Birchwood Update 5/03/2018
- Josie Evans
- Mar 6, 2018
- 12 min read
Birchwood Update week Commencing 5/3/18
World Book Day
Last Thursday we celebrated World Book Day as the English department asked staff to dress as book characters to entertain our learners. We had Juliet, without her Romeo, The Queen of Hearts, Sherlock Holmes, The Queen of Dragons and a whole pack of Dalmatians in our office, to mention but a few.
Miss Dempsey, Head of English, or Alice as she was on the day, also hosted a Mad Hatter tea party for selected learners to celebrate their hard work and attitude to English.
Alongside Alice, the White Rabbit (Mrs Bryan) and the Queen of Hearts (Mrs Dickin) served tarts and cupcakes. The tables were dressed beautifully and fancy dress props were provided for the learners. It was a lovely gesture, which the learners really enjoyed and a fantastic reward for a great attitude to learning.
Thank you to the English department for your efforts; it was a great day.
Cerys hits the catwalk
Cerys in 9WG had an exciting weekend lately as she hit the catwalk, strutting her stuff as a professional model when she was selected to Model at London and Milan fashion week.
Cerys, who signed up last year to a modelling and acting agency has really had her dreams come true. She was an extra on the second series of ‘Victoria’ and ‘The Worst Witch’ after which she was offered a speaking part in ‘The 4 O’Clock Club’ for CBBC.
Cerys loves to act, but was also flattered and excited when asked to model, particularly as it took her to Milan, the centre of Italian style.
When the designers chose Cerys said she was nervous but excited and the adventure didn’t disappoint as she got a taste of the whirlwind lifestyle of a top model, flight delays and all!
Asked which she preferred, acting or modelling, Cerys said she loved both but maybe acting a little more. However, she did enjoy wearing the glamorous designer clothing and working with the top models who taught her how to walk on the catwalk.
Cerys obviously made an impression as she has other modelling jobs booked in the near future
Cerys’ mum who travelled to the shows with her said “she did absolutely amazing on both runways for London and Milan Fashion week, I was so proud.”
We are proud of Cerys too; she is a confident and determined young lady who is sure to succeed in whatever she does.
Our half term residential trips were a great success
Ski Austria 2018
On Friday 16 February, 22 learners and 3 staff set off for Austria on a 26 hour coach journey. The ferry crossing was smooth and thankfully, travel sickness wasn’t an issue. Upon arrival at the hotel, (Gasthof Neuhäusl) leaners settled into their rooms and we had our evening meal together.
Day 1 of skiing went well. For leaners that had been before, it was a chance to find their feet, while the beginners got their first chance to see the mountains they would be skiing on for the rest of the week. The evening saw the hotly anticipated quiz night! For the 3rd year running, the year 11 boys’ team won.
Day 2 the sun came out. The views from the top of the mountain were amazing and looked like something off a film set. The evening activity was an alpine rollercoaster called the Lucky Flitzer. There was lots of screaming and laughter and that was just from Mr Cowdell and Mr Neil!
Day 3 saw both beginner groups progress from the nursery slope to the mountain. The first time getting on a chair lift can be a little daunting but they handled it well. The evening activity was a trip to the local swimming pool where there was an outdoor pool, wave machine and a few slides. One of which did a full 360 degree loop!
Day 4 and there were some tired legs and faces. We took a trip to Flachauwinkl, an area renowned for its ski parks. Some of the groups got to ski over some box tops and attempted some of the smaller jumps. After our evening meal, we took a trip to the Dampfkessel, a bar at the bottom of the main slope where there was an opportunity to dance and party until the early hours, well 9PM as that was closing time.
Day 5, last day on the slopes and a long journey home ahead of us. We loaded the coach up after tea and set off at 6pm. We arrived back at school a little after 6:30 on Friday 23rd to lots of parents greeting us in the car park.
All learners behaved brilliantly while on the trip and we would gladly take them all on next year’s adventure.
See our photos on the gallery page here
‘New York, New York really is a wonderful town’ say our Media learners
During half term, 40 learners and students embarked on an American adventure to New York as part of a Media Studies visit to witness one of the film capitals of the world.
After the early start at Manchester Airport and the rigorous checks at JFK security, the fun began with a tour of Times Square at night.
The following day began with breakfast at Ellen’s Diner with show tunes performed as they served our coffee. A trip over the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty was followed by an emotional visit to the One World Trade Centre memorial and the 9/11 museum.
Wall Street was next on the itinerary as well as spotting the sites of a number of famous Blockbuster films.
Our third day began with viewing New York from the Top of the Rock and our first look at the Empire State Building. 5th Avenue and Central Park were favourites with the students as they were able to treat themselves to mementoes from the Nintendo Store and Sephora.
