Newsletter
Summer 2016
Champion
Chemists bring
Science Week
success
Government Comms expert speaks to students
Speakers4Schools
Business Studies students got an insight into how the Government gets
its messages across to the public. The Year 10 students questioned the
Government’s Executive Director of Communications, Alex Aiken on
everything from the role of the Queen, how the Prime Minister
communicates policy and ambitions, and what Mr Aiken’s dream job
was (he would have liked to have been a barrister, once he knew
playing for Arsenal wasn’t possible).
Mr Aiken spoke about the huge
changes that have happened in
communications during his career.
The move to email, digital and
social media has meant everything
moving much faster, he said, like
changing from a sedate game of
cricket to a Premier League football
match.
Head of Business Studies, Mr Maher,
said, “The lesson gave students a
fascinating view of how Government
communicates, looking at current
issues like the EU referendum. We
are grateful to Mr Aiken for taking the
time to share his expertise.”
Raising aspirations in Maths
Students at University of Manchester visit
A group of Year 9 mathematicians visited Manchester University to
work with PGCE students at special problem solving workshops.
Working with students from other schools, our students proved to be
adept at leading the teams in the mathematical challenges.
During the day students also took a tour of the university campus to
get a feel of university life. The trip encouraged students to take a
close look at Mathematics and related disciplines as potential routes to
study in higher education.
On #twitter? Follow the school @theradclyffe
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Students Chemistry talents solve murder mystery
Salters’ Festival of Chemistry
A team of talented chemists took up the challenge of a murder mystery,
and came out winners.
The Year 8 students took part in the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry at
the University of Manchester. They were pitted against schools from
across the North-West, where they used chemistry skills to investigate
the case. Using chromatography and other scientific techniques, the
all-girl team analysed evidence from the ‘crime’ scene, and carried out
experiments precisely to win the prize.
The students, Ayeza Akhtar, Nishat Jahan,
Aiesha Baig and Aniqa Begum also broke a
secret code language to get to the result.
They were judged on teamwork, accuracy,
ensuring they avoided contamination, and
providing correct information. Teacher of
Science Forida Begum said, “Working in
the University’s school of chemistry, the
day was a fantastic experience, presented
in a fascinating way. The students did a
fantastic job of solving the crime and
seeing first-hand how to apply their
knowledge practically. We are very proud
of them.”
From slime to rockets and much more
Science Week
Students got stuck into flying rockets, creating bath bombs, writing
with fire and making slime, as Science Week offered creative opportunities
each lunchtime to learn more about chemistry, biology and physics.
Lessons also saw students set some fascinating challenges, conducting
experiments with marble runs and constructing towers from newspaper
You can find out more at www.theradclyffeschool.co.uk
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Twitterbriefs
School News in
fewer than 140
characters
Are you on Twitter?
Follow @TheRadclyffe
Welcome pupils and
teachers for Primary
Maths morning. Children enjoying testing
talents on challenges
@Freehold
Thinking about a
bright future? Many
of our Year 10 students got a taste of
sixth form life
@OSFC_Info
Our #Art students
inspired by
#exhibition and final
degree shows
@ManMetUni School
of Art. Learning more
about courses and
career paths too
Parliamentary pursuits
- by Junior Reporter Faheem Ahmed
The British Values team set off for a visit to
Westminster. Everyone got to the train though we
had to run.
Arriving in London we
took the tube and finally
came out and walked
towards the Houses of
Parliament, where we
took a little break in the
bright but beautiful sun.
Going inside a lady
called Nicola guided us
through both Houses.
As we explored the
building we also met
‘Black Rod’ [officially the Gentleman Usher of the
Black Rod].
In a workshop [back in
the education centre]
we learned about how to
make a speech when
debating in Parliament.
Later, Jim
arrived
and we were able to
ask questions
Returning to the station
we walked past Buckingham Palace, Mrs Imeson
buying us all ice creams in St James’ Park. At the
palace we saw that the flag was up so we knew
Queen Elizabeth was inside.
