Newsletter

Issue no. 5 Friday, 26th March 2010

Quote for the week:

‘Life is what happens to you MESSAGE FROM THE
while you’re busy making
plans’ John Lennon PRINCIPAL

Success for Year 7

SPRING TERM ENDS
As this newsletter indicates, we Friday 26th March at 12.10pm
Athletes! are continuing to emphasise
academic excellence and SUMMER TERM STARTS
extensive participation in extra- Tuesday 13th April at 08.40am
curricular activities.
Calendar for the School Year
The A level module results earlier 2010 – 2011 is now available
on our website or the back
this month were extremely
encouraging and the Year 10 and page of this Newsletter.
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 SUMMER SCHOOL 2010
th
On Friday, 19 March, the Yr 7 that WHGS was one of the top- Week 1: 26th - 30th July
Athletics team travelled to Sports performing state schools in 2009. Week 2: 2nd - 6th August
City to take part in the Manchester Week 3: 9th -13th August
Indoor Athletic County Finals. We are all determined to ensure
that we retain high standards of Information on all courses is now
behaviour and are taking a very available on our website.
Results: Brochures can be obtained from
firm line with any students who
J’nae Ward High Jump 1st Reception or contact
st do not conform to these
Natalia Nunes 800m 1 0161 232 5535
standards. I would like to
Molly Telfer 60m hurdles 3rd emphasise the importance of
e-mail: summercamp@whgs-
academy.org
Neelam Dar Shot put 2nd students taking care of their
Lara Akinbode Long jump 4th valuables and where possible
Natalie Gibson 200m sprint 1st they should not be brought into Who was ‘The Star’ of the
school. All this is clearly stated Show?
Team Captain, Parys Faulkner in the student planners.
reported that she was extremely
proud of the team as all the girls Finally, I should like to take this
opportunity to thank all the
had made a huge effort. Amina and
students and staff for their hard
Ayesha contributed to the team
work this term and to parents for
event and J’nae Ward ran their tremendous support for the
extremely well in the last race, school. I hope you all have a
securing a win which resulted in very enjoyable Easter break.
WHGS lifting the trophy!

Mr P Mulholland Lady starred as Bullseye in

the production of Oliver!
 Online Shop
WHGS receive a donation every
time someone buys something
through this web site
http://www.buy.at/WHGS
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
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. Students practising hard!
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.
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!
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.

Nursery
Doctor’s
Surgery in
session!

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

The picture shows Mr Bennett and Mr

Wood with Oskar Sutton and Jess
Graham below one of the many unusual
structures on the site.

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.
 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) & Friday, 3rd September

Primary School INSET
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