LGGS students are developing their business and entrepreneurial skills ...
LGGS OCTOBER 2020
WELCOME A very warm welcome to the first Newsletter of the academic year with a very special welcome to all the new parents and students who have joined our LGGS community.
It’s certainly been a half term unlike any other but in many ways it has also been
reassuring that so many key aspects of LGGS remain the same. The school has pulled together and I would like to thank everybody for their efforts. Our site staff team worked so hard to ensure we were ready for September. All staff at LGGS whether that be teachers or support staff have had to adapt and change to our new circumstances. At times it has been very challenging, especially for
teachers balancing the needs of students in school with those who are learning at home. However, we are all doing the best we can in the circumstances and we will continue to review our procedures and keep you updated. Thank you as parents too for your feedback and support.
Mrs J Cahalin Headteacher
WELCOME TO NEW STAFF MR CHRISTIAN MARTIN Teacher of Computer Science and Maths My professional background was in music production, with the move to education over seven years ago. As a new teacher at LGGS this first half term has gone by fast, and I've been so impressed with the adaptability, resilience, and positive spirit of the community here. Supporting young people at this demanding and critical time is a privilege, I'm so proud of my students and how they have continued to make progress with their academic and personal goals. MRS JENNIFER READE Teacher of Chemistry
and Physics Originally I trained as a teacher and worked in the South West. When I relocated to Lancashire 10 years ago I fell in love with the county and, as a keen runner, have enjoyed exploring much of its beautiful landscape. After teaching in Blackburn for a number of years, I embraced the chance for change and was thrilled when an opportunity arose at LGGS. So far, it has proved a fantastic place to work. The staff and students are so welcoming and I am amazed how you can still tell people are smiling from behind a mask! I have been lucky enough to observe some pupils in different lessons
around the school (in a COVID safe manner) and the stand out factor for me is definitely the dedication and enthusiasm our pupils display in all their subjects. They are a pleasure to teach. MR STEPHEN SHARP Premises/ Health & Safety Manager Since starting at LGGS this September I have been really pleased how friendly and welcoming all the staff have been, even in these difficult times I have felt, right from the start part of a team, whose enthusiasm and professionalism cannot be questioned. I live locally in Morecambe and previously worked in the
Lake District for The Wordsworth Trust as their Estate manager, it's fair to say I don't miss the commute! MRS LAUREN USIDEME Teacher of Chemistry and Science I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at LGGS so far, staff have gone out of their way to offer support and welcome me into the school community. It has been a joy to teach students who are ready to learn and show such high level of effort and engagement in their work. It is very clear the passion for education, community, and welfare that both students and staff share, I am looking forward to the rest of my time teaching here. MRS ABBIE WILCOCK Head of Maths LGGS students and staff have
been extremely welcoming since I started teaching Maths here in September. I have been impressed with the high work ethic of all students that I am teaching and their kindness to each other, especially when helping each other to learn maths in the classroom. Something that has stood out for me so far has been a lesson on Geometry problem solving with my Year 11 students who showed such brilliant perseverance on some very tough maths problems! I have just moved to the area from Oxfordshire and am enjoying spending my weekends cycling and running in the beautiful countryside here. MRS NANCY WILLIAMS Teacher of Maths It has been such a pleasure to join the staff team at LGGS.
Even in these strange and difficult times they have provided such a warm welcome, it is clear that this school is a real community. It is remarkable how everybody has risen to the challenge of the new routines and there is a genuine atmosphere around school of people supporting one another. It is also an absolute joy to be surrounded by so many strong Lancashire lasses every day. Having grown up in Lancashire myself, I have been ‘away’ since the age of 18, living in London for several years after graduating and then most recently living in Derbyshire and teaching at The Manchester Grammar School for the last ten years. It is great to be back up north and I am really enjoying exploring the hills and getting outdoors at weekends.