We really enjoyed the day. Here is a quote from
the trip, “It was such a fascinating educational
trip that hardly any schools do, but we do it
because we are a beyond outstanding school.”
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Introduction to classical music inspires students
BBC Ten Pieces
Take ten pieces of classical music. Add an audience of Year 9 GCSE Music
students. The result has been a project that has transformed understanding
and attitudes to classical music amongst the young people.
Now in its second year, the BBC’s Ten Pieces project is its biggest ever
music education initiative. The pieces were recorded by the BBC
Philharmonic with extra information and the story behind the music.
We chose Bernstein’s Mambo from West Side Story, and the second
movement from Shostakovich’s Symphony No 10.
Inspired by these pieces, students created their own pieces of music
in response. Together with responses from other secondary schools
across the borough, this contributed to a performance by Oldham
Youth Orchestra.
The project also involved the students, as they begin their GCSE course,
to take part in an interactive video-linked lesson held at Media City in
Salford, with questions and answers involving musicians and composers.
Head of Music Mr Corrigan said, “What has been so rewarding from
this project is that it has transformed attitudes to classical music, from
disinterest to desire. Students have been bringing music in they have
discovered because of their involvement. They are starting to get a
bigger understanding of artistic and creative expression.”
You will be able to see and hear the results for yourself this summer.
The ‘Ten Pieces’ proms will be broadcast on the weekend of 23/24th
July, and will include video interviews with some of our students
talking about the music they have heard.
The BBC Ten Pieces for you to discover
JS Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Wagner - Ride of the Valyries
Bernstein - Mambo from West Side Story
Verdi - Dies Irae & Tuba Mirum
Bizet - Habanera/Toreador Song, Carmen
Anna Clyne - Night Ferry
Shostakovich - Symphony No 10, 2nd mvt
Haydn - Trumpet Concerto 3rd mvt
Vaughn Williams - The Lark Ascending
Prokofiev - Concerto for turntables & orchestra 5th mvt
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Students’ creations do battle in engineering challenge
Robot Wars
Robot Wars came to the Radclyffe
School as five teams of students built
and battled their robot creations.
To celebrate the return on the BBC of
the programme Robot Wars, the event
saw the teams design and build their
own robots. Each team was supplied with
a basic chassis, but let their creativity run
wild to make a robot that was robust
enough to defend itself, but also equipped
with a weapon to defeat its rivals.
Flippers, pincers and cutters proved the
most popular designs. The students also
decorated their creations ready for a battle
at the end of the day, as the radiocontrolled machines fought against each
other and against a ‘house robot’.
A team from the school’s Science Club faced
up to Gifted and Talented science students
in each of Years 7, 8 and 9. A combined
Year 7 and 8 team completed the line-up.
Teacher of Science Mrs Kenyon said, “The
students had a lot of fun building their
robots, but the day also taught them a great
d e a l a b o u t s c i e n c e , t e c h n o l o g y an d
engineering. The battle proved very popular,
with the Mixed Year 7&8 team and their
robot, Firesucker emerging victorious.
The school worked with Roaming Robots, the
company responsible for the live nationwide
tour of Robot Wars. The TV programme returns to the BBC later this year after a gap of
12 years.
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Paris in springtime (and Eurodisney too!)
France trip 2016 - by Junior Reporter Emily Garland
At the end of May 20 students and three
staff set off for France. The journey was
long but we arrived at our chateau. We
began with a roam around, where we
had to take pictures.
The next day we visited the Eiffel Tower.
The climb was horrendous but we made
it in the end and we followed this with a
boat ride, and a visit to the cathedral of
Notre Dame. It was very peaceful. When
we got back to the chateau there was
more activity arranged, called The Cube.
On Sunday we visited Disneyland
Paris. It was the best day ever
and I spent all the money I had
left. When I got back to my
room it was time to start packing
as we were leaving the next
day.
