Nuntius - Wirral Grammar School for Boys...Bardale School is a brand new school in Mfuleni township...

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NuntiusJ u l y 2 0 1 2

W I R R A L G R A M M A R S C H O O LA B u s i n e s s & E n t e r p r i s e S c h o o l f o r B o y s

C r o s s L a n e , B e b i n g t o n , W i r r a l , C H 6 3 3 A Q | Te l : 0 1 5 1 6 4 4 0 9 0 8

National Handball Finals – A New Success for Our SchoolBoys from Years 8, 9 and 10 reached the National Schools Handball finals at Sporthouse, Romford, East London on Saturday 23rd June. The U13 and U15 squads were the only school represented in both age groups. Both Teams qualified for the finals by winning at both regional and north area levels. Sporthouse is the purpose built training venue for handball and basketball for this coming london Olympics. This was a fantastic opportunity to represent our school in national competition in what is becoming one of the fastest growing emerging sports. Congratualations to all the boys who particiapted at the weekend. A huge well done to the U13 team who finished 3rd in the competition, winning 2/1 in the third/fourth playoff. An unbelieveable achievement at the first time of asking. The U15 team unfortunatley failed to go past the group stage, needing to win there last game, they narrowly lost 4/3. U13 squad, Scott Southwell (Capt) Jack Price, louis Kenton, Alex Mcbain, David Williams, Andrew Rogers. Ethan Hitchcow. Alistair Dodd, Daniel Eames, Daniel O’Halloran.

U15 squad. Jordan Price (capt) David Stringer, Taylor Craven, Lewis Keen. Nick chadwick, Theo Johnson,Elias Larson, Sam Hannah, Matthew Calanan, Alex Brophy.

Olympic Torch Relay Competitions Birkenhead ParkOn Friday 1st June on a superb afternoon at Birkenhead Park, we took a Year 8 and Year 10 Volleyball team and a Year 9 Football team to participate in the Pre-Olympic Torch Relay celebrations. The competitions were attended by many Wirral Schools and in the football we faired very well, coming runners up to South Wirral in the final 1-0. It was the only goal conceded and out of the 12 competing teams an excellent achievement.

The Volleyball was an excellent spectacle and a very well organised competition. Both our teams played very well, with the Year 8 boys winning 4 and losing 2 games and the Year 10’s in a difficult competition, having very close matches winning 3 and losing 3. The day saw many different events take place all across the park and culminated in the evening with the Torch relay itself. It was certainly a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ and thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Duke of Edinbugh AwardsAt 8.00am on Saturday 26th of May, the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh group set off by coach for Moel Famau.

We arrived at the car park at the foot of the hills and waited as each group set off separately, which wasn’t too bad as it was a warm day. My group set off at 10.30am and reached the first checkpoint after 20 minutes, where Mr Webb was sitting, and marking chemistry homework!

After a gentle walk up the side of Moel Famau, we reached the summit, Jubilee Tower, where we were greeted by Mr Hazledine and stopped a short while for lunch before heading off for the third checkpoint. It was quite a long walk we had now from the summit of Moel Famau to Cilcain, where Mrs Clements was waiting, not necessarily for us but for the AA man and van as she had somehow managed to lock herself out of her car!

We set off again for a short while crossing field and paths, until we came to Mrs Bradford and Miss Tier. We didn’t stop as we were eager to get to camp. It was a short distance until we then reached Miss Eaton where we were told it wasn’t far. Again, we continued walking and eventually reached Fron

Farm where we were camping.

We were greeted by the remaining teachers and other walkers on the expedition, which was a relief after having the company of sheep for the afternoon. After a rest we set up the tents and relaxed; some of us were a little sunburnt, well quite a bit actually! We ate a late meal of pasta and sauce which tasted all the better, knowing we’d worked for it!

After more chilling out, it was an early night for the big day ahead, which was a similar route back up Offa’s Dyke path, along Moel Famau ridge and back down to the car park, where we relaxed a lot more!

I thoroughly enjoyed my expedition and urge others to give it a go. I speak for everybody when I say thank you Mr McKinney and all of the other staff who made it possible for us to go on the expedition. We are looking forward to doing Silver next Year!

Russell Jones 10AS

London Olympics 2012: Best wishes to Team GB!

J u l y 2 0 1 2W I R R A L G R A M M A R S C H O O LA F o u n d a t i o n B u s i n e s s & E n t e r p r i s e S c h o o l f o r B o y s

WelcomeDear All

As another school year comes to a close, we are able to look back on a wide range of both academic and extracurricular achievements.

GCSE and A Level results at the start of the year demonstrated a continuation of excellent standards. As always, our Nuntius provides a flavour of the extracurricular activity throughout the term and this issue is no exception.

While the rhythm to each year is broadly the same, each year presents new opportunities, successes and challenges. Achievements in sport have been especially notable during 2011/2012 and especially fitting given the focus on the Olympic Games this Summer. Boys have excelled in all areas of sport and we have gained a national profile in Rugby, Hockey and Handball, with regional successes in Basketball, Cricket and Athletics.

2011/2012 saw the completion of significant capital improvements with the opening of our Food and Cookery room at the start of the school year. It has been a pleasure to see pupils making very effective use of this new facility with all boys having had the opportunity to learn some basic cooking skills. The Art Department moved into new, purpose-built accommodation in January.

During 2011/2012 we have enjoyed excellent musical performances with our Chamber Concerts and termly Music Society Concert, the last of which took place in the penultimate week of term. It is gratifying to see so many boys taking part in both music lessons and our public events.

The Awards Ceremony at the end of term provided the opportunity to celebrate the boys’ achievements during the course of the school year and I congratulate all pupils on their successes whether they be in the classroom, or the sports field or through the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. Hardly a week goes by without the news of a significant achievement of some description.

