The 1557, Sir John Deane's Student Magazine, Version One

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1557 Read our interview with Chris Atherton and meet the man behind the suit Staff Spotlight: How did Bruce go from Llamas to Libraries?

Read our tips on how to protect your wellbeing this winter

Welcome to your college magazine A letter from The 1557 Editors-in-Chief, Eva Barton and Mollie Dillon.

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT WELCOME WELCOME 2

From current news, events, wellbeing advice, spotlights, and sports. We hope this magazine creates a greater outlook into college and allows you to look past the courses you are here to study.

During the process of creating this first edition, we found out more about the college then we ever thought possible. We hope you have all enjoyed your first term in Sir John Deane’s and are looking forward to the rest of the year.

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The Coronavirus pandemic completely changed our time in education and if anything, Covid has only made us be more grateful to be back in college. We hope to use this new and improved magazine to shed light on the beginning of a new era.

We want to use ‘The 1557’ as way to provide a variety of content for Sir John Deane’s students.

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The Beginning of a New Era

A big thanks to our college magazine team: Eva, Mollie, Henry, Alice, Jaymee, Lizzie, Anya, Izzie, Emily, and Ally.

We hope you enjoy the read!

Warmest Wishes,

Eva and Mollie Eva Barton and Mollie Dillon Co-Editors-in-Chief

Welcome to your College Magazine

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Meet the man behind the suit

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Get to know your Senior Leadership Team

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Sir John Deane’s commitment to diversity

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Exam Tips from a Y13 Student

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Dates for your Diary

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Staff Spotlight

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Subject Spotlight

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Protect your wellbeing this winter

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Sports

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WELCOME

In this issue...

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MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE SUIT

The wider co-curriculum, such as our diversitas group and women’s society helps improve well-being and provide social opportunities for students."

2) The culture. I enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the high aspirations of the students here.

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3) The high quality teaching and learning, combined with how we are always trying to make it better.

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“How do you think the pandemic has changed the way we learn?”

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“I am firstly humbled and feel it is a great honour to step into Kerry Kirkwood’s shoes knowing the amazing job she has done for college over the years. On a personal level, I’m excited to work with the senior leadership team to uphold the college's high standards and positive culture.

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NEWS: THE NEW SENIOR LEARDERSHIOP

“How do you feel stepping into 1) The people and community within the college, especially the role of principal of SJD?” working with students.

Because of this the senior leadership team4have an extra emphasis on support systems within the college this year and are working hard to make sure every student gets the support they need.

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“I feel as if the pandemic hasn’t fundamentally changed the mechanism of learning, but it has highlighted the invisible challenges students face in every day-to-day life.

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“What are you most excited/ hen myself and Mollie looking forward to this year?” spoke to Chris in his office during a Tuesday lunch, I would have to say the cowe noticed his amiability and welcoming presence. As students, curricular programme and the we are all busy with our A levels opportunities the students have and BTECs during college hours in accessing a community of people with similar interests as so maybe you’ve not had the themselves. opportunity to meet Chris; and only know him as the principal.

That’s how I felt before our interview, but even after a couple “Could you tell us briefly three of minutes we had a grasp of the things which you love about SJD?” man behind the suit.

GET TO KNOW YOUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM An interview with Deputy Principal Tracy Foy Written by Henry Noble

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“What do you enjoy most about Tracy is pleased that the student being Deputy Principal, Tracy?”. life is an overall positive one. I suggested that because of this, the “I think I most love working hard academic side of things is also far to ensure your experiences are better, a result of the boost that a among the best two years of your good time here at the college can lives”. offer. “It also feels normal!”, Tracy added. She likes seeing student She also placed emphasis on experiences and opportunities promoting creative opportunity, return to their very best. Having which I think is important to experienced the limitations from support if we want to give our time COVID last year as a year 12, I here a bit more colour. couldn’t agree with her more.

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She referenced ‘Red Card Day’, from last half term, as a particular time where she was most proud of the unification between students and staff alike. In keeping with the theme of the college’s diversity and acceptance, she also referred to the success of the launch of Diversitas.

I think the biggest takeaway here is the genuine importance of this team. Without them, I feel the culture, opportunities and just the general life at the college would be nowhere near the same. Just from talking to Tracy, it’s clear to me that the whole of the student leadership team shares the same aim in making our time here as rich as possible.

