NewsletterIssue no. 2 Monday, 7th December 2009The Concert Band, Choir & Choral Society are performing in three seasonal concerts.Quote for the week: Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom Marcel Proust (1871 1922)

At a Glance - Events from 7th December 18th December Monday 7th December Yr 12 Sociology Revision Course Tuesday 8th December Y12 Parents Evening Wednesday 9th December Goldilocks & The Three Bears pantomime for Primary Phase Thursday 10th December Drama Showcase Evening Friday 11th December ALL FM Radio Show Monday 14th December Musical Christmas Celebration Tuesday 15th December Primary Nativity Play Wednesday 16th December Primary Nativity Play Friday 18th December Term finishes at 12.10pm

Musical Christmas Celebration

EARLY YEARS & KS1 NATIVITY PLAY Tuesday & Wednesday 15th & 16th December 2.00pm Main Hall 14th December, 2009 7.30pm - Main Hall Manchester Cathedral 15th December, 2009 2.00pm & 4.00pm

Tickets available from: Ms J Douglas in the Primary Office or e-mail joanne.douglas@whgsacademy.org

Tickets available from the Manchester Evening News

Message from The Principal We have had a very successful term and hope that after the Christmas break, all students will return in January ready to do their very best and get involved in the life of the school. I expect all Year 10 13 students who will be sitting exams in January to be well prepared and I wish them all Good Luck. May I take this opportunity of wishing everyone a very peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

School Production 2010 Proudly present.

DRAMA SHOWCASE EVENING th 10 December 2009 7.30pm Performing Arts Centre

Peter Mulholland

CAKE SALE for

An exciting selection box of various works created by the Drama students in Years 9 to 13 during lessons this term.

Audition packs now available at Reception. Auditions commence week beginning 7th December. Further information from Mr Wise or Mrs Hathaway.

. Raised 202.76! Thank you to all who baked!

CHANGE OF PUBLISHED DATE New date for the Y8 & Y11 3rd HPV Vaccine Thursday, 11th March 2010

MATHS CHALLENGE NOVEMBER 2009 This year 63,000 candidates sat the Senior Maths Challenge. Congratulations to all participants and particularly Warren Moore with an outstanding score of 84! GOLD > 78 Warren Moore SILVER > 63 Hamza Mahmud Hishaam Javid Rohilla Maarij Afnan Chaudhry BRONZE > 53 Hannah Fallows Nathan Brown Adam Caruana Helen Creighton Zara Zaimeche Venice Fielding Lauren Ashmore William Blackley Khansa Shazadi Michael Kane Usman Rahman Zohaib Ghani 84 75 70 68 64 63 62 61 60 60 57 55 55 55 54 54 54

The Manchester Book Awards reading group meets every Monday lunchtime in the LRC, where we discuss, write reviews and are doing book trailers for the 24 long listed books. Some pupils are trying to read all 24 books and to be put forward for the prize at the winning ceremony in March. Last year 2 pupils were nominated for this and Thomas Jenkinson won. This week the organisers have sent a book voucher to Gurdas Singh, the other nominee. Well done Gurdas, it is well deserved! The long list for the Carnegie medal has been announced and we will be asking for Year 9 pupils to become involved in that after Christmas, so watch this space!Marie Evans - Head Librarian

THE SOUND OF MUSIC, starring Connie Fisher at The Palace Theatre, Manchester on Thursday, 17th December 2009 from 7.00pm. Tickets still available at 15 per person. Please obtain a letter from Reception and tickets from the Bursary. Welcome to Erin Jennifer Ferneyhough

Born: 1st November, 2009 Weight: 7lbs 4oz Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Ferneyhough!IMPORTANT NOTICE: EXAMINATION CLASHES January 2010 All students sitting public exams have received their examination timetable for January 2010. Some students may have a clash where two subjects are timetabled at the same time. You must check your individual timetable and see Mr Wood immediately if you think there is a clash on your timetable for special arrangements to be made in advance.

L Sharp 23/11/09

TAFALTEACH A FRIEND A LANGUAGE 12.40 1.10pmClassroom Z16 Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: 1.10pm 1.40pm Thursday: Yoruba Arabic Urdu Dutch Mandarin Snowman Congratulations to Iram Raja 7J whose Christmas design has been chosen to be printed as the schools card this year

Grade One-a-Thon!The Music Department is organising a sponsored Grade One-a-Thon after Christmas to raise money to buy new instruments A Grade One-a-Thon is where people who already play an instrument take their Grade 1 on a different instrument after a very small number of lessons. All the Music Department Staff are taking part as well as some of the older students and some other Very Important People. If anyone (Staff/ Students/ Parents/ Carers/ Governors) would like to join in and learn a new skill then please contact the Music Department ASAP! All proceeds will be used to buy new instruments Where possible the Music Department Staff will help out with the odd free lesson and advice on aural tests and exam nerves etc The Music Department will provide music and loan of an instrument for a short while if possible. You will need to pay the exam fee There will be a prize for the person who collects the most sponsorship money There will be a prize for the highest mark in the actual exam

NURSERY TRIP TO MANCHESTER ART GALLERY

The Nursery class recently visited Manchester Art Gallery to join in with the 'My First Visit' session. The visit began with a look around the gallery at some of the paintings and sculptures. The children did some sketching in crayon as they looked around. Then it was back to the studio to produce their own painting to take back to school. We have displayed some of the work in the cloakroom area of the Nursery, please come and have a look!

CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU16th December 2009Cream of tomato soup with croutons & warm roll ******* Halal Roast Norfolk Turkey with Sage & Onion stuffing, with optional trimmings Roasted English Rib of Beef with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish Fresh Mozzarella and Baby Tomato Strudel with Garlic and Basil (V) served with Roasted potatoes, batons of carrots, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower cheese ******** Christmas Plum Pudding with White Sauce Sticky Toffee Pudding Mince Pie and Satsuma

Young Sports Leaders Course

Joke of the Week

Kids Corner

What do elves do after school? Gnomework

Puzzle of the WeekALPHA-CROSSThe first letter of each answer appears next to its clue in alphabetical order. All the first letters have been entered into the grid. Can you complete the puzzle?

Year 10 students are seen here working towards their Young Sports Leaders Awards by organising a PE session for Nursery children in the Primary HallA. Fruit of the oak tree (5) B. Something to read (4) B. Insect (3) C. Taxi (3) C. Desert animal (5) D. Sand hills (5) E. The night before (3) G. Type of antelope (7) G. Precious stones (4) I. Ice hut (5) I. Writing fluid (3) J. Type of music (4) J. Fruit drink (5) K. Tap on a door (5) L. Jump (4) S. Unhappy (3) S. Brief periods of rain (7) S. Snow runner (3)

PLEASE NOTEDuring term-time our School Reception is open from: 8.15am 6.00pm Monday - Friday

BAKE - WELLSWEET AND SOUR CHICKENIngredients: 3 chicken breasts, 1 small pepper (optional) 1 small can pineapple chunks, 1 tsp tomato pure, 1 tsp vinegar, 1 tsp cornflour, 1 tsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar Equipment: Chopping board, vegetable knife, chefs knife, measuring jug, tablespoon, plastic spoon, medium saucepan/frying pan, container to serve

METHOD Chop the onion and pepper into small pieces Dice the chicken into evenly sized cubes Open can of pineapple and drain juice into a measuring jug. Make up to 250ml with cold water. Add the following to the mixture in the jug: tomato puree, vinegar, cornflour, soy sauce and sugar. Stir with spoon. Heat 1 tbsp oil in the pan on a medium heat. Add the onion and chicken and fry until chicken is white. Dont let the onions burn! Add the pineapple chunks and pepper and stir Add the jug mixture and stir. Turn the heat up until the mixture boils. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting and leave to simmer for 20 minutes. Transfer sweet and sour chicken for serving.

Food Technologist of the Week' award goes to Alix Stiles in Form 9H

7Hs TRIP TO HARRIS HOUSEWhen we set off to Swaledale, Mr Hardy told us a story about pot holes and how the people who lived in Swaledale would take their dairy products to Wensleydale to sell. If they did not sell them, they would put them in 40 ft deep pot holes to keep them cool for the next time they went to the market. When we arrived in Swaledale we walked for about 6.5miles (at least it felt like it!). At the end of the walk everybody was up to their knees in mud! back everyone had a shower and got ready for dinner. Whilst the meal was being prepared, Mr Hardy, six students and Jamie (6th former) went to view the biggest drop waterfall in England. For dinner we had jacket potatoes with different fillings (except Kenan who had toast!)

fter we arrived

By Annie Rogers 7H

Puzzle Challenge Day: Tuesday 24th NovemberBy Miriam Midi 7H On Tuesday, 24th November we had a puzzle day in the Main Hall, working in groups with other people in our year. The activities were explained to us by a member of staff from the Happy Puzzle Company. As a starter we were shown a puzzle of two crossed-over metal loops with a hoop inside it. The aim was to separate the hoop from the metal loops. At first it looked really difficult and challenging but it seemed easy in the end. After that each group began their challenges. The puzzles were more complex as you went along, from balance games to mapping activities and model construction. You needed to work together as a team to solve them. They made you think more than you would normally and it was thoroughly enjoyable. I would love to do it again!

1 4 2 1 9 6 6 3

6 2

3 9

8

SUDOKU5But how do I do it?

7

9 4The object is to insert numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly! It could not be easier!

2

3

8 3

1 2 5

7 4 6

4

VIKING DAY!In Year 3 we had an exciting day when the Visiting Vikings came to spend a day with us. After Ms Lebihan sold Year 3 to the Vikings for 38 pieces of silver we found out about everyday Viking life and we had a chance to dress in Viking clothes. We learnt how to make Viking clothes, grind grain for bread and even plough a field! We went on a longship voyage and raided a monastery on Lindisfarne. After the voyage we learnt about battle tactics and as one of our Viking friends was sadly killed we found out about Viking funerals! We had a great day and now know how to wash our clothes in urine to get them sparkly clean!

On Monday, 30th November the school held a careers fair which was attended by 36 companies, