We interview The City Calls!........Pg2
ISSUE 8
2010 - 2011
Want to get into Media? ....... Pg5
The Ladybridge High Sports Mania is a magazine which is run by the English Department!
The Staff Focus is back!......... Pg9
..I want to visit Ladybridge High School - HRH Princess Badiya bint El Hassan of Jordan.. Issue 7 is FINALLY here!!! After loads of planning and work, there’s some wonderful and exciting news in this fabulous first issue of the year.
leadership course the day after meeting the Princess of Jordan.
The team have pulled out all the stops and we’ve got an interview from new music band, “The City Calls” and from top breakfast presenter on key 103, Chelsea Norris.
Dr.Dre is to wipe the nation with his wonderful Beats.
The school’s Mosaic team hasn’t gone unnoticed either; they attended a very formal, royal dinner on the 7th June and attended a
For all that and more, get flicking those pages!
Modern news and the Staff Focus are back!!!
We’ve also got a great interview with local author Will Hadcroft.
By Mithun Kerai
The City Calls are a Pop-Punk band from the UK, armed with a host of impressive catchy songs. The band was formed in January 2009 and includes members: Lucas Hardy on vocals, guitarists Scotty Perry and Darren Ledwich, bassist Chris Aldridge and drummer John Plummer. The band released their debut single 'Take Me Home' in the summer of 2009, followed by their first UK tour which sparked interest within the music industry, which gained them a vast following of loyal fans. The band also played at last years Glastonbury Festival and Beach Break Live. Saeed and Jasmine caught up with Lucas for chat!
The City Calls is a brilliant name! Can you tell us how it came around? Well it’s quite a cool story actually! Scott and John wrote down loads of band names and I just circled words from each one, I wanted something catchy and easy to say and the City Calls seemed perfect!
How did your current single come about? Well Scott normally writes all the music and brings it to me, I was thinking of a catchy game and truth or dare was in my head at the time! We wanted something that you can use in a more teen or adult sense like most of our songs, which are about girls.
How do you go about doing shows and interviews? How did you meet each other? Well we always have fun on interviews and every show we do Well we all met at University and we were always talking about we just go out there and enjoy ourselves. making a band and we met loads of musicians so we got started! And It was Johns birthday yesterday! What’s your highlight of the past few months been? Recording the new single which we will be releasing towards the Happy Birthday to John, by the way can I have his number so I end of summer (If we get any, says Saeed!) The recording of our do a random John on him? new single was a great experience and I think we’ve all bettered Yeah sure, no worries, I’m sure he’ll love that! (I never actually ourselves as musicians in some way or another! got it though!)
By Saeed Atcha & Jasmine Moore
What are you doing to promote ‘The City Calls’ and to essentially globalise yourselves? Well at the moment we promote the band via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr because they are the biggest social networking sites and we’re always talking to fans so we can get to know them, and they appreciate it a lot more when you’re actually speaking to them instead of spamming them! We run all these social net-working sites ourselves and even our manager backs us up 100% on his pages! What do you think about manufactured bands such as the ones created on the XFactor? First of all I hate the XFactor! But then again if the bands are enjoying themselves, I don’t see anything wrong with it, however the problem is that these bands are monopolising the market and I don’t think it is fair on people who actually try hard but get shafted by these big television shows! As we are a sports magazine, What is your favourite sport? Well I like aggressive sports! Skating preferably, I was going to buy some skates the other week but if I broke my leg I’d be stuffed with touring, so it’s my excuse just to watch instead! I do think that ice hockey is pretty cool but I’m not really into sport! A lot of mention in the news recently is about the decline of these indie bands, do you think this is a fair judgement or do you think it’s because they aren’t promoted well enough? I’ve Heard that a lot recently but not seen it myself because I’m quite in-depth with the scene of pop-punk and I think that the bands around me are doing really well and taking the genre to new places! I do think that pop-punk will boom again and I’m excited for when it does!