I wish to go to France again!
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Mr Hayer - Headteacher of the Year
We are proud and delighted to announce that headteacher Mr Hayer has
been awarded a Silver Teaching Award as ‘Headteacher of the Year’ in
the Pearson Teaching Awards .
From thousands of
nominations, Mr Hayer
is one of five winners
to go forward to a
glittering celebration at
London’s Guildhall in
October. Winners in
each of 10 categories
will be presented with a
Gold Plato Award.
The 2016 ceremony,
‘Britain’s Classroom
Heroes’ will be filmed
and broadcast by the BBC.
To celebrate this achievement, Chairman of Governors Jim Greenwood
presented the award to Mr Hayer. Mr Greenwood said, This is a highlight
of an absolutely fantastic year for the school. Everything that has
happened has done so because of Hardial’s good judgement and
foresight. He is really deserving of this award, and is an inspiration.”
Mr Hayer said, “This award is for every member of staff at the school.
What happens in the classroom day by day is key to our success, in the
tone that the staff set. So I want to thank our brilliant members of staff
they make me really proud to be the Headteacher at The Radclyffe
School.”
The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional
teachers and teaching, founded in 1999 by Lord Puttnam. They recognize
the life changing impact of inspiring teachers in the lives of young people.
Mr Hayer also attended the MEN Schools
Awards, where he was also nominated for
‘Headteacher of the Year’. We are proud to
announce he received his award as runner-up.
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Goodbye to long serving staff
Mrs Webb and Mrs Watkinson to retire
We say goodbye to two long serving members of staff who between them have
worked at the school for almost 55 years, and both have many happy memories.
Deputy Head teacher Sue Webb came from Royton & Crompton, originally as
Head of Religious Studies. She has filled several roles before being appointed
Deputy in 2006. Speaking of the highlights of her time at the school, Mrs
Webb said, “It was a big thing to move to one site, bringing everyone together
in the new school.”
Amongst her favourite memories was
the day she was took up the role of
Deputy Head - “A fantastic moment, to
be appointed to everything I’d ever wanted
to do.” Sue also remembers moving into
the new building. “Staff were in for a few
days, but then we welcomed students
and it was wonderful to see their reaction
to such a fantastic place to learn.”
The Ofsted inspection in 2015 was also a highlight. “It was such an amazing
day when we were awarded outstanding, and in every category. It was a
pleasure to see how proud all the students were, wanting to tell everyone
we were an outstanding school.”
If twenty years seems a long time, Alison Watkinson has been part of The
Radclyffe School for 35 years. One of her first roles was to be in charge of
lost property, a job that involved a lot of smells! Later she was appointed
Head of Year, but at a time when the role of teachers was divided from
pastoral roles, Alison made the decision to become a full time language
teacher, where she has been ever since.
A veteran of many trips to France, she recalls the coach being dug out of a
muddy field, and an announcement on a cross channel ferry for somebody
from The Radclyffe School to come and reclaim their plastic lobster.
Alison sees the biggest change as the rise in standards, with amazing
improvement at the school. Low expectations, in uniform, attendance and
achievement are no longer tolerated. “We have a driven set of teachers,
so that where students aspire to has risen all the more.”
“Teaching is never boring. I don’t feel I’m the kind of person who could
have taken a dull job, and if it had been samey I’d have given up a long
time ago.”
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Little Shop of Horrors
How the show is put together
As the newsletter goes to print, our summer production, Little Shop of
Horrors is in full swing, with performances on the Monday, Tuesday and
Thursday of the final week of term - act quickly and you might even
pick up a last minute ticket.
We took a look behind the curtain at what is involved in putting the
show together.
By Junior Reporters Jessica Wells and Emily Garland
Little Shop of Horrors is the best show yet. It all began in January at
the auditions. Around 40 people auditioned, showing it to be very
popular. We were all nervous but in the end it turned out really well.
