NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2009 Issue 24
Another busy half term draws to a close and, as this edition of the Newsletter shows, a wide variety of exciting activities have
been undertaken by staff and students.
Thanks to our thriving partnership with Rolls Royce we received an invitation for a number of students to visit the Big Bang UK
Scientists and Engineers fair in London. The students had chance to take part in some amazing hands on activities which really
enthused them in the areas of science and engineering.
We were all particularly proud of receiving recognition from Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of schools who praised Skipton Girls’
High School for providing its students with an outstanding education. Hosting the celebration, Ofsted Chief Inspector recognised
the determination, ambition and commitment it takes to become an outstanding school. Of course this could only be achieved
with the students being so committed to their learning. Parents are also key to the school’s success and we do appreciate all
their support. A number of Parents attended a music workshop at the school run through our link with Leeds Metropolitan
University. The session saw our guests composing music using industry standard music editing software which was fun and
challenging.
Congratulations must go to our Intermediate Maths Challenge students. The results were fantastic with students managing to
gain 16 bronze and 9 silver awards. Just taking part gave all the students a buzz, so well done to all the girls who took the
challenge.
Finally, through the efforts of some enterprising students in Year 11 we have now taken delivery of new instruments to make a
Samba Band. This has been achieved by the culmination of activites of a Year 11 student, Ellie Fulford, and friends with support
from the Old Girls’ Guide who managed to raise the funds to purchase the instruments. I don’t think it will be long before the girls
master the instruments and create a Samba Band of some repute. Watch this space for news of their first performance.
Please enjoy the articles in this half term’s Newsletter and feel free to comment on anything you see or read by Simply Click or
telephone.
Mr Dyson, Assistant Headteacher
OFSTED’s Chief Inspector Honours
Skipton Girls’ High School as One of the
Best in England
Headteacher, Mrs Renou, has been honoured by Ofsted in a
celebratory event recognising outstanding schools in
England.
Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education,
Children’s Services and Skills, has praised SGHS alongside
top schools in the annual list of outstanding providers
published by Ofsted.
Schools on the list provide an excellent quality of education
across the full range of their work and attain high levels of
student achievement across an often diverse and complex
range of circumstances.
Hosting the celebration, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector recognised
the determination, ambition and commitment it takes to
become an outstanding school. Addressing 300 head
teachers in Cutler’s Hall, Sheffield on Friday 20 March 2009,
the Chief Inspector said "I wholeheartedly congratulate the
Head teachers, staff, governors and students of all
outstanding schools on their success and hard work in
delivering such an excellent standard of education. Outstanding
schools have leaders of vision, courage and conviction, and the
ability to create and inspire their staff, their students and the
communities they serve. I hope that these outstanding schools
are a beacon to others; an example of what can be achieved
with aspiration and determination.”
Mrs Renou said, “Ofsted’s judgements don’t arise in a vacuum,
but from the commitment of our students, the support of their
parents and the immense team effort and personal commitment
shown by all our staff to ensure students enjoy their education
in an outstanding school – I am proud to be a part of the team”
Schools that appear on the Outstanding Providers list 2007/08
receive commemorative certificates and are authorised to use
an exclusive “outstanding provider” logo.
It was MASSIVE!
Seven o’clock in the morning, and a coach of 48 excited students from Year 7 to Year 11 left SGHS accompanied by Mr Smith
and Miss Belfield. Their destination? Westminster, London and the ‘Big Bang Science Fair’. This was the U.K.’s biggest
celebration of Science and Engineering and was attended by over 5000 students that week. SGHS were lucky enough to have
their trip funded by Rolls-Royce plc, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you R-R!
So what was at this Science Fair? Well, plenty of hands-on activities for a start!
Whether you were……..
Year 8s who grew
a large plant
Louise Laycock, Year
11, working out the
earthquake simulator
the group of
students who
put SGHS at the
top of the lasermaze leader
board
or perhaps the Year 10s who dared the RAF to a press-up challenge (and won!) and cleaned them out of T-shirts which they
wore for the rest of the day…. everyone was having fun! Judging by the number of bags that all the girls were carrying, they
took home lots of goodies too – as did the teachers!