LGGS SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES 2020-2021 This year we have focused on four key priorities for our School Development Plan during the current pandemic. These will be reviewed and added to as the situation allows. We would welcome any feedback from our school community on these priorities. 1. Continue to ensure high levels of achievement for all our students, through a high-quality curriculum and effective teaching, learning and assessment within the context of education during the Covid-19 pandemic
Provide additional and appropriate support where it is most needed in order to maximise engagement with learning and continue work to close any achievement gaps Further develop our provision of blended and remote learning Deliver a broad and balanced curriculum in a safe and proportionate manner, including the safe delivery of practical and physical activities. Provide meaningful assessment information and feedback to students and parents at regular intervals Develop staff and student skills in using MS Teams and Office 365
2. Develop further opportunities to promote the personal development and well-being of all members of the school community
Implement new Sex and Relationships guidance Monitor staff work load and well being Continue to support students effectively in school while also providing access to support for those students unable to attend New well being curriculum delivered in PE slots New KS3 and KS4 Citizenship programmes of study
Work closely with families where attendance is a concern Further develop online guidance for sixth form students and parents in terms of post 18 options 3. Implement our new Equality Objectives with a particular focus on eliminating discrimination, promoting anti racism and equality, celebrating diversity
Review aspects of the school curriculum as a result of feedback and the need to address inequalities and to promote and recognises the full diversity of our society. Set up a staff, governor and student group to review current school practices and make recommendation about what aspects of LGGS equality and anti racism work should be maintained, what can be improved and what we need to change Carry out a review of Governing Body membership looking at skills needed and how it can be more representative of the school community. Seek further opportunities for staff and governor training in promoting equality and anti racism Continue to publicise Pupil Premium entitlement and develop provision as needed. Continue to monitor the progress made by different groups in school at every data event and put in place intervention when necessary e.g. SEN, EAL, Students new to sixth form, disadvantaged, any specific ethnic groups
4. Maintain a financially secure and safe school environment
Ongoing review of Covid 19 risk assessments Bid for CIF 2021 Maintain healthy sixth form recruitment Building’s maintenance plan implemented.
We are delighted that two LGGS students Emma Gibb and Raya McGeer. have been awarded the Arkwright Scholarship.
ARKWRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship of its type in the UK to inspire and nurture school-age students to be the country’s future leaders of the Engineering profession. The Scholarships are awarded to high-calibre 16 year old students through a rigorous selection process and support students through the two years of their A-levels. Every Scholarship is sponsored by a commercial company, trade association, university, professional institution, armed service, government organisation, worshipful company, charitable trust or personal donor. This means that support is offered in various ways, for example, valuable hands-on work experience, support for your curriculum project and a personal mentor who can help you with aspects of your studies and career planning. Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are for the 'brightest and best' students that have the passion and determination to succeed in their future studies and career: 2021 is the 30th anniversary of the Arkwright Scholarships so a really good year to apply! If you are successful you will receive £600 to support the purchase of components and materials to complete your personal technical projects or enhance your curriculum projects. The money can also be used to purchase text
books, reference books, or to fund your attendance on technical courses, summer schools or university open days. You will also be allocated a mentor, a professional engineer who can provide advice and guidance about your future study and career development, and even technical advice to help with your projects. Ms Sandbach, head of Technology, has a great deal of experience in helping students with their applications so please see her if you are interested. You must have a strong desire to have a future career as a leader within the Engineering profession (which includes computing and technical aspects of design) You can apply when you are in Year 11 You must intend to stay at school or sixth form college for two years to study Alevels, You must be planning to study Maths to A-level Lauren and Mya More information: www.arkwright.org.uk/
