GroveThe Newsletter of Woodhouse Grove School

Winter 2019

NEWS FROM THE

News

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The Flexibility toFind Your Potential

Over the last six months our Sixth Form has undergone a transformation; both physically with a summer refurbishment o�ering more space for independent and group work, and in terms of direction, with a new way of thinking.

At Woodhouse Grove, we recognise that no two students are the same and our �exible approach to the Sixth Form is designed to o�er more options than just subject choices. When students �nish their studies here, they will be prepared emotionally and academically for anything - starting University, Degree Apprenticeships, work in the real world - any direction they choose to follow.

From September 2020 there will be a choice of pathways, tailored to individual student needs. Potential programmes include A-levels, BTECs, up to 60 days of industry experience with one of our business partners, or a combination of these options. All students will participate in a unique Life Skills programme to help make those next steps easier.

Sixth Form tutor groups are a combination of Y12 and Y13 pupils. This is determined by future career aspirations so that students' peers and their tutors share the same interests. There is also greater access to tutors and pastoral support with more teachers based within the Sixth Form Centre.

Chris Softley, Director of Sixth Form explained “We believe that our forward thinking approach will enable all of our students in the Sixth Form to reach their potential. It is their personal journey, and a dynamic and holistic experience should ensure that it is the best and most in�uential time in their educational career.”

Exciting times ahead!

Set yourown path

In October we hosted a number of schools from the area for an Anti-Bullying Diana Award Day. Supported by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign engages young people, parents and teachers to change the attitudes, behaviour and culture of bullying by building skills and con�dence to address di�erent situations, both online and o�ine.

We supported the Anti-bullying Alliance ‘Change Starts With Us’ campaign with a number of organised activities including Odd Socks Day and the "nice tree". Students took comments from the tree to either keep for themselves or give to someone else. There was also a "speed dating" session where our trained anti-bullying ambassadors were available to chat.

Change Starts With Us

News

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A Day of ‘Moh’torRacing at the Grove It’s not very often you �nd 2 racing cars in the playground – so we certainly made the most of it when Y13 pupil and competitive racer, Moh Ritson brought his co-driver Sarah Moore and 2 Tockwith Motorsport cars to the Grove for the day.

Students from across the school enjoyed listening to all aspects of racing; Y7 had lots of questions about the speed and power of the cars and Y8,Y9 and Y11 enjoyed learning about the aerodynamic properties. Our sixth form scientists focused on the engine and the physics of driving and our photography students were given the opportunity to take some pictures of the cars under the guidance of professional photographer and parent Jonathan Taylor.

BTEC Sports students were provided with a fascinating insight into the world of competitive motor racing with a focus on driver perspective – including information on �tness, concentration and the role of the media….. and everyone loved it when Moh revved the engine!

Moh is part of the school’s Grove Athlete Education Programme (GAEP), which provides students competing at International, National, Regional or County level, or who have been signed by a professional academy, with the support they require to enable them to coordinate academic life around their sporting commitments.

Following this exciting day in school, Moh competed in his European debut at the GT4 South European Championship in Portugal. Moh and team-mate Sarah Moore celebrated their �rst podium �nish together and secured two bottles of champagne. Unfortunately, being only 17, Moh isn’t old enough to enjoy it!

In Portugal, it was really hot with fiercelybright sunshine! After a good start, therewas plenty of overtaking and swappingof positions, before I eventually handedover to Sarah in second place. Sarahdelivered a defensive masterclass andsecured our first podium as team-mates.

Moh

News

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Sixth former Jen Holland chatted with some of the new Y7 students to �nd out how they were getting on in their �rst term at the Grove.

What has been your best experience at the Grove so far?Woody: Scoring three tries in my second game of rugby.Harley: Scoring four tries in my �rst game of rugby!Izza: I’m loving Netball!

What is your favourite school lunch?Woody: I love the beef burger and chips on Fridays and I love the cookies.Harley: Yep, I love the cookies too! I also really like the sausage and mash.Izza: My favourite is the �sh and chips and the chocolate brownies.

Have you been involved in any clubs?Woody: I really like rugby and football.Harley: I like rugby too, but I also like football.Izza: Netball of course, and badminton.

What was it like moving to a new school?Woody: It was really fun, but it was also a bit scary too, but I love it. I don’t like that I have to get up earlier though!Harley: It was a massive change, but I’m really enjoying it too.Izza: I was really nervous when I �rst arrived, and I found it really scary. But now I’m just excited about the year ahead.