In the afternoon, the group divided up, some were treated to a show with a
mix of physical theatre, live science demonstrations, projected images and
music. The "technoclowns" used everyday objects in unexpected ways,
using their mastery of the laws of physics to create a world of wordless
mystery…. Others formed teams of three and took part in a hydaulics
challenge, working against other schools and the clock to follow blueprints
and successfully lift a cup of water (you had to be there…). Congratulations
go to Team Curie who won, receiving gold medals!
Talking of teachers, check out Mr
Smith with the 3D glasses!
There was a rumour some students saw HRH Prince Andrew, but all too
soon it was time to climb back on the coach. There was just enough
daylight to take in some of the London sights before starting the five hour
journey back to North Yorkshire. It had been a long day, but all agreed it
had been worthwhile and a lot of fun!
Parents try Music Technology
On Tuesday, 10th March, 10 parents attended a
music technology taster session run by three
third-year Music degree students from Leeds
Metropolitan University. The students, Gareth,
David and Kris, showed them how to use some
industry standard software called Cubase and
with it they were able to compose music for ten
or more instruments using pre-recorded
samples and their own music. Some of the
compositions were 'groovy'!
As the response was so positive it is something we might repeat at a later stage so 'watch this space', as they say, and we'll let
you know if we do any more.
Mrs Wild, Curriculum Leader: Music
National Science and Engineering
This year, the week started with an inspirational talk about why we
whizz, then a quiz and ended in a fizz—literally!
In gatherings we looked at ingenuity – how human beings have
evolved to solve problems – we can’t help ourselves – look at Tetris,
sudoku, crosswords etc. We even do it for fun! We can use our
ingenuity in clever, but perhaps less useful, ways (e.g. The Honda
advert based on ‘the way things work’) or we can try and make the
world a better place for everyone in it. We looked at examples of
ingenuity – amongst them: inventing the wheel, the International
Space Station, a cheap latrine for developing countries, new
pacemakers that don’t need batteries. We reflected on the fact that
our students are enormously lucky to have an education at the
cutting edge of scientific and technical knowledge and how
important it is that we take our responsibilities seriously.
Form classes were given two amusing science quizzes this year.
The first was a picture quiz of science equipment viewed at unusual
angles—looking down the spout of a funnel, a close-up of a Bunsen
burner, the switch of a voltmeter.
The second quiz was a science Dingbats quiz. Can you guess what
the 3 science words are from the following clues?
(Answers at the bottom of the page)
1.
SEP SEP SEP SEP
2.
moggy, puss, kitty, feline, tabby
3.
U N
I VE
The week was capped off with the modern classic
‘Mentos and Diet Coke’ experiment in the Quad,
spraying a jet of fizzy pop 12 feet into the air, to the
delight of the packed area—who were all glad the wind
direction didn’t change!
R S E
University Language Ambassadors in school!
th
On the 12 February we were lucky to be paid a visit by 3 Language
Ambassadors from Leeds Metropolitan University organised through
Routes Into Languages. The three language students, in Year 2 of
their language degrees, spoke to several classes about what it’s like
to continue one’s language studies at university, what different
options there are, why learning a language helps with your career,
how it's fun and allows you to meet lots of new people and what
university life really is like.
Miss Wallace said that, “The Language Ambassadors spoke to the
students at their level as they had recently been in their shoes. They
were positive, enthusiastic and believable. Hearing why it is worth
learning languages from young university students had a massive
impact on the students and gave their learning a real purpose.”
Emma Wilberforce, Jenny Pielow, Erin Griffiths and Lorna Dawson, Year 13 French A-level students said “We look forward to
working with the Language Ambassadors some time in the near future.”
(Dingbat answers: 1. forceps, 2. catalyst. 3. an expanding Universe)
Fight for Change
From North Yorkshire to northern Uganda. Lucy Fawcett, 13,
looks at the problems finding clean water in Katine.
Imagine a young girl living in west Yorkshire collecting water
from flooded grassland miles from her own home. She is
walking along the dusty ground, barefooted, carrying a heavy
bucket on her head. The flood is her only water source.
This may not be the case for people living in England, however
for the residents of Katine, a town [sic] in Africa, it is a grim
reality. Water, as we all know, is a necessity that none of us
could live without. However, living in England we don't really
understand what it means to be thirsty.
In Africa, 300 million people have not got access to safe
drinking water. In Britain, water is just another thing we take for
granted. We turn on the tap and it appears, as if by magic. In
Katine however, it is a matter of life and death.