UK TO YEMEN 3,873 MILE FUNDRAISER Over the summer Year 12 student Josna George took part in an impressive fundraiser for Yemen. At the moment, Yemen is going through extremely difficult times. Yemen has been in conflict for four years, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. It has been stated that nearly two in three people are in need of urgent help. I wondered for so long, how could I help? With the help of everyone we have raised money together to help Yemen. There are 3,873 miles from the UK to Yemen. The aim of the fundraiser was to collectively cycle these miles with the help of anyone else interested and for it to take place within one month. I set up a Strava Club where people could record and run, cycle or walk any distance, so we could reach the 3873 mile target. The challenge started on Monday 29th June and ended on Wednesday 29th July. By the end of the month we had successfully completed and exceeded our target with a total of 4464.2 miles, in which my brother and I cycled 400 miles each. So far we have raised ÂŁ2,494.41 (including gift aid) but the fundraising page is still open, should you wish to donate. Thank you so much everyone for the overwhelming support and help! fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yemen-3873. (QR code)
MUSIC Many congratulations to the following students have all passed their ABRSM GRADE 5 Music Theory exams over the summer. They were able to carry on their after school classes over lockdown Evie Diep Olivia Kilburn Olivia Moran Kalena Guiton Izzy Lavender
Sharu Nair Izzy Street Arunima Panikkar And with distinction:
Liliana Ren Ria Herlekar Kate Broadbent Anna Roch Anna Putland
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS ACADEMY OF NORTHERN BALLET Many congratulations to Year 8 student Eva Woodcock who has successfully auditioned for a place on the Academy of Northern Ballet’s centre for training (CAT) programme in classical ballet. Places on the programme are limited with only fifteen to twenty students accepted each
year. The programme prepares talented young people for entry into the successful and rewarding careers in the arts. It also keeps Northern talent in the North. You can find out more information about the Academy of Northern Ballet at: www.northernballet.com
Well done to Year 10 student Rebecca Raine who qualified in all three classes she was eligible for at the British Show Jumping National Championships, held earlier this month.
Despite there being very little over-the-board chess scheduled in the UK currently, Year 10 student Niamh Bridgeman has been involved in various high profile chess events, which have moved online. At the beginning of the summer she was selected to play for the England Under 18 Girls' team in the Glorney Gilbert International, an event which has run annually since 1949. Niamh scored heavily and the team finished a close runner up to the Netherlands, and ahead of Belgium, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. It was the 4th year in a row she has been selected to represent England for this event. Later in the holidays she played in a strong adult 4 Nations Chess League Tournament, and finished a credible 8th in a field of 41. Well done Niamh! Many congratulations to Sofia McGee in Year 9 who has been selected for the North West U18 Regional Golf Squad England training programme. This is a considerable achievement reflecting Sofia’s talent and commitment to golf. As part of the Regional squad Sofia will be exposed to coaching from experts in their field, who are looking to develop young talent across all aspects of the game at training camps which make up the core of the coaching programme. In addition, players may have the opportunity to compete in inter-regional matches, one-to-one sessions as well as specific tournament preparation camps
Year 7 student Chloe Whitehead has been busy with gymnastics and dancing. Earlier this year she successfully passed her Grade 5 Classical Ballet exam with Merits and also achieved a Gold Medal Honours Star for Gym Level 2. This is the highest mark possible. She is currently studying for a wide range of qualifications including Tap Grade 3, Modern Grade 5 and Ballet at Intermediate level where she will have to learn how to teach an exercise for all three types of dance and complete a Project.
Many congratulations to Heidi Moorhouse who has gained her brown belt in jujitsu which is one away from black. Heidi trains with Active8.