By Saeed Atcha & Jasmine Moore
Again, based on what’s been said on the news, what do you think about the world meaning to end? I literally partied like there was no tomorrow! No, I didn’t really, I’m joking! There was lots of jokes made about it and I think people had to make a joke otherwise everybody would get scared which I think would be very chaotic!
You’ve seen a few of our magazines, so what do you think? I think it’s a great magazine and there’s loads of magazines out there but I’ve got to say that the Ladybridge High Sports Mania stands out, it’s cool, and I like how It’s got lots of stuff you wouldn’t find in normal magazines. To get involved with The City Calls head to any of the following websites! myspace.com/thecitycalls twitter.com/thecitycalls thecitycallsmusic.tumblr.com youtube.com/user/TheCityCallsVids www.facebook.com/thecitycalls Or you can even listen to our interview at www.lhsm.co.uk!
Turn to page 7 for a special report.
Radio News!!!
The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital needed £80K for a mobile CT scanner. Now they don’t! “Manchester you are amazing we managed to raise over £80,000!!!”-Mike Toolan Every year nearly 600 of Manchester’s children will be admitted to the critical care unit at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Many of these children will need a CT scan to help doctors treat them. At the moment this scanner is in the X ray department. Some children are just too poorly to move and Doctors have to continue to treat them without all the right information. Children that can be moved need up to 6 doctors and nurses to move them for the scan and this experience can be traumatic for both the parent and the child. A mobile scanner is now available removing the risk and stress of moving a very poorly child. Chelsea found out that this life-saving piece of machinery costs £180,000 and that the hospital had already raised £100,000 for this vital equipment- But they desperately needed the £80,000 which was left. The kit is brand new and is currently only available in America and at Great Ormond Street! But because of you and all your fundraising efforts we have managed to raise this money to help children! “A big thank you to the Ladybridge High Sports Mania for adopting Cash for Kids as your charity and we look forward to all your help! Once again, I thank you!”- Cash for Kids representative (Key 103)
We are partnered up with Gravity Radio, which was made at Key 103 and we can provide you with the right training you need to get your foot in the doorway of radio! We caught up with top breakfast presenter, Chelsea Norris to talk all things radio! (It’s a brill interview)!
1) When you were younger what job did you want to have and why? I always wanted to be a journalist – always had a pen in my hand either writing poems or stories. I’m not sure why, I just loved anything to do with creative writing and English. It also helped that I had a really inspirational English teacher who encouraged me. 2) How did you get into the radio industry? I did a degree in BA Hons journalism at University of Lancashire in Preston. At the time there were not many Universities offering this course and they were known to be the best. After 3 years and some work experience I got a job presenting weekend breakfast on Century FM and after that was offered the job of presenting the Breakfast show with Mike Toolan on Key103 and that was 6 years ago. 3) Why did radio appeal to you? The immediacy of radio is really exciting. For example if you have some breaking news it can take ages to get it into print in a newspaper and for TV – on radio you pull a fader up and it’s on – that’s what’s great. Also painting pictures with words – it’s a tough thing to do but worth it. 4) What is your advice to budding broadcasters? It’s so hard give advice on this and it’s something I’m asked all the time. The industry has changed so much in the years since
By Saeed Atcha
I started. In recent years it’s shrinking. Galaxy for example have become Capital with nearly all of their line up networked from London. This means instead of a presenter in every station the company own – there is 1 sat in London going out across all stations they own – saving the company money and losing locality. There’s no hard or fast way to get ‘into radio.’ In this world of super injunctions I don’t think it’s hurts to have a bit of legal training. Degrees provide this and they give you something to fall back on, an actual qualification so I’m in support of them. However I think it’s important to learn things from that you won’t learn in a classroom or text book. Work experience will do this and you’ve got to do everything you can to get in there, learn skills and meet people who might be able to help you in the future. It’s half what you know and half who you know. 5) What does it feel like to be a part of Manchester's Number 1 Hit Music Station? It’s fantastic and we feel lucky everyday. Key103 is a historic station with so much heritage in Manchester. It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of many famous names and to hopefully inspire up and coming young radio presenters to follow in ours. 6) You work for Key 103 but what do you listen to on the wireless in your car? I do listen to Key103 even though I work for them. My husband to be is also a presenter on air so if I don’t listen to his show he sulks!! I also listen to a bit of everyone – to see what songs they’re playing and also 5 Live – for the chat. 7) Who is your inspiration/idol? Again another difficult one – I don’t really have anyone in
particular. Just someone who is strong and reliable, very driven and successful but knows how to balance work and personal happiness. 8) As we are a sports magazine, we ask everybody this: What is your favourite sport? My body wasn’t generally built for sport I’ll be honest so I do little of it myself. To watch I love boxing – to participate I like swimming.
