ELLESMERE COLLEGE PUPILS EXCEL AT MUSIC FESTIVAL
May 16, 2008 on 12:23 pm | In Shropshire | No Comments
Last weekend a group of Ellesmere College Lower School pupils travelled to Chester to participate in the annual Chester Festival of Music and returned with two prestigious cups.
The Lower School Choir, conducted by Bethan Jones, Teacher of Music and accompanied by Roger Paul, Director of Music, sang a traditional Zulu song and You Raise Me Up by Leyland. Their performance was much admired by the judges and the Choir won the overall Lever Cup.
Alice Tow a Year 7 pupil won the Slaney Cup for her excellent piano recital of Fur Elise by Mozart. Year 8 pupils, John Paul, cello and Luke Taylor, violin, won the instrumental duo section. They gained the celebrity concert award and individual medals for their outstanding performance. This duo also reached the play-off for the Chester Browns Trophy, gaining 2nd place. In the Grades 5 and 6 strings competition, Luke Taylor came second and John Paul gained 3rd place for their individual recitals.
Another individual success was Year 8 pupil, Matthew Dewhirst, who, in the Grade 3 and 4 woodwind competition, was placed 2nd for his saxophone recital as well as 3rd for his performance on the clarinet.
Finally, the Lower School Instrumental Ensemble gained 2nd place in the junior instrumental competition. Roger Paul, commented, ‘It was very pleasing that everyone involved achieved a third place finish or higher in their respective classes. This is a reflection of the standard of young musicians coming through Ellesmere College.’
Local Author Visits School
May 16, 2008 on 12:20 pm | In Bristol | No Comments
Jill Mansell visited St Ursula’s School,Brecon Road,Westbury on Trym on 22nd April 2008. Jill Mansell is a local Bristol author who has sold over three million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
She visited and spoke to Mrs C. Stroud, Head of English and the Year 10 Creative Writing GCSE group at St Ursula’s as part of the School’s Events for World Book Day. Mrs Stroud said “The visit was invaluable as Jill discussed how her life experiences have affected her writing”
Jill told the group that her own personal favourite authors are Marian Keyes, Catherine Alliott, Sophie Kinsella, Isabel Wolff, Katie Fforde and Veronica Henry.
The author also told the Year 10 media group that she spends hours on the internet marvelling at how many other writers have blogs. Only when she’s completely run out of displacement activities does she write!
Local schools challenged to look at their carbon footprint
May 16, 2008 on 12:19 pm | In Bristol | No Comments
“How green is your school?” is the question students at St Ursula’s School will be asked when they take part in a major national education initiative from BP.
As part of BP’s Enterprising Science programme, children aged between 14 and 16 from St Ursula’s School will be taking part in an interactive Carbon Challenge road show at their school on Tuesday 15th April 2008 looking at how to develop a carbon reduction plan for a fictional “Carbon College.” In this they look at the social, environmental and economic implications for the school. This approach is curriculum-mapped and is appropriate for all ability ranges.
After this, they will be challenged in a nationwide competition to look reducing the carbon footprint of their own school, develop their own carbon reduction plans and then to share the case studies of the outcomes with other schools via the Enterprising Science website www.enterprisingscience.com
Research carried out in June by BP and the Energy Savings Trust (EST) shows that 14-16 year old students currently have a relatively low awareness of climate change issues, but the more that they know, the more they want to be engaged with the topic and find practical solutions they can deliver.
Mrs E. Edmunds Head of Science from St Ursula’s School comments on the workshops:
”The activities allow for both those of lower ability to be stretched, and for the most able to be stretched as well.”
Heritage Lottery Fund for Library Archive
May 15, 2008 on 10:43 am | In Powys | No Comments
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Plans were announced this week to put 467 years of history on display at Christ College, thanks to a £44,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Historical artefacts and records which have until now been in storage, will soon take pride of place in a museum-standard archive within the school’s library.
The work, which will begin in the summer, will result in many more historical materials, photographs and artefacts relating to Christ College’s long history coming into public display.
Pupils from local primary schools, as well as pupils from Christ College will be involved throughout the development of the archive.
Christ College Librarian and Archivist Anna Lang (pictured back right) said: “The archive will be established on, and will work to, Museum Documentation Association standards, using professionally recognised cataloguing systems and high quality conservation methods for records and materials. With the help of this award and the involvement of the local community, we hope we will soon establish a centre of excellence, and be a learning centre and reference point to all of those interested in local history.”
Head, Emma Taylor (pictured back left) said: “We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for this award. Christ College has been a seat of learning since 1541, and the site of the school has been occupied for at least 750 years, therefore it is of no surprise that we have a fascinating story to tell. The development of an archive will ensure that we can preserve memories and records of life at Christ College and these can then be enjoyed by current pupils, Old Breconians and by the wider community.”
Charity Commission: Christ College “chimes with the times”
May 15, 2008 on 10:42 am | In Powys | No Comments
The Chair of the Charity Commission praised Christ College in a speech to a gathering of independent school heads last week. Dame Suzi Leather singled out Christ College, and its head, Emma Taylor for its enthusiasm, imagination and passion, commending the way that the school operates within the local community.
Dame Suzi Leather added that Christ College was “a wonderful example of what a creative and inclusive approach can achieve.”
“It chimes well with the increasing importance social commentators and public policy makers of all political hues are giving to investing in our communities. The activities of this Brecon school chimes with the times.”
Head, Emma Taylor said: “It is incredibly satisfying that Christ College has been recognised as an example to other independent schools.
“Our approach has always been to work actively within the community to provide support to local schools, community groups and other organisations. To be singled out among all UK independent schools for our work within the community makes me feel very proud indeed. I only hope we continue to live up to our reputation.”
Dame Suzi Leather’s speech to the Independent School Council’s conference follows the Charity Commission’s publication of it final general guidance on public benefit during January 2008.
A draft sub-sector guidance on public benefit for fee-charging charities was published on Wednesday 12 March signalling the start of a three-month consultation period during which independent schools can comment.
Chess: Trent Gigafinal
May 15, 2008 on 10:40 am | In Derbyshire | No CommentsAmer Qaiyum (Rudiments) proved he’s the champion in a recent top chess competition.
Along with five other Mount St Mary’s pupils, he made it through to the regional Gigafinal of the UK Chess Challenge, and Amer won four of six games to win himself a place in the North of England Megafinal at Manchester University.
Our other players all did well in the competition featuring over 300 top players from the region. Sam Wilford, Charles MacGregor, Alex Simpson and Isaac McDonald were invited to play for Derbyshire in a combined U18 inter-county tournament, but due to prior commitments are unable to play. Sophie George won 2 of her 6 games in the Under 13 girls’ category.
Our performance, both individual and collective, is testimony to the growing strength of chess at the Mount, and all six pupils did the College proud. Well done.
Jazz night at Mount St Mary’s
May 15, 2008 on 10:38 am | In Derbyshire | No Comments
Mount St Mary’s College hosted its first Jazz Night recently and raised £1210 for the Rotherham-based charity Safe@Last. The event, held on Saturday 26th April in the college Theatre, was a sell out and featured a range of big band and swing numbers performed by the college Swing Band.
The Swing Band is the most advanced instrumental group in the music department and features many of the college’s music scholars. The Safe@Last charity, which provides a refuge for children at risk of running away, is connected to the college as one of our parent governors, Mrs Hilary Massarella, is the Founder Trustee.
Pilgrims School, Bedfordshire, achieves the prestigious National NACE Challenge Award for excellence
May 14, 2008 on 3:23 pm | In Bedfordshire, Inspection Reports | No Comments
Pilgrims School, Bedfordshire, is the first Pre-Preparatory School in the UK to achieve the prestigious National NACE Challenge Award for excellence in provision for able, gifted and talented pupils.
‘At Pilgrims School there is a strong ethos of achievement. Developing effective learning skills and high aspirations for all pupils is at the heart of the school’s work. Pupils show very good attitudes to learning and are taught how to assess their own achievements.
Lessons are challenging and pupils say that teachers help them to “stretch their thinking.” The broad and exciting curriculum is rich in problem solving activities and opportunities for independent learning. Sports, arts and academic prowess are equally valued. Parents appreciate the opportunities for children to develop leadership and organisational skills.
Parents are fully involved in identifying and nurturing their child’s gifts and talents. They say that communication between home and school is very effective.’
Extract from Challenge Award Assessment Report March 2008
The NACE Challenge Award is given for high quality work by the whole school, teachers and governors, in challenging all pupils, including those with high abilities, to achieve their best.
A total of 99 schools have been awarded in England and Wales.
The Award is given by NACE: the National Association for Able Children in Education, a leading national education organisation and registered charity established for 25 years. The Association exists to help the daily work of teachers providing for pupils with high abilities whilst enabling all pupils to flourish. It provides advice, training and resources for teachers, including The Challenge Award Self-Evaluation Framework which Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School has used to audit and plan what it provides for able, gifted and talented pupils.