A group meal at Planet Hollywood allowed us to see costumes and props from films shot in New York ranging from Ghostbusters to Nightmare on Elm Street. A magical “comedy show” completed an intense day.
A relaxed day of shopping at Macys and visiting Madison Square Garden completed a successful and exhausting few days in the Big Apple. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the trip despite the turbulent plane ride back to Manchester!
For photographs from the visit, see our gallery here
Design a bag for Aldi
Mrs Ikin, in conjunction with Aldi are asking for Year 7 and 8 learners to get creative and design a reusable bag that will inspire people to eat fresh fruit and veg. The winner will see their bag on sale in Aldi stores. The concept of the bag is twofold healthy eating and solving the world problem with plastics.
If you would like to enter the competition, collect an entry form from Mrs Ikin in D10, which must then be returned by Monday 23 April at the very latest.
For more details on the competition see here
Media Studies tour to Prague 14-17 February 2019
We are excited to be proposing a school tour to Prague to support our curriculum plans for Media Studies pupils and enhance learning experiences within the school.
The visit will depart 14 February 2019 returning 17 February 2019, 4 days and 3 nights. The cost of the visit is £375.00 per pupil, which includes:
Return flights
Accommodation- Hotel Olsanka on a bed and breakfast basis
Group travel insurance
Overseas transfers
Guided Visit to Barrandov Film Studios
Guided Visit to Radio Free Europe
There are 20 places available for the visit and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
To secure a place for your child on this trip, a non-refundable deposit of £125 is required, along with the completed permission slip by Friday 16th March. A further non-refundable payment of £125 is required by Friday 4th May, followed by a final payment of the remaining balance of £125 by Friday 7th December. Interim payments can be made between the dates outlined above.
The trip letter that was sent out can be found here
Years 8 - 12, Ski residential trip to France, Friday 15 February – Friday 22 February 2019
Letters are available at the school office, for learners in years 8 - 12, who are interested in taking part in this successful residential trip to the French Alps in the resort called Villard De Lans. This traditional resort offers 130km of downhill skiing, providing more than enough variety for even the most advanced of our skiers. The cost of the course to France is £899 which is payable in instalments The price includes coach travel, ferry crossings, full board accommodation, five hours of ski coaching each day, lift pass, equipment hire and evening entertainment.
For a copy of the letter with booking details see here.
Payment schedule for this trip is:
2 March - Deposit of £100
27 April - 2nd payment - £150
23 November - Balance Due
Years 10 -12, Geography residential trip to the Bay of Naples, Saturday 20 October – Thursday 25 October 2018
The letter regarding this trip can be found here
20 April - 2nd payment - £225
6 July - Balance Due - £225
Be Active at BCHS
At BCHS we aim to offer a full range of extra-curricular activities which will appeal to a wide spectrum of interests, both before and after school and also at lunchtimes. For a full timetable of all the activities available, please see the timetables below:-
Year 7
Year 7 Performance Review Evening Thursday 8 March 3.00pm – 7.00pm
Please book now for this valuable event so as not to be disappointed.
This event gives you the opportunity to speak with your child’s subject staff to discuss progress and achievement at a vital stage in their school life.
details on how to book can be found here .
we hope to see you all on the evening.
Year 7 Residential Trip to Conwy Centre, Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 April 2018
Payment instalments are due on the following dates:
6 March 2018
3 April 2018
Year 8
Please be reminded that Guided Choices forms are due back to the main office by Friday 9 March.
Year 9
Please be reminded that Guided Choices forms are due back to the main office by Friday 9 March.
Year 9 Immunisations, Tuesday 17 April & Wednesday 18 April
Letters will be in form boxes today for all year 9, regarding immunisations for tetanus, diphtheria, Polio and Meningitis ACWY, which will take place on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 April. The immunisation is for both boys and girls. Please complete the enclosed consent form and send it back to the office in the envelope supplied before the 20th March. Thank you.
Getting Ready for KS4 Residential Trip to Lockerbie Manor 11 -13 July 2018.
Payment instalments are due on the following dates:
6 March 2018
3 April 2018
Year 10
Summer Examination information
All learners in Year 10 will have received their initial summer 2018 Individual Candidate Timetable which details the dates and times of all exams they will be sitting this year. Please check this document with your child to see when their exam takes place. Also be aware that the name that appears on their Individual Candidate Timetable is the name that will appear on their exam certificates, if this is not their legal name please inform the exams officer, Mrs Kinnaird at JKinnaird@birchwoodhigh.org.
Year 10 GCSE Blood Brothers Theatre Trip – Palace Theatre, Manchester. Wednesday 16 May 2018
If your child has booked a place on this trip, please be aware that the remaining balance of £16 should be paid via Parentpay by Friday 23 March 2018
The trip will take place on Wednesday 16 May 2018, leaving school at 5.45.
