Success Autumn 2017

Success

Autumn 2017 Edition

South Africa 2017

Poetry Day

Upcoming 60th Birthday Proud to Belong

In Pursuit of Excellence

Contents 3. Head’s Welcome 4. South Africa Special 8. 60th Birthday plans 9. Lancashire Book of the Year Awards

13.

Inspire: Ali Carr & Jess Millar 16.

Rugby Academy host Argentineans

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In Pursuit of Excellence

Welcome

Head’s Message

It has been a productive and positive start to the new school year for us with students returning after the summer break with renewed vigour ready to continue with their studies. As you will be aware these are challenging times for schools, particularly with regard to finance, preparing our students for new and reformed exams and trying to help our young people navigate some of the many pressures of teenage life which are quite different from when I was a teenager. In these circumstances it is all too easy to focus on the difficult or damaging and to lose sight of all the encouraging and progressive developments within our school and students.

The school magazine offers us a chance to remind ourselves of the opportunities and experiences which our students have enjoyed and excelled in over the past few months. I have often said that a student is not a percentage and that the school is not an exam factory. While we have a duty and obligation to allow students gain the very best results they can, we want to continue to offer a wide range of experiences, the opportunity to take part in many activities and the broadest possible curriculum.

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This is what education must encompass – broadening the horizons of students, raising aspirations, introducing new opportunities, challenging personal limits and offering new experiences. It is always a pleasure to receive the feedback of students and parents who have so enjoyed the many opportunities on offer and the thanks to staff for making these possible.

We are looking forward to another busy half term with various trips and excursions planned, and after many weeks of rehearsals we eagerly await the much anticipated school musical, ‘The Addams Family’ in November.

In the run up to Christmas we will be celebrating our Awards Evening, Carol Service and collecting for foodbanks and toy appeals during Advent as part of our concern to be a real part of the local community. I look forward to sharing more about this with you in our next edition.

With best wishes

Mr Andrew Waller Headteacher

In Pursuit of Excellence

SUCCESS SPECIAL: Tourcharity 2017 Year 7 students raiseSouth £2,000Africa for animal

Students from the Sports Academies enjoyed a trip of a lifetime this summer as they visited South Africa.

The students who are all part of one of the school’s four Sporting Academies (Football, Rugby, Netball and Dance) along with a team of dedicated volunteers, had been fundraising for two years to enable the trip to take place. Events, such as a fashion show, supermarket bag packing and a Race Night all raised a significant amount of money for the trip and the fundraising efforts culminated with a prestigious Sportsman’s Dinner at Preston Grasshoppers, with former Sale Sharks, England, British and Irish Lions rugby star, Mark Cueto attending as the guest speaker.

Table Mountain: Adam McCaffery (Rugby Academy)

During the 10 day South African adventure, students stayed with host families, playing matches against schools and clubs in the areas they visited as well as trips to Table Mountain, going on safari and giving back to the local community by visiting The Legacy Community Development Centre.

“The v iews were breath t Adam aking” McCa ffery

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After a long flight we arrived in Cape Town and walked out of the airport to a view of Table Mountain.

On the coach we passed some very beautiful spots but also some parts that pulled on the heart strings.

We arrived at the base of Table Mountain and after a long wait finally made it to the front of the queue to board the cable car. I was terrified and gripped the pole in the centre, hanging on for dear life. Thankfully it was only a short ride and we made it to the top. The views were breathtaking!

We had a look around, got some really good photos and enjoy a bite to eat in the mountain café.

In Pursuit of Excellence

The Legacy Centre: Bethany Needham (Netball Academy)

One of the most rewarding days in South Africa was when we visited the Legacy Centre. Just driving through the township to get there made us all realise just how dramatically some areas of South Africa contrasted to not only our home but the huge cities five minutes down the road and how all the different people live. Once we arrived we began by painting the hall; by lunchtime we had completed it and had helped transform the building into a safe environment for children of the township to come to after school to work on their school work and play. After lunch, we spent the rest of our afternoon, which was one of my favourite afternoons of the tour, meeting the children. The children ranged from toddlers to our own age. Despite the age gaps and language differences, we were able to communicate with each other.

One of the things that will stick with me was that despite the fact these children lived where they did, not a single one seemed unhappy or complained as they had made the long walk from their school to come and see their friends to carry on their education instead of playing on street corners. This really highlighted the differences for me, as here we complain about getting up and going to school where as there the children had to put in the effort to get an education and have safe spaces like the Legacy Centre. I really think the day at the Legacy Centre helped us understand a little bit of what life is like for the people of the townships.

