head painfully around so that her gaze fixed on the door where she had read ‘13’. It was gone. Her mouth gaped open widely. She could’ve sworn she saw the number 13!

Lucia woke up, finding herself in her bed.

“I’m not dead,” she murmured to herself gratefully. Only a few seconds later she actually realized what woke her up. From downstairs she could hear rapping on the front door. She dashed downstairs and opened the door slowly. The familiar silhouette of a figure stood beyond the frame of the door. Her vision focused quickly, but this time he didn’t disappear.

Had she imagined it all? Lucia knew that it was real, at least she was 99% certain of it.

There was a tiny part of Lucia that nagged her to call the Police, but then again, they would think she had lost her marbles!

Then suddenly, as Lucia was about to give up all hope of ever becoming sane again, a strange noise echoed through her house.

“Hello, would you be interested in donating some money to Cancer Research?” enquired a tall slender man with a large bushy moustache.

“Maybe…maybe some other time,” She replied, a large grin covering her face.

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PLANET

m o r f

A Rehearsal Diary by George Brook, year 5 14th January Miss Chak started rehearsals by setting the scene for the first part of the play, which was set in an American diner. I play Wilbur, a young Texan man. I’d learnt my lines up to where we’d been told to, but we began by using the scripts so we could also focus on our stage directions. I wasn’t nervous about rehearsing but definitely wasn’t confident about doing a ‘Deep South’ American accent.

Although Miss Chak said we didn’t have to do our accents at this stage, some of the others were already really good. A few people had to miss the first rehearsal because of Chamber Choir auditions.

I can see how difficult it must be to organise rehearsals for a play like this.

22nd January The rehearsal was moved to Tuesday this week because school was shut yesterday for the entrance exam. And it snowed..... yippee!!

Anyway, back to the play. We rehearsed in the hall this week, with lots of us there, starting from where we left at the end of the last rehearsal. I hadn’t learned all my lines for this rehearsal which was OK. Miss Chak changed a few words to improve the dialogue which is very funny in parts. I’m really enjoying it so far.

29th January We worked in Miss Chak’s classroom today as the hall was in use.

Lots of us are still using our scripts to glance at but are getting better at remembering our lines. The play is coming together really well. There are some very funny characters such as Elmer, son of Ma Popsley the diner owner. His job is to wash the windows in the diner – someone has to do it!

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5th February

18th March

A lot of the cast were at rehearsals today so it was a really fun one.

We ran through to the end of the play for the first time. Now we know the ending! I’ve started to get into my character more and I’m sort of getting the hang of the Texan accent but still need more practice.

We are all getting to know our characters a bit better; how they might stand and what their gestures might be. For example one character called Elmer calls himself ‘a waste of space’ (!) and is rather clumsy.

18th February We are all learning where the props will be when we’re on stage which I guess is important if we don’t want to be bumping into tables or falling over dinner chairs on the night.

25th February Miss Chak has asked us to all think about finding a prop that is relevant to our character so that when we are not actually talking or in the action, we have something appropriate to do or play with.

I think a briefcase might be good for Wilbur.

4th March

15th April It’s all getting a bit crazy now and the pressure is on not just to say our lines but to make them expressive. The play is really coming on, though.

22nd April Everyone knows their lines now. We’re focussing on the pronunciation of the dialogue, stage directions and working towards the final production which is just three weeks away! Help!!

29th April

Everyone is getting a little bit more confident now, although it was hard for me to concentrate today because tomorrow it’s the Year 5 trip to London! Hooray!!!

We are really nailing down the script. All the additional sounds and music have been incorporated. The stage is up, so the next few rehearsals will allow us to get used to the space and where we should be standing. Everyone is starting to get very excited but a bit nervous.

11th March

The Last Week

We rehearsed those scenes towards the end of the play where it gets really exciting. The aliens....... STOP!! I can’t tell you any more or it would be giving the story away. You’ll just have to come and see it.

We had three rehearsals and two performances this week. It all went really well; the last rehearsals were fun and we managed to pull it all off in the last performance. Fantastic!

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Red Snapper Images Landscape Photography Competition

Opposite page, photographs by: (from top to bottom): Overall winner and first prize in Years 10 and 11 category: Rebecca Hughes First prize in Sixth Form category: Liam Hancox (left) First prize in Years 7, 8 and 9 category Samaah Khan (right) This page, photographs by (from top to bottom): First prize in Junior’s category: Tate Johnson Second prize in Junior’s category: Beck Johnson Second prize in Sixth Form category: Tom Cole Continued overleaf

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This page, photographs by (from top to bottom): Highly commended in Years 10 and 11 category: Alice Welch Finalist in Years 7, 8 and 9 category: Phoebe McGowan Highly commended in Sixth Form category: Emily Keown

Opposite page, photographs by (from top to bottom): Highly commended in Years 7, 8 and 9 category: Marcus Wood Second prize in Years 7, 8 and 9 category: William Wasson (left) Second prize in Years 10 and 11 category: Esme Hadley (right)

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“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.�

John Holmes

3 Charity Hike Lucie Carter, Lower Sixth I took part in the Charity Hike on Sunday 14th October, completing the 20 km walk in order to raise money for charity. In particular I was motivated to participate in order to raise money for The Gambia, which I visited earlier this year as a volunteer with my Geography peers. I could therefore see how the money we raised was being used in projects such as building new buildings in the primary schools.

We started the walk from Poynton train station, with six friends and a dog, enthused for the day ahead! Luckily there was glorious sunshine, but little did we know that our route consisted of extremely muddy fields where my friend lost both her shoes; she nearly had to finish barefoot! There were lots of people who took part in the walk and different groups dressed up in fancy dress to make even more money. The walk took us the best part of the day, but we were able to witness some beautiful Cheshire countryside, and knowing the money was going to charity made it even more worthwhile!

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The Aim is Simple Molly Pipping, Year 11 Why did you choose your chosen charity?

Supporting the British Skin Foundation (BSF) is close to my heart. A close friend’s Mother was diagnosed with skin cancer, and I witnessed how difficult it was for him and his family to deal with. I decided to go online to find out as much as possible about skin cancer so I could have a better understanding of the condition. That’s when I came across the BSF. The Foundation is the only UK charity dedicated to skin disease and skin cancer research. More than two young adults between the ages of 15 to 34 are diagnosed with malignant melanoma every day in the UK, and it is the second most common cancer in this age group. I was astonished that the deadliest form of skin cancer was melanoma and that it is mostly a young person’s disease. I decided that I would like to raise more awareness amongst people of my own age so they can try and prevent it happening to them.

What did you do?

The first event I held was a music concert at school involving five musicians (one of whom was Old Waconian, Jack Traynor).

There was a diverse range of musical talent from people of all ages and it was a great evening. £500 was raised in one night, which amazed me. The success of the evening really spurred me on to my next event which was a small art exhibition. It was called ‘The Aim Is Simple’, due to the fact that the BSF’s aim is simple–to raise funds for research. The aim of the event was to have students buy a canvas and to paint, draw or crayon whatever inspired them onto the canvas. These were then sold at the school’s Christmas Fayre and the event raised a lot of awareness. By this point, I’d raised around £700 for the charity. I was inspired to carry on with events but I wanted to do something on a

larger scale; something that would really capture people’s attention and benefit the charity as well. That’s when it hit me. I was joined (once again) by Jack Traynor and we collaborated with a group of my friends to produce the official single for the British Skin Foundation. The single–‘Good Days Lie Ahead’ by ‘Wacs Lyrical’–is available for download and all proceeds will go to the British Skin Foundation.

I’m really excited that through my new role as House Charities Captain we have adopted the British Skin Foundation as a community.

None of what I’ve done would be possible without the dedication and friendly spirit of my peers and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve throughout the rest of the year together. Some representatives from the Foundation travelled to school, during Philanthropy Week, to meet me and it was great to present them with a cheque for £500 so early on in the academic year.

If you wish to donate my page is: www.justgiving.com/MollyPipping

What’s the best thing about charity work?

I think the best thing about charity work comes in the form of added fulfilment.

I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than knowing you’ve had a positive impact on the people around you.

I also discovered other people’s problems put your own into perspective, so I now have a different view of my own difficulties and see them more as challenges which life is throwing at me. From diseases and conditions people are born with and

have to live the rest of their lives with, to cancers which develop over time, it’s great to know you’re making a difference to the community and the people around you who you care about. Nothing can give you the self-motivation that helping someone else does.

Furthermore, the opportunities it gives you are incredible. I’ve gained so much confidence from doing various radio interviews and press releases. It’s also been a fantastic way to make new friends. What I’ve done wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my friends, family and school; to all of them I extend my grateful thanks.

What advice would you give to future fundraisers?

I’d say just get stuck in. It’s something meaningful and purposeful to do in your spare time. If there’s a cause you’re sincerely passionate about you should dive in at the deep end and do what you can. There can never be enough volunteers because there are so many people to educate. If you’re going to fundraise for a certain area you’re really enthusiastic about, I would encourage you to make a personal connection with the charity so you can hear about some cases and witness where your money is going to. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that you’re making a change for the better to someone’s life. It’s also great to see something that stemmed from a small idea become so much more than you ever could have imagined.

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Philanthropy Week On the Tuesday of Philanthropy Week, students eating in the Dining Hall were given lunch tickets at random. Some students had soup, some had rice and beans and a few (the lucky ones!) got a roast dinner. These comments were made by the students after eating their lunch that day:

M addy Ev an s, Ye ar 10: “I fe lt re al ly up se tI was gi ve n rice an d be an s bu t it m ad e me apprec iate th e fa ct I ca n ch oo se w hat I eat on a da ily ba si s”.

Lott ie Needham , Year 9: “I had the roas t dinner but my frien d had the more basic bean s and rice, so I shared my mea l, which made me feel good !”

Cor mac Qu illiga n, Yea r 6: “I wa s rea lly luc ky an d got given a roa st din ne r wh ich wa s tas ty but peo ple aro un d so me got given ric e an d bea ns, it made me thi nk ab out tho se ”. wh o are n’t as fortun ate as me

Su li Irsh ad , Ye ar 7: “The be an s an d ri ce didn’t ta ste ve ry nice , so m ade me appr ec iate no rm al lu nche s fo r th e re st of th e w ee k”.

er Cres sid a No rt on, Lo w Si xt h: t “L uc ki ly I had th e ro as y ilt di nner bu t I fe lt gu ly w he n ot he r pe op le on hich I w s, had ric e an d be an lif e!” su pp os e is tr ue to re al

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Philanthropy Week Head’s Lecture: Mrs Moneypenny

Painting A Very Different View: The Reluctant Philanthropist Lucy Pearson, Head If there is one thing I can always count on when Mrs Moneypenny (aka Dr Heather McGregor – businesswoman, philanthropist, author and media personality) addresses any assembled crowd, it is that the crowd should be ready for something quite provocative.

Never one to walk the easy line, Mrs M says how it is, through her eyes, no matter the lay of the land.

I first met Heather across a small table at Parents’ Evening, as I had the pleasure of teaching her eldest son in his final year of study.

Heather took her seat, looked me squarely in the eyes, and said defiantly: ‘I know my son. You tell me what you know.’ Slightly taken aback, I decided that this was not someone who would stand for any usual soft-soaping – so I told her my thoughts. There followed a brief silence, which she broke with a smile and ‘So, what exactly are we going to do with him?’

