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TAKING
Stockport Grammar
School Newsletter
Stock Issue 54
Summer 2013
ON YOUR MARKS CAN WE FIX IT? NEXT STOP, UNIVERSITY INTREPID CLIMBERS
Year 6 train with Bob the Builder's creator Pupils on course for Mountaineering in
cycling coaches inspires pupils top universities Snowdonia
Page 9 Page 12 Page 13 Page 16
Drama / Music
LET THE SHOW BEGIN
SHAKESPEARE SELL-OUT
Forty Senior School pupils took to the
stage over two nights in March to perform
in a breathtaking sell-out production of
Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Directed by Head of Drama Mrs Moffatt
and stage-managed by Mrs Johnson,
the production was also supported by
twenty five pupils and staff who
worked tirelessly as part of costume,
props, makeup, lighting, front of
house, filming, backstage, set and
sound teams.
The lead characters were played
brilliantly by Upper and Middle School
pupils, including Alex Cosgriff’s strong
depiction of Prospero and Will Spence’s
excellent, savage portrayal of Caliban.
Younger pupils hauntingly played the
spirits and the Ariel Ensemble.
SEVENTIES CLASSIC
Outstanding acting and production Classics plays are a regular fixture
made the Classics department’s in the spring calendar, this being
staging of Euripides’ Greek tragedy the eighth production following
The Bacchae a great success. The Persians, Medea, Agamemnon,
Oedipus, Hippolytus, Antigone and
Performed over three nights, the play Trojan Women.
retold the 2,500 year-old story, but
with a Seventies edge, with outrageous BRINGING LATIN TO LIFE
costumes and a catchy soundtrack.
In other Classics activities, Fourth Year
Remarkable performances from leads
pupils Ben Adshead, Oliver Nolan,
Marcus Hodson and Will Spence were
Simon Fraser and Alex Hine
supported by Alex Cosgriff, Nick Dove,
represented the school in the local
Meredith Ellis and a chorus of Katie
Latin Scrabble tournament. The boys
Goodwin, Maddie Garton, Kim St Clair,
were playing against teams of older
Lisa Font and Catherine Whatley. The
students and so did extremely well to
play also featured teachers Mr Masters
finish second and third in their
and Mr Russell as special guest stars.
respective games. Second Year pupils
Off stage, a crew of over 25 pupils and
Ammar Nassier and Dan Orechoff won
staff joined costume, technical support,
the North West Schools Latin reading
lighting, props, make-up, choreography
competition against nine other schools.
and front of house teams to add a
professional finish to the show, while
the Maintenance department once
again designed and constructed
an impressive set – all under the
directorship of Head of Classics
Mr Thorley.
2 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
Drama / Music
OH What a Knight!
The Junior School’s production of Beatrice Bullough, Jack Piper, Emilio
medieval mirth What a Knight! Ramirez, Andrew Corcoran and Harry
played to audiences of family, friends, Matthews.
staff and Governors over two nights.
Featuring a strong cast of almost During a week of rehearsals, five of
seventy Year 6 pupils, the musical the production’s off-stage crew, Ethan
told the story of young squire Watt Howgate, Lorenzo Di Santo, Jack
Cobblers who is expelled from knight Buchanan, Sam Dullehan and Harvey
school, reluctantly becomes Merlin’s Jones were equipped with notepads,
new apprentice and the adventures cameras and laptops as they reported
that follow. Directed by Drama teacher from behind-the-scenes for a special
Mrs Sullivan, the production’s lead daily blog which attracted nearly 2,000
characters were brilliantly played hits from all over the world and as far
by James Nichols, Phoebe Roberts, away as Ecuador.
TALENTED BUNCH
The annual Vernon Show took
place in April showcasing
talented pupils singing, dancing
and performing comedy
sketches. The boys and girls
staged two packed lunchtime
shows raising £538 for the
House charities. The audience
were treated to performances
ranging from Lara O’Donoghue
and Georgia Burns’s beautiful
acoustic version of Mumford THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC
& Sons’ The Cave to Fourth An evening of wonderful music marked the beginning of the Summer Term
Year Shakeel Ahmed’s amazing and entertained another sell-out audience. The string orchestra provided a
breakdance routine. Leina lively opening to the concert with Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, followed
Warburton’s moving version of by sparkling performances from the Big Band and the school’s two jazz
The Climb left the audience groups. Pergolesi’s Magnificat and Handel’s Messiah exhibited the pupils’
dewy-eyed before an expert beautiful choral singing.
cover of the Kraftwerk hit
The Model was played by Alfie Next up on the music calendar was the Leavers’ Concert featuring Junior Band,
Eastwick, Andrew Millar, Ted Concert Band, Wind Orchestra, First Orchestra, Junior Singers, Brass Ensemble,
Booth and Spencer Hewitt. Second Orchestra and Leavers’ Ensemble. The musicians played to another
full house and showcased a wide range of musical styles and exceptional
Mr Ehegartner and Mr Thorley talent, the Wind Orchestra playing Skyfall with a captivating
staged a multimedia version solo performance from vocalist Natalie Clarke. There were
of the theme from Skyfall plenty more film themes to enjoy, with the Concert Band
before the Upper Sixth playing John Williams’s Star Wars theme and the First
Formers' Finale. A superb Orchestra performing the dramatic music from Lord of
performance of Stevie the Rings and Jurassic Park.
