Spotlight on South - CHS South Issue 10

WELCOME

2023

The completion of this year marks a significant point in our journey as a new High School community. The end of the 2022-23 academic year sees our founding students graduate from their High School experience and await the delivery of our first ever Key Stage 4 results in August 2023; it also sees us securely graded as good following our first Ofsted inspection earlier this year.

When I was asked in 2017 if I would be interested in helping to shape a new 11-16 school in Chorlton with the same ethos and values as Chorlton High School, it felt like the opportunity of a lifetime. In the lead up there were so many discussions; the name of the school; the colour of the blazer; the design of the tie; the building projects; staff appointments; the list felt endless. However, piece by piece, the jigsaw puzzle of ideas and thoughts came together to reveal the solutions, and CHS South was created As we headed into the Spring term of 2018, we had a temporary building (just), we had a school uniform (pink & grey - smartest in Manchester), and we had appointed most of the small, but perfectly formed inaugural staff body (there were about 15 full time members of staff vs. the current 129). However, we were missing the final piece of the puzzle, the most important part - our students and our families

Now five years on, I have learnt so much from our students and their wonderful families. From their experiences, challenges, and triumphs; I hope they can say the same about their time with us. I would like to dedicate this year ' s final issue of Spotlight to all our students, old and new. Although some of us have had to navigate our way around some tough times - the temporary building & the Pandemic to name a few - we have always found a way through together. Through laughter, care, community & belief - qualities I hope our students take with them to open the possibilities of their future - we have travelled to this point together. I wish our founding students every success for the next stage of their adventure, and I cannot wait to see what they do next; I could not be prouder of the young people they have become

David Prophet Headteacher

"CHS South is a welcoming and supportive community. Pupils are proud of their school." OFSTED, JANUARY

"Pupils benefit from the wide range of clubs that staff provide. They told inspectors that there is something for everyone to try and to enjoy."

CELEBRATIONS AS CHS SOUTH ACHIEVES OFSTED GRADE: GOOD

Following CHS South’s first Ofsted inspection in January 2023, the school has been graded as ‘good’ in all areas.

A team of 4 Inspectors visited CHS South on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th January 2023 and judged the Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management as good; the full report can be found on our website. Manchester City Council Director of Education, Amanda Corcoran has been in touch with me and commented, “This is a much deserved public recognition of the work of everyone associated with CHS South. The impact of your work in the school and in the community is a cause for celebration for us all.”

In the report Inspectors comment that, “CHS South is a welcoming and supportive community. Pupils are proud of their school. Pupils understand the school values of ‘ready, respectful, safe’, and they try hard to follow them in all that they do.”

They also recognise that “Leaders have high expectations with regard to pupils’ behaviour and achievement, including for those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ”

They go on to observe that, “Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. Lessons are rarely disrupted due to inappropriate behaviour. Pupils said that they feel safe in school. They told inspectors that there is always someone who they can talk to if they have a problem.”

"Pupils said that they feel safe in school. They told inspectors that there is always someone who they can talk to if they have a problem."

OFSTED, JANUARY 2023

OFSTED, JANUARY 2023

They also acknowledge that, “Pupils benefit from the wide range of clubs that staff provide. They told inspectors that there is something for everyone to try and to enjoy. Pupils cited school drama productions, sport and music opportunities, the pride group and coding and eco clubs as examples of the rich breadth of activities that are on offer.”

Other observations made in the report include:

“Subject leaders are clear about the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn in their subject curriculums.”

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge. This helps them to explain concepts clearly to pupils.”

“Teachers check pupils’ understanding regularly in lessons. This helps them to quickly identify and address any misconceptions that pupils may develop."

“Teachers ensure that pupils with SEND are well supported in class This helps these pupils to learn more as they move through the school.”

“Pupils in all year groups read regularly. This helps them to become more confident readers. Leaders quickly identify any pupils who find reading difficult. Skilled staff provide effective support for this group of pupils.”

“Staff enjoy working at the school. Leaders take positive action to support the workload and well-being of staff.”

