CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL ITS MAGAZINE #11 April 2017

IN THE

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2017

GOLD MEDAL VISIT ALSO INSIDE: STEMFEST CHS CHOOSES LOVE YEAR OF READING SPORTING SUCCESS

HELLO...

Welcome to the latest edition of In the Spotlight. As you will see in this edition there was a lot going on around school during the Spring Term.

Throughout the first two weeks back after February half term, we held STEMfest which saw a fortnight of special events linked to Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths, designed to inspire students to study these subjects post 16 and to consider different career options.

In March, we were delighted to welcome Olympic cyclist and gold medal winner, Joanna Rowsell Shand, to Chorlton High School. A lucky group of Year 7 students got the chance to cycle the Fallowfield Loop with the Olympic cyclist and most importantly see those Olympic gold medals!

2017 marks the National Literacy Trust’s READ Manchester campaign which aims to boost literacy levels across the city. Over the Spring Term we have been promoting reading across the school through a number of events and activities.

The Spring Term has been particularly successful for the PE Department with a number of fantastic student achievements in swimming, cross country and netball.

Thank you to all the staff and students who made the Spring Term successful, creative and happy. We now look forward to the achievements the Summer Term will bring.

CHRISTINE TAGGART COMMUNITY AND MARKETING OFFICER AND IN THE SPOTLIGHT EDITOR

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

YEAR OF READING

STEMFEST

CYCLING AT CHS

1

2-3

WORLD BOOK DAY

CHS CHOOSES LOVE

4-5 5

6-7

CODE BREAKERS

8

CHESTER ZOO 9 SCHOOL DIRECT 10-11

SPORTING SUCCESS

12-13

STEMFEST During this year’s STEMfest, Chorlton High School students were provided with a wide range of activities to enthuse them in the STEM subjects. These subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are now important more than ever: with the Northern Powerhouse initiative being implemented in Manchester as well as many other towns and cities surrounding the region, careers in the STEM sector are showing the largest growth.

Our Year 7s opened up STEMfest by visiting a planetarium set up in our Blue Box theatre. Here, students got to observe many aspects of our galaxy and appreciate how vast the universe is.

Following this, some of our Year 8 girls took part in an engineering event where they had to use their construction and design skills to build a large wooden pyramid base using simple repeating three dimensional shapes.

Year 10 students got the opportunity to go to a lecture given by a junior doctor. As part of this engaging talk, students learnt about what it takes to become a doctor, what the progression into medicine is like and how demanding studying medicine can be.

KS3 students took part in a bake sale to raise money for the for The Christie Charity - all of the cakes made sold really well and they looked fantastic. We have already raised well over a £100 and are continuing to raise money through further donations.

A select group of Year 7 students got the chance to write their own spells to help them carry out a selection of ‘magic’ scientific experiments as part of a special Harry Potter themed event. In addition to this, a further group of Year 7 students were invited to spend the afternoon at the Museum of Science and Industry to look at the scientific history of Greater Manchester.

Our Year 8s were invited to an event held at the University of Manchester, aimed at inspiring students to consider studying at degree level. Here, students visited a science fair led by PhD researchers, a workshop on antibiotics and immunity followed by a lecture given by a professor in meteorology. For our students this was the first time they had learned in a lecture format - they listened well and really enjoyed this new experience!

To bring STEMfest to a close, our Year 10 students took part in a special STEM networking event. Here, students got the opportunity to meet with STEM professionals from the local community. We had 24 visitors into school, the most yet, including GPs, transport engineers, primatologists, and microbiologists.

Thank you to everyone who helped make STEMfest a big success - we hope students now feel more encouraged to consider STEM subjects and have a better understanding of these subjects both within and beyond school!

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CYCLING AT CHS

GOLD MEDAL VISIT On Thursday 2nd March 2017, we were delighted to welcome Olympic cyclist, Joanna Rowsell Shand, to Chorlton High School.

Joanna’s visit was organised by Sustrans to promote the Big Pedal, an inter-school cycling competition, which we took part in at the end of March. As one of the ten schools and colleges participating in Transport for Greater Manchester’s Cycle Schools and Colleges Project 2016-2017, we were lucky to be chosen to host this exciting event!

