Highlights Magazine Rainhill High School

The trip of a lifetime

PERU

See page 6 for details.

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TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE

Experience Your Future

REALISE YOUR POTENTIAL

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Warrington Rd, Rainhill, Prescot L35 6NY, 01744 677205

Rainhillhigh

@Rainhillhigh

HEAD TALK John Pout HEADTEACHER

Welcome to the latest edition of Highlights Magazine.

2017 is already an exciting year. It is also time to reflect on an excellent 2016.

2016 saw record A-Level and BTEC results in the Sixth Form. As a result, all of our students got into their first choice University and we saw more students going to Russell Group Universities than ever before. Dan Margetts and Will Christian both went off to Oxford University. It was great to see all of our ex-Sixth Formers at the Sixth Form Presentation Evening in early January.

GCSE results were again first class. A quarter of all our students GCSE grades were A or A*. The new performance measures, Attainment 8 and Progress 8 put Rainhill as the best performing school in the area.

In value added terms, compared to similar schools, we are the best in a 75-mile radius.

Our new Year 7 have settled in really well. They have been well looked after by our excellent prefect team led by Katie Samosa and Sam Puxley (Head Girl and Boy), as well as Mrs Booth, Mrs Quirk, and their Form Tutors.

Our teachers and support staff continue to do a first class job. They are rigorous, caring, compassionate, thoughtful and hardworking. It is a privilege to lead such a good team.

The Governors have also put in place a number of key strategic changes, which will make 2017 a step-change year for the school.

1st March will see our conversion to becoming the lead school in a Multi-Academy Trust. Staff, students and their parents will not see much changing. However, as this develops over the next few years, we might lead and manage other schools. Rainhill High School will always remain the top priority.

We continue with our plans for the new Liverpool FC Sixth Form Centre.

Reach for the

Sky

“There is no better performing school of similar intake within a 75 mile radius to Rainhill High School.”

Mrs Thorogood is in charge of raising standards at Rainhill. Here she gives an update on the 2016 examination results: “The Department for Education 2016 National Performance Tables confirm that students at Rainhill really do ‘Reach for the Sky’. The Performance tables published in January 2017 relate to students who left Y11 and Y13 in the summer of 2016.

Key Stage 4

The new progress 8 score that shows how much progress was made between the end of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of primary school. This is based on results in up to eight qualifications including English, Maths, EBACC qualifications including Science, Computer Science, History, Geography and Languages and three other additional qualifications.

The average score for‘mainstream’schools in England is 0. Rainhill’s 2016 score is above 0 and indicates that pupils make more progress, on average, than similar pupils across England. The performance tables also confirm that this is the highest in St Helens and Knowsley and that ‘there is no statistically better performing school of similar intake within a 75 mile radius’

Sixth Form

In September, our new Year 7 will start - all 300 of them. We will ensure class sizes stay the same, and students continue to get a first class personalised school experience.

Performance measures have also changed at Key Stage 5 in 2016. The new measures include a report on ‘academic measure’ (A levels), ‘applied general’ (vocational) measure and a‘tech level’(occupational).

Above all, and the thing I enjoy the most about working at Rainhill is seeing all our students doing well, getting involved and being good citizens. This magazine shows everyone a glimpse of this.

Rainhill’s academic outcomes are better, or in line with, schools across England, and one of the best in Merseysidei. They have improved each year for the last three years.

Applied general’ outcomes are above the national average and in the top 30% of schools across England and above other providers in the local authority whilst our ‘tech level’are well above schools across England and the local authority.

Rainhill students enjoy school, have lots of opportunities to try new things and to stretch themselves. They get excellent exam results and go on to do great things whether it be work or university. Long may that continue.

Mr John Pout Headteacher

We are very proud of what was achieved by the students and staff with the support of their parents, it’s great to see these achievements acknowledged in the public domain. We are looking forward to building on these fantastic outcomes in the future.”

Mrs Thorogood Senior Deputy Headteacher

Page 2 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

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Y E A R 1 1 P R O M .......................................................

Our current Year 11 students must gain enough points in their Passport to the Prom (see above right for this year’s Passport), to attend. These include punctuality, effort and attending homework sessions.

Year 11 students (pictured above) celebrate the end of their exams by attending the Prom. What a night!

“On Wednesday the 29th June 2016, Rainhill High School hosted the Year 11 Prom at Haydock Park Racecourse. The Class of 2016 worked tirelessly for their GCSE Exams and enjoyed celebrating five years together as a family. The students did themselves proud in their preparations for both their exams and the Prom and the turnout from the year group was one of the largest yet. Over 200 pupils.