This is obviously a significant achievement for our community and an important step in establishing CHS South We are delighted that the efforts and achievements of our children, staff and our families have been recognised and validated through the words of the report. We feel very proud of our community and thank you for your ongoing support.

"Leaders have high expectations with regard to pupils’ behaviour and achievement, including for those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)."

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: OUR FIRST PROM EXPERIENCE

The first-ever prom held by CHS South was undoubtedly an exhilarating experience for all the high school students who attended. It was a night filled with excitement, glitz, and glamour that left everyone with unforgettable memories. As the founder students arrived in style, it was immediately evident that this was going to be a unique and special event The venue, the Lowry Theatre, was a magnificent backdrop that perfectly complemented the stunning attire of the attendees. The atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was palpable in the air

What made the event truly memorable was the enthusiasm and joy the staff exuded throughout the night. They were clearly enjoying themselves, and their infectious energy was contagious As they took to the dance floor, it was clear that they were letting loose and having the time of their lives It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best way to enjoy oneself is to follow the lead of those around us and let go of our worries and cares Overall, CHS South's first-ever prom was a triumph and served as the perfect way to mark the beginning of a new tradition that will undoubtedly continue to bring joy and excitement to generations of students to come.

FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, DANCING, AND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: OUR GCSE JOURNEY

CHS South recently wrapped up its first-ever set of examinations in a successful summer series Over the course of 43 days, 86 exams were taken, with Year 11 students sitting over 3750 papers in total, covering a wide range of subjects including Arabic, Statistics, Bengali, Physics, Computing, and PE The exams team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to produce timetables and seating plans, while ensuring that the centre met regulations. The Attendance and Pastoral teams were also hard at work, registering, contacting and collecting students from across the city Meanwhile, the canteen provided breakfast every day, and teachers offered revision every morning, after school, as well as on weekends and holidays The exams were invigilated by the Leadership team, and the students approached their exams with great resilience and optimism CHS South's team spirit was truly in full force during this time. The school is eagerly awaiting the results, which will be shared with students in August.

A BITTERSWEET FAREWELL

Attention! Have you ever wondered what it's like to graduate from Year 11? Well, let us tell you about the most exciting event of the year: the FIRST EVER Year 11 leavers assembly! This year, we ' re celebrating 5 whole years of school, and it being even more special because this years ' graduating class were the students that opened CHS South in 2018! We took a trip down memory lane with a photo and video collage that made all laugh, cry and smile Students saw how much they had grown and accomplished over the years But that's not all, the staff has a special surprise! They've been secretly working on a music video that will had everyone dancing in their seats. We hope this will also be an annual event! And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, we ended the assembly with a confetti cannon! That's right, confetti rain down as we celebrated the momentous occasion

BERLIN: A TRIP TO REMEMBER

CHS South students embarked on a historic journey on Monday 5th Junethe school's first ever international visit! A group of History students jetted off from Manchester to explore the rich cultural and historical sites of Berlin. Armed with their knowledge from class, the students were excited to witness the places and artefacts they had been learning about in person. The students made their way around Berlin and its suburbs using public transportation, and the trip was certainly an unforgettable experience. With such enthusiastic feedback, CHS South is already planning to make an annual trip to Berlin a staple of school life All History students who are Ready, Respectful, and Safe are invited to join the adventure!

Two Year 10 students shared

"I enjoyed every moment o grateful for this amazing opp explore the city with my frie new culture. Visiting the histo true, and my favourite was was informative and engagi famous TV tower was breatht

"I'd never been to Berlin befo was mind-blowing! I loved t my dorm mates were incre historical sites with my own and the Jewish Museum was my legs were sore from all th and metro rides the most "

I'D NEVER BEEN TO BERLIN BEFORE, SO THE CHANCE TO GO THERE WAS MIND-BLO

their impressions of the trip: of the trip to Berlin, and I'm portunity. It was fascinating to ends and immerse myself in a orical sites was a dream come the Reichstag The audio tour ng, and the view from Berlin's taking " ore, so the chance to go there travelling with my friends, and edible company Seeing the eyes made history come alive, particularly impactful Though he walking, I enjoyed the train

