Success for Year 7

Athletes!

On Friday, 19th March, the Yr 7 Athletics team travelled to Sports City to take part in the Manchester Indoor Athletic County Finals. Results: J’nae Ward High Jump 1st Natalia Nunes 800m 1st Molly Telfer 60m hurdles 3rd Neelam Dar Shot put 2nd Lara Akinbode Long jump 4th Natalie Gibson 200m sprint 1st

Team Captain, Parys Faulkner reported that she was extremely proud of the team as all the girls had made a huge effort. Amina and Ayesha contributed to the team event and J’nae Ward ran extremely well in the last race, securing a win which resulted in WHGS lifting the trophy!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As this newsletter indicates, we are continuing to emphasise academic excellence and extensive participation in extra-curricular activities. The A level module results earlier this month were extremely encouraging and the Year 10 and 11 Science GCSE module results were excellent. We are all working very hard with examination classes and we appreciate your support in ensuring they will get the best possible grades in the summer. Parents will be pleased to hear that WHGS was one of the top-performing state schools in 2009. We are all determined to ensure that we retain high standards of behaviour and are taking a very firm line with any students who do not conform to these standards. I would like to emphasise the importance of students taking care of their valuables and where possible they should not be brought into school. All this is clearly stated in the student planners. Finally, I should like to take this opportunity to thank all the students and staff for their hard work this term and to parents for their tremendous support for the school. I hope you all have a very enjoyable Easter break.

Mr P Mulholland

Who was ‘The Star’ of the Show?

Lady starred as Bullseye in the production of Oliver!

Newsletter

Issue no. 5 Friday, 26th March 2010

Quote for the week: ‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making plans’ John Lennon

SUMMER SCHOOL 2010

Week 1: 26th - 30th July Week 2: 2nd - 6th August Week 3: 9th -13th August Information on all courses is now

available on our website. Brochures can be obtained from

Reception or contact 0161 232 5535

e-mail: summercamp@whgs-academy.org

SPRING TERM ENDS Friday 26th March at 12.10pm

SUMMER TERM STARTS Tuesday 13th April at 08.40am

Calendar for the School Year 2010 – 2011 is now available on our website or the back

page of this Newsletter.

Online Shop WHGS receive a donation every time someone buys something through this web site http://www.buy.at/WHGS

DANISH VISITORS

We were recently visited by some Danish students who were involved in Year 12 Sociology & Psychology lessons. They produced a presentation about the Danish educational system and life at their school. They then interviewed our students on various topics, which would form part of their coursework. WHGS students also did a short presentation on Manchester. In the evening, the Danish and WHGS students, together with Miss Forshaw, met up at Akbar's restaurant for a meal and a good time was had by all! We are hoping to keep in touch and possibly set up a return visit to Copenhagen next year.

Grade 1-a-thon Update Mrs Brown in deep concentration! The Grade 1-a-thon entrants have all been practising hard and have done a fantastic job to get to the right standard in a very short time. The exam will be on Thursday 15th April and there will be a short, free, informal concert in the evening from 7-8 pm. Anyone wishing to sponsor this event, or an individual, will shortly be able to do so online, via our website, using the Charities Aid Foundation. Students practising hard!

Let’s keep in touch

As most parents will know, we are now using Group call to contact parents with urgent messages. Mobile phone numbers Many thanks to all of you who have updated us with your mobile numbers. If you have not let us know your mobile number yet, please do email us enquiries@whgs-academy.org or drop a note in at school reception. Email addresses: Our Eco Warriors are helping to make us aware of the amount of wasted paper generated by unnecessary paper mailings. We would like to help the environment (and save postage for more important things!) by sending more messages and letters/newsletters to parents by email. Currently we don’t have an email address for many of our families. Could we please make a plea for anyone who can supply us with an email address, who has not yet done so, to do so as soon as possible. Again, please email enquiries@whgs-academy.org with your email address, not forgetting to mention the name of your child and your child’s registration group.

Ski Trip 2011 Zell am See

Austria

See Mr MacCallum for further details

Only a few places left!