Some students are developing their entrepreneurial skills capitalising on interests gained during lockdown. Year 8 student Caitlin Carson has started her own crafts business! She started out selling pebble art and has now added home-made jewellery. She focuses on handmade products that are beautifully presented and packaged. Caitlin has set up her own website and an Etsy shop
Another resourceful student is Sixth former is Ella Rodriguez Dunn: Over lockdown I decided to start my own baking business. In a time of uncertainty I felt distracting myself would be a wise thing to do, starting my business was not only a massive distraction from the new world that has engulfed us, but it’s been so rewarding as it has helped me realise what I want to do with my future. The idea of doing something I love and turning it into a business only came across as a positive in my eyes. I use the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook to display my brand and its products online. It started off small but is growing slowly every single day. My products range from brownies, to cakes, to boxes with everything in and are available to order at anytime. I started off local doing deliveries myself all around Lancaster and it’s surrounding areas. However, now I also have a range products available to post all over the UK via RoyalMail. I’m looking forward to expanding more in the future and trying out new things, I’m enjoying. @galetabrownie
UPDATE FROM PE The PE department have been working hard to design a very different PE curriculum for this term, considering the new Covid-19 guidance for schools and the reduced indoor facilities at LGGS. The fundamental principles of the curriculum are to get active and stay active, provide an opportunity for students to appreciate and experience the social and mental benefits of physical activity and offer a platform for individuals to develop resilience inside and outside of the classroom. KS3 outdoor lessons focus on athletic Speed Agility and Quickness challenges. Not only is the emphasis on developing physical fitness including speed, endurance, agility and posture but also the ability to develop mental toughness by problem solving, retaining concentration and focus. Indoors, lessons are
centred around a mental health and well-being. The content of the lessons will explore recognising and managing emotions, mental health, and mental illness. Through Project Based Learning, students will have the opportunity to develop a social media campaign to promote positive mental health. We have been blessed with good weather so far so the majority of these lessons have included a mental health and well-being walk and talk, time away from the classroom environment and an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, nature and friendships. Over the next few months students will have the opportunity to take part in outdoor fitness, Speed Agiltiy and Quickness training and some football, netball skill-based activities leading up Christmas. In Year 10, 145 students have
opted to complete their Sports Leadership Level 1 qualification. Lessons have been centred around the introduction of this course with discussions and experiments around verbal and non-verbal communication and the importance of language and instructions. In year 11, lessons have been designed to get students active. This has included well-being walks and football drills and non-contact adapted games. Indoors, a unit of work has been developed to focus on study skills, retrieval and revision skills. Teachers are providing guidance on different strategies at the beginning of the lesson and then allowing students time to implement their favoured techniques in the subjects they select. Miss L. Sharples, Head of PE
SIXTH FORM SOCIETIES Year 13 are running a vibrant and exciting range of societies online for Year 12 students, inventing new ways to keep in touch and promote their areas of interest until the Societies can meet face to face again. We are proud to have the following societies; CompSci, Dentist Soc , Feminist Soc, Geography Soc German Soc History Soc, Law Soc, LGBT+ Soc, Med Soc, Philosophy and Ethics Soc, Politics Soc, Psychology Soc and Vet Soc. The Sixth Form Team are also keeping Year 12 in touch with new virtual opportunities from universities and professional organisations such as the NHS and work experience workshops, subject specific free lectures with world class speakers and most recently the Inner Temple law careers insight experience. All these free opportunities help to keep our students in touch with their future plans and thinking about what next.
NUFFIELD RESEARCH PROJECT Over the summer sixth form student Val Maresova took part in a Nuffield Research Project hosted over six weeks by Lancaster University: a hands-on research task. Being a STEM-based research project, I chose astrophysics and planetary science as my title and worked on it with my supervisor Dr Andrew Blake from the Physics Department as my , PhD students Niza Ribaric and George Xystouris as well as another pupil doing the placement. My project involved building a telescope and observing the night sky over the course of 6 weeks, gaining data and taking pictures of some of my findings. I observed the moon, Jupiter, constellations and asterisms such as Lyra and the Big Dipper and calculated Jupiter’s mass through the orbit of its moons. I also observed some characteristics of the moon through my telescope, such as one of the largest moon craters - Tycho (pictured below). I found learning more about the structure of the night sky, such as the Earth’s celestial sphere, as well as observing it, fascinating - and enjoyed stargazing each night during the course of the summer. First-hand experience of writing a scientific report and carrying out a project was immensely useful - something I will be required to do in further study of science at university.