A group of Year 7 students got the opportunity to go on a cycle ride with Joanna along the Fallowfield Loop and, most importantly, got a chance to see those impressive Olympic gold medals! The students involved had a fantastic afternoon and we hope this has enthused and inspired them to get cycling!

“It was a great experience having Joanna Rowsell Shand at Chorlton High School – we hope she enjoyed it as much as we all did. We were all inspired to cycle more after our bike ride with her around the Fallowfield Loop. We realised why cycling is a great sport for your mental and physical well-being” SHANTI SINGH – YEAR 7 “We’re so honoured that Joanna Rowsell Shand, one of the most successful British cyclists of our generation, is backing the Sustrans Big Pedal for the second year running. She’s won gold medals at London and Rio, but always has time to encourage more young people to get on their bikes and cycle to school. It

was great to hear how cycling had really built her confidence as a teenager, and that she still enjoys meeting friends for a sociable bike ride as well as cycling very fast around a track! I hope that pupils at Chorlton High felt as inspired by her visit as I did – and that it motivates even more of them to cycle to school during the Big Pedal at the end of March!”

ALICE SWIFT – SCHOOLS ENGAGEMENT OFFICER, TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER

I really enjoyed the feeling you get when you’re pelting around the track with the air blowing in your face.

For that one moment I felt like I was flying!

LOUIS MCCORMACK, YEAR 7

TRACK CYCLING Twelve high achieving students from Year 7 & 8 were selected to represent CHS in the Manchester Schools Track Cycling Championships.

The tournament consists of four track sessions. During session one students were given an introduction on how to use track bikes which are more difficult than normal road or mountain bikes. They learnt cycling techniques, how to strap their feet in to their pedals, how to set off, speed up safely, slow down, how to cycle the bends and how to unclip out of the pedals. At the end of the session all students completed a fast lap time trial.

Sessions two to four involved competing head to head with other schools including Cedar Mount High School, Loreto High School and Wright Robinson Sports College. This involved one student from each school racing for one lap from a stop start, with a point awarded to the rider who completes the lap first.

The school who wins the most races wins the contest. The CHS team did fantastically, winning two of the three races and finishing in second place.

“CHS students have displayed discipline, power and good technique, resulting in smooth, technically strong laps.”

MR BROWNSELL, HEAD OF PE

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CHS YEAR OF READI READ MANCHESTER Beware! Readers needed! Chorlton High School is one of many schools in Manchester taking part in Read Manchester, a campaign involving Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust, which aims to promote reading and boost literacy across the city. Watch out for promotions going on in school, in a bid to encourage, cajole, excite, persuade and inspire students and staff to read more in 2017. If you haven’t picked up a book in a while and you never know what to choose, then CHS library can help.

Promotions will be going on throughout the year and you aren’t going to be able to miss them. Get the tissues out for books that make you cry, learn some valuable information in books that save your life, prepare to see things differently in books that change your life and peep through your fingers at books that chill and thrill. There is something for everyone and books can help you to relax, escape or learn something new. It’s never too late to start reading whatever age you are, so why not start this year?

HARRY POTTER QUIZ NIGHT February saw our most successful Harry Potter Quiz night yet. Fifteen teams of four, clashed wands, as they battled it out over 7 rounds, in the Harry Potter Book Night Bumper Quiz – for superfans.

You certainly had to be a superfan to keep up, as the questions kept on coming and it just goes to show that Harry Potter is as popular as ever with staff and students. In the preceding days, students were seen “revising” for the quiz, pouring over facts and details that could possibly come up. It was a hard fought battle, but the Year 11 team, The Holyhead Harpies came out on top. “We finally won a quiz night in the library” said Manvi Mankhala “after many years of trying.” It wasn’t just the older students who took part though, there were many teams of Year 7 students.

“I really enjoyed it” said Jake Webster “Despite not winning, my team came a respectable fourth place. Thanks to Ms Hockey and Ms Coates for all their hard work organising the quiz.” The best dressed of the night was Ms Fletcher, who wore a fantastic Harry Potter dress showing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thank you to all who took part and congratulations at last to Manvi Mankhala, Ellie Cole, Ruby Tait and Delilah Wallbank who finally triumphed.