Cake Sale

On 19th March, 2010, the Primary Phase held a very successful Cake Sale and raised £330.44

which is being put towards the new

Primary Playground

This year’s annual school play was “Oliver!”, which took place on the 18th, 19th and 20th March 2010. The entire show was put together in 8 school weeks. Rehearsals were intensive and took place on a daily basis. In the final weeks, after-school rehearsals went on until 7pm. Many of the cast and band members also gave up their weekends and part of February half term in order to come into school and rehearse. Mr Wise and Mrs Hathaway worked on dialogue rehearsals, whilst Miss Smith primed the band and chorus and Mr Harrison worked intensively on solo and duet numbers. We drafted in expert help from local choreographer Toby Beal and in the meantime, Mr Cailey and Mr Cragg built the fabulous set complete with London Bridge! Mrs White sourced all the props and items of set and stage manager Mrs Preston led a fabulous team of stagehands to help create slick and efficient scene changes. Mr Wise and Mrs Hathaway scoured the costume cupboards of the Royal Exchange theatre gathering Victorian period outfits and accessories. Mrs Hames’s needlework skills were invaluable as she altered and adjusted costumes to ensure they fitted the actors comfortably. Miss Cunningham and Miss Stenhoff also helped out backstage with costume changes, whilst Mr Hathaway, Mr Cragg and William Thornton took charge of the sound and lighting. Opening night came around very quickly. The cast was confident, performed brilliantly and had the audience engrossed. Kate Barrett as Oliver and Leo Thompson-Adams as Fagin gave riveting performances and Sarah Stirling had the audience mesmerised with her beautiful voice. Merwah Attiah had a particularly challenging job as she played two parts, Mrs Sowerberry and Bet as well as being in the Chorus. She really made the parts her own and her characterisation was excellent. Michael Tadd and Zara-Rose Zaimeche had the audience in fits of giggles with their polished performances as Mr and Mrs Bumble. They oozed confidence on stage and really engaged the audience’s attention with their hilarious duet “I Shall Scream”. Joshua Chisambo made his school play debut with a heart warming interpretation of Mr Sowerberry. In fact, everybody performed at the very highest level and gave the show real energy. It took a very talented band of musicians to play the complicated, yet energetic music. They certainly lived up to the challenge and raised the roof with the pacy numbers. All three nights played to enthusiastic and lively audiences – many of whom commented after the show about how much they had enjoyed it and how professional the production was in manner! It took the hard work and dedication of over 50 students to make all three evenings a massive success, from the cast, to musicians, technical crew, backstage crew and ushers. In addition to all of these people, the Young Citizens Team raised money by serving refreshments during the interval, which will be donated to the school’s chosen charity, St. Ann’s Hospice. A massive congratulations to all the students who worked so hard to make this event one of the most successful of its kind. The school is so proud of your achievement!

THE CAST OF OLIVER

Languages and Food Technology

¡ A Taste of Spain ! On Friday 12th March, form 8A1, under the expert instruction and guidance of Mrs Thomas and Mrs Cowell, made paella, arguably the most famous of Spanish dishes. This rice-based dish, which can include almost anything in its many regional variations, is most closely associated with the city of Valencia on the Costa Blanca. Mr Crane provided a translation of the recipe and the class were shown a short video clip of a huge paella being made outside in a village in Spain. Good food and Spain go together, of course, and the lesson was an excellent way of getting a ‘hands-on’ appreciation of a very important part of Spanish culture. This was a really enjoyable and colourful cross-curricular event, which hopefully produced an equally enjoyable end product.

Congratulations to the Food Technologist of the week

Egor Rainkin 8A1 who produced a wonderful paella.

Paella Recipe Ingredients Method 1 onion 1 Prepare the vegetables: peel and chop onion, 1-2 clove/s garlic peel and crush garlic, chop/deseed red pepper 1 red pepper 2 Remove any skin from chicken, then dice into 1 chicken breast (or 4 thighs) chunks 1 x 15ml oil 3 Fry onion and pepper in the oil for 5 minutes 1 x 5ml spoon turmeric 4 Add garlic, turmeric and paprika and cook for 1 x 5ml spoon paprika a further 2 minutes 750ml stock (1 x veg or chicken stock cube) 5 Add the diced chicken and cook 250g rice 6 Pour in the stock, bring to the boil and cook 25g frozen peas for 5 minutes. 100g mixed cooked seafood (eg prawns 7 Add rice, bring to the boil, simmer for 15mins Mussels and squid optional) 8 Stir in peas and seafood, cook for a further 5 mins.