It was the start of a friendship that continues to surprise and delight me.

When the Development Office first mooted the idea of Philanthropy Week and a key note speaker, Heather was at the top of my list. Why? Because I knew she would have an opinion. Since I was appointed Head of CHS, Heather has offered to visit the School to address the students – or do whatever might be needed. And here, with Philanthropy Week, was the perfect platform for her.

Heather is an extraordinary woman. She is accomplished, successful, generous and uncompromising. If she wants something – she goes for it. Want to meet like-minded business contacts?

Learn to shoot. (And network like there is no tomorrow.) Want to get somewhere quickly? Train to be a pilot and fly yourself. Want to have your own one-woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe based on your alter-ego? Do it. (And then take it to Broadway...)

The list goes on. Really, it does.

Mrs M considers herself as a reluctant philanthropist. Her view is that whilst for some philanthropy is all warm and fuzzy, for her, quite simply it is a ’business decision’. Cue sharp intakes of breath and slight fidgeting. This was not the message that most people wanted or expected to hear about philanthropy. We want to believe that every philanthropist acts out of the goodness of their hearts.

That may be the case for some, explained Mrs M, but for her, it is more a question of social capital: ‘The two things a career is built on are your human capital and your social capital.’ You need to work away at both if you want to get on.

As she took us through her own philanthropic work, Mrs M explained her motives. At times these were professional, at others they were personal. But there was always motive – and it wasn’t about feeling good about herself. Being philanthropic benefits others of course, but more significantly it benefits one’s own self.

And she is unapologetic about it.

The crowd were divided in their views – some felt stirred to mild outrage, others nodded in agreement that altruism is a nonsense.

Whatever the view, Mrs M did as she has always done – entertained, challenged and amused. As the first person to deliver the Head’s Lecture, she could not have been more perfect.

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Macmillan Cancer Care-Cake Sale Gabby Kingsley, Lower Sixth Macmillan Cancer Care hold a national annual coffee morning to raise funds for their charity. To support this, the school decided to run a coffee morning for parents both in Junior School and Senior School in the Dining Hall, where there were cakes and biscuits on offer for them as well as tea and coffee. The coffee morning was well supported and appreciated by the parents. As a further fund-raising activity, we also held a raffle at the coffee morning for parents to buy tickets and receive prizes. In addition, we organized a cake sale along with Molly Pipping and Rebecca Brenninkmeijer and some others. We all made cakes and cookies to sell at lunchtime for the pupils of the Senior School. We did a cake sale last year for the coffee morning and it proved to be very popular, so the Charities Committee decided to do it again. The cake sale alone raised £130 and the coffee morning as a whole at the school raised £900.

The Charities Committee is in charge of fundraising for many charities at school. We also help to run the St. Ann’s Hospice partnership. This year we are starting to think of Children in Need fundraising ideas and we decided to do Red Nose Day too in aid of Comic Relief. We also get in letters from past pupils or current pupils asking us to run cake sales or to organize any other fundraising ideas they may have for us to do to raise money for charities of their own choice in which they have a personal interest or for which they have worked before.

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The Message Amy Dunning, Year 8 I drew in a deep breath as I stepped into our new home. I knew that this was a fresh start for us, Mum and Leo and me, but I still couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. Suddenly, a five year old bundle of fun ran past me.

“S’up sis?” Leo beamed up at me.

“Nuttin’,” I smiled; if Leo wasn’t nervous, then neither was I. “Ruby...,” he did his puppy dog eyes that he knew I couldn’t resist.

“What d’ya want?” I spoke. He paused for a moment, before sprinting upstairs.

“The room overlooking the sea!”

I laughed. I had dibs on the attic anyway, I always felt calmer up there. I bounded up the stairs two at a time, going to my special place.

Urgh! I flopped onto my mattress, my mood suddenly dampened.

Why did we have to keep moving all the time? As soon as we got settled, we had to up-sticks and travel into a new area. I picked up my Blackberry and deleted all the numbers of my old friends.

Hmmmm...... That was funny.... It looked as if a brick had come loose. I gently eased the brick out of its place and the mortar crumbled in my hands. This house was truly ancient.

The brick had left a small cubby hole in the wall. I groped around in the dark for a while, before my hands touched upon something rough. I grabbed hold of whatever it was and tugged. For a split second, I didn’t know what it was, but then I recognised it from a pirate movie I had watched in the distant past. It was a scroll, attached to a golden pocket watch, tied with a velvety red ribbon.

3rd June 1862 Dear the Future, (Yes, I like that!)

I am Violet Throckmorton. I live in Queenshead orphanage, and I have done ever since I was a tiny babe in arms. I live with eleven other girls and twelve boys, but we only ever see them at dinner.

We are all very close, rather like brothers and sisters. Our ‘Mother’ (although I don’t love her one bit!) is Miss ‘Barfbag’ Avonbridge. We call her that because of her awful tendency to burp after a large meal. She birches us all, but we have all gotten used to it now.

I am 12 years old and was born on the 6th May 1850. The big news at the moment is the marriage of the Queen’s daughter, Alice, to Prince Ludwig of Hesse and the Rhine. Apparently, it was rather an extravagant affair, and she looks like a fairytale princess. She wore an elegant white gown, and her hair was lavishly adorned with flowers. If only I could have a wedding day like hers.

Wishful thinking! When I get out of this place, it is inevitable that I will go into service as a maid, and eventually work my way up towards becoming a housekeeper! That is about as far away as you could possibly get from what I want to do. My dream is to be a dress designer, and work with exquisite taffetas and silks- oh joy!

When I was very young, my only possessions on the planet were a plain rag doll, my gold pocket watch, a lace handkerchief, and of course my violet fountain pen. Each day I fashion a new garment for my doll, Garnet, to wear- it is my most favourite pastime!

As I am writing this, I know I am in for a severe flogging in the morning; using more than half an inch of candle is a crime so bad, it’s almost punishable by death! I smile. Bossy old Miss Avonbridge can’t hurt me! I have been birched within an inch of my life before, and inevitably, it will happen again- that’s a fact I’ve managed to get used to!

Now, I suppose, you know about as much of me as there is to know.

It is pointless for me to ask questions as, if I am not dead, I will have moved out of this house by the time you read this. So, with nothing more to say, I leave you with a quote from my idol, Lady Amelia Dunnington, “You only have one chance in life, so make the most of the hand you’re dealt.”

I softly close my diary and pull out a fine sheet of parchment on which I will write my letter to the future. I put away my old pencil and pull out the fine fountain pen that my mother gave to me before she sent me here. I slowly unscrew the violet coloured lid that gave me my name and, just for a moment, have severe doubts. I am about to tell a complete stranger my entire life story, and a stranger from the future, at that! But no, I’ve got this far, and I shall finish, I must. Eventually, I put pen to paper in my slow, steady, italic print.

Yours Truthfully,

Dear Homeowner....’ No, I cross that out. It sounds stupid and no one could call this place a home, anyway! I turn the paper over and begin again.

Violet Throckmorton Wow! I, for once in my life, was truly lost for words. I had only been in this house for a maximum of twenty minutes, but I had already made a friend who would be dear to my heart for the rest of my life.

I closed my eyes and tried to imagine living in this house one hundred and sixty years ago. I’d be faced with hard labour and severe punishments, and I knew that I just wouldn’t be happy. No matter how much he annoyed me at times, I couldn’t swap Leo for the world.

And, as for my mum, well, we’ve been through a lot together, her and me, and truthfully, there is nothing I would change. As long as we are together, mum and Leo and me, my life is perfect, just the way it is, and I know this thanks to a little girl who lived over a century ago.

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Junior goodwill at chs

Charity Fun Day Ella Bond and Emily Stonier, Year 5

This year in the Junior School each Year participated to raise money for Charity Day; the Year 3 children made the cakes, Year 4 made the water games and Years 5 and 6 did the mini-stalls. These were the most popular ones: ‘Name the Teddy Bears’ and ‘Spin the Wheel’. All the children and the adults had lots of fun. We raised over £3,000!!!!

The money was sent to help Rubens Retreat and Christie’s Hospital.

Ruben’s Retreat Ruben’s Retreat is a place for families to go when their children are ill; it is a place to go and enjoy having fun for everyone in the family.

Christie’s Hospital Christie’s Hospital is a charity that receives collected money to raise money for equipment for the hospital.

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Shelter Ella Bond and Emily Stonier, Year 5 At the Christmas production we raised money for a charity called Shelter. We chose this charity because it links in with the story of ‘Oliver’, our play, as some characters in ‘Oliver’ didn’t have homes, and Shelter is a charity which helps to give people homes.

At the end of each performance, we collected the donations made by the audience and the total amount added up to one thousand pounds. This money went to help Michelle and her three boys who had been homeless previously.

Michelle was able to get a house and buy four mattresses to sleep on, a cooker and rug. Michelle wrote a letter to us to let us know that she is happy in her new home.

Shelter is a registered charity that campaigns to end homelessness in England and Scotland. It gives people information and advice to people in need and tries to tackle the root cause of the problem. Shelter receives its funding through individual donations, organisations, charitable foundations and businesses. Shelter employs more than 1,000 people across Britain.

JUNIOR Teachers’ top charities & why Ella Bond & Emily Stonier, Year 5 Mrs Ellison: NSPCC because she has younger children herself.

Mr Morris:

Brain Injury because he is very kindly doing a sponsored run for it.

Mrs Short:

Tearfund because they help people all over the world.

Mrs Francis:

Cancer Research because they don’t just help old people, but young people too.

Mrs Lyng:

NSPCC because as a teacher she is particularly interested in the wellbeing of children. Also Macmillan because they help people with cancer, and RSPCA because they help animals and she loves animals.

Christmas Fair Alice Brown, Year 5 The Junior School Christmas Fair this year was a lot of fun.

As usual we did lots of musical performances with all our instruments, including recorders, percussion, orchestra, string group and choirs; we all performed at the fair. There were lots of stalls and different activities to do for the children and parents, including raffles, cake stalls, outside activities, food, face paint and tattoos. The raffles had lots of yummy chocolate, wine and lots of other prizes.

Outside there was tree climbing. We all had a fantastic time. The Christmas Fair was organized, as it is every year, by the Parents’ Association.

Mrs Dutton

Menytest Trust because it supports lots of members of her family.

Mr Treadway:

British Legion because it helps soldiers in Britain to get better and the WWF because it helps stop animals from getting hurt or killed.

Mr Mason: Christies’ Cancer Charity because the Miss Chak: illness affects lots Cancer Research of people. because her Mum died of this illness.

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Remembrance Day 2013 Mark Ainley, Lower SIxth The Fictional War There’s a story I know, passed down from the old,

Time washes their souls in the tears of a million,

of Kaisers and Kings, with lives to be sold.

and serenity falls on the cities of corpse.

In some far away place with such far away people,

A world is in mourning shrouded by night,

an acquiescent planet became a star with explosion:

whilst in battle’s wide eyes children sleep alone.

Robotic regiments salute to the clouds,

Screaming scarlet seeps through the Earth,

marching to the sound of their final heartbeats.

tainting the roots with eternal cries.

A smouldering sky is covered by ash,

And their burning blood lies underground;

concealing the fact that their prayers are futile.

Crimson, crawling through cracks in the dirt.

Deep, deep. Deeper. He keeps plunging the blade,

Till when their deaths creep back to the top,

scouring their flesh for an answer to battle.

a flower of blood is born from the rock.

