South Wirral Digest - April 2016

Issue 4 - April 2016

South Wirral Digest

GOODBYE AND THANK YOU MRS MCCORMACK! Paris Trip Photographs

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Former Student Talks Apprenticeships

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History Trip To Belgium

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EDITOR'S NOTE

What a term it’s been! We’ve had trips galore, including Belgium, Paris, and Wales - so much learning, but a lot of fun.

National Apprenticeship Week was wonderful, taking students to Your Future Careers Event, at Tranmere Rovers (organised by the Young Chamber) and interviewing an excellent past student, Josh Connolly, about his successful apprenticeship.

It’s with great sadness, we announce the departure of our fantastic Headteacher, Mrs C McCormack, after 19 years of service here at South Wirral High School. We wish her well in her retirement with her family as we wave her off into the sunset. Next term marks a period of change, with new leadership, Acting Headteacher, Mr Goodwin, our current Deputy Headteacher, a dynamic and progressive leader.

That’s all for now, so make the most of your Spring Break; rest, revise, and enjoy the warmer weather!

- Miss Willis and Mr Stewart, Marketing Officers

/SouthWirralHS

@SouthWirral

KEY DATES

SUMMER TERM

Monday 18th April

Reopens for students

Tuesday 26th April Y10 Parents Evening & Revision Evening Thursday 5th May Lower School Presentation Evening Wednesday 11th May 6th Form Awards Evening Monday 2nd May May Day Bank Holiday Thursday 5th May Lower School Presentation Evening Friday 27th May Year 11 Leavers’ Assembly

THE END OF AN ERA

F

riday 1st April 2016 marks the final day of Headteacher, Mrs McCormack’s tenure at South Wirral High School. Beginning in September 1997, Mrs McCormack has been instrumental in leading the school through significant changes as well as overseeing some of the most exciting and important events in the academic calendar.

Over the years, Mrs McCormack has entered many Great Northern Runs - too many to list and raised so much money for charity, but why stop there? Good enough for some Headteachers, but not Mrs McCormack! The list of the good work she has done is endless; she oversaw an entire

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rebuild of the school, pioneered Multi-Agency meetings, always with students at the centre of her heart, and arranged many visits from the Royal Family, Politicians, and victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Three Ofsted Inspections served to illustrate how well the school was working on her watch, as well as events such as the Multicultural Event, yet another inspiration of Mrs McCormack, a real visionary Headteacher.

Another significant point in Mrs McCormack’s career was recognition of South Wirral High School’s Visual and Performing Arts status, and then later, Maths and Computing, elevating the school on a national level. Mrs McCormack was instrumental in these awards, propelling South Wirral High School into the high-achieving schools’ arena.

We asked staff and students what Mrs McCormack meant to them.

“ “

It has been a pleasure working with Mrs McCormack for 15 years now; it will be sad to see her go.”

Janette Holt, Office Manager.

Mrs McCormack is an exceptional leader who is incredibly supportive of all her students. She brings a warm and friendly atmosphere to the school. We will all miss her.”

Ryan Ellison, Year 13

Mrs McCormack’s leaving cake (above) and being presented with gifts from the staff (right)

“

Mrs McCormack leaves behind an incredible legacy, operating an open door policy to staff and students and creating an environment where students can flourish. Her approach to leadership has ensured South Wirral High School is an excellent place to work, and attend.”

Mr Favager, Head of Psychology

“

It has been a delight to work alongside Mrs McCormack, and I have been inspired by her drive, compassion and child-centered approach. I wish her a very enjoyable retirement and best wishes for the future.”

Mr Neal, Head of Sixth Form

“

Having children at South Wirral meant I knew they would be supported well, and be successful here. Mrs McCormack was influential in their achievement.”

Jayne, Parent

“

Mrs McCormack has been an exceptional school leader over the last twenty years.

She has given South Wirral High School a national reputation.

She has been an inspiration to generations of students and staff and her legacy will live on.

Mr Goodwin, Deputy Headteacher Goodbye, Mrs McCormack. Good luck and thank-you for all you have done for the school, staff and students.

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Four Common Myths about Apprenticeships

1

Apprenticeships are for people who can’t get into university Many people have been led to believe that University is the one route to career success. Of course, university is still an excellent option, and some jobs still require a degree, such as teaching, a doctor, or a professor. In reality, however, far too many people are being misled into thinking that university is the only road to career success; it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone.

Some apprenticeships are an option if you didn’t get the best grades in school, but now, many are high-level, meaning that students prime for a university education, are now applying for apprenticeships. Employers are looking for candidates who can learn their industry by training on the job, possessing qualities such as initiative and work ethic, that is deemed more important than memorising facts and figures from a textbook. Employers are looking for fast learners, reliability, and competence. All outstanding qualities in an employee and student.