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Chris Capey and Stephanie Dean are our assistant principals, with the culture of the college at the heart of what they do.

“I love that students are a priority here, I love the idea of community and togetherness that is promoted, and I love working with great people every”

She answered pretty briskly. “I love that students are a priority here, I love the idea of community and togetherness that is promoted, and I love working with great people every day”.

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First, we just wanted to unravel what the new SLT structure looked like. As principal we have Chris Atherton. Andrew Boden is a deputy along with Tracy – however his role more concerns the shape of the curriculum and staff life.

“I enjoy seeing students happy, seeing student unity”. She admitted that it sounded slightly cliched, but I can definitely understand how positive that would make one in her position feel.

“Finally, just to round everything off, what are three things you love about SJD?”.

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We spoke to Tracy Foy towards the end of the last half term. Tracy’s one of the new deputy principals, and we not only asked about her various roles, but also found out what makes her tick as an ambassador and supporter for our experiences here.

Further to this, we asked what else excites her about her role.

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’m sure it’s clear to many of you that the various affairs of the college must be run by somebody – well this year we’ve got a new Senior Leadership Team and their commitments really seem to have been shaped around student life, which is great!

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SIR JOHN DEANE’S BRINGS CHAMPIONS DIVERSITY WITH ITS DIVERSITAS GROUP An interview with the SJD Diversity Lead Dana Brown Written by Alice Edgar "What is Diversitas?"

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he Diversitas committee is for any students interested in celebrating and learning about diversity in society. We discuss the experiences of our students and staff or research movements in the wider world.

learn about the contributions of black people in our society which is not always highlighted by the curriculum nationally.

The college widely has actively taken an anti-racist stance by mirroring in the curriculum the celebration of black people’s contribution to different subjects.

"What areas do you discuss?" In addition, there was a celebration board for black history month We look at topics such as race, in the library showing individual religion, immigration, conflicts, contribution made by the Diversitas celebrations and memorial. The committee’s efforts to support unity committee is also a force for and truly celebrate with each other. change representing student views We had poster reminders on the and supporting each other, making street for our college wide event of the college more aware of things showing racism the red card. that matter to students.

This was incredibly moving, created conversations about diversity and "How has Diversitas impacted inclusion and importantly showed college life and how has the students how we are all allies and college celebrated diversity?" supporters of equality and mutual respect. It is incredibly important Diversitas has definitely impacted as it has been done in light of college life, it has made links to the current issues surrounding racism wider curriculum by celebrating both displayed in the media and in diversity such as research into society at large.

Black history month and our college wide campaign of anti"What can staff and students do racism. to contribute to Diversitas?"

"How have students gotten involved in Diversitas?"

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Students and staff have a personal responsibility for each other’s wellbeing. Whether through The committee’s involvement in understanding and respecting each the video is an inspiring display other we encourage all students of student voices and experience to be curious and responsible in but also a legacy of dedication to their approach to seeking answers promoting equality across college. about the diversity of others and feel confident that they can challenge "What is the importance of stereotypes and create inclusion for Black History month?" all.

but also interlinked with the college's Interfaith, history and charity society, along side ‘Crafternoon Club’. For example, one week, students created a storyboard and decoration for Hanukkah to highlight other faiths towards this time of year.

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The importance of black history month is that it has allowed us to celebrate, acknowledge, and

Diversity is being represented not only by the Diversitas committee but also interlinked with work in

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NEWS

OCTOBER 2021 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER Year 13 student, Lizzie Hayselden, shares her tips on revising for the upcoming Year 12 exams.

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e’ve all heard the word ‘revision’ thrown around throughout our school careers and not given it much thought. I don’t think I truly grasped what revision was until the end of Year 12. More so, it can be easy to fall into bad habits - like passive revision, often where you read something once, understand it and assume that you’ve memorised it. So, here’s some good habits to get into...

Past papers and practice exam questions.

Regardless of the subject you are studying, completing practice assignments is a great way to get familiar with the types of questions you’ll face in an exam, as well as the language used in exam questions – something which might throw you off if you encounter it for the first time on exam day.

Once you feel confident with the knowledge, your time will be better spent putting your flashcards aside and completing a past paper.

Remember, knowing the content is only one aspect of the exam. Being able to apply your knowledge is equally as valuable.

have crept into your answer. Even if you would’ve got full marks on a question, note what points in your answer were vital to scoring marks.