The atmosphere was amazing as pupils began to arrive at school with their friends and family. Sports cars and limousines dropped off many of our students. The girls looked absolutely stunning and the boys looked very handsome and sophisticated in their suits. Following a three course meal, students danced the night away and described the evening as ‘the best night ever!’. I am incredibly proud to have been Year Progress Leader to this fantastic group of students and consider myself lucky to have been part of their school experience.

Mrs Speers, Mrs Quirk and I wish them the very best of luck for the future. ” Miss West, Year Progress Leader

Page 3 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

Page 3 RHS Highlights Winter Edition 2017

Sixth Form

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE

Students Celebrate Success

We were delighted to welcome back to Rainhill the Class of 2016 for the annual Sixth Form Presentation Evening. Mr Edge and Mr Pout presented a variety of awards and examination certificates which recognised the superb achievement of students across a full range of subjects. This culminated in a special award which recognised the Best Results in the Sixth Form for 2016. This was awarded to Jason Burrows, Students have progressed to a range of destinations including university, apprenticeships and the world of employment but it was good to welcome them all back and to see how they have grown in stature, even in the short space of time since they have left us. We at Rainhill wish all of our 2016 leavers the very best for the future.

You can see the Sixth Form Awards Evening full gallery by visiting Facebook/RainhillSixthForm.

Headteacher, Mr Pout, presents Sam Simpson with the Fine Art Award.

Mr Pout, with Core Maths Award winner, Indie Hayes.

Awards Evening

Catch up with news and updates!

Follow us on Twitter @rainhill6form

Mr Pout, with twice Award-winner, Georgia Se (Dance and Theatre Studies).

Former students Jamie Kerr, Ryan Lunn (Sport Award Winner), Lucy Jameson, and Olivia Lowe, collecting their well-deserved certificates.

DIrector of Sixth Form, Mr Edge, delivering an inspiring speech to former Sixth Form students.

Award winners Fay Starkey (Spanish), Emma Townson (Psychology and Sociology, and Emily Walker (Art Textiles Award), collecting their A-Level certificates alongside their awards.

Outstanding

EFFORT

Winner of

Best Results Award A* Further Maths A* Maths A* Physics A* Chemistry

Award Winners

Mr Pout and Olivier Graham, the proud Physics Award winner.

2017

Headteacher, Mr Pout, congratulates Jason Burrows, winner of Best Results Award.

Fine Art Sam Simpson Art Graphics Sam Simpson Health & Social Care Lucy Court Art Textiles Emily Walker Textiles Emily Harper Theatre Studies Georgia Se Dance Georgia Se Media Studies Krysta O’Brien French Fay Starkey Spanish Fay Starkey English Literature Gemma Price Sport Ryan Lunn Geography William Christian History Alex Atherton Government&Politics Alice Mannion Psychology Emma Townson Sociology Emma Townson Business Studies Emily Harper Travel and Tourism Lucy Margetts Economics Shawn Davis ICT Will Smith Mathematics Daniel Margetts Further Mathematics Jason Burrows Core Maths Indie Hayes Physics Oliver Graham Chemistry William Christian Biology Daniel Margetts

Page 5 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

PERU

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE

Mr Wood and Miss Gordon write about 2016’s Sixth Form world challenge.

“This summer, a group of Sixth Formers embarked on a month-long trip to the beautiful South American country of Peru.

Visiting Cusco

rare wildlife, drank 100% natural coffee and bathed in the serene lagoons at the foot of the mountains. The third week was much more relaxing, making chocolate and pottery in Urabamba, visiting Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands of the Urab Tribe, before spending the night on the beach of the Island of Taquile.

The tour began with a visit to the popular town of Cusco before an exciting week in the secluded and enchanting village of Moray, 3,800m above sea level.

Students got to grips with the local dialect and got their hands dirty helping the locals build much-needed toilet facilities for the families that lived there. The incredible scenery was unforgettable as were the characters and activities along the way.

Building with the community of Colca

Trekking the Salkantay Mountain

Thank you to staff and students

The second week of the trip involved the five-day trek past the Salkantay Mountain and along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world and an absolute highlight of the trip. The landscapes and scenery were mind-blowing.

Relaxing in a lagoon

Students walked up to a height of 5,000m over the Salkantay Mountain, saw

The fourth and final week was a rewarding way to end the trip. Five nights in a Village called Colca deep in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Here they helped build a nursery for the local children, taught English at the local school and dressed up in traditional Peruvian clothing. All in all, the trip was amazing.”

Mr Pout would like to thank Mr Wood and Miss Gordon for their commitment to the voyage and Camps International for their perfect organisation but most of all, thanks must go to to the students who went along. They went above and beyond our expectations and made the trip truly unforgettable. The next Sixth Form world challenge is in the summer of 2018. Please see Mr Edge for details.