At the end of the year we say our farewells to Mrs Finnegan (ICT), Mrs Walker (Learning Mentor), and Mrs Mounsey (ICT), Mr Webb (Chemistry) and Mrs Nyakatawa, members of staff who have been with us for the duration of the academic year in a temporary capacity. Staff retiring this year are Mrs Lewis (office administrator) who will be retiring after nearly 23 years of service and Mr Hayes(caretaker) who will be retiring after nearly 11 years of service. Mrs Chalmers (Music), Mrs Chambers (SEN Teaching Assistant) and Mrs Gibson (Science Technician) will be starting maternity leave and we wish them well with their new arrivals! From September 2012, Mrs Jones will be assuming the position of Head of History with Mrs Ahern as Head of Politics. I wish to pay tribute to Mr Clive Cooper who has served the school as Head of History and Politics with distinction for many years. Mr Cooper assumes a part-time position at Wirral Grammar from September. My thanks also to Mr Wayne Shaw who retired last year, but has been back for the whole of the year as a cover teacher.

From September, we will be welcoming the following new staff to our school:• Mr Gareth Edwards as Teacher of History and Politics• Mr Michael Yee as Teacher of ICT and Computing• Mr Taylor, Miss Steen and Miss Sephton as Teaching Assistants• Miss Walker as Art & Display Technician• Miss Ryan as Temporary Teacher of Music

I would also like to thank all parents for the superb support that they have given the school again this year and I hope that all families enjoy a relaxing summer break in what is going to be a very special Summer for Great Britain with the London Olympics. We hope that ‘Team GB’ fairs well and that the athletes who have spent so long in training achieve their goals.

Our new academic year commences on Wednesday 5th September 2012. Within the first two weeks of the term I will write to all parents with details of our examination results and our calendar of school events for 2012/2013.

Best wishes

David HazeldineHeadteacher


Iwele

Iwele means twin in Xhosa and that is what we now have. With Wirral Girls we now have really firm links with two schools in Cape Town. This has been facilitated through the Afritwin group and we have received our initial funding from the British Council to facilitate the first of our teacher exchanges. Bardale School is a brand new school in Mfuleni township and is currently housed in prefabs while they wait for government funding for their new building. Sans Souci is a girls’ school which was originally for whites only but is now multi-racial.

In March Neli Hopa and Justin Grundlingh visited us for a week and spent their time observing lessons and speaking to pupils. It was wonderful to see our school through their eyes and during that week they met with the group of girls and boys who are really driving the links forward. In May Mr James Sills (WGSG) and I were fortunate enough to visit their two schools in Cape Town and what a trip it was!

We have so many amazing memories from the week. Both schools were so warm and welcoming and we just felt so at home in both schools. What struck me was that regardless of where we are in the world, regardless of whether we live in brick built three bedroomed houses or in a one roomed corrugated iron shack, regardless of whether our home language is Xhosa, English, Afrikaaans or Tswana, we are all the same with many of the same uncertainties and issues when we are growing up.

Plans for the future include a green fair across all four schools in October, a film of a Day in the Life of one pupil from each school (filming for this has already begun) and improved music links between all four schools. Students from our two schools have already started raising money and had stands at two recent local fairs in order to promote our partnership. Please go towww.iwele.org for more information and pictures as well as the blog we kept while we were there.

Mrs O Kahn (Deputy Headteacher)

Open EveningsParents of boys who will be in Year 6 at their Primary School in September are invited to attend one of our Open Evenings on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th October 2012 at 6.30pm. Our Open Morning will take place on Friday 5th October 2012 from 9.00am until 12 noon.

Mr David Hazeldine, Headteacher, will talk to parents in the school hall. Talks will be repeated at intervals during the evening.

The whole school will be open for parents to view the work and activities of all Departments and parents and pupils will be able to talk to current pupils about life at Wirral Grammar School.

N u n t i u s


Parliament Trip 2012On the 10th of May, the Lower Sixth politics students went on a trip to the Palace of Westminster in London to get a better feel of how Parliament functions and to see democracy live and in action. We set off on a very early 8:35am train to London and arrived just after eleven. We then proceeded to the Palace of Westminster via the London Underground.

When we reached our destination of Embankment, we walked to Portcullis House; one of the modern buildings on the Thames, which is a hub for all politicians. It is here we met Alison McGovern MP, who greeted us in Portcullis House and gave a tour of the place. We then took an underground passage to the Palace of Westminster, and arrived in Westminster Hall. This is where the Queen holds some of her banquets when not in Buckingham Palace. The sheer history of the place was astounding and it was very interesting to see the heritage of our country.

Next we moved onto the Lobby, where many people who are part of a pressure group lobby the House of Commons or Lords. It was an interesting visit, as it is only 100 years old, yet the décor and ornate design suggests its being older. After that we went to see the House of Commons, where we got to see Theresa May MP in action, defending her decision about Abu Hamza. Next, we went to the Liverpool Room, a room for select committees, in which we had a question and answer session with Alison McGovern MP. Lastly we went to see the House of Lords. It showed how massive the difference was between the Commons and the Lords, with the gold ornate design and the layout of tradition.

Overall it was a fantastic experience and was an aid for my studies and understanding of Parliament. A massive thanks to Mr and Mrs Ahern, and Mr Ronayne for taking us, as it was a valuable experience

Jay Panchal, L63BC

Activity DaysBoarding, Dancing, Cooking and so much more! This year Y7, Y8 and Y9 enjoyed a wide range of activities during the PSHE Activity days held at the end of the Spring term.

Pupils learnt street dance, first aid, cookery, yoga, sign language, African dance, skipping and skate boarding, and listened to talks on solvent abuse and alcohol addiction. Y9 pupils also participated in the Brook Bitesize event which really concentrates on Relationship and Sex education. Unfortunately Y10 and 11 pupils did not have activity days this year and although I know they have missed them it was a decision that was made because of the difficulty of finding time to accommodate the wealth of extra-curricular activities that the school offers.

Mrs O Kahn (Deputy Headteacher

Study skills dayOn Wednesday 2nd May, Year 10 had their Study Skills Day.

This day was designed to encourage us to study well and revise effectively by giving us tips on how best to use our time. Throughout the day we took part in five sessions.