Understanding Content Simply being in your lessons won’t ensure you learn or truly grasp the content. After a lesson, you should condense the knowledge in a way to help your understanding, especially if you struggled to understand it in class. There are many ways you can do this. Write a flowchart to understand a process or timeline.

Make revision charts, splitting a piece of A3 paper into boxes and breaking concepts into definitions, explanation, and examples. Write essay plans. Simply summarise your notes, keeping them short and sweet. This leads me on to my next tip...

Structuring Your Notes

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Writing lengthy paragraphs during classes is counterproductive. Our brains are useless at recalling long pieces of information. So, shorten your notes using bullet points that are no more than two lines long.

Be efficient by only putting down After each paper, trawl through key information. This may seem the mark scheme with a focus on obvious but it’s easy to forget and how to achieve marks. Spend time suddenly, your notes are a mess reviewing your answer in a different of disorganised paragraphs. I’ve colour pen, spotting any mistakes always remembered information or misconceptions which could better when I’ve condensed it

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into headings, sub-headings, definitions, and bullet points – rather than a rambling stream of words.

Take revision breaks Revision is stressful. It’s the one thing students agree on. So, it’s no wonder many of us get overwhelmed, preferring to leave it till the last minute. Out of sight, out of mind – right?

Well, for A levels, the last thing you want to do is cram the night before. Instead, break revision down into manageable chunks and incorporate breaks. There’s only so many hours in a day you can revise for and you need to let your brain recharge. Perhaps grab a coffee, go for a walk, go and talk to your friends. Take that time to rejuvenate before getting back down to business.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Here are just a handful of some of the upcoming events your Progress Mentors have planned for 2022

Workshops W/C 3 January W/C 31 January

Year 13 Apprenticeships Application Process

Y13 Mindfulness

W/C 07 Febuary

Y12 and 13 Respect & understanding of sexual harassment

W/C 14 Febuary

Y12 Mindfulness

W/C 28 Febuary

Y13 Exam Grounding Techniques

Equality

27 Febuary

Holocaust Memorial Day

Febuary

LGBTQ+ History Month

Cross-college event – if you would like more information regarding this, then Sian and Dana are best to ask Exhibition of LGBTQ+ art, culture, history and events leading to equality

This Season NEWS

Cross College Events

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Staff Spotlight:

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FROM LLAMAS TO LIBRARYS

As you can probably tell from his accent, Bruce is not originally from England. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and only moved to the UK in May 2010. Although at college Bruce seems to be in his element, he has not always managed libraries.

Instead, he managed businesses.

Throughout his life Bruce has had 4 businesses, including a small shipping business linked to UPS. If he wasn’t interesting enough already, he also had an interest in llamas and raised them at one point in his life.

SPOTLIGHT

From llamas to businesses, how has this led him to the Sir John Deane’s Library?

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Bruce brought his business ethic over to Northwich, and wanted to apply it to the library. Though it’s hard to believe, when Bruce first

Bruce has been at the college for many years, and has seen thousands of teens come and go and achieve their goals.

“look beyond your three subjects, and think bigger... dream bigger.”

So what advice can he give to students studying at Sir John Deane’s?

As expected, Bruce had no shortage of wisdom to offer. Most importantly, he encourages that you focus on your passion and always take the opportunities given to you. It can be easy to say no to things during the stress of

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So, where is he from?

came to the college, it was not the silent area we know it as today - there were no expectations or rules, so peace and quiet was hard to find. After the first two years of his time here Bruce says that students began to follow the expectations that he set, leading to the creation of the ideal study area that so many of us use every day. For Bruce, this was a high point in his career, but for him “every day at Sir John Deane’s is different, and every day is a high point.”.

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ne of the many members of staff at Sir John Deane’s is the college librarian Bruce Armstrong.

If you spend much time in the library, you will know him as the supervisor of the silent study zone, but what you may be unaware of is his interesting past from before he came to the college.

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Alice Edgar sat down with Bruce Armstrong to find out a little more about his life before Sir John Deane’s.

A-levels, but as Bruce puts it, you should “Always say yes and figure it out from there”. You may also find yourself losing interest in life outside of A-levels, but if there is one piece of advice from Bruce to take away, it is to “look beyond” your three subjects, and to “think bigger... dream bigger...."

Subject Spotlight:

ART DEPARTMENT Henry Noble takes a look into what is going on in block 8, as well as catching up with a former student.