10) What do you think of our magazines? The issues are fantastic – great content, eye catching, colourful and a really enjoyable read. 11) Can you give our readers a little pledge to help donate to Cash for Kids. Please donate anything you can to a great charity. The money stays right here in Greater Manchester helping local children. As with all charities you only really think of them when you become directly involved or affected. You have to think if you needed this charity would there be enough money to help you or your family. It doesn’t need to be a big amount – everything helps. Thank you!
Have you ever wanted to part of a magazine or radio station? Is it your dream to entertain others or be part of a buzzing media network? If so, we need you! Contact us straightaway! We are looking for people Like YOU who can take over the ‘Media @ Ladybridge’ network!
By Saeed Atcha
What or who inspired you to be an author?
slate, which reacts differently to every situation. I like Blueprint
The book ‘Stig of the Dump’ was the probably the book which
as the character of Liam is closely related to me. However, Luke,
made me want to start writing. When I was in high school, I got
the character in Anne Droyd is the type of person I wished I was.
interested in scriptwriters. As I am a Doctor Who fan I entered a competition, which I Luckily I became one of the many winners.
How long does it take you to plan, write and publish a book?
Seeing my name printed in the comic was the spark which in-
It’s different for each book. It was in 1996 I had the idea for Anne
spired me to become an author. When I was younger a pro-
Droyd and the Century Lodge, while I was walking my dog. I firstly
gramme called ‘Tripods’ was aired on TV; I was a massive fan of
wrote it as a TV script. Then I absorbed the novelisation idea of
this and found the books to this. It was my dream to meet the
Doctor Who and wrote in that style. In 2000 I found a small pub-
author of these books, and when I was in my 30’s I was invited to
lishing company and to my joy in November 2000, they replied to
his house for tea. It really was ‘a dream come true’!
me saying they will publish my book. From November to January I worked 4 hours every day to complete the book. Finally on the 13th June 2001 it was published. Soon after it was crowned as ‘number one bestselling book in Bolton’ What sport do you take part in? None whatsoever, but I did like bowling before. Are you a fan of any specific sport? No. But if I had to choose it would be cricket as it’s a gentleman’s sport. I’m not that good at DIY. The shop I can’t walk past is HMV 5 words that describe me are— Creative, Honest, Loyal, Sensitive, Thoughtful. My favourite gadget is my laptop.
What or who inspired the creation of Anne Droyd?
I’m most likely to say ‘I saw that in an interview.’
I entered a writer’s course called the ‘writers bureau.’ It was a
If I was invisible for a day I would Hover around people and see
course based on making your ideas marketable. While I was on
what they really think about me, I am quite paranoid.
this course I had two ideas, these were of course ‘Anne Droyd’ and ‘Blueprint.’ My idea was to write a series of books. I wanted
What do you think of our magazines?
it to be practical rather than creative. This is because I wasn’t
Professional, attractive and very news based. Different in a good
really interested in the creative side until I begun writing my
way with a nice layout. It’s easy on the eye, informative and
books. Anne Droyd is the old side of me as a character, the blank
there’s a bit for everyone. It’s Brilliant.