In the next week we found out our parts and were ecstatic with what
we got. From then on the cast were rehearsing every Monday and
Thursday, with dance rehearsals added on Fridays.
It got a lot harder as we were getting closer to the show nights. The
weekend rehearsals were fun but tiring. We worked with the set when
it arrived and with some of the props. This meant changing a lot of the
movement to fit them all together.
As we approach the show with just a few days to go all the cast are
nervous and excited. We have really enjoyed acting in this show and
we hope that it is even better than last years show, Aladdin.
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Meet the New Team
Student Leadership now in post
Our new Student Leadership Team have
taken up their duties in school.
Congratulations to the team, Head Boy
Fahim Ahmad, Head Girl Reanna Johnson,
Deputy Head Boys Nathan Phelan and
Mhd Shah Izharul Islam, Deputy Head
Girls Mehek Mahmood and Isha Saeed,
G&T Ambassadors Nayem Hussain and
Ayesha Akhtar, and in a new role
extending the team this year our
Transition Ambassadors Kulsuma Khanom
and Mhd Shah Yasir Alam.
The school also appoints a student
governor to represent students on the
Governing Body. Congratulations to
Areebah Usman, appointed to this
important position.
Project builds relationships across the generations
Age Exchange
Now in its fifteenth year, our involvement in the Age Exchange project
goes from strength to strength.
The Year 7 students taking part are paired up with their older partner,
and over the course of ten weeks they find out about each others’
lives, with a different focus each week, from education, working and
family life to their experience in retirement. The students write their
partner’s life story based on what they have learned, which is then
turned into a book to be shared at a Celebration Party which brings
the project to an end.
We are grateful to Age UK who help to organise the project and to all
our ‘senior citizens’, many of whom come back year after year to be
part of the project. Our students find Age Exchange immensely
rewarding, and it creates lasting friendships.
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Term dates
All the holiday info for this year and next
The Governors have agreed the following term and holiday pattern for
the coming two academic years.
2016/17
School closed Monday 12th September - staff training
Monday 1st May - May Day Bank Holiday
School opens on
School closes on
Monday 5th September 2016
Friday 21st October 2016
Monday 31st October 2016
Friday 16th December 2016
Wednesday 4th January 2017
Friday 10th February 2017
Monday 20th February 2017
Friday 31st March 2017
Tuesday 18th April 2017
Friday 26th May 2017
Monday 5th June 2017
Friday 21st July 2017
2017/18
School closed Monday 4th September - staff training
Tuesday 2nd January - staff training
Monday 7th May - May Day Bank Holiday
School opens on
School closes on
Tuesday 5th September 2017
Friday 27th October 2017
Monday 6th November 2017
Friday 15th December 2017
Wednesday 3rd January 2018
Friday 9th February 2018
Monday 19th February 2018
Thursday 29th March 2018
Monday 16th April 2018
Friday 25th May 2018
Monday 4th June 2018
Friday 20th July 2018
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A big welcome to our new Year 7
Induction Day - by Junior Reporter
Farzana Rahman
As one of 24 new peer mentors, I was given the
responsibility to give 300 new students who will
be joining us later this year, an experience of
what The Radclyffe School has to offer. The pupils
started with an introduction to how the school
works in the Assembly Hall.
Coming from many
different primary
schools the students
were introduced to
different routines.
The assembly
showed them basic
skills and procedures
necessary to fit in at
school. We also gave them a taste of what we
provide in the school’s very own café, Café
Mojo. The most important part of the day was
experiencing the lessons. All of the students got
to take part in four different lessons, leaving
them with a more acknowledged understanding
of each subject.
This was a very useful
and enjoyable day for
me as I gained a new
experience and was
given a huge responsibility. My favourite
part of the day was
when we welcomed
the new students into
the building and gave
them instructions
them as to what was
to come next. It
reminded me of my own Induction Day.
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News from
around school
We were delighted
to welcome new
parents into school
on the evening after
Induction Day to
give them a chance
to take a look around
school and have any
questions they might
have answered.