Remarkably, she took on three art subjects – Art & Design, Photography and Textiles – quite a feat given the admittedly heavy workloads we can sometimes get.

In terms of these aforementioned opportunities, Ashleigh says There are four areas within the she remembers enjoying the subject department; Art & Design, photography trip to Blackpool, as Photography, Textiles and 3D well as the one to London with Design with graphics, which is Textiles. all headed by Simon Davies. I think this variety offers us some I went on to ask her what she most great prospects in exploring our loved about the department when individual creative interests. she was here. “I most loved the sense of togetherness we could I also understand that there have all get. If one of us was stressed been some great co-curricular out about our work, we could all schemes going on from Block relate, and I thought that was great.

8. For example, Art & Design Nobody judged you for it either!”. students have had a chance to go to Italy along with gallery visits and She also referred to the comfort of weekend residentials. Photography the department's environment. I also students have been able to go to wanted to find out how her time Barcelona, Paris and New York in in the Art Department shaped her recent years (although obviously future studies, perhaps her current not in the past 20ish months...) too. career too.

I thought it’d be a good idea to At Uni, she did Fashion art direction, ask someone with a retrospective chosen simply through her desire

to excel in something she enjoyed. Following her lockdown set graduation, she then decided that a teaching route was for her.

And so, I think Ashleigh's ‘Art journey’ signifies that the subject can genuinely offer you the chance to pursue something you enjoy.

It may feel taxing, and Ashleigh's journey did perhaps take an unusual (but positive) turn into teaching following lockdown, but I think it's safe to say that the creative experiences focused on by the department here can stick with a student far following their time at John Deane's.

SPOTLIGHT

view of the department, and so on approaching Ashleigh Lowe, learning mentor and ex-student, she kindly allowed me to ask her a couple of questions about her time studying here back in 2015-16.

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or the subject spotlight, being a photography student, I decided that it’d be a good start to talk about the Art Department. I think the college is right in saying that it’s an area strongly encouraging self-expression. For me, my personal experiences back this up, I think that it’s great to have the opportunity to work on my own creative project, an experience greatly assisted by the skills that were a focus for us in year 12.

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PROTECT YOUR WELLBEING THIS WINTER Written by Lizzie Hayselden What is Wellbeing?

you don’t know the words to.

To start us off, wellbeing is a general satisfaction with your quality of life. Often, it’s associated with our moods and emotions.

Now, this spread has been created with the intention of empowering you to improve your own wellbeing.

So, feel free to use the advice below however you want.

Work Environment: If you find yourself heading home after your lessons and struggling to concentrate on your work, staying in college during your frees may help. For most working in the library is a lot easier as there’s far less distractions than at home.

Life Habits Sleep: Adults always stress the importance of getting 8 hours of sleep. But that isn’t always attainable. Instead, try this. We go through 90-minute sleep cycles and if we wake up between them (either at the end or beginning), we feel less groggy in the morning. So, if you’d like to make waking up less painful, try planning to fall asleep for 4,5, or 6 sleep cycles. Websites, like sleepyti.me, can work this out for you.

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WELLBEING

Work Ethic: It’s been said before but getting into the habit of completing work as soon as you get it makes life so much easier.

Not only are you less stressed about deadlines, it frees up your weekend to do things you actually enjoy. Yes, it takes dedication but it’s worth it.

Work Environment: While boring at first, completing your work in silence or with non-distracting music can improve your focus and memory of revision. But, this all depends on how you work.

You may find you focus better with piano in the background, film scores, or even foreign songs that

Wellness Online Many social media accounts promoting wellbeing, targeted at teens, talk about self-care all the time. What they tend to leave out is the difference between selfcare and self-soothing. First of all, self-soothing behaviour is any technique that you use to regulate your emotional state while selfcare is any technique you use to improve wellbeing, whether physical, mental, or emotional. An example of self-soothing behaviour could be listening to a certain song when you’re feeling quite anxious.

But, an example of self-care could be going for a run or doing some yoga. So, if you are in an emotional state and you are too anxious, stressed, or even angry, try practicing self-soothing behaviour that works for you. If you are in a rather calm state, try practicing self-care to improve your wellbeing in general. Essentially, noticing the difference between the two behaviours will enable you to self-regulate your emotions and improve your wellbeing in the long run.