It’s not rotten, not black, simply trembling afraid,

Nature’s gift to each mother, torn up in shreds,

eyes mirroring each other – but they look just the same?

kept alive in your memory, lest we forget.

An amorous whisper disclosed on blue lips, is silenced by a cascade to quivering lungs.

His mother’s safe womb collapses and folds, the yellow scrap reads ‘RIP, have two more.’

Artwork by Lisa Gravely, Lower Sixth

3 Think Tank: Stop the Traffik: People Shouldn’t Be Bought And Sold Alexandra Williams, Lower Sixth Think Tank meetings are often revelatory. At 12:30pm on Friday 9th November 2012, an obscene, horrific truth was exposed to me: in this country, people are bought and sold. Human trafficking is defined as movement or recruitment by deception or force or exploitation. A victim will have been recruited, forced or deceived into giving over themselves (and usually their money and passport) to traffickers, before being transported and enslaved. Some are promised a job or better prospects. All suffer unimaginable misery and distress as well as countless abuses of their human rights.

The mood in the room is at once serious – the light-hearted premeeting chatter evaporates instantly as we all realise just how serious an issue this is. Hannah Flint, an activist representing STOP THE TRAFFIK - a global movement of individuals, communities and organisations fighting to prevent human trafficking around the world – tells us that trafficking is a global problem yet fundamentally a local issue. In fact, people trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are enslaved, the fastest growing international crime and the second largest source of illegal income worldwide, exceeded only by drug trafficking. Even more shocking perhaps is that there is not a country in the world exempt from being a source, transit or destination for traffickers and their victims.

Everyone present is noticeably uncomfortable being confronted with such truths and the statistics on the powerpoint before us continue to shock, those focussing on child trafficking in particular.

There are 2 million children in the commercial sex trade and many are sold by their own parents for as little as £20. Traffickers circle natural disaster sites – such as the island of Haiti after the earthquake of 2010 caused indescribable turmoil – to find minors who can be forced into working as prostitutes, soldiers, factory workers; the list goes on. Children are not the only targets though

– anyone in a vulnerable situation can suddenly find themselves one of the 21 million people currently in forced labour worldwide, 74% of which are actually adults. Of this 21 million, 44% have been trafficked yet the other 56% are human slaves.

The UK sees its fair share of trafficking for a number of equally vile reasons: forced marriage, forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and street crime. Trafficking victims can be used to commit benefit fraud with the monies then being siphoned off by the traffickers themselves. Perhaps the most distressing and unthinkable motive for trafficking is organ trafficking, whereby people are illegally brought into the country with the intention of removing their organs for sale on the black market; inconceivable to many but a reality for the individuals whose very right to life let alone anything else is being horrifically violated.

Hannah shows us the case study of a girl kept prisoner in a cellar in Eccles for more than 10 years and the message that this is happening within a 15 mile radius really hits home. 2,007 victims of human trafficking were identified in the UK last year though the real figure is almost certainly much higher due to the fact that human traffic is invisible and authorities such as the police and the UK Border Agency rely for the most part on tip-offs from members of the public. Charities including Barnardos and the NSPCC can also assist in the second instance but it is the initial alerts of where and how trafficked individuals are being detained that is the hardest information to uncover.

It’s hard to take in so much information on a Friday lunchtime and Hannah obviously notes our serious faces. She ends on a final, positive message:

“Trafficking starts in the community and it will be stopped in the community”.

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Spanish Department Sponsor Columbian Boy John Wilson, Head of Spanish You’ve probably never heard of Soacha. It is a shanty town on the edge of Bogotá; both geographically and economicallyspeaking, it is another world from what we are used to and often take for granted. The people are resourceful, as they strengthen their shanties with bits the rich have thrown away and divert electricity and water supplies to make their second-hand appliances defy the test of time. Following Philanthropy Week, Cheadle Hulme School now plays a small part in the hope of this community. The MFL Department has sponsored Nicolás Cruz Ramírez through Shakira’s charity, La Fundación Pies Descalzos (The Barefoot Foundation), which enables Nicolás to receive formal education at the Colegio Gabriel García Márquez, named after Colombia’s most famous literary son. Nicolás, who began the year unable to read or write, has sent us his first letter and he is looking forward to receiving a reply from some of our students. Just in case your Spanish is not up to scratch, he has more work to do on his spelling and punctuation but his general warm message shows faith, hope and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities presented to him. It is a great cause and a great way to use your languages for real purposes. The Charity is delighted with the link formed and have featured us on their website.

Fareshare Komal Amar, Year 10 Through the hustle of crowded people and immense tables of packeted food, I was swiftly making my way toward the Allen table.

Early Friday morning and students from all years were amassed in Pentagon Yard, donating food to their Houses. Tinned beans, fish and meat as well as sugar, rice and coffee were just a handful of the non-perishable food items being given to the FareShare charity.

In our modern day society, food waste and hunger are sometimes overlooked and the severity of poverty within our communities is usually underestimated. 3 million tonnes of food are wasted by the Food and Drink industry every year and 5.6 million people live in deep poverty, making it difficult for people to afford daily essentials including food. To alleviate this situation, every year FareShare rescues 3,800 tonnes of perfectly good food which would have been wasted and redistributes it to the most vulnerable in society, thus reducing the amount of food wastage and food poverty.

In exchange for donating food, students wore their own clothes as well as a piece of clothing in the colours of their House, green for Allen, red for Whitehead, orange for Clarke and blue for Marsh.

This was certainly a nice break from the usual uniform routine.

Alongside being a charity event, it was an Inter-House Competition for each House to contribute most food towards the cause.

FareShare last year supported 700 charities, supplied 8.6 million meals, in addition to assisting hostels, day centres for the elderly, breakfast clubs and women’s refuges to feed 35,500 vulnerable people per day. For this reason FareShare was the chosen charity for our school event as the charity is tireless in its efforts to help its cause. In the House Competition the results were, in first place Clarke, 2nd Marsh, 3rd Whitehead and last Allen. After a very demanding first few weeks of school, the event was truly a pleasant way to end the half-term and begin the well-deserved holidays.

3 The Time Traveller’s Field

By Lauren Darwent, Year 11 Claire raced down the side of her house with its beige stone walls and tall windows that stretched high up above her head, glistening in the afternoon sun. She ran past the immaculate flower beds filled with ruby red roses, tulips and daisies standing in perfect rows, just how her mother liked them. The lawn, which was just as neat as the flowerbeds, had just been mown. “Why was it mown every Tuesday?” she thought to herself, sighing. Sprinting as fast as she could, she avoided the inquisitive gardeners who often asked peculiar questions about why and where she was going. “Why was it any of their business anyway?” They were supposed to be gardeners – caring for plants – not children!

Escaping the perfection of her garden, she scrambled over the low wooden fence into the wilderness beyond. Claire’s auburn hair matched the colour of the dried crunchy leaves that covered the forest floor, flying up and swirling around her, or crumbling into tiny fragments as she stepped on them. Being somewhat small for her age, carrying the massive black bag on one shoulder and thick red blanket under the other arm looked quite a struggle. However, she picked up pace as she hurried through the tall trees, the sunlight shining through small gaps causing her soft, ivory skin to glow enchantingly. Jumping over mossy tree stumps and ducking under low-hanging branches, Claire knew the route so well she could have done it with her eyes shut.

Finally she reached the edge of the forest and entered the field. The once vibrant green colours of the grass and trees were becoming more orange and autumnal every day, which reminded her that this day was – sadly – the last day of Summer. As always, she checked to see if the field was empty; as always, it was. She sought comfort in being alone; she viewed the field as a close and personal friend of hers. Claire shook out the red blanket and laid it on the overgrown, untended grass. Delicately tipping out the contents of her bag, she began to arrange the tea-set in two place settings: the knives, forks and spoons were perfectly parallel put next to the plastic plates, bowls and cups.

With her brother being the most annoying, meddling boy you could ever meet, Claire had always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. She dreamed of someone who would care for her, listen to her problems, help her build a tree house in the ancient oaks at the bottom of her garden – she imagined this beautiful girl sitting in front of her now. This recurring dream made this girl seem real, as if she could almost feel her rhythmical heartbeats in the dead silence of the field. Instead, she heard a loud rustling in the dense bushes behind and a strange voice calling out, “Greetings earthling.” Claire sighed, exasperated at her brother, who was yet again trying to ruin her only fun hour in the day. “Mark, you idiot!”

Claire yelled in frustration as she quickly pulled off her polished patent pump and hurled it into the bushes.

She heard a thud and then an unfamiliar voice call back at her, “Ow, Claire, I don’t want to hurt you”; Claire took a step back, confused and slightly cautious of the voice that had spoken her name. “Hand me the blanket and I’ll come out!” the voice went on, as if questioning the young girl’s courage. Curious to meet this mysterious character, she took a deep breath, rolled the blanket into a ball and held it out to whoever or whatever was lurking behind the green cover of the shrubs. With one quick swipe, the blanket disappeared, sucked into the forest as if by magic. She gasped, disbelieving. Was this all a dream, caused by her longing for something exciting to enter into her life?

Just then, a tall figure emerged from the forest. He was a giant in comparison to her, and tanned, with short, brown hair very ruffled from a long journey. He had deep, brown eyes that were knowledgeable and experienced as if he had walked the earth for hundreds of years. He spoke softly, his voice as enchanting as the imaginary heartbeat of the sister she longed for. It was magical, extraordinary………somehow not human. That’s when he said “I am a time traveller, I come from the future”.

Artwork by Noah Deas, Upper Sixth

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3 Highland Flings and Secret Agents are standard fare at the Upper School Charity Fashion Show Alex Williams, Lower Sixth Half-drenched from the sheeting rain, I duck into the old “Girls” entrance to Holden Hall – skidding to a halt so as to soak up the pre-show atmosphere. Two mothers in leopard print fur coats swan in behind me, tottering on their heels, whilst half madeup models hurry past wearing expressions which can only be described as manic. I can hear the buzz of the hall from here, and I can feel the backstage panic too; it’s almost tangible. I greet the two front of house Year Captains (Joe Murphy and Lizzie Thompson) on the door and talk my way into loitering on the balcony with my camera. Slightly taken aback (the line “PR sent me to do photos” really can get you in or out of any event) they register the fact that I’m armed with a DSLR over each shoulder and wave me upstairs.

I pass girls in 80s garb and boys in tuxedos; some are at first unrecognisable, such is their change in demeanour. Everyone looks a little confused – even more so when Mr Tann appears, unabashed in his kilt and clashing Munster Rugby shirt. I install myself on a central desk, overlooking the catwalk down which the people scurrying and fretting about me will soon coolly strut. I’m here as an observer, but I can’t help getting involved – especially as the Tech Team up here are so utterly brilliant.

To quote the great Rudyard Kipling, “if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs” is, in essence, the most important mantra you can have during preparations for an event such as this, and these people certainly have it covered.

They’re all unnervingly calm, poised in position to get this show on the road. I for one can’t wait. Before they do, however,

I quiz them on the running order; themes and soundtracks, performers and the intriguing rumour that several members of staff are set to make cameo appearances.

Before I can draw out any more than three mischievous smiles though, we’re plunged into momentary darkness before a single spotlight illuminates the stage – and we’re off. The first half gets off to a terrific start as we are introduced to our presenters for the evening, Molly Pipping and Jack Humpage.

The evolution of the CHS Charity Fashion Show is evident; this year – the third – is the smoothest and slickest yet. Everyone is on excellent form.

Within the space of less than two hours we’re transported from a 1980s neon rave to a Winter Wonderland of Christmas jumpers and bobble hats. The lighting is understated and the music sublime, so much so that I find myself captivated by the flow of it all, especially when Gala’s ‘Freed From Desire’ floats up from the floor. Even the clicking of my camera shutter doesn’t detract from the professional performances below. The clothes are fantastic, but the smiling faces in them are what light up the room; if there are nerves about they are well hidden. The hall reaches its fashion peak when we hear the first bars of the infamous James Bond theme and the crowd’s reaction is one of excitement – even more so when tuxedo-clad Crad Roberts saunters from the wings to be met with a spotlight in the classic Bond pose. As every 007 appears the females in the audience shriek and several wolf-whistles are distinguishable as the secret agents smoulder their way down the runway. Dressed in sharp suits and sparkling shoes (one with a cane to boot!)

you can tell they love every minute in the (very literal) spotlight.

Eight members of staff deserve applauding for their sheer bravery in not only participating in the show, but donning hilarious outfits and dancing to Gangnam Style. Messrs Cawtherley, Jones, Matthews, Tann, Thorn, Thompson, ably led by the adept Miss Purchase and Miss Curtis, parade down the catwalk to Duran Duran amid hoots and cheers of delight from the largely student based audience. They don’t appear remotely embarrassed by their tartan kilts; on the contrary, they appear to be very much at home in the limelight. Project X turns out to be a mystery theme so mysterious that not even the boffins on the balcony I’m ensconced on have been made privy to any knowledge of what is to come, which was – with appropriate drum rolls – the CHS Rugby 2nd X1 performing a Haka the Maoris would surely be proud of. The night is a roaring success, and the smiles on the faces of the departing hordes reflect this as they stream out into the wild, wet night. But inside, for now at least, all is calm; all is bright.

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What is the best thing you’ve ever done for someone?

Komal Amar, year 10, talks to our teachers…..

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Kurt Foster:

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Well worth doing.

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S H C ty e i r Va w o h S

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201

Chad Hamlet, Head of Sixth Form This year’s Variety Show, themed around movie greats, followed on the tradition of lively, light-hearted and hugely entertaining performances from numerous Sixth Form students, and with a smattering of teaching staff cameos, it was truly one of the more memorable evenings of the year.

Under pressure from the start, the show had to be rehearsed and performed in a four day window immediately after the Easter holiday, meaning quality assurance was under threat. The acts however responded with typical gusto, embracing this significant challenge and finally producing the spectacle the event demanded. From the start, the hosts, Verity Ayre, Sam McDouall and Joe Worthington, magnetised the audience with their charm and wit. The charismatic comperes produced some hilarious segues covering some of the greatest movies of all time, from The Hobbit (thank you Verity) to 101 Dalmations (there can be only one Cruella de Worthington), and the fun was seamless.

Even Darth Vader managed a sense of humour!

Those more familiar with the unique sound of ‘Heavy Metal’, in particular its singing style, will have been slightly bemused by the quietest start to a Metal performance ever, though with technical glitches ironed out, a repeat performance livened our ears up later in the show. There was plenty of variety to follow, with Gaelic folk singing, a classical rendition, the Blues Brothers, a brilliant David Bowie duet from

Mr Chippendale and Mr Taylor and an excellently creative medley of hits from Alice Semple and Beth Hale.

Viku added his own unique brand of humour to the evening with an unrequited marriage proposal capping an entertaining stand-up routine.

Perhaps fittingly, the School Council brought proceedings to a close with ‘the best Council performance ever’, themed around a very original and upbeat recital of the school anthem - Jerusalem. With countless other movie greats squeezed between a top and tail of Sir Hubert Parry’s stirring tune, the appraisers are probably right too; a feast of famous tunes, dynamic dance moves, clever choreography and seamless segues, seemingly built around a compulsory cross dressing code, resulted in what will surely prove to be some of the most memorable moments of my CHS career.

Over £600 raised at the door also got the Upper Sixth’s 50 Days to Graduation Legacy Fund off to a great start too, so an enormous thank you to all those who supported by coming along to watch.

An enormous thank you to all the acts and performers, the comperes, the techies, the supporting teaching staff and of course Mr Parkin and Mrs Norton for their efficient and wise direction. We are already looking forward to next year!

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The Great British Bake-Off Rob Lawton, Catering Manager An excellent turn-out saw nine variations on an Official Red Nose Day Recipe Card entered by CHS Staff. Tense judging took place during recess with Head Chef, Andy Willcox, overseeing Gabby & Rebecca employing their strict judging criteria.

Comments of ‘light & moist’, ‘a little dry’, ‘good presentation’ were heard being bandied about. Staff came and went as they anxiously waited for the final outcome; the tension was unbearable.

After nine muffins, not to mention some early signs of diabetes, the judges came to their final decision……………………the winner of the 2013 CHS Great British Bake-Off and crowned Master Baker was……..

Jenny Thompson!!!

Well done to Jenny, who not only holds the prestigious title, but also wins a pair of Official Red Nose Day Oven Gloves.

Year 8 Mentoring Lucie Carter, Lower Sixth Throughout this past year two other mentors and I have worked with a form in Year 8 to help the children develop presentational skills and to act as role models as they progress higher up the School. Each student had to present a Power Point on their hero in front of their form in the hope that this would build up their confidence. After we had presented a Power Point of our own, the year 8s adopted a very mature attitude in wanting to create a piece of work to the best of their ability. The standard of the presentations was very high and evidently they had all put a lot of effort into portraying their hero. These varied from singers to sportsmen, and some even wrote about their parents, but the form learnt that it was important to respect their friends’ view and to listen in silence. I believe the scheme has been very beneficial to me as I have learnt to manage and direct those younger than me, as well as helping the year 8 students who developed presentational skills which they will need in the future. We were also able to get to know the individuals in our form, and developed a good relationship with them, so they know that if they are having any problems they have students in the upper years to ask advice from, as we are often seen as less scary than the teachers!

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Above and Right: Summer Fair Below: Bags to School

Parents’ Association

EVENTS 2012-2013

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Above: Christmas Fayre Below: Dinner Dance

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100-101

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.�

Ralph Waldo Emerson

3 The BBC News School Report Hits CHS! Amy Dunning, Year 8 Thursday 21st March 2013 started as any other normal day would. We arrived at school and were registered in our forms.

However, after this, some of us headed up to the Library Resource Centre to make news for real.

When we arrived in the LRC, what greeted us was a day of excitement, action, and, just as importantly, unlimited biscuits.

We were put into our teams for the day. I was in group one, which handled researching headlines and scripting them. Group two had to find and film fun events from around the school, and group three was in charge of the weather reports. Mrs Hayes and Mr Jones began by giving us a quick talk on how people create the news and how we would go about doing the same.

With this still in our minds, we split up and started analyzing the newspapers for stories we could report. We created a list and scripted the best we could find.

Then, we had a brainwave. Wouldn’t it be good to get the Head involved? We made an appointment with her, via Mrs Deakin. It was then that we realised that we only had twenty minutes to prepare and script what we were going to say! Eighteen minutes later, we were all set.

The interview went surprisingly smoothly, and within five minutes we had filmed it all. We then went back to the LRC to show the footage and have a celebratory ginger nut.

The rest of the day went virtually without a hitch. We filmed lots of worthwhile material and had great fun doing so. The overall result was excellent, and you can see it on the school website.

Mrs Hayes commented on the day, “It is a great opportunity for students of different year groups to work together to research, write and film their own news reports. They learn to work together to a deadline to produce material that is then shared online.”

I also interviewed some students for their viewpoints on the day.

Elise Johnson said, “The BBC News Day was a great experience and I enjoyed it because we got to work with people from different years and learn about the news.”

Eleanor Robinson told me,“ I loved it because the day was very different from a normal school one, and it gave us an opportunity to have a go at lots of different things.”

Overall, the day was a great success for everyone involved. The finished result was beyond any of our expectations, and I just envy the lucky students who get to participate next year!

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CHS 2012 MOCK PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Hugh O’Shea, Lower Sixth The U.S. Presidential Election is the most exciting, expensive and important election in the world. The campaign costs billions of dollars and the candidates adopt tactics and methods unseen in British elections, canvassing for months in order to become the most powerful world leader. Keen to replicate the excitement of this event and the success of previous mock elections, the Politics Department began preparations for the 2012 Mock Presidential Election.

As anyone acquainted with the world of US politics will know, campaign adverts play an integral role, often adopting some of the most bizarre marketing strategies seen on television. Our adverts were no different, and managed to convey the candidates’ key policies in a highly effective and rather unorthodox manner.

The Republican campaign focused on key issues such as crime, illustrated through the slightly surprising use of air rifles, whilst also introducing viewers to members of Romney’s family. The Obama advert featured guest appearances from the likes of Bill Clinton and Beyoncé, as well as the unforgettable image of Jack Cooper in a backless dress. However, for many the highlight of the videos was a clip in which members of the Romney campaign appeared to attack a cameraman for the Obama video in order to stop him filming.

After hours of canvassing, tweeting and filming, Election Day arrived and the ballot boxes in Holden Hall opened. Each form had been allocated a state, and the candidate with the most votes in that state would win the number of electoral college votes associated with it (the winner in California wins 55 electoral college votes and so on). The trickle of students voting soon turned to a steady stream, and the candidates soon arrived to try and gain some extra votes. Mr Axon and Mr Thorn soon had to step in to prevent “voter intimidation”, as members of both teams appeared to be interacting a little too much with voters whilst they were holding the ballot paper. In a last ditch attempt to secure votes Jack Cooper (complete with the backless dress) led a charge of enthusiastic Year Sevens around the school–although he did not appear to have realised that voting had closed!

With just two weeks to prepare, the campaign teams were thrown together and the candidates chosen. Johnny Green would lead the Democrats as Obama, along with his wife Michele (Jack Cooper) and a team of Lower Sixth students. The Upper Sixth manned the Republican campaign, with Drew Carswell at its head as Mitt Romney.

With all campaigning over and the votes counted, both teams assembled to hear the result. Obama had won a seemingly historic landslide, winning a monumental 473 (71%) electoral college votes compared to Romney’s 65 (29%). The whole process had been an incredible success, with one of the highest turnouts ever experienced in an American election, and also provided an excellent prelude to the upcoming trip to Washington D.C.

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DECADES The Student’s View Roisin Gray and Eloise Hughes, Year 7 The Dynamic Decades project was an enjoyable and fun experience. It enabled us to do things our way rather than the teacher’s way. We were each given a decade and a topic from the decade. For example, ours was the 1890s and our topic was World and Local News. We chose our groups and got straight into the research aspects, looking for interesting bits of news to put into our scripts. By the end of week one, we were ready to start filming. It took several goes and one or two disagreements but we had a funny, interesting and brilliant video ready for a spectacular performance.

A couple of weeks later it was time for the Showcase Evening, where we showed our parents all the things we had been doing over the lessons. We really enjoyed the experience and would love to do something like this again.

Max Cahill, Year 7 The Dynamic Decades was such fun; we spent all sixteen lessons working hard so that it would be good. The best bit was the acting; I played a presenter and also a schoolchild. We all had a turn filming and I filmed when two of my teammates were dancing.

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The Teacher’s View Kim Purchase, Physics Department The main idea behind the projects in Year Seven was to help develop within the students a sense of independence and ownership of their work, and to instil in them a range of skills that they will be able to apply to all situations to help them to be successful in their life beyond school.

We felt that projects were a great way to enable the students to work in an environment that is a little different from their everyday lessons, to work with people they would not ordinarily get the chance to work with and to stretch themselves to achieve aims in a challenging but enjoyable setting.

The first project was called ‘The Dynamic Decades of CHS’ with each form given a different decade in the school’s history to investigate.

The project was introduced with an assembly and the following message.

“We have all heard the stories of what it was like, ladles of gruel for lunch and a whip from the cane if you misbehave, but we want to know the truth! What was it really like at CHS all those years ago?

What did people wear, what did people eat, what lessons did they have? And was it really gruel on the menu?

We are asking you to find out. As a form you will need to assemble a promotional video of the school (warts and all) from a particular time period. Your video will need to present a clear view of the school and the surrounding area so that a prospective student knows exactly what to expect if they were to visit or choose to attend CHS at that time.”

The project started off with a bang and the energy and enthusiasm shown by all of the students were incredible. There were many students staying late after school and meeting up at weekends to work on the project as they were so determined to produce their best work. It was amazing to witness the drive and determination that the students displayed and to see how resilient they can be when they are given the opportunity.

The Teacher’s View Clare Haffner, German Department Many subjects were studied in this ground-breaking project that involved small teams of three or four students researching topics of the decade that had been allocated to their form; for example, 7T had the 1930s. Not surprisingly, food, dance and sport were particular favourites as topics amongst the forms, but the subjects studied at school, news of the period and boarding house life were also researched enthusiastically. The project culminated in a Showcase Evening in January, where parents and staff had the opportunity to view and experience first-hand the research that had been done and the end products. The success of the project can only be summed up by the comments of the parents who said, “I had no idea my son was capable of that!” - referring to the son’s performance in front of over 200 people - and “I thought my daughter was shy!!!” after a dance in front of the same group.

3 Holocaust Talk Farhana Akhtar, Year 9 Holocaust survivor, Rudi Oppenheimer visited CHS and gave us an account of his fascinating experiences during the Holocaust and as a child at Belsen Concentration Camp. Before Rudi arrived, we were asked to imagine what a Holocaust survivor would be like in our RS lessons. At first, I imagined that someone who would be able to survive something as tragic as the Holocaust would have to be brave, strong and religious. I soon found out that I couldn’t be more wrong!

When I saw Rudi at the talk, he just looked like an ordinary everyday person. He didn’t look particularly big or strong and I soon found out that he wasn’t religious either. He was Jewish but never practised his religion and always celebrated Christmas during his childhood in Germany.

In his talk, Rudi said that the biggest factor in his survival was that his sister, Eve, was a British citizen. I learnt that surviving the Holocaust wasn’t just a matter of being brave or strong; it was based on sheer luck.

I found this very inspirational because someone who has been through so much is still able to carry on with his life as normal and spread his message by giving talks to schools. He also feels that he now has a direct relationship with God and therefore believes that the reason that God kept him alive was so he could tell future generations about his experiences in the hope that we will learn important lessons from him.

At the end of the talk, everyone left the hall thinking about the Holocaust. Some were inspired and some were excited to go on the Auschwitz trip to Poland next year to find out more about the Holocaust.

Edwina O’Connor and Tamara Blackburn said to Rudi afterwards; “Thank you for your talk and giving up your time; we found it so inspirational that you survived the Holocaust and have become as successful as you are now. We found your talk very moving.

We have both purchased your book and are looking forward to reading it.”

Rudi also shared his experiences in Belsen Concentration Camp which probably was one of the worst times in his life. There, he was so hungry that he had to steal potato peel just for something to eat and he never got to say goodbye to his parents before they died; he went to see them and they weren’t there anymore. The most moving part of the talk for me was when Rudi said that he never knew where his parents were buried because corpses were just thrown in pits. He now has a tombstone on the site of the camp where he can pay his respects but he doesn’t know the exact location of their grave.

This showed the huge emotional impact the Holocaust had on children, because Rudi was orphaned during this time and had to be moved round so many times; as soon as he got used to a place he had to move on again because of the Nazis.

Psychology – A New Subject In The Sixth Form Gabi James, Lower Sixth They say we all have an innate fear of the unknown. The dark, death, the future, the universe; all common fears that are really just branches of a wizened old tree in a gloomy, sinister forest – The Tree of the Unknown. And yet, every single year a shedload of brave, fresh-faced new Sixth Form students decide to take up a subject

that they’ve never had any experience of before and count on this for one of their precious A-Levels.

I personally took the plunge with Psychology. Why? I suppose you could say in part to weaken my supposed fear of the unknown by learning to understand more about myself and the people around me, leaving fewer baffling situations or encounters or aspects of people that I can’t understand. Essentially, I’ve always thought studying people, their minds, their behaviour, would of course be fascinating, and the subject applies to every single person; there’s no way you wouldn’t be able to relate to the material you’re learning. I guess also I didn’t like to think that other Psychology students could be reading my mind, so I had to know their tricks too.

The main thing is, though, that I haven’t for one moment regretted my decision, and right from the start of the year found Psychology to be a truly interesting and engaging subject that’s actually suited to pretty much everyone. This, of course, means that there’s always going to be one aspect of it or one topic that is challenging, one that you’re not quite sure you even believe at all, maybe even one that you wish you’d never learned, but what will remain true throughout is that you will be genuinely intrigued by everything you learn.

It’s difficult to say whether or not it’s what I expected, because – like any conscientious student of course… - I’d heard a lot about what we’d be learning, but ultimately I expected a varied, fascinating, puzzling, revealing journey through the mind. And Psychology delivered.

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TECHNOLOGY

in the Junior School Year 4 interview about ipads Ria Khinda, Year 5 Year 4 love playing educational games on their iPads. They use their iPads for Maths, English and presentations. Nowadays, Year 4 have said they do not often go to the ICT suite. They also thought that they were lucky to have iPads because not many schools have them. In Year 4 free time, they get to play on games. One of their favourite ones is called “Agent Dash”. Year 4 have also decided they like iPads more than laptops.

E Pads in Year 5 Jacob Baxter, Year 5 I enjoy using the E Pads because they help me to present my work in the neatest way possible; also the spelling is corrected as I write.

The experience of working and learning about IT is an added bonus.

However, they can be very frustrating because sometimes you need to return to settings if the wireless connection is lost.

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3

Junior wisdom at chs using CHS junior library Ria Khinda, Year 5

• First walk into the library and use the alphabetical library system to find your particular book.

Matisse

• Next go to the computer and scan the book by its barcode.

Ria Khinda, Year 5

• Now the computer has recognised your book.

In Year 5 we have been learning about Henri Matisse and his remarkable artwork. Henri Matisse was a French painter and sculptor, 1869 – 1954.

• After that, scan your finger print .

• Then on the computer screen your name will appear, and the computer knows that you have the book now.

• Now you will have your book, you should be able to read your book in a week or so.

• When you have read your book go to the library computer again.

• Then scan the book by the barcode.

• Now the computer knows you have returned the book!

Matisse is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. He initially trained as a lawyer and developed an interest in art at the age of twenty-one. He studied Art in Paris and explored painting, drawing and sculpture. He was known for his use of colour.

During Art lessons we have been looking at his ‘Black Leaf’ on a green background (1952) and ‘La Gerbe’ (1953) as inspiration and then produced our own artwork. We dipped string into paint and then placed it onto paper and created leaf prints. I used lots of different colours and created my own piece of art.

I really enjoy Art at Cheadle Hulme School and love going to the art clubs after school.

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Interview with Mrs Sargent Ria Khinda, Year 5 Mrs Sargent has published her first book called “Escape from Versailles.” Before she published this book, she went to Paris and Versailles herself. She chose to write about France because she was very interested in the French Revolution and History.

It took a whole year for Mrs Sargent to write the book but, because she is a teacher, she was also able to write the book during the holidays. Every day she spent about two or three hours writing the book. Her favourite part of the book is Chapter 10 when the main characters get in trouble!

Mrs Sargent also said that she loved writing this book and would like to write another.

Year 3 Interview Jacob Baxter, Year 5 The Year 3 Students: • Told us that that they enjoy Creative Writing.

• They also like having more choices at lunchtime than they did in the Infants.

• Two students (Noah & Jacob) said that they found the work at the start of Year 3 fairly easy.

• Jacob told us that he could swim really well now and had taken part in the swimming gala.

• He also told us that Maths is his favourite subject

because he finds it easy.

• Noah said he had only joined the school in the past year.

• Both boys said that they found it quite difficult to make friends when they first came to the school.

• Noah said that he is a better runner than Jacob, but Jacob is a better swimmer than Noah.

What we learn in PE lessons All years in CHS do PE and most of them enjoy it and say that it is one of their favourite subjects. Mr Morris, one of the Junior PE teachers, said that he really enjoys teaching Sports, both indoor and outdoor activities. Emily Barber, a Year 5 student, said, “My favourite thing to do in PE is using the equipment in Gymnastics and doing routines.” Everyone sees PE as a chance to have fun and play around, as well as to learn new skills.

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Modern Foreign Languages Sixth Annual North of England Debating Competition John Winter, Senior Deputy Head

The Christopher Simon Building at School was again the venue for the Sixth Annual Modern Languages North of England Debating Competition. The event saw even more schools take part this year in debates in French, Spanish and German, conducted by teams of Upper Sixth students.

Charlotte Mulhearn and Mark Lawson represented CHS in the Spanish debates.

Mark commented afterwards, “The competition was great because I was able to practise my oral skills and my ability to think on the spot as well as watch other schools debate. I also enjoyed the feelings I got after I would make a really good point against the other team and they wouldn’t really know what to respond with.

Overall, it was just the gathering of so many language lovers that made the competition so great.” Charlotte added, “The standard of language and debating skill in the competition was unbelievable.

The debating topics were hard to attempt even in your native tongue, so the fact that 17 and 18 year old students were debating them in a foreign language was outstanding. It was a huge challenge for Mark and I but I like to think we were able to keep up with the standard of our competition.“ The two Emmas, Hayward and Maxwell, reached the final in the German competition.

The French Debating Competition Alice Ashworth Anna-Louise Jafferali and I were the flag bearers for the French Department. I would encourage everyone that has the opportunity to take part in the competition to do so. You will gain so much confidence in speaking your language to a whole range of people and you can finally get out of the comfort zone of your classroom.

I’m sure you will be surprised as I was at the standard of your French already at AS level. The MFL Debates are a chance to meet students like you and debate interesting, current and thoughtprovoking topics. It is also great preparation for your A2 exam as you are able to formulate more advanced ideas and this gives you a huge advantage come the Summer Term. Most of all it is a really enjoyable day and you are finally able to reap the rewards of doing higher level languages.

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The Spanish Debating Competition Mark Lawson

Charlotte Mulhearn

I love languages because I love travelling and exploring new places.

I feel that if you can speak the language of a foreign country it makes it easier to relate to and learn about the culture. Also, I feel intelligent when I can have a conversation with someone in a different language because the majority of my friends only speak English.