Page 6 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

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S C H O O L N E W S ................................................................

2016 saw the first in our series of joint learning and enrichment activities at school as part of our commitment to the Leading Parent Partnership Award. We are forging ahead with improving our parental engagement practices as a whole school priority….and we are having lots of fun doing this!

The winner of the parent MasterChef competition was Thomas Roberts in Year 7 with his mum Laura. Thomas’ recipe for Twist on Chicken Enchiladas, will now appear in the St Helens Council school meals programme and be available for purchase by students and staff in school dining halls across the borough.

Well done Thomas!

The runner-up was Lucy Stephens in Year 7 and her dad, Robert, with their recipe for Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas (pictured below).

Lucy’s marinade was amazing and will be made by Food Technology students in Rainhill High School during their lessons. Well done Lucy!

Winning dish (pictured above)

The winner of the parent MasterChef competition was Thomas Roberts (pictured below right) in Year 7 with his mum Laura. Thomas’dish was Twist on Chicken Enchiladas.

Delicious!

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Parent Focus Group -TOPICS The Parent Focus Group is a small number of volunteers who work together to make suggestions on making the school even better.

If you want to join, please contact Mrs Seddon. Some topics that have been fed through the Parents Focus Group featured below.

Life after levels – explanation of the new assessment grades that have been put into place.

Show My homework

Communication home

- testing the feasibility

to parents – improving

and usability of

the effectiveness of

the app.

communication home to parents.

Once again, many thanks to all the parents who contribute to our cohesive school.

Page 7 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

If you have any ideas for future joint learning courses, please contact Miss Seddon LPPA Co-ordinator on 01744 677205 or email lppacoordinator@gmail.com.

Amazing work Supporting Year 9 pupil, Sam Evans stars inTV show ...

NCS

In 2016, 90 pupils from Year 11 took part in‘The Challenge‘ with National Citizens Service; a fantastic opportunity to build skills for work and life by taking on new challenges and meeting new friends.

Our school received an award from NCS, in recognition of the high numbers of our pupils getting involved in the project. NCS said: "Rainhill High School has excelled with an astounding number of 90 students attending, meaning that your school has gained Champion Status. Rainhill High School is the 2nd highest achieving school in the UK, which is truly a phenomenal achievement."

What is NCS all about?

A four-week programme including an outdoor residential experience A week away from home in a different location Learning new skills in sport, media, photography, music, drama, enterprise and art Smiling! Sam Evans, pictured far right.

The show is presented by Stacey Dooley and is about five children who travel across the world to live and work alongside the people who make the everyday items we take for granted. Sam (pictured above far left) had the opportunity of a lifetime in taking part in this programme, which was aired in November and December 2016.

Sam said,“The stages I went through to get the job was an application form followed by a phone interview, then a video application and finally a meeting at Twenty Twenty’s production office at Warner Brothers. On the 11th, July we got a call that I had got the job. It was the most exciting time of my life. I have never felt such a vast assortment of feelings ever and it was really weird. I flew to Taiwan and Cambodia in early August and filmed with the rest of the cast, producing the best entertainment possible for CBBC viewers. It was the best thing I’ve yet experienced!”

Working in teams, creating projects to pitch their ideas to local business leaders in the NCS Dragons’Den Making the project a reality in the local area

How to get involved See Mrs Ayre, Head of Citizenship, for details or visit www.ncsyes.co.uk

NCS Sixth Form students.

Activities in 2016

Students volunteered in a charity shop and put on a fun day to raise money for Claire House Fundraiser for a Homeless Shelter in Prescot the money was used to tidy up the shelter and garden

Filming the show with CBBC. Page 12 RHS Highlights Summer Edition 2016

Fun day in Old Swan (Liverpool), painting the courtyard in a charity shop Page 8 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

Life Skills Faculty Once again, we had a very successful Anthony Walker Day with pupils exploring issues around diversity, prejudice and discrimination. Our inspirational speaker was Mr Dave Kelly who runs his own charity‘Daisy Links’.

He gave a thought-provoking assembly where he asked pupils to consider the challenges for people who are disabled. He shared his moving story about losing his eyesight at the age of 30.

Anthony Walker Foundation

Year 7 pupils took part in workshops run by the Anthony Walker Foundation. We are proud of our links with this important charity and were delighted that once again Gee Walker could attend a fantastic performance of dance, drama and music at the Arts Theatre. She spoke movingly of the work of the Foundation, Anthony’s brutal murder, and the ten years of support from Rainhill High School.

Peer pressure, gangs and knife crime

October saw Year 9 enjoy Relationship Day. They met a a range of experts from organisations such as the TAZ team, The Proud Trust and Brook for young people.

