Altrincham Grammar School for Girls Weekly Bulletin · books or latest Good Food magazines, please...

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Goodbye from Mrs Speakman

School Diary

Mon 21 Year Group Trips

Mon 22 Last day of term, school finishes at 12.30

Mon 1 Sep

Non- pupil day

Tues 2 Sep

School re-opens for Autumn Term

Thank you for the many wonderful emails, cards and personal messages. I really appreciate them. I look forward to my retirement but shall always look back on my 23 years at A.G.G.S. with much fondness. I wish you all the very best.

Retirements

We bid a fond farewell to Mrs. Harrison (Modern Foreign Languages), Mrs. Williams (Head of History) and Mrs. Speakman (Headteacher). We wish them lots of fun in their retirements.

Altrincham GrammarSchool for GirlsBright Futures EDUCATIONAL TRUST

Weekly BulletinJuly 18th 2014 Volume - 48 Issue - 12


July 18th 2014 Volume - 48 Issue - 12

Leavers

It is time to say goodbye to some staff members who are leaving for new posts or exciting adventures. We wish the following members of staff every success: Mrs. Fooks and Mrs. Batten (English); Mr. Arthur (Mathematics); Mr. Greenhow (Computing & ICT); Miss. Macarty (Modern Foreign Languages); and Mrs. Roslan (Assistant Head).

Weddings

We have two summer weddings this year. Many congratulations to Miss Lally and Miss Derbyshire and we hope that the sun shines on their wedding days

Maternity Leave

We have two members of staff who will be starting their maternity leave at the end of this academic year. Good luck to Mrs Anstey and Mrs Ebbrrell on this exciting new stage of their lives.

End of Term and Back to School!

Please note that girls will finish school at the earlier time of 12:30pm on Tuesday 22nd July 2014.We look forward to seeing them refreshed and ready to go in September. Please see below for the different return times for each year group.

Year 7: 8:40am on Tuesday 2nd SeptemberYears 8 - 11: 11:00am on Tuesday 2nd SeptemberYear 12: 9:00am-12:00pm on Monday 1st September to register and 10:00am on Tuesday 2nd September



Year 12 Drama students survive overnight, immersive performance of Macbeth

Balfron Tower, East London, 10th July. Year 12 were greeted by Uri, a Boldurian border guard, who checked through their visas and sent them through the border of rift into a pitch black underground car park, lit only by a fire. And so the immersive experience began.

Year 12 travelled to London to experience a performance of ‘Macbeth’ like no other. Created by the new and exciting theatre company, RIFT, the play unfolded through the night in a world that blurred fiction and reality. Highlights included:• BeingforcedtopackawaythemurderedDuncan’sbelongings,wearinglatex gloves to leave no traces • EatingatMacbeth’sbanquetandbeingvisitedbyBanquo’sghost• Experiencingfamoussoliloquiesinthelivingroomofourflat• Klaus-ourBordurianguardwhodidnotcomeoutofroleallnight• Holdinghandswiththewitchesaroundafireandbeingmadetofeelresponsible for Macbeth’s downfall • Being asked to check on LadyMacbeth’s children only to find themmurdered in their bedsThe girls were an absolute credit to the Drama department and to the school, behaving maturely and sensibly whilst fully engaging and participating in the unfolding action. It was a fabulous way to end the year.

180 Year 8 pupils are now proud to say that they have become Dementia Friends.

As part of Citizenship, Year 8 took part in a Dementia Friends awareness session. The sessions were facilitated by Mrs Read, a Dementia Friends Champion. The government funded initiative is trying to reach a target of 1 million Dementia Friends in Britain by 2015; the aim being to raise awareness among the public about helping people with dementia. Afterwards, the girls were asked for their comments about the session.

“It was really interesting learning how people with dementia deal with it and how they feel. We shouldn’t treat them like babies, but do activities with them e.g. lay clothes out like a person so they know what goes where.” Alice. “I like being a Dementia Friend, because I feel that I have become a better person, as I know how to help the people with dementia.” Sophia. “Now I know more about dementia, I realise it’s not only older citizens who get it, it can be any adults.” Hannah.“The session helped me to understand what it is like to have dementia and how I can help.” Ellen.



Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

31 of our AS students completed the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge which aims to stretch and challenge students interested in chemistry, and provides an excellent experience for anyone considering taking their studies further. Set by an experienced team of teachers and university chemists, it is designed to be accessible to Year 12 students, but will take them significantly beyond the syllabus and encourage them to think about science in the way they would at university. 10 students achieved a copper award and 8 achieved a silver.