¡ A Taste of Spain !

YEAR 8 STUDENTS PREPARING

PAELLA

Nursery Class The current theme of interest in the Nursery is ‘People Who Help Us’. The children have been to visit Chorlton Library and chose a book to share at home. They have had a visit from the local police community support officers and 'Constable Cub' the police panda! They have also had a visit from the fire brigade from Moss Side Fire Station. This has generated lots of interest with the nursery children and they have now made their own Doctor's Surgery in the classroom.

Maybe this Primary Phase pupil is wishing she will be a Police Woman one day?

Nursery Doctor’s Surgery in session!

C C F

The Army Section’s Field Day on Friday 5th March, was spent at University Barracks, Manchester. 40 cadets took part in a wide range of training which involved radios, weapons, First Aid and BTEC. Well done everyone who passed! Future events for the CCF: 27/03/10 – 03/04/10: Easter Camp, Capel Curig, Snowdonia 29/04/10 – 30/04/10: Field Day – Altcar Ranges, Southport 19/06/10 – 20/06/10: Benga Banga – St Bees, Cumbria 26/06/10: Preston Military Show, Fulwood Barracks 06/07/10: Cadet 150 Parade, Buckingham Palace, London 10/07/10 – 17/07/10: Summer Camp, Wathgill, Catterick 17/09/10 – 19/09/10: CSAAM, Altcar Ranges, Southport 15/10/10: Biennal Review

WORLD BOOK DAY

The children in the Primary Phase were invited to come to school dressed as a character from a Roald Dahl book. We had a variety of Willy Wonkas, a stunning Aunt Spiker, various Oompaloompahs, a Roly Poly Bird, Mr & Mrs Twit, Mike Teavee and an incredible Fantastic Mr Fox! Yr 2 won the prize for the ‘best cheer’!

Year 1 Visit to Bramall Hall

On Thursday 11th March Year 1 visited Bramall Hall as part of their topic on 'Houses and Homes'. First we visited the kitchen and looked at some household objects that were used 100 years ago, comparing them to what we would use today. Then we all had a go at washing in the laundry room using the wash board to scrub and the dolly peg and tub to wash some clothes. It was hard work! Next we looked at the servants quarters to learn what life was like as a servant in a big house. After that our guide, Caroline, showed us some interesting objects that belonged to Mr and Mrs Nevill who used to own the house. Finally, we looked at and played with some toys from the past. We had great fun! We ate our lunch in the old stables and after lunch we did some sketches of the Hall. The weather was lovely that day so in the afternoon we went on a nature walk around the park and fed the ducks. We also played on the play park. We all had a super day! By Miss J Haslam

Netball Match – Staff v Sixth Form Leavers – Win for the Staff!

Consulting about our Admissions Policy for 2011 Our consultation about next year’s admissions policy (how we allocate places) for 2011 began last November. Two public meetings have been held and we have received comments from some parents. The time to give us your comments is nearly over, so if you do wish to make a comment, you must write to Mrs G Brown before 31st March 2010. The policy for 2010 can be seen on the school’s website.

Tuesday 23rd March 2010 The day started with excitement in the air. 45 lucky Y8 students were looking forward to visiting the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. The trip down was quick and comfortable and lots of fun, however, we were all elated to be stepping off the coach. We started our trip to the museum by being greeted by two friendly experts. They took us to the Newsroom and gave us a talk about the types of armour worn in Medieval and Tudor times. We even had the privilege of trying on some of the armour!

Talha Siddique, the Medieval Knight, prepares to Eamonn Kearney, the English Civil War lance the audience. Aim!

We then went outside to have a picnic lunch in a sunny, well designed square. After that we enjoyed some very interesting and interactive exhibits. We also witnessed a sword fighting demonstration based on the characters in Romeo and Juliet. We also took part in a Civil War workshop where we tried on armour and tested out medieval weapons and muskets.

