Spring 2020

Sharing the

Spring 2020

Our Lady’s R.C. High School Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE: The Addams Family Creative Confidence World Book Day Postcards from the War

Plus much more!

Our Lady’s R.C. High School Alworth Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester M9 0RP T: 0161 507 9640 E: admin@olsc.manchester.sch.uk

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Dear parents, carers and friends, Once again, I am delighted to introduce our latest version of the Vision magazine, which contains some of the activities, opportunities and achievements that our students have been involved with this term.

Our Lady’s is a vibrant and uplifting community and I feel thoroughly blessed to spend my working days (and sometimes evenings) here. Easter, more than any other time of the year, epitomises this. From our Lenten services to our ‘Grow a Fiver’ fundraising initiative, the school is full of life and embracing the Gospel message on a daily basis.

I knew that headship would provide its challenges but I never envisaged anything like what the last couple of weeks have brought. The need to respond to a rapidly changing picture is nothing new for educationalists but this has been another level altogether, and it truly has brought the best out in the students and staff of Our Lady’s. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support, empathy and energy which everyone has provided. At the time of writing the country is in lockdown and we have a skeleton staff supporting a small number of key worker’s children. I want to thank all the parents on the front line who are supporting the most vulnerable, looking after the sick and, ultimately, saving lives – I hope our contribution is helping.

Rather than focussing solely on the pandemic, I’d like to take the time to reflect on the term that has just passed and hopefully this will remind you of different times, which I’m sure will be back with us soon.

This term has seen a wealth of activities including the Duke of Edinburgh award which is offered to Year 10 children; both children and staff spent a weekend enjoying outdoor activities at Bibby’s Farm in Chorley to prepare for their bronze award qualification. All Year 7 students visited Manchester Central Library and following a tour

of the iconic building they received their library cards and borrowing privileges. There was also a visit to a ‘Viva Languages’ conference at The University of Manchester to inspire children who are interested in studying languages and Mr Banham took the drama students on an aspirational visit to Pendleton College’s, Ben Kingsley Theatre, to watch ‘Of Mice & Men.’ I hope most of you managed to see ‘The Addams Family’ musical earlier in the year. The performances from the cast were spectacular, with great comic timing, fantastic singing and sharp choreography throughout; the whole production was a joy from start to finish. The actors are supported by a full orchestra which really raises the roof and makes the songs sound wonderful. There are photographs and more details in this edition.

Our annual visit to Savio House went ahead with Year 8 and Year 9 children offered the opportunity to enjoy a 3 day residential retreat in the beautiful Bollington countryside. Whilst there, Savio staff led on outdoor based activities that encouraged reflection and time set aside to be with God. The wellbeing of the students is always my priority and I am delighted to be able to offer this unique experience each year.

Moving forward, it is my ambition to further enhance the experience of our children. We’ve looked closely at our curriculum and are broadening our offer from September. We are also looking to offer more enrichment activities so that all students are able to access as many educational opportunities as possible.

I’d like to thank all parents for their commitment to working in partnership with myself and the staff of the school, at this difficult time this has never mattered more.

I hope the next time I write to you our lives have returned back to normal except, maybe, we will have a greater appreciation for the things that we have previously took for granted.

God Bless

L. Ormsby Headteacher

Editor’s Welcome Message As we move towards the Easter break, it is a good time to reflect on all of our fantastic achievements so far in 2020. The Expressive Arts department have once again put on a fantastic production, this year performing ‘The Addam’s Family’.

A large number of our students have had the chance to explore career paths for post 16 and we have also had a number of visits from talented people across the community. Enjoy!

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SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

Contents Editor’s Welcome Message

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Anthony Crolla

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Table Tennis Champions

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STEM Genius Day

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Teen Tech

5

Pet Wellbeing

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Eureka!

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Students Inspired to Aspire

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Reading for Enjoyment

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The Great Space Share

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The Addam’s Family

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Creative Confidence Workshop

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Creative Confidence Poems 13 Staff Profile: Mrs Cooke

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What can we do with languages?

