LGGS HAPPY CHRISTMAS
Welcome
TO OUR DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
fantastic array of opportunities LGGS students have contributed to and benefitted from throughout the term. I hope that you are all able to enjoy a relaxing Christmas. We were delighted that LGGS was recognised in this year’s Sunday Times ParentPower
table as the 35th best state school in England. LGGS was the only Lancashire school to appear in the top 50. Well done to all our fantastic students and staff for these amazing results.
Mrs J Cahalin, Headteacher
Welcome to our end of term newsletter. As always the autumn term has been incredibly busy and this newsletter shows the
LGGS SPEECH DAY 2019 Speech Day on 17th December was a very special occasion and an opportunity to celebrate the successes of so many students. We welcomed back our A-level leavers and congratulated them on their amazing results. With over 75% of grades at A*-B and 1 in 5 grades at A*, they proved themselves to be an outstanding year group. It is a great pleasure to us that so many of our A-level leavers managed to secure places at universities of their choice and on the most competitive courses. The breadth of courses that students are now studying is testimony to how the Sixth Form at LGGS nurtures the individuality and interests of all our pupils.
The event was also well attended by this summer’s GCSE students who also enjoyed a great deal of success in their exams. The year group not only excelled themselves academically but contributed very positively to the school and wider community. Record numbers have completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and benefitted from the National Citizen Service scheme. They have shown themselves to be caring young women who are ambitious for themselves and their community. Mrs Cahalin talked about the three core values of LGGS, care, contribute and challenge and how the whole school community represented these values. She talked in particular about how the
opportunities to lead, contribute and inspire are vital important elements of a LGGS education. Mrs Cahalin spoke positively about how so many GCSE students choose to stay at LGGS for their sixth form education. This year’s Year 12 students have proved themselves to be excellent role models for the younger pupils, taking on roles and getting fully involved in school life as shown very successfully in the recent Performing Arts Festival. Two very special prizes were awarded. Talented sixth form student Kate Bowskill was awarded the Alex Crossley Award. Many of Alex’s family and friends attended the event including former LGGS students Charley Brennand. Charley has recently set
SPEECH DAY
up a memorial charity for Alex in school, funded through her first half marathon, which brought in £750. Some of the fund was used towards the upkeep of Alex’s tree in Williamson Park, but most was donated to LGGS to set up the Alex Fund. After discussion with Charley and Alex’s mum, this money has been used this half term to fund consent workshops for all of Year 12. Charley is hoping to continue her fundraising in memory of Alex, so that the money can be used to support wellbeing initiatives at LGGS. We are very grateful to Charley for her kindness and support of the school. The second prize was awarded in memory of Lottie Edwards for generosity of spirit. The first recipient of Lottie’s prize, Izzy Rycroft, was nominated by staff for her caring approach, her fantastic commitment to the school and the support she gave her friends during Year 11. Our speaker this year was Marlou Cornelissen, the CEO of World Merit Charity. Marlou’s support for sustainability and her membership of Northern Power
Women made her a very fitting speaker for LGGS. The audience enjoyed her powerful and inspiring messages. MARLOU CORNELISSEN We were delighted to welcome Marlou Cornelissen as our guest speaker. Describing herself as a passionate loveaholic, who is on a mission to change the world. With a Masters in Global Health, she started to build World Merit in 2013, a global youth movement that works directly with the United Nations to achieve their
17 sustainable development goals. As the charity’s CEO, she is leading all aspects of the organisation, including a global community of 100,000+ change makers. Marlou believes we are all activists for something. Closer to home Marlou is a member of Northern Power Women. Founded in 2015 by Simone Roche, Northern Power Women is a campaign to accelerate gender diversity from the North of England. LGGS is proud to work with NPW on a number of projects.
IT’S OUT! THE 2018-2019 CHRONICLE There was a buzz around school for the Chronicle Team’s launch of the 2018-19 Chronicle which celebrates the students’ successes over the past academic year but also reflects with great sadness on the loss of Lottie Edwards who is remembered with great fondness by the whole school community.