By Mithun Kerai
The 2011 Greater Manchester Schools Games was a national pilot that involved 1,500 young people from over two hundred Primary, Secondary and Special schools across the region. To celebrate Key 103 had teamed up with the 2011 School Games to bring you a totally online radio station for the day playing you the latest hits with on the day reports from the games, and Key 103's very own Alex and Lucy were down there on the day giving you the latest news and gossip. Key 103 had also trained 4 students from across Greater Manchester to be sports journalists and our very own, Managing Director, Saeed Atcha was one of those. Young people competed in eleven competitions on Wednesday 6th July 2011 at some of Manchester’s most prestigious Commonwealth Games 2002 facilities, including Eastlands, the National Cycling Centre, Manchester Aquatics Centre, Manchester Tennis Centre, Wright Robinson Sports College, and Belle Vue Athletics Centre. The school teams had qualified through inter-school competitions in the following sports: - Athletics - Year 7 Quadkids - Disability Athletics – Under 16 Track & Field - Badminton – Year 7/8/9 - Netball - Year 5/6 High 5 Netball - Golf - Year 5/6 Golf Roots Super Sixes - Rugby Union - Year 7/8 Girls Tag Rugby - Swimming –Year 7/8 - Disability Swimming –Year 7/8 - Tennis - Year 3/4 Mini Red - Tennis - Year 7/8 - Volleyball - Under 15 Super Mini Volleyball More than 250 student volunteers also helped to run and promote the events. Greater Manchester is one of only nine areas chosen to pilot the school games in 2011. Next year, 49 similar county events will take place leading up to the national finals, held at London’s Olympic Facilities in May 2012.
By Naim Ismail & Saeed Atcha
The games were delivered through a partnership made up of Flixton Girls High School, GreaterSport, Manchester city council, and other partners. National partners include government departments, Sport England, the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association. Saeed said “It was a brilliant day and the atmosphere was just electrifying. Many British Olympians attended the different venues and to be down there on the day, reporting for Key 103 was amazing! Make sure you take a look at our website for some of the audio. Check out www.lhsm.co.uk for more info, a peek at some pictures and to hear the audio.
My best bit during my time here at lhs has been: There have been so many even in a relatively short space of time these include: year 9 Winmarleigh hall residential, U13s boys Basketball Champions and doing well during the OFSTED inspection in my first term as a teacher.
Checking doors are locked more than once, it annoys me more than anyone else! Also I tend to sing quite a lot but that definitely annoys other people! I’m most likely to say: “Get changed then I’ll tell you what we’re doing in PE” OR Top man!/ Class!/Buzzin!
When I was a child I wanted to be: I wanted to join the RAF. I thought about being a pilot but you have to be super clever, a bit like Mr Parkinson (well at least My most memorable moment: that’s what he thinks)! I always loved PE at school and becoming a Was thrilled when I graduated from University and also when I PE Teacher was always at the back of my mind. qualified as a teacher. Away from school I am a UEFA B Coach and obtaining that qualification was fantastic. My favourite night out: A good meal at a nice restaurant; probably Thai or Indian. Then If I was invisible for a day, I would: off to watch a football match with a few friends. Probably go down to Wembley walk straight in there and play a bit of football on the hallowed turf with my invisible friends. 5 words that most describe me: Energetic, humorous, football fanatic and of course ginger! As we all know your taking a group of 20 students to La Fosca in August are you looking forward to it? My idea of movie heaven is: I am really looking forward to the La Fosca trip and I am sure it Something with either a lot of action of a film with a twisting turn- will be a huge success. ing plot. I like a lot of the Gangster movies and Martin Scorcese films. How do you think it will go? It will be good for pupils from two different schools to mix togethMy favourite gadget: er in a more laid back environment. As long as I keep my factor 50 I would have to say my iphone despite it having possibly the applied I’m hoping there won’t be any problems. worst battery life of any phone I’ve ever had. If it’s a success do you think it will be run again? Has the school changed since I’ve been here: In terms of the trip running again information hot off the press is Not many changes in two years although I have a different office that I will be offering pupils the chance to go to La Fosca next now. summer – letters will be available before the end of term! Most annoying habit:
What a brill interview! Check out the full version at lhsm.co.uk
By Jasmine Moore
Healthyfood!!! As we are a sports college and we usually engage in quite a lot of sport activities, we thought it would be a great idea to do a little article on being healthy. 10 simple ways to stay healthy… DO eat at least 5 fruit/veg a day DO eat plenty of starchy food e.g. potatoes, bread, pasta etc. DO NOT eat a lot of salty foods DO NOT eat fatty foods too often e.g. burgers, pizza etc. DO eat some wholegrain when you can DO drink at least 1.2litres of water a day (6-8 glasses) Although water is the best for you make sure you DO drink some fruit juice and milk in order to get your other essential vitamins and minerals DO plenty of exercise during the week e.g. football, swimming (at least 1hour of physical activity a day) DO NOT sit and watch T.V. all day ALSO find ways in which you can keep healthy and have fun at the same time!