You may think: why don't we help them, what can we do? The
Guardian has already started to make a difference in this small
community. It has set up a three-year project which focuses on
matters such as healthcare, education, employment and, of
course, bringing clean water to the community.
It has been one year since the Katine project was set up, and in
that short space of time, many remarkable changes have taken
place. Five shallow wells, eight boreholes and PVC tanks have
been set up for the whole town to access; the water can now be
used for cooking, cleaning and washing.
As women no longer have to walk for miles to collect their
water, they can acquire jobs and bring in more income. This is
an added bonus which many families living in Katine were in
need of.
But, of course, if the people of Katine cannot maintain these
water sources, we are back to square one. This is why one of
the main goals for the town of Katine was to train local
engineers to repair and drill boreholes; it also enables the local
community to be in charge of their own water supply. Their
future is now in their own hands.
A woman carrying a jerrycan after collecting water in
Katine. Photograph: Guardian
Comments from judges:
Brace said Lucy's entry immediately captured his interest
"by transporting the challenge people face in Katine to her
own life in Yorkshire".
"She then vividly illustrated the importance of clean water
and the positive changes which have taken place over the
last eight months. Lucy finished by recognising the actions
of the most important people of all – the members of
Katine's own community - as she said 'their future is now in
their own hands'."
Jenkins praised Lucy's article for portraying people in
Katine "not as helpless victims, but as people who can take
charge of their own future".
"Lucy shows critical thinking in outlining the positive impact
that wells, boreholes and tanks can have on people's lives.
Her creative thinking comes out in her imaginative
approach to the topic," she added.
To read more:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2009/feb/14/schooljournalism-competition-winners
Maths in Motion: The Jaguar Challenge
Many Year 7 mathematicians have continued to spend time
after school on Tuesdays working on the Maths in Motion
Jaguar Challenge project. They design race cars and plan
strategy so they can compete against each other and students
from many different schools racing on various Formula 1
circuits. Most recently Jessica Wilson driving for the Purple
Panthers team won a 58-lap race around the Monte Carlo
circuit. Mentions should also go to Megan Schofield and
Catherine Scriven who also managed to gain a top three,
podium position.
Congratulations and keep up the good work!
Intermediate Maths Challenge
This term, a number of students from Years 10, 9 and 8
competed in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. The
students have to use their mathematical knowledge to
solve a broad range of problems in a competition
environment against students of similar age across the
country. The results were fantastic; the students managed
to gain 16 bronze awards, 9 silver awards with Kathryn
Woodhead, Alice Kelly, Helen Coombes and Rachel
Newhouse achieving gold award standard! Rachel, Helen
and Kathryn were given the opportunity to compete in
IMOK International Olympiad, European Grey Kangaroo
and European Pink Kangaroo respectively. We eagerly
await results from these competitions. Rachel Newhouse
(Year 8) also won a certificate for best in school! Well done
to all the students that took part and did so well.
SGHS now has a SAMBA BAND!
Year 12 Geography Residential Trip – Lake
District
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Ellie Fulford, the Year 11
GCSE music group and the Old Girls of the school we have
raised the money to buy a 20-piece set including bass drums
(Surdo's), tenor drums (repinique's), snare drums, agogo
bells, guiro's and whistles!
It is really quick to learn and great fun to play. You might
have heard it around school as it's very noisy! Any students
who would like to join the regular band, which will play in
concerts and other community events, please sign up on the
sheet on the music room door. We would like to learn
something for the school concert on Monday 11th May. All
ages are welcome and you don't need to be able to read
music.
The Year 12 geographers had a thoroughly enjoyable two
days in the Lake District. They spent the first day seeing first
hand the amazing scenery created by glaciers over 10,000
years ago. Intrepidly, they made their way to the top of Great
Langdale Valley and to Stickle Tarn at the top.
After an exhausting day, they were well fed and watered at
the Arnside Youth Hostel and, despite the full day walking,
managed to muster up the energy for an evening lesson on
fieldwork techniques! On the Friday, they donned their trendy
wellies ready for a day of taking river measurements for their
exam in June.