Year 9 Poetry Homework in Response to our Religious Studies Lessons on 'What is evil?' GOOD AND EVIL POEM Good and evil, two opposing forces The war between right and wrong. The voices of our knowledgeable conscience, Guiding our path to good or evil. Whether it is the angels of God whispering, The path of goodness and hope in our ears. Or the work of the devil from deep down below, No one will ever know. Goodness and evil is inside us all, What we choose decides if we strive or fall. Past experiences and knowledge can guide us on the way, But whether to follow or betray is perplexing. From good, helping or being charitable, To evil from murder and racism. We have a crucial choice to make, Good or evil, people choose what they may
In Year 8 Religious Studies we have been considering 'who or what is God?' and I have been so Impressed with their research and ideas. Mrs S. Keith
MATHS CHALLENGE Last term’s Maths Challenge was undertaken by year 7 and year 8 students during lockdown. We were delighted with how many students participated in these circumstances and also by the very high level of certificates awarded. The Junior Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK. It encourages Mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Junior Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience. Special congratulations to Isla and Penny who were best in year, and Prerna and Esha who were both best in year and best in school. CURRENT YEAR 9 BRONZE Farwa Ali Olivia Bowman Romi Castagnini Grace Cockman Trinity Cresswell Hannah Duncan Emily Ennis Kerry Hutton Holly Jewell Hannah Leach Faatimah Mehtajee Ruby Morgan Emily Morgan Eliza Mynott Ellie O'Hare
Jyosana Peethamparam Quirine Pinkse Chloe Piper Irum Poli Katherine Porter Jess Sambrook Apala Singh Christina Stone Afreen Tailor Shriya Tanawade Chrissie Tripney Tilly Wright SILVER Zara Ahmed Saffron Allan Amelia Astin Maryam Bapu Dela Baxter Diya Chempananikel Millie Dingle Grace Dufton Khadija Essa Molly French Madison Galt Alessia Giudici Charlotte Hornby Eve Hunter Mari Jones Amina Kolia Kirsty Ma Iona Munford Hanin Niematallah Siri Ram Gabija Sarakauskaite Abi Shaw Steffy Siby Saffron Waite
GOLD Esha Biyani Prerna Chauhan Tansi Ahluwalia Aysha Ansari Alice Fullwood Gloria Goncalves Georgia Hall Imogen Hutchins Sheeval Madan Ami Master Madeleine McDowell Sofia McGhie Robyn Parry Olivia Rodrigues Amani Voruganti CURRENT YEAR 8 BRONZE Amal Aftab Mae Barrett Sofia Bougia Holly Bowskill Jessica Bradshaw Katie Braithwaite Phoebe Burrow Hannah Dodsworth Hajar Elkhatib Akshana Gopinath Grace Graham Divine Gregary Faatima Hakim Sophie Hargreaves Trudy Heim Olivia Howson Yana Hurst Adigonie Latham
Faith Leonard Merin Mathew Hela Mayar Sarisha Oli Chenab Pankhadiwala Chloe Parkinson Raahi Patel Hibbah Patel Poppy Rix Emily Rowbotham Safaa Sidat Isla Slater Kavya Suresh Fahima Thagia Ella Tsepelin Ellie-May Westworth Constance Wilkinson Zixuan Yang Ashley Zhao SILVER Rose Fyson Alex Glen Katie Hastings Iris Hubbard Jeslin Joseph Khadeeja Khan Ellie Nicholson Enam Nutekpor Verity Park Liliana Ren Faye Soetanto Shahd Wasfi Eva Woodcock GOLD Charlotte Jolley Isla Brown Penny Humphrey
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2020 Students have enjoyed celebrating Black British History and finding out more about Black History Month this October at LGGS. Despite not being able to gather for our usual year group assemblies celebrating Black History Month (BHM), every history pupil in the school has had a presentation in a lesson this month entitled ‘Black History is British History, British History is Black History’. This presentation examines the central importance of black people and black experiences to British History, stretching back well over 2000 years. It hopefully reflects the approach we take within the LGGS History department, and the efforts we continue to make to improve, and incorporate as reflective and diverse a History curriculum as possible A BHM Teams page - ‘LGGS BHM Competition 2020’ has been set up and in operation throughout the month which all pupils are members of and have access to. There have been daily posts on this page with articles, videos, reviews
and more, related to, and about BHM and Black British History. A BHM competition open to all pupils, in all year groups has also be launched, with details on the Teams page. The deadline for entries for this is the end of October. Full details of this competition can be found on the final slide of the BHM presentation. We do hope that lots of pupils will be inspired to take part in this competition and we ask that you might encourage your daughters to do so. For those pupils in Years 7-11 who would like to discover more about Black British History we would ask that you encourage them to visit the ‘LGGS BHM Competition 2020’ page. We can also recommend the recently published ‘Black & British’, a Short Essential History by the highly respected and well-known historian David Olusoga. Another recent publication that might also be of interest is ‘100 Great Black Britons’ by
