Weather Report Autumn 2023

A high performing academy providing excellence for all

GCSE Results

We are pleased to share our Year 11 students’ GCSE and BTEC results, with 78% of grades awarded being at least a Grade 4 or above. Many students achieved the highest grades of 9, 8 and 7, Distinction* and Distinction - a total of 333 grades were achieved at this level. The results reflect the students’ hard work and they should all be very proud of what they have achieved.

Miss Whelan commented: “I am delighted with the achievement of all our students who have worked extremely hard during their GCSE and BTEC courses to achieve such success. Staff have worked tirelessly to support them and deserve a special thank you, together with our strong parent/carer partnership which has been integral. I am so proud of their success with the majority of students returning to Sixth Form to continue their studies.”

A Level Results

Sixth formers celebrated superb results in their A Levels, BTECs and Childcare exams with 16% of students achieving A*-A grades, 70% achieving A*-C grades and 57% Distinction* D*) or Distinctions (D). In the Diploma in Childcare and Education 80% of students achieved A-B grades. The majority of students were delighted to secure their first choice place at University whilst others are embarking on apprenticeships, taking a gap year or starting employment. We are delighted that Molly Nash and Bori Pasztor both gained places at the University of Oxford to study History and English and Theology and Religion respectively. Congratulations to Maisy Foulkes who goes on to study Medicine at the University of Birmingham whilst Macy Brown secured her place at the University of Manchester to study Chemistry.

Miss Whelan, commented, “these results are a true reflection of the students’ dedication and hard work. The commitment and diligence from teaching staff, care of support staff and our excellent partnership with parents and carers must also be recognised. I am so proud of how we have worked hard as a school community to ensure that our students achieved their best. Students have shown grit and determination throughout their Sixth Form studies and thoroughly deserve their success and results which will open many doors for them.”

Sixth Form Destinations

Well done to all our students on securing their university places. Students are moving on to study a wide variety of degrees from Medicine and Midwifery to Chemistry and Marine Science at some of the most popular and prestigious universities including Leeds, Exeter, John Moores, Liverpool and Sheffield.

SUCCESSES

For more photographs of results days and more exam results please visit www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk

Headteacher’s Welcome

It is a real privilege for me to write a welcome comment for Weather Report. One of the reasons I was attracted to Weatherhead High School was the wealth of opportunities offered to students and the enthusiasm with which they engage. Long may this continue! I would like to thank all members of the school community for the very warm welcome I have received since joining the school. It is a friendly, warm and vibrant school, and we should all feel very proud of the achievements celebrated in this edition of Weather Report.

I would like to acknowledge the great work that Miss Whelan did to develop Weatherhead High School during her time as Headteacher and to thank her for the support she provided me during the transition from one Headteacher to the next.

With very best wishes, Mr

Mackenzie

Headteacher’s Award

Congratulations to students who were awarded a Headteacher’s Award last term for outstanding achievement within the curriculum, their effort and participation in sport and poetry writing.

Summer Term

Year 7

Grace Dunne - for representing Great Britain in tumbling gymnastics which is an exceptional achievement & for being a role model to Weatherhead students

Beth Lyons - for making an exceptional model of the Globe Theatre

Claudia Simon-Hart - for being an outstanding Weatherhead citizen

Year 8

Erin Bradshaw - for exceptional dedication to English & support of other students after school in the LRC

Amber Burgess - for exceptional contribution to English lessons

Daisy Drew - for outstanding contribution to English lessons, a creative & intelligent approach to a homework task

Olivia Jackson - for outstanding contribution to English lessons, a creative & intelligent approach to a homework task

Jessica Thompson - for exceptional commitment & dedication to her studies & volunteering work

KS3 Awards Evening

Over a hundred students were awarded for their endeavour and attainment in every subject at KS3 Awards Evening. Year Leader and Endeavour Across the Curriculum prizes were also awarded. We were delighted to welcome back ex-student, Sophie McKibbin, who studied Law at the University of Leeds and now works for Warner Brothers. She spoke candidly to students about working hard, making the effort and reaching high to realise your dreams. The students particularly enjoyed her stories of travelling the world and organising the recent Barbie film premiere! Dance Company and Junior Choir delighted the audience with a piece choreographed to Another Day of Sun from La La Land and a rendition of Somewhere Only We Know by Keane.

Year 9

Jainika Babbar - for exceptional commitment & dedication to all your subjects

Daisy Brislen - for outstanding contributions to the school & for being accepted for publication in a young writer’s anthology

Neina Haadi - for exceptional enthusiasm & commitment to sport

Year 10

Ellie Bewley - for resilient attitude & overcoming obstacles

Hollie Ellis - for exceptional commitment & dedication to GCSE History

Tilly Holmes - for resilience this academic year & for being an outstanding ambassador for the school & role model

Ellie Jones - for producing an outstanding and profound poem & for being an exceptional role model

Nancy Perkins - for exceptional contribution to Physics lessons

Year 13

Caitlin Leonard & Lori Cobon - for securing A* grades in A Level DT

LJMU Competition

Liverpool John Moores University ran a creative competition for the next generation of poets, songwriters and storytellers. Year 10 student, Ellie Jones, entered with a poem entitled ‘Mothering, Eternal, Glass’. Ellie was delighted that her entry was successful and she won a prize which was awarded to her at a prestigious ceremony at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.

Chris Salmon Poetry Competition

Dollhouse by Molly Nash

When the world waits in slumber, How else can the sky pass the time But by shedding the weight Of the clouds, of the birds, Of the poets so bold, And paint weaving patterns from sunlight?

For mere moments

Before the first eyelids a-flutter, The first slippers go adorned, The first kettles start a -whistling, The sky can play in her dollhouse And create a water colour world from sunlight. The paint spreads, inching across her canvas

Until it builds a boundless, endless, infinite chapel, And her art is so human that It can’t help but permeate our dreams;

While we are sleeping

The sky breaks away from her responsibility

And paints each dream from sunlight.