I think everyone would agree that the day we spent in the Legacy Centre painting, cooking, helping in classes and just playing was an unforgettable experience that was not only rewarding but enjoyable. No one left without a smile as a huge group of children waved us off and chased the bus down the road waving.

s an a w t f “I nce o e i r e e� exp etim n f i l a iffi T a z Eli Aquila Game Reserve: Eliza Tiffin (Dance Academy) On the last night of the tour we stayed at the Aquila Game Reserve and it was incredible. We saw so many amazing animals: elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, lions and ostriches and were so close to them it was unbelievable. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime, one we will never forget. The hotel was the nicest hotel we stayed at and the food was traditional South African food. In the evening we had an awards ceremony giving out the awards for the tour, such as captains choice, best tourist, players of the tour and the awards for the most fines. It was a great way to end our trip.

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In Pursuit of Excellence

South Africa Tour 2017 Continued...

African Dance: Maisie Day (Dance Academy)

South Africa 2017 was an incredible opportunity to meet and dance with new people and learn new moves and techniques from people who have a different style of dance to us. Dancing in Elkanah House was amazing. We made so many new friends that we still talk to and the township put on an amazing workshop which involved everyone and taught us a dance we all loved and performed again several times during in the tour.

“I still r go fo had to ttered r ba the bee ” chips!on & h s i f ris y Har Bradle

Host Families: Bradley Harrison (Rugby Academy)

One of the best parts of the South African tour was staying with host families.

I think most students on the tour were nervous about meeting the first host family because we didn’t know who we were staying with until we were called off by name. Each family hosted between 1-4 students. I was grouped with Jake Fellows, Tom Hodgkins and Nigel Hartley and we stayed with a family of 2 boys, aged 16 and 10. They were very welcoming and the first thing they did was take us to the only major grocery store used in South Africa, Pick n’ Pay. The family treated us to some ‘Bull Tongue’ which is considered a delicacy. After this, we went back to their house, played pool and had a South African ‘Braai’ which is essentially a BBQ, but cooked in a charcoal ‘Braai unit’. On the second night, we went to a famous steak house called Spur as it was the son’s 10th birthday.

The second host family I stayed with led a complete different lifestyle to the first. They lived in what was essentially a mansion, with the tallest and oldest tree in Cape Town in their own back garden. They owned multiple vineyards and had their own wine making and tasting facility on the premises. We didn’t really do anything on the first night as we (me, Jake and their son) were exhausted from the Rugby match during the day. In the morning we walked to a mini café on-site and the father made me and Jake a coffee. The coffee beans he used were only 2 days old! That evening they took us out for tea to a local restaurant. The owners of the restaurant had mined the largest diamond ever dug up, which is currently sitting in the crown jewels! Despite this, I still had to go for the Beer Battered Fish and Chips!

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In Pursuit of Excellence

Surfing: Emily Gaskell Netball Academy

We had been due to visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned but unfortunately due to the weather all the boats to the island were cancelled. Thinking quickly, Mr Doughty set about finding an alternate activity to make our mini adventure as full and exciting as possible. As a substitute he arranged an opportunity for us to learn to surf which was a fantastic experience and one I really enjoyed.

Like learning most new skills, there were a few tumbles and mishaps along the way but we all really enjoyed surfing in the ocean near Cape Town and I was particularly amazed that I mastered standing up on the board, a great achievement on my 16th birthday!

The sea being shark infested didn’t stop any of us; everyone got stuck in and enjoyed the surfing. It was a superb alternative to our original trip and something which I will always remember.

“Sur was a fing grea to spen t way 16th b d my ir Emily thday” G askell

Competitive Sports Fixtures: Katie Sandiford Netball Academy Whilst we were in South Africa our netball team played two competitive fixtures and won both. I really enjoyed playing while we were out there as it gave us the opportunity to play in a different environment and with completely different teams, who have been trained very differently to us. Even though both games were really competitive, both the teams we played were so friendly and welcoming and it was really nice to get to know them. We had a training session with a former South African player who taught us loads of things to use in games which really helped, and it gave us a taste of how the professionals play.

PE Teacher Mr Doughty said, “The trip was designed to give pupils the opportunity to experience different cultures, see sights they might not otherwise have had the chance to experience and take pride in their sporting academies. We had a fantastic time and look forward to next time”.

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In Pursuit of Excellence

Carr Hill Approaches Milestone Birthday I n 1 9 5 8 K i r k h a m w e l c o m e d ro ya l t y w h e n H e r Ro ya l H i g h n e s s t h e D u c h e s s o f Ke n t o f f i c i a l l y o p e n e d C a r r H i l l C o u n t y S e c o n d a r y S c h o o l . N o w, s i x t y ye a rs l a te r w e a re p re p a r i n g to c e l e b ra te t h i s m i l e sto n e b i r t h d ay.