2

Apprenticeships are for manual jobs like construction Apprenticeships initially, were only seen in industries such as construction, but times have changed. These days, there are apprenticeships in industries such as Media, Advertising,

Graphic Design, Journalism and Accountancy. Creative Pioneers are fantastic for students wanting a career in the creative industry.

Many industries have begun to realise the tremendous and positive potential of taking on apprentices. Employers can mould an apprentice into a role which they deem suitable. An appealing prospect for any company.

3

University is for people who know what they want to do Apprenticeships are just an alternative route to for students leaving school and college. Some people think that apprenticeships are just for people who didn’t succeed in education. This simply isn’t true. Apprenticeships often suit people who know which sector or area they want to succeed in, so they can go straight into a working environment as an apprentice.

This means getting ‘hands-on experience’ as well as a high-level qualification.

4

Apprenticeships don’t lead to anything and are low-level qualifications Many apprenticeship schemes offer varying levels of qualifications, from Level 2 (equal to GCSEs) to level 4 (equivalent to degree level).

This means apprenticeships are recognised as good qualifications and are of a very high standard from Level 4. Not only do you get qualifications, but you receive invaluable work experience. After one year employers can also take the apprentice on full-time.

Some apprenticeships will even sponsor you to do a degree. Our Sixth Form student, Cameron, has been offered a long-term apprenticeship, with a paid-for degree at John Moores University.

So whether you choose to go to university or pursue an apprenticeship, both options are valuable, and will help you work towards a prosperous future. At South Wirral High School, your future destination is important. South Wirral are now in partnership with Young Chamber, Wirral Chamber of Commerce, who work (mainly) with our Sixth Form students, delivering employability workshops and one-to-one sessions.

Still think apprenticeships aren’t worthwhile? For more information on apprenticeships, please visit Miss Willis (Main Office) or email willism@southwirral.wirral.sch.uk

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Sixth Form Employability Month with Young Chamber What an excellent term for South Wirral Sixth Formers! Young Chamber hosted Employability Month to get year 12s and 13s ready for apprenticeships, which was a huge success.

T

he first week began with Workshop 1: CV and Skills Master Class, for students who want to secure high-quality apprenticeships after Sixth Form.

It’s important to ensure your CV features your skills, qualifications, and your personal profile. Before you get an interview, potential employers have to leaf through large numbers of CVs so we want our students to stand out!

Chamber students by giving an honest account of what employers look for, and how to get ahead of the competition. One of our Sixth Formers is in talks with Kimpton about future work opportunities in renewable energy.

Alex delivered another cracking workshop in week three – Personal Brand. This helped our students understand the importance of their personal brand, and how this may affect future employer’s perceptions.

Workshop 4: Interview Techniques, focused on every aspect of interviews including preparation, research, appearance, body language, and arriving at the place of interview, AND the interview itself!

Students learned so much, and one student, Cameron, successfully got a high-level apprenticeship, after coaching from Young Chamber.

If any students would like specific help with employability including CV writing, finding apprenticeships and interview techniques, please visit Miss Willis (Main Office).

Young Chamber’s Alex delivered ‘Raising Aspirations’ Workshop 2, including an informative guest speaker, Gary, from Kimpton, reiterating the importance of first impressions, work ethic and aspirations. Gary gave our Young

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Want a Creative Career? You can Do an Apprenticeship!

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t’s National Apprenticeship week 2016, which is very exciting indeed! We want our young people to know how many opportunities there are for those considering the apprenticeship route.

Many people think that apprenticeships are for manual jobs only, such as engineering. The face of apprenticeships is changing, and

now, there are opportunities for young people to get into creative industries, without going to university, which is still an excellent option, however, for some students.

South Wirral High School are in Partnership with Young Chamber, Wirral, so Young Chamber students (Sixth Formers, currently, face an employability advantage. One of our

students has been offered a highlevel, long term apprenticeship, with a sponsored degree.

Creative Pioneers Challenge is an award-winning nationwide campaign to find the next generation of advertising, creative and digital media talent, which is run in partnership with national newspaper Metro.

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FORMER STUDENT TALKS APPRENTICESHIPS Former South Wirral High School student, Josh Connolly, 19, visited the school during National Apprenticeship Week 2016, to tell us about his current apprenticeship with TTE.

half years long, so the first two years are spent in the classroom, learning theory, and doing practicals in the workshop. TTE expose you to all the disciplines on a carousel basis, so you know which direction you want to take when it comes to an on-site placement.

TTE Training Limited is a training provider set up by industry for industry. TTE has grown to become one of the North West’s leading providers of sponsored Advanced Apprenticeships Level 3 in Engineering and Laboratory Operations and Engineering Apprenticeship Level 2 programmes with Whole Person Development incorporated into the training.”