Year 10 Performance Review Evening Thursday 1 March 3.30pm – 7.00pm
This event gives you the opportunity to speak with your child’s subject staff to discuss progress and achievement at a vital stage in their school life.
Your child will be bringing home a letter with regard to booking an appointment for this valuable event, which can be found here and we hope to see you all on the evening.
A date for Your diary - Year 10 English Literature Mock will take place on the afternoon of 15 March
A message from our English Department
York notes revision guides will be available to purchase through the school shop on the school’s website, here, from Monday 4th December. All guides are priced at £2.40 each and learners will be able to collect the revision guides from their English teachers.
For Year 10 classes the guides required are:
A Christmas Carol
Blood Brothers
Macbeth
Getting Ready for KS4 Residential Trip to Lockerbie Manor 11 -13 July 2018.
Payment instalments are due on the following dates:
6 March 2018
3 April 2018
Year 11
Summer Examination information
All learners in Year 11 will have received their initial summer 2018 Individual Candidate Timetable which details the dates and times of all exams they will be sitting in May/June this year. Please check this document with your child to see when the first and last exams take place. Also be aware that the name that appears on their Individual Candidate Timetable is the name that will appear on their exam certificates, if this is not their legal name please inform the exams officer, Mrs Kinnaird at JKinnaird@birchwoodhigh.org.
Important date for your Diary
Monday 12 March - Friday 16 March - Year 11 core subject Mocks, see timetable below
Friday 15 June – Year 11 Celebration Assembly following on from the GCSE Physics exam
Thursday 5 July - Year 11 Prom at The Hallmark Hotel, Warrington
A message from our English Department
York notes revision guides will be available to purchase through the school shop on the school’s website, here, from Monday 4th December. All guides are priced at £2.40 each and learners will be able to collect the revision guides from their English teachers.
For Year 10 classes the guides required are:
A Christmas Carol
Blood Brothers
Romeo and Juliet
Birchwood College
Summer Examination information
All students in Year 12 and 13 will have received their initial summer 2018 Individual Candidate Timetable which details the dates and times of all exams they will be sitting in May/June this year. Please check this document with your child to see when the first and last exams take place. Also be aware that the name that appears on their Individual Candidate Timetable is the name that will appear on their exam certificates, if this is not their legal name please inform the exams officer, Mrs Kinnaird at JKinnaird@birchwoodhigh.org.
Other School information:
We would like to hear your views about our school so we can share these with OFSTED
We are asking for your support so that we are aware of your views about our school. It will also help us to prepare for our next OFSTED visit which is due this academic year. Thank you to all parents and carers who have already filled the online form in. We have had 18 responses so far and all parents have said that their children feel safe and happy at school. We would love more views though! Please read and fill in the online form below.
Parent View is an online facility launched by Ofsted in October 2011 that allows parents and carers to give their views about their child’s school at any time of the school year. The questionnaire is also the main mechanism for parents to give their views to inspectors about their child’s school at the time of a school inspection. If you are a registered parent or carer of a pupil at the school, you can tell us your views about the school by completing Ofsted’s online survey here.
E-Safety update
As ever, BCHS are always looking out for your child’s safety whilst online. Please find the latest guide for parents and children with regard to safe use of live streaming Apps.
As the guide says
“You can now broadcast from anywhere in the world, to anywhere in the world for free using the device in your pocket.”
So please read the guide found here, and keep your child safe
View your child’s information on your mobile phone or tablet, a great new way to keep in touch.
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new service to make communications between school and home quicker, easier and more effective.
You will be able to view information about your child or children securely on your mobile phone or tablet using the Groupcall Xpressions app.
Once you are set up you will be able to see information such as:
Free messages sent by the school delivered to the app
Attendance and absence information
Attitude to learning (“ATL”) scores for each lesson.
Daily/Weekly timetable information
The app is completely free of charge to you and supports Apple iOS and Android devices (with Windows mobile to follow).
In order to use the app school must have your correct mobile number and email address on our school system. Forms are available from the school office to check and update your details or you can simply email them to the school. You’ll need to make sure you keep these details up to date in future to maintain access to the service.
You can download the app by searching for “Xpressions” in the App Store or on Google Play. Once the app is downloaded, simply follow the on screen instructions.
We hope that you take advantage of this new service, which has replaced our ParentsLive system. If you have any issues or need to know more please contact Mr O’Reilly here at school on aoreilly@birchwoodhigh.org
Children on site out of school hours
As a Community School, we welcome clubs and booked activities to use our facilities and school grounds outside the school day. We have become aware though that there are groups of both learners and ex learners on site in the evenings. Please make your child aware that learners are only allowed on site after the school day, if they are part of an organised and booked group. Thank you for your co-operation.
School Nurse: Please note that the school nurse comes into school every Wednesday from 12.15- 1.30pm and is available in the BSR Mentoring Room if any learners or students have any health related issues they would like to discuss.
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