Girls m ode in 195 lling handm ade Green 8. Thank y ou to dresses for sup Bev plying these erly pictur es. the horp, T n e e I3 is Dor 958. a in M i 1 c . i l s t A c ent refe first P urrent stud he right. s ’ l l i H mt of c Carr nd fro other o c m e d s n Gra row front e h t n o

We will be marking the occasion with a commemorative magazine. Are you a former student? Do you have fond memories of your time with us?

Perhaps you’ve got some funny tales, or photographs stashed away in the attic?

If so, we’d like to hear from you. Please email our Communications and Marketing Officer, Mrs Bowie-McLean at: hbowiemclean@carrhill.lancs.sch.uk including any photos you may have.

ProudtotoBelong Belong Proud

Form p h

oto fro m 1979 former studen with thanks to t Paul H olt.

PursuittofofExcellence Excellence InInPursui

Lancashire Book of the Year Year 9 students from Carr Hill have been selected to judge the prestigious Lancashire Book of the Year Awards. It’s the longest running young people’s regional book award in the country, and one of a few which is judged solely by students.

Each of the judging schools is tasked with reading a selection of books from an impressive list of around 85 nominations which are ranked by the publishers as being the best books for the 12-14 year old age bracket. The books are read and shortlisted down to 10, before an overall winner is selected. As part of the process our students will meet and debate with other Lancashire schools, write reviews and finally have the opportunity to meet the shortlisted authors at a prestigious event in June.

School Librarian Mrs Young said, “We are delighted that Carr Hill has been selected to take part in such an interesting and well recognised competition. It’s a big commitment for the students involved, but they are thoroughly looking forward to the experience”.

Jillian Connolly, Coordinator for Lancashire Book of the Year, paid a visit to our Year 9 students to launch the book awards and introduce students to the books they will be reading as part of the initiative.

Jillian brought along 12 books from an extensive list of nominations asking the students to read as many of them as they can by November.

In January, after all the books on the list have been critiqued by many students from different schools across the county, the top five will be chosen and discussed before a winner is revealed.

Year 9 student Grace said, “I love reading and was really excited when I was asked to be part of this. I’m looking forward to reading genres of books I might not usually pick up”.

Fellow judge Connor added, “I am really looking forward to seeing what is on the list – especially any horror or sci-fi as they are my favourite types of book to read”.

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In Pursuit of Excellence

Open Evening 2017 Hundreds of local Year 5 and 6 primary school students and their families joined us for our annual Open Evening.

After a welcome from Headteacher Mr Waller, the students enjoyed exploring our facilities and partaking in interactive activities around the school. From experiements in Chemistry to baking in Food Tech and table tennis in PE, there was an activity for everyone to enjoy and get a feel for what life is like at Carr Hill.

Families were also treated to tasters of some of the delicious food our canteen staff prepare and serve, with Mrs Hunt’s lasagne going down a treat!

Head Boy Ben delivered an encouraging speech telling potential students a little about life at Carr Hill and how he has enjoyed his time here. He said, “Starting High School can be quite daunting, but with such supportive staff you soon settle in. I have really enjoyed school and I hope the new students will too”.

Mr Waller said, “We are delighted that so many local families came and experienced a little of bit of what Carr Hill has to offer. We hope that they were made to feel welcome and thoroughly enjoyed looking around our facilities.”

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In Pursuit of Excellence

#Carrhillrocks Students from Carr Hill hope to bring a smile to the residents of Kirkham and the surrounding areas through painted pebbles.

The painted pebble movement, which originated in America and is becoming more and more popular in the UK, is similar to geocaching. The pebbles are left in parks, nature trails and playgrounds in the hope that someone will find them. Once they are discovered the person who found it posts a picture of the pebble on social media before either keeping it or re-hiding it for someone else to find and enjoy.

Year 5 and 6 primary school students who attended Carr Hill’s Open Evening were invited to take a pebble home with them on the evening to hide in their local area.

Communications and Marketing Officer Mrs Bowie-McLean said, “The purpose is simply to spread a bit of happiness through an inspirational quote, smiley face or colourful pattern. Our students have really enjoyed creating their mini-masterpieces. They are excited to see how far the pebbles travel and of course photos of their rocks on our Facebook page.”

If you find a painted pebble please follow the instructions on the label on the back of it: Take a photo on your phone, post it on the Carr Hill High School Facebook page using the hashtag #carrhillrocks and re-hide the pebble.