First, we learnt how mind-mapping is an easy and creative way to revise information. We then took part in a group exercise where we had to construct straw bridges using our initiative and limited resources. This was a really fun and innovative team game, which I enjoyed.

Lastly, we had a session where we had five challenges to solve in groups. This thought-provoking task made us all use our minds to come up with solutions. Throughout the fun-packed day we had

a chance to try out circus skills! There was diablo, poi, rhythm sticks and unicycles. It was the most fun I have had in an afternoon at school ever!

To round off the day we were taught important methods of how to memorise information and to relax during the exam period. All in all it was a fantastic day which will certainly help us in our revision during this stressful period.

Ben Morris 10 PAC.

J u l y 2 0 1 2W I R R A L G R A M M A R S C H O O LA B u s i n e s s & E n t e r p r i s e S c h o o l f o r B o y s

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History trip 2013: Berlin and AuschwitzA report on the Munich trip at Easter 2012 has already been put on the school website. However I would like to add my thanks first to the staff that accompanied me on the trip to make it the success it was. These are Mr Taws, Mr Metcalf, Mr C Hughes, Mr Shaw and Mr Atkinson. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the 64 boys from the current Years 9 and 10 for their excellent and sensible behaviour on the 6 day trip. They were complimented by members of the public for their behaviour and manners which is nice for the staff to hear. We were told at the Hard Rock Café in Munich by the resturant manager that we were the best behaved and most polite group they had had in years at that place, which was very impressive I think you will agree!

The trip for next year will focus on the history surrounding the city of Berlin and

a visit to the former concentration camp at Auschwitz in Poland. 46 boys in the current Year 8 and 9 will be going on the trip and I am sure they are already looking forwards to it. For those currently in Year 7 and 8, another trip will be organised for the Easter of 2014, so your son should watch this space, look out for any notices that come his way, as places go fast for my trips. I realise that there are a lot of trips going on in school but the History trips have been a feature of school life for nearly 15 years now and every Eastera one is planned with the boys who would be in Years 9 and 10 at that time of the year. I hope some will be able to go, with the venue yet to be decided.

Mr L McKibbin

“It isn’t surprising that putting yourself under the blinding lights of the theatre affects you. When three hundred people stare up at the stage, you are completely exposed and defenceless, with nowhere to run or hide. Your fate is entirely in your hands, and the fear of failure is never so tangible. But the accompanying anticipation is electrifying; the adrenaline, a driving force. The pay-off that awaits is intensely satisfying; nothing is quite as rewarding as a laugh, applause or standing ovation. The confidence gleamed from the experience has a profound impact on your character.

I was fortunate enough to be involved with the Drama Society from my first year of school. The production Oliver! required twelve year 7s for Fagin’s gang, and so my acting career began with the line “fabulous food!” From year 9 onwards, I have been involved with every production: the hilarious Little Shop of Horrors, the energising High School Musical, the terrifying Sweeney Todd, the poignant Cabaret, and this year’s captivating We Will Rock You. Each has showcased our school’s deep pool of talent with Danny’s chilling portrayal of The Emcee and Yyanis’ challenging vocal performance as Galileo particular standouts. The shows certainly could not go on without the professionalism and commitment of our lighting, sound and backstage crews, and the front of house ushers who solidify the theatrical experience. Of course, our productions are musicals — they are totally dependent upon the patience and enthusiasm of our musical directors, Peter Snowdon and Amy Chalmers. But the complete process, from first rehearsal to final night, is wholly lived by our director Geoff Hinde MBE. His vision and guidance inspirationally pulls the entire operation together, from a group of disparate teenagers to a professional theatre production.

Over the weeks and months of rehearsals and preparation, a tight bond between the cast is formed. Some of the closest friendships begin backstage, and the most enjoyable memories emanate from our party antics. These relationships and social fellowship are inevitably what are felt long after the final bow. Our school experience has been affected so deeply by drama, and I personally would not be who I am today had I never performed. Now, as the curtains close on our time at Wirral Grammar, we are just stepping out onto the stage of the rest of our lives. We don’t yet know the script, but the direction we have received here will be invaluable in guiding us towards a starring performance.”

Ben Caveen U64KC

‘Nuntius on-line’ Larger articles can be found by accessing the ‘Nuntius On-Line’ link via the school website www.wirralgrammarboys.com Articles included are: ‘We Will Rock You’ review by Andrew McEwan U6

Drama Cup Winner 2012 – Ben CaveenThe Drama Cup is awarded each year to the student who has contributed the most to drama within the school. This year’s worthy winner is Ben Caveen. Ben was first involved in his Year 7 when he played one of Fagin’s boys in ‘Oliver’!. His pure singing voice and undernourished physique was an obvious choice for the starving pickpocket in Fagin’s gang.

Ben’s next appearance was the main radio announcer Jack Scott in ‘High School Musical’ which did not require him to use his legs. He then had a part in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.

Ben really began his acting/singing career when puberty had been successfully negotiated and he played three major roles, each one contrasted and each one a showcase for his extraordinary talent and singing ability – Pirelli in ‘Sweeney Todd’, Herr Schultz in ‘Cabaret’ and the amazing performance he gave as Khashoggi in ‘We Will Rock You’.

Ben is a formidable performer and a great asset to the Drama Society, always giving support to others and boosting morale. We will all miss him.

G R Hinde MBE

STOP PRESS! SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2013 Next year’s major school production with the Girls’ School is:

Open Auditions: Years 9-12 in September


N u n t i u s


HOUSE MATTERS – SUMMER UPDATE As the last few weeks are spent busily collecting House Commendations to establish which house will be in receipt of the House Rewards event on 10th July, I thought it would be appropriate to offer a brief update on the on-going developments within the house system.

We have now appointed our new House Captains. They are:

Luke Harris - DoddsStephen Caraher - BarberJames McIver - HodgsonChris Crowley - Lever

Congratulations to these boys and I wish them well for a successful year of leading their houses to great success.