Wonder's Superstition,
fronted by lead singer and These concerts were swiftly followed by an entertaining
bass player Harry Vernon lunchtime Strings Recital in which pupils from
came complete with across the Senior School performed to
Seventies costumes, parents, friends and music staff.
a full backing band and
singers and had the Musicians then went straight into
audience clapping rehearsals for the summer Music Tour
and singing in Barcelona. Read all about it in the
along. next issue...
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 3
Sport
SPORTING CHANCE SABRE STAR
After winning a Gold in
the British Youth Fencing
Championship Qualifiers in
March, First Year pupil Tais
Higham went on to compete
in the British Youth Fencing
Championships in May, coming
15th in her weapon, the sabre.
Tais, who only took up the
sport last September when
she joined the school and
attended Fencing Club, is
thrilled with her success:
“I always wanted to try
Fencing and thought it
would be cool to have a go!
My coach thinks I should
WINNING ATHLETES be able to fence for England
Fabulous results in the opening with progression to the and has told me I can set
weeks of the season in league regional finals. We look my sights on the Olympics –
events and mid-week competition forward to reporting on this it’s great to have something
to work towards
set the ball rolling for success in our next edition.
and it would be
for SGS in the English Schools
amazing if I
Athletics Cup. Teacher in charge of Athletics,
could get there.”
Mrs Wilkinson said:
A squad of 28 pupils competed in
“We are incredibly proud of
the Greater Manchester round of
their efforts, tenacity and
the competition in a very promising sheer determination in putting
and enjoyable day, which saw both Stockport Grammar Athletics
the boys' and girls' squads named on the map.”
outright winners of their section,
U14s TOURNAMENT WIN
The U14s netball squad added some Hannah Hughes, Katie Clarke,
more silverware to the school trophy Seun Odusanya, Penny Bowring
cabinet when they won the Stonyhurst and Olivia Hurst won their games
College tournament, beating all against Sedbergh (10-4), The Grange
seven teams they played against. (5-2), Rossall (14-1), Oakhill (12-0),
Rachel Fitzsimmons, Lydia Taylor, Stonyhurst (6-4), Cheadle Hulme
Ellen Mobley, Niamh Morgan, (10-5) and Giggleswick (13-2).
Captain Rachel Fitzsimmons said:
“All the girls have worked hard
this season. We played great
together and I am so proud of
the whole squad.”
The U16s and U13s teams also
played well on the day, both finishing
third in their respective age group
competitions.
4 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
Sport
Rugby ROUND-UP
U16s REACH FINAL
After a tremendous season, the
U16s rugby squad reached the
Cheshire Schools Cup Final following
a comprehensive 36-0 win against
Wirral Grammar in the semi-final.
A hat-trick from Will Hanson as well
as tries from Marcus Jones, Ben
Stollery and Alex Provan helped
secure the big win, with successful
conversions from Marcus and Alex
Isle of Man Tour
The U13s and U14s rugby squads The U14s were outstanding in their
adding to the scoreline.
spent a successful weekend playing first game against King William’s,
matches on the Isle of Man, and winning 35-12 with a hat-trick from
The boys beat Bridgewater High
won all their games. Based at King captain George Chatterton.
31-7 and St Ambrose College 67-5
William’s College, both squads
during their campaign in the 25 team played against the hosting team on They had a closer game against
competition. They were unable to the Friday and Castle Rushen High Castle Rushen, but Jaimal Brown’s
beat opponents Lymm High in the on the Saturday. hat-trick and another try from
final but the team were deserving George Chatterton finally secured
of their prestigious runner-up title In their first game, the U13s beat a 20-15 victory against a very
in both the Cheshire Cup and the King William’s 21-7, then in one competitive home side, with
UCLAN Floodlit Cup. of their best performances of George being awarded Best U14s
the season, the boys beat Castle Player of the Tour.
Rushen 54-0 in glorious sunshine
Our thanks go to Beeley
with a hat-trick from George
& Co Solicitors for their
Robinson.
kit sponsorship during the
2012-13 season.
ENGLAND CALL-UPS
James Gilboy and Tom Morton are the
latest SGS Rugby players to have been
picked to play for England.
Fifth Year pupil James was selected
for England Rugby U16s after he
impressed the selectors while playing
for Cheshire and the North. Attending
a national U16s training camp over
February half-term he was selected for
the full England squad, playing for his
country in their games against Italy
and Wales.