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Standing Together to Stop Division

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Postcards from the War

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Building Bridges

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Religious Life of the School 19 Bikeability

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Valentines Roses

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Editor: Kirsty McCarten

SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

Anthony Crolla In January, students taking part in Friday’s after-school boxing club were pleasantly surprised when special guest Anthony Crolla paid a visit.

The former WBA lightweight champion made time for some sparring with the club’s attendees and his visit was well received by everyone involved. Thanks to Anthony Crolla for stopping by!

Table Tennis Champions This January, some of our year 8 students, Miya, Faye, Olivia and Darcey beat King David School in the Under 13 Manchester Schools Table Tennis Team Championships.

The girls entered last-minute into the tournament and went on to claim the title of champions. All the girls played brilliantly and Faye and Darcey were quoted as being the

“stand out” players, winning all but two of their games between them. A huge well done to all four girls!

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CAREERS

STEM Genius Day 12 year 9 scientists embarked on an exciting trip to Trafford College in January to take part in an interactive STEM Genius Day. When they arrived, they had a ‘speed dating’ session with some of the STEM ambassadors from science and industry and onsite technology, health and social care practitioners and paramedics. The students then went on to build and test model cars in a session facilitated by Tom from Bloodhound LSR, a company that has set out to set the new land speed record for a car. This workshop encouraged teamwork as the students worked together on problem and design tasks.

After lunch, they considered what higher education is and what GCSE’s are needed to progress onto a STEM degree. Next was a dissection of a pig’s brain, eye, heart, lungs and GI tact in an operating theatre.

The visit was certainly varied and provided a great insight into the diversity of STEM-based careers available.

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SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

CAREERS

Teen Tech On 11 February, 15 of our year 9 students visited Manchester University to participate in a series of ‘Teen Tech’ activities alongside other North West schools. During their visit they were given the chance to look at various STEM careers and find out more about what higher education has to offer.

The group spent the day coding a sphere in order to turn it into a balloon-popping monster! They then worked against the clock with Atkins multi-disciplinary engineering and later looked at what is required to become a radiographer. The students had to use their communication and team work skills in order to complete the tasks, and a fascinating day was had by all involved.

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CAREERS

Pet Wellbeing 12 of our year 9 students were treated to an interesting trip to PDSA, the pet wellbeing centre in Gorton, this term. The students that attended had expressed a keen interest in veterinary science and animal care and were taken on a tour of the retail section, given a chance to meet the head nurse and then the vet. Students were able to ask the vet what subjects she had studied when she was in school.

The day included practical demonstrations such as watching a lump removal on a dog and learning about anesthetiser. They also learned key information, such as the importance of remembering to clean your dog’s teeth!

Later in the day, the students learned about digital imaging, how microchipping works and why it is important and were taught CPR techniques for dogs. The trip offered a fascinating insight into veterinary science, and we would like to thank Manchester Youth Zone and PDSA for facilitating the informative visit.

Eureka!

It was a beautifully bright winter’s day in Halifax on 15 January, and some of our year 9 students were able to venture on a fantastic trip to Eureka. During the visit, the students learned about Early Years and were able to discover what courses are available at Universities as well as which universities run courses in the North West and which colleges offer higher education courses in Early Years.

The group then participated in a discussion of ‘What is Early Years” and the relevant transferable skills from GCSE’s.

On a more practical level, the students made dough which develops muscles in hands in preparation for holding pencils and developing hand-to-eye coordination.

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The trip was very interesting and highly enjoyable, and we would like to thank GM Higher for supporting.

SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

School FOUNDATION SALFORD Trips

Students Inspired to Aspire At Our Lady’s we aim to show our students the diverse range of career options that are open to them when they leave school. Students from year 8 and year 9 have been taking part in the fantastic ‘Inspire to Aspire’ mentoring programme with Salford Foundation. This motivational scheme aims to develop the skills, attitudes and qualities of students by linking them with mentors from local businesses such as JD Sports.

Through a comprehensive mentoring programme the students discovered the skills and attitudes needed to successfully transition from education into the world of work. Working with volunteer business mentors, they took part in interactive activities and discussions. The mentoring programme comprises a number of in-school sessions including team work, time management, self-awareness and resilience, communication and problem solving. The programme is fully structured and resourced, so that the volunteer mentors have the opportunity to personalise the sessions with their own stories and experiences.