Many thousands of primary and secondary schools are using The Challenge Award Framework to develop their work.
Assessors, who spent a day in the school, were impressed by the effective coordination of gifted and talented education, fully supported by the Headteacher; rigourous planning for pupils’ learning, effective tracking of pupils’ progress which ensures that any underachievement is addressed, the pupils’ competence with technology and the very good relationships between teachers and pupils.
Assessors judged the quality of the school’s work by observing lessons, interviewing the pupils, teachers, parents and governors and by looking
at the pupils’ work. The Award is given when schools demonstrate that they meet the criteria of the Award and are committed to continuing high-quality provision for able, gifted and talented pupils.
May 2008 Julie Fitzpatrick. Chief Executive
Geography Trip to Iceland
May 14, 2008 on 3:22 pm | In sport, Hertfordshire | No Comments
On 14 March, the last day of the Spring Term, 40 girls and 4 members of staff headed to Iceland for a week in the snow, ice and sunshine. The Icelandic winter had provided more snow than usual. Here are a few diary extracts;
“After breakfast we set off to the glacier Solheimajokull…”
“When we arrived at the beautiful glacier we took many pictures and stood amazed before it. David explained how it had been formed and after we all had fun sliding in the snow…”
“We then walked the 4km back to the coach, seeing a sleigh pulled by husky dogs on the way. We made our was to the beautiful Skogarfoss waterfall, where legend has it treasure is buried…”
“In my opinion the waterfall was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sights in the world. The smells, sounds and cold wind all added to the experience. The rainbow stretching across the waterfall was particularly impressive…”
“The snow was smooth, the hill was steep and the girls were daring…Everyone had a go at sliding down the slope…”
“I had a fantastic and enjoyable time. I cannot believe how much I saw and did!”
Major month of Music at Christ College
May 14, 2008 on 10:15 am | In Powys | No Comments
If you think you’ve heard a lot of music lately drifting from the halls of Christ College, you’d probably be right! The music department has had an exceptionally busy month highlighted by visits from some very talented former pupils.
Soprano songstress, Sarah-Jane Davies set the tempo for the month when she returned to her old school to deliver a singing master class to pupils. The English National Opera star put some of Christ College’s senior pupils through their paces in front of an audience of pupils and invited guests. (Pupils who took part were Billy Mason-Watts, Joshua Games, Rachel Williams, Alex Davies and Jordan Williams).
A graduate of the Royal College of Music, Sarah-Jane represented Wales in last year’s BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. Pupil Alex Davies said: “It was an amazing experience to sing with Sarah-Jane and I think we all learned a great deal from the class.”
On Friday 22 February, the Lloyds TSB Young Musician of the Year Competition took place. Adjudicators Mark Duthie, Master of the Music at Brecon Cathedral and Helen Porter, Director of Music at Dean Close School in Cheltenham heaped praise on all of the competitors for their outstanding performances. The prize for best performance of a contemporary work was awarded to saxophonist Steffan Raw-Rees, but for his varied repertoire and communication with the audience, the Lloyds TSB Young Musician of the Year was awarded to soloist Joshua Games.
Rounding off the month’s activities will be a visit from classical guitarist and former Christ College pupil Adam Khan. Adam was awarded a Global Music Award in recognition of his most recent album ‘A Day In November’ and was also nominated as one of the ‘Top Achievers of Asian Origin’ for his 2006 concert schedule which took him to Asia, Europe and South America.
This year will find Adam issuing a new recording of the complete works of Luys de Narvaez, giving recitals in Holland, Malaysia, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru and the USA, and undertaking an extensive tour of the UK with Luis Orias Diz as the Welsh-Argentine Guitar Duo.
Adam performed in a recital at Christ College for the local community on 29 February.
Emma Taylor, Head, said: “It was a privilege to witness the outstanding talent on display at the Young Musician of the Year. We’re also exceptionally pleased that some of our most talented former pupils have found the time to return to school to impart some of their skills and knowledge to our current pupils. Christ College has a very strong music department and we’re always looking for new ways to challenge and extend our pupils.”
Head of the Music, Jonathan Cooper commented “It is a great learning experience for pupils when we take the curriculum out of the classroom. This has been a particularly special month for the music department. Sarah-Jane and Adam are very gifted musicians and we’re so pleased that we were able to arrange these special events to benefit our current pupils.”
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