Psychology says

Exam 101

Interestingly, psychologists have discovered that it’s quite natural for humans to procrastinate and put off difficult tasks that make us uncomfortable. We’re actually wired to take the path of least resistance, keeping us comfortable and safe.

In essence, we’re lazy. There isn’t much we can do about this but become aware of our behaviour.

Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge that both year 12 and year 13 have not sat official exams since Year 6. So, it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re struggling with the concept of revising. I know I did in Year 12. But you need to remind yourself that mock exams are simply practice exercises. Mocks are not a measure of your self-worth or intelligence.

Their only purpose is to test your ability to sit an exam at that point in time. So, no matter the result, you always have a chance to improve.

I’d like to wrap this up by reminding you that it’s okay to struggle sometimes. Besides, school is a continuous learning experience so no one will blame you if you aren’t perfect.

It’s important to realise that not all problems are solvable on your own and this is normal. If you feel you need to speak to someone, your progress mentors and teachers will be happy to talk.

If you wish to speak to a professional, we have 3 on-site counsellors who your progress mentors can refer you to. If you’d rather contact the counsellors yourself, email counselling@sjd. ac.uk and ask to see a counsellor.

The process is entirely confidential as well. Even if you think your problem isn’t important enough, the counsellors are there to listen.

WELLBEING

Try making the difficult tasks easier and the behaviour you want to stop harder. For example, break down difficult pieces of work into small, manageable chunks so you can attack it bit by bit, making the task less daunting so you’re more likely to do it. Another example is stopping behaviours you don’t want to do. If you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media and you’re tired of it, delete the app. You don’t have to delete your account but by making it harder to access social media, you’ll find yourself using it far less.

Try it out if you’d like.

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SPORTING SUCCESS Eva Barton talks to James Hartill, after being awarded Academy Player of the Year at Warrington Wolves

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rom the perspective of someone I hold the sport close to my heart college work over rugby and who knows truly little on sport, as my dad was a coach for a rugby friends when I need to.” especially Rugby, it was refreshing team. to speak to James and get an insight "For you, what advice would into juggling sixth form and a sport Regarding my earliest memory, it you give to people in any he holds close to his heart, as well would have to be the Manchester sport?" as recently receiving an award that tournaments. The anticipation and has furthered his intent of going “Time management is a key nervousness I would get from it professional in rugby league. aspect of being part of a sport, was sickly but that stopped as especially a competitive one. soon as the game started.”

"What was the award you But I say go for it, regardless of received? And on a personal what sport you take part of give it "Do you have a rugby idol?" level what does it mean to you?"

100%.”

“I would have to say my dad. I “So, I won the under 19 player of have always looked up to him and the year award for the Warrington rugby is something we can share Wolves.” together. But for famous rugby players I would say, Owen Farrel, I “I was obviously really proud of think he’s awesome.” myself and honored to receive this award, especially being in my first "How are you managing school year of the academy.” expectations whilst enduring a competitive sport?"

"How old were you when you started to play rugby and what “I do have to admit I find it difficult, is your earliest memory of and I envy people who find it easy. playing?"

Training 5 times a week, mainly on weekdays 3-6 - after a long day at “From what I can remember I’ve college it can take it out of me. But played rugby since I could walk, it’s all worth it in the end, I prioritise

SPORTS FIXTURES \

Football teams and Netball fixtures January 2022

19/01/22 – Sir John Deane’s vs Priestley College (Home) 26/01/22 – St. John Rigby vs Sir John Deane’s (Away) February 2022 02/02/22 – Sir John Deane’s vs Bury (Home) 09/02/22 – Priestley College vs Sir John Deane’s (Away) 16/02/22 – Sir John Deane’s vs St. John Rigby (Home) March 2022 09/03/22 – Sir John Deane’s vs Cardinal Newman (Home) 23/03/22 – Winstanley vs Sir John Deane’s (Away)

19/01/22 – Cardinal Newman vs Sir John Deane’s (Away)

Basketball fixtures January 2022 19/01/22 – Oldham College vs Sir John Deane’s (Away) 26/01/22 – Sir John Deane’s vs Carmel College (Home) February 2022 09/02/22 – Oldham Sixth Form vs Sir John Deane’s (Away)

SPORT

January 2022

NEWS: Reflection of Black History Month

Hockey fixtures

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Do you want to be in the next issue or have you got a story for us? contact one of the team