I found the trip really interesting because it was full of interesting facts also I like how each job is important.

Jack McVey, year 9

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After completing all sessions the students got the chance to put their new skills into practice before completing the programme with a celebration session held at the mentors’ place of work. At the end of January Mrs Woodcock accompanied the ‘Inspire to Aspire’ group on a trip to the Cabinet Office at Piccadilly Gate to learn about careers in the Civil Service. This visit concluded their eight-week mentoring programme.

I found the trip good because I learnt about lots of jobs and how important those jobs are.

Mark Edwards, year 9

Mrs Woodcock said; “It was fascinating to learn more about the jobs that are so crucial in shaping our day-to-day lives but that we aren’t necessarily conscious of. The students got to hear from staff in a variety of roles and got to see the inner workings of a busy office building, learning that a ‘9-5 desk job’ can be a lot more dynamic and flexible than they might previously have believed.”

There are many routes into the Civil Service and a great deal of choice in terms of following a career path. The Civil Service is divided into departments, which deal with areas such as education, health and defence.

The Civil Service operates across every area of general life so there’s scope to make a positive difference to the lives of the public.

Pursuing a career in the civil service offers the opportunity for students to find a role in an area that they’re passionate about – or skilled in. During their visit the students listened to talks about different areas of the Civil Service and enjoyed an office tour seeing various facilities (including the on-site gym!)

The students involved were then all awarded a certificate at the end of the day. What a wonderful experience for all involved.

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SchoolBOOK WORLD Trips DAY

Reading for Enjoyment Here at Our Lady’s we promote the importance of reading, which has so many educational and life-long learning benefits.

In this day and age when young people are spending so much time on screens we sometimes have to work a little bit harder to encourage that passion for reading that can take them to places they’d otherwise never visit, to allow their imaginations to travel and to increase their vocabulary which, in turn, improves writing.

This January, our year 7 students visited Manchester Central Library to discover the wonderful range of facilities on offer. These visits aim to promote the culture of reading for enjoyment. The library is a great place to go to take out some books, but did you also know you can access computers and even take part in homework clubs outside of school? Manchester Central Library itself boasts an impressive collection of rare books and special collections, and even offers workshops such as ‘Computer Coding for Kids’ and a ‘Sewing club’!

Mr Mottershead, Mr Cope, Mrs Lancaster and Mr Evans also took part in the reading week and students were then quizzed on what different staff members favourite books were.

World Book Day was celebrated on 5 March and is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading. It is designated by UNESCP as a worldwide celebration and is marked in over 100 countries all over the world. This year will be the twenty-third year of World Book Day. Celebrations for World Book Day began in the first week of March when five of our wonderful staff members volunteered their time over break to help promote the importance of reading. The week started with Miss Tkaczuk reading her favourite chapter from ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ by J.K Rowling.

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SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

SchoolTRANSITION PRIMARY Trips

The Great Space Share In January, The Great Space Share took place at St Malachy’s primary school with activities that were out of this world! Students from Our Lady’s joined the Primary School pupils in discovering an interactive space dome and enjoyed a talk from an Astronomer about the Aurora Borealis, the wonderful phenomenon that is otherwise known as the Northern Lights.

Students were then able to work in an investigation area and with Lego Mind Storm, which then allowed students to create fantastic space buggies.

In addition to this fantastic day, students from Miss Wildbure’s class had prepared a presentation which included “Pluto and why it’s not a planet” as well as “Why we have night and day.”

Mrs Tkaczuk, Transition Manager who organised the day had this to say about the event: “The Great Space Share was an opportunity for the children to learn all about space through a range of activities. The Interactive Dome was an amazing experience and all the children listened intently to the talk given by the astronomer.”

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Our Kooky Cast of Superstars Entertain Audiences with Stage Production of The Addams Family Review by Anna Barker “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky, The Addams Family!” They’re also exceptionally talented – our expressive arts students that is.

Once again, the team put together an incredible production that despite being a school version had visitors raving it was worthy of the West-End. Over three nights in February audiences were amazed by the comical and wacky showcase of this spooky family.