A pilot scheme of awarding cashless catering credits and amazon vouchers has been running this school year. This has been a popular development but as with all schemes has experienced a few teething difficulties. It is in the process of being reviewed and revised for next school year and more details regarding this will follow in the autumn.

You will notice some changes to the 2012-3 Planner page for the recording of House Commendations. This is an attempt to simplify the recording of paper house commendations as well as allowing boys to record their totals from Electronic House Commendations. A distinct record will now be available for each half term.

Vertical Tutor Groups will continue to be used on a regular basis for the purpose of developing inter-phase communication, although there may be changes made to the number and composition of these groups for the autumn term.

Along with the house captains, I look forward to reporting more developments within the house system as next year unfolds and I thank all boys for the contributions they have made to their house through working hard and through their many contributions to the extra-curricular life of the school.

Mrs L Ahern.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT UPDATEContinuing the Department’s visits to primary schools during the summer term, we were able to visit 5 of the schools who requested a visit but missed out in previous years. The Junior Brass Group, Treble Choir, Woodwind Group and Ukulele Group, as well as a number of soloists performed at Thornton Hough, Barnston, Devonshire, Christchurch and Hillside primary schools throughout the day, and over 60 boys in years 7-10 were involved. 61 primary schools have now received performances in the last 12 years, and this is now one of the Department’s most important annual events.

Kieran France L65, Jack Griffith L65 and Ross Handforth 11PC were asked to provide the musical entertainment at a poetry reading event at Lingham’s Bookshop in Heswall on Thursday 3 May. This is the third time the school has been involved with this group, and Kieran (guitar & vocals), Ross (guitar & vocals) and Jack (flute) were warmly received by all who attended.

A GCSE trip to the International Music Eisteddfod in Llangollen was organised on Thursday 5 July, involving 28 boys in Years 9 and 10. As well as listening to musical acts from all over the world, boys took the opportunity to participate first hand in a number of the music and dance routines, and there was also the opportunity to listen to various performers competing in the main festival.

All of these groups and more performed to the usual high standard at the Summer Concert on Thursday 12 July, whilst the Music Society Dinner proved to be its normal gastronomic success on Friday 13 July. Many thanks to Mr Phillip Connolly, an ex-pupil of the school who went to Cambridge to study music, for a most enjoyable speech, along with the other members of the Music Forum reporting on their ensembles.

A number of boys took music examinations this term, but with the results not yet with us, congratulations will have to wait for Autumn’s Nuntius. However, the results from some of last term’s exams did not make the Spring edition of Nuntius. Congratulations therefore to the following list of successful candidates, many of whom have passed with merit or distinction:

Name Form Instrument Grade Result Sam Fisher 9JHH Keyboard 3 DistinctionDeclan Barrigan 9JMC Keyboard 3 DistinctionEthan Lloyd 8JB Keyboard 1 MeritCalum Ramsay 9IPT Guitar 3 MeritAdam Rasel Watson 9JMC Guitar 3 MeritKevin Ren 7JM Piano 3 MeritBen Sanders L64 Piano 2 DistinctionBen Turner 9JHH Keyboard 5 DistinctionBen Jenkins 9JMC Keyboard 3 DistinctionJoseph Houghton 8RR Keyboard 2 DistinctionDaniel Lee 10HD Guitar 3 PassThomas Lewtas 8JB Guitar 2 PassMatthew Buckley 8JB Guitar 2 MeritJordan Price 10AS Guitar 3 PassJoseph Kershaw 9SMC Guitar 3 DistinctionDaniel Hale 8GWG Piano 3 PassMatthew Hooker 7JM Drums debut DistinctionZach Jones 8JB Piano 1 DistinctionJames Tarver 7AD Piano 5 MeritSam Molyneux 11WS Theory 5 DistinctionWilliam Bracken 8JB Piano 6 Distinction

The whole Department wishes Mrs Chalmers well as she begins her maternity leave, and we welcome back Miss Ryan who will be covering music lessons during next year.

And finally, as the long summer months get under way with a vengeance, remember that 7 weeks without music lessons does not mean 7 weeks without practice!

Mr P Thomas



Comenius 2012

‘The Wirral Boys’As a crucial part of our English revision for the literature GCSE this June, 22 students in Y11 visited the ‘Theatre on the Lake’ in Kendal to watch a production of Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’. The journey was rather long for an evening performance but the theatre’s setting and the outstanding performance more than compensated for it. Highlights of the evening were undoubtedly the pace and vibrancy of the staging, the fish and chip supper in Kendal and making our parents fetch us at 1.00am! Thanks to our parents, Mrs Davies and Mrs Kahn!Daniel Kowalski 11JLH

Thursday 10th May. The day started off brightly with an early start of 4am. Myself, Miss Burns, Mrs Walker and three fellow students met at school to make a start on what turned out to be one of the best trips of my life. We went to the small Spanish province of Melilla, situated on the north coast of Africa.

The trip to Melilla was part of the foreign exchange programme which six different countries attended, the six countries being ourselves, Turkey, Norway, Romania, Holland and the host Melilla, Spain. Our visit lasted for five days, from Thursday to Tuesday 15th May. During this time we stayed with Spanish students and their families. All hosts families spoke Spanish or Arabic as their first language with some of the people speaking bits of English and French. So despite the struggle to communicate, with best efforts and the combination of the three different languages we managed.

During our trip we took part in many different daytime and night activities. On the Friday night all six countries attended a cultural evening at the school where we performed for each other, showing some traditions, the ways of celebrating and some talents from the countries involved. Thankfully we had Leo Gopfert who proved to be a skilled guitarist and myself, Galen and Drew not as skilled accompanied him on stage for a bit of friendly support.

The following day was the hottest of all days. The thermometer read 38 degrees; it also happened to be the day of our three mile hike up into the mountains where all countries planted over 100 new trees as part of the trip’s theme ‘European Eco Volunteer’. After the tree planting we were treated to a traditional Spanish paella and barbeque in the breath taking location of the Melilla forest.