What is your favourite subject?Woody: HistoryHarley: GamesIzza: Art

What is your favourite thing about the Grove?Woody: I really like the wide range of sports, they are all fun and enjoyable.Harley: I just �nd the food amazing…Izza: I really like the sport the Grove o�ers and I just love studying art.

Thank you Y7 – keep enjoying these new and exciting experiences!

New To The Grove;A Y7 Perspective

7YWGSGeneralElection

In our own school election, four candidates pitched a two minute speech that included Education, Law and Order, Brexit, the NHS and the Environment. Abbie Nott represented Labour; Emma Illingworth, the Green Party; Eddie Freeman, the Conservatives; and Jen Holland, the Liberal Democrats. 57% of all pupils and sta� exercised their right to vote. The highest turnout was from Y13 with 78% and the lowest turnout was from Y11 with 37% voting.

The result of the count was an overwhelming majority for the Conservatives with 50.5% of the votes. The Green Party came second (18%), closely followed by the Liberal Democrats (17%) and Labour (14.5%). It will be very interesting, and more than a little surprising, if the General Election follows these results!

Five of our Y12 students have been selected to take part in the HE+ programme run by Cambridge University. This is a pilot year for our area and involves four days out of school for 149 students from seven di�erent schools. The programme encourages young people, particularly from those groups who have a lower rate of progression to university, to make competitive applications to ‘top’ universities.

HE+ With Cambridge University

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A selection of sixth fomers were chosen to take on leadership roles within school focusing on areas such as well-being, digital media, charities, diversity and equality, teaching and learning, eco-champion and prospective parent liaison. This is an excellent opportunity for Sixth Formers to raise their pro�le and have an input into school policy. Throughout this school magazine you may notice articles written by our marketing leadership students Jen Holland and Georgia Young.

LeadershipOpportunities

During an Enterprise Day, Y9 took the ‘Subway Challenge’ and worked in teams to create a new product to add to Subway’s existing range. They were encouraged to develop something unique for customers to enjoy and then present their ideas in a two minute pitch to a panel of judges. The Morton Hall was a hive of activity throughout the day and some mouth-watering products were created.

The panel decided that ‘Yaygel’ was the most successful product; innovative, yet easy and cost e�ective to deliver. The winning group, consisting of Harry Fearn, Frankie Green, Matilda Wilson, Jessie Pearson, Lucy Lund, Serena Ahmed, Thomas Steel and Sam Pickles, said that they had concentrated on the format of the product rather than the �lling and had conducted a survey to see which would be most popular; a pitta or a bagel. They then created a number of �llings and marketing ideas such as a meal deal and a Christmas Cinnamon Special.

Y9 thoroughly enjoyed this project and there was a big cheer for Mrs Watmough who had initiated the Enterprise Day, and a round of applause for our guest panel who had given up their time to attend; Donna Booth and Miles Mount from LEAP, Dean Watmough, Managing Director of SODA and the Core Agency, Mike Richmond from Tutor Doctor and Clare-Marie Taylor from Think Smart Marketing.

Challenge

Current Y13 student Jen Holland caught up with recent leavers Imo Amos, Will Robinson and Lucy Dodd to see how they were getting on ‘post Grove’.

So what has life been like after studying at Woodhouse Grove and are you enjoying it? Imo: I’m currently studying for a degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Bird College Conservatoire in South East London. It’s a massive change from Woodhouse but I’m loving life down in London. I am �nding it more exciting than scary as it’s something I’ve always dreamed about since I was young.Will: I have started working as an IT Systems Apprentice at In�nity Works. I’m currently studying towards my BSC in Software Development and after I �nish that quali�cation, I will be an Associate Consultant at the In�nity Works Academy. I would 100% recommend it to anyone, it is everything I imagined and the company is incredible.Lucy: I am studying History and Politics at the University of She�eld.

What do you miss about the Grove?Imo: I would say the familiarity of everyone! It’s all I’ve ever known so it has been really strange to not have it anymore. Will: Yeah, I really miss the atmosphere around boarding. I miss the rugby, music and the bands.Lucy: I really miss the support and the general atmosphere. There would always be someone you could talk to, whether that was your teacher or just any teacher. It felt like everyone was looking out for you and I do miss that.