They were also lucky to see the play Terriers; this is supported by Merseyside Police and gives pupils the

opportunity to examine issues associated with gangs, peer pressure and knife crime.

Sophie Lancaster Foundation against HATE CRIME

Once again we were pleased to welcome Mrs Sylvia Lancaster, Sophie’s mum, into school to help us mark our annual Sophie Lancaster Day (a group of young men killed Sophie, in 2004, for being a Goth). The aim of the day is to give pupils an opportunity to learn about the impact of hate crime and understand how they can make a positive difference. The Year 11 band performed at lunch time and charities such as Amnesty International and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation hosted stalls where pupils could ask questions and get information.

In November, during Anti-Bullying Day, Year 7 were able to explore issues around the problem of bullying, how to stay safe and develop resilience.

Supporting the local community Lastly, once again we have been lucky to have been able to host a community party as part of the Faculties Social Action work. A team of Year 10 pupils planned and organised a Christmas party for 40 seniors from Rainhill Methodist Church.

YEAR 8

Anthony W alk

er Poem

Anger and The colour hatred with no reaso If you thin of your skin is no re n why, look strongk violence and aggreassson to die, ion makes Please loo , you There is nok again and see that yo ru But love a le to say turn the u’re wrong, weak, nd compassion isn’t aother cheek, sign that yo A name th u’re Tolerance aat lives on and all tha t n is d g fo o rg o d, iveness for misunder the ood, A parent’sst d ig n it y shrouded Struggling w No ease to today and dreadingith sorrow, th e Anthony W pain though just tomorrow, ice alker should never haveapplied, died

by Charlot te

Smith

CITIZENSHIP

DAY

! k n i h

T

Be the One

Don’t let their deaths be in vain, Don’t let loved ones feel more pain, Don’t be the one, who starts the fight, Be the one, who does what’s right, Black or white straight or gay, Don’t be the one to turn people away, Muslim or Christian, able or not, Celebrate our cultures and all that we have got, Don’t worry about differences don’t have any qualm, Be the one with open arms.

by Grace Robertshaw

Page 15 RHS Highlights Winter Edition 2017 Page 9 RHSPage Highlights Edition 2017 11 RHSSpring Highlights Winter Edition 201

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S U B J E C T N E W S ..........................................................

English

MINI SAGAS

WELCOMETOWONDERLAND

Last term, Year 7's, 8's and 9's took part in a creative writing competition. Students had to write a mini saga (which is a fun method of story telling) of no more than 100 words in which they created a speculative fictional world. Over 130 pupils submitted entries. We will be finding out soon if any of our students were successful enough to have work published or even be judged in the top five to win a Kindle Fire! Well done all who entered. Mrs Ball

LIBRARY UPDATE

The library is now up and running. With hundred of new books and award winning titles, why not pop in after school and rent a new read for form time?

There's even a comfortable spot to stop and enjoy a chapter or two.

now studying English Literature at prestigious universities. The A-Level cohorts continue to grow such is the popularity of the subject due to the high successes at GCSE. The GCSE results are a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of both pupils and staff; over 80% of pupils achieved at least a grade C in English Language and English Literature in 2016, with over 20% achieving A/A*. Former Year 11 pupils, Charlotte Swadkins and Laura McCabe, both achieved A* and are now studying the subject at A Level here at Rainhill.

It has been a busy term so far for the English Faculty. As you may be aware, English is the only subject with specification changes at both GCSE and A Level at the same time. The team having been working hard to ensure that all pupils are thoroughly prepared for these changes and to achieve excellent exam results. It’s not all been about academic success though as there have been several enrichment activities happening. These include a successful trip with Year 11 to see‘Blood Brothers’at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield. Mrs Jones, Miss Dickman and Miss Melia thought it was an excellent performance, the pupils loved it and were all happy to sing along to the musical hits. We had over 140 entries to the Mini Saga competition where pupils have the opportunity to see their work published. Miss Lunt’s English Reading Club continues to be hugely popular, and Miss Blanchard is re-launching the BASH scheme aimed at promoting reading across the school. Overall, it has been an exciting, productive and successful year so far. We are confident for continued success with the current Year 11 and Year 13.

News MathsTop Scores The English Faculty continues to excel, as evidenced by outstanding results at both GCSE and A Level. Indeed, two of our highest performing A Level Literature students are

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A huge congratulations to our current and former pupils on their excellent results in Maths this summer. Special mentions to Further Maths students, Oliver Graham and Jason Burrows, who both achieved double A*s in their Maths and Further Maths A-Levels. There was also lots to celebrate at GCSE level, as nine of our students achieved scores that place them in the top 2% nationally. Callum Hartley scored an impressive 96% and came top in the school. Callum is now studying Maths and Further Maths A Levels here at Rainhill Sixth Form Centre.