Copies are available from school - priced £4.
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
WELL DONE EVERYONE FOR AN AMAZING SHOWCASE OF TALENT
PERFORMANCE
For more pictures please see the news area of our school’s website
EXCHANGE VISIT
GERMAN EXCHANGE The trip began early on Wednesday 20th November and everyone was excited (and perhaps a little nervous) in anticipation for the week ahead and the activities we would take part in. We flew from Manchester to DĂźsseldorf and then took an air train before boarding a double decker train which, I think, was a new experience for us all! I thoroughly enjoyed the 2019 German Exchange to Bergisch Gladbach, particularly piling into a free 30-minute concert, in the KĂślner Philharmonic, which was a welcome break from the bitter conditions outside! We were treated to a harp performance as well as a marimba. Another highlight of the trip was the breath-taking views as a result of climbing to the top of the Cathedral Dom - 533 steps! It was interesting to experience the differences in culture which were definitely highlighted by the day we all spent at the school. For example, if a teacher wasn't there, the pupils were allowed to go home early. It was sad to say goodbye to our host families, but we were secure in the knowledge we would be seeing our partners again soon. We set off back to Lancaster following a fun week of laughs, great food and new formed friendships - hopefully speaking German more fluently! Anna Putland
I enjoyed my time in Germany as I got to experience a completely new culture and language. During the week we were introduced to a new style of living and we got to explore Cologne and its sights. The exchange definitely helped to improve my German as you are constantly submerged into the language. Throughout the week I made many friends who were very friendly and helpful. Erica Pollard During the exchange we got to explore Cologne, learn about
its history and experience features and landmarks that were new to us. Living with an exchange family meant we could find out about life in a different country and also in its school. This gave everyone an opportunity to see how people our age can have such a different experience of school life. There were many new foods to try and places to go such as the Christmas markets and many museums. The best part for me was visiting the school and learning about the school system and its methods of teaching. Esme Parker
EXCHANGE VISIT
SUN, SEA & SPANISH I really enjoyed the Spanish exchange as it was a unique experience that helped me to improve my Spanish and become a more confident person. At the start of the week I found it quite challenging but once I relaxed and spent more time with the family, I started to really enjoy myself. To get past the initial awkwardness I spent a long time talking to my partner’s mum about festivals such as Las Fallas and Santa Cecília. It was fascinating to hear an explanation of this aspect of Valencian culture from a personal view. To ensure that I remembered everything, the mum wrote some notes out for me that will help me when I come to study Spanish festivals later in the year. I was lucky enough to visit during the Santa Cecília celebration and got firsthand experience of a true La Vall D’Uixo tradition. I started the Sunday by meeting the whole of my partner’s extended family who had travelled from all over Spain; the wide variety of accents really put my listening skills to the test! It was a privilege to be part of such a personal affair. Then we waited for the procession to arrive so my partner’s younger sister could be officially initiated into a
band. The mum told me that if you are born into certain families your name is put down to join the day you are born. After a few tense hours of waiting, we joined the procession and followed as the band wound through the streets, collecting more and more members. Each time a new member was welcomed they let off fireworks that made me jump as they were so loud! To end the day, we were taken for a fancy meal with the band and their families which ended with a lengthy awards’ ceremony. It was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life and would recommend to anyone studying Spanish. Frances Archer Year 10 I had a great time in Spain! Before the trip I was a bit worried about whether or not I would get on with my partner but she was really nice and so were her friends