All in all it was a full and exciting educational day out and we learnt a huge amount. The best thing about the museum was that we actually experienced the armour and weapons first hand instead of looking at pictures in a book. By Oliver Partington and Joe Cowell 8R

Primary Bag2School collection

The recent Primary Bag2School collection raised £280 from 700 kilos of unwanted items! The money is to go into the

Primary Phase playground fund. The next collection will be on 24th September, 2010

YEAR 7 SCIENCE TRIP By Mr J Thomson On Thursday 18th March, Year 7 students went on an educational visit to the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road. The visit was in part funded by a grant from the British Association for Science as part of the Science and Engineering week initiative to promote science outside the classroom. The students first heard a talk by the eminent herpetologist Dr. Andrew Gray, whose work in the rain forests of South America has led to the conservation of several species of rare and endangered tree frogs. Students were allowed to see specimens of lizards, frogs and even a King Python snake at very close quarters. The talk gave a very strong message about the importance of conserving natural habitats and preventing animals from becoming extinct. The second part of the trip allowed students to carry out an exercise in the feeding of birds called ‘Springbeaks’ on the fictitious ‘Clippy Island’. Afterwards they were able to explore the Museum galleries, guided by mobile phones to locate exhibits of particular interest. The activities were organised by the Museum staff and we are grateful to Andrew, Alexa and Louise for the time and effort they put into making the visit a success. Students will produce work related to the visit during next term and their work will be displayed in the Museum as well as at school.

READ-A- BOOK DAY

On the 11th March, 2010 all WHGS pupils, teaching staff and support staff, were encouraged to read a book from 8.40am – 9.00am! Even Amelia Grace Sackfield, daughter of Mrs Sackfield joined in!

We went to Beeston castle and loved it! It was a very, very long climb to the top, but we all managed it! We all found out what it would be like to live in a castle a long, long time ago and even got to hold a real sword! Back at school we have made our own castle role play and have done lots of castle activities. By Miss R Moore

Get online at home with Home Access

Home Access is a new government scheme to provide low income families with access to the internet at home. Here are some of the advantages identified in the Home Access materials: If you’re a low income family, you could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or at least one years’ internet access to help your child learn at home. The programme is aimed at those that need it most and targets families that do not have access to a computer or the internet at home. Children who have access to technology at home tend to do better in school, learn and achieve more, and have fun while they’re doing it. It also benefits the whole family. As well as allowing parents to find out more about what, and how, their children are doing at school, Home Access will help families to sign up for online courses, apply for jobs online, access online government services, and save money. Using the internet to shop for everyday items and paying household bills can save you around £40 a month – that’s almost £500 a year! The programme is being rolled out across England from January 2010, with eligible families able to apply for a Home Access Grant to pay for a computer and/or internet package. To qualify, families must have a child in school Years 3 – 9 who is entitled to receive free school meals. This normally means the household has an annual income of less than £16,040. Looked after children who are in foster care may also be eligible for a grant and their local authority can apply on their behalf. Families that do not qualify for a grant, are still able to buy a Home Access package from a range of well known high street retailers, as well as other suppliers approved by the programme. If you think you qualify for a Home Access Grant you can call 0333 200 1004 for an application pack. If you wish to speak to someone in school about the scheme please ring Mrs Salas, Development Director on 0161 226 2054 or e-mail her on alison.salas@whgs-academy.org for more information and assistance

Manchester Book Award Ceremony 2010

When I found out I was going to the Manchester Book Awards I was really excited. Our librarians had said that last year was good and that some people from our school had won prizes. It didn’t take long to get there and when we arrived, it was bigger than I had expected. We all took our seats in the Citizen Suite then Paul Sleem, our MC, welcomed us all. Soon afterwards the Lord Mayor of Manchester arrived, then the authors of the six finalist books entered. The VIPs who had won a competition to meet the authors were given a special table. Then we did some activities which people won prizes for. After that Paul announced the winners of various competitions, such as the best book review and book cover design competitions. Three pupils from our school had won the book cover design competition. The new book cover designs were presented to the authors. Finally, they announced the winner of the Manchester book awards 2010 - it was ‘Zelah Green Queen of Clean’ by Vanessa Curtis. It wasn’t the book I wanted but it was one of my favourites out of all I’ve read. Soon after the winner had been announced we all left. I really enjoyed it and recommend the year 7s to go next year. Reported by 7J Iram Raja

Year 4 recently went on a trip to Tatton Park - all dressed in Tudor costumes! The children went to experience what it was like for Tudors during the reign of King Henry VIII. They were able to experience weaving, wattle and daubing, a real Tudor jousting procession and took part in some archery. They also had to solve a Tudor mystery. Miss O’Connor and a pupil were put into the pillary!