On Tuesday we had to leave Melilla and fly home. We returned home from Melilla knowing we had made friendships that will last a lifetime and gained memories which are impossible to forget. All students including myself have stayed in contact with our hosts and new friends and are taking another trip back to Melilla in the near future.

Lewis Keen 10HD

We arrived at Melilla’s only airport

full of angst and anticipation. We

went on the trip as part of the

European Eco Volunteers Project.

The first thing I experienced in my

host students house was his mother’s

hospitality. I was bombarded with

plates of chips, squid and all sorts

of exotic dishes filling my nostrils

with the unusual but exciting

aromas of the food. After eating

all I could and more I was told to

get changed to go round to his friend’s house, where

the whole family was tucking in to about 3 roast chickens surrounded by

other dishes. ‘Eat! Eat!’ everyone exclaimed in Spanish as they pointed

towards the mountains of cuisine.

The following morning students and teachers from all 6 countries walked

through the mountains in the baking midday sun to do our bit for the

environment. We got out shovels and got to work at planting and watering

the trees and after a couple of hours of hard manual labour Drew and I had

succeeded in planting 3 trees. The trip to Melilla was a great experience

where I have made lots of friends and also been part of a fantastic project. I

am planning to return there as soon as possible.

Leo Gopfert 10HD


N u n t i u s


Wherever you go in Normandy an overwhelming sense of history pervades. As soon as we left our overnight ferry at Caen the signs of our joint history pop up everywhere: ‘Pegasus Bridge 1944’ ‘The Tomb of William the Conqueror’ ‘Juno Beach 1944’ The Bayeux Tapestry’ all testify to our intertwined, sometimes turbulent history.

Today a sense of peace and reconciliation with our European neighbours is found everywhere, from the rows of German dead lying next to the graves of the British soldiers to the flags of the Allies and the modern German nation presented together at the altar in Bayeux Cathedral.

The Tapestry is a masterpiece of medieval art and history telling. Today, kept in a low light to avoid deterioration, it winds around the walls of its parent building. When you reach the arrow in King Harold’s eye you know it was the end of the road for the tired, ill equipped Anglo-Saxon army and England’s history and culture changed forever.

Onto our accommodation. Chateau Beaumont lies in verdant, rolling countryside not far from the town of Laval. The main building speaks of a grand past of 19th Century Romanticism and Impressionism, the novels of Stendhal and the paintings of Monet up to WWII American officers with Jazz records and cigars.

The town of Laval is pretty and bustling on a Saturday market day, a chance for us to practise our French, eat ice cream, meringues and sausages. This year an almost carnival attitude prevailed with politicians and activists out campaigning for the National Assembly elections, all keen to have their photograph taken with lots of Turquoise hoodies in the background! A visit to the local hypermarket rounded off the morning with cheese, wine and perfume topping the shopping list along with forgotten towels and toiletries. Saturday afternoon brought a wealth of activities including Zip-Wire, Archery and a pretty cold swim, the temperature down several degrees on last year. The annual French Fancy Dress evening followed with the ubiquitous stripy shirts and berets, the winner a striking French Paratrooper aka as Jean Claude van Damme aka Richard Morris (7JM). My colleagues excelled themselves again with some er…interesting outfits. We had two roughy, toughy French football supporters, a French Maid, a resistance girl from ‘Allo Allo’ a Can-Can dancer, someone who was a cross between D’Artagnan and Cyrano de Bergerac and another, a mix of Pierrot and Andy Pandy. The winner by a clear margin was a splendid Foreign Legion Officer, looking like he was straight off a Hollywood film set.

Sunday and Mont St. Michel. This amazing Gothic island edifice rises out of the sea to face its foes. Never captured during the many wars of the middle-ages between our nations a new addition this year is the park and ride facility which has dispensed with the crowds and makes access and egress easier.

The bright blue hoodies turned up next in the beautiful town of St. Malo with its beaches and off-shore islands. It’s hard to believe that this ancient ‘Corsair City’ was almost totally obliterated during WWII. Following D-Day the German plan was to deny the Allies access to the Channel ports and the garrison refused to surrender to the advancing

Americans. Unable to breach the massive stone walls the troops called in the US Air Force who bombed the citadel for over a week until virtually nothing was left. Today, the city has been lovingly re-built and is a chic holiday destination for tourists from around Europe. The boys Talent Show rounded off Sunday evening with some marvellous, very funny acts. The staff were hard pressed to choose an overall winner but Daniel Carter (7AD) made us laugh the most. W ell done and thanks to you all.

Monday heralded an early start for the sojourn to Disney Paris. Despite a showery and cool day the boys had a magnificent time before the long and sleepy journey home to CH63 3AQ.

My heartfelt thanks to all the boys for their endless enthusiasm and to the staff of Wirral Grammar for simply being there.

Mr P RonayneCommunity Partnership Manager

Mr Hughes and the boys outside Bayeux Cathedral


The market in Laval

The Fancy Dress dinner-Frogs Leg’s on the menu

To the beach at St Malo

Year 7 Trip to Normandy



Community Development

Chess ClubChess club is held on Wednesday lunchtimes (12:30- 1:30pm) and all are welcome to join. Currently, in our ladder, James Evans is first, Frank Larty second and Nick Ainsworth is third. Here,you can eat lunch whilst playing chess, but you are also welcome to play other board games and puzzles. We took part in a chess tournament in the spring term and look forward to doing the same next year. Thank you very much for everybody who attends and thank you to Mrs Turner for giving her time up for the club.

Frank Larty 7LEM

Science Clubs are back!Miss McClure with some of the children in the Physics Lab

After a break of nearly two years Science Clubs for Year 5 children have resumed at Wirral Grammar. Miss McClure and Mr Mountford have been running the clubs for several weeks with children from Stanton Road and St Andrews Primary schools attending. The clubs are proving popular and even some Year 4 children have come along!

Where were you in ’92?Do you remember the start of the Yugoslav Civil War in the Balkans? How about the opening of Euro Disney in Paris? Maybe you recall Denmark beating Germany to become European Champions? The Olympics in Barcelona?