Yes! That’s right! The Ladybridge High Sports Mania is now even more widely recognised out of school then it is in school! The Ladybridge High Sports Mania is now familiar with top name companies such as ‘Key 103,’ ‘Capital FM,’ ‘The Bolton News’ & ’I’ the new concise newspaper made by the independent! So now you’ve got even more reason to be reading the Ladybridge High Sports Mania! Also, we couldn’t have done it without you guys, our readers! Thanks :-)!
By Shabih Syed & Saeed Atcha
Now, you’d think ColorWare would be working furiously to release some flashy gadgets, but that’s not what we’re getting. ColorWare have teamed up with Dr Dre to produce the new monster beats head-phones. These very limited edition ColorWare ‘Chrome Beats,’ don’t actually have any colour, but they admittedly do look pretty cool. Each headphone set is numbered and engraved with a special ColorWare Collection emblem. Only 50 pairs will be available through ColorWare at a price of $1000. So I don’t think we’ll be getting our hands on any!
School Name
Local Authority
% 5 A*-C GCSEs (2007)
% 5 A*-C GCSEs (2010)
Increase (% points)
Position
Ladybridge High
Bolton
18%
46%
28
32nd
The table above is an extract from a larger table, the larger table lists the 200 schools in England that have shown the greatest sustained improvement in their GCSE attainment over the past four years. Ladybridge High is 32nd on the list and is now classed as one of the ‘Most Improved’ school’s in Britain. The schools listed have all improved year-on-year, since 2007, in terms of the percentage of students achieving 5 A*-C GCSE or equivalent passes, including maths and English.
School’s secret to success puts it among top ‘most improved’ The school has just been recognised as the 32nd most improved in the country for making year-on-year improvement. Head teacher Hilary D’Arcy said: “Our GCSE target was 38% A* to C GCSEs, the actual result was 46% “We are looking to exceed that again this year. I want Ladybridge to become a beacon school.” The headteacher said the school’s secret of success was “family learning environment” — which included having parents on board. Mrs D’Arcy said: “It is about quality learning, teaching and knowing where the children are in their learning, and creating positive relationships between staff and pupils.” Figures & Press Release obtained from:
By Naim Ismail & Shabih Syed
I G P H U M L C U F D C H
C N K L I H C K S B E G Y
Q I D O V R E R Y B F H U
K T S J L S E A A Q K T S
G A F U N M T P D R Q R F
B E O X M K F A I O W E H
I Z A U S H A R L P J I G
S Q S P O R T S O S G H J
U Y G N I L L I H C Q J L
M M A E R C E C I P A G M
S F E G J V S A S B B D Z
W H G H U J D N B B H H F
E R T Y I F H K N H D G G
... Find Wally ...
Summer Fun Holidays Eating Ice cream Park Sports Chilling BBQ Music By Shabih Syed
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What a brilliant issue! We’ve been hard at work with this one! We hope you enjoy all the amazing articles and interviews! Welcome Back! Saeed Atcha— Editor
Looking at the eyes of these two pictures… Which teachers are they?!
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Please note: Minor errors may still remain. With thanks to Mrs E Peachman & Mr D Joseph for overseeing the team! All copyright will be reproduced at the end of the school year in a special report. ©Ladybridge High Sports Mania.