and family, they really tried to make me as comfortable as they could in such a daunting situation. I think my Spanish improved quite a lot over the week, especially my listening skills. In the first few days I found it very difficult to understand what people were saying, even if it was a simple phrase that I could translate in a second if it were written down. However, by the last few days I could understand most of what people said to me and I could have some kind of conversation without too much trouble (although it was still quite a task to try and separate the words when they were talking to each other; they speak so fast!) I’d definitely recommend going on the exchange, because there’s no better way to learn a language than being surrounded by it 24/7. Holly Bramhall Year 12
HOMESTAY
CHINESE HOMESTAY 2019
HOMESTAY
A WARM WELCOME As part of the Chinese Homestay Project in October, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of Year 8 Chinese girls and their teacher from our link school in China: Suzhou Science and Technology Foreign Language School The visit was a huge success, as well as a really interesting and rewarding experience, giving our pupils an opportunity to meet and talk with children from a very different culture - a valuable educational lesson. During their stay the girls visited Manchester and Lancaster Universities and the Lake District. There were a vast array of activities arranged by our host families. One highlight was watching the girls speak to the students at Dallas Road Primary School about the many aspects of their home life in China. It was an amazing experience to learn about different cultures and to see Christie, my buddy, trying lots of new things like GarageBand. It was also very rewarding to see her enjoying the lessons we attended together and learning about our school and the local area. We really enjoyed their visit. Olivia Sharp I was asked to be a Homestay buddy around school and looked after Kelly who was very happy and very good at English. Kelly enjoyed the food and she liked all my friends. She also enjoyed the lessons and really liked our school. She became independent as she got to know her way around. I learned basic Chinese which was fun. I have never been to China but I would like to visit when I am older. It was sad to see the girls leave but I enjoyed it when they were here! Charlotte Mason “I am so glad to visit this school. It is amazing! The environment is cool! I love the classes here, they are all different, special and exciting. I am sooooooo happy that I made a lot of friends here. They were all kind, friendly, polite and warmhearted. I always have a good time with them. Also, they were all very patient when I asked them a lot
of questions. In a sentence, I was really happy to come to this school and study. And I am sure that studying at this school is the most impressive thing I have done in Britain!� Elisa
COMBINED CADETS
CCF OPPORTUNITIES Are you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and for making new friends? The RAF Air Cadets, better known Royal Navy and Army sections. as the 'Air Cadets', are a UK-wide Our aims are to: cadet force with more than Promote and encourage a 40,000 members aged between practical interest in aviation 12 and 20 years. and the Royal Air Force Provide training which will be We are sponsored by the Royal useful in the Services and Air Force and provide hands-on civilian life experience of activities and Encourage the spirit of courses that will challenge and adventure and develop develop your skills to help you qualities of leadership and succeed in whatever you want good citizenship to do. HRH The Duchess of One more important thing Cambridge is our Honorary it's a lot of fun! Air Commandant! The RAF Air Cadets is part of Ready for a challenge? the Combined Cadet Force As a cadet you will have the (CCF) which also includes The opportunity to gain
real flight experience and attend training and camps. There are competitive sports, drill, shooting, music, abseiling and engineering projects. Our list of activities is long, varied and open to all cadets. It's a challenge, and that is what life's all about. Flying Officer Williams
COMBINED CADETS COMPETITION The CCF Army section is great fun, and includes team building, leadership and organisational skills and activities. I chose the army section and this was quite special as we were the first ever girls to join! I believe my army friends and I have definitely proven ourselves and shown that we are just as good as the boys!