EXPLORING POST-16 EDUCATION

Attention Year 10 students! Are you already thinking about what to do after finishing school? CHS South has partnered with The Manchester College to provide you with a taste of the Post-16 options available Explore courses like Business & Enterprise, Photography, and Hair & Beauty to discover your passions Our students have been representing CHS South to the highest standard and have received positive feedback from The Manchester College staff. Keep up the great work and unlock your potential! Furthermore, the Year 10 Music Tech class at CHS South visited Spirit Studios, where they gained valuable insight into music production and post-school studies. These talented students had the opportunity to create a track from scratch and record their own vocals, showcasing their skills and creativity. They represented our school with passion and ambition, and the future of the music industry is in safe hands with them We can't wait to see what they'll achieve next!

OUR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN REPRESENTING

CHS SOUTH TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD.

BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE

Manchester College recently hosted exciting taster sessions in Bricklaying and Plumbing, providing Year 10 students with the opportunity to explore these awesome trades. The students had a blast discovering new skills and building a solid foundation for their future careers. In addition, students embarked on a weeklong engineering and construction work experience with Jacobs, where they gained invaluable skills in a range of disciplines including surveying, mechanical engineering, and boardroom presentations The excitement was palpable throughout the experience, and the best part is that this amazing opportunity will now be offered to more students every year. We are thrilled to see what incredible projects and achievements lie ahead for our budding engineers and construction experts.

TRANSITION: THE NEXT CHAPTER

Starting high school is a big step for primary students, a time full of new opportunities and challenges. It's like embarking on a thrilling adventure where the students get to explore uncharted territories and discover new horizons. With new subjects, new teachers, and new classmates, high school is an exciting place to be So, let's put on our backpacks, lace up our shoes, and get ready to embark on this exciting journey together! Get ready to welcome the newest members of the CHS South community! In July, we opened our doors to all Year 6 students who will be joining us in September for Year 7 The day was jampacked with exciting activities, engaging presentations, and fun lessons. Students had a blast and were able to showcase their skills and knowledge throughout the day But the excitement didn't stop there! We also welcomed parents and carers for an evening of information to ensure a smooth transition for their child. They were able to meet our fantastic staff and learn more about what their child can expect in the upcoming year And what's more, we had delicious food on offer to fuel everyone for the evening's festivities.

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Are you ready to They hosted a v event was an in that's not all! So a sneak peek in

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

We want to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to all the amazing families who joined us for our Year 5 Transition Event. Without your presence and enthusiasm, the event wouldn't have been such a success We had so much fun, and we hope you did too From the delicious food to the information filled talks by our Headteacher, members of our Transition team, a Year 7 student and teaching staff, the event was packed with excitement and great insights We hope our families learned alot about what to expect when they transition to Year 7, and we hope you feel much more prepared now. All in all, the Year 5 Transition event was a huge success, thanks to the amazing families who joined us. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we can't wait to see you all again soon!

ESEY GOOD TIMES

o hear about the awesome event that our Transition Team organized for Year 6 students and their parents/carers? irtual 'Knowing CHS South' TEAMs call where everyone could participate from the comfort of their own homes! The nformal afternoon online-quiz where we had a blast learning more about CHS South and meeting new faces But ome lucky families even got to make pizza together in a fun-filled afternoon It was an amazing opportunity to get to what life at CHS South is like, and we can't wait for more exciting events like this next year!

DISCOVERING MANCHESTER'S LITERARY TREASURES

Our school has been conducting Reading List Challenges throughout the year. The challenge requires students to read three books from a set reading list to qualify for a reward trip This challenge encourages students to read books they would not typically choose. Our students have risen to the challenge and have enjoyed participating For the last reward trip, we visited the Central Library, Manchester, where the students had a tour of the library and a chance to pick a book of their own choice as an extra reward. Here's what some of our students had to say about the reading challenge: "I loved the challenge because it helped me read more and gave me rewards for reading", "The challenge motivated me to read more, make friends with other participants, and look forward to the reward trip", "The challenge made me want to read more, and the books I read taught me new things The best part of the challenge was visiting the library and having a tour".