Free pre-performance pizza was served in the canteen on the opening night of the show and with such talented performers tickets sales soared. Pupils from Alkrington Primary School in Middleton attended the Wednesday performance accompanied by their Deputy Headteacher Alastair Torr. He said; “What an incredible production. Myself and the children were in awe of the talent on stage and I think the Our Lady’s students have definitely inspired some of our youngsters.”

Having read the feedback I was excited to take my seat at my last Our Lady’s school production on Thursday 6 February and the show reviews were right, I was in for treat.

Right from the offset the scene was set for something spectacular. The Expressive Arts Team built an incredible stage set and the entrance to the school hall set the spooky scene as the audiences arrived. Fantastic creepy artwork adorned the walls of the hall thanks to a special artwork project led

by Transition Manager Miss Tkaczuk with our local primary schools and Our Lady’s students. The orchestra, made up of school

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staff, set the atmospheric mood as the performance opened.

The Addams Family is based on every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness has grown up and fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, an ‘average’ young man from a respectable family. Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother forcing Gomez Addams to do something he’s never done before–keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything changes for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.

The opening scene established the characterisation as the audience were introduced to the members of The Addams Family. The first song ‘When You’re an Addams’ offered more than a glimpse into the idiosyncrasies of this unusual family, giving Uncle Fester played by Philip Cafrey, the chance to show off his dance moves as Gomez instructed; “Line Dance. Bunny Hop. Do the Twist. Rigamortis.” Wednesday

and Lucas are in love and Uncle Fester, with his energetic, child-like approach to life, wants that love to triumph. Philip’s joyous performance was in perfect keeping with this larger-than-life character who, except for the good nature of his family, would ordinarily be under lock and key.

Year 10 student Ciaran Lockwood was incredible as Gomez, the father of The Addams Family who takes great pride in his family and revels in all it means to be an Addams. The audiences were wowed by his polished and self-assured performance with him even singing in accent. His delivery was spot on with quips such as “Wednesday’s growing up. She’ll be Thursday before you know it” served with perfect comedy timing.

Mr Banham, Head of Drama summed it up perfectly when he said: “From a very strong cast, special mention has to go to our leading man; Ciaran Lockwood who played Gomez Addams. His characterisation, singing, movement and general approach to the process from audition to final show were faultless.”

SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

EXPRESSIVE ARTS Chantelle Bandele cut a glamorous and witty figure as Morticia, the real ‘head of The Addams Family and a strong matriarch.

Chantelle’s poised display gave her the opportunity to showcase her beautiful singing voice. Leander McPherson followed up impressive performances in previous Our Lady’s productions, playing Lucas Beineke and brilliantly portraying the struggle he experiences regarding the differences between his family and The Addams Family and revealing he also has a macabre side.

Year 8 Elizabeth Obisesan gave a charming performance as determined Goth Wednesday Addams negotiating the dramas of young love and family expectations. She tells Lucas that she wants her family’s blessing on their relationship. In her first solo performance of the play ‘Pulled’ Elizabeth revealed a powerful voice belting out the song.

Wednesday’s not happy. She just wants to be ‘normal’ which leads into her rendition of ‘One Normal Night’.

The production was fantastic. I am very grateful to all those involved. We have lots of talented children, but special mention must go to Ciaran Lockwood who was outstanding.

Headteacher, Lee Ormsby Lurch played by year 9 student Codi Blundell, really got into character as the family butler and man of few words. In act one his walks across the stage to ‘greet’ Lucas and his parents in his own inimitable style providing a real comedic moment. He walks slowly.

Very slowly! Andreja Bielsykte was sporting a spectacular wig in her role as Grandma and displayed acerbic wit as the aged witch who concocts potions and spells.

Gomez is struggling with keeping a secret from Morticia. She only sees the good in everyone and doesn’t believe he would ever keep a secret. He declares; “I have never kept anything from you. And may lightning strike me..” Right on cue, there is a lightning bolt!

sets him a test to prove he loves her and he blindfolds her and lets her shoot an apple on his head with his crossbow. This caused much amusement as it all played out in slow motion.