CCF The CCF. Really fun, team building and over all super! I chose to join the army section. This was a special year for the girls to join the
I have been a cadet in the CCF Navy section for the past two years. In this time I have learnt many new skills, participated in lots of activities and have really enjoyed the experience. We learnt lots of leadership skills and have put them to use when leading practical activities. I have also grown in confidence, as my teamwork skills have improved, through practical activities where it is very
We recently went on a Halton Army Camp trip which was great fun. We were put into a team of 8 (a section) and then we found our dorms - the girls bunked together. Once we had unpacked, we had our first meal delicious. then went orienteering and army cadetswhich as wewas were the Wewere just as good as the learnt how to talk on a radio. After that we had a first ever girls to join! I feel boys. It has been a super fun barbeque, which was also super yummy. like me andThen my army friendsback to experience. we marched our dorms. have definitely We were proven all extremely tired, bearing in Not long ago we went to the mind it wasthat nowwe half eleven! ourselves and shown Halton army camp trip. It was We woke the next morning at 5.30am and quickly got changed and ran outside for physical training, which was exhilarating. After that we had breakfast. (If you couldn’t tell; I enjoyed the food almost as much as I enjoyed the activities). We then split into our sections for team activities. The activities included; shooting paintball guns, 2nd Lt. Edge shooting rifles and much more. I hope when you are in Year 9 you will consider the army cadets as it is very rewarding! Clara Heim
important to collaborate with others and share your ideas. In the CCF Navy there are lots of opportunities including camps and courses in which to participate, for example leadership, first aid, life guarding and water sport courses. During the summer holidays I completed a sailing course - I had not done much sailing before, but my skills improved and by the end of a week, I felt quite confident and
achieved the Level 2 Royal Yachting Association’s sailing qualification. I have met so many new people and made friends with cadets from all over the country. The camps and courses are good - they take you out of your comfort zone and it is very rewarding to see the progress you have made. I would recommend the CCF to anyone who wants to try something new and challenging. Lucy Harrison, Year 11
SCIENCE
JAPAN SUPER SCIENCE FAIR 2019 At the start of November three Year 13 students attended the Japan Super Science Fair at Ritsumeiken High School and University in Kyoto, Japan. The Japan Super Science Fair is a prestigious event attended by some of the top high schools from over 20 countries. Although the fair was only a week long, the hard work of preparation had started months earlier as the girls completed a research project into the use of spectroscopy to test tomato freshness. The project was completed in school with significant help from the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at UCLAN. Having completed the project and prepared their presentations, the girls travelled to Japan to present their work to an audience of young scientists from around the world. The following is their thoughts on their experience. Dr C Rees During the months before the fair, we worked on our project ‘Spectral sensing of tomato freshness towards maintaining health benefits’. With the increasing pressure on global resources, our project investigated whether nearinfrared (NIR) spectroscopy can predict factors such as storage stability and age of tomatoes, to reduce waste through the more accurate prediction of fruit shelf-life. One hundred and thirty-five tomatoes were randomly sorted into five groups, each stored in different conditions based on temperature and packaging. Every two to three days over the course of three weeks, we
repeatedly scanned the surface of the groups of tomatoes using a hand-held near infrared spectrometer. Additional tomatoes were biopsied, which consisted of tomato incision, followed by juice expression onto aluminium foil-covered glass slides for scanning. When the tomato spectra were analysed using machine learning, we discovered that the day on which a spectrum was obtained, and therefore, the number of days since the tomato was picked, could be determined with 92% accuracy. Our investigation established the feasibility of using NIR spectroscopy to determine tomato age. The portability of the device, alongside its capability to connect to a mobile phone, highlight its true potential in
preventing the premature disposal of not only tomatoes, but a wide variety of foods, to reduce waste globally. After arriving at Ritsumeikan University on 2nd November, we were heartily greeted by Ritsumeikan High School staff and students; Day 0 had begun. Following a short introductory talk by the organisers of the event, we had our first Japanese meal in the school canteen. The rest of the day was spent