She is still young after all, And while we sleep, She is free.

And my attempts to lift my head begin; My heatwave will pass and, I will not regret the day; the sunshine rushed in.

I lay on a cold bathroom floor, Sickly heat rushes through me; I’m no longer a blushing bride, My cheeks scorched red.

I wish Apollo did not curse me, He had not spited me; So, I would not suffer with this sickness, This discontent.

So now I’m sick and I cannot walk, As this illness overcomes me; I’m fragile and seared, Left at the cool altar.

A faint smile embraces me, As I reminisce; As shine comforts me, It introduces my freckles to my smile lines. I can still feel the shine on my cheekbones, On my features; But it’s an illusion, A dream.

Memories fill me with blinding lights and giggling days, But it has closed with sickness and health; My bouquet replaced with a ricochet of paper, As fatigued tears slide down a scorned face. A nausea, a wobble, an inability, Words I cannot say and words I cannot speak; A girl is no longer here she is replaced with me, Now my head lays on this seat of misery. As my daze begins to fade, And my attempts to lift my head begin; My heatwave will pass and, I will not regret the day; the sunshine rushed in.

Congratulations to Head Girl, Molly Nash, who came first in the age 16-19 category and to Year 9 student, Daisy Brislen who was ‘Highly Commended’ in the KS4 category of the Chris Salmon poetry competition with their entries, Dollhouse and Heatstroke.

Heatstroke by Daisy-May Brislen

Young Writers

Congratulations again to Daisy whose poem “Seeing Me” was chosen for publication in the Power of Poetry 2023Empowered The Young Writers’ competition invited students from across the country to craft their thoughts, feelings and opinions into a poem. A copy of the book will remain in the National Archives of the British Library forever and Daisy is in with a chance of winning the Young Writers’ Award of Excellence which will be announced in due course.

Kung Fu Fighting

Congratulations to Year 8 Kung Fu enthusiast, Lilly Wright who won Bronze in the 12-15 years category Open Wushu competition in Milan and more recently won two gold medals in hand form and a silver in sword form at the British Championships! Lilly is a member of the China Spirit Club based in Birkenhead and has been practising Kung Fu since she was four years old.

Football Success

Well done to two of our star Year 10 footballers, Ruby Allinson and Jess Jordan, who won the Cheshire FA Under 15 Girls’ Cup with their team, Glenavon

WCS Student Character Awards

Well done to Robyn Fenton, Phoebe Griffiths and Ella-May Pearson who were nominated for the World Class School Student Character Campaign in the Spring term. We’re delighted that they were ‘Commended’, featured in the WCS Hall of Fame and were shortlisted for the Student Character Award which was awarded in July.

Seeing Me

With no sight do I have a soul?

Or am I a vessel trapped with no control?

Am I wandering ghost stuck in purgatory with nowhere and no one to call my own?

If eyes are the windows to the soul am I a haunted house?

With no windows to peer out with no one questioning the wonders deep?

Thriving and seeing me for more than flesh deep?

Is it possible to hold me unsure and scared? Is it possible to finally just see me?

Dot-art Competition Winner

Following selection by an expert judging panel in April, staff would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for our three shortlisted entries from Holly Aitken, Abi Nadesalingam and Poppy Norman in the Dot-art competition. Congratulations to Poppy whose artwork secured the most votes with her piece entitled ‘Azules’, followed by Holly in second place and Abi in third. All three students were delighted to attend a prize giving ceremony at St. George’s Hall and as part of her prize, Poppy’s artwork was displayed in an exhibition at the prestigious Walker Art Gallery, along with work from 30 schools across the region.

Croeso Conway!

Over half of Year 7 students enjoyed a two night residential at the Conway Centre on the beautiful Anglesey Straits. Students enjoyed three activity packed days including high ropes, cycling, canoeing, rafting and team building plus of course the highlight of the week - the disco on the last night! Well done to all the students for taking on every challenge, showing determination and great teamwork - it was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year and a wonderful start to Weatherhead!

A cohort of students from KS3 were specially selected by Mrs Slater to take part in a ‘Top Secret Mission’ led by Commando Joe’s Students engaged in a number of physical and mental challenges supporting Maths and English in a practical context to improve their resilience, self awareness, motivation, communication and teamwork skills they all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Film Club Cinema Trip

8 budding filmmakers enjoyed a screening of Disney Pixar’s Elemental at the Light Cinema, New Brighton. The trip was organised by Miss Argyle as a treat to reward the students for their amazing work throughout the year in Filmmaking Club.

Year 8 Healthy Lifestyle Day

Year 8 students enjoyed a day off timetable to celebrate ‘Lifestyle Day’, promote mental health and well-being. Workshops and sessions were offered by LFC and Social Sister, who offered an amazing ‘Young Entrepreneur’ and ‘Introduction to Mindfulness’ workshops. Students discussed the nutritional and sugar content of shop bought smoothies and used what they had learnt to create their own. Thanks to the Food Technology department for supporting the day and to PE staff who ran fun multi-sports activities on the astro-turf with Year 12 students.

Ellie, Tilly and Ellie from Year 10 were selected to attend an immersive experience led by Liverpool John Moores University. The group enjoyed a taste of student life and attended lectures, engaged in a variety of social activities and stayed overnight in the halls of residence. All three students had a great time and are looking forward to attending University in the future.