Lucas’ Mum Alice is devoted to her family so puts her own desires aside. She has a cold relationship with her husband Mal – a typical stuffy conservative suburban father – so refocuses all her love on Lucas. She’s prone to speaking in rhyme when she’s upset but after taking a potion at The Addams Family dinner, she lets her hair down and finds she can’t rhyme anymore! When a divided Alice and Mal make up they sing ‘Crazier in Love’ reminiscing about how they felt when they were young and in love – the song running alongside Wednesday and Lucas. Hope Sobowale and Joel Sule were both brilliant as the uptight parents of Lucas.

The main cast were supported by a strong chorus line-up representing the Addams Family ancestors. It was lovely to see so many year 7s take part and hopefully they will take the chance to appear in future school productions during their time at Our Lady’s. Year 7 Niamh Bell secured a starring role-playing Pugsley Addams; Wednesday’s danger-seeking younger brother. Her mum Ann Marie Bell watched the production on the opening night. Anne Marie said: “(They) absolutely blew us away last night. Audiences (seeing it on the other nights) are in for a real treat. We have just bought more tickets for Friday. We just have to see it again.”

At the end of the play all the couples are happy together and Uncle Fester declares he wants to unite with his love – the moon!

Keeping the humour right to the end this resulted in him strapping a rocket to his back and launching himself to the moon. What a fitting finale and one that the audience found highly amusing. Yet again, these talented youngsters pulled out all the stops and I, for one, forgot I was sitting in a school hall because the standard of performance was at many points breathtakingly impressive. Thank you to everyone involved for a thoroughly entertaining evening that ended my time as Our Lady’s Marketing Manager on an absolute high. I’ll certainly be looking out for these stars of the future!

Mr Banham and his team worked incredibly hard, as ever, to bring this production to the stage and he was understandably full of pride: “Another year, another outstanding talented bunch of young people came together to astound and entertain. A huge well done to the cast, crew and helpers who brought this latest production together…we are all really proud! As usual we had terrific performances from a large chorus; singing and dancing the big numbers brilliantly plus incredibly high standard performances from our principals. From the production team, thank you to all involved. You are amazing!”

Amazing show with some real superstars who we will one day be seeing in the West End for certain.

Anne Marie Bell, Niamh Bell’s Mum.

The second act opens with Wednesday leaving Lucas when he’s reluctant to run away with her. She’s sick of trying to be ‘normal’.

Continuing with the same audience-pleasing comedic moments as the first act, Wednesday realises she doesn’t want to lose Lucas so

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CREATIVE CONFIDENCE

Creative Confidence Workshop This term we had a visit from Kitty Short from the Creative Confidence workshops, who has written a wonderful blog about her time here at Our Lady’s; “My name is Kitty Short and I have been working in the teaching, performing and mental health sector for over 20 years. I started Creative Confidence workshops as I am passionate about giving every child a voice and making sure it is heard which understandably isn’t always possible when there is a classroom full of another 29 larger than life students. A little intervention goes a long way and by giving students that extra support and to find who they are and what makes them tick gives them a safe environment to flourish and the confidence to be themselves. By using poetry as a stimulus, it allows the children to feel free to be more open with their emotions and more creative with their writing.

Over the past term I have had the privilege of delivering Mental Health Performance Poetry workshops to two groups of six year 7 students. We have looked at a variety of issues that young people face on a daily basis. This ranged from

social media influences, anxiety, depression, bullying, body image, forming friendships, confidence, self-esteem and future ambitions.

I was inspired at how comfortable the groups were at sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings and felt privileged to be part of their journey. We looked at the importance of mental health and how as a group they can alleviate the pressures that they faced. They made positive suggestions that were of a maturity beyond their years. By the end of the 6 week program it was quite apparent that both groups had made a special bond and already extended their friendship group.

Each session was led by a different issue each week, using the thoughts and opinions of each student as the stimulus from which a poem would then be created.

Learning objectives were set to extend the student’s vocabulary, explore meaning and use of new words in poetry, use of alliteration, similes, rhyming, speaking and listening skills, and how to structure a poem.

The student’s were also given targets for their use of empathy, problem solving, questioning skills and self-reflection. Each student excelled in every area, not only did they make my job easy but were an absolute pleasure to teach and I’m looking forward to see how they are progressing throughout school and the next group of students that I am able to help create some confidence and watch it soar!”