Well…maybe some of you will remember a day in September of that year when a helicopter landed on the field at WGSB to whizz away some of our boys for a flight around the Wirral.

Stuart Mackay of Crewe has sent me these amazing pictures of the Gazelle helicopter that landed on the field to pick up the boys pictured after they had won a team building exercise with the RAF. Stuart takes up the story:

‘It flew in over the school rugby fields and landed just short of the playground. A fire engine also arrived as a safety precaution. It was so loud as it landed, most of the school came out to look. I remember feeling lucky to be one of the ones going up in it….It was the strangest feeling taking off vertically, like going up in a lift….It was incredible to see the school from the air! The whole day is still one of my fondest memories.’

My thanks to Stuart for the pictures and a smashing story. Do you have any memories and photographs of your time at Wirral Grammar Boys? If you would like to share them please send me details at: [email protected]

Mr P Ronayne, Community Partnership Manager

Mr P Ronayne Community Partnership Manager

Mobile Phone Policy – Reminder

Our policy on mobile phones is very clear. Pupils are permitted to have phones available for use before and after school but during the school day they must be switched off and out of sight. Staff will confiscate mobile phones that are on view/in use during the day and they will not be available for collection until the end of the next school day.

Wirral Grammar Boys’ AlumniMy thanks to those former students and members of staff who have contacted me about forming an Alumni Association at Wirral Grammar Boys. In order to take this forward please email me at: [email protected]

Include your contact details, the period you were at the school and any memories and anecdotes you may wish to share. At this stage it’s important to try to get as many people as possible aware of this initiative so if you have friends, relatives or colleagues who are former pupils, members of staff or anyone who has had close connections with the school please let them know!

I will be posting future updates on the school website. If you have any suggestions, ideas or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.



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Family Welcome Transition Programme At the time of writing we are very nearly at the end of another successful Family Welcome Transition Programme for Year 6 pupils and their families. This year 35 families signed up from the programme from 23 schools. The sessions covered discussion and activities based on the following areas; self-esteem, motivation, attention, organisation, team work, friendships and internet safety. We hope to run a family welcome reunion for all those who have attended once their children start in year 7 …. more details to follow.

Thanks to all the parents/carers/grandparents and students who attended this year’s programme for making it so much fun! Thanks also go to Mrs Hardcastle and Mrs Evans for their help with the introduction and cookery sessions.

Mrs Walker and Mrs Bradshaw

ALEX JARMAY: Wirral Grammar School 1997-2005

It was with the utmost shock and sadness that the entire school community learned of the tragic death of Alex Jarmay on 27th February as the result of a violent altercation whilst Alex was in London to watch the Carling Cup Final between Liverpool and Cardiff City.

Both Alex and his brother Luke, who was with him when the incident occurred, shared several interests. They were fans of Liverpool FC in the very warp and weft, they were both students of this school and they both represented the school at a senior level and with some distinction on the Hockey pitch. Their closeness was also seen in their pursuit of very similar

social interests when they had left school.

As a student at Wirral Grammar School from 1997-2005, Alex was typified by his buoyant attitude and sense of fun. He always knew how to throw himself with gusto into the wider social life of the school and was popular with a wide circle of friends. Upon completion of study at A level Alex decided to move into direct employment, first seeking a career in the police service and then moving into the distribution industry where he was beginning to carve out a promising future.

That future has now been brutally and tragically cut short and our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain extended to Alex’s family and closest friends. We will always remember him as a popular, cheerful and valued member of the school community. Perhaps in the roar of the Anfield Kop we might always hear an echo of his presence.

Wirral Grammar School Parents’ Association

Our Annual General Meeting takes place on Monday 10th September 2012 held in the dining hall at 7pm. Following the AGM, there will be a Committee Meeting at which officers will be appointed. All parents are welcome to attend. Extra support is always welcome.

Parents’ Association Meeting Dates for 2012-2013The following meetings will all take place at 7.00pm at school

AGM Monday 10 September 2012 Monday 15 October 2012 Monday 12 November 2012 Thursday 6 December 2012 Tuesday 22 January 2013 Tuesday 5 March 2013 Tuesday 30 April 2013 Thursday 13 June 2013

Visit of Esther McVey MP

Esther McVey, Member of Parliament for Wirral West was a recent visitor to Wirral Grammar Boys.

Esther spoke to 40 6th Form students in the Conference Hall and answered questions on various subjects such as the economy and the recent local election results on Wirral. Afterwards, she was presented with a school plaque and flowers by Head Boy Sean Kavanagh.



The Year 9 team had only played two games up until this report was written. This was mainly due to cancellations due to the awful weather we have had in this summer term. The first match was against Helsby, who batted first. The Wirral bowlers and fielders did a good job to restrict Helsby to 81 for 9 off their 20 overs with Daniel Heron taking 2 for 9. In reply, Wirral had no answer for Helby’s accurate bowling attack and only Sean Griffiths with 10 troubled the scorers as Wirral went down heavily. In the second game, Wirral played St Anselms at Wirral CC. Batting first, Daniel Bristow played some good shots and batted sensibly in making 32 not out, with Wirral ending on 65 for 6. St Anselms had two good openers who managed to get the runs without loss which meant a heavy defeat! However, many of the cricket squad have a lot of potential and I hope they keep training and playing in the coming years. The team captain is Will Hardy and those who played in this game and were

selected for other games were Alex Brophy, Liam Richardson, Oliver Sinclair, Mitchell Crabb, Matthew Crowe, Sean Griffiths, Gabriel Rutherford, Daniel Heron, Oliver Webster, Tom Marsden-Beckett, Callum Williams, Ian Jones, Alex Burnet, Theo Johnson, Lewis Davies, Liam Hayes, Joe Laurence, Daniel Bristow, Sean Bissaker, Luke Hassall, Joe Cartwright, Sam Hannah, Lewis Whiteley and Anish Yunas.