ING WHOLE SCHOOL SHORT STORY Who doesn’t love a short story?

Particularly one that grips you from the very first sentence, building up the suspense and finally revealing an unexpected twist at the end that makes you gasp.

Students in Years 7-9 were treated to just such a short story on World Book Day, as each lesson, they were read a short part from The Hitchhiker by Anthony Horowitz,

with the culmination in Period 5. “This was the first time, we had read a story throughout the day” said Ms Hockey “it worked so well, I’m already thinking about which story to choose next.” If you like short stories, then why not pop into the library, where there is a great selection.

£WBD BOOKS AT CHS English lessons on World Book Day were transformed as students in Years 7-9 were able to exchange their £1 WBD tokens for one of the £1 WBD books written specially for the occasion.

Authors on offer, included, Michael Grant, David Almond, Jaqueline Wilson, David Walliams, Francesca Simon and Enid Blyton.

“David Walliams was the most popular” said Ms Coates, who helped give out the books.

“There was a wonderful buzz in the lessons and it was great to see all the students reading afterwards.”

CAUGHT READING! It is not just students who need to be reading more, members of staff were caught reading on the staff INSET day at the end of February, which focused on… yes you guessed it… reading!

Staff were given an hour to practice what they preach, and read for pleasure. Some staff were snapped hiding behind their books for the annual photographic competition and students had to identify who was who. Well done to all those who took part and huge congratulations and Easter eggs to Callum Denny (Year 8) who won the competition and Molly Campbell (Year 7) and Nancy Darnley (Year 7) who were worthy runners up.

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CHS CHOOSES

Since November 2016, Chorlton High students, staff, parents and the local community have come together to help support the refugee crisis in France. Miss Quinn has been volunteering her time over the Christmas and February holidays, and our school has supported her by doing numerous fundraising events and activities, raising much needed funds for children and families currently living in the Dunkirk Refugee Camp. To date we have raised over £3,200!

A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER

CHOOSE LOVE CHARITY CONCERT On Tuesday 14th February, Chorlton High School chose love!

As a school, we stood together in solidarity for love not hate.

We showed this by running numerous events and activities as well as wearing wrist bands and badges to pledge our love for the world around us.

On Thursday 16th February, ten brave students led by Sarah Alrashidi in Year 11 completed a bare foot walk on the school grounds to raise money. The students raised over £100.

The students wanted to symbolise the treacherous journey refugees have to make, sometimes bare foot, every day to get their family to safety. And so, they removed their shoes and socks and walked bare foot for an hour on the cold, wet ground.

Students spent the time discussing how refugees are treated and how difficult their lives must be to simply try and reach a safe place to live, away from war, soldiers, death and destruction.

They were incredibly empathetic, mature and sensitive throughout the entire project and held thought provoking discussions and debates.

A talented group of Year 8 girls organised an entire Choose Love charity concert. The concert comprised of Dance, Drama and Music to celebrate love for the world on Valentine’s Day. The concert was a huge success raising over £600 in just one night. Staff and our audience were wowed by the professionalism of the acts and the organisation of the event. Our students demonstrated their true ability to take charge and make a change!

Other exciting events included bake sales, sponsored silences, form breakfasts, lollipop deliveries and wrist band and badge sales. Students from all year groups pulled together to really show the community that as a school we care, we understand what is going on in the world and we want to make a change.

LOVE...

MISS QUINN ON TOUR CHRISTMAS VISIT All of the donations we gathered from students, staff, parents and the local community were greatly received. We were able to hand over priority items that went directly to the refugees in Calais and Dunkirk.

One of myw jobs over Christmas was to patrol train stations and bus stops to check that new arrivals had what they needed; gloves, scarves, hats and coats.

People were arriving in France for the first time and it was a freezing -1 degrees in the day. With the money raised we were able to purchase train and bus tickets for refugees trying to get to official and unofficial camps and and helped ensure they were met with warmth and friendliness.