Doing two languages to A2 level, French and Spanish, I have developed a passion for language learning and hope to carry it on in the future. In a modern and globalised world I believe that it is extremely important to be able to communicate and show respect for others by speaking their language. Languages are very important to me as I have been able to immerse myself in a new culture; discovering the different traditions, history and politics that make a country unique. Learning a language is challenging and demanding but the reward of being able to communicate with such a diverse range of people throughout the world is certainly worth it.

Before I started speaking I was very nervous. We argued that although the ice caps are melting we shouldn’t care. As the debate progressed I found myself getting more and more confident even though out of the three it was our weakest debate.

I was able to develop my debating skills and grow in confidence when speaking in a foreign language. This will be useful for my A2 Spanish oral. I also found the idea of trying to argue for things that I have never really thought about quite amusing, for example, is a bike better than a wheelbarrow?

Although we had prepared well for the first debate, on Saturday morning I was naturally feeling very nervous. Our first debating topic was “The ice caps are melting but I don’t care” and we were in favour of the motion. It was a very difficult stance to take, especially in Spanish! However, once our initial nerves got out of the way we were able to get into the spirit and have an interesting and slightly heated debate against MGS. I would encourage every student of languages who has the chance to take part in the MFL debates.

Our topics for the MFL Debates 2013: • Freedom of speech has gone too far

• Rich countries are morally obliged to help poorer countries

• A bike is better than a wheelbarrow

• I am happy to pay for my university tuition fees

• The ice is melting but I don’t care

• We speak English so that is enough

The German Debating Competition Emma Hayward I really enjoyed taking part in the Debating Competition last week.

It was a great opportunity to use our German in a pressurised situation and it was also good practice for our A2 oral where we will have to debate. Even though I was nervous at the start, once the debates had got under way, the nerves disappear as you realise that everyone is feeling the same as you, and you really enjoy the morning. The titles that we were debating were ‘Freedom of Speech Has Gone Too Far’, ‘A Bike Is Better Than A Wheelbarrow’, ‘The Ice Is Melting But I Don’t Care’, ‘I Am Happy To Pay For My University Tuition Fees’ and ‘Rich Countries Are Morally Obliged To Help Poorer Countries’. As Emma and I won our group, we progressed to the Final and debated that ‘We Speak English So That Is Enough’.

Taking part was an invaluable experience for me as I want to study German at university. Personally I really enjoy learning languages as they enable you to communicate with many new people and learn a completely new culture.

Emma Maxwell I thought that the language debate was an excellent way to improve confidence in speaking a foreign language, especially in front of an audience and I think it will benefit me in the A2 oral, especially in terms of expressing opinions and ideas clearly. I think it’s good that our school hosts it as students in the younger years can easily come along to support and get an insight into how much their language will improve by the time they are in Upper Sixth.

Our school hosts lots of sport fixtures and drama productions so I think it is good to host the languages debate as it shows parents and other people how good the Language Departments are and that there is a variety of extracurricular activities within school.

It allows the students taking part to see how their language abilities compare to those of students at other schools in the area who will be taking their A2 exam at the same time.

3 Fluorescent moustaches, purposely greyed hair, and the foetus of Jesus… just an average Katie Cash, Lower Sixth

After finally getting my breath back from sprinting all the way to the History Department, I started to wonder what magical event was about to take place. The room was filled with familiar faces, wearing what can only be described as some… unusual costumes. At the front were the contestants, ready to be torn apart by the eager crowd. The mix of famous faces this year was the best yet: from the rebellious charm of Thelma and Louise, to the ever-so-conservative David Cameron brimming with delight from having Nick Clegg chained to a dog collar next to him. Other contestants included George Bush and Tony Blair, the Virgin Mary, Caitlin Moran - a woman who admits that she pronounces her own name wrong - Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton, not forgetting Hulk Hogan, who proclaimed that “You all know who I am”.

I had nearly forgotten where I was when the introductions began.

One of the highlights was when the Virgin Mary appealed that she was “carrying Christmas”, reason enough for her to win the contest before it had even started. But to her dismay the contest began, and started off with the intriguing question:

“What is the greatest movie?”

A ripple of excitement began in the crowd when Hulk Hogan, complete with his manmade moustache and bandana, confessed to his love of ‘Notting Hill’, and more importantly his infatuation with Hugh Grant, but he tried to regain his manliness with ‘Pearl Harbour’ as another option. The Virgin Mary related her life story to Juno, and the struggle that she went through. The diplomatic answer of ‘any movie’ from Caitlin Moran, and the egotistical response of their own film by Thelma and Louise left the two of them in a sudden death situation. Only one of them could stay in the hot air balloon. And when the votes were counted and verified (multiple times) the result meant that we were saying goodbye to Thelma and Louise, who departed looking as cool as Nick Clegg wearing his dog collar.

But with only one pair out, the debate was just beginning, bringing us to the next question:

“If you could be a biscuit, which biscuit would you be and why?”

Stomachs began rumbling with the answers that were given.

George Bush and Tony Blair showed their unity by deciding on a Twix, one the left side and the other the right; although which side was which we will never know. My personal favourite answer of the round came from the Coalition of Clegg and Cameron, with the decision of a Fox’s Crème. This was not my favourite answer just because it is my favourite biscuit but because of their explanation that it is “gooey and malleable on the inside, but hard on the outside” which was a compromise for them. Unfortunately Michelle

112-113 “Define yourself in 5 words” The question was answered seemingly normally by the Coalition with “Co-operative, unified, happy, strong [and] forgiving”, although behind closed doors I doubt it is like that in a hung parliament. Bill Clinton, being his usual self, decided to answer with “Sexy and I know it”, which Caitlin Moran didn’t disagree with. Hulk Hogan used his manly voice to declare; “S-T-R-O-N-G. I AM THE BEST”.

The final question made all of the ladies (and some of the men) swoon; which member of ‘One Direction’ is their favourite. Harry’s luscious looks sent both Hulk Hogan and the Coalition into a love affair, which led to Clegg becoming so delirious that he began singing, badly I might add, his chart topper ‘I’m sorry’. Bill Clinton began to play his saxophone, which was even worse than Nick Clegg’s singing. Clinton’s downfall and ultimate defeat came when he blurted out that he didn’t even like ‘One Direction’, causing him and the saxophone that he had clung to throughout the debate to be thrown out of the balloon.

It was tense. The room was silenced. It was the final two. The bulked up and ready for action Hulk Hogan against the weak and feeble Coalition that probably couldn’t even hurt a fly. The question was fired at them: Obama’s lack of explanation for her answer of an Oreo led to her becoming the second to be evicted from the hot air balloon.

The topic of conversation moved away from food, to the relief of the now starving crowd, to the question:

“What superpower would you want?”

The first answer came from Hulk Hogan, who shouted in anger that he already has every superpower. Caitlin answered with a more ordinary answer that she would like to be able to break into government department buildings, which led to Bill Clinton chiming in to say to Caitlin “You could break into mine anytime”, followed by a cheeky wink in her direction. A sniff of romance filled the air, but was broken dramatically by Mary who said she wanted to fly because “walking to Bethlehem is a hell of a job”. The final comment came from the Coalition where Clegg admitted that he would benefit from singing abilities, urging people to watch his magnificent YouTube video, which has become an Internet sensation.

With now only half the original contestants the next round began with:

“What’s your favourite song?”

Caitlin’s answer of ‘Holding out for a Hero’ caused a swift turn of the head from Bill Clinton who clearly thought to himself that he could be her hero. The blossoming romance was ignored by the Coalition who believed that Clegg’s own song of ‘I’m sorry’ was the best song ever made, apparently causing 7 year old children to serenade him. Hulk Hogan also went down the route of his own song, asking the audience how many of them are familiar with his theme tune.

With the final three left, the atmosphere went from laughter to tension. Then the question was announced:

“Will the world end on Friday?”

This was in reference to the dreadful and incorrect predictions of the Mayan Calendar. The Coalition gave a list of reasons why the world was not going to end, including the fact that the world should wait until 2015 when their victorious reign will be over, that Prince William and Kate’s baby has not been born, and even more importantly that Nick Clegg had already bought David Cameron a Christmas present that he could not return. In agreement Hulk Hogan said that “Baby Jesus ain’t told the world to end, I haven’t, so it can’t happen” because “Everybody loves Christmas”.

The final winner was the fluorescent-moustache-wearing, Hugh Grant-and-buttercup-loving, Hulk Hogan. He ended on a high, which was a good thing as he would now be stuck 3,000 feet in the air all by himself!!!

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World Book Week – The Nostalgic Novels

Mark Ainley, Lower Sixth

Book Week this Reading is one of the hugely neglected pleasures of our generation, and World events for different many entailed week The this. about ss awarene raise year at CHS aimed to it belongs: where back students and teachers to get involved in, and aimed to place school focus on Literature. their favourite In the first event of the week, teachers were invited to read an extract from began our Barfoot Ms school. the ut childhood novel to a group of budding readers througho years 12000 around Homer by written , Odyssey’ ‘The al voyage with the timeless and fantastic Scheria, of island Greek mythical the to away rushed was audience the ago. Inspiringly read, concept of warm intertwined with Homer’s vivid imagery of the Gods and the even more magical Cyclops, in his us monstro and terrifying the weather. We joined Odysseus in his encounter with and oddly mystical clever, funny, choice: brilliant a was extract attempt to escape the island. The “mixed and blazed,” eyeball “the of quotes at most smile to seeming Barfoot violent - with Ms have can e Literatur of with morsels of men’s flesh.” It is astounding that such an ancient piece that meaning dated sounding without the huge cultural impact on society today that it does poem! a nobody minded that it was actually is known as the Next up was Mr Richardson with ‘The War of the Worlds’ by H. G. Wells, who played on one novel this Century, 19th the in written being creator of science fiction. Despite Mars?” Wells on life there “Is today: world the across resonant s question of the most chilling destruction and horror the and imagined what life would be like if Martians invaded the Earth, writhing snakes grey “little as Martians the that would arise from this possibility. He imagined ’s audience the down chill slithering a sent which leather”, in the air” that “glistened like wet consumed is world the and humans, all to terror brings race Martian the of ty spines. The superiori Mr Richardson with death and fear. Although the story of the novel is literally ‘other-worldly’, policies at the imperial e aggressiv Britain’s of explained how Wells was challenging the nature ] too harshly, we Martians [the them judge we before “and novel; time, writing at the start of the , not only upon wrought has species own our ion destruct utter and ruthless what r must remembe if the complain to as mercy of animals …. but upon its own inferior races. Are we such apostles the by shown , however to, listened not was Martians warred in the same spirit?” Wells’ warning on. publicati novel’s the after soon ensued two cataclysmic World Wars that ‘1984’, which Ms Harms followed this up with one of my own favourite novels: George Orwell’s murder is where regime, ist Commun n dystopia a in worker ed explores the life of a dissatisfi the classics of of one is This existed. never past the and ed suppress is emotion all commonplace, described to Harms Ms . students modern literature and a must-read for all English and History ideas coined many how and ing, devastat and the group how she found this book both uplifting It was great today. her haunt still – 101” “Room and Brother” “Big as in the book by Orwell – such ist’s story, protagon the in was she involved how and novel the about is she te passiona to see how just one if that message the home d just from reading a short extract. Ms Harms really hammere a been had event the heard, had they novels the of person in the audience decided to read any brilliant success. the large number It was great to hear such a diverse selection of literature at this event, and time they spent the to t testamen really is teachers the to listen to of people who turned out who got everyone to you Thank ng. storytelli in sm enthusia their and extract an choosing Agatha from extracts read who involved - especially Mr Winter and PR Officer Tim Hudson Week next Book World hope I ely. respectiv X’ ion Christie’s ‘4:50 from Paddington’, and ‘Generat g. interestin and l insightfu as year at CHS can be equally

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Classroom Memory Ella Metcalf, Year 8 As soon as I stepped over the threshold it all became so familiar. I recognised the spidery lettering pinned on the walls. I recognised the made, smiling faces with crazy coiled hair, stuck on cardboard and blutacked to the brightly papered display. The books stacked into the bellies of the squat shelves were my favourites.