I would like to say thank you to Ellie, in particular, for her
drive and determination in making sure that the Music
department has a Samba Band. Thanks also to Miss Cowper
(who is, or at least will be very soon, the Samba Queen), the
Year 11's, SGHS Old Girls’ Guild and Mrs Renou and Mr
Dyson for supporting us all the way.
Mrs Wild
Skipton Music Festival
The week beginning Monday, 16th March was a very
busy time for our musical students, as it was Skipton
Music Festival. Every day students went down to the
Town Hall to compete in the music classes which were
taking place, and many of our students scooped prizes.
A special thanks goes to our appropriately named
‘Singy Group’, who got a special mention in the Craven
Herald for organising themselves into their own choir.
Well Done to all who competed and Congratulations to
the prize winners.
The girls were well prepared for the harsh Lake District
conditions and, like real stalwarts, battled through the rain.
Overall, it was a very productive two days and brilliant to be
out in the field doing real geography!
Dates to remember:
School re-opens after holiday………………..…………..…….….…………………………….......Monday, 20th April 2009
Year 10 Work Experience (2 weeks)………………………………………………….………………Monday, 27th April 2009
Staff Training Day (school closed to students)……………………….………………………Wednesday, 29th April 2009
May Day Bank Holiday…………………………………………………………………..………………….Monday, 4th May 2009
Spring Concert…………………………..…………………………………………………………………..Monday, 11th May 2009
School closes for half term………………………………………………………..……….……………..Friday, 22nd May 2009
SETTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL QUARRY RACE
Year 8 Team: Anna McKinney, Eleanor Rice Birchall, Rachel
Scriven
Year 7 Team:
Ilsa Graham, Catherine Scriven, Holly
Matthewman
We were delighted with our performance in both the Year 7 &
8 races, coming home with four individual medals. This is one
of the toughest races in the cross country season and the
runners pulled out some of their best performances of the
rd
th
th
season. The Year 7’s managed to finish 3 , 5 & 6 whilst
st
nd
rd
& 3 , which is a fantastic
Year 8 finished 1 , 2
achievement. The only disappointment of the event was the
fact that we didn’t have a fourth runner in either race which
would have secured us two team trophies as well.
Rachel Scriven, Anna McKinney
Eleanor Rice Birchall
Ilsa Graham
NETBALL
This last term has been a very busy one in terms of our
Netball fixtures. The games were coming thick and fast,
and even more so due to the bad weather of late. With lots
of games still to be played and with the re-scheduled ones
to fit in all the Netball teams were going to be very busy.
Nearly every week has seen at least 2 nights being taken
up with Netball which means 4 matches being played every
week so very hectic.
The Year 7 & 8 teams have been especially busy with
many matches to play for the league and then also the
Bradford League tournament in which both year groups did
very well – just missing out on the semi-finals.
The Year 11 team need a special mention as they have
played up in the Senior league this year and done a brilliant
job – winning most matches easily even though they were
against Sixth Formers. Another special mention goes to
Beth Smith (Yr 9) as for one match she had to play up in
the Senior team and played fantastic as GK, standing her
ground amazingly well against much older girls!!!!
Overall its been a tough year for the Netball league due to
the severe bad weather but everyone battled through and
managed to come out with some very good results. Once
again the Netball season is over for another year!!
German Work Experience
At the end of February, five Sixth Formers from our twin
town in Simbach did work experience in Skipton. All of
the girls stayed with the families of Year 13 German
students at SGHS and Ermysted’s.
Last October, our students did work experience in
Simbach. Stefanie spent the week at Greatwood
School, Karin was at Embsay School and Michaela
spent the week at Parish Primary School, where she
taught her class German. Ramona spent the week
working with our German assistant Stefan with students
learning German at both SGHS and Ermysted’s. Evi
spent the week at Craven Volunteer Centre.
Their visit coincided with the production of Theatre
Diablo, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Three of the
girls spent one day making a programme for our school
Radio Station. The work experience programme is
coordinated by Mrs. Berry in Skipton and Miss
Meschütz in Simbach.
We have larger numbers studying German in Year 12
this year. If any parents could offer a work experience
place next year, please let Mrs Berry know.
So much to do…..
The long list of school clubs has recently been updated and is attached to this newsletter. It can also be
found on the SimplyClick Noticeboard.
Activities range from Chamber Choir to Cheerleading, from Archaeology to Waveboarding. There are
many opportunities for students to build on existing skills or try something completely new…..