What did you learn at the Grove, which is bene�tting you now?Imo: To always be yourself and to not let anyone tell you to change, because the only way to succeed is to be yourself.Will: Towards the end of Sixth Form I learnt how to focus – and I have since used the same focus for di�cult tasks at work.Lucy: Probably that you don’t always have to be the most academic person at everything, in order to do well. It helps me today because you don’t feel as much pressure, you can do your best without having to be the best, and it helped me to not compare myself to others.

Life After The Grove

News

Imo Amos

Lucy Dodd

Will Robinson

Trips

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What an experience! Uganda in July showed me the reality of world poverty, the importance of giving and the understanding of Uganda’s culture as well as creating life-long memories which will be cherished forever.

On 10th July we set o� on our long journey from Woodhouse Grove School, via Manchester Airport, eventually arriving in Uganda. Mamma Shirls met us and travelled with us back to her home, Gulu. Over the course of the �rst week, we visited a remand home, an orphanage, a kid’s club run by Mamma Shirls, a hospice for children with cancer, a primary school and a home for women who had been sexually abused. We learned so much and realised what a great job Mamma Shirls does in Uganda. We got to know the locals and gained an understanding of the struggles they face every single day. We contributed sports equipment, toys, sanitary products and educational materials as well as a donation of over £8000, thanks to the students, sta� and parents at school.

We also helped to lay concrete for a school building, painted chalk boards, played with the children and undertook general manual work before setting o� on the second part of our trip, walks and safari! We went on three safaris, visited waterfalls and went on a two-day trek. It was unforgettable.

Overall, the trip was an amazing, memorable and educational experience and it made us all realise the importance of thinking about others �rst. A huge thank you to the sta�, parents and Mamma Shirls for making this trip possible. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.

Report by Jen Holland, Y13

Memories Made in Uganda

During October half term, 14 A-level Philosophy students travelled to Athens. The trip visited a number of philosophical sites such as the locations of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum which are particularly relevant to A-level studies and emphasised the importance of these �gures in Ancient Greece.

On the �rst evening, after sampling the Greek cuisine (and lots of frozen Greek yoghurt), we embarked on a night-time visit to the Acropolis. Lit up against the night sky, the grandeur of the building was even more impressive.

The Energy of thEMind is the Essence of Life

The next day we visited again with our guide, Dora, who explained in detail about the di�erent temples to Athena and the mythological stories surrounding them. We also visited the ancient Agora, which included the beautiful Hephaestus’ temple, one of the best-preserved temples from the Ancient Greek era. We enjoyed another evening meal together, with lots more frozen Greek yoghurt!

Whilst the whole trip was a great success, a favourite moment for many was visiting the Panathenaic stadium, which was the �rst modern Olympic stadium and is built entirely of marble.

Report by Georgia Young, Y13

Trips

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At the end of October, 42 students from Y11 set o� for a week in Iceland, visiting the South West coast and Northern Iceland. During the trip, students experienced the most powerful waterfall in Europe, climbed a volcano and went whale watching, as well as experiencing a typical Icelandic snow storm!

Braving theElements inIceland Europe's Largest Sand Dune

During the Summer, 64 of our Y8 students and 7 sta� embarked on an adventure to the south west of France to enjoy a week of watersports. Students took part in kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, raft building, sailing and mountain biking. They also had the opportunity to spend an evening out in the town, along with visiting the largest sand dune in Europe and a local waterpark.Students learned new skills, worked as a team, took part in a talent competition and most importantly left their mobile phones at home! A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Sport

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Cross Country National Finalists

McCarthy U13 Festival

Woodhouse Grove pupils won both the Junior Girls’ and Junior Boys’ Races at the English Schools Cross Country Cup Regional round. These individual victories were supported by a determined team e�ort which saw both teams qualify for the National Finals, a historic moment for the school.

In the girls’ race, Maisey Bellwood, Y7 powered ahead to win by more than 20 seconds and this strong team won gold by more than 45 points. In the Junior Boys race, Archie Peaker dominated the �eld, winning by 75 metres and the team came third overall, securing their place in the National Finals.

The �nals, held on a very muddy, undulating course in Derbyshire, were bathed in sunshine - unusual for early December. The Grove’s best junior runners were fully prepped following a breakfast the previous day with Olympic triathletes Jonny Brownlee and Gordon Benson.