Tom hopes to follow in the footsteps Mr Corbett said:
Sixth Former Tom’s outstanding
of Old Stopfordian James Flynn,
performances for the North U18s led “James and Tom are hugely
who represented England Clubs and
to him being picked for the England talented individuals who have
Schools during his last year at school shown great commitment and
U18 Clubs and Schools squad, which
and then went straight on to make his dedication towards their sport.
he represented during two training
debut for the Sale Sharks first team Their selection will hopefully be
weekends in March before playing
last November. an inspiration to other rugby
for his country against Ireland. He
players in the school.”
was then selected to play for the
U17s in France.
5
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs
Sport
Cricket
Last year’s U14s County Cup
winners represented Cheshire
in the second round of the
Lord’s Taverners National U15s
Cup after a comprehensive
82-run win away at Yorkshire
champions, Driffield School.
The boys scored 218 for five in
their 30 overs against Driffield
with impressive innings from
George Francis and Ned Barlow
supporting captain Mark Orpen’s
outstanding 111.
Hockey Heroes Ned also took three vital
wickets and was supported by
This year saw some magnificent hockey played across the school. accurate bowling from Simon
Fraser and Alfie Earith to
First XI restrict the home side to 136.
The First XI rounded off their season Lauren Hunt, a member of the SGS
Speaking about the boys’
by winning the Greater Manchester U14s National Finals squad, was
campaign, U15s coach
Schools U18s tournament. selected for an England U15s training
Mr Moore said:
camp in May. Lauren can look for
Storming victories in the early rounds inspiration from her older sister Holly, "Mark’s was a superb
resulted in an amazing superior who has also been picked for the captain’s innings. A century
goal difference of +21 from their England U16s this year. is a rare event in schools’
five games, leaving them top of cricket and he is already
the table at the end of the round making an impact in the
Top Five Finish
robin competition. With only one First XI this season. The
A third-place finish in the National way that the boys made
goal conceded across the games,
Hockey Championships means that the the step up to national
goalkeeper Martha Watson kept an
U14s can lay claim to being fifth-best competition was a credit
almost clean sheet.
in their age group in the country, and to them."
the very best in the north of England.
Games teacher in charge of hockey,
Congratulations to captain Georgina Mark isn’t our only recent
Miss Withington said:
Dare and the rest of the team on what centurion – Second Year pupil
“The girls were truly magnificent was a memorable run to the finals Ben Jones notched 110 runs
.... Lily Harrison led by example and an experience which will help for our U13s XI in a 51-run win
as captain and Lara Knowles, drive the team onto further success against King’s Macclesfield at
Emily Spencer and Sophie Hall in future years. the end of April.
also made massive contributions.
Hannah Keegan and Ellen
McPherson can take credit for
Champion of
a large number of the goals.” the Future
Fifth Year pupil Meghan Myers
England Call-ups has been officially recognised as a
Following a tough selection process, ‘champion of the future’ by Hockey for
Fifth Year pupil Emily Spencer has Life Leisure. Meghan has been chosen
been chosen to play for the England for her achievements, her dedication
U18s later this year. Emily has been and commitment to the sport and for
attending training camps and played being a great role model.
in tournaments already, and follows
school First XI goalkeeper Martha
Watson who represented England
U18s last year and has gone on to
attend an U21s training camp.
6 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
Creative
GETTING
CREATIVE
SGS Does
Masterchef
Fourth Year pupil Francesca
Bailey was named SGS
Masterchef 2013 Champion
by judges from top Cheshire
restaurant The Grill on the Edge.
Artists Exhibit... Francesca also won the Middle
School trophy for her salmon
On a lovely sunny evening in May, the The pupils have also been able to
dish followed by a chocolate
Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Wendy use various trips as source material,
pot dessert. She took home a
Meikle was joined by staff, Governors from the Religious Studies visit
£75 voucher for The Grill on
and Bursary Fund donors for a to Auschwitz, the Art tour in the
the Edge where her dish will be
preview of the GCSE, AS and A2 Art United States to London gallery
featured on the specials board
exhibitions. These exhibitions are the visits and architectural drawing
on the day of her visit.
culmination of the pupils’ coursework trips around Manchester.
and controlled tests and the amount
Last year's winner Emma
of work they put into the subject was Beyond the school exhibition rooms,
Winder was chosen as the
very much in evidence. The standard three pupils were selected to have
Lower School winner for her
of work was universally high, with their work displayed at The Lowry
Moroccan lamb steaks served
every pupil showing understanding of for this year’s Living Edge Schools
with roasted vegetables and
their chosen media, development of Art Competition; William Robinson
chickpea mash, followed by
their own personal style and a strong (U18), Martha Vernon (U16) and Bryn
pear and toffee sponge with
foundation in draughtsmanship. Pupils Rogers (U14). Some of the school’s
toffee sauce.
across the year groups are encouraged finest artists, Katherine Weeks,
to draw on personal experience Arabella Kasler and William Robinson,
As well as Francesca and
and the environment around them also had their work displayed on the
Emma’s winning plates, other
as well as looking at established Saatchi Gallery website.
contenders on the menu of
artists, resulting in very varied and
16 delicious dishes included
individual work.
teriyaki duck, chilli chocolate
cake and basil gnocchi. After
the winners were announced,
Head of Food Technology
Mrs Groves said:
“The standard of food really
does keep getting better
and better – and that’s why
we’re already really looking
forward to next year’s
competition!”