The tigers were black and orange striped with long white whiskers that tickled our ankles as they walked past. They had big fluffy tails that flicked this way and that.

Most of my childhood centred around this brightly lit room, with its high arching windows that reached to the heavens. Triangle desks pushed together to form a sloppy, red and yellow hexagon. Slightly wilted flowers on the teacher’s desk, shedding purple petals around the students’ feet. The bottle green carpet was smudged with playdough and glitter. So many memories came flooding back, one in particular . . .

“No”, I said grumpily.

…It was Monday. A dull, grey, yawning Monday. I hated Mondays – they were the days that stole my weekend and I never forgave them. This Monday morning had been worse than most. I had been told off for splashing water at Becky when it was clearly her that had started it! I trudged down the ash-coloured ramp, leading to the ash-coloured playground. It was break and I was looking for my best friend, Catherine. She was hard to spot in the whirlwind of blue and red check that was my classmates. Her long brown hair was parted neatly down the middle and she had plaits – a bad idea if we were going to play with the boys, as they would use them as reins if we played ‘chase’.

Everything about Catherine was the polar opposite of me: she never had any holes in her crimson jumper, whereas mine was more darn than wool. She hardly had a hair out of place but my half-hearted ponytail was already falling out. Even though we were different we were united by our imaginations. We were the proud creators of many of the class favourites. We could turn benches into alligators, tarmac into soft green grass, lines of the football pitch into bubbling streams. We could go anywhere, do anything, all in the safety of our small concrete playground.

“Tree houses?” she asked with a smile. This was our favourite game. We were 20 year old women, living together in a tree house far, far away. We had pet monkeys and tigers, all fluffy and tame.

The monkeys had soft woollen hair, glittering eyes like marbles and gentle hands with long fingers that played with our hair at sunset.

I stood stubbornly, arms crossed and face frowning.

“What?” came the startled reply.

Then I had a flash of brilliance. The weekend before I had watched the Swiss Family Robinson and was inspired by their story to come up with a new game: ‘Stranded’. I saw her facial expression change from fear to shock and settle on awe as I told her the tale of two female explorers who had got lost after encountering the fiercest storm ever to happen on the Seven Seas. I explained how, after a gruelling swim, the two women found themselves on a tropical island. They made a state-of-the-art tree house and lived in it forever, gorging themselves on snake soufflés and parrot pies.

We decided that this would be our new game.

We acted out our game with undeniable enthusiasm: walking around the playground doing breaststroke arms to show our exhausting swim across half an ocean, and crouching among halfdead shrubs waiting for an elephant to come along for supper. Our tree house consisted of a bench, an old brick wall and a chain fence – all taking on multiple roles. Flat grey concrete transformed into lush forests full of bananas, coconuts and wild animals. Our peers became lions, tigers and, once, polar bears.

Our creativity never failed us and we spent hours coming up with new ideas, new plots, new characters. Until we grew up.

The imaginary games stopped and ‘real life’ started.

3 A day in the life of M.U.N (Me as an Undercover Nuisance) Mark Ainley (a.k.a 007.5), Lower Sixth The Cheadle Hulme MUN (Model United Nations) conference is widely heralded as one of the most interesting, enjoyable and well-organised conferences in the country. Of course, none of this would be possible without the huge number of volunteers that are fundamental to the entire Conference – under the excellent guidance of our very own Mrs Evans. It is the positive contribution of everyone: from Chairs to Security, Junior School students to teachers, and those inside the school and out, who each year create the overwhelming atmosphere of friendliness, warmth (despite the weather!) and excitement throughout this special winter weekend.

My day began in the Library Computer Room to a booming rendition of Gangnam Style and Mr Parkin trying not to burst into the complex dance routine he had definitely memorised. This year at MUN was going to be my first as part of the Press Team rather than in a delegation. But the same excitement was present amongst everyone, enthusing me for the day ahead. One thing that I have noticed about our school is how little those not involved seem to know about MUN, and how many think that our conference is just for those who ‘like politics,’ and are ‘good at debating.’ This is NOT true! There is such a diverse spectrum of positions to take up at MUNCH, from being on the Tech Team to working at the Tuck Shop. There are so many ways you can be a part of the conference without having to debate; so if your calling comes from writing, technology, management or even selling popular confectionaries at a reasonable price – get involved!

The first activity for the day was the opening assembly, where we were briefed on what we would be aiming to achieve over the next few days. We also received an inspiring speech from a former Red Cross member, who represented the organisation in varying LEDCs. He frequently met with Senior Government Officials from these countries to converse with them, in order to find ways in which they could best implement Red Cross funding within the country.

This speech was an intriguing window into how the skills from MUN are crucial to some vocations and can be vital at points in adult life.

My plan for the day was to visit all the committees around the school, in order to get an insight into the high standard of debate and finally to get to see the complex inner workings of the conference that make it such a huge success. The first committee room I visited and stayed in for the majority of the conference was the Security Council. For those of you who don’t know, the committees used in MUNCH are based on those in the United Nations itself. The Security Council is a permanent body of the UN, seeking to maintain peace and security. It consists of fifteen members, of which China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US are permanent and have the power to veto (stop) resolutions from being passed. The other members are elected for two-year terms; so different interests are represented within this powerful body.

However, the delegate representing Azerbaijan in the Security Council could not attend the conference and so someone was required to take his place.

This is where the title of my article becomes obvious. Wanting to get as involved as possible in all aspects of MUNCH, I happily volunteered myself to take the place of the Azerbaijani delegate -someone I had never met, from a school I hadn’t heard of, and I was oblivious to the views I ought to be representing. Nevertheless, following the advice of the Chinese delegate next to me that Wikipedia would solve all my problems, I quickly found my feet and began to engage in the debate. As well as this, I was also reporting on it for the Press Team; which – as the Moroccan delegate put it – made me ‘like an undercover spy!’ The friendly and accepting spirit so present at MUNCH was no more resonant for me than at this moment when even though I was not a delegate at the conference, I was welcomed into the Security Council with open arms.

116-117 The first topic of debate in the Security Council was over the use of Cyber-Terrorism in modern warfare, and we held an interesting debate into how to combat it in the best way possible. This was in light of the Stuxnet computer worm that infected many computers in Iran and Indonesia–which was the first discovered malware that could spy on Industrial Systems, whilst remaining undetectable by computer defence mechanisms. Technological advances have meant this new form of warfare is developing quickly, and this rising threat has become an important issue. Another interesting debate at this time was in Human Rights 1, in regard to sexual health and family planning; also an increasingly pressing issue in society. The conflict in the debate room between countries over the use of contraception was enthralling, and it also provided an insight into how religious teachings are heavily intertwined with many countries’ political views.

Tolerance is as important an issue today as ever; and a concept many people have still not fully come to understand, even within CHS. However, in MUN, everyone is treated equally. You can forget about your personal problems, your anxieties of others making preconceived judgments of you, as well as your external pressures, and just enjoy the conference. All those at MUNCH–whether you are the Secretary General or a delegate completely new to MUN– respect one another. This special weekend has equality, camaraderie, tolerance and respect at its centre, which are some of the qualities most lacking in all societies today. This is what I truly believe makes MUN one of the most valuable opportunities available to take part in at CHS, as these characteristics of the conference really show that we are not simply a model of the United Nations.

We are a model for them.

However, it wasn’t all intense debate in the Human Rights Councils!

In Human Rights 2, the committee was interrupted by a cacophony of shouts; followed by the Security Team in sunglasses and black ties. What followed was a sequence of confusion and tumult in which Security accused a bewildered delegate of ‘Cocaine’ possession and proceeded to search him–with Leo bursting into a vicious rage when the ‘drugs’ were found. (This involved Security hurling a small packet of sugar straight at the delegate and subsequently re-confiscating it and leaving.) It’s not all serious!

On Being Bilingual Gabi James, Lower Sixth What’s it like being bilingual? When I was considering what I could write about being able to speak two languages, I could initially think of absolutely nothing to say. To me that’s an odd question, and difficult to answer – it’s just what I am, I’ve never known anything different. But, of course, I got to thinking and realised that bilingualism has completely shaped me into the person I am, affected almost every aspect of my personality.

It seems almost unfair, this random stroke of luck. With no work or effort on my part, I have an ability that some people study for year after year to achieve, and why?

Because I happened to be born into a family with parents of different nationalities. It may sound a little conceited, even arrogant to say that I can do something everyone else has to work so hard for, but let me just stress that I can take absolutely no credit for it, it’s simply something that happened to me. Growing up, I was surrounded by both English and Spanish, and although my first word was Spanish – I imagine because those relatives were slightly… louder …. than the English side of my family – there’s a good chance that my second was English. I learned the two simultaneously, first speaking them and then reading and writing in both. Because of this, both languages feel totally natural to me, and I switch between the two without even being aware of doing it. A really common question is which I dream in, and in truth

I’m not always entirely sure; it just isn’t something I consciously register – both are just words forming sentences, one doesn’t have to be translated into the other for me to understand.

Despite this, many bilingual people feel like slightly different people depending on which language they’re speaking. This seems understandable, as it’s not only two languages you have as a bilingual, but two cultures. There isn’t a lot of difference between Spain and England in terms of culture and geography, but there are some gaping differences in the typical behaviour of people hailing from each. We all know the stereotypes; they’re truer than you might think. Queuing really doesn’t happen in Spain, they gesticulate infinitely more, they do sound like they’re shouting death threats at each other when they’re having a quick phone call to catch up. There are even small things, like how much more they touch each other during the course of a conversation, little pats on the knee, grabbing their hand as you both burst out laughing. In England you’d be considered slightly odd, overly flirtatious or even ‘creepy’, but in Spain it’s entirely normal and an essential part of any friendly interaction.

And so it could almost be expected that, while you have both sides, you’d step into the one corresponding to the language in use and embrace these traits more, especially as you pick up on the behaviour of the people you’re talking to. It’s strange

then, that it’s sometimes in Spain that I feel at my most English. But then, it’s my English qualities that the Spaniards expect and notice more, and, being Spanish, comment on relentlessly – particularly how pale I am, but that’s beside the point. English people are just as bad, though, blaming my occasionally erratic moods, stubbornness and the volume of my voice (and laugh) on the fact I’m Spanish, introducing me as the ‘Spanish friend’ or ‘token immigrant’, and even using the greeting; ‘You’re foreign!’ when I answer the phone.