Copper AwardHannah(12-1),Lucy(12-1),Sunya(12-1),Grace(12-1),Jessica(12-1),Katriona(12-4), Ruth (12-6), Sara (12-7),Katherine(12-7)andMelissa(12-7)

Silver AwardImogen (12-1), Noor (12-2), Abigail (12-3), Shubhangi (12-4), Helen (12-5), Sanjana (12-5), Daisy (12-7) andVictoria (12-7).

Well done to all who took part.

Year 10 Magistrates Talk

Tuesday saw Year 10 have an afternoon off timetable with Trafford Magistrates. The afternoon was interactive in nature with a talk, a Q& A sessionandaquiztofinishofftoseehowmuchthegirlshadlearntabouttherole of a magistrate and the type of cases they deal with. Thegirlsaskedarangeofquestionsdelvingintocasesthatthemagistrateshad dealt with. The girls were able to hear about local issues and the dilemmas that magistrates face in making decisions and ensuring justice is done.

Bus Information

Travelmaster has confirmed that on the Tuesday 22nd July the 706 service will arrive at AGGS at 12.30 and leave at 12.40.

Battlefield Tour

There are a couple of places now available on the WW1 Battlefields Tour in February 2015. For more details, please contact Mrs Price.



Year 10 Careers Day & Practice Interviews

On Monday 7th July we invited volunteers into school to conduct practice interviews with our Year 10 pupils as part of their Careers Day. The day started off with an inspirational talk from Charlotte Morley from Unilever and was followed by a CV writing skills session, a session on aspirations and capabilities for the workplace and a workshop delivered by our Connexions Adviser on labour market information. Throughout the day, the pupils had practice interviews with volunteers from AstraZeneca, Berg Solicitors, Manchester University and others, many of whom were parents of our girls. We are extremely grateful to them for kindly giving up their busy working day to interview our girls. The interviews were an introduction to ‘real life’ interviews which gave the girls an insight into the world of work. To attach a sense of reality and importance to the day, the girls were asked to come into school wearing smart business attire. There were some very smart young ladies indeed, who would have been readily employed by our interviewers! We received many comments from the interviewers complimenting our girls on their high standard and quality ofresponsestoquestions.

Year 10 Enterprise

Year 10 worked incredibly hard with their enterprise challenge on Tuesday morning. They had to work on designing and launching a new coffee shop in town, convincing their financial backers (Teachers) to invest in their coffee shop. We had a winner from each class who then went to present to our NatWest Bank judges in the Hall in front of the whole year group. So impressed were our NatWest judges that we had 2 overall winning groups from the Year, which were 10-5 and 10-2. ‘The Open House’ presented by 10-5 Freya, Annabel, Hannah and Lauren was based on a vintage style theme with everything priced at under £3 and ‘Bean’ presented by 10-2, Natalie, Alex, Tara, Mollie and Emily, had a rainforest theme selling Fairtrade items. Winners received Starbucks coffee shop vouchers, mugs and NatWest kindly donated some Caffe Nero vouchers.



This Year in Food TechnologyWe have had another busy and successful year with lots of exciting events going on.

The Manchester College – this term the GCSE Food Technology students were lucky enough to spend the day at The Manchester College with Mike Ainsbury, a tutor chef. They cooked a three course meal in the restaurant kitchen and then served it in the restaurant to the teachers and chefs who had helped them. As a reward for all their hard work, the girls were able to join us too. The meal was delicious and they had a great learning experience.

Future Chef – well done to Beth in Year 10 who was our Future Chef finalist this year. She went on to take part in the local final at Trafford College which was a wonderful experience for her.

Cakes - as alwayswe have had hundreds of cakes passing through the doors of F7 to be sold for various charities. Well done if you baked to raise money for charity this year. This term, to celebrate the anniversary of WW1, some of the pupils created “poppy” cakes which looked attractive and tasted very good too.

Food Club – this term Food Club has involved a group of Year 8 students who used this opportunity to develop their practical skills. Dishes cooked ranged from a wholesome sausage casserole to a rich and velvety Chocolate Mousse. Watch the noticeboard outside F7 for dates and times of Food Club next year.

Recipe Books – I am still keen to update the selection of recipe books available in the Food Technology Library and am sending out a plea for all parents/carers to scan their own recipe books for any they might not need or use anymore. We would be very grateful for any donations and they can be dropped off in F7 at any time. If any students want to spend time at Rec or Lunch browsing the recipe books or latest Good Food magazines, please feel free. Books or magazines are also available to borrow. Please see Mrs Clutton.