Signification changes to the Maths GCSE this year have meant the whole team have been working hard to ensure that the entire curriculum is updated to match the new specifications. The staff have noted how hard all pupils are working but in particular, Year 11 students - some of whom have been attending extra sessions before school, at lunchtime and even after school!

Looking ahead to 2017, the staff and Sixth Form students are excited about our upcoming Maths trip to Barcelona. The visit will see around 30 pupils and staff visit the stock exchange, study the engineering behind the city’s stunning architecture and learn about how Mathematics is used to increase performance in sports.

Mr Roberts (Head of Mathematics) Page 10 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

Mr Crossley (Head of English)

“There was also lots to celebrate at GCSE level as nine of our students achieved scores that place them in the top 2% nationally. ”

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT ..................................

MODERN

Foreign Languages

MFL trip to Alicante, Spain 2016.

Bringing languages to life

Mr Herd, Head of Languages writes “Out of the corner of your eye, you can see the waving hands. The grandiose gestures perfectly choreographed to the loud voice and emphatic mouth movements, over-pronouncing each syllable in a real-life game of charades. How do you act out‘no gherkin’?

“I wish I’d done well in French at school.”

Languages are the doorway to the world

Learning a language at Rainhill is not just about walking into a classroom and underlining the date and title. Learning a language at Rainhill is learning how to get your car to a mechanic when you break down on the Autobahn or learning how to nail that dream job in aeronautical engineering. Here in the Languages Faculty, French, German or Spanish should not be another school subject; it should be the opening to another world.

Changes in specifications and focus on culture

Modern Languages have seen their subject specifications change in recent years. The new, more rigorous GCSEs require a level of cultural knowledge and serve to set the future global citizen in good stead for international success. A stronger emphasis on cultural elements of target language countries, like festivals and target language music gives Modern Languages a relevance to life. By contrasting and comparing, we realise not only differences between cultures but also how acutely similar we are.

an opportunity to revisit which linguistic topics are studied through years seven to thirteen. Now, a greater emphasis on teaching grammar explicitly has demonstrated an increase in articulation in our pupils.

A Level, small class sizes, help to learn

A Level candidates in the Languages Faculty benefit from smaller class sizes, access to native speakers and interesting topic areas. Critical studies of a film and a book have reappeared in the A-Level syllabus.

You will also study the politics and culture of your chosen country.

Language students go on to be successful

We have built on the success of our talented AS and A-Level alumni, the majority of whom have gone on to study languages at University.

Partner school Lycée Jean Zay and school trips

With a partner school being set up in France, successful trips organised and planned (Alicante trip is the featured picture), the exposure to more languages, cultures and people is on the up. The future of our society, now more than ever, depends on people who look outwards and we are working hard to help our Rainhill pupils take their talents to the rest of the world.”

Mastery Curriculum

The introduction of the mastery curriculum at Rainhill has also provided Page 11 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

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RAINHILL SCIENCE ACADEMY NEWS .......................................................

What is the Science Academy?

We set up the Science Academy to help our students to be accepted at the best Universities to study Science and Computer Science. It is very competitive to get into some of the top degree courses (Veterinary, Pathology, Engineering, Medicine, and Dentistry) and the Science Academy will give you unique experiences that will put your UCAS application at the top of the list. We are confident when we say that the opportunities we offer are unique; they are not available at other Colleges.

Six

orm hF

Who can be a member?

If you choose to study one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science or Applied Science, you will automatically become a member of ‘The Science Academy’. This means you are entitled to access a range of Science and Computing opportunities to help develop you for University and beyond.

COMPETITION

r ste Ta

t

Maths

Physics

Chemistry Biology

Battle of Year 11

WHO WON? Just before the Christmas break, a group of ourYear 11s attended an after school Science & Maths competition as part of the Science Academy in the Sixth Form to use some of their skills to compete in ‘Breaking Bad’themed tasks. There were three teams who had to solve money puzzles, extract 'blue crystal' from concrete containers that were being used to

smuggle the crystal and use a compound called Luminol, which is used in forensic science. The students enjoyed themselves and showed fantastic skill and tenacity to complete the challenging tasks. The winning team was the 'No-namers' who consisted of Luke Blackburn, Jack Herbert, Katerina Southern and Ella Keeble!