During the race, the Junior Boys didn’t have it all their own way with an early fall from Archie Peaker and a calf injury for Captain Harry Bates. However they put in an admirable performance, with Archie surging through to �nish 13th and the team taking 24th place overall. The Junior Girls’ race followed and our talented young ladies did not disappoint, particularly with their matching ice-cream-themed socks. Maisey Bellwood (our “secret weapon”, to quote her teammates) put in an outstanding performance, pacing herself and then gliding into �rst place comfortably in the last 200m of the race. A strong team behind her resulted in a 7th place �nish for the team – a remarkable feat considering that this was their �rst time in the National Cup Final. An amazing Grovian support team of runners, parents, sta� and Club Captain, Ben Hill then watched Maisey collect her second ‘National Champion’ title this term following her fell running success.

Our U13’s played in the David McCarthy Rugby Festival in November. The festival, hosted at the Grove, saw 12 schools in attendance playing a waterfall tournament. Our boys won all three of their groups matches to qualify �rst and play the other group winners where they found the opposition a little tougher.

Well done to the boys for all their e�orts in very di�cult conditions due to a biting, cold wind and a couple of injuries.

2019 is the �rst year that The Grove has ever quali�ed for the national cup �nal and we hope that this is the �rst of many national competitions to come.

National Finalists: Maisey Bellwood, Eilidh Molloy, Georgina Rayner, Grace Ross, Phoebe Turner, Mabel Walker, Harry Bates, Jacob Best, Cameron Bojas, Joey Hall, Archie Peaker and Ayomide Solaru

Sport

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Once again we are delighted to be included in The Cricketer’s Top 100 Schools for cricket. Unsurprising, given the level of achievement celebrated at the cricket presentation evening last month when we welcomed back Mr Frost to present the awards.

Our 1st XV awards went to;Batsman - Owen TennantBowler - Rhys NewmanCoach's - Josh StephensonFielder - Ethan Tennant In another �rst for the school, we �elded three girls’ cricket representational sides this term. Two U13 girls’ teams travelled to Holm�rth High School for a cricket festival and an U15 girls’ team played in the West Yorkshire indoor tournament.

Cricket

Emma’s Fighting Spirit

Congratulations to…

During the summer Emma Hewitt, Y10 was selected to compete for Great Britain in the Junior Aikido World Championships held in San Diego. Emma competed in 5 separate events, winning an outstanding 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.

In October, Emma was invited to support a “Get Fit Fortnight” initiative at Pudsey Bolton Royd Primary School. Emma’s self-con�dence and �tness has bene�ted from her participation in Aikido and she was keen to pass on her experience and show the younger children some of the basic techniques in Aikido.

Cameron Ford, Y10 who has retained his place in the British Canoeing England Talent Squad. He has been selected for both K1 and C1 categories for white water slalom racing. This involves a huge commitment to train at least 2 evenings a week and most weekends at Tees, Nottingham or Lee Valley, London.

Footballers, Jonny White, Y12 who has been selected for the ISFA U17 national squad and Daniel Francis, Y13 on his selection to the ISFA U18 national squad.

Cricketer, Max Chaplin, Y7 who was awarded the Yorkshire U11s “All-rounder of the Year” and also won “Performance of the Year” for his hat-trick taken against Lancashire at the Yorkshire CCC age group presentation evening.

U13’s

Performing Arts

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A 21 strong cast from Y11 to Y13 (plus two featured young performers from Y7) have been rehearsing since September for their two night production of ‘Great Expectations’ in The Grove Theatre. The cast performed to two great audiences of family and friends and, with a great deal of complicated speech and quick scene changes, gave a brilliant performance of one of Dickens’ most famous stories.

The cast were aided brilliantly by Y10 students, Emily Tang and Evie Burns, who ensured scene changes ran smoothly throughout the production. Stand out performances came from Joseph Myers, who played the lead role of ‘Pip’. Joseph did not step o� the stage or out of character from the moment he started the show - a huge achievement of line learning and acting skills! Also, Y12 student Hannah Dutton gave a wonderful rendition of the cold and cruel Ms Havisham, sitting on stage for the entire performance. We were thrilled to welcome many students who were new to WGS Performing Arts productions. In particular, Michael Cavaliere and Charlie Slater took on large lead roles and did a fantastic job at delivering well rounded performances.