We visited the official Dunkirk Camp where 2,000 refugees have been ‘housed’. Residents live and sleep in ply wood huts and our job on this trip was to attempt to damp proof the huts and remove dangerous mould where needed.

When we started the job, we did not realise just how bad some of the huts were. The huts are not fit for purpose.

They had thick green and black mould growing on them (inside and out), they were not weather proofed and certainly not suitable to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The realisation suddenly dawned on us just how many families live here. Some news reports focus on hordes of men in Calais and Dunkirk, yet all I saw was children. Children who are cold and scared and just want to feel and be safe.

The attitudes, strength and spirit of the people at Dunkirk truly is inspirational. To rise above their situation and still be able to play with their children, give you a smile as they walk for food and water, really is unbelievable.

The attitudes, strength and spirit of the people at Dunkirk truly is inspirational. To rise above their situation and still be able to play with their children, invite you in for tea and cashew nuts (a delicacy in the camp), give you a smile as they walk for food and water, have a laugh and joke with you really is unbelievable. The young children play, mostly unaware of their situation and live the best that they can.

They have rules and behaviour policies but as it is a drop in centre and children are allowed to come and go throughout the day and volunteers change weekly so it is very difficult to uphold these routines. When it was good, it was amazing: sitting and doing art work, eating snacks and when it was bad you saw the true impact the war and being displaced is having on these children.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM VISIT

From the women in the women’s centre, we heard many sad, horrifying stories about why people have left their country and the long, perilous journey they have taken to end up here. Some families are suffering with carbon monoxide poisoning from the petrol heaters provided to them, some are trying to enter the UK illegally in extremely dangerous ways and some have accepted that this could be their life for the near future.

Our time spent on the refugee camp this time was very different. Conditions had not improved and we found that basic human needs were not being met. It was an emotional roller-coaster working with the women and children of the camp.

Children are suffering here. They are cold, many are ill and it is only going to get worse. Some of the children here have such anger inside of them. They don’t know how to deal with being forced to grow up at such a fast rate that they lash out. They have social, emotional and behavioural needs that are not being met and unfortunately possibly never will. The children’s centre itself is great and the volunteers are amazing but it does have its issues that are out of their control.

But, yet again, despite all of this people do have hope! You do see children playing outside like children, the women are proud and stand strong, the men are humble when you offer help and everyone is completely and utterly grateful for anything you do.

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CRACKING CODE BREAKERS

Between October and December 2016, Chorlton High School’s code breaking extracurricular club took part in the University of Southampton’s National Cipher Challenge.

The competition required our students to decode a series of encrypted messages which told a story. This year the students had to work hard to unravel the mysterious death of a young scientist with points awarded for speed and accuracy.

As successful code-breakers during the competition, the students were invited to attend the National Cipher Challenge Awards at the home of code breaking – Bletchley Park.

Billy and Harry gave their verdict of the visit to Bletchley Park: “In Code Breaking Club we decipher codes and encrypted messages which is quite challenging but very fun do to when you get it right. You don’t really have to be very good at Maths to do decrypting but it definitely helps. We went to Bletchley Park today which is a historical spot as it was where Alan Turing and his team worked on, and then cracked, the German Enigma code. I thought the trip was interesting because it was good to see this place which I’d only learnt about and never actually seen. I got to see how the Turing Bombe machine worked and the science behind the victory of the war” BILLY HARRISON- YEAR 9

MATHS CHAMPIONS Over 250,000 students from more than 3,000 schools and colleges across the UK participated in the Intermediate Maths Challenge last month.

Congratulations to Year 9 students Sian Hardman, Beth Edwards, Joe Bentall, Charlie Piekarski, Luke Roche, Eloise Massey and Sasha Friedenthal for earning bronze certificates all with scores between 47 and 59.

The questions were all about thinking and aim to really enhance problem solving skills. The very top scores in the country earned certificates and some students were even invited to compete further in follow-on competitions.

Samuel Whatmore’s amazing score of 69 earned him a silver certificate, along with Theo Symons Treacher with a score of 75.

This year, Chorlton High school have been highly successful in the competition with 9 of the 65 students winning certificates.

