First Grove Hackathon
We held our first ever Hackathon in association with aql. Computing students in Years 10 and 12 participated in the event which provided invaluable experience applying the theory on the curriculum into a real-world setting.
Students utilised their Python skills with aql’s bespoke AI bot to write programs to complete a set of tasks. These tasks varied in complexity ranging from connecting to remote climate sensors across the UK and downloading data, to setting up interfaces
School Election
Summer Concert
Our final event of the term was a celebration of live music, courtesy of our students and staff.
It is always amazing to see the number of students and staff involved in this event and the audience were treated to music from Pop Choir, Guitar Group, Orchestra, Concert Band, Rock Bands from Years 7, 9 and 10, Brass Group, Swing Band, Girls’ Choir, Sixth Form Band and of course Grove Singers. A special mention to our Y12 band who played one of Benjy Saia's own songs, and a great finale from the Swing band playing Mr Bluesky and Havana.
Congratulations to everyone involved in what was an excellent evening.
This week at school we held a mock General Election. It was great to hear the candidates putting forward their views and presenting for their chosen party in order to get votes. All pupils then had the opportunity to vote.
The results did not reflect the national results with Maria gaining the most votes; representing the Green Party.
Anyone For Tennis
On Monday 8 pupils went to the opening day of Wimbledon 2024, having won tickets in the ballot. They enjoyed a packed day of tennis on the outdoor courts and also in the prestigious Court 1. They sat on 'Murray Mound' to watch Heather Watson playing on the outdoor courts and even saw Lajal warming
Two of our pupils, Gabriela and Lily, along with Mr Lambert and Miss Winks, went to Leeds Civic Hall to collect the School of Sanctuary Award for our school. The certificate was presented by The Lord Mayor, Councillor Abigail Marshall-Kaung in the sumptuous and prestigious surroundings of the Dining Room of Leeds Civic Hall.
BSA Boarding Week
Our boarding team gathered together to celebrate the BSA Boarding Week by filling each day with fun activities for our boarders to enjoy including a highly competitive boarding house quiz and culminating in a summer solstice BBQ in the sunshine.
Year 7 Adventure Week
Our Year 7 pupils left school last Sunday to travel to a three day PGL adventure camp at Winmarleigh Hall near Preston. Activities included rafting, problem solving, fire lighting and survival, zip wiring, climbing, abseiling and the favourite activity of archery tag; this is firing soft arrows at each other as hard as possible. Whilst tired from the activities, they all thoroughly enjoyed their time and pushed themselves to achieve whilst making memories that will last a long time.
Sports Day 2024
After being postponed on the weekend and high winds forecast, it was great to see sports day go ahead with high standards of performances across the afternoon. The whole school came down to watch, creating a great atmosphere on the finish line for students representing their houses.
As always Mr Sugden was brilliant on the mic and rallied support, as well as announcing the many school records that were broken. Well done to all students who competed, a big thanks to all staff for supporting the day, including the ground staff!
Results below….
1st= Atkinson and Towlson
3rd Vinter
4th Southerns
5th= Stephenson and Findlay
All photos on flickr
Old Grovian Oxbridge Talk
Last Friday, Old Grovian Abbie Nott returned to The Grove to deliver a talk to Year 12 students interested in applying to Oxbridge. Abbie graduates this month with a degree in English Literature from the University of Oxford.
Abbie talked through the preparation she undertook as part of the application process and answered questions on life as an Oxford undergraduate.
For a comprehensive list of this academic year’s Representative Honours, click here
Duke of Edinburgh Gold
We were delighted that 20 students, from Year 12 and Year 13, embarked on their DofE Gold Expedition last week. This is the most the Grove have ever had in more than 20 years of running the DofE scheme.
Royal Society of Biology Quiz
Four of our Year 12 biology students represented the school at the 25th Royal Society of Biology's annual quiz at Myerscough College. They worked together to complete 10 challenges deliberately designed to put them out of their comfort zones and have to apply their knowledge of A-level biology, such as using entomology (insect life cycles) to try and estimate time of death (see below).
In this highly competitive event, our team did themselves proud by finishing 6 out of 13 teams.
Congratulations to...
Tife, Year 9, who has been selected for West Yorkshire at the English Schools Combined Events Championships.
Tife came 5th at the North East Regional Championships U15 Girls Pentathlon and was the first placed West Yorkshire athlete. This will be her 2nd English Schools Championship Finals this season; something that has never been done before by a WGS student.
Phoebe, Year 8, who won a Gilbert Netball competition to carry the ball on to the court at the Super League Netball Final.
Dougie, Year 7, who played at Huddersfield Golf Club in the Northern Junior Golf Tour which is played between April and August each year. Dougie won the under 12s gross, with a score of 84 and is hoping to qualify for the grand final at the end of August.
Final Grove Awards
The final presentation of Grove Awards took place last Friday. The following students were presented with their badges and certificates:
Year 7 - Florence B, Lucy E, Maggie G, Elizabeth M;
Year 8 - Will B, Eesa H, Velvet H, Alma M,
Isabel P, Harry S, Hettie S; Year 9 - Thomas H, Harriet W Their challenges included learning to play the drums, taking part in our production of 'Our Teacher's a Troll', raising money for charity and training for gymnastics.
Students currently in Years 7 to 9 can still
Tree Dedication Service
Yesterday, staff attended a tree dedication service to Mr Crawford, a much-loved member of staff, who passed last summer. Mr Crawford was at The Grove for 32 years. His passion for music was contagious and the legacy he leaves behind on the Music department, as well as many Old Grovians, will be everlasting.
National Railway Week
As part of 'National Railway Week', groups from Years 7 to 10 visited the construction work currently taking place at Apperley Bridge Station.
The Site Manager spoke about the work that is being done, how the team operate within safety regulations and general safety features in and around the train station.
Have a Great Summer, see you in September!