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In Pursuit of Excellence

National Poetry Day National Poetry Day is an annual celebration run by the charity Forward Arts Foundation, which inspires people throughout the UK to enjoy, discover and share poems.

The theme this year was Freedom and students enjoyed various lessons involving looking at poems based around the theme as well as writing their own to be displayed on a ‘Poetree’ in The Hub. Sixth Form drama students recited Shakespeares Sonnets and the Art, Photography and English Departments collaborated to run a competition to inspire students to write a poem, take a photo or draw a picture portraying what freedom means to them.

Culinary Competition Success for Catering Staff Two of Carr Hill’s talented catering staff brought home bronze awards from the Local Authority Catering Association’s (LACA) Finishing Touches culinary competition.

The annual competition takes place in Birmingham and is an opportunity for caterers from schools across the country to show off their baking skills choosing from categories such as cupcakes, tray bakes, petit fours and celebration cakes.

Sarah Callaby and Claire Nelson from Carr Hill entered the cupcakes and decorated novelty cakes categories respectively. The competition was fierce but both Sarah and Claire did exceptionally well coming in third place in their groups.

Catering Manager Mrs Hunt said, “We’re really proud of Sarah and Claire and their achievements. It’s great that their skills have been recognised through this and we look forward to seeing what they come up with next year”.

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In Pursuit of Excellence

ALI CARR & JESS MILLAR

INSPIRE:

At Carr Hill we have many talented students who not only excel with their studies, but also in various extra-curricular activities. Ali Carr and Jess Millar are two of those students. Below they share how they balance school life with an intense swimming training regime.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Ali: Swim, school, swim! I wake up at 4am have something quick to eat then head down to the pool for a two hour session then back home. Again it’s eat quickly before going to school and if I need to I do a little bit of homework. After school it is homework, dinner and back to the pool for either 6 o’clock or 6.45pm dependent on the day. After swimming I’ll come home eat something and sleep because I am exhausted!

Jess: Like Ali a typical day for me consists of a 4 o’clock start, two hours training, rushing home to get ready for school, my school day and then training in the evening.

Jess & Ali with their coach, Mark How did you get into swimming?

J: Like most children I started with swimming lessons and it carried on from there.

A: I started like that too and club swimming was suggested once my lessons were completed. The competitive swimming started as a result of my coach, Mark, suggesting it.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

A: My proudest moment was going to the Luxembourg European meet. At this gala I met many of my swimming idols including Adam Peaty, Katinka Hosszu, Sarah Sjostrum. It was inspiring to be competing at the same level.

Also, it was an accomplishment to win two golds in an international gala abroad; it felt great especially as there was a full ceremony.

J: Mine are qualifying for my first regional championships and the realization I have qualified for my first ever International meet in Luxembourg (this January). I’m really looking forward to it!

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What are your dreams and ambitions?

J: My dream, like most kids who swim competitively is to make it to national/international level and compete at the World Championships and the Olympics but I’d also like to become a doctor and be able to carry on swimming through my adult life.

A: One day I would like a career in swimming competing in competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and even the Olympics.

That said, I do also enjoy the coaching side and would like to become a coach to help others achieve their dreams.

How do you balance school with training?

J: For me it’s about putting school work first and being strict with myself. I try to get as much school work done as possible to allow myself the luxury of extra-curricular hobbies.

A: It takes a lot of discipline and mental strength to keep it going with all that is going on but it leaves you feeling happier and more productive.

What advice would you give to other students about balancing their workload extracurricular activities?

A: Enjoy it. I think the key to balancing extra-curricular with school is to actually be enjoying them as this will give you the motivation and confidence in yourself to be the best you can. Also, if you need it ask for the help.

J: Be strict with yourself and put your school work first otherwise you’ll quickly fall behind.

How do you relax?

J: My relaxing time is mostly sleep, but also I use swimming to escape the stress of school and also just chilling with my family really.

A: Normally I relax when watching films or tv programmes and spending time with my family and friends.

Who are your biggest inspirations?

J: My Mum, Dad, and Kerry Anne Payne as she too went through a stage of not enjoying swimming but came out of the other side of it.

A: Swedish competitive swimmer, world record holder and the first Swedish woman to get a Gold for swimming in the Olympics, Sarah Sjostrom.

In Pursuit of Excellence

Cadets have a field day at Fulwood Barracks Year 10 students who are part of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) enjoyed a Field Day at Fulwood Barracks.

The students took part in a variety of activities including camouflage and concealment, cooking in the field and ration packs, an assault course, first aid and battlefield tactics.

CCF is a national programme run by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with schools, which offers students the opportunity to partake in a broad range of activities designed to develop their personal responsibilty, leadership skills and self-discipline.