meeting fellow students from schools in other countries, making new friends, and playing endless rounds of card games. Day 1 marked the official start of JSSF 2019 with an opening ceremony that showcased the school’s talented orchestra, as well as a handful of inspirational speeches surrounding the theme of “shaping the world for a better tomorrow” and a presentation on soft robotics. The afternoon saw the arrival of the Science Showdown, where students were divided into small groups and tasked with assembling little Craftels, a robot made entirely out of card and powered by the wind, which were then raced against each other to determine the winning group. The following day, Day 2, was a momentous day for us because we were given the opportunity to present our project. Our audience consisted of many students, as well as various staff members including two commentators – teachers from different schools who formed a panel to listen to the day’s presentations and provide feedback. Thankfully, our presentation went smoothly, with audience engagement and multiple interesting questions once we had finished. All those lunchtimes cooped up in a school laboratory handling pulverised tomatoes finally paid off! On the morning of Day 3, we watched the science presentations of other students and participated in the poster exhibition. It was amazing to be able to talk to more people and learn about their own scientific adventures. Later in the afternoon, we watched the first batch of cultural presentations
SCIENCE
which mainly consisted of audience interaction in tasting the food specialities of each country. Our own cultural presentation was set to be later in the week, and we had a high bar to meet. Day 4 began with the industrial tours, which involved the exploration of science and technology industries in Japan, such as ROHM Co (a semiconductor manufacturer) and Yushin Precision Equipment (a robotics company). The visits involved an introductory presentation, Q and A sessions and a tour of the factory. In the afternoon, we went sightseeing at the Nanzen-ji Zen Temple and The Keage Incline. The temple was breath-taking, with stunning rock gardens and architecture. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful, especially at the top of the incline, where we were rewarded with a fabulous view. The opportunity to experience Japanese culture continued into the evening as we headed into downtown Kyoto to go shopping followed by a traditional Japanese evening meal. Day 5 started with the science
zones! This was a chance to engage in a project, including a Drone Flying Circus, which was a great opportunity to work together as a team with people from all over the world during high-speed drone racing. After lunch we watched the remaining cultural performances after giving our own – a comedy sketch of “12 months in the UK”, which went down very well. Finally there was a very
emotional closing ceremony and party to round the week off. All in all, the Japan Super Science Fair was one of the best experiences of our lives. The friends we’ve made, the cultures we’ve experienced and the things we’ve learned will never be forgotten and will form memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Natalia, Rhiann and Sarah, Year 13
LIBRARY
YEAR 7 SUMMER POSTCARD COMPETITION
Congratulations and well-done to Form 7.3 who are this year’s proud winners of the Summer Postcard Competition having
collectively sent in the most postcards over the holidays as well as having the most girls participate. Here they are enjoying their ice lollies.
There is a fantastic display of postcards from the whole Year group on display outside the Library. Mrs K Edge, Librarian
LIBRARY
BOOKTRUST With the help of BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, the Library once again purchased a fiction book for every Year 7 student.
The girls chose from a wide range of genres and are encouraged to read as many of the titles as possible by swapping with their friends. They also have access to the whole collection through the Library. This is the tenth year we have joined the Bookbuzz scheme and as you can see from the photos, the books proved as popular as ever. K Edge, Librarian
Bookbuzz is an amazing way to get students excited about books, discover different authors and book titles which you never knew existed plus you can swap the books with friends!'
TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE On Friday the 18th of October, fifteen Year 11 GCSE Engineering students travelled to BAE Systems in Salmsbury. The aim of the visit was to meet and observe experienced engineers and gain a knowledge of the different career opportunities which engineering offers. We all had a brilliant time on the day and I learnt so much about careers in engineering and the different paths you can take with this subject. When we arrived we were split into groups and directed to a conference room for a quick presentation by the event organisers. The ‘Engineering Your Future’ event is organised collectively by the many Institutes of Chartered Engineers to raise awareness of the vast number of engineering disciplines and university courses available. There were five different workshops to attend throughout the day including a workshop on
civil engineering, where Civil Engineering students talked about their subject. We were then given a task to build the tallest freestanding tower made out of wooden skewers and sweets! The next workshop was organised by army volunteers where, once again, they gave a brief explanation of what they do, then gave us a task to build a bridge out of the materials which they provided. There was a workshop that was centred around virtual reality and how it may be used to create virtual prototypes of planes and other projects at BAE Systems. At lunch time there were representatives from different universities and companies. You could talk to engineers and they offered advice on how to use an engineering qualification after you leave school.