ART Artist of the Month

Spring/Summer Term

Thank you to all the students who submitted their work into the Artist of the Month competition. Once again, a strong field of entries and a very hard choice for the judges! Congratulations to the winners and runners up:

KS3 Winner: Heidi O’Driscoll, Year 7

KS3 Runner Up: Ines Sloan, Year 8 and Sarah Whittingham, Year 9

KS4 Winner: Amber Carr, Year 10

KS4 Runner Up: Grace Douglass, Year 11

KS5 Fine Art Winner: Emma Carlile, Year 12

KS5 Fine Art Runners Up: Lucie Evans, Year 12 and Mollie Peckham, Year 12

KS5 Photography Winner: Indy Evans, Year 12

KS5 Photography Runners Up: Olivia Blundell, Year 12 and Lola Bradley, Year 12

Creative Showcase

The talents of Fine Art, Film Studies, Photography and Textiles A Level students and work from Fine Art, Media Studies and Photography GCSE students were on display as part of the Creative Showcase in July. Friends and family attended to view the work which was displayed in the foyer as well as throughout the Art department. A wonderful celebration of the hard work and dedication of students over the past two years.

Conway Centre Residential

11 GCSE Year 10 Fine Art and Textile students attended an immersive Arts weekend at the Conway Centre in Anglesey. The theme for the weekend was ‘Royalty’ with one group looking at Architecture and the other group, Clothing and Jewellery.

Group 1 explored the Rococo and French Baroque periods and focussed on the decorative splendour and excess associated with royal palaces. The students used mathematical geometry, plaster and gilding to create a highly auspicious final piece.

Group 2 looked at the sumptuous clothing and jewellery worn by royalty. The final piece was an intricate painting showing off the skills they had learnt including layered paint work, delicate paper cutting and detailed collage.

Well done to Amber Carr, Lucy Chapman, Tobi Ellis, Emme Foster-Hyde, Porsche GratixKing, Lucy Klausen, Leen Kouli, Nikola Mokrzycka, Hayley Oswald, Freya Scott-Morrissey and Eleri Thomas who produced some stunning pieces of work.

Year 10 and 12 Computer Science students were treated to an outreach visit by representatives from the top-secret home of the World War Two codebreakers, Bletchley Park. Our students enjoyed a virtual tour of the Bletchley Park facility and workshops on Cyber Security and Ethics designed to give students practical, up-to-date cyber security skills; teach students to think critically and inspire students to consider a career in information security.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Cupcake Workshop

Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students were treated to a cupcake masterclass from ex-Weatherhead student and owner of Hattie’s Cupcakes, Hattie Bell. Each student baked and decorated six cupcakes with icing sculpted into a rose, Lotus biscuits and mini jammie dodgers! The students really enjoyed the experience and were very proud to take their cake boxes home.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

WeatherFriends

Health & Social Care students and staff were delighted to resurrect Weatherfriends - our partnership with a local residential care home. Three Year 12 classes visited Victoria House Care Home in Liscard to spend the afternoon with the residents taking part in a quiz, bingo and even initiated some singing. The students conducted themselves extremely well, displaying compassion and empathy as they interacted with residents. The care home staff commented “it was like a breath of fresh air” when the students arrived and how the residents’ moods had been lifted and they were all smiling as a result of their enthusiasm. Mrs Woods and Mrs Rutledge are so proud of them.

Geography Field Trips

Students visited Liverpool city centre with Mr Hanson in July as part of their Human Geography studies to observe the architecture, building usage, counted pedestrians and asked the public questions to gather a sense of their feelings about the Albert Dock, Liverpool One, Williamson Square and Bold Street.

Year 9 students enjoyed a trip to Birkenhead Park on Options Day to give them a taster of GCSE Geography and completed various data collection techniques including environmental quality surveys. A great morning was had by all and the students returned back to the classroom to use their data.

The weather definitely wasn’t on our side for this field trip and Year 10 endured a wet and windy walk to Hilbre Island to complete their field work, and look at coastal features. Note for next year - remember waterproofs!

HUMANITIES MATHS

Number Hunt

Thank you to staff and students who took part in our Number Hunt in May in conjunction with National Numeracy Day. Students across KS3 and KS4 were tasked with finding members of staff by searching for the numbers that held certain properties such as integers, rationals and factors of 30.

The World Around UsHistory@Weatherhead

Historians in 8B and 8L worked exceptionally hard to design and produce their own postcards to explain the importance of why racism should not be tolerated in the world around us and what we can do today to prevent it. Students from 8B posted their postcards in the Black History Month postbox. Miss Whelan and Miss Bartle were very impressed with the effort that students put into their work and their maturity when learning about a sensitive topic.

Historians of the Month Summer Term

Drum roll please… a huge well done to the following budding Historians who achieved awards and personalised pens for their endeavour in the subject in the Summer term.

April Finley G (Year 13), Freya S (Year 12), Millie F (Year 11), Darcy M-H (Year 10), Amber C (Year 9), Ella W (Year 8) and Scarlett T (Year 7)

May Mollie P (Year 12), Megan P (Year 11), Jess C (Year 10), Libby G (Year 9), Stevi C (Year 8) and Gracie P (Year 7)

June Grace S (Year 12), Rosie M-F (Year 10), Julia D (Year 10), Grace C (Year 9), Lilia P (Year 8) and Ava T (Year 7)

July Imogen N (Year 12), Ellie S (Year 10), Lily H (Year 9), Lilly W (Year 8) and Adelina T (Year 7)

Au Revoir

KS3 students have enjoyed attending French Club since September to learn the basics of French and have covered the topics of describing yourself, school and where you live. Students Gracja, Poppy and Francesca enjoyed the final session making croissants and pain au chocolat!

Cultural Visit to Amalia

Year 9 linguists enjoyed a treat at Amalia Restaurant. Despite working in the best Italian restaurant in Liverpool, Chef Andres (or Mr Paella as he is known) cooked up a storm and students thoroughly enjoyed a traditional Spanish paella. Thanks to Miss Dean and MFL staff for organising this special treat.

GCSE and A Level

Practical Dance Exams

From November through to March, our GCSE and A Level Dance students completed the practical elements of their courses. Congratulations to every student who worked incredibly hard, danced their socks off and completed their exams. Another big thank you from staff to our students in lower years who performed in the A Level group choreographies - your time and effort was appreciated and we cannot thank you enough!