Environmentand Equipment– we continue to try to update and improve the learning environment for everybody. We have had some bright, informative and exciting displays this year. Thank you to Year 9 for their help in creating them. We have managed to purchase some new chopping boards, graters and measuring spoons and jugs to make it easier for the girls. Next year we are hoping to have an extra cooker for the larger classes, so there is enough space for everybody to bake their wares!

Thankyou – MrsClutton thanks all her students for all their hard work this year and looks forward to another busy year after the summer. Please check the noticeboard outside F7 for information about any future events. There are also some ideas for seasonal recipes you may like to try. Don’t forget all school recipes can be found in the “Pupil Read” area. Have a happy holiday and, if you find yourself at a loose end, get that apron on, wash your hands, roll up your sleeves and create a feast for your friends and family!



French Trip October 2014

Girls in Year 8 who are going on this trip are reminded that the full cost MUST be paid by the end of this term. For many of you, this means another £325. You can see on ParentPay how much you owe.

Results day: Thursday 21st August 2014

IfyoumeettheentryrequirementsonGCSEresultsdayandwishto take up your place to study in the Sixth Form at AGGS, you will berequiredtoenrolby12noononresultsday.Todothis,pleasesee Miss Lally in the hall to confirm that you wish to take up your placetostudyyourchosensubjects.Anyrequestsforchangestosubjects should also be made on this day. Subject changes cannot be guaranteed and are dependent on timetable availability and class numbers.If you do not enrol by 12 noon, your place will be offered to someone else.

Exam Results

A2 results will be available in the Main School Hall on Thursday 14th August at 9am. AS results are available at 10am.GCSE results will be available in the Main School Hall on Thursday 21st August at 9am.

World War 1 Battlefields Trip

Girls who are going on this trip are reminded that the full cost MUST be paid September. You can see on ParentPay how much you owe. If you cannotfindyourParentPaylogin,girlsshouldgotoReceptiontorequesttheir login details.

Own Clothes Day

The last day of term will be an own clothes dayPlease pay £1 to your form charity representatives in advance.

AllproceedswillgotothecharityRedlineUKwhichaimstorescueandsupport victims of human trafficking



Parent Questionnaire

WerecentlyemailedaquestionnairetoparentsofpupilsinYears11and13.Pleasecanweremindyoutocompletethequestionnairewhich should only take a few minutes of your time. Feedback from parents / carers is very important to us as we will use the results to inform our schools’ self-evaluation.

To access the Year 11 questionnaire please click on the link below:

http://1drv.ms/1plyiZN

To access the Year 13 questionnaire please click on the link below:

http://1drv.ms/1plyqZg

AGGS AUTUMN BALLin aid of Zephania Secondary School, South Africa

& 2015 South Africa Hockey Tour

Ringway Golf Club, HaleReception 7.30pm

3 Course Dinner, Band & Disco, £40 per head.CARRIAGES: 12.30AM DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE

Auction AND Gift Tree

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2014

AGGS AUTUMN BALLin aid of Zephania Secondary School, South Africa

& 2015 South Africa Hockey Tour

Ringway Golf Club, HaleReception 7.30pm

3 Course Dinner, Band & Disco, £40 per head.CARRIAGES: 12.30AM DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE

Auction AND Gift Tree

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2014

Literacy Corner

Blank Verse

Definition: verse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameters.Iambic pentameter = 10 syllables per line with stress falling on the even syllables.

e.g. “The course of true love never did run true” (Midsummer Night’s Dream) listen for the stress pattern: da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM (i.e. the COURSE of TRUE love NEver DID run TRUE).

Task: Blank verse is often used to replicate natural speech and the idea that it is the ‘heartbeat’ of writing. Take a moment and put your hand on your heart. Close your eyes and focus on you breathing. Can you relax enough to let your heart make this rhythm?

Considerusingthistechniquewhenstressedoranxioustorefocusyourself.



What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention – of being deeply attuned to yourself, your environment and those around you from moment to moment. It is a natural state of mind – focused, present and aware.

Programme Structure

Our weekday evening courses are taught over eight 2 hour sessions at weekly intervals.

The courses typically comprise approximately 25 people working together as a group. On them, you will learn several key mindfulness practices and have the chance to discuss these and your experience of them in the group.

What are the aims?

The core aims of the programme are to:

• Experience greater wellbeing and personal fulfilment• Practise different mindfulness tools and techniques• Select and use mindfulness techniques that will work for you• Respond more wisely to stressful situations• Building your resilience to cope with work or personal demands• Achieve improved concentration, focus and creativity• Enjoy greater calm and inner peace

What does it involve?