MW: your

“

Where are work

you doing placement?

JC: Essar Oil Refinery, Stanlow.

They’re also sponsoring me to complete an HNC (Higher National Certificate), which is brilliant.

We asked him to tell us how he achieved his apprenticeship, what he does, and why he chose the apprenticeship route.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Mechanical Engineering provides apprenticeships with a programme of study over a range of disciplines to help develop your skills to progress your career through employment or further education at degree level.

Miss Willis: What made you decide to do an apprenticeship?

Josh Connolly: I think I always wanted to go straight into a job situation.

Even though I enjoyed school, but I knew I would go on to something a bit more ‘hands on’ and wanted to move towards engineering.

MW: How did you get the apprenticeship?

JC: I picked up an application from a friend who was an apprentice, so decided to apply for the apprenticeship after finishing Sixth Form. TTE asked me to come in for an interview, and I got in!

MW: What is involved in your apprenticeship?

JC: I’m doing Level 3 Engineering, focusing on process operations at my work placement at Essar Oil Refinery. TTE offer three disciplines to choose from including Process Operations, Instrumentation, and Mechanical Engineering. The apprenticeship is three and a

MW: What’s the best thing about it?

JC: Getting paid to learn, and getting extra qualifications for free!

keen and hard working. It’s so important to be a model apprentice as we all want a job at the end of it.

MW: Is there any advice you’d give to students wanting to pursue an apprenticeship?

JC: Yeah. My employer is big on extra-curricular activities on your CV. I did loads at South Wirral High School because they have so many to offer. Sports Leaders was so helpful to me, meant I had a lot to put on my CV, and it gave me so much to talk about in my interview.

I coached year 7 students and did so many things that meant my confidence increased, and as I say, had loads to talk about in my interview. Employers want to see lots of interests on CVs. It’s more than just having the right grades now; you have to show you have the commitment, drive, and a great attitude to life!

MW: Thanks for coming in to see us, Josh. Good luck with the rest of your apprenticeship and future career.

JC: Thanks!

MW: What do SR expect from their apprentices?

JC: They expect you to be ultra reliable, punctual, that kind of thing. Also, it’s important to keep asking questions, be motivated,

For information on South Wirral High School’s wide range of extra-curricular activities, if you are interested in apply to South Wirral High School, or to view our Sixth Form Prospectus, visit our website: www.southwirral.wirral.sch.uk

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MFL TRIP TO PARIS UN grand succès!

S tudents studying French and German took part in a 5-day trip to Paris this half term, taking in all of the sights and getting the chance to put their vocabulary skills to the test.

With visits to the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland, Fragonard Perfume Museum, Montmartre and lots more sightseeing, students had a fantastic week and all arrived home having learned so much about French culture and, thanks to Mrs Holgate’s ‘word of the day’ on the coach, with an increased knowledge of the French language in particular.

Below is a short review of the trip by MFL student Jack O’Toole: “My time in France was very enjoyable - the journey on the coach was about thirteen hours, but it

was okay as it felt a lot shorter! We arrived in a small town called Brie.

The people were so friendly and welcomed us to their home. After that, we went to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. We climbed so many steps and got up to the second floor, then took a lift to the very top.

The next day was brilliant; we went to Disneyland! It was much bigger than we all expected and was more fun than we could have imagined.

The rides were incredible - I want to go back! A change of pace the next day saw us visiting the Artist Quarter, Montmartre - what great views. Later that night we had a disco; everyone joined in.

On Friday, we set off for another long journey home, full of memories and feeling tired. We got back to school at 10pm!”

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

It’s been a nostalgic half term, and we’ve managed to dig up plenty of photographs from the history of South Wirral High School. Does anyone remember the school when these photos were taken? See our Facebook page for more, with many more to come as part of our #ThrowbackThursdays

EGG-CELLENT CAREERS ADVICE

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ixth form registration group 6F6 were excited to hear they had all won a selection of Cadburys Creme eggs and Lindt bunnies after student Kirsty was entered into an Easter draw at a careers fair held at Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park last month.

The names of everybody who spoke to Randstad Recruitment Agency about their careers options were put into a hat and the South Wirral student was the lucky winner!

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IN MEMORIAM...

FORMER CARETAKER Cliffy Williams

12th March 1961 – 4th February 2016 Staff at South Wirral High School were saddened to hear of former caretaker Cliffy’s passing last month.

A huge number of former students helped with the organisation and funding of his funeral, which took place on Friday 11th March at Landican Crematorium.

The following tribute is taken from the Wirral Globe: ‘A legend in Eastham & Bromborough’ Former caretaker of South Wirral High School, Eastham, who did so much for our local grass roots football.