BEYOND THE SCREEN

The National Literacy Trust hosted an online event featuring author Alex Falase-Koya, who wrote Marcus Rashford Breakfast Club Adventure. Regular library attendees were invited to join in and listen to Alex read chapter 1 of his book He encouraged the students to try drafting their own stories, providing them with top tips on how to get started. The students were inspired by Alex's teaching and commented on how they learned about book-writing, structure, and tricks from the author. Thoughts shared were: “I liked everything he taught us and the way he told us to write our own story”, “The only limit is your own imagination and I thought it was inspiring”, “I liked how he explained how to structure a story and the tips and tricks the author uses ” .

ORACY MATTERS

On the day of the ‘Great Get Together’ we held our yearly Oracy Showcase with the theme of community, optimism and celebrating using our voices. Holding the Oracy Showcase allowed for our pupils to show off their spoken language skills which they have been developing throughout the year, as well as providing our students a platform to talk about what they are passionate about. It was a fantastic event where parents, students and teachers were able to enjoy live music, ice cream and appreciate the artwork that our different students had created around these core themes All departments were involved with nominating students to represent different subjects at the Oracy Showcase. The students were then helped by the various teachers to help perfect their speech before performing it at the Oracy Showcase. The performances ranged from historical news broadcasts about the death of Julius Caesar, powerful speeches about ‘TikTok’ and ‘Capitalism’ and it even included live Science Experiments which amazed the audience. During the Oracy Showcase we were also joined by guests from The Contact Theatre, Young Identity and a local spoken word performer, Funmi These guests performed powerful spoken word pieces, which helped to inspire our students in their own oracy performances.

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READING IS TO THE MIND WHAT EXERCISE IS TO THE BODY.

RICHARD STEELE

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS

The much-awaited MATHSMIND 2 competition has finally kicked off with immense enthusiasm! This term, CHS South had the honour of hosting the second round of the inter-year, quick-fire numeracy competition It was a fierce battle of wits as each Form was represented by two students and their Form Tutor. The excitement was palpable as they went head-to-head, displaying their mathematical prowess. After a gruelling and intense competition, the CHS South MATHSMIND 2 Champions for each year group were announced amidst much fanfare. It was a moment of pride for the winners as they were awarded the ultimate winner's trophy. The anticipation for the next competition is already high, and we can hardly wait to find out who will take home the prize next time!

C S

On the occasion of National N decided to organise a fun and eng activity was a Numeracy Treasure students of all years to participate skills. The challenge was designed t students were given the opportu numerical puzzles and riddles. In a Year 7 students who were part participated in the celebration by depicted the importance of num posters were not only visually a powerful message about the signif celebration of National Numeracy and the students thoroughly en organised by the school.

umeracy Day 2023, the school aging activity for all students. The e-hunt challenge, which allowed and showcase their mathematical to be exciting and competitive, as unity to win a prize by solving addition to the treasure hunt, the of the Artful Maths Club also y creating beautiful posters that meracy in our daily lives These appealing but also delivered a ficance of numeracy Overall, the Day 2023 was a huge success njoyed the activities that were

MATHS IN THE REAL WORD

Eight Year 9 students from CHS South had the exciting opportunity to attend a Maths enrichment day at the University of Manchester The day kicked off with challenging real-life Maths problems, with four students winning a prize for their solution. The students then engaged in workshops on modular origami and modelling rollercoasters, followed by a speed networking session with ambassadors from various STEM careers. The day concluded with an interactive talk on the history of Geometry and its practical applications. We extend our gratitude to the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and the University of Manchester for organising this event for schools across the North West, and congratulate the eight students for representing CHS South so brilliantly.