We gradually learn to direct our attention in a more focussed way to whatever is actually happening – whether it be breathing, the sensations in our body, thoughts and feelings, or everyday activities such as walking and eating.

For more information please visit http://allianceforlearning.co.uk/ or contact 0161 912 5912

Mindfulness Skills for Life

Autumn Term 2014Thursday 16th OctoberThursday 23rd OctoberThursday 6th NovemberThursday 13th NovemberThursday 20th NovemberThursday 4th DecemberThursday 11th DecemberThursday 18th December

Spring Term 2015Thursday 29th JanuaryThursday 5th FebruaryThursday 12th FebruaryThursday 26th February

Thursday 5th MarchThursday 12th MarchThursday 19th MarchThursday 2nd April

Summer Term 2015Thursday 7th MayThursday 14th MayThursday 21st MayThursday 4th JuneThursday 11th JuneThursday 18th JuneThursday 25th JuneThursday 2nd July

What is Mindfulness Skills for life?

The Mindfulness Skills for Life course we run is designed to help you learn new ways of handling difficult physical sensations, feelings and moods.

Programme Structure

Our weekday evening courses are taught over eight 2 hour sessions at weekly intervals.

The courses typically comprise approximately 25 people working together as a group. On them, you will learn several key mindfulness practices and have the chance to discuss these and your experience of them in the group.

What are the aims?

The core aims of the programme are to:

• Experience greater wellbeing and personal fulfilment• Practise different mindfulness tools and techniques• Select and use mindfulness techniques that will work for you• Respond more wisely to stressful situations• Building your resilience to cope with work or personal demands• Achieve improved concentration, focus and creativity• Enjoy greater calm and inner peace

What does it involve?

We gradually learn to direct our attention in a more focussed way to whatever is actually happening – whether it be breathing, the sensations in our body, thoughts and feelings, or everyday activities such as walking and eating.

Thursday 18th September 2014Thursday 15th January 2015

Thursday 30th April 2015

For more information please visit http://allianceforlearning.co.uk/ or contact 0161 912 5912

Mindfulness Taster



We would like to take this opportunity to let you know about The Day, an online current affairs resource that school has subscribed to. Three news stories are selected each day and are explained in a straightforward manner, within the context of the curriculum. Each story includes discussion points, a glossary, several activities and links to other relevant news and current affairs websites which makes it a fantastic resource, providing a great opportunity for pupils to discuss topics using real and current issues.With a comprehensive list of subjects covered; including PSHE, citizenship and translated stories, this resource is currently available to the pupils and teaching staff at school. However we are also pleased to let you know that pupils and parents can now access the service at home, from the school website within the “Learning Outside the Curriculum” area or direct from http://www.theday.co.uk/ using the school’s login details:

Login: agsgPassword: theday

We hope that you will enjoy this resource and use it to further your daughter’s understanding of and engagement in the world around us.



AGGS NOTICEBOARDPupil Safety

As always, please can all parents/carers remind their daughters to consider their personal safety when travelling to and from school and ensure that arrangements are in place for the after- school journey, especially in the dark

evenings. The school library closes at 5pm.

Road SafetyPlease can all pupils/students remember the need to be careful when crossing between sites. Mobile phones and any other electronic devices should not be visible when crossing between sites. Pupils/students should stop at the zebra crossing, look and listen to make sure it is safe to cross, and never assume the traffic will stop. It is absolutely prohibited for pupils/students to cross the roads between the school sites anywhere except at the zebra crossing or by using the traffic island on St Margaret’s Road. Any pupil/student who does cross anywhere other than the two safe locations, will be reported to the Headteacher.

Collecting pupils after schoolFollowing the recent letter regarding Homework Club and the use of the library after school, please can parents/carers make arrangements to collect their daughters and agree the time and place before coming to school. Parents/Carers are asked not to approach other pupils, especially girls they do not know, to go into the library to pass on a message or to inform their daughter that they are waiting to take them home. Your support in this

matter is most appreciated.Fixtures at the Devisdale

Please may we ask all parents/carers to ensure that, when attending sports fixtures at the Devisdale, they park considerately and do not block the drives of local residents. Please also avoid parking on the grassy areas.

Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Important Safety NoticeWe have received several reports about school pupils having their mobile phones stolen on their way home from school. Please can all pupils/students be vigilant, keep mobile phones out of sight

and remember to be aware of personal safety.