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Mrs Newey has also written about the workshops: “Six students from Our Lady’s Roman Catholic high school went on an incredible journey as they entered into the world of Poetry.

All six girls used their creative, imaginary skills to develop exciting and incredibly catching poems, some of the poems were created based on feelings of self-esteem and self-belief. They together zoned in on the importance of teamwork as they developed their characteristic techniques, whilst acting

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CREATIVE CONFIDENCE out their emotions in the fabulous world of drama with Miss Short.

Creative Confidence is a series of bespoke performance poetry workshops aimed at children who lack self-confidence and have low self-esteem. They also focus on mental health issues, peer pressure & bullying.

Throughout the workshops the students have developed the skills to express their emotions through poetry, focusing on turning any anxieties they may have whether at school or at home into something positive and productive. The series of workshops will allow the children to develop their poetry skills into the classroom looking at alliteration, similes, free verse, imagery, limericks whilst giving the children confidence to devise their own poetry building on their creative writing and extending their vocabulary.

The Facilitator, Kitty Short was totally brilliant and able to express ideas clearly to the students with confidence and has a lovely warm & welcoming manner too. I would highly recommend to any school at primary or High school. Kitty was able to act on initiative, identify opportunities for expression and

was proactive in putting ideas and solutions forward, determination shines through in her qualities of deliverance to get things done, make things happen and is always looking for better ways of making it an enjoyable and achievable learning process.”

Each student excelled in every area

I was inspired by how comfortable the groups were

AMBITIONS AND DREAMS

WHO AM I?

KEEPING IT REAL

We all have our unique ambitions and Individual dreams They flow like a Creative waterfall and Imaginative stream Patience, Perseverance and Persuasive Perception Are basic requirements to improve our direction

There is a pecking order in our beloved school The Year 11’s think they are cool Making me look like a fool Rushing past to get to class They watch me fall in the stampede dash

Let’s not be superficial, We want to keep it real We’re not masking our true colors Or the way that we feel

Resilience, Positivity, Confidence, Self-Love and Self-Esteem An eye for opportunity, catching moments, Self-discovery, the need to Succeed

They intimidate me with their power Leaning over me as if a tower Their words and laughter make me feel insecure Reckless rumors flying around, in the playground I’m hoping for a cure

STRUGGLING FOR WORDS

HONESTY

How do I start a conversation when I don’t know what to say?

Awkwardness and Anxiousness wraps around me every day On this unknown journey of Apprehensiveness Trying to find my way

I’ll be honest and tell you exactly how I feel Sometimes it’s hard to deal with emotions raw and real At times I feel Depressed Anxious and even Stressed

Fear makes my heart sink into a deep dark ocean of Embarrassment Hoping that one day my mind will explode With my true feelings to find a connection And lead me in the right direction

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Not sure even why or what to do?

Every day I look in the mirror And question my reflection and say…

Who are you?

We’re very open minded and we’ll tell you how it is Not fazed by falseness or fakeness And all that showbiz No matter the color, shape or size We are all considered one powerful tribe Brothers and sisters, together a team Make the world a better place Let it shine and let it beam!

All poems written by; Jennifer, Amber, Christabel, Vanessa, Grace, Tania

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STAFF PROFILE

Staff Profile: Mrs Cooke What is your role at Our Lady’s?

I am the Careers Lead. It is my job to ensure that students are ready to move to education, training or apprenticeships at 16. I support students when they make important decisions about options and careers and offer them a range of experiences in addition to those they receive in classrooms, to ensure they become ‘work ready’.

What does a typical day for Mrs Cooke look like?

I love my job! No two days are the same.

I might give personal guidance interviews to year 11 students or network with local employers, businesses, colleges or universities to facilitate visits for students. I might take groups of students to the work place to meet employers and see various career sectors first hand. We might go to a university and have lectures on higher education and see what university life is like.

All of this of course has to be recorded, so there is quite a lot of paperwork to deal with.

How has the school changed since you have been in the role?

I think students are a lot more motivated to achieve. The vast majority I talk to now want to attend university and study at degree level.

They are also considering far more diverse careers.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Meeting new and different people and visiting new and different places with students. I met my first multi-billionaire just before Christmas.