ARTS EXHIBITION

The CHS South Arts Exhibition this year was an absolute blast! Our student helpers greeted guests with smiles and enthusiasm, leading them to a transformed dining area that had been converted into a creative space While a banner-making workshop was underway, our steel pan experts performed their newest music to the delight of the crowd. Our Year 10 Photography students were also at the event, running a professional photo booth where guests could get their pictures taken, and where a talented Year 10 student drew 3-minute portrait sketches for people to take home The highlight of the night was the breathtaking exhibition of Art and Photography, which was displayed in the theatre that had been completely transformed for the occasion It was a beautiful showcase of the incredible work that our students have produced over the years. To top it all off, Mr McGill and Mr Palmer became the subjects of a performance art piece that involved spray paint and some seriously cool designs. Guests and students alike were encouraged to leave their mark on a section of the wall, writing messages and drawing their positive responses to the event We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our talented students With all the fun that was had this year, we can't wait to see what next year ' s Arts Exhibition will bring!

023 DANCE FESTIVAL

The 023 Dance Festival has returned with a bang, and it's safe to say that everyone involved should feel incredibly proud! This year ' s festival was a massive success with a full house and an amazing display of talent The Arts Department has been working tirelessly all week to bring you an unforgettable experience Keep your eyes peeled because there are still exciting things to come! We can't wait to see what they have in store for us. Congratulations to all the performers and organisers for making this year ' s festival one to remember!

SOUTH'S GOT TALENT!

Get ready to be amazed by the talented students of CHS South! Recently, all years had the incredible opportunity to showcase their skills in the highly anticipated 'South's Got Talent' show From mesmerizing magic acts to heartfelt monologues, from jaw-dropping musical theatre performances to soulful singing, the variety of acts was truly impressive. The audience was blown away by the stunning performances, but there could only be one winner. Congratulations to D'Jai for taking the crown with her breathtaking rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing"! And let's not forget about our outstanding runner-up, Rosa, who left us all in awe with her incredible piano skills. A big round of applause to all the performers for making 'South's Got Talent' a truly unforgettable experience!

"ONCE UPON A TIME"

The Year 9 Drama students recently had an incredible opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent! They put on an amazing TIE (Theatre in Education) performance that left the audience in awe But that's not all! They also shared this performance with the St Margaret's Primary school students, who were thrilled to see their older peers in action Drama students used the timeless and magical world of fairy tales to teach an important moral lesson - never talk to strangers. The audience was transported to a world of enchantment, where the actors brought the beloved characters to life before their very eyes. The clever use of drama and storytelling had everyone on the edge of their seats, as they watched the story unfold. This was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved The Year 9 Drama students not only got to showcase their incredible talents, but they also got to make a difference in the lives of the younger students. By using theatre as a tool for education, they were able to impart valuable life lessons in a fun and engaging way We can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!

BAKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The students of 7CC have proven their generosity and community spirit by hosting a bake sale in aid of CISV This wonderful organisation provides lifechanging opportunities for young people all over the world The goal: to fundraise enough money to send one of their very own 7CC students to Spain this summer to take part in CISV’s programme And boy, did they deliver! With the help of supportive students, staff, parents and carers, they raised an impressive £139! This goes to show what can be achieved when we come together for a good cause. Congratulations to the 7CC members for their hard work and dedication We wish the lucky student the best of luck on their summer adventure, and we can’t wait to hear all about it when they return!

CELEBRATING WINDRUSH DAY

Miss Daswani and her team of bright and passionate student helpers have been making waves at our school this term! With a week-long series of Windrush assemblies, they have been celebrating the incredible stories and impact of this generation on British society But it's not just about celebrating - the focus of these assemblies has been on promoting anti-racist understandings and decolonising the narratives that surround these groups. Through powerful storytelling and thought-provoking discussions, Miss Daswani and her team have helped us all gain a deeper appreciation for the Windrush generation and their lasting influence on our community. We can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!

SUSHI WITH A SIDE OF LAUGHTER

Are you curious about how a group of girls learned the art of making and maintaining healthy friendships? Well, let us tell you! For seven weeks, a team of girls, including a couple of chatty students, came together to learn about friendship-making With the help of our intervention program, we explored the dynamics of friendships, from distinguishing between healthy and toxic relationships to the art of making up after a fight But the most exciting moment came when they discovered that they all share a love for sushi! With this newfound bond, they decided to apply for funding to experience a sushi-making class together Thanks to our team's hard work, they were able to savour delicious sushi rolls and bond over our newfound friendship skills.