Over the term, a number of drama students from Y9 to Y13 took part in Professional Masterclasses focusing on acting skills and the role of an art director. Students were extremely lucky to work with Natalie Anderson (Emmerdale, Wicked, The Royal) who explored a number of areas including; the di�erence between acting for television and the stage; text in performance using songs from musical theatre and making Shakespeare contemporary. Students particularly enjoyed the workshop on swapping gender in plays. Using an extract from Grease, students had to give Danny's lines to Sandy and Sandy's lines to Danny, �nding a brand new context for the scene.

36 of our pupils from Y7 to Y9 worked with professional singers and a poet in conjunction with Leeds Lieder Festival. Founded in 2004, the festival promotes the appreciation and understanding of art-song to a wider audience as there are relatively few opportunities to enjoy this repertoire outside London.

The pupils enjoyed three workshops and then performed The Boatmen’s Dance by composer Aaron Copland at the Northern Ballet Theatre.

More than 35 pupils were involved in the Solo and Chamber concert in November. The Senior Sax Group particularly shone with their rendition of The Bear Necessities, among a host of excellent individual performances.

Great Expectations Indeed! Drama Masterclasses

Solo and Chamber Concert

Olivia Smithson-Horsfall, Y13 said, "I found the workshops invaluable and an amazing opportunity to gain experience for my future career and my university and drama school applications."

In other Masterclasses, pupils worked with Helen Fishburn, Standby Art Director on programmes such as Last Tango in Halifax, Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Helen donated lots of items to school, such as props, scripts, photographs and even the ground plans for The Woolpack Pub set! The students analysed some scenes from Ackley Bridge and completed a grid which detailed everything they would need to produce these scenes. They used photographs from Emmerdale, where Helen had transformed the village into a Wild West setting, in order to understand the role of continuity in TV and �lms. Chloe Petch, Y11 was particularly eagle-eyed when it came to misplaced props in the fascinating task of spot the di�erence! "I can't believe how much detail goes into producing just one scene!" she said.

Congratulations to the whole cast for a brilliant production this term. Leeds Lieder

Brontë News

11

The Brontë Bonanza in September, was a roaring success; Mr Phenny did a great job as the bingo caller and the Fulwood Folkers had everyone dancing, swinging and doing a dosey doe! The excellent food on o�er, rodeo bull and in�atable slide were all big hits and the school �eld looked amazing with hay bales, lights and the gazebo lit up for the band. Many children and parents camped overnight and it was a very sociable, enjoyable evening for all, raising £2000 towards the new adventure playground. Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped out on the night.

Yee-Haw, Cowboy Time!

Aurelia Ingleson-Laur, Y6, was thrilled to be chosen to play little Cosette in Les Misérables in August at the Alhambra Theatre. She is also very busy during the Christmas period performing at the Royal Albert Hall in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker, as well as auditioning for the Royal Ballet School in January.

FromAlhambrato the RoyalAlbert Hall

Sowing the Seeds The theme for this years’ Harvest Festival was sowing the seeds of friendship. Instead of bringing in food items, we asked our school families to send in bags of toiletries for the Bradford Cyrenians Charity who help the homeless in our area. A huge response from everyone reinforced the message from Rev Atkins that we should appreciate how lucky we are and at the same time recognise that many local families are managing without even the basics.

New Headin Town…

What encouraged you to apply for the role? As Deputy Head, I already knew that I loved the school, the children and the families so it felt natural to apply for the position. I feel that the ethos of the school is closely aligned with my own educational philosophy so it looked like an obvious next step.

How have you found your �rst term?Busy and exciting! All of the Senior Management Team are new to their roles so we are facing our �rst term together.

What have you enjoyed most about the job so far?It feels rewarding to be able to make a di�erence and implement changes. As a team we have created a development plan and now have a clear sense of direction to take us forward. The engagement and enthusiasm from sta� has been amazing, there is clearly an appetite for change and it feels like we are on this journey together.

What are your key objectives? Following the recent parents’ survey on wrap around care and homework, we will be reviewing the information collated and making decisions based on that. I also want to continue making Maths a focus area. I am really excited about the plans for developing the playground with the ABA.

What 3 things would you take to a desert island?My family or chocolate, wine and an eyemask! Decisions, decisions!

What do you like to do when you are out of school?I play netball which is great for clearing my head and getting my heart rate up. I also love spending time with my family, although having young twins does take up a lot of time.

We caught up with Sarah Chatterton,the New Head of Brontë House.

Brontë News

12

Club News!