It wasn’t the fact he was 126th of the UK rich list that was impressive, but that in his mid-seventies he still likes popping into his company with his dog ‘Buster’ and is still very much interested in the business he built from nothing in the 1970s. He came over as quite an unassuming gentleman and had great care for his employees.

On another occasion, I got to visit the Lord Mayor’s office in Manchester and met the retiring Lady Mayoress on her last day in office.

I love seeing students have ‘light bulb’ moments about their futures.

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How does the school’s careers programme improve the quality of students’ learning experience?

We learn about things and subjects and we learn about ourselves in life… Without learning in both these areas, neither can develop as it should. The careers programme supports both.

Any funny/embarrassing moments at Our Lady’s?

Oh, LOTS!! None I would like to share!

What are your hobbies outside of school?

I enjoy cinema, anything crafty and DIY. I enjoy reading but generally to find out about things… novels are kept for holidays. I like nothing more than being on the beach in hot sun or the freezing cold.

Person you would most like to meet and why?

David Attenborough. He is so inspiring and so passionate about his beliefs.

If you weren’t the Careers Lead at Our Lady’s what would you be doing?

Not enough…

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?

If money were no object, getting my Personal Pilot’s Licence. I have flown light aircraft and loved it (like driving a car, which I love, in 3D).

Travel. I’d like to visit all the parts of the globe I haven’t seen and experience all the different cultures.

What is your greatest achievement?

Making positive differences to people around me.

What is your favourite song?

Aerosmith, ‘Don’t want to miss a thing’, Radiohead ‘Creep’, ‘Flower Duet’ by Lakme, Delibes and anything by George or Whitney!

SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

LANGUAGES

What can we do with languages?

In January, Miss Watkins accompanied 25 year 8 language students to the University of Manchester for a Spanish languages immersion day. Here is what she had to say about the visit; “The group had the opportunity to learn about studying languages at higher education, including the degrees on offer at universities as well as the different career paths languages can lead to. They then split into groups and created some fantastic role plays wholly in Spanish which were absolutely brilliant and incredibly funny in parts. Finally students had the option of trying out either Japanese or Russian which was thoroughly enjoyable. It was a great day, with our students making us really proud and everyone had a fabulous time.”

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HISTORY

Standing Together to Stop Division Miss Day worked with a group of year 9 students to research Holocaust Memorial Day which is celebrated on the 27 January each year to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

This year was especially important as it commemorated 75 years since the liberation.

The group used a quote from Sir Nicholas Winton, a liberator, who saved over 669 children from Nazi occupied territories.

This year’s theme is ‘Stand Together’. They discussed the importance of this, not just on a global scale with genocide as witnessed since the Holocaust in Rwanda, Darfur and Bosnia; but also in everyday lives.

stand together with others in our communities in order to stop division and the spread of identity-based hostility in our society. We wrote prayers and created our own flames, the symbol of HMD, to remember the victims of genocide.”

Miss Day said; “Today there is increasing division in communities across the UK and the world. Now more than ever, we need to

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SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

HISTORY

Postcards from the War In Year 8 Miss Day’s classes have been studying the run up and outbreak of the First World War. Students in 8L were tasked with producing postcards and letters from 28 June 1914. This was the day Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, heirs to the Austro-Hungarian throne, were assassinated whilst in Sarajevo inspecting troops. They were assassinated by a Serbian terrorist group known as the Black Hand, with Gavrilo Princip firing the final shot.

Miss Day said: “The final postcards were fantastic, full of detail which was historically accurate and extremely well presented!

There were even tea-stained postcards and a postcard written in Bosnian!”

8O have also been studying the topic of WW1. In recent lessons with Miss Day they have been focusing on the recruitment push in August and September of 1914, led by Lord Kitchener. In August 1914 there were up to 20,000 men joining up each day because of Kitchener’s propaganda campaign. After analysing real WW1 recruitment posters and the techniques of: direct address, snappy slogans, guilt and patriotism, students were set the task of producing their own! Miss Day was really impressed by the fantastic entries and there were lots of postcards and prizes given out in class. Which one do you think is the most effective? Do you think they would have persuaded men to join up in 1914?

SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

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SCIENCE

Building Bridges This February, the year 9’s embarked on a new engineering course and their first task was to see who could build the strongest bridge.

The teams competed against each other in categories such as strongest structure, most aesthetically pleasing bridge and best teamwork.

There were quite a few bridges that withheld the maximum weight available (100 x 100g weights, kindly borrowed from our lovely Science team). The outcomes were amazing and the hard work that went into the bridges from all teams was clearly evident. Great start year 9!

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SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE SCHOOL

Religious Life of the School As part of the religious life of the school, we take great pride in a number of extra-curricular activities which support our school mission:

“To know, Love and Serve God” Last term Father Ryder joined us on a number of occasions to lead year 7 in the celebration of the Mass. Year 7 have been thorougly involved in the Masses by leading the readings and taking part in singing our hymns beautifully.

During Advent each of our year 7 forms were given a crib to take home on a rotation and say prayers with their families. Our travelling cribs were set up each evening to remember the birth of Jesus.

Our Christmas liturgies were on the theme of ‘home’ and what that means to us. We thought about those who do not have a home, those who have been forced to flee their homes because of violence and conflict, and those who are trying to make a new home and life for themselves. Our chaplaincy team led the liturgies for each year group.

During Advent, Fathers Ryder, Darius and Terence heard the Sacrament of Reconciliation from both staff and pupils. We would like to thank them for giving up their time and supporting us at Our Lady’s.

Year 7 and 8 have been visiting St Clare’s Church to look around and take part in the Mass. Pupils have enjoyed asking questions and reading.

SHARING THE VISION | SPRING 2020

Before Christmas we were joined by Lorraine Leonard from the Salford Diocese who has led training for our year 7 and 8 Pupil Chaplains and year 9 and 10 as Caritas Leaders. Father Ged Murphy came in to commission the Caritas leaders on behalf of the Bishop in their work around social justice. They are currently completing their action plan. Years 7 and 8 have focussed on different ideas to lead on prayer and worship in school, and will be leading assemblies over the next few weeks for their peers.

Over the coming months, we will be inviting CAFOD to work with our Chaplains again leading up to Lent to identify how as a school, we can support the work and teachings of the Church and Pope Francis.

Year 9 and 10 pupils visited Savio House before Christmas. Johnny Dearden, the team leader, commented that: “The young people you gave to us were a great example of the school. Kind, polite, engaging and respectful. We could not have asked for better young people!

It was nice to see so many familiar faces, and it was great to work with them again.”

Year 8 pupils will be returning to Savio House in March for another retreat. Keep a look out for photos in the next edition.

Charity is central to our school community, and our school community have been involved in supporting a number with Mrs Burke directing the organisation. Pupils and staff have supported and raised money for Breast Cancer with £165, CAFOD Fast Day with £60, the Lalley Centre and St Clare’s Food Bank by sending a large number of food hampers, Coffee for Craig by collecting items for the homeless, and World Aids Day with £267 to name a few. A number of other activities took place such as the selling of ribbons, a bake off and the collection of items.

A really fabulous achievement to support our Catholic Ethos, by supporting the vulnerable and those in need.

As we begin the season of Lent we will be remembering the final week of Jesus’ life.

Pupils will be taking part in reflections at Form time, and have the opportunity to receive Ashes on Ash Wednesday and take part in receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

There will be fundraising for St Joseph’s Penny with the Grow a Fiver campaign. We look forward to sharing all of the fundraising that pupils get involved in.

I look forward to sharing some more examples of Faith in Action in the near future.

Mrs Nuala Buckley Director of learning –Religious life of the school.

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BIKEABILITY

Bikeability In February, the National Cycling Academy instructors returned to the school this term to provide ‘Bikeability’ fix training to some year 10 students. This was to extend the bike maintenance the students have already been

doing in their technology classes with Miss Castle. Luckily, the sun was out for a good day of training!

Valentines Roses This February, students and staff had the opportunity to give a unique gift to a loved one whilst also supporting a worthy cause. Mrs Burke helped raise money for the British Heart Foundation by selling single silk roses and wooden red roses complete with messages that were then hand delivered in time for Valentine’s Day.

Peace, blessings, and a Happy Easter to you Find us on Facebook

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