+++++++++++++
Year 7 Geographers
visited the city of
Liverpool, studying
regeneration and
land use.
They also took a
ride on the Wheel of
Liverpool at King’s
Dock.
+++++++++++++
The final day of term
will be a non-uniform
day. All students are
asked to bring in £1
to support our chosen
charity, the Alzheimer’s
Society
Baton relay
Celebration of National School Sports Week
A baton relay that travelled around schools across Oldham borough
marked National School Sports
Week. The job of carrying the baton
was taken up by Zidan Ahmed, Megan
Crossley, Bethany Kerrins and Amina
Ruksar. The relay took place over
two days and The Radclyffe School
kicked off the second day, taking the
baton to Firwood Manor school.
School Sports Week at The Radclyffe
School included the Sports Days for
Years 7 and 8.
Top tennis
Wimbledon trip
Though the first week of Wimbledon fortnight was troubled with rain
this year, it stayed off long enough for a group of Radclyffe School
students to visit and see some exciting play.
The group, who have represented the
school at tennis this year and have
attended practice sessions were
rewarded with the opportunity to
experience Centre Court and Court 1,
seeing some of the world’s best
players in action including Novak
Djokovic, Venus Williams and Kia
Nishikora - all ranked in the world top 5.
The students had a fantastic day and
were excellent representatives of the
school.
On #twitter? Follow the school @theradclyffe
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Running, jumpers, throwing - and the tug of war!
KS3 Sports Days - by Junior Reporter Farzana Rahman
The third week of June was National School Sports Week. At The
Radclyffe School students took part in activities that allowed them to
show off skills they had grasped through the year, and win medals. On
the track students competed in 100m and 60m sprints as well as 100m
relays involving team work and a sporty spirit.
Each group then moved on to the field events, a sequence of fun
athletic activities: tug-of-war, speed bounce, long jump, shot putt,
skipping, welly wanging.
The medals for the races were presented on the podium, for bronze,
silver and gold winners in front of their fellow students - winners in the
field events were awarded in assembly for all the winning students.
School sport offers amazing choice
If you remember ‘games’ lessons as being unhappy games of football,
cricket, netball or gym, then PE at The Radclyffe School would present
you with something completely different.
These are the sports and activities that students have taken part in this
year, both at GCSE and in Core PE lessons; Archery, canoeing, climbing,
karate, mountain biking, table tennis, trampolining, football, tennis,
badminton, fencing, cross country, rowing, cricket and basketball
You can find out more at www.theradclyffeschool.co.uk
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Oldham library trip
Junior Reporter Georgia Jones
In May, our Year 7 English library class visited Oldham Library with Mrs
Howell. We took part in a question and answer session with award
winning author Melvin Burgess.
During the session Melvin reviewed two of his books, Burning Issy and
The Cry of the Wolf.
Burning Issy is about witches who sell their souls to the devil in return
for magic. Mr Burgess told the students how to tell if someone is a
witch or not. The second book tells the story of a wolf cub, who is being
pursued by a hunter.
After learning about Melvin’s books, the students had a chance to ask
questions. Once the session had finished, Mrs Howell asked us for our
opinions - which were all positive!
Summer Reading Challenge @Oldham libraries
Are you ready to read?
What will you be reading this summer?
Every year Oldham libraries runs its Summer Reading Challenge, when
young people are invited to read six books during the summer holiday.
They can join at their local library and receive a collectors poster to get
them started. There are stickers and prizes to be won, as well as a medal
and certificate at the end. Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to
find out more.
Taking part in the challenge has a positive effect on reading levels,
motivation and confidence. It prevents a summer dip in literacy levels,
inspires boys to read outside the classroom and can help improve
writing and social skills, especially confidence in speaking.
Hunt Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 0LS
Tel: 0161 622 3200 Fax: 0161 633 2183
www.theradclyffeschool.co.uk
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