Cookery Club for KS1 has been running for a year. Each week the children explore a variety of cooking techniques from weighing the ingredients to mixing, rolling and cutting. We talk about which foods are healthy and where they come from. They learn how to make sweet and savoury dishes such as mu�ns, fruit crumbles, cheesy peppers and baked spaghetti, which they take home and share with their family.

Little

Taskmaster Club

Darts & Dominos

Cooks

New this year, Taskmaster Club has been a real highlight for some of the children taking part. Four teams from Y3 to Y6 have faced some weird and wacky challenges so far, including;

• Take the best sel�e of your team • Throw a teabag into a mug from the furthest distance• Impress the Taskmasters (resulting in comedy genius)• Draw the second longest snake• Make the best noise • Put the most surprising thing under an upturned mug - a musketeer’s glove, no less!

The tasks encourage risk taking, resilience and divergent thinking and the children have worked really well in their teams. ‘Masters of the Tasks’ currently have the most points from achieving the tasks.

Also new this term, KS2 Darts and Dominoes is a club where the children can hone their maths skills by playing traditional games. For example, threes and �ves in dominoes helps practice tables and there is a lot of mental addition involved when playing darts, velcro ones of course!

This year, we decided everyone should get involved in the House Music Competition. All pupils from Y1 to Y6 prepared a piece to perform to the rest of their class, either playing a piece from their individual instrumental lessons, singing a song of their own choice or playing a piece they had learned in class. They demonstrated great musicianship and self-con�dence and after a close competition, Whernside emerged as winners.

Even the sta� got involved, “�ash-mobbing” pupils and parents with a rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot in the ‘Good Work’ assembly.

Music To Our Ears

Looking After Yourself and Others

There have been numerous events this term aimed at improving awareness of our own and others’ mental and physical health. From Mental Health Awareness Week to Start a Heart and St John’s Ambulance training – you are in safe hands with the pupils here!

Brontë Trips

13

In September, four minibuses full of children and sta� ventured to Grasmere in the Lake District for what turned out to be an action packed and highly enjoyable residential. The weather was kind so it was full steam ahead for all activities including canoeing, climbing and gorge walking, the latter of which was the outright favourite of the children – and the sta�! The much-anticipated talent show was a real highlight, with some incredible and unusual talents on display – from singing and dancing to comedy and mime. The children were on outstanding form and showed resilience, enthusiasm, team work and consideration for each other.

Larking About in the Lakes

Y3 enjoyed the September sunshine on their trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park. They played some listening games and then went to look at ‘The Family of Man’ by Barbara Hepworth. They drew some of their favourite �gures and then created a sketch of their own family in the style of Barbara Hepworth. The sketches were taken back to school where the children used clay to create their own family sculpture.

Finding Their Inner Artist

The excitement was palpable when Y5 visited Emmerdale Studios and experienced the television production process from script to screen. Going behind-the-scenes revealed the techniques and secrets used to bring gripping stories to life and pupils designed their own storyboards for a scene from Emmerdale. They learned about make-up, costumes and special e�ects and saw the full-scale set reconstructions. Students enjoyed lunch in Brenda's cafe, a (fake) pint in the Woolpack, a manicure in the beauty salon and of course a cuppa on the Dingle sofa!

On the Dingles’ Sofa

Y4’s trip to Flamingo Land was designed to complement their topic on Africa. The �rst workshop examined the geography of Africa and provided information about the native animals. A hands-on morning culminated in the pupils handling a Corn Snake and a tiny hedgehog-like creature called a Tenrecidae. In the afternoon during a tour of the zoo, the children saw a plethora of African animals; from Baboons to Gira�es, Hippos to Meerkats. The experiences gained will augment the children’s knowledge throughout the rest of thetopic, and really bring to life one of their studied novels, The Butter�y Lion.

It’s All About Africa

Brontë Sport

14

The boys have been developing their rugby skills this term and have competed very well on the North East circuit so far. Over 100 boys in Y3 to Y6 have represented the school already.

There have been some excellent performances so far this year. A highlight for the U10s and U11s was beating St Olave's. The U10s are proving to be a very exciting team to watch, with plenty of strength in depth and continual improvement. The U11s performed superbly well at the HMC North East Festival, winning 5 matches and drawing 1. They also topped their group in the Harrison Cup at QEGS Wake�eld beating Aysgarth, Merchant Taylor's and Birkdale.