DIVING INTO THE WORLD OF SCIENCE

Excitement filled the air as 50 Year 7 students journeyed to Birmingham's NEC for the Big Bang Science Fair, where they were fully immersed in a world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With STEM careers being the focus, the students had the chance to participate in hands-on activities, listen to career panels, and watch live demonstrations. The event was truly a feast for the mind and senses, and the students returned brimming with ideas and inspiration for their own future careers

Meanwhile, Year 8 students had an amazing adventure this term, embarking on an educational trip to the fascinating Manchester Museum. Among the highlights of their visit was the "fossils and evolution" exhibit, where they learned about the history and development of life on our planet. They also explored the 'Golden Mummies Exhibition', which showcased over 100 artefacts from Ancient Egypt, including some truly mesmerising mummies To top it off, the students stumbled upon a 110-million-year-old dinosaur and couldn't resist taking a photo with the prehistoric giant. It was an unforgettable trip that left the students buzzing with excitement and wonder.

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF MOVEMENT

The CHS South Dance Collective dancers have done it again! For the second year running, they took to the stage at The Lowry Theatre and wowed the crowd with their incredible moves. Led by the talented trio of Miss Harper, Miss Ali and Miss Sewell, these dancers have been working hard all year to perfect their routines And their efforts paid off when they successfully auditioned to join the CHS South Dance Collective. It's a huge achievement, and everyone involved should be proud of themselves Congratulations to all the dancers! We can't wait to see what they'll do next

JOIN THE EXCITEMENT: ELE WEEK IS BACK!

It was an exciting week at CHS South as students embarked on their annual Extended Learning Experience Days With a variety of activities to choose from, there was something for everyone Sports day was a highlight for each year group, with students competing in various track and field events and to show off their athletic skills. The baking classes were also a hit, with students learning new recipes and techniques for creating delicious treats But the fun didn't stop there The silent disco was a unique experience that allowed students to dance to their favourite tunes while wearing wireless headphones. Meanwhile, the flamenco dancing classes provided an opportunity for students to learn a new dance style and express themselves creatively The week also included a talk from Figan Murray, who shared her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and educating our young people on tolerance and unity. The Odd Arts performance of “Going Home” was another powerful experience that realistically depicts the racism and discrimination faced by people from racially minoritised backgrounds in the UK today. For those interested in STEM, trips to Manchester Airports Aerospace provided a behind-the-scenes look at the aviation industry. And for animal lovers, the visit to Chester Zoo was a chance to see some of the world's most fascinating creatures up close

CHS South's sports days were a blast! The sun was shining (some days) and our students were bringing their A-game From the intense track races to the hilarious Tug of War, there was something for everyone. The energy was contagious and everyone left feeling proud of their school spirit. Can't wait for next year!

THE WONDERS OF AVIATION

Year 9 students had a fantastic time at the Aerozone - a superb facility at Manchester Airport in which students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on realistic role-play work zones and explore a variety of careers at the airport. Dressing up as a Pilot and flying a plane simulator was a highlight for some – for others, it was experiencing life in Security and spotting prohibited items in suitcases or making announcements over the tannoy regarding flight information! We had insightful (and very different) talks from two members of staff at the airport; one in marketing and one who was responsible for all of the electrical engineering across the airport. Students had the chance to go on a trail through Terminal 2 and speak with members of staff there – the day was filled with fun and laughter throughout and the students did us proud asking really brilliant questions of the staff at the airport We wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few of them in careers at the airport in years to come!

FAREWELL TO ANOTHER YEAR

The week ended on a high note with our Unity Festival. Students came together to celebrate their achievements and enjoy music, a photo booth, and an ice cream van all whilst celebrating the different cultures of our community. Overall, the Extended Learning Experience Days at CHS South were a success, providing students with a week of learning, exploration, and fun. It was a time to try new things, meet new people, and come together as a community to celebrate the diversity and achievements of all students