Breaking Lab

57

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Sixth Form Science Taster Competition

Whiston Hospital

GoldenTicket

Prize

Since the launch of The Science Academy, we have worked hard to build a network of contacts within the Science industry and from this, our students have been given fantastic opportunities. A prime example of this collaboration is with Whiston Hospital. We have worked with the hospital and their staff for a number of years and because of this, our students benefit from their outreach events and programmes linked to working in the NHS. This summer, Whiston ran a‘Golden Ticket’event which gave a specially selected student the opportunity to shadow staff in several departments throughout the hospital. This type of opportunity is rare for students wanting to gain experience of the NHS and its roles.

Whiston selected Shahow Shawki from Year 13, who is currently studying Chemistry and Biology A-levels, to take up this excellent opportunity.

Here is Shahow’s report on his experience Shahow Shawki (pictured right) said “During my five days at Whiston, I was placed in a variety of Page 12 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

different departments and was given a general tour of the hospital. I spent a day in radiology where I observed echocardiograms, an ECG scan, a Coronary angiography and the administration of 24-hour heart monitors.

During the week, I also spent time in other departments such as pathology, microbiology, haematology and neurology.

Each department educated me on the procedures that were being carried out and I learnt some of the theory behind the procedures too.

The whole experience was very useful as I was able to see first-hand what hospital life was like and whether I was suited to a role in the NHS. The staff were very supportive and enthusiastic in answering my many questions.

Overall, this placement has helped to finalise my decision to study medicine at university.

I found this experience a valuable one and would recommend it to any aspiring doctor or member of clinical staff. I am very grateful to both Whiston Hospital and to The Science Academy for the opportunity.”

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE

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New staff Interviewed and welcomed by Student Journalists .......................................................

Mrs Renison

Miss Gomez

her she looked like a ballerina, which she found amusing!

when the song of La Cucarach came on, and everyone started laughing!

Miss Gomez also values the support that she’s had from her colleagues in the Modern Foreign Languages Faculty.

This summer, Mrs Renison will be travelling to India to see some orangutans as she loves wildlife and nature (and the colour orange, apparently).

Life is all one big ‘drama’ for Mrs Renison. She has already co-directed the performance‘Elf the Musical’. Impressed by her Year 11 students, she is also loving her form 7D. One boy told

In her spare time, Netflix is her favourite pastime, especially the new series of‘The Crown’.

Overall, Mrs Renison wants her teaching to push her students in the right (stage) direction!

Owen Adams

Head of Drama

In the summer, she is going to Spain,‘as per usual’, to see family and enjoy the sun.

Miss Gomez is first and foremost struck by how Miss Gomez is currently friendly and well behaved reading Cinco Esquinos by Mario Varqus Llosa. Her the students are. In favourite TV show is the particular, she loves the Great British Bake Off! group of Year 7 French Jamie Levan students who are very enthusiastic. One memorable lesson was

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RAINHILL SCIENCE ACADEMY TRIP .......................................................

SpanishTeacher

“The trip was amazing! A once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Rebecca Usher

“It was a very interesting trip! I learnt a lot about how particle accelerators work. It was a fantastic opportunity.”

Sixth Form Science Taster Competition

Jonathon Ackers

Visit toWorld’s Biggest Physics

Laboratory!

In October 2016, the Science Academy took 24 pupils to Geneva for an exciting opportunity to visit CERN, the world's biggest physics laboratory. We also had time for some sight-seeing around Geneva itself. We flew from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and arrived in Geneva in the late afternoon – leaving time to settle into the accommodation and enjoy some food, games and activities before heading to bed for a good nights’sleep!

Saturday was the big day with a full day spent at CERN. We visited both the Universe of Particles and The Microcosms exhibition, both of which completely blew us away!

Sunday was spent doing some sight-seeing around Geneva itself, where we saw the top two recommended attractions – the Jet d’eau and the Flower Clock – before heading back to the airport for the flight home.

“I loved seeing how the things we have learnt in lessons are being used in experiments at CERN to make brand new discoveries.”

Megan Quickfall Page 13 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

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L REALISE YOUR POTENTIA

Velocity Visit

PERFORMING, VISUAL and MEDIA ARTS

This term, our Sixth Form Dance students had an aerial class at Velocity Trampoline Park. The aim of the trip was to develop the students’ ability to perform technical aerial and gymnastic movements to give them a wider performance repertoire. This is especially important for those who wish to audition for Performing Arts Colleges and Universities and aim to stand out from the rest. The students had a fantastic time and made great progress in their performance of flips and tricks.

"Elf" The Musical

We ended Term 1 on a high with the performance of the Christmas musical "Elf". The Youth Theatre Company have rehearsed tirelessly to create a festive masterpiece for the audience. Directors, Mrs Renison and Mrs Speers, produced an outstanding performance piece that truly showcased the talent and dedication of our students. The response and feedback from the entire audience - students, friends and family - was outstanding and made all the Performing Arts Faculty very proud of our cast and crew.