Performing Arts Enrichment

This year staff ran a very successful Performing Arts enrichment programme for Year 12 students. This included a DJ skills masterclass, a Musical Theatre workshop, filming a dance at Leasowe beach, leading KS3 clubs and teaching a dance and a piece of music to Greenleas Primary School pupils to perform in front of Year 7 students. The group also contributed to school events including Pink Week, Christmas assemblies, the Winter Warmer and WeatherVision. The students’ enthusiasm and passion has been outstanding.

NATD Dance Exams

After months of hard work and preparation, almost 50 students took their Grade 2, 3 and 6 NATD Dance exams in July. Year 7 students achieved 11 Distinctions and 12 Merits, Year 8 achieved 7 Merits and 6 Distinctions whilst Year 12 swept the board with all Distinctions. The students will have the choice of completing a higher grade next year. Well done to the following students:

Year 7 (Grade 2)

Freya Barlow, Rosie Barwell, Miya Boyd, Ellie Cooil, Faith Galle, Jennifer Halewood, Frankie Harris, Aubrey Jones, Grace Kelly, Daisy Kenna, Hattie Kennedy, Faye Knowles-Griffin, Ella McDonough, Ava Reilly, Katie Rowland, Rosie Smith, Cassia Sohl, Isla Spivey, Lauren Tempest, Scarlett Thorbinson, Leah Thory, Grace Vaill, Hannah White and Maisy Woods.

Year 8 (Grade 3)

Paige Boon, Stevi-May Casey, Izzy Cowen, Mya Davies, Lilly Griffin, Belle Hamill, Maizey Hoyle, Daisy Knight, Demi Lee, Lilly-May Matthews, Freya Parker, Poppy Pitts, Ines Sloan and Lilly Wright.

Year 12 (Grade 6)

Lola Bradley, Emma Carlile, Faye Dulson, Olivia Harvey and Neelie Kisby.

WeatherVision

In keeping with Liverpool’s Eurovision celebrations, the Summer Sizzler was rebranded WeatherVision - United by Music. Year 12 dancers opened the show with a recording of their dance which was performed at Leasowe Beach. Friends and family packed out the theatre to watch Weatherhead’s talent with performances from Year 7 and Year 8 dancers and Dance Company as well as the Sixth Form band, GCSE musicians and the choirs who belted out classics from Fleetwood Mac and Katrina and the Waves. The highlight of the evening was the finale of the Beatles, All Your Need is Love with Sixth Former Hannah on saxophone.

La Fête de la Musique (World Music Day)

World Music Day aims to bring people together, breaking barriers and boundaries, through outdoor events and offers the opportunity to host music events in non-traditional concert venues. To celebrate, talented Weatherhead musicians performed pop-up lunchtime gigs, performed in assemblies and students enjoyed themed activities in Music lessons. Thank you to all our choir members, solo performers and duets for representing the department and entertaining the school community all week.

International Dance Day

29th April was International Dance Day which was celebrated within the Dance department with a free Just Dance disco for students across all year groups to celebrate by dancing their socks off!

In April, Artspool ran a workshop for our Year 11 Dance students. The purpose of the day was to revise their knowledge for the theory paper in inventive and unique ways. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to prepare for their written exam.

Create Dance ‘A Night at the Movies’

In July, Dance Company were invited to perform as part of the Create Dance Wirral show, ‘A Night at the Movies’ at the Floral Pavilion. This included performances from primary and secondary schools from across the Wirral and was a lovely event to be a part of. Well done to all of the dancers involved who performed to Another Day of Sun from La La Land

Year 7 Mad Science Day

Year 7 students had a fantastic time on Mad Science Day participating in Science experiments, making Harry Potter inspired potions, learning about forensics and trying their hand at plus CSI, making slime, creating bangs, flames and making rockets. Thanks to the Science department for organising such a wonderful day and to the Mad Science Company who coordinated assemblies and workshops.

Day Tripping

In early July, 15 Biology students boarded the school minibus, excited to experience all that nature had to offer, carrying an array of equipment to use in the field. On arrival at Dibbinsdale Country Park , the weather was overcast but the students approached their first sampling activity with their clipboards to identify wildflowers. As they made their way to the second sampling site to investigate the impact of a managed playing field on species diversity, the heaven’s opened. This did not dampen their enthusiasm, and with umbrellas out and waterproofs on, they set about their task. Sadly, after attempting activities in the third sampling area, the rain came down in torrents and their waterproofs could take no more and they had to abandon the trip. Staff commented that it was a pleasure to see students working together and enjoying their time in nature despite the weather.

Who Dares Wins

34 keen Year 9 scientists joined Science Week celebrations at the Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington. Students enjoyed visiting the scientific research laboratory, explored the planetarium, took part in exoplanet workshops and attended the science fair.

FOOTBALL

English Schools’ Cup

Our Under 13 squad made it through the preliminary rounds of the English Schools’ Cup - despite being 2 players down after a 1-0 win against The Blue Coat School, with a last minute winner from Ava Keegan to secure the win. The team showed fantastic resilience and determination until the end.

Our Under 13s played in extreme heat against Wycombe High School and won 4-1. With only minutes to go and a score of 2-1, we managed to find 2 more goals to seal the win. Thanks to staff and students who came out to support the players, it was greatly appreciated. Goal scorers - Ava Keegan (2), Sophie Wiggins (1), Rose Tavakoli (1).

In the semi-final, they played Valley Garden Middle School and were unfortunately beaten 3-2. The team fought hard in the heat and displayed fantastic teamwork with goals from Daisy Maddock (1) and Ava Keegan (1).

Ruby Allinson, Jess Jordan, Izzy Prescott and Lily Upton were delighted to be selected to play for the Wirral team in the English Schools Cup. Both Izzy and Lily left their D of E expedition early to compete in the final and were disappointed to be crowned runners-up after a narrow defeat.