A regular in the Stanley, Argyle and Rake pubs. His nature was kind and giving, his heart was made of pure gold. And to us who truly cared about him, his memory will never grow old. A massive thank you to all who gave to the JustGiving page – you made this funeral happen.’

SUE NEESON MEMORIAL TREE TREE PLANTED IN MEMORY OF MUCH-LOVED MEMBER OF STAFF

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e sadly lost our former Premises Manager Sue Neeson last year, and in her memory, a tree has been planted at the front of school.

Colleagues who worked with Sue were invited to attach labels with messages with memories.

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STUDENTS CHARITY RUN

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wo Year 8 students took part in a Sports Relief challenge run on Sunday 20th March to raise money for the charity - raising a total of £205, a fantastic achievement!

Sarah Vaughen (Stanley 4) and Elise Prescott (Laird 4) ran 12 laps (3 miles) around the track at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

Well done girls!

STAFF TO RUN 99KM FOR CLATTERBRIDGE CANCER CENTRE

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n Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May, Mr Stewart, Mr Moseley and Mr Lewis will be taking part in the Rock n Roll ‘Remix Challenge’ to raise money for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, who offer care to people from all over the UK and treat over 30,000 patients a year.

This involves running two races in Liverpool city centre across two days - a combined total of 99km

The aim is for Merseyside and Cheshire to become a world-class centre of excellence in cancer.

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre are currently trying to raise funds to build a new ground breaking hospital in the heart of Liverpool.

If you would like to sponsor the team - visit www.justgiving.com/ TAGTeam2016

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HISTORY TRIP TO FRANCE & BELGIUM GUEST BLOG BY STUDENTS Sophie Day & Sarah Hamilton

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n Wednesday 2nd march we embarked on a long and highly anticipated journey to France and Belgium. When we arrived at the chateau, after 12 long hours of driving, we were all exhausted.

"We left the gate with a feeling of respect for each and every soldier who sacrificed their lives for their country."

In the early hours of Thursday the 3rd we set off to Belgium for our first destination: Sanctuary Wood.

On the site was a small museum packed full of eye opening relics and artefacts found on the very same battlefield that we would later walk on. The trenches around the museum were left to look exactly like it would have 100 years ago. This made us feel closer to the soldiers and their emotions as we could now begin to understand the horror that they experienced.

The next historical site that we visited was Hill 60, here we learnt that the hill was originally used by the Germans but was captured by the Australians in 1918. A pillbox, which was still largely intact, was strategically placed on the top of the hill to enable the soldiers to see the invading enemy from afar. While in the area we also had the opportunity to visit the famous Caterpillar Crater. The truly enormous scale of the crater gave us a unique insight to the devastation that the bombs that created it would have caused.

Next we travelled to France to Vimy Ridge monument. Most memorials and monuments were built right on top of the old battlefields and this one was no different. The monument represented the 60,000 Canadian troops who gave their lives in France. The overwhelming size of the monument really put in perspective the enormous scale of the lives lost.

One of the most interesting visits of day two was to Wellington Quarry, an old medieval chalk mine, given its name from the soldiers from New Zealand and other parts of the British Empire, who lived under the trenches of Arras for 6 months, tunnelling and mining. We felt as though visiting the quarry was a moving experience that portrayed the horrors and futility of World War One, The writing and drawings on the wall were still exactly as they were when drawn by the soldiers living there.

The short videos projected onto the walls also gave us the feeling that we were there with the men.

This opened our eyes to the harsh living conditions of each soldier.

The last visit of the day was to the Menin Gate. Written on every inch of the walls were the names of over 54,000 soldiers who were sadly never found and their bodies never laid to rest. Every night since 1927, excluding World War 2, local people and tourists gather under

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the bridge to pay their respects during the last post ceremony. We were privileged to not only witness this but take part in laying our very own wreath. Despite the amount of people paying their respects, when the ceremony started not a single person said a word. Each of us was deep in thought and our minds were with the families of the dead. We left the gate with a feeling of respect for each and every soldier who sacrificed

their

lives

for

their

country.

On the final day of the trip we visited two cemeteries, one German and one English, both very different in looks but alike in the sorrow they brought to us. The first was a British cemetery: Tyne cot.

This was, for us, the most upsetting and thought provoking memorial of the whole visit. Surrounded by quiet countryside the memorial was all white and each headstone

was engraved with a short message to remember them by. 30,000 men were commemorated on the site of which over 8,000 of them where unknown. But the most heart wrenching head stones were the ones that families had wrote messages to their loved ones on.

Words like “dearly missed” “known unto god” and “never forgotten” reminded us why the war was such a tragic event.

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