Theo’s high score has put him through to the Kangaroo Challenge which only 3,000 students in the entire competition qualified for this so we wish him the best of luck in the next stages.

“Every Thursday we went to Code Club to take part in the National Cypher Challenge set by the University of Southampton. Today was the award ceremony in Bletchley Park which is where Alan Turing and his team defeated the enigma code which some people say reduced the time of WW2 by up to 4 years! In the competition there were almost 50,000 contestants, totalling up to around 7,500 separate teams.

Considering we came 89th isn’t half bad for a few Year 9s! I won’t forget the trip today, meeting Simon Sing (a famous Maths author and Journalist) and his talk about Maths in the past really inspired me, and it won’t be a trip I will be forgetting anytime soon.”

HARRY WILSON – YEAR 9

EXPLORING HABITATS AT CHESTER ZOO

It was sad to see how endangered these beautiful animals are in the world and this trip really made me want to do more to help the other inhabitants of the Earth.

ABIGAIL POLE, YEAR 8

“I loved the Chester Zoo trip. We saw animals from all over the world from penguins to monkeys and lions to flamingos. What an inspiring day.”

ELLA MCAFFER, YEAR 8 “I was incredibly excited about the Chester Zoo trip. We saw so many beautiful and amazing animals that I had never seen before. My personal favourites included the adorable rock hyrax, baby rhino and the very rare okapi. We were face to face with orangutans and saw beautiful tropical fish. It was sad to see how endangered these beautiful animals are in the world and this trip really made me want to do more to help the other inhabitants of the Earth. The trip was a real success and I was incredibly inspired by my day.”

ABIGAIL POLE, YEAR 8

In the final term of Year 7, pupils studied, ‘Fragile Environments’, a topic that focuses on the habitats and ecosystems of our planets most endangered wildlife. They looked at the threats facing these areas and how global organisations such as the WWF are seeking to protect and conserve such fragile environments. Less than a year later and pupils were experiencing these issues first hand by exploring the habitats of some of the most endangered species at Chester Zoo. Pupils explored exotic bird species in the monsoon rainforest; orangutans in the ape house and a very relaxed Sumatran tiger in the Islands experience, to name but a few highlights. The variety of animals and quality of their enclosures was exceptional and gave pupils a clear sense of the real-life habitats of each animal.

“Whenever I hear the words ‘Chester Zoo’ my whole body feels like I have wings like an ostrich or flippers like a penguin. We all stepped off the coach to a land of dreams and we almost immediately saw an elephant and its calf – it was so cute!

The wonderful Mr Scott was our tour guide, and we saw all the animals we wanted to see. We went on a boat ride as well and we were only 10 feet away from a tiger! I would definitely go again, so future Year 8 look out for the zoo trips!”

ELEANOR MAHER, YEAR 8

“The day was a massive success and if the regular sounds of “oooooh” and “aaah” were any indication of enjoyment from the pupils, then I would say that they all had a great day and learned a lot.

The Geography Department all agree that it is a firm favourite for Year 8 next year.”

MR SCOTT, GEOGRAPHY TEACHER

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

JOIN OUR SCHOOL DIRECT TEAM Chorlton High School continues to build on its success as an outstanding ITT provider by leading the Manchester Teaching School Alliance (MTSA) School Direct course. School Direct is a year-long, school-based teacher training programme where you choose your provider and become an Associate Teacher in a school from the very first day of your training. The Manchester Teaching School Alliance brings together primary and secondary schools across South Manchester, and works in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.

School Direct Trainees spend 22 days in University, 18 days on school-based training and have 120 days teaching experience. You join the school on the first day back in September for INSET training as a member of staff in your curriculum area. We have a wide range of subjects available and have successfully recruited English, Geography, History, PE, Art, French and Spanish for 2017/18.

Through our School Direct programme we develop passionate, inspiring and outstanding professionals who are dedicated to pursuing success for our children. We create resilient, caring and emotionally intelligent role models and lifelong learners who fulfil their own potential.

The award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is awarded after meeting each of the teaching standards. Evidence gathered to substantiate each of the standards comes from all assessments,

assignments and observations completed during your training. You will have less University assignments compared to traditional PGCE routes due to the fact you have more teaching practice.

