Birchwood Update 19/03/2018
- Josie Evans
- Mar 19, 2018
- 14 min read
Birchwood Update week Commencing 19/3/18
Keeping your child safe.
We want to support parents and carers to keep children safe in school, at home and in our community. There is lots of information and guidance available to help parents, carers and schools.
Each week, we will look at a different aspect of safeguarding and provide you with the latest guidance available. This week we look at Drugs and Alcohol. Click here to find out the latest guidance from the NSPCC.
What a great week for Birchwood….so much good news to share!
HUGE congratulations to our Year 10 team who came runners up at the regional final of the Ryman Enterprise Challenge.
The team got through to the last nine out of 190 teams from across the North West and were invited to the regional final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Tuesday evening. The evening involved each team “pitching” their stationery product to over 100 guests including learners, teachers and family members from other Warrington schools plus a panel of three judges from Chester University and the wider business world. Niamh, Josh, Charlie, Emily, Mollie and Cory, all from 10KO, gave a very confident and polished performance and impressed the judges with their innovative product called the “Smartbox”, which is a mail order service for stationery items delivered straight to your door. The team produced a marketing campaign including an in store display, social media competition and YouTube video to show off their creative skills to full effect.
ITV2 magician Ben Hanlin hosted the event. Guests enjoyed a buffet reception and an inspirational speech from Errol Lawson, a self- made entrepreneur who came from a troubled and disadvantaged background. The key message of the night was that we can be a success if we get out of our comfort zones, work hard and aim high.
Our Year 10 learners each received an Amazon voucher and a framed certificate. They now go on to the national final in Telford on 4 July where they will compete against teams from across the county for a chance to be crowned the national winners. The judging panel will include Theo Paphitis, founder of Rymans Stationery Store and former Dragon from BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
We wish them lots of luck in the final stage.
Rhianna gets her big break on TV and radio in Year 12
In February, we reported that one of our college students, Rhianna Bibby in Year 12, had been offered much coveted work experience at BBC Radio Manchester over at Media City.
Rhianna’s brief was to write and present a sports news report on BBC Radio Manchester.
She had 40 hours to complete the task working with her mentor, Mark Crossley, who presents a show on BBC Radio Manchester.
On Thursday last week, Rhianna had her big moment. She was interviewed live on Radio Manchester about her experience on the early morning breakfast show. Rhianna then appeared live on the afternoon Ted Robinson show to present her report. Finally, she appeared on North West Tonight on BBC1 again to talk about her experience. What a day!
Rhianna was terrified at the prospect of live presenting but she was terrific. We are all so proud of her. Rhianna’s mum, who is especially proud, said that she couldn’t believe how much confidence Rhianna has gained since her GCSEs and joining Birchwood College.
UKMT Team Maths Challenge, St Edward’s College, Liverpool
Last Tuesday, a team of our best mathematicians, Jacob in 8NI, James in 8CI, Jacob in 9PC and Erika in 9WG, took part in the regional finals of the UKMT Team Maths Challenge at St Edward’s College in Liverpool.
Learners completed four rounds of maths problems. First, a group round working as a team to answer 10 questions. Second, a “Crossnumber” round, where teams had to work in pairs complete a numbers based crossword communicating with other pairs only by asking them to solve a particular clue. Next was a shuttle round, where the team again worked in pairs to solve four sets of four problems without communication. And finally, the team completed a fast and furious relay round with each pair solving as many problems as they could in 45 minutes.
Mr Speak who accompanied the learners said, “The team worked really well together and were displayed some excellent maths skills”.
The team finished eighth out of 25 teams, who representing some of the best state and private schools in the region. A great result.
Action for Climate Week
On Wednesday 15th March, thirteen of our high ability learners from Year 9 took part in Action for Climate Week 2018, hosted at Chester University.
Learners took part in a fun filled afternoon with a wide range of activities to help them understand the threats to our world, and how we can reduce their impact on the planet. Activities included Top Trumps Transport, Geography Blockbusters and Exploring Natural Disasters. In the final activity, learners competed individually against learners from other schools in an online geography quiz.
Zara in 9CM was the overall winner of the quiz and the top five winners were made up of four Birchwood learners. Well done to all the learners who took part.
Cheshire Indoor Athletics Championships
Last Wednesday, six year 8 boys travelled to Ellesmere Port Sports Village to take part in the Cheshire Schools Indoor Athletic Championship representing both Birchwood and Warrington.
It was a great team effort by the boys with individual outstanding successes from Aleksander and Ortega in the 8 lap relay and a valiant effort from Luke who finished 2nd in the gruelling 6 lap event.
Our boys also did well in other field events but full results are not with us yet.
Our team finished 3rd overall out of all Cheshire schools competing so a huge well done to Thomas in 8CI, Ortega in 8NH, Ethan in 8NI, Charlie in 8AE, Aleksander in 8LW and Luke in 8CI
A taste of Fame at the Brindley
A number of our learners spread their performing wings last week as they took part in a production of Fame at The Brindley Theatre in Runcorn.
The theatre is known locally for its great shows and this one is no exception. Mr McCabe and Ms Walsh who attended the Friday show to support our learners said, “We are very proud of all our learners who were in the show. Especially Edward who played Nick and Ellie who stole the show as Carmen!”