After lunch we all went to the remaining workshops that were offered, including one on mechanical seals, where we were given a time limit to assemble a real seal. At the end of the day we were then given time, in our groups, to ask the group leaders and other volunteers at BAE questions. After that, we went back to the main hall for a small presentation about what working at BAE involved. BAE thanked the schools for joining them on the day and the staff and everyone who made the day possible. Our school got so close to winning an amazing prize of a drone as we had two nominations, but sadly the prize went to another school. Everyone who went on the trip agrees that it was very inspirational and well worth attending. Bethany Gardner, Year 11
SCHOLARSHIP
ARKWRIGHT SCHOLARS
An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship of its type in the UK and aims to inspire and nurture school-age students to be the country’s future leaders of the Engineering Profession. More than 400 of the country’s most talented students have been honoured at ceremonies as they received scholarships from one of the UK’s leading engineering programmes. The Scholarships are awarded to high-calibre 16 year old students through a rigorous selection process and supports students through the two years of their A-levels. Every Scholarship is sponsored by a commercial company, trade association, university, professional institution, armed service, government organisation, worshipful company, charitable trust or personal donor. This means
that support is offered in various ways, for example, valuable hands-on work experience, support for a curriculum project and a personal mentor who can help with aspects of study and career planning. During 2019, 400 scholarships were awarded, of which LGGS students gained 5, as a recognition of the achievement of our students in Engineering and related STEM subjects. This year’s scholars join Rhiann (our 2018 scholar) to make our total in the Sixth Form a record 6. They are Megan, Hannah, Emily, Gauri and Hannah. Students hand-picked from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have achieved a coveted Arkwright Engineering Scholarship award. A total of 415 scholars will receive financial and mentoring support through their A-levels , as part of a drive to inspire
future leaders in engineering. The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships is a programme from national STEM education charity, the Smallpeice Trust, which has been providing scholarships to students since 1991. Since its inception, more than 5,700 young people have passed through the scholarship programme, including award-winning BBC presenter Steph McGovern, who forged a career at Black & Decker before moving into business journalism. This year more than 1,370 students aged between 15 and 16 years old applied, following nominations from their schools. Scholarships were awarded to 126 female students, representing 30.4% of all 2019 Arkwright scholars. The total number of Arkwright Scholarships awarded to LGGS students since 1997 is an impressive 47. www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/
TECHNOLOGY On 10th October, having won through their heat in February, eight Year 10 students competed at the NW Regional Grand Final of the Institute of Manufacturing Make It Challenge 2019 at Old Trafford Football Stadium in Manchester. The challenge this year was to design an aircraft and create a prototype of a shuttle used to transport plane pieces during manufacture. We decided to keep all the roles of the team members similar to last time; Jenni and Abi as design engineers who created the prototype and blueprint, Kate as finance manager, Katie in charge of quality control, Charlotte as logistics director, Aru as project manager, and Nancye and Daisy worked on the brand of our aircraft. We had a budget and a deadline for when the plane had to be finished, which Kate, Charlotte and Katie worked on. Firstly, we began the prototype of the shuttle, worked on our brand and designed our aircraft. We decided to make a commercial aircraft with the name Biaero, as our unique selling point would be that our plane is a hybrid, using biofuel and electricity to reduce the world’s carbon footprint. We used lightweight, high quality materials such as carbon fibre and titanium to make our plane. Next we had to design an air flight path to test
our plane on. After lunch we had half an hour to finish working on our pitch. Our pitch was to 3 dragons; 3 judges who are experienced in manufacturing and work for different companies. We finished the day with the announcements of 1st and 2nd place. We had come 2nd! We then got the train and came back to LGGS with a new trophy to add to the display cabinet. Jenni Race
MAKE IT NW GRAND FINAL
CAREERS