Patrick Vernon & Dr Angelina Osbourne. For older pupils in Years 10-13 David Olusoga’s ‘Black & British’ and Akala’s ‘Natives’, may also be of interest. We look forward to sharing with you some of the competition entries, announcing winners, and continuing to update you on how the diversity of the LGGS History curriculum continues to evolve and improve. Pupils and parents may find the Black History Curriculum of interest in following current thinking and developments on “Reimagining the future of education through Black British History”. You can find out more about the curriculum at: https:// theblackcurriculum.com/ Harry Yearnshire. Head of History
AUTUMN NEWS FROM LGGS LIBRARY The library maybe physically closed to all but our SixthForm students but we still have a lot going on. The library catalogue, accessible to all, from home or school is fully up and running with a fabulous ‘Click and Deliver’ service which many of our younger pupils are enjoying. Once the girls have looked through the huge collection of both fiction and non-fiction and made their book choices, they are delivered to the AccessIT Library Catalogue classroom as soon as they become available. Keep checking the catalogue - new titles added all the time! The Accessit Library Catalogue has all sorts of ideas and links to book reviews for students to explore. Award Winning author of the record-breaking ‘Nevermore’ series, Jessica Townsend, is recording a virtual Author Event for LGGS. Jessica will be speaking to Year 7 during one of their forthcoming English lessons about the latest book in the series, ‘Hollowpox’ soon to be released in the UK. The books will be on sale after the event but of course, this is optional. Details of the pricing, the option to pre-order a book and an accompanying letter will circulated shortly via ParentPay to Year 7 parents / carers.
'Exciting, mysterious, marvellous and magical ... quite simply one of the best children's books I've read in years' Robin Stevens, author of Murder Most Unladylike. Discover the magical world of Nevermoor and the adventures of Morrigan Crow, in this bestselling, award-winning series for fans of Harry Potter and His Dark Materials. Mrs Kathy Edge, Librarian
A-LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES We have been extremely pleased to introduce AQA Business A-Level at LGGS this academic year and the current Year 12 students were delighted to share their thoughts so far. “I took business as it is a practical and modern subject that is becoming increasingly popular and the things you learn are applicable in many university courses. I am really enjoying the business lessons as the course is completely unique to any GCSE or other A-level course, and the content is interesting as it includes skills including problem solving, mathematics and comprehensive skills” “So far, I'm really enjoying business studies! It is interesting to learn the meanings of terms and processes that I've heard before but never really understood- now they are beginning to make sense”
“I have enjoyed the course so far and have really enjoyed learning about shareholders and I am looking forward to learning about finance” The course is currently taught by Miss Clapham and Mrs Shaw who share the Year 12 class. They use a mixture of teaching methods including direct instruction using a lecture style format to prepare students for university, they have activities in class that allow for recall of previous topics and also encourage students to conduct mini presentations to allow them to practice for real world situations. In the current climate the business A-level could not be more relevant in analysing the economy and the impact that covid-19 has had on many industries. Students are provided with a case study several months before the exam to analyse and work through to then use real
business contexts and examples to support arguments which offers a genuine reward to students who have been studying and reading around the subject for two years. The course itself is split into ten modules and taught over the two years with the students being examined at the end in three separate papers. With a focus on helping students to become good decision makers, they’ll learn essential managerial skills, alongside techniques to help them become analytical problem solvers too. These skills are all highly sought after and valued in a wide range of business careers.
DONATE TO LGGS AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOURSELF When purchasing holidays, books, stationary and clothes online, If you access your favourite sites via the School Angel tab on the school’s home page, a percentage is donated to LGGS.
£2471.92 raised so far See link at the bottom of LGGS website’s Home Page