Rugby at Brontë

Congratulations to Harrison Riley, Y6 who represented the GB Karate team at the World Championships in Bratislava in June, narrowly missing out on a medal in 4th. Harrison went on to win a bronze medal with team GB at the European Championships in Denmark and Gold for the individual Kumite at the GB Open Champs where he also won team bronze with his Leeds Akashi team mates.

Additional European glory came recently in the European Cup in Romania where Harrison again won a Bronze Medal in individual Kumite in the largest category in the competition. Despite competing against boys up to two years older, Harrison was also crowned Grand Master for winning the GB league overall for his performances throughout the year. A very successful six months!

We have had a great turn out for netball this term, often �elding 6 teams per �xture from Y5 and Y6. Y4 have taken part in multiple festivals held throughout the region and Y3 have been working hard learning the rules of High Five netball ready for their coming festivals.

There has been incredible commitment from each and every player in Key Stage 2, not least from Thalia Felipe-Scargill, who is proving to be an outstanding Captain and ambassador for school.All girls showed true Brontë spirit and sportsmanship in House netball, with Buckden Pike emerging victorious in both the Y5 and Y6 competition.

Netball News

Making a Splash

The Brontë House Cross Country team currently compete in the North Bradford Cross Country League. After the �rst two races of the season, the girls sit in 4th place overall and the boys in 2nd place overall.

School Cross Country

Congratulations to Archie Wallace, Y6 who ran in the Junior North Run in September. He ran 4km in 19mins 50secs, over a minute faster than last year. Archie was placed 97th out of 584 runners in his age group race.

GreatNorthRun

The Brontë House Swim Team continues to go from strength to strength with a squad of 32 swimmers competing in galas against Westville House, Richmond House, St Olave’s and Bradford Grammar School. The squad are working hard to re�ne their technique in all disciplines ahead of the Spring term and Thomas Edgar is leading the team by example.

U9’s

The U8s and U9s have also enjoyed several �xtures, including the annual trip to Aysgarth, where all boys in Y4 played, and the Gateways Festival.

Harrison Riley with his coaches at the European Champions Cup, Romania

European Glory for Harrison

Ashdown

15

www. woodhousegrove.co.uk

Scarecrow Tig Gets My Vote

Techno Savvy

Who’s been Eating my Porridge?

Bess, What a Mess!

As always, we have had a busy �rst term in Ashdown. Reception have been talking about the forthcoming general election and what voting means. We have voted on important matters such as which story to read, what the next theme for the home corner should be and which games we should play in the playground - 'Scarecrow Tig' has become a �rm favourite.

Ashdown pupils have been let loose on some new technology recently; from light boxes to digital cameras, Ipads to using a mouse. They have also been discussing what personal information is and how we should not share this too freely, touching on internet safety.

A Great day of storytelling and interaction for Reception children at the Rainbow Factory. We heard di�erent versions of traditional stories, exploring the characters and prompting questions about alternative endings.... who would have thought the Big Bad Wolf could be a goodie after all?

We had a visit from a published author called Cathy Oakley who has written two children's books. One of them is about her dog Bess. She brought Bess into school to meet the children. She was a real hit!

Our new classes in pre-nursery have been a great success thanks to the specialist teachers who have been joining us this year. Tiny signers are helping pupils to develop their language skills by demonstrating additional ways of communicating and Fisical Sports’ exciting and fun ways to develop ball skills and spatial awareness have been a big hit. We also o�er an additional club to our younger children in the form of Rugby Tots which our two year olds are brilliant at!

Learning Inside and Out

16

Diary Dates Term ends Wednesday 18th December 4pm

SPRING TERM 2020

Boarders return Monday 6th January from 6pm

Term begins Tuesday 7th January 8.30am

Half term begins Friday 14th February 4pm

Boarders return from 6pm on Sunday 23rd February

Term recommences Monday 24th February 8.30am

Term ends Friday 27th March 4pm

SUMMER TERM 2020

Boarders return Sunday 19th April from 6pm

Term begins Monday 20th April 8.30am

Exeat weekend Thursday 7th May 4pm – Sunday 10th May 6pm

Bank Holiday – Friday 8th May – school closed

Half term begins Friday 22nd May 4pm

Boarders return from 6pm on Sunday 31st May

Term recommences Monday 1st June 8.30am

Term ends Friday 3rd July at midday

AUTUMN TERM 2020

Boarders return Wednesday 2nd September from 4pm

Term begins Thursday 3rd September 8.30am

CHILL!

FUN

!

COMPETITIONS!

BOARDING