Reminder to parents regarding after- school detention

Notifications to parents of an after- school detention for pupils will still be sent by letter (either posted or

through ParentMail) and not by a text message.After- school activities

All pupils/students are expected to change into full school uniform following an after- school activity. Pupils/

students are not to travel home in their PE kits.Car Parking

We should like to remind parents and carers to ensure that, when collecting girls after school, they park

considerately and do not block or use the driveways of local residents. Please also avoid parking in the bus stop space. There is a danger that cars which are not parked safely and appropriately will cause a hazard.



Athletics

Attendance at practices this season has been impressive, with large numbers of girls turning up every week to improve in their chosen events. Congratulations to those girls who have achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze awards through the English Schools’ Athletics Awards Scheme. In total, 86 girls in Years 7, 8 and 9 have achieved one or more award. Thank you also to Mrs Frankland, Miss Taylor and Mr Capon for their coaching expertise at Tuesday night practices.

Rounders

The season came to an end on Tuesday 15th July with the Year 7 and 8 Trafford Schools’ League Finals. The Year 9 and 10 Finals were played the previous week, with both teams finishing as League Champions. The Year 7 and 8 teams faced strong Urmston teams but they were not to be denied and, with convincing wins, both finished as League Champions. So it was a clean sweep for AGGS Rounders teams in the League - an excellent way to end a successful season of Rounders.A big thank you to all girls who regularly attended practices, you all worked very hard and have shown a great deal of improvement in your skills and game play.



Tennis

ResultsAGGS v Loreto Grammar SchoolThe six couples that had been selected were split into two teams.Team ‘A’ lost by 29 games to 30Team ‘B’ won by 30 games to 21.Well done, girls

The Year 8 ‘B’ Aegon team played their area final against Fallibroome High School, Macclesfield.They were a very strong team and although we lost by 6 sets to 0 there were some really close games and the girls enjoyed playing against players of a higher standard.Well done, girls, you never gave up against the strong opposition.Team:Eliza(8-1),TaniaKendrick(8-2),AnnaTownsend(8-3)andSumayya(8-3)

The U13 ‘A’ Aegon team are also in the area final against Marple High School but we are unable to play that match until September.

HockeyIt won’t be long until we are playing hockey again!Practices begin on the second day back (Wednesday 3rd September). There will be a list of practices on the games board before the end of term. There is also a match on the first Saturday back against Cheadle Hulme School. Details regarding this fixture will also be on the board.

New TimetableThere will be an enlarged copy of the new timetable on the games board so you know which lessons you are having when. Don’t forget you start on a Day 2 (Tuesday).



Hockey Tour

The committee are busy raising money for our exciting tour to South Africa next summer (2015). We are also raising money for our partner school over there – Zephania. We hope totakesportsclothingandequipmentwithusaswellsomemoneytobuyessentialsfortheschool.Thank you to the Year 7 girls who came to the disco last Friday. Numbers were reasonably low but all who went had a great time. Our next big venture is an Autumn Ball on Saturday 11th October, so ‘save the date’ in your diary! The event is to be held at Ringway Golf Club, Hale, and the cost of a ticket will be £40 which includes a welcome drink, a three course dinner, a band and a disco. Tickets will be on sale in September. Dress code is black tie. There will also be an auction and a gift tree.Would anyone be in a position to offer us an auction prize or a gift for the tree? Pledges that have already been made or suggested include : vouchers for shops, a meal for two at a local restaurant, beauty treatments/massage, over-night hotel stays, use of a holiday cottage/villa for a weekend or week, flying lessons and golf lessons.

Also, is there anyone who would be able to sponsor some of our kit? Your company logo would be put on the items you would like to sponsor. Items include shirts, hoodie, skort and a jacket. If you do have anything to offer regarding auction and raffle prizes or sponsorship please email Mrs Finch (Teacher in charge of hockey and the tour) at [email protected] you Mrs Finch

mailto:finch%40aggs.trafford.sch.uk?subject=



For all the latest news, information and photos visit us at

www.aggs.trafford.sch.uk

PTAContactsIfyouhaveanyenquiriesaboutthePTAanditsfundraisingeffortsormeetings,would liketo volunteer to help or join, and would like to contact us, here are some useful contact email addresses for your reference:

CovenantSchemeenquiries [email protected]

200ClubenquiriesPTA [email protected]

GeneralenquiriesPTA [email protected]

Secretary PTA [email protected]

Refreshments PTA [email protected]

NameaBrickenquiriesPTA [email protected]

Garden sponsorship PTA [email protected]

2nd Hand Uniform PTA [email protected]

Please note that all PTA members are volunteers and although emails are likely to be checked on a fairly regular

basis, there may be some delays in response time and we ask for your patience and understanding in this regard.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls Weekly Bulletin · books or latest Good Food magazines, please...

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