Left: Elf The Musical cast celebrate backstage. Right and below: Performing scenes from the show (Owen Jones as Elf Jnr.)

“Just been to watch Elf the Musical - well done to all the staff and students. It was amazing!”

K BLACKMORE via Twitter

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Looking to the Future

This term, our Performing Arts, Media and Visual Arts students have been preparing for the rigourous audition process as they apply to study at some of the most prestigious conservatories and universities in the UK. The Arts Academy has a host of alumni that have progressed onto studying at Bird College, Arts Educational, London Studio Center, RADA, LIPA, London College of Fashion and St Martin’s College.

This year, students have set the bar high and are attending Audition Preparation and Portfolio sessions twice a week with our highly qualified

and experienced staff to ensure they are fully prepared.

Application preparation, audition technique, interview technique and portfolio work, are all part of the education process at Rainhill Arts Academy. Our students have the edge over the competition and therefore the best possible opportunity to ensure they have a successful outcome to their applications.

Page 14 RHS Highlights Spring Edition 2017

Sixth Form Art Textiles students working hard on their creative designs.

THE SPOT LIGHT ON

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Daniel Forster (pictured right), is one of our very talented Sixth Form Performing Arts students.

#RainhillArtsAcademy facebook.com/RainhillSixthForm

@rainhill6form

Work with professionals 1:1 portfolio workshops Access a wide range of creative opportunities to help you develop

Internships Page 7 RHS Highlights Winter Edition 2017

Exhibit or perform in new venues

Photographic and graphic design opportunities with local company on real projects 16 Highlights Winter Edition2017 2017 Page 15 Page RHS Highlights Spring Edition

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PE & SPORT N E W S

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Year 7 have been busy Year 7 have been keen to get involved in as much sport as possible since the beginning of the year. Large numbers have attended rugby (boys and girls), netball, football, trampolining, badminton and table tennis.

Trampolining continues to be as popular as ever with over 80 pupils attending the first sessions for both Year 7 and Year 8.

Athletics will get going soon so keep a look out for practice times and competitions ahead.

Girl’ s Football

Year 7 Netball Team (pictured)

Under-15 Squad

Boy’s Rugby The Under 15 squad has gone from strength to strength for the last few seasons so were aiming to perform well in the National Cup this year. Following some solid training sessions, the girls won their first round fixture against All Hallows School 2-0 with some excellent goals from our strikers. Advancing to the second round, they played Woodchurch away, who beat us in the first round of the Cup 5-0, last year! This time, we had something to prove so the girls showed great fight and commitment to win the game on penalties. Score!

The girls faced Ormskirk High at home in the third round and were confident going into the game with a few wins under their belt. Winning 2-1 in extra time with an excellent last minute goal from Emily Chiu, the girls went on to face Archbishop Temple in the fourth round. This, unfortunately, ended our unbeaten run! A fantastic season for the girls and a major improvement in the cup from last year. The under U15 Squad include Anya Watters, Lauren Davies, Alisha Henshaw, Caitlin Henshaw, Ella Bennett Jones, Libby Addy, Alice Grounds, Holly Molyneux, Maddie Smiles, Phoebe Owens, Grace Halsall, Katie Hughes, Emily Chiu, Georgia Wood, Phoebe Wood, Katie Shuttleworth.

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So far this has been a great year for our year 7 Rugby team. After taking the trials at the start of the year, we soon recognised that we had around 25 keen and enthusiastic players but with very little experience. The number of students at training remained high - we encourage all our Rugby players to train if they want to be considered for selection.

An amazing team effort

After only three weeks of training, we entered into the a local St. Helens Rugby League tournament held at Cowley. We instantly came up against other St. Helens schools with lots of Rugby experience - a tough feat! Despite this lack of knowledge and expertise, we finished the tournament with our heads held high! We managed to finish with 1 defeat to Cowley, 1 draw to St. Cuthberts, and our first win against Haydock. These three outstanding performances was down to sheer hard work from the lads and a small number of experienced leaders we had in the squad who helped the other boys.

Beating De La Salle

After narrowly missing out on the semi-final by try difference, we knew that we had come a long way, and it made us hungry to learn more. Another couple of months of dedication and tears along the way, training took us to another tournament in Halton. The boys proved how much we had all learned as a team, beating two teams and drawing one. We just missed out on the final by one, but did so well! Shortly after the tournament, we played a number of friendlies where we managed to win more than we lost. Our biggest achievement of the year so far came at De La Salle who had previously won the St. Helens tournament with an outstanding away win by two points.

Amazing.