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 7
Junior School
Junior School Back
in time
Year 4 enjoyed a residential
visit to Murton Park, the
Living History Viking and
Tudor Village, to further develop
their topic work on invaders
and settlers.
The children, dressed up as
Vikings, were divided into
‘families’ and were given an
insight into Viking life. They
were taught about defence
alongside the daily chores.
Then, as dusk settled, in true
Viking style, the boys and girls
gathered around the open fire
in the Longhouse to listen to
Lief, the Lord of the village,
telling the story of Thor.
Charity Helicopter
The following day, the children
became Tudors, visiting the
Jets In
Tudor house where they
dressed up and made candles
and pomanders before learning
The boys and girls from the Junior to help transform the outdoor area about the origins of some
School had a thrilling morning, when at Wythenshawe Hospital’s Starlight modern-day English phrases
they were part of Key 103’s Cash Unit into a green oasis of calm for such as ‘sleep tight, mind the
for Kids Day. A week of fundraising young patients. As this was the largest bugs don't bite’, ‘costs an arm
activities for Wythenshawe Hospital’s amount raised by a school, five Year and a leg’ and ‘toddler’.
Starlight Unit culminated with a 5 children, along with Mr Milnes and
helicopter visit from Key 103 DJ Mike Mrs Hampson were invited to the Key The boys and girls enjoyed
Toolan, Coronation Street’s Georgia 103 studios. The children presented their experience:
May Foote and pop star Shayne Ward. a cheque to Breakfast Show DJs Mike
“It was amazing how
Landing on the school’s playing fields, and Chelsea before being allowed to
they reconstructed the
the special guests pick some songs for airplay and watch Viking village”
were greeted by all the children, the DJs in action. They even had a Isabel Marshall
from the Nursery right through to go at recording some links and had
Year 6. Each of the visitors answered a full tour of the Castlefield studios “We learnt all about Tudors
questions from the pupils, before before returning to school armed with and Vikings in a fun way”
signing autographs and whizzing off goodies and happy memories. Sam Carr
to continue their day of fundraising.
Kitt Henderson had a fantastic time:
Year 1 pupil Finn was “really excited
“I really enjoyed selling the jam
to meet someone from the radio and
for the charity – it was a pleasure,
see a helicopter in school!” and all the especially getting rewarded like
children enjoyed demonstrating their that! Watching the DJs, getting
dancing skills as the guests arrived. to try out the headphones and
After fundraising activities during meeting everyone was just
a week which included a ‘medical brilliant. I’d do anything to go
dress-up’ walk, first-aid relay races, back there!”
jam selling and a disco, the children
were proud to have raised £1082
8 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk
Junior School
On Your Marks...
Manchester Velodrome’s cycling Adam Gillespie said:
coaches paid a visit to the children in
“I thought it was great, with
Year 6 to introduce them to racing and
interesting challenges. I like the
inspire them to become cycling stars fact that we were racing and not
of the future. Delivered as part of just pottering around on bikes!”
British Cycling’s Go-Ride initiative, the
session focused on how to race, rather Daniyal Behiyat was another
than just ride a bicycle. big fan of the activity:
The coaches set up a course on the “I learned a great deal during
playing field and used a series of drills the session… The races were
to teach the children how to beat their fast, fun and exciting!”
competitors, ending with races and
time trials to leave them all itching to
try the sport again.
Up at the Mill
Children from Year 1 spent an
interesting day at Quarry Bank
Mill where they learnt all about
natural materials. As well as
having a fascinating tour of
the cotton mill, the children
also explored the woods to find
out about the materials which
grow there. All the boys and
Cross Country girls took part in tree-rubbing,
making collages and weaving.
The Junior School runners had plenty with the individuals and teams being
to celebrate as the Woodbank Park awarded medals and trophies after Conor Hallworth told us what he
cross country series came to an the final race. The races took place on enjoyed most about the day:
end, with ten year old Joe Davidson a tough, muddy course on Saturdays
winning the series and the Year 5 throughout the winter months, and “My favourite part was when
and 6 boys' teams finishing second in the committed boys and girls always we saw how cotton was
team placings. The Year 5 and 6 girls' rose to the challenge. made in the olden days.
It was really interesting.”
team ended well too, finishing third,
Going
Swimmingly
After success in the ESSA NW regional
heat where the boys' teams came
away with silver and bronze in the
freestyle and medley races, they
went on to compete against 23 other
teams in the National Final. The boys
did very well with the freestyle team
coming 9th and the medley
team coming 14th.