A big well done and thank you for upholding our school’s great reputation for performing arts to Erin in 11CA, Ellie, Sophie and Megan in 11KF, Beth and Jamie in 10KO, Ieuan in 8NI and Edward in 12ST
Solo success at Liverpool Hope
Well done to Erin and Hannah, both from 11CA, who performed with the Liverpool Hope University Concert Band. Erin sang a wonderful solo and Hannah played brilliant saxophone solo.
Mrs Bryan who attended the event to support our performers said, “The quality of the girl’s performance was wonderful. They were confident and able and their ability shone out amongst the professional swing orchestra.”
Go4Set STEM event at Daresbury Laboratory
Last Tuesday, Mrs Diamond took ten Year 8 and Year 9 learners to Daresbury Laboratory for the launch of this year's Go4SET project.
Over the next 10 weeks, learners will be working with engineers from Findel and Kier to design and present their ideas for an improved train station at Padgate, and an eco-friendly factory in China.
The engineers and staff at Daresbury were impressed with our learners' teamwork, attitude and creativity.
Well done to our Year 8 team - Daniel 8NI, Eliza 8CI, Megan 8AD, Jake and Danny Metcalfe, 8AE, and our Year 9 team - Martha 9EP, Niamh and Jacob 9PC, Pedro and Michael 9MJ.
The KS3 Maths Problem Solving Challenge
The winner of last week’s challenge was Jake Whitehouse from 8AE with the answer 750cm2 . Well done Jake! We had 17 correct answers all gaining 3 points.
This week’s challenge is
Answers should be taken to Mr Ashcroft on a sheet of paper, showing your full working out for the answer.
Fair Trade Fortnight
For the past two weeks, to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, Year 7 learners have sold Fairtrade produce at break time.
The stall raised £200 for Fairtrade projects which aim to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions and to promote sustainable farming to help the environment. Well done to all those involved for all their hard work.
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 for current Year 10 learners
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
Payment schedule for this trip is:
27 April - 2nd payment - £150
23 November - Balance Due
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 Residential Trip to Conwy Centre, Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 April 2018
For those Year 7 learners who will be going on the residential to Conway after Easter, an ‘Information for parents and carers’ booklet will be sent out this week regarding everything you need to know in preparation for the trip.
Year 8
Congratulations to 8AE who were the winners of the Year 8 National Careers Week competition.
Learners came up with the most job roles in our school (apart from teachers!) including: IT Manager, Receptionist, School Nurse, Teaching assistants, Caretakers, Cooks, Cleaners, Business Manager, Finance Assistant, Science Technicians and Headteacher’s PA!
The competition was organised by Mrs Morris, our school Careers Adviser, to help learners to think of the many different jobs/careers, which exist starting in our own school.
8AE all received a well-deserved sweet treat for their efforts.
Year 9
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.
Year 10
Year 10 – Skills North West Event City Manchester
On Wed 21 March, we are planning to take all year 10 learners to the Skills North West at Event City. They will get chance to find out more about post 16 options including college, apprenticeships and university and will also have the opportunity to try out different skills e.g. presenting the news, decorating Easter Eggs, using a tail lift on a truck and riding a mechanical horse!
This is an important part of the Careers Curriculum and will give learners the opportunity to find out about the many pathways after Year 11 as they have to stay in education or training until the age of 18.
Learners brought a letter home from school a few weeks ago giving further details and the reply slip and consent form were due in to the school office last week. Learners must wear full school uniform, be fully equipped for lessons 1 and 2 and bring a packed lunch or order one from the school kitchen by the end of Monday if entitled to free school meals.
The event is also open to parents/family members. For information see here
A copy of the letter can be found here
If you have any questions about the event please get in touch with Mrs R Morris Careers Adviser or Ms L Gilchrist.
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.
For the full timetable, please see here
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.
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
Year 11
Important careers information and guidance for Year 11 learners
All Year 11 learners should now have made some plans for after year 11. According to the Government, young people must stay in education or training until at least the age of 18. See the information here
They must do one of the following:
stay in full-time education, for example at a college/6th form
start an apprenticeship or traineeship
spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
It is possible to get financial help with education costs. In England, you can apply for a 16 to 19 Bursary Fund to help with education costs – this is means tested. Please see here
If you are eligible for Child benefit, this will continue if your child stays in education. You will need to inform the CBA about this.If your child starts an apprenticeship, then you will not be eligible for Child Benefit as they will receive a wage.
Apprenticeships
The following companies are currently recruiting:
Nuvia -http://www.nuvia.co.uk/careers-apprentices-design.asp (closing date 16/3/18)
Volvo – HGV technician
Kone – Engineering
United Utilities – Science
Mercedes Benz – Light Vehicle Maintenance
Barratt Homes – Engineering and Design
Daresbury Labs – Engineering
Atos – IT Software Development
All these and more vacancies are advertised here
Even if your child is keen to get an apprenticeship, it is still a good idea to apply for a college place as a back-up.
Birchwood College offers our Internship Placement Programme. This is a specially tailored educational pathway, which allows the student to learn at college whilst completing a placement at a partner organisation, allowing a more hands-on learning experience. For more information, contact Mr Burrows, Head of College at cburrows@birchwoodhigh.org.
Warrington and Vale Royal College is also an option as they offer both apprenticeships and full time courses.
If your child requires any assistance with securing a place in education, training or an apprenticeship please get in touch with our Careers Adviser, Mrs R Morris rmorris@birchwoodhigh.org asap.
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.
For a full copy of the summer exam timetable see here
Important date for your Diary
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.
For the full timetable, please see here
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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