Wirral School’s Selection

In July, three pupils from Weatherhead represented the Under 14s Wirral Schools’ FA side at Sixways Stadium in Worcester to commemorate the team being crowned national champions. In goal was Amy Goodwill, 9CHY, at right back was Grace Williams, 9ARI and up front was Emma Brennan, 9LPO. This is a fantastic achievement for the girls and speaks volumes for Miss O’Looney’s coaching skills and the school football team where they represent both Year 9 and 10 teams.

Champions’ Cup

Our Under 15 squad were defeated 3-0 by Knowsley High School in the Champions Cup Finals. Despite having plenty of opportunities to score, they just couldn’t find the breakthrough they desperately deserved!

We Are One

Year 9 students were delighted to be invited to take part in the Remembering Srebrenica “We Are One” Girls’ Football Tournament

The squad played three matches, winning two and drawing one against St John Plessington and thoroughly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and rivalry.

Under 13 Football Summer League results

Weatherhead 2 - 4 Co-Op Academy Bebington

Weatherhead 2 - 3 Ridgeway High School * goals from Rose Tavakoli and Emma McDonald

Weatherhead 2 - 5 Upton Hall * goals from Rose Tavakoli and Emma McDonald

Weatherhead 8 - 0 Ridgeway High School * goals from Rose

Tavakoli (4), Sophie Wiggins (3) and Emma McDonald (1). The team played fantastic football and thoroughly deserved the win.

The students adapted well to the 5-a-side format and worked fantastically as a team - and finished third in the league out of five schools. Players’ Player was awarded to Zoe Wainwright and Manager’s Player was awarded to Daisy Maddock. Well done to all the students for their commitment and hard work

Year 7 & 8 squad

National champions

U14 Squad

Summer League winners

Summer League champions

GCSE & A LEVEL PE

Well done to our GCSE and A Level PE students who undertook their internal assessments last term. Staff commented that students performed their sporting activities with dedication and pleased with their results in August.

GYMNASTICS

Our Under 15 Gymnasts competed at the National Championships in Stoke. Well done to Grace Dunne, Frankie Harris, Eleni Theodourou and Cassie Traynor who performed exceptionally well on floor and vault with one judge commenting to Grace that her score was the highest on the day for the vault!

GOLF

In July, we welcomed Andy Leigh from the Golf Federation to lead our Year 8 and 9 PE classes for a Golf taster during the build up to the Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. The sessions were well received by students and it was lovely to see them embrace the opportunity and speak to Andy so articulately.

ROUNDERS

Year 8 and 9 students played Birkenhead School in a friendly - special mentions to Kira Brady for excellent fielding at second base, Poppy Norman for a cracking hit and Eva Madden Hughes for her long barrier skills.

Our Year 7 and Year 8 squads enjoyed friendlies against West Kirby Grammar with our Year 7s winning 9 rounders to 8, and the Year 8s drawing their game. Special mention to Hope Church for her excellent bowling.

Students were delighted to participate in the annual Year 7 and Year 8 Rounders tournament at Wirral Grammar School for Girls. Both teams played exceptionally well against some tough opposition and received compliments from Birkenhead High School Academy on their fielding skills. Year 7 made it through to the semi finals, which was a great achievement but lost 5 rounders to 8 against Wirral Grammar, with Year 8 coming fourth out of 8 teams.

Our Year 9 and 10 Rounders team also enjoyed the annual tournament at Wirral Grammar in hot, sunny conditions. Staff were proud of both teams and were delighted with a Year 9 victory against Wirral’s B squad by a rounder! The students played some challenging games but as the matches went on they went from strength to strength.

GOING FOR GOLD

The PE department were delighted to achieve Gold Sportsmark for the second year running. The school had to demonstrate how it maintains and grows students’ engagement, creates positive experiences in PE, ensures competitive provision and delivers 60 active minutes for every child, every week to secure the award.

CRICKET

Our minibus driver, Mr Weight, continued to coach our Under 13 and Under 15 cricket squads. Our cricketers were delighted to take part in a training session at Upton Cricket Club and an afternoon of matches. Special mentions go to Ellie Shone-Wills and Neina Haadi for their outstanding play.

ATHLETICS

Well done to our Year 7 Athletes who participated in a Track and Field competition at St Anselm’s College with special mention to Ava Taggart and Hope Church for their high jump achievements. Our students athletes enjoyed a Wirral schools’ competition at The Oval competing in a variety of track events. Congratulations to Neina Haadi for coming first in the 100m and 200m and to Ruby Allinson for her 200m sprint.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Running Club continued to be popular last term as well as high numbers attending Netball with ex-student Jena Williams. Our budding athletes made use of the 4G track in preparation for their track and field meets. Students embraced the nice weather and our Active Playgrounds scheme remained popular throughout the Summer term with good numbers at tennis and rounders across Years 7 to 9 - with some excellent fielders and batters amongst KS3!

ROWING

Our Year 8 and Year 9 rowers were back out on the water after Easter practising in the heat and rain ready for their annual Summer Regatta. Our rowers are very easy to spot on a Tuesday in their bright orange t-shirts, or as we like to call them, our little easy-jetters!

TENNIS

Following the tennis coaching sessions with Nicky Smith, 14 budding tennis enthusiasts were delighted to have the opportunity to play at Wallasey manor tennis Club. The group had a great time competing in an American style tournament winning medals, sweat bands and tennis goodies. The group returned to the club the following month to take part in a round robin competition which the students thoroughly enjoyed.

The Whelan Games

The rain just about held off for our annual Sports Day which was rebranded the Whelan Games in honour of Miss Whelan. As always, each form was allocated one of ten countries and encouraged to dress up in traditional colours representing the countries’ flags of England, Greece, Ghana, New Zealand, Jamaica, Northern Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Brazil and the USA. After a competitive day of heats, sportsmanship and effortGreece were crowned the winners with runners up Italy. Over 400 students took part in traditional track events, shot putt, long jump as well as badminton, trampolining, high jump, rounders, netball and rowing. Well done to all our competitors and to those students who cheered on from the sidelines. Thank you to the PE department (supported by Sixth Form students and staff from across the school) who work tirelessly to make this event happen.