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 9
Junior School
Competitive Poetry
Entertaining and adventurous by Senior School English teacher
poetry performances from children and Head of First Year Mrs Lawson,
in every year group provided a who was tasked with the difficult
perfect end to Book Week. From job of picking the winners.
the Reception classes’ group
recitals through to the older Year 3 pupil Kate Horsley’s
pupils’ animated tales, the children articulate rendition of Richard
all performed their pieces with Edward’s Uncle Ted’s Tea saw her
confidence in front of a packed hall. win the Lower Juniors category;
and William McCluggage in
Walk Like
Year 6 Phoebe Roberts self-written 2RS won the Infants prize after an Egyptian
poem about her teachers being performing Charles Thomson’s Year 3 enjoyed a day of ancient
aliens from outer-space won the A Dragon in the Classroom, a Egyptian activities, which came as
Upper Juniors category, as judged particularly impressive recital due part of the year group’s work on
to its length! ancient Egypt. With fancy dress, lots
of imagination and activities based
around crafts, hieroglyphics and
mathematics, this added to the work
they had been doing in class during
the term.
A competition to build the highest
pyramid and an ‘archaeological dig’
added plenty of fun to an already-
exciting day, best summarised by
Talia Zelhof:
“We made scarab beetles out
of shining paper and we coloured
Hockey SELECTION Tutankhamun’s mask. I really
enjoyed it when we mummified
Three of Stockport Grammar Junior Before the Christmas break, Francesca dolls and when we were
School's best Year 6 hockey players, Cooke, along with fellow pupils detectives and explored a tomb.”
Pippa Brown, Francesca Cooke and Shivalika Takiar and Milly Cowell also
Sophie Douglas, have been selected attended the Greater Manchester U11s
for the prestigious Greater Manchester Hockey Development Course where,
U12s Development Squad. on the final day of their training, they
were lucky enough to meet Team GB's
Speaking about the girls' achievements, Olympic Bronze Medallist Nicola White.
Junior School PE and Games teacher
Mrs Nicholls said:
"We congratulate the girls for
their success in being selected.
It's a great achievement to
Safety First
have gained a place on the
Greater Manchester squad." The children in the Nursery
spent the morning learning
about fire safety when they
were visited by the local Fire
Service. They were also able
to climb aboard the fire engine
and look around the cabin,
before having the opportunity
to squirt the hose across the
school fields. The children learnt
some important lessons as well
as having lots of fun!
10 www.stockportgrammar.co.ukJunior School
Building in the Snow
The boys and girls in Year 6 had The strong construction remained
been learning about shelters in long after the snow on the ground
their Design Technology lessons so had melted and parent George
were thrilled to put their knowledge Murray said:
to the test, when they managed to
“It looked very impressive
build a fantastic igloo from a
and it was funny watching
sudden snowfall. the children queue
in line to go inside.”
Inspiring
Author
Christopher William Hill became
the latest author to entertain
the children when he dropped
by to talk to pupils in Years 5
and 6 about storylining and
character development.
After introducing his book
Osbert the Avenger, his first in
a series of four dark and grisly
Tales from Schwartzgarten,
Christopher revealed some of
London Calling the methods he uses to help
dream up such imaginative
characters and storylines.
A group of sixty Stockport Grammar The journey back up north took
Year 6 pupils headed to London for them via Stratford-upon-Avon for
An award-winning playwright
a packed two days of Shakespeare, more Shakespearian fact-finding
and radio dramatist as well as
Shrek and sightseeing. before returning home for a well-
author, Christopher came well-
deserved half-term break.
equipped with all the tricks of
A workshop at the Globe Theatre
the trade to help his audience
was their first stop, before seeing
collaborate on creating a weird
more of the capital’s most famous
and wonderful story about
landmarks en-route to Shrek the
teacher Mr Taylor’s camelback
Musical on Drury Lane.
journey to a graveyard –
inspiring the children to let
The adventure continued with dinner
their imaginations run wild.
in Covent Garden before they retired
to their Wembley hotel for the night.
Before setting off in the morning,
the sports fans in the group were
able to walk up Wembley Way to
see the stadium.
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 11Visitors
INSPIRATIONAL
Visitors
PRIME TIME
The Upper House of UK Parliament was
Remembering
the focus of a Sixth Form lecture when the Holocaust
crossbench member of the House
Dr Peter Kurer helped the
of Lords and Prime Warden of the
school mark Holocaust Memorial
Goldsmiths’ Company Lord Sutherland
Day by speaking to Second
of Houndwood visited school.