Rather than an almost schizophrenic feeling, this provides bilinguals with two different outlooks on life, two different sets of eyes to see things through, two different histories with which to compare events in our lives and our world. Some psychologists even go as far as to suggest that being bilingual makes a person more tolerant of diversity, having grown up enveloped in it and watching two cultures come together and learn to gel as they become a family and the cultures are fused together within yourself. Speaking two languages does undeniably seem to be helpful in learning a third, especially when it is similar to one of the ones you already have like Spanish and French, and it’s always nice to be able to talk about the strange man sitting opposite you on the train to your sister without him having the foggiest idea of what you’re saying!

3 Ezekiel Browne

By Steve Pagan, Deputy Head and members of the Ezekiel Browne Committee The Ezekiel Browne Society takes its name from one of the Founding Fathers of Cheadle Hulme School; Ezekiel Browne, the son of a silk merchant from Liverpool, who worked as a cashier in the textile trade in mid-Victorian Manchester. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Manchester Warehousemen & Clerks Orphan School in 1854, serving as the first Chairman of the Executive Committee. As a result of the subscription scheme he established, his own daughter Elizabeth attended the school as a Foundation student following his death in 1862. The Society, run by a committee of Sixth Form students, puts on talks on a wide range of topics and is essentially designed to broaden the intellectual horizons of students beyond the narrow confines of their GCSE and 6th Form studies.

The following extracts provide a partial review of another busy year for the Society.

Talk by Xcalibur: Tackling the Manchester Gangs Before the meeting I thought the Xcalibur team would be a Mancunian version of a mean, lean S.W.A.T team. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The officers explained how dealing with gangs wasn’t simply investigating and prosecuting for their various crimes, it was about trying to guide members and potential members away from the dead-end life of gangster-ism. They spoke about the vicious social cycle of being born into a gang family, growing up with the violence that surrounds these people and the struggle to find a better life. Although there were gruesome stories of drug dealing, domestic violence and murder, there were also moments of dark humour, such as the story of one gangster hiding a gun under his shed and then trying to blame his dog. There was one about a teenage gang member who bought a plastic gun believing it was real. This was a really memorable meeting that left the audience captivated.

Talk by Matt Dickinson: Adventures in the Deep South Explorers are usually described as intrepid but in the case of Matt Dickinson this is a fair description. Matt is a film maker who produces documentaries about subjects like climbing the highest mountains and visiting the last great wildernesses. He focused this talk on his journey to the Antarctic. This included the story of the challenges of finding a boat to get across from South America and the arduous sea passage, no easy feats in themselves. He then spoke about the incredible challenges he faced out there, such as climbing an unconquered peak and visiting a weather station in which his father had stayed 40 years beforehand. Matt showed us footage of his film and talked us through his adventures. We were left in no doubt about the perils visitors face in the Antarctic, for example the lack of support in the event of a medical emergency.

It was a truly inspiring and memorable talk.

Talk by Prof Raymond Tallis: Are we Just Animals?

The Ezekiel Browne Society is marketed as one which allows you to hear talks across a variety of subject areas. It delivers. The Society allows for fantastic opportunities to interact with very interesting people but the special ones that really make you listen are those about which you already assume to know something.

For me this was encapsulated by Raymond Tallis’ talk. Having studied Philosophy this was naturally a topic I would enjoy but, if anything, it was his approach to questions at the end of the session that made it all the more fascinating and entertaining.

Like any true philosopher he answered questions with questions.

At the end a friend and I dreamt up a question about a thought experiment in which one is tele-transported to Mars but with the body remaining behind. There are two of you, but which one is you?

Is it a continuous body or a continuous mind that matters? This led to plenty of discussion. Of course, the answer was a long way of saying ‘no one really knows’ - but the talk was interesting and that is all that matters.

Talk by Ian Brown: Dead Man Walking – Life on Death Row in the US In a joint venture between the Ezekiel Browne Society and Think Tank, Old Wac Ian Brown presented a cold, hard look at the US Prison System and the management of those locked up in “special management units” awaiting execution. Harrowing is putting it mildly. Ian opened our eyes to the borderline inhumane treatment of those convicted, focusing in particular on Arizona State Correction Centre. This includes solitary confinement, washing and exercising “privileges” only three times per week, and food rations costing less than what the prison governor spends on the police department dogs. Ian also highlighted the problems with methods such as the lethal injection, used or allowed in 38 of America’s fifty States. This procedure is invariably administered by ill-qualified prison guards as doctors and nurses are legally prohibited from partaking in executions. No one is denying that the crimes the inmates have committed are heinous and cruel, but it seems a little hypocritical to condemn them for their actions in a way which is equally cruel. There is also a grim irony that if a prisoner falls ill whilst incarcerated on Death Row, they will be given the best possible care in the prison hospital, only to be released back into a prison regime where they will be intentionally and lawfully killed.

It is hard to get one’s head around the workings of a system so different from that of the UK. Irrespective of personal opinion, Ian left us all in deep thought about the supposed “land of the free”.

Talk by Dr Andrew Garner: Bank Robbery Using the Power of Parallel Universes I really enjoyed the talk by Old Wac Andrew Garner, which explored the history of cryptography as well as potential uses of quantum cryptography in the modern world. It was fascinating to hear about the on-going battle between cyber security providers and computer hackers as well as learning how the applications of well-established principles of Mathematics were being challenged by the Physics behind quantum computers. The speaker explained the benefits of quantum computing, the main one being that the future potential of using these machines could save extraordinary amounts of time, and also the drawbacks - current computer security would be ineffectual. He spoke at a level which was accessible to everyone, using analogies to explain complex systems. However, he then went into greater detail on the mathematical and physical principles used in quantum computing to widen the knowledge of the students of Mathematics and Physics and to increase their understanding and application of the topics they were studying. As well as being one of the most intellectually stretching and mind-boggling hours of my life, I honestly walked away feeling slightly more aware of the world around me and all of its overwhelming possibilities. Even though my particular interests lie away from the world of Physics and numbers, it was a talk I could understand and enjoy, regardless.

118-119

Maths Challenge Yasmin Lee, Year 11 Yasmin was the winner of a Gold Award for the Maths Challenge 2013 Each year, a multitude of diligent students from all over the United Kingdom take part in the UKMT’s formidable Maths Challenge, fuelled by the urge to stimulate their minds and push themselves to their absolute limit– and the chance to skip a lesson!

The first round of the Maths Challenge is taken individually and is a lively and fun multiple choice paper. There are three levels, covering a range of students from ages 11 to 18 and, impressively, they attract over 600,000 entries from approximately 4,000 schools and colleges. The top 40% of participants are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates in the ratio 3:2:1. The most successful candidates are then invited to enter follow-on rounds, which are of course even more mind-boggling than the first.

There are twenty-five questions in total, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but if you have ever come across a Maths Challenge paper, you will realise how perplexing

Maths Challenge National Finals at the Royal Horticultural Halls Amy Dunning, Year 8

– or treacherous–the questions can be.

Annoyingly, the fact that it’s a multiple choice paper doesn’t mean that guessing is an effective strategy. The more marks the question is worth, the more marks you will lose if you get it wrong.

As you may have guessed, there are numerous benefits to getting involved with the Maths Challenge. First of all, it’s a completely different experience from typical classroom Mathematics, where you are forced to labour through a set of horrifically repetitive and mundane questions on the same topic for what seems like forever. The Maths Challenge is unique and so ensures that each student has to think outside the box. There is no preset formula to learn–to be successful, you need to think for yourself.

Another benefit is that universities think very highly of an applicant who has done well in the Maths Challenge. A good grade in Maths GCSE or A-Level shows understanding of the topic in its most obvious, straightforward form; whereas

When the competition started, the first round was the group circus. This involved the team travelling round eight different stations finding answers with the help of different worksheets and resources. And I must say, this round passed largely without a hitch.

a certificate in the Maths Challenge will make you stand out from the crowd when applying to any Maths course. This is particularly useful when the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, and they all have similar grades. A Maths Challenge certificate will set you apart and makes your application special. This is because it shows a deeper level of thinking and problem-solving skill.

And of course, one should not complain about receiving a complimentary pencil without having to trek to the nearest Ikea.

All in all, although it gets noticeably harder each year and sometimes makes you want to scream, the Maths Challenge is definitely well worth doing. It shows that you can do so much more than what the Examination Boards set and that you can use logic beyond what a standard examination can cover. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most rewarding activities you can do during your entire school life.

Here is a typical question:

Secondly was the crossnumber. We were paired up and the across clues were given to one pair and the down clues to the other. Sometimes, if one pair had one answer which the others needed for a question, we had to talk through our teacher. I would say that this was the round that went best overall for us.

3

Year 7 Poetry A selection of poetry from our Year 7 students

The Snowman Roisin Gray It all began with a child and a great pile of snow.

A snowman and his wife began to grow. By the end of the day they were both full size, but not an item of clothing was in sight.

The snowman determined to put things right set off on a journey that would test his might. The north wind blew and blizzards came, but nothing could stop him, it wasn’t a game.

He came to a river; how would he cross? But a jolly old robin reminded him who was boss. The journey continued through fields overnight, over bridges past motorways, but he must not show fright .

At last in the distance stood on a snowy hill the snowman looked down at the town below. The twinkling lights looked ever so pretty; this was his first time in a city.

He thought again of why he was here, to visit the place many held dear. He arrived outside a pretty large shop with the name John Lewis written over the top. His mission was completed; so he set off back home tired and hungry but still full of hope.

To Bethlehem Adam Powell Three wise men came to see a king They thought this would be a great thing But the journey was cold The men very old Shelter disappeared with a bang Soon, it almost wasn’t worth it As there was nowhere to sit But Bethlehem Was housing him Then they noticed the sky was lit They quickly ran to the light However, they’d rushed to a fight A massive crowd Including Herod Came to pay Jesus a visit Far they’d come, they wouldn’t stop now They had gifts, all of them new So they rushed to the front To give Jesus a grant But he didn’t notice them. How? The men realised they’d have to travel back But energy was something they lacked They asked for shelter But got the cold shoulder So they quickly set off back

The very next day was a sight of Christmas cheer.

Mrs Snowman was all wrapped up in her Christmas gear.

For now, Mr Snowman’s journey was finished for at least another year .

Once again, the desert was cold But they’d seen the King of Kings, a child This was a great journey That would make harmony But the journey still had them chilled.

Now and then

The Journey of Life

Eloise Hughes

James Madeira

Now I live…..

Then I die.

Now I am young, Then I am old.

Now I am here, Then I am not ONCE I LIVED, ONCE I DIED. ONCE I WAS YOUNG, ONCE I WAS OLD. ONCE I WAS THERE, ONCE I WAS NOT. BUT NOW I AM ALIVE, BUT NOW I AM YOUNG, BUT NOW I AM HERE.

Those first few steps you ever take Can lead you to something in life Like the first bone you ever break To when you are older and big and strong Those steps are enough to take you along When you are tired and always stressed You will always get back and work to your best You keep on working until you reach your goal And that was to strive and never lose soul But when you eventually run out of steam And you realise what was your dream And that was to take on the journey of life.

BUT SOMETIME I WILL DIE, BUT SOMETIME I WILL BE OLD, BUT SOMETIME I WON’T BE HERE AT ALL.

The Waconian is predominantly written, illustrated and compiled by the students of Cheadle Hulme School and Mrs Judith Shand, Teacher of Modern Languages.

Head Lucy Pearson, B.A. (Oxon) Claremont Road · Cheadle Hulme · Cheadle · Cheshire · SK8 6EF Tel 0161 488 3330 · Email head@chschool.co.uk cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk

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