We have also started 2017 with high numbers at training and even a number of new faces who have been encouraged by our success. With some games in the pipe line, we look forward to another successful year.

Sports Presentation Evening at Anfield

Mr Rachi writes: “Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club, hosted our annual Sports Presentation Evening in July and as always it was an evening of great success and celebration. Over 550 nominees and guests packed into the Reds’Suite to eagerly await the winners and celebrate those who had represented the school so successfully over the past year.

Guest of Honour

The guest of honour for the evening was UEFA official, Jake Collin, who had recently returned from being a Referee’s Assistant in the Euro 2016 final. He spoke eloquently about his journey within the sport; how football had taken him from park pitches in Liverpool to the Champions League Final, for the biggest game in European football.

His story was both informative and inspiring and should really motivate our pupils to work hard and achieve all they can from the sport.

Too many awards to mention!

Throughout the evening, success was celebrated in many sports including football, rugby, athletics, netball, table tennis and much more.

All school team representatives received their sports badges. Team accolades were given to the Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 football teams for their St Helens Cup successes and members of the all-conquering athletics teams received their medals for being a part of the overwhelming success of Rainhill High School at Town Sports.

“2016’s Sports Presentation Evening was a huge success and was a great night of celebration, recognition and achievement.”

Huge congratulations have to go to the winners and all the nominees. To be nominated in such prestigious categories is a great achievement.

Sports Boy and Girl of the Year

Special mention has to go to the two main award winners of the evening; Emily Coulthard and Samuel Thomson (pictured above). Both Year 11 pupils won Overall Sports Girl and Sports Boy, respectively, and not only that, they gave a fantastic closing speech on how PE and Sport at Rainhill High had shaped their lives. They were a credit to their families and the school.

This year’s Sports Presentation Evening was a huge success and really was a great night of recognition and celebration. Those that were in attendance should be further inspired and motivated to represent the school and push themselves into contention for the big awards and – to the new intake of Year 7s - work hard, commit to matches and practices and it could be you next year...”

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LIVEPOOL ACADEMY ................................................................

Combining education and football

Poland Tour

The Liverpool FC Academy (Rainhill High School pupils) recently had an amazing and moving trip to Poland where they played matches against Hertha Berlin's team, a Krakow team and a Czech Republic team in a tournament which Hertha won.

Football was not the only focus, however, as the boys were able to visit Auschwitz and Oskar Schindler's factory. They were honoured to meet and spend time with one of the cast of Schindler's List who was also a survivor of the Holocaust. At the end of the tour, they went on to present a PowerPoint on research that they had collected on Oskar Schindler to the Hertha Berlin team.

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SIXTH FORM STUDENTS MAKE FIRST-TEAM DEBUT ..............................................................

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE

Trent’s visit to Rainhill High School. Pictured with pupils from LFC Academy.

Trent’s debut game for LFC.

That magic moment Ben scored his first ever goal for LFC against Leeds United.

TRENT Alexander-Arnold & BEN Woodburn SIXTH FORMERS, BEN WOODBURN AND TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD, MAKE LIVERPOOL FC HISTORY

at halftime, the LFC Academy U14 team was presented with the winners Trophy that they won in Vilnius, Lithuania. Trent came into school to present his first-team shirt to all of Year 8. Ben will do the same in the near future.

Ben Woodburn became Liverpool’s youngest ever goal-scorer, during the EFL Cup game with Leeds United. The 17-year-old broke former Liverpool striker, Michael Owen's record. 18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold, named Man of the Match, inciting Former Liverpool footballer, Jamie Carragher, to label him the “perfect full-back” after playing in the same game. Both have since played more first-team games.

John Pout, Rainhill’s Headteacher, said;

The evening was made even more special for Rainhill High School when,

“This Leeds match was very special for the students and staff at Rainhill High School. Our partnership with Liverpool is the largest and most academically successful in the Premier League. I am delighted that the manager is giving so many young players the opportunity. It is testament to the excellent work of Liverpool FC’s Academy. I am especially pleased for Ben and Trent who have both done so well. They are still very young and need to carry on working hard at their football and their Sixth Form studies.”

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Facilities

Hire ALL OF OUR GREAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO HIRE.

FACILITIES INCLUDE:

For further information contact: Mike Tallant, The Community Development Officer Telephone: 01744 677205 (350) Michael.Tallant@sthelens.org.uk

Rainhill High School MEDIA ARTS COLLEGE

WARRINGTON ROAD RAINHILL MERSEYSIDE L35 6NY WWW.RAINHILLHIGHSCHOOL.ORG.UK

3G Floodlit Pitch Sports Hall Gymnasium Tennis Courts Grass Pitches Cinema Room Computer Suites Classrooms Arts Theatre