Year pupils about his family’s
experiences during the Second
Lord Sutherland explained the
World War and the role of the
work of the House of Lords and its
Quakers in their survival. The
structure, and discussed with the
Kurer family were forced to flee
group whether it should be wholly
BOB AND FRIENDS elected in future. He then took
their home in Vienna in 1938,
but were fortunate enough to
World-renowned author-illustrator questions from the floor before
be ‘guaranteed’ by the Quakers
Curtis Jobling, best known for creating enjoying lunch and a tour of the school
and given a start in the UK.
Bob the Builder, visited SGS again with Head Boy Mark Cox and Head
for a day of workshops, inspiring and Girl Zoe Harris, with Zoe commenting:
Dr Kurer talked to the children
entertaining pupils while he discussed “It was a real honour to give Lord about the lessons we can
everything from his novels to drawing. Sutherland a tour of the school learn from the Quakers, such
– I have had some wonderful as being a good citizen and
opportunities and privileges looking after our fellow man
Jobling spoke to Second Years about
during my time as Head Girl during conflict. He also spoke to
the fantasy world in his Wereworld
and that was a highlight.” them about the importance of
series, discussing his ideas, the
education and emphasised the
fantasy-horror genre, character
SGS was founded in 1487 under the privileges they all have – being
development and his influences.
terms of the will of Sir Edmund Shaa, able to learn freely and observe
Mayor of London and Prime Warden whatever religion or culture
He also spent time talking about his
of the Goldsmiths’ Company. they wish to. At the end of his
work as an illustrator and animator
talk, pupils were able to ask
as the man behind the likes of Bob
Dr Kurer questions about his
the Builder, Frankenstein’s Cat and
experiences and outlook on life.
Raa Raa the Noisy Lion. Then, armed
with a flipchart and a marker pen,
he showed the classes how his
characters are created and explained
the inspiration behind them. MURDEROUS MATHS
Murderous Maths author and engage with the children, much
He then spent the afternoon in the
TV presenter Kjartan Poskitt to the enjoyment of the pupils and
Art department, sharing with the boys
returned to Stockport Grammar volunteers from the audience.
and girls some of the secrets behind
to entertain the younger pupils
his impressive portfolio of world-
with an energetic and humorous Then, at lunchtime in the library,
famous characters.
performance of his clever Kjartan talked to pupils from all
English teacher Mrs Moore enthused: mathematical tricks and to years about his series of fiction
“He was lively, articulate, talk about his books. books and his protagonist
humorous and clearly a talented Agatha Parrot and answered
man and an engaging speaker... Kjartan started his day by questions about his inspirations.
He talked to the pupils about the speaking to First Years about the
importance of hobbies, extra- development of his Murderous He ended the day by signing
curricular activities and how Maths series. The wacky author copies of his books, remarking on
crucial it is not to give up on performed some mathematical what a fantastic school and bright
things you really enjoy.” trickery and used references to pupils we have here!
X Factor and Angry Birds to
12 www.stockportgrammar.co.ukSUCCESS STORIES
CONGRATULATIONS Maths
Challengers
Lower School mathematicians
took part in the UK Mathematics
Trust Team Mathematical
Challenge and came second
out of seventeen teams.
Congratulations go to Second
Years Maximillian Mather-
Harding and Sam Howard
and Third Years Daniel Jones
and Natalie Ho for a superb
performance. In the Junior Maths
Challenge Sam also scored an
incredible 130 out of 135 and
has beaten off stiff competition
to win third prize in national
maths competition, The
Mathematics on Merseyside
Senior Challenge. The
competition, which is actually
Top UNIVERSITY Offers aimed at Fifth Year pupils, had
Six Upper Sixth Formers, along with “Our students have applied to over 600 entries, so to have
Naomi Clarke (OS 2012) have received some of the country’s most come third at his age is quite
offers from Oxford and Cambridge and competitive universities. They incredible. Sam has been
many more have offers for prestigious have all worked incredibly hard invited to Liverpool University
institutions including Durham, Bristol, on their applications and have to receive his prize along with
King’s College London and Warwick. been given individual guidance the other winners.
by their UCAS Advisor.”
This year’s students have applied Following outstanding
for competitive courses such as Law, Those pupils with Oxbridge offers performances in the
Medicine, Politics, English, Languages were invited to join Old Stopfordians, Intermediate Mathematical
and Economics. Governors and staff for the annual Challenges, Sam Howard, Third
Oxbridge Dinner, held this year at Years Emily Howling and Joanna
Head of Sixth Form Mrs White is Downing College, Cambridge. Brown and Fourth Year Amy
very happy with the offers that Bradley were invited to take
have been made: part in the International Maths
Olympiad Kangaroo competition,
a tough one hour test of
mathematical ability, from
Competing Chemistry which Emily and Sam took
in German Olympiad
home merits. Sixth Formers
Zoe Harris, Phil Hanson, Jake
Languages pupils Tamoor Zahid The Chemistry Olympiad Bradshaw and James Brett took
and Ammar Nassier won the First entrants achieved some part in the Senior Kangaroo
and Second Year German Reading outstanding results in this competition, with Zoe and Phil
Competitions in February. year’s competition, with Zoe also gaining merit awards.