We are delighted to welcome English teacher, Ms Caswell, to the Sixth Form Team as Head of Year 12, whilst Miss Dutton will continue as Head of Year 13.

Student Senior LeadershipTeam (SSLT)

After a rigorous application process, including interviews with the Senior Leadership Team and staff voting, 16 members of the new SSLT were appointed with a Sixth Form Council to support the team. Both SSLT and the Council have immersed themselves into their roles assisting at Open Evening where Head Girl, Alice, welcomed parents and carers. They have also taken part in team building exercises to prepare them for the year ahead. Congratulations to our new Student Senior Leadership Team:

Head Girl

Deputy Head Girls

Senior Assistant Head Girls

Assistant Head Girls

Assistant Head Boys

Alice Ewing

Katie Morrisey

Sadiah Begum

Molly Connolly

Aaleyah Hussain

Isla Thomas

Holly Ellis

Emma Shepherd

Ben Knapton

Jack Thompson

Let’s Dance

Deputy Sports Captains

STEM Ambassador

Performing Arts Ambassador

Art Ambassador

Sixth Form Council

Jenny Ryan

Seren Thomas

Khadiza Rahman

Hannah Carr

Olivia Upton

Jess Diggory, Emily Edwards, Luci Edwards, Katie Flynn-Kayle, Nancy Greig, Grace Jones and Imogen Nichols

Year 12 students who were part of the Performing Arts enrichment programme visited Leasowe Beach in June to film a specially choreographed dance for WeatherVision. This talented group of dancers have particularly enjoyed their enrichment this year, running workshops for primary school pupils and performing at school events. Well done to Lola Bradley, Emma Carlile, Hannah Carr, Ruby Dilworth, Faye Dulson, Ella Hall, Olivia Harvey, Neelie Kisby, Rebecca McIndoe, Molly McLeod, Cerys Mullen, Macy Pickup, Liv Shone, Freya Silcock, Jenifer Taft, Bethany Walker, Sofia Wilkinson and Ruby Wilson.

Head Sports Captain Libby Cotton

Mental Health Awareness Week

Sixth Form students took part in Mental Health Awareness Week in May and had the opportunity to take part in well-being activities including mindful colouring, a ‘read and reflect’ session, rounders, tennis and the use of the fitness suite. Students held a bake sale, sold fundraising pins and had a “Wear it Green” day to raise just under £150 for a WEB, Merseyside a local mental health charity who support young people and adults with their mental health and well-being.

Sixth Form Football

The Sixth Form boys lost 3-1 against rivals Mosslands in the quarter finals of the Wirral Cup and enjoyed one last run out before exams to play a very competitive game against Darwen Community College with a 4-2 defeat.

The girls lost 4-1 in a friendly at home against West Kirby Grammar School. The team were missing a few key players through injuries but nonetheless had a good run out. Thanks to Mrs Ellis for organising the fixtures and running training sessions.

Easter Bonnet Competition

Year 12 students joined together to create egg-cellent Easter Bonnets, represent their form and celebrate this time-honoured tradition. The lower common room was transformed into a makeshift runway where contestants were able to strut their stuff and show off their creations. It was a close and fierce competition but well done to 12JLB who were victorious.

Year 13 Leavers’ Assembly

Year 13 students were joined by Miss Dutton, Chair of Governors, Mrs Rogers, Miss Whelan, Miss Sullivan and Miss Byrne. Together, students and staff reflected on their experiences with a video montage of their school days, enjoyed performances from our talented Sixth Form Music and Dance students and took selfies in front of a mirrored backdrop and balloon drape.

Prom

At the end of June, Year 13 students and staff attended the pinnacle event of the year at the Bentley in Liverpool. An elegant venue, which offered our chic and dapper looking students beautiful surroundings, combined with stunning views of Liverpool’s waterfront. Delicious food was served and the DJ turned up the volume, belting out the tunes celebrating friendship, two years of hard work and the end of exams!

Working 9 to 5

Year 12 undertook a week of work experience in the local community between 10-14th July under the guidance of the Careers team and Mploy. This is such a valuable opportunity for our students following their mid-course examinations and Futures Week, as they begin to plan their next steps. Local primary schools and businesses in a variety of fields benefitted from our diligent students, who demonstrated what an asset they are to the school and the employment market.

The Future’s Bright …

Year 12 took part in Futures Week to get them thinking about their future and to prepare for their next steps after Sixth Form. Students attended UCAS application and personal statement workshops and Edge Hill University offered workshops on Health & Social Care and Nursing. During the week, students attended a variety of careers talks to give them an insight and valuable advice on careers in architecture, law, midwifery, journalism, vaccine manufacturing, telecommunications, media, education. Students had access to information on the Higher Apprenticeship route as well as careers at sea, working in the Police as CID and studying for a PHD.

UCAS Exhibition

Students had the opportunity to attend the UCAS Exhibition at the M&S Arena in Liverpool. A large number of institutes were represented, which gave students direct access to the universities they are interested in applying to and came away with lots of questions answered as well as tote bags and goodies.

Edge Hill University Visit

Another trip to Edge Hill University, allowed students to experience life on a campus university. Students attended a ‘student life’ information lecture which they all thoroughly enjoyed and participated in a personal statement workshop which gave them a better understanding of how to write their own. The day ended with a campus tour, where tour guides showed our students the different specialist subject facilities.

World Challenge, 14th July - 27th July

Thirteen students travelled to Sri Lanka with Miss Richardson and Miss Hodgson at the end of Summer term on a once in a lifetime World Challenge adventure.

Day 1: the group arrived in Colombo tired and excited and met their guide Suminda. After orientation in Negombo, the group enjoyed a visit to a local fishing village tasting and learning about local foods including 5 different types of bananas!