CAREERS CONVENTION On Tuesday 12th November LGGS held their Careers Convention for Year 10 - Year 12 students. The evening was very well attended with pupils taking the opportunity to attend talks and visit stands, where they received advice and guidance from a range of different career areas. It was pleasing to hear a lot of positive conversations and discussions about different careers in the days following the event. We are very grateful to all the professionals that gave up their time to attend the evening. I would like to extend particular thanks to parents who volunteered to run a stand which contributed to such as successful evening. Mr D Green
HEALTH MORNING On Wednesday 4th December all Year 10 students participated in the careers and health morning. They attended a careers session where they were given advice around careers in psychology. The two health related sessions covered a session delivered by the police on the impact of knife crime and gangs in the local
community. The second session was a classroom based session where they participated in discussions around healthy relationships. Advice and guidance was given during both health sessions that will allow Year 10 to have more awareness about these important issues. Mr D Green
DONATE TO LGGS AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOURSELF ! WHEN PURCHASING HOLIDAYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY & CLOTHES ONLINE IF YOU PURCHASE VIA SCHOOL ANGEL … A PERCENTAGE IS DONATED TO LGGS (see link at bottom of LGGS website’s Home Page)
Total Raised: £2436.91
CHARITY
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY Our students take a great pride in supporting a wide range of charities and this year’s Christmas Jumper day was no exception. Cakes were baked, raffles were organised and craft stalls appeared at lunchtime in the Main Hall which was soon buzzing with students dressed in brightly coloured Christmas jumpers queuing to make a purchase. Forms and Houses were represented as were staff and students raising funds for their chosen charity. A big thank you to The Charity Team who oversaw the event and to everyone at school for supporting the Team. Mrs M. Roberts
CHARITY
CHILDREN IN NEED
Total raised £1711.26 …. thank you everyone for helping to raise this amazing total
MASTERCLASS
OXFORD MASTERCLASS FOR RS A-LEVEL STUDENTS In November 2019 LGGS Religious Studies A-level students travelled to Manchester for an Oxford Masterclass. This challenged students to consider what is true, to question their own beliefs and to promote reflection on existential questions. They took part in four masterclasses on subjects including “To hell and back in 45 minutes“ and the “The Twilight of Atheism” It was a fantastic opportunity for students to hear world class academics speaking on a range of thought provoking issues. Students particularly enjoyed Professor Daphne Hampson’s talk on the concept of “God and Religious Language”.
“Daphne Hampson’s talk really stood out as the topic was extremely relevant to our everyday lives and she was extremely passionate about her subject. She drew on subjects such as race and gender which I believe deserve to be talked about. Addressing these in regards to religion made it even more interesting and thought provoking.”
COMPETITION
YEAR 7 SPELLING BEE 2019
This year's Spelling Bee (as always) was a closely-contested affair, with an amazing standard of accuracy. So much so, in fact, that by the end of the school day on Thursday 21st November there were still three contestants remaining: Sophie Halden (7.2), Eva McDade (7.3) and Ayesha Punekar (7.4). These three intrepid spellers took part in fastest finger spelling competition, with Ayesha being declared the overall winner. Sophie has written a few words below . I was entered into the LGGS Spelling Bee by my English teacher, I was worried about it but it was actually good fun and not at all as competitive as I thought it would be! Everyone was so nice and supportive of each other and in the end I made it through to the final, in the end I came joint second but everyone did really well. The LGGS Spelling Bee is an amazing experience for anyone who does it and I’m very happy that I agreed to do it. I have made some very good friends from participating in this event and I hope everyone had as good an experience as I did! Sophie Halden Year 7
“A massive thank you for your hard work in preparing for events throughout this busy term including the Autumn Concert, Performing Arts Festival and the annual Carol Service. Music and performance is one of our many strengths at LGGS and it is all down to you”. Mr P Swannell
COMING SOON www.lggs.org.uk
SIXTH FORM TASTER DAY 4 FEBRUARY APPLICATION DEADLINE:
6 FEBRUARY
FUTURE DATES 2020 DECEMBER 20th School Closes at 1.30pm JANUARY 6th 8th 9th -14th 23rd 25th- 1st
Spring Term French Exchange Parents’ Evening Berlin Visit Information Evening Year 13 mocks Year 9 Parents’ Evening French Exchange
FEBRUARY 4th 4th - 11th 6th 7th- 10th 14th
Sixth Form Taster Day Spanish Exchange Year 13 Parents’ Evening Berlin Visit School Closes for Half Term
24th 27th
School Opens Year 7 Parents’ Evening
SIXT H FOR M