All the children in the First and Second Harris achieving a gold award
Years took part in the contest in to finish among the top 7% Maths teacher Mrs Marshall said:
which they read a Hansel and Gretel in the UK. Silver awards were "Sam Howard deserves a
poem. The overall standard of achieved by James Brett, Jake special mention as he is
pronunciation and recitation was Bradshaw, Rosie Broadbent, performing extraordinarily
very high and impressed the judges, Alex McCann, Heather Tallents well. To get such a high
Dr Kampelmann, Ms Wiedenhofer and Walid Hassoon and bronze score in the Junior
and bilingual pupil Katharina Sandall. awards by Ismaeel Ramzan and Challenge is unheard of.”
Charlie Smith.
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 13Trips
HERE THERE AND
EVERYWHERE
Viva EspaÑa Physics at
Twenty eight Second Year pupils A short stop at the pretty village of
travelled to Spain to explore the Potes for some sightseeing finished The Christie
physical and human geography of the day and that night was spent in Students and staff members with
the north, an area characterised by Santillana del Mar, reputedly the most an interest in the applications of
green pastoral lowlands, a beautiful beautiful town in Spain. physics in the medical world had
coastline and imposing snow-capped the opportunity to visit The Christie
mountains. In a packed few days, they They went on to visit the replica Hospital in Manchester in order to
endeavoured to see it all, as well as prehistoric caves with their amazing learn how the worlds of physics
visit the historic villages and industrial paintings at Altamira, where the and medicine intertwine. They were
cities of the area. hands-on exhibition taught the boys taken on a fascinating tour of the
and girls about the ancient settlers hospital’s departments, including
First stop was Bilbao, where the group to the region. They then explored the the PET scanner, which is on the
took in the main sights and attractions coastline, basking in the Spanish sun A-level curriculum. They witnessed
which included the Guggenheim and enjoying the views, before moving how physics in action was helping
Museum and a ride on the funicular on to Santander and finally returning to diagnose and treat patients with
railway. On the journey to Picos to their hotel in Santillana where various forms of cancer and the
de Europa, the group admired the some played football against the little-known field of Brachytherapy
breathtaking scenery against the locals in the square while the rest of was explained to them in detail. Sixth
backdrop of the mountains. A ride in the group visited the typically Spanish Former Catherine Latus was inspired
the cable car took them up 1000m, shops and cafes. by the experience:
where snow was several feet deep. “The trip to The Christie showed
us that although treatments
and procedures have developed
enormously, it is still an ever-
developing and ever-changing
field. This trip has the potential
to inspire students to pursue
a medical or medical-physics
related career.”
Stargazing FOR
ASTRONOMERS
A DAY IN Parliament
The world-famous Jodrell Bank
Sixth Form historians studying Britain day of high-profile resignations and
observatory was the ideal venue
between 1846 and 1894 were given the visit of the Duchess of Cornwall, for 17 GCSE astronomers to attend
a unique tour of Westminster Palace before they joined Mr Hunter in a a lecture on exploding stars.
thanks to local Liberal Democrat MP private committee room overlooking
Mark Hunter on what turned out to be the Thames to discuss the challenges The lecture, delivered by
a typically dramatic day in Parliament. facing British society today. After their Associate Director and
Mr Hunter gave the pupils not only visit to the Houses of Parliament, the contributor to the BBC’s
the chance to see the working life group enjoyed breathtaking views of Stargazing Live series Dr Tim
of Parliament but also to walk in the the city from the London Eye. O’Brien, explored novae and
footsteps of the likes of Palmerston, supernovae, and looked at how
Gladstone and Disraeli. To stand at Mr Hunter then visited school a stars are born and how they die.
the dispatch box where generations few weeks later to take part in a
of British Prime Ministers had stood fascinating Q&A session which gave The session covered much of
and created their own history was a the boys and girls the chance to the second year of the GCSE
thrilling and unique experience. quiz him on his political career and Astronomy course, a popular
his party’s performance in the co-curricular activity for Third
Coalition Government. and Fourth Year pupils.
The pupils also witnessed
parliamentary drama first-hand on a
14 www.stockportgrammar.co.ukTrips
World Issues
in Edinburgh
Hot on the heels of a successful
conference in Dublin, the Model
United Nations debating team
headed to Edinburgh before the
Easter break to debate world
issues with hundreds of others,
returning with a host of awards
for their performances.
Paris in the Spring
Over 30 Fourth Year pupils travelled The group were able to let their
to Paris for five nights during the hair down on the day they spent
Easter break to improve their at Disneyland, which is always the
language skills and broaden their highlight of any Paris trip. The group
cultural appreciation. returned to school with a renewed
confidence in their spoken French and
Pupils stayed with French families they enjoyed the opportunity to put
and attended lessons at a local lycée the material they had covered in class
for two mornings. The rest of the into practice while they were away.
time was spent visiting the historical
attractions they have learned about The First Years also enjoyed a four
in lessons, including the Eiffel Tower, day trip to Paris, where they enjoyed
the Sacré Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe, many of the same sights as the
Notre Dame and the Orangerie to view Fourth Years and tried out their
Monet’s Water Lilies. newly-acquired French.