WHAT CAN THE MTSA SCHOOL DIRECT PROGRAMME OFFER YOU?

• Trained mentors supporting every aspect of your professional development • Weekly professional studies sessions facilitated by outstanding teachers, centred around issues directly related to teaching and learning in urban schools • Meetings with other Associate Teachers from a wide trainee network across Manchester • Regular pedagogical training sessions at Manchester Metropolitan University • Gaining Qualified Tutor Status (QTS), a PGCE, and Masters level credits

• Support with further professional development in your first year of teaching • Weekly sessions including safeguarding, behaviour management, assessment, teaching SEN and EAL students, narrowing the gap and NQT recruitment.

We are looking to recruit Associate Teachers who are dedicated to pursuing success for children across Manchester. If you are interested in joining our School Direct programme please visit the Chorlton High School website for more information on how to apply.

We still have vacancies available for 2017/18 in Maths, Science and Technology.

Our Associate Teachers are lifelong learners who want to fulfil their potential both in the classroom and in their professional development. Our current trainees all have varied backgrounds. Some had previously been employed as Teaching Assistants within a school before coming to train, others came straight from university, and others were careerchangers who had worked in another field before

training to teach. We had applications from mature students, from those who had worked overseas, people who have had a career break and from candidates who were relocating to the Manchester area.

Some of our current and future School Direct Trainees gave their perspective on their experience so far...

NAME: LAURA CALLAGHAN SUBJECT: History 2016-17

NAME: SARAH DOBSON

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: I was a Teaching Assistant at Chorlton High for a year before applying for the School Direct position. I took the TA position alongside my part time job in a clothes shop to find out if the career would be for me.

SUBJECT: Science – Biology 2016-17

WHY SCHOOL DIRECT? I chose School Direct because I felt that a majority ‘on the job’ training would be the most valuable. When you apply to a specific alliance it gives you the chance to understand the specific school context and environment.

POSITIVE ASPECTS: This year has been hard work but amazing. You learn so much in such a short space of time and feel well supported from the beginning. Having constant support and advice about your conduct in lessons and lesson planning means you find it easier to improve. Chorlton High make you feel like a valued part of the team from your first day, and that support really gives you the encouragement to carry on.

RECRUITMENT: I am currently looking for a History NQT position. I am confident and excited to apply and would really like to teach in a school that is as similar to Chorlton as possible, in a ‘truly comprehensive’ environment with both friendly staff and students.

NAME: NICO GIOVAGNOLI SUBJECT: Spanish 2017-18 PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Teacher of Italian as a foreign language WHY SCHOOL DIRECT? I think that the School Direct programme is the best option for someone that, like me, has decided to start a career in education. School Direct offers a balanced approach to practical teaching and theory; it gives trainees the opportunity to be part of the school since day one.

POSITIVE ASPECTS: I haven’t started the course yet. However, I recently began to work as a Curriculum Support Assistant at CHS. I think that the next few months will be an extremely valuable experience that will allow me to get involved in the school, get to know the staff and the students and get me prepared for my training year.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: I was a volunteer at the Northmoor Community Centre in Longsight for their homework club. I helped students aged 8-16 years with any school work or homework within an informal learning environment. I was also a volunteer at the Wow Zone within Wythenshawe Community Centre. Here I was aiding a KS2, Year 6 class on a 6-week literacy and reading project.

WHY SCHOOL DIRECT? I chose the School Direct route as I felt it offered a more in school experience. I had already had the opportunity to visit Chorlton High and got a great feel for the school and the Science Department.

POSITIVE ASPECTS: So far I have found the individual support from staff at Chorlton High, and my block B school, to be amazing. Everyone has been really helpful and positive, helping me to progress on the course.

RECRUITMENT: I recently attended an interview for a position that became available in Chorlton High School’s Science Department and got a NQT job there starting in September.

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SPORTING SUCCE NETBALL CHAMPIONS Throughout the Spring Term the Year 9 Girl’s Netball Team has been on a winning streak. With 8 wins and 1 draw, the undefeated team won the Manchester Schools Netball League and are well on track to bring back more successes to CHS!