Carr Hill Contingent Commander, History teacher Mr Yates, said, “The programme is designed to push students outside their comfort zones to boost their confidence and self-belief.

It encourages a high level of teamwork and comradery to complete various military themed activities and challenges, and will equip students with skills they can take forward into their everyday lives”.

Year 10 student and recent CCF recruit Danielle Wilson has been on five CCF days so far. She said, “ I joined the CCF programme largely because my Dad is ex-military having served in the RAF for 24 years, and I wanted to experience a little bit of the kind of thing he used to do.

The atmosphere is great and I’ve met a lot of new people from other local schools as a result of it. Aside from that, I also like the fact it’s such a challenge and so different to any other extra-curricular activity I’ve experienced.

On our latest trip to Fulwood Barracks I particularly enjoyed the trust exercises, assault course and camouflage face paint.

I think I was the muddiest I’ve been in my life and it was so physically challenging I’m still aching now but I loved every minute.

I want to go into Law after school, and this is teaching me skills I know will be transferable for my future career. For example as a cadet we sometimes have to lead drills, standing in front of people, directing them, public speaking and putting ourselves out there, not dissimilar to the kind of thing I would be doing in a Court of Law. I would definitely recommend it to other people, you learn so much and certainly won’t regret it.”

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In Pursuit of Excellence

Within any organisation, a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. In this new feature we meet the staff who work hard to make sure our students enjoy the best we are able to offer them. In this issue, Pupil Premium Mentor, Mrs Somers, tells us more about her role and how it benefits our students.

How does it help the students?

We offer a range of opportunities for our PP students that they might not otherwise get a chance to do. These include things such as adventurous activity residentials at Borwick Hall and Hothersall Lodge, a Year 6 Transitional holiday club to aid the transition from primary to high school, a 4 week family cooking club, discounted instrumental lessons, breakfast club and a late bus.

How did you get into the role?

Originally I trained as a Speech and Language Therapist and did various placements at schools around Manchester. I’ve always had an interest in working with students who need a bit of extra support and guidance, so when the role of Pupil Premium Mentor came up I jumped at the chance.

“I love the variety of my role; each day is different and I enjoy building rapport with students and their families”

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Quickfire Round...

Pizza or Pasta?

Chocolate or sweets?

BGT or X factor?

Skiing or Beach holiday?

Numbers or letters?

Both Sweets Neither!

Beach

MRS SOMERS

What does an average day look like for you?

I start every day by running the PP breakfast club where 70 students enjoy breakfast – this could be cereal, pastries or a sausage sandwich. Afterwards I head back to my desk to catch up with my emails and then most days during mentor time I’ll have a one to one with a student to chat about their studies or attendance. For the rest of the day I’m often in meetings with parents or external agencies, doing home visits, supporting students within the classroom or approving requests for funding for things such as revision guides. Break and lunchtime are particularly busy for me as lots of students will come to my office with queries and questions. My day ends as I load up the PP late bus with those students who have stayed behind to do afterschool activities.

What advice would you give students thinking about pursuing a career in a pastoral role within a school?

You need to feel passionate about helping students to achieve their best and be able to work well under pressure. Having a resilient personality helps and it’s important to enjoy working with students and families. Getting some work experience in pastoral role within an educational environment will help to give you a flavour of what it’s like and will look great on your CV too.

IN FOCUS:

What is Pupil Premium (PP)?

It’s a Government Fund which provides additional support for students who meet certain criteria, such as looked-after children, children of ex, or serving, military personnel and those who have been registered for free school meals within the last 6 years.

We currently have 315 PP students at Carr Hill.

Numbers

In Pursuit of Excellence

Rugby Academy Host Argentineans Students from Carr Hill’s Rugby Academy had the privilege of hosting fellow rugby players from Balmoral College in Argentina.

It’s the first time Carr Hill has had the opportunity to host an international sports team and it gave students who went on the South Africa Tour the flip side of what they experienced over the summer. Two rugby fixtures were played by a mixture of Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students. The competition was rife, with both teams putting in a tremendous effort, but when the final whistle went it was Balmoral who came out victorious.

Balmoral coach Mr Connolly said, “We have really enjoyed spending time at Carr Hill and are very thankful to the host families and Carr Hill staff who have looked after us so well during our time in Kirkham”.

Mr Penney, who heads up the Rugby Academy said, “It was a privilege to host Balmoral College. We’re proud of the effort all the boys put into the matches and were impressed by the standard of the performances. The Sports Academies are continuously looking for ways to provide our students with the best possible experiences and we look forward to hosting other schools in the future”.

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In Pursuit of Excellence