The Spring Bulletin Music Concert by Mr Chapman, Head of Music Department
The Music Department is presenting its annual Spring Concert on Monday, 23rd April in the school’s main assembly hall starting at 6.30 pm. The concert will include solo and ensemble items from students across Years 7 to 13 with many of the school’s music clubs and groups also performing. Seating is based on firstcome first seated! There will be a retiring collection on behalf of the music department.
Parliament Trip ‘press release’: David Blunkett Exclusive by Mrs Crozier, Head of History Department
On Monday, 19th March, 20 Year 12 Politics students set out in the snow to the seat of our democracy, Parliament. In the public gallery of the House of Commons, we heard a junior minister grilled on Russian donations to the Conservative Party by Margaret Hodge and Yvette Cooper. In the Lords, the Select Committee was hearing evidence on the impact of Brexit. Lords from across the Chamber agreed that the UK needed to continue to work with European countries to tackle human trafficking. The most exciting part of the day was 'Political Speed-dating', where Lords, MPs and parliamentary civil servants were grilled by teams of four students David Blunkett with Lizzie S, Henry T, for just a few minutes at a time. All of the contributors were Tegan W, Lauren J, Niamh S. incredibly forthcoming, with Mark Tami, MP (Lab) openly expressing his dismay at voters in his Welsh constituency turning the Lib Dems and then to UKIP, whilst Baroness Uddin spoke passionately about the importance of community activism and how Human Rights movements should avoid becoming fragmented in the face of inter-sectionality. Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade had to leave early for his flight to Hong Kong, however, the highlight for many was their time with Lord Blunkett who spoke extremely openly about the causes of the popularity of Jeremy Corbyn, why he wished he had been more radical in government in relation to devolution and how he believes that, in a global economy, governments are more 'enablers' than Ellen Crozier and James Wilkins with: 'enforcers'. Lord Blunkett and Baroness Uddin asked us to keep Madeleine A, Lois F, Priyana G, Imogen H, in touch in relation to their campaign to raise the profile of Emily H, Lauren J, Louise J, Molly L-M, Citizenship in schools. As Lizzie S commented, 'What surprised Joshua L-E, Niamh P, Niamh S, Elizabeth S, us most was that they were really normal. We could see ourselves Casper T, Aimee T, Henry T, Tegan W, Evie W, Molly W, Eleanor W. in their shoes in a few years time.' Especial thanks should go to Mr Wilkins for his seamless organisation of what proved to be an
A Level Religious Studies Revision Conference Trip
On the 22nd March Year 12 and 13 RS students travelled to London for an A level Religious Studies conference. The day was thoroughly engaging and helpful, consisting of talks focusing on particular philosophical questions, such as “Is it wrong to believe in a God whose existence can’t be proven?”, and revision tips that will be very valuable when revising for A Level examinations. Both Dr Peter Vardy (former Vice Principal of Heythrop College, University of London) and his wife Charlotte Vardy (Theology and Philosophy teacher) lectured at the event and they were very interesting to listen to. Overall, it was a Dr Peter Vardy with (l-r) Katie K, Abigail P, great day and we all acquired new revision skills and knowledge that Magda F, Emily J, Jasmine S, Charlotte W, Ella J. will aid us in our studies. By Charlotte W, Year 12.
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