Art trip to Leverhulme Park , Rivington, near Bolton On Friday, 12th March a collection of Year 11 and 12 artists, with Mr Bennett and Mr Wood, had a day exploring the remains of the pleasure gardens of the estate of Lord Leverhulme, gathering visual information (photos, sketches etc) for their exam projects. They had lots of fun picking their way through the undergrowth and climbing/descending countless steps, leading to new vistas. They are now busily developing their ideas during the timed exam sessions.

Arran Field Course – Isle of Arran

The Geology Department has recently enjoyed a successful and interesting field course in the Isle of Arran. There is a massive variety of rocks, minerals and fossils on Planet Earth and Arran is blessed with a considerable variety of rocks for such a small area. This has led to eminent scientists and broadcasters such as James Hutton, David Attenborough and Iain Stewart visiting the island to study its varied past. Rocks 800 million years old were formed when the island was South of the Equator. More recently igneous rocks on Arran are closely tied up with the development of the Atlantic Ocean and the mountain range that runs down the centre of the Atlantic from the North of Iceland to the tip of South America. The geologists were fortunate to have cold but clear weather as they were out in the field from 9.20am until 5.00pm each day. As there was plenty of snow on the mountains it was not difficult to imagine the glacial conditions that had only left the area 10,000 years ago. The students studied a range of rocks, collected data for coursework and walked for miles. Some swapped their fashion clothing for full waterproof suits and two of the girls in yellow waterproof suits looked like a pair of bananas on the move. The party worked in groups and were able to encourage the best from each other. Inevitably one or two loose rocks that were born in Arran are now in the Geology Department, including one splendid individual named Ian – after our tutor for the week. The department is currently preparing a passport for each of the samples. Several of the present Sixth Formers want to carry on the study of Geology at University. With rising population and shrinking natural resources geologists will always be in demand.

The picture shows Mr Bennett and Mr Wood with Oskar Sutton and Jess Graham below one of the many unusual structures on the site.

Primary Schools Multi-skills festival On Monday 22nd March, 120 Year 1 pupils from four local primary schools, including William Hulme’s Primary Phase, came together to participate in a multi-skills festival. 36 William Hulme’s Sports Leaders from Years 7, 8 and 9 assisted at the event, making sure all the young children were fully involved in each activity and that they were all enjoying themselves. The festival was a huge success with all the children, including the sports leaders, having a great afternoon. All the Year 1 pupils took away their activity chart, showing how hard they had worked during the afternoon, and they will be presented with a certificate in their school assembly.

Y2 VISIT TO STYAL MILL

The pupils took part in a weaving workshop

Calendar for the School Year 2010/2011

Autumn Term 2010

Induction Day for new Staff Wednesday, 1st September (limited number of staff in school) Term starts for staff (INSET) Thursday, 2nd September

Induction Day (Year 7 and 12) & Primary School INSET

Friday, 3rd September

Term starts for all other pupils Monday, 6th September

Staff INSET (whole school) Friday, 1st October (school closed for pupils)

Half Term (school closed for pupils) Monday, 25th October – Monday 1st November (inclusive) School re-opens Tuesday, 2nd November

Assessment Day Friday, 3rd December (Secondary School closed for pupils) Term ends Friday, 17th December, 12.10 pm approx

Spring Term 2011

Term starts for staff and pupils

Wednesday, 5th January

Half Term (school closed for pupils) Monday, 21st – Friday, 25th February (inclusive) School re-opens for staff (INSET) Monday, 28th February

School re-opens for pupils Tuesday, 1st March

Term Ends for pupils Wednesday, 13th April, 12.10 pm approx

Staff INSET (whole school) Thursday, 14th April (school closed for pupils)

Summer Term 2011

May Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May (school closed for staff and pupils)

Term Starts for staff and pupils Tuesday, 3rd May

Half Term (school closed for pupils) Monday, 30th May - Friday, 3rd June (inclusive)

School re-opens Monday, 6th June

Term Ends Wednesday, 13th July, 12.10 pm approx