Germany Bound
GCSE German pupils travelled to back in Bad Segeberg they were
After enjoying a fascinating tour
Bad Segeberg for the return leg officially welcomed to the town by
of the Scottish Parliament and
of their cultural exchange. The the Mayor and were interviewed
spending some time exploring
28 pupils were reunited with the in German by journalists from the
the city, the pupils, who were
friends they had made during local newspaper. Pupils returned
representing Spain, headed
the first half of the exchange in having learned a great deal more
to George Watson’s College to
September, and joined them for about the German language and
lessons at school. culture and having made plenty of discuss social and political world
new friends on what was a really issues. The team also took
As well as attending lessons, enjoyable and memorable trip for part in an emergency meeting
the boys and girls visited both sides of the exchange. when the entire conference
the ‘marzipan’ city of formulated a response to the
Lübeck, the magnificent scenario of an armed invasion
castle in Schwerin of Kuwait.
and the stadium
and Town Hall in Everyone on the team debated
Hamburg, while well throughout the weekend
and for the Upper Sixth
pupils this was a fitting and
challenging way to finish their
MUN career.
Follow us on twitter @stockportgs 15Trips
On the Pistes Climbing in
Axamer Lizum in Austria was
the base for this year’s February
Snowdonia
half-term ski trip, with the boys
and girls enjoying an amazing
six days of Alpine adventure.
Thirty-two skiers from the
Second Year through to Sixth
Form, ranging from beginners
to experienced, all enjoyed the
superb conditions which offered The annual snowballed,
magnificent views of the Alps. mountaineering enjoyed stunning views and tackled
Away from the slopes, après ski trip to the peaks of the Beacon Indoor Centre’s walls.
activities included swimming, Snowdonia was even
ice skating, quizzes and more of a challenge this During the evenings, pupils learnt
watching ice hockey. year, with ice, strong winds and about mountaineering equipment
pupil-high snowdrifts making it a and the older pupils gave presentations
A member of the Beginners' trip only for the intrepid. The group which included Alex McCann's
Group summed up what a were lucky enough to be joined by talk about his 'mountain marathon'
brilliant week they had: Pat Littlejohn OBE, one of the experiences and Amy Morgan's talk
“I progressed to the red country’s most famous climbers about her voluntary work with the
slopes, learning turns, and a Director at the International Glossop Mountain Rescue Team.
traversing and snow School of Mountaineering.
ploughs. Our instructor For the Senior climbers, this trip
was really patient, and we Despite some of the main routes was a great opportunity to practise
could not have got through being closed due to the extreme leading groups and all the pupils had
the week without our weather, 32 pupils from the Third a fantastic time in stunning scenery.
supportive, caring teachers Year to Sixth Form climbed, hiked,
and great teamwork – we
never left anybody behind!
We had a blast!” Travelling Tales
A trip to Eastern Europe to discover Natasha, who intends to study music
The intermediate group made more about Budapest and Vienna’s at university, and keen violinist Fiona
great progress throughout the most famous composers, and a will attend classical concerts and
week, while the advanced skiers climbing adventure on the world’s best discover more about Austria and
spent much of the time hurtling bouldering routes are two trips that Hungary’s most famous composers.
down the slopes and were even will be made possible this summer
making 180-degree jumps and thanks to the school’s Albert Johnston Climbers Jake, Sam and Alex will
skiing off-piste by the end of Travel Award. be tackling the world’s most famous
the trip. bouldering routes in the Forêt
The award, set up in the name of Domaniale de Fontainebleau, an area
the former History teacher, is offered which holds special reverence among
to Sixth Formers wishing to travel climbers. Sam Allport thanked the
to further their experience and judging panel:
knowledge of a passion or subject.
“We’re all incredibly grateful to
This year's recipients are Fiona Hollin
the trustees of the award for
and Natasha Sofla for a trip to Eastern
giving us the opportunity to go
Europe, and Jake Bradshaw, Sam
on these adventures. We’re really
Allport and Alex McCann for their visit
looking forward to going on our
to 'climber’s Mecca' Fontainebleau.
trips in the summer!”
TAPAS Y TEATRO
As part of the extension classes available to the Upper Sixth Spanish students,
there was a class trip to see an adaptation of La Casa de Bernarda Alba at the
Contact Theatre. The evening began with tapas at La Vina on Deansgate where
the group were able to practise their spoken Spanish before going to see the
play. Despite this not being one of the set texts on the syllabus, the students
followed the play extremely well and had a good grasp of its themes.
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