In the two house matches played so far, Barber beat Dodds by 12 runs with Will Hardy taking 4 for 8. Lever beat Hodgson by 73 runs with Liam Richardson making 34 and Daniel Bristow taking 4 for 15. In the second round, Hodgson beat Barber on the last ball of the match, by 7 wickets, with Will Hardy scoring a 50 and Daniel Heron 30. Dodds beat Lever with Tom Marsden-Beckett scoring 25 and Lewis Davies unbeaten on 48 for Dodds.

Mr L McKibbin

ATHLETICSThe incessant wet weather since April has meant that much of the Athletics season has been a ‘wash out’! However, there have nevertheless been some highlights!

Our Year 7 and Year 8 teams were both winners of their respective Competitions at the Wirral Schools’ Year 7 and Year 8 Track & Field Championships.

Our Junior and Inter teams both won their respective first round English Schools’ Track & Field Cup

Competitions: the Juniors earning an ‘A’ Final spot at the North West Regional Finals in Blackpool and the Inters progressing to the ‘B’ Final. At the time of writing the regional finals have not yet taken place – a report will be published in the next edition of Nuntius.

Added to this, a number of our athletes were selected to represent Wirral Schools’ at the Merseyside Schools’ Championships, including some from Year 7 which augers very well for the future!

Mr P Crowley, Head of Physical Education

SPORTS HONOURS 2011/12RUGBY1ST XV National Daily Mail Vase Semi FinalistsU16s Preston Grasshoppers Floodlit Cup Competition Winners Cheshire U16 Sevens Winners Merchant Taylors School U16 Sevens WinnersJunior Bantams (U13s) Cheshire Cup WinnersCHESHIRE U18 Group Luke HarrisCHESHIRE U17 Group Jake Carter, Chris Crowley, Sandy Davidson, Alex Griffiths, Mark Griffiths, Luke Harris

HOCKEYU18s Wirral Schools’ Champions U18 NW Semi Finalists North Indoor Hockey FinalistsU17 JRPC Andrew Heath, Sam Bilton– NW Selection

BASKETBALLU16s (Year 11) Wirral Schools’ ChampionsU15s (Year 10) Wirral Schools’ ChampionsU12s (Year 7) Wirral Schools’ Champions

HANDBALLU15s (Year 10) National FinalistsU13s (Year 8) National FinalistsENGLAND U16s Ben Brooks, Jordan Price

SWIMMINGHayden Ward Nationally ranked at 50m Breast StrokeJack Boniface North West 12s 1500m Open Water Regional Champion Nationally ranked at 200m Breast StrokeATHLETICSIntermediates National Track and Field Cup(Year 9/10) NW ‘A’ FinalistsJuniors (Year 7/8) National Track and Field Cup NW ‘B’ FinalistsYear 7 Wirral Schools’ Year 7 Athletics Championship WinnersYear 8 Wirral Schools’ Year 8 Athletics Championship Winners

MOUNTAIN BIKINGRobert Rogers Sainsbury UK Schools’ Games Selection

FOOTBALLJake Philllips Tranmere Rovers Apprenticeship

CRICKETJonathan Crick U17 CheshireMatthew Stewart U16 CheshireJack Dixon U17 West Cheshire

Year 8 Cricket UpdateThe Summer of 2012 has not really arrived yet and when it does weather wise, I’m sure the school cricket will improve. Nevertheless the Year 8 boys have attended nets from February and begun the season brightly. Despite narrow defeats to Bluecoat and Wilmslow in the Cheshire Cup, there is a positive look to a squad of 25. The school house matches have shown that with the Anthony Knott famous performance that saw Hodgson win against Lever in the first round of matches. I would say I have never seen a better house match catch by Knott and his three wickets ensure is team won. Barber defeated Dodds after also defeating Hodgson in the second round. This will leave the mouth-watering tie between themselves and Lever for a chance at the House crown. Mr A Metcalf


Year 9 Cricket Report


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Junior BantamsA team Played 20 Won 19 Lost 1 for 639 against 81 difference +558B team Played 13 Won 13 Lost 0 for 563 against 60 difference +503

Another outstanding season, and one in which the B team have now gone two years unbeaten, a great achievement by all the players that have been involved over the past couple of seasons.

COWBRIDGEA very successful trip to South Wales saw great wins over Stanwell School 24-5, and Cowbridge School 17-0, the first time we had won both games. The boys were a credit to the school and had a wonderful experience including a trip to the Millennium Stadium and Rodney Parade, where they watched the Newport Gwent Dragons play Munster. The boys got autographs of some famous Welsh internationals and appeared on television supporting the Dragons in their new rugby shirts and jester hats. To Mr Mckibbin`s pleasure the Triple Crown was paraded around the ground to rapturous applause from the Welsh supporters and also all our lads, showing no signs of bitterness at the result from the week before at Twickenham. Once again the lads were very courteous both on and off the pitch, and only got their chance to have a go at Mr McKibbin when at the BAA in the Millennium Stadium. They used this opportunity to get all the Sheep jokes out at once. I would like to thank the players for their behaviour and also Mr McKibbin for organising all the events over the weekend.

CHESHIRE CUP FINAL Wednesday 25th April 2012 - Wirral Grammar School v Lymm High School

The final was played at Wilmslow RUFC and was contested by the best two teams in the county. It was a magnificent game with both sides trying to run the ball from all parts of the pitch in poor conditions, a credit to all the players.

After some early Lymm pressure, Wirral`s forwards took the ascendancy and powered towards the defence’s try line. The backs then moved the ball along the line to give Tom James an easy run in for the first try 5-0. Wirral continued to control the ball and scored through Captain Scott Southwell, converted by Nathan McKinney 12-0. HALF TIME Wirral 12 Lymm 0.

After a few minutes of the restart the try of the game was scored. Deep in their own half Wirral passed the ball down the backs to Charlie Norman who the bounced tackles and ran 60m to score under the posts, converted by Will Titherington 19-0. More Wirral forward pressure led to a penalty and the quick thinking Tom James tapped and went under the posts from 15m out, converted by Will Titherington, 26-0. With about 10 minutes to go Wirral made numerous replacements to ensure all the squad got a run out with the game over. To Lymm`s credit they never gave up and scored 2 consolation tries which were also converted.