Day 2-3: the group visited Sigiriya Rock and hiked the well known Lion Rock just in time for sunset, something that students will never forget. They also enjoyed a surprise jeep ride and ate lunch in a rice field.

Day 4: students enjoyed a magical jeep elephant safari in Minneriya National Park and a barefoot visit to the temple caves to see the Buddhas. They then visited a local spice jungle where students had massages and home grown jungle hot chocolate.

Day 5-8: the next four days were spent at the Community Initiative where students helped at a local orphanage, painted bed frames, created murals and helped hand-mix concrete. Students also donated bottles, blankets and stationary to the local community.

Day 8-9: students learnt about the batik textiles technique used by locals and had a go themselves. The evening ended in Kandy with the group having a go at making hoppers (a national rice dish).

Day 10-11: after a tour of the local tea factory and tea tasting, the group visited a local farm where they saw how incense is made, followed by a cooking demonstration. This was an extra-special day for Seren, who celebrated her birthday on the trip. Our local guide arranged a tuk tuk ride, dinner at a rooftop restaurant … a day she said she will never forget.

Day 12: on the last day they visited the Temple of the Tooth with a 5.00am get-up to see the sunrise. On the last evening, the group attended a traditional Kandyan dance show which is considered the national dance of Sri Lanka.

This amazing World Challenge adventure was one they all always remember packed full of culture, food and fun. Students who attended the trip Choe Callister-Edge, Freya Crowder, Lydia Galloway, Charlie Harwood, Evline King, Scarlett Knight, Jessica Lawton, Emily McKenna, Niamh O’Brien, Daisy Prince, Erin Thomas, Seren Thomas and Abi Vaughan-Williams.

Students commented “what I took from the trip was learning about travelling sustainably and respecting countries and their culture” and “what I’ll take from the trip is to make the most of all the opportunities given to me and to be grateful for all of the amazing experiences that I’ve had!”

Bronze Expedition

Well done to the Bronze DofE cohort of 54 students who completed their practice expedition in Llandegla, North Wales battling unexpected thunder and lightning, and walking in very humid conditions! Thanks to the staff team for supporting the weekend; Miss Faulkner (DofE Coordinator), staff volunteers Mrs Kirby, Miss Parkins, Mr Roe, Mr Barr, Miss Burke, Ms Caswell, Mr Donaldson (mini bus) and exstudents Bex Dulson and Molly Stafford. We look forward to celebrating their assessed expedition this term.

Silver Expedition

25 Silver students completed their practice expedition in the Yorkshire Dales during the May half term in very hot and sweaty conditions. Well done Imogen Atherton, Zara Baker, Hallie Bailey, Erin Callister Edge, Liv Carney, Maggie Colburn, Emily Cole, Lily Costall, Liv Crawford, Luna Dos Santos, Daisy Finnigan, Tiffany Harbour, Lily Heaven, Clara Hills, Paige Ison, Ellie Jones, Aili Kelly, Nikola Mokrzyska, Sammie Olsen, Hayley Oswald, Izzy Prescott, Zoe Price, Molly Strain, Eleri Thomas and Lily Upton you should all be very proud of yourselves! Thanks once again to the staff team; Miss Faulkner, Miss Gibson (Leader), Mr Donaldson), and staff volunteers Miss Ashcroft, Mrs Ellis, Mrs Kirby, Miss Mitchell, Miss Parkins and external volunteers Molly Stafford, Paige Torrington and Janet Coutts without whom these trips would not be possible! The group went on to complete their qualifying expedition four weeks later. We are very much looking forward to seeing them gain their Award at our annual presentation evening in February.

Gold Expedition

Congratulations to Lola Bradley, Faye Dulson, Grace Foster, Lola Harwood Smith, Isla Thomas, Neelie Kisby, Megan Langley, Cerys Mullen, Jen Ryan, Amy Williams and Ruby Wilson on completing their Gold expedition in Llanberis during the last week of the summer term. The Gold Expedition is the culmination of the DofE Award and consists of a four day expedition, with three nights camping which the students planned, trained for and completed unaccompanied. Many thanks to the staff team; Miss Faulkner, Dr Temple, Miss Basford, Mr Donaldson, Miss Burke, Miss Gibson and Mrs Mohsin. who led the expedition and his team of volunteer staff.

Wirral Book Award

This year’s voting event for the Wirral Book Award took place in April at the Co-op Academy, Bebington. Seven students attended and voted for their favourite books from a shortlist of six. As passionate readers, they enjoyed the opportunity to meet with other Wirral schools and debate the merits of the books. After three of our students gave persuasive speeches as to why their pick should be the winner, The Forevers by Chris Whitaker was voted best book of the year. The group were lucky to hear an inspiring speech from renowned teen author Kevin Brooks and were given the opportunity to ask him questions, talk to him about his books and career.

Integer Stories

Miss Grainger and Mrs Pollock launched a short, creative writing activity in lessons and as an extra-curricular activity at the end of the Spring term. Students were asked to write a story using any number as a starting point for a snappy 100-word story (e.g. one million pounds, the year 2000, 100 cupcakes, 5 students). Entries were submitted to Young Writers who launched the competition and we congratulate the students whose stories were chosen for publication in the Young Writers’ Anthology!

Abigail Hardy

Alanah Hilton

Alisha Ruhe

Amelia Sadler

Amy Rawlinson

Aoife Walsh

Celia Griffin

Charlotte Taylor

Claudia Simon-Hart

Daisy Kenna

Daisy Maddock

Emily McMinn

Freya Robinson

Grace Swanick

Grace Whittle

Isla Gillett

Isla Spivey

Katherine Whipp

Lila Thomson

Lillie Robinson

Lola Baggaley

Lola Smith

Sixth Form Scholars

18 Year 12 scholars were invited to an event led by St. Peter’s College, Oxford to learn about applying to Russell Group universities, as well as Oxford and Cambridge. The group were given key insights about how to stand out from the crowd and how to best prepare for interviews. Students were very engaged and tried their hand at some of the creative and unusual assessment tasks. The scholars were an absolute credit to the Sixth Form and we look forward to supporting them in their applications!