“Last year the Year 8 girls’ Netball Team became the first Chorlton High School Netball team to win the Manchester Championship, so coming back in Year 9 we were even more determined to do well.

So far this year we have won the league and are on our way to winning the Championships again. This all wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support and co-operation from the teachers and the school.

We would especially like to thank the PE teachers and our amazing coaches Miss Healey and Miss Williams for leading strong training sessions and always helping us develop as a team. Not only do they look after the Year 9s they are also really helpful with their Year 7 team – creating more winners! We are so happy to be able to lead Chorlton High to victory!”

BY IRIS YASIN (CAPTAIN) AND JORDAINE BAINE (VICE CAPTAIN)

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS On Wednesday 15th January, 16 runners from Chorlton High School competed against other schools across Manchester in a cross country competition.

Everyone showed real grit and determination.

The Year 7 boys’ team ran brilliantly and were awarded silver medals with Louis McCormick finishing well out in 1st place and Charlie Massey (4th) and Harry Smith (9th) both finishing in the top 10.

ESS SWIMMING SUCCESS “The Year 9 Netball Team have excelled themselves this year. Their hard work and dedication to training each week has meant that for the first time Chorlton High School have won the 1st division of the Manchester Schools Netball League. We have had some very strong competition, but the girls took every match in their stride, without losing a single game. This is a true accomplishment and one that the PE Department are very proud of! I must give a special thanks to the Year 9 Captain Iris Yasin and her ViceCaptain Jordaine Bain for their outstanding contributions to not just their own team, but also to all the lower years’ Netball Teams. The Year 9 Netball Team are currently through to the semi-finals of the Manchester knock-out tournament. It would be absolutely amazing to win the double title, and I have a very firm belief that we could do… Watch this space!”

MISS HEALEY, PE TEACHER

The Year 8/9 boys team stormed to victory with Joe Bentall finishing 1st followed by Theo Symons Treacher in 3rd place, Seb Patrick in 5th place and Tom Bentall in 8th place. There were also fantastic efforts from the Year 8/9 girls’ team. A big well done to everyone who took part. The success for our cross country runners doesn’t end there – Seb Patrick, Joe Bentall and Louis McCormick have all qualified for the North West team who will compete in the National Championships!

“We have a very talented cross country team at Chorlton, and they should be very proud of their effort and commitment not only during the race, but also in their training outside of school. They are proof that hard work brings rewards. They are now ready to compete on a National level in the schools’ cup next year.”

MR GOSLING, PE TEACHER

Throughout the Spring Term we have been overwhelmed with the success of our swimming team.

In February, CHS swimmers took part in a Citywide Team Swimming event which saw an absolutely fantastic set of results: • Reuben Rowbotham-Keating won the KS3 boys butterfly.

• Tom Winter won the KS3 boys breaststroke.

• Alex Evanson came third in the KS3 boys backstroke.

• Charlie McNulty came third in the KS3 boys freestyle.

• The KS3 boys’ team (Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, Tom Winter, Alex Evanson, Charlie McNulty, Ellis Greenaway) won the freestyle relay and medley relay.

• Anna O’Brien won the KS3 breaststroke.

• The KS3 girls’ team (Anna O’Brien, Marina Guardascione, Hannah JowellMcHugh, Katy Robinson) came third in the freestyle relay and in the medley relay.

In March, our swimmers were back on winning form at the Manchester Swimming Championships with yet more amazing results and breaking several records in the process!

• Luke Roche won the KS3 boys freestyle, setting a new record.

• Rueben Rowbotham-Keating won the KS3 boys butterfly, setting a new record.

• In the KS3 boys breaststroke, first, second and third went to Tom Roche, Alfie Jones and Tom Winter respectively.

Tom also set a new record for the KS3 boys breaststroke.

• Alex Evanson won the KS3 boys backstroke.

• Rueben Rowbotham-Keating won the KS3 boys individual medley, setting a new record.

• Alfie Marrs won the KS4 boys freestyle and the KS4 boys fly, setting new records for both.

CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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