FINAL SCORE Wirral 26 Lymm 14.

SEVENS

KEQM`s Thurs. 24th FebruaryAnother successful tournament saw us defeated in the Final against Lancaster Grammar School 21-5. The players were excellent in the group stages, only conceding 14, followed by a good 24-5 win in the semi-final against Altrincham Grammar. Top Scorer: Charlie Norman 55 points (7 tries, 10 conversions)

BRADFORD Wednesday 7th MarchIn a very prestigious tournament with all the top schools in the North competing we had another excellent performance. Group wins over Crossley Heath, Lymm , and Audenshaw meant we needed to beat Lancaster to qualif. After two defeats to them we would have to be at our best. A convincing 24-14 win laid the ghosts to rest, and in the Final game we beat RGS Newcastle 19-5 to lift the trophy. Top Scorer: Nathan Mckinney 53 points (7 tries, 9 conversions)

I would like to thank all the players for their efforts throughout the season, and also like to thank the parents for their magnificent support both home and away and to those parents who help with refreshments on Saturday mornings. Mr Hughes has been an excellent help this year and his support has pushed both teams to play a much better standard and continue their rugby journey onwards and upwards. Finally I would like to wish all the players every success for next season, and thank them for being a fantastic team to coach this season.

Junior Bantams CoachAndy McKinney

Team Captains gave their annual reports which were very well delivered, Colours were awarded and individual trophies were presented as below:

Individual Trophy Winners:

G Noonan Novices Cup (U12 Player of the Season) Jack Nelson

E Langton Junior Bantams Trophy (U13 Player of the Season) Scott Southwell

E G Hodgkinson Bantams Cup (U14 Player of the Season) Will Hardy/Liam Hayes

The Colts Cup (U15 Player of the Season) Jordan Price

Wirral RUFC Under 16 Cup (U16 Player of the Season) Tom Parry

2nd XV Player of the Year Ed Forshaw

West Trophy (1st XV Players’ Player of the Season) Tom Sweeney

J P Howarth 1st XV Cup (1st XV Captain’s Trophy) Chris Burrows

Thompson Cup (Top Captain) Matthew Stewart

Kent Trophy (An Outstanding Contribution to Rugby Football) Chris Burrows

Mr P Crowley, Head of Physical Education

ANNUAL RUGBY CLUB DINNERIn May, over 200 boys, parents and staff attended the 45th Annual School Rugby Dinner in the School Hall. The Guest Speaker this year was Corporal Stephen Ashcroft of the RAF Regiment and Wirral GS 1st XV 1998 – 2000. Stephen was very badly injured whilst on a tour of duty in Afghanistan nearly two years ago, but has made great strides towards recovery. He received a magnificent welcome and spoke superbly about both his time playing rugby at Wirral Grammar School and his experiences in Afghanistan.



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Admissions Enquiries: enquiries relating to admissions should be directed to Mrs Tanya Fry in

school on 0151 644 0908 or by visiting the school website: www.wirralgrammarboys.com/admissions

Thank you to Mitchell Group for supporting our Charity ‘Big Give’ Programme

FundraisingFor the next academic year the four senior prefects are also acting as Charity Co-ordinators to raise as much money as possible for the school’s chosen charity. They are Max Hunt, Simon Flavell, Sandy Davidson and Jack Griffith of the Upper Sixth. If you have any ideas of charity fundraisers please do not hesitate to contact us.

Max Hunt Senior Prefect/Charity Co-Ordinator

Parents’ Surveys - The 2011/2012 AnalysesMany thanks to all parents who have reported through our Parents’ Evening surveys which are always available at our Parents’ Evenings. The full analyses for all year groups will be available very shortly. Please follow the link from our website home page.

Head Boy Team: AppointmentsFollowing the process of staff and student nominations and candidate interviews, the following students have been appointed:

Head Boy: George Wilkinson

Deputy Head Boys: James Sexty and Christopher Wiles

House Captains: Luke Harris - Dodds Stephen Caraher – Barber James McIver – Hodgson Christopher Crowley - Lever Senior Prefects/Charity Co-Ordinators: Simon Flavell, Max Hunt, Sandy Davidson and Jack Griffith

We wish our new Head Boy Team every success for their period of office in 2012/2013.

Fundraising Update - We are now nearly at the end of another year of charity fundraising and the current amount raised for Cancer Research UK is a fantastic £7,169.59.

Everyone in the school should be congratulated for their part in raising this sum, but the fundraising hasn’t finished yet! With the money from the recent disco still to be counted, as well as the annual Fun Run and another non-uniform day to come, it’s possible we could reach the highest total ever. Wirral Grammar School is also participating in The Big Give, a part of the Philanthropy in Schools programme, throughout the summer term and has secured sponsorship from the Mitchell Group. Special congratulations must go to 7RW as the form that has raised the most money but this year’s Head Boy Team would like to thank each and every one of you for your help in raising money this year.

Head Boy Team

School Lost Property ServiceThe school operates a Lost Property Service, the co-ordinator for which is Mr McKinney. The unclaimed lost property has been a growing concern to us and amounts to considerable replacement expenses for parents. The arrangements are as follows:

1. The Lost Property Room is located near the gym, next to the playground entrance.

2. The room is open on three days each week: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.45am to 9.00am.

3. The room already contains a wide range of items including; glasses, pencil cases, watches, sports kits (including boots and trainers), trousers, jackets, coats, calculators and keys.

4. MOST of the lost property is unnamed. This means that we cannot return the lost items to their owners.

5. If your son has lost an item, please remind him to go to the Lost Property Room at the stated time.

6. At the end of each term, unclaimed lost property will be given to local charities.

7. Please ensure that all items of personal property (clothing, bags, shoes, equipment etc) have your son’s name on them. Where names are included, we are able to return items to their owners.

Any queries relating to items of lost property should be directed to Mr McKinney.

Nuntius - Wirral Grammar School for Boys...Bardale School is a brand new school in Mfuleni township...

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