Lucie Webb

Lucy Mitchell

Lucy Prothero

Mia McKeever

Molly Spicer-Pilling

Paige Williams

Peyton Cairns

Ruby Morrell-McCarthy

Ruby Reid

Summer Hindle

Talia Fenna

Tilly Tessla

Latin Trip

In June, our Year 9 Latin cohort visited the University of Liverpool to experience a day of workshops on aspects that they have studied over the last three years. Students learnt about Ancient Greek culture, Roman graffiti and jewellery making. The group were treated to a rare visit to the Garstang Museum to experience firsthand Ancient Egyption artifacts, including a mummy! The trip was a huge success and an excellent way to end the students’ dedication to studying Latin and completing their GCSE. Well done from Mr Clark and Mr Slattery to Olivia Carroll, Ella Collins, Orla Kenneth, Evelyn Higgnett, Olivia Hough, Avneet Kaur, Jess Loyden, Sienna Moore and Sarah Whittingham.

GCSE Latin Results

Well done to our Year 9 Latin cohort who took their Latin GCSE this summer with some pleasing results including a Grade 7 and a Grade 6. Well done to Olivia Carroll, Ella Collins, Evelyn Hignett, Olivia Hough, Avnett Kaur, Orlaith Kenneth, Jessica Loyden, Sienna Moore and Sarah Whittingham.

MFL Exam Success

Congratulations to a small cohort of our EAL students who took GCSEs in their native language with some excellent results!

Ada Mo, Year 9

Eva Irvine, Year 10

Aleyna Keeley, Year 11

Nadia Niemczyk, Year 11

Community Sports Leaders (CSLA)

Well done to our wonderful CSLA students who successfully led a variety of sports hall athletics activities for over 100 Year 5 pupils from New Brighton Primary School. They received some lovely feedback from staff; “thanks so much for a fabulous morning. The children loved taking part in all the different sports and the sports leaders were brilliant - they really engaged well with the children, especially when we had a few children who were upset”.

Chinese Grade 9

French Grade 9

Turkish Grade 8

Polish Grade 7

Science Spectacular

In April, Year 5 students from local primary schools were invited to take part in a Science masterclass. Students were introduced to the wonders of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and thoroughly enjoyed their time with members of our Science department.

Football Festival

Pupils from Liscard Primary and Somerville Primary School joined us for our first ever Football Festival which was run by our CSLA team, in very hot conditions. The leaders were outstanding and there were lots of lovely positive compliments about their organisation, manner and conduct - so much so, that Somerville requested their help with Sports Day next year!

Hasta la Vista Baby

Members of MFL staff visited Somerville Primary School in July to deliver two afternoon language sessions with Years 4 and 5 pupils. The pupils learned how to say basic Spanish phrases during the short time they had, had great fun playing Spanish games and practising phrases with each other. Staff were impressed by how quickly the pupils packed up the language and their pronunciation.

Summer School

We were delighted to welcome over 150 of our new Year 7 cohort to our transition Summer School in August. Students enjoyed two days of activities and workshops including team building, PE multi-skills archery, numeracy, literacy, origami, creating sparklers and rocket launching in Science. The students thoroughly enjoyed the two days making new friends, finding their way round the school, learning to communicate effectively and strengthening their team work skills. Highlights included racing on the huge inflatable and the goodie bags!

In the Spring and Summer terms, a group of Year 5 pupils from Egremont Primary School worked with Weatherhead Media staff to document the life of historical figure Rosa Parks and segregation. The group enjoyed testing different animation techniques and developing their visual story-telling and filmmaking skills before producing a three minute animated film, which they narrated themselves. Their film premiered at a celebratory film screening at Weatherhead as part of the Creative Showcase in July.

Lights, Camera, Action! Science Summer Spectacular Magical Maths

In July, the Maths department welcomed Year 6 students from New Brighton Primary School for a morning of sharpening their money and numeracy skills. The pupils were incredibly enthusiastic and there were some fantastic Maths skills on display. The winners from each activity proudly wore their medals of achievement after the prize giving ceremony.

The Science department welcomed 63 Year 5 pupils from Somervile Primary School to a Science Spectacular in the Summer term where they carried out experiments in chromatography, created rainbow test tubes and PH tests. The pupils were a credit to themselves and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Race for Life

Annie Jr. Fundraising

A representative from Barnardo’s visited the cast of Annie Jr. to accept a cheque for £800 raised

Well done to Team Weatherhead who ran the Race for Life in May and raised over £1,060 - a huge achievement, which will provide valuable funds in fighting cancer.

Dates for Your Diary

THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER SCHOOL CLOSES

FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER STAFF INSET DAY

MONDAY 23RD OCTOBER - FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER HALF TERM

MONDAY 30TH OCTOBER SCHOOL OPENS

FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER SCHOOL CLOSES

MONDAY 25TH DECEMBER - FRIDAY 5TH JANUARY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

MONDAY 8TH JANUARY SCHOOL OPENS

FRIDAY 16TH FEBRUARY SCHOOL CLOSES

MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY - FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY HALF TERM

MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY SCHOOL OPENS

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH SCHOOL CLOSES

FRIDAY 29TH MARCH - FRIDAY 12TH APRIL SPRING BREAK (GOOD FRIDAY)

MONDAY 15TH APRIL SCHOOL OPENS

School Production

Miss Elliott and the Performing Arts team are delighted to announce that the next school production will be Matilda Jr with performances scheduled for February 2024. Congratulations to all 130 students who auditioned in September - staff were impressed by the standard of performances, making selecting the lead roles very difficult! Students can still get involved with the show by joining the backstage Tech Crew and staff, family and friends of Weatherhead are invited to watch the performance in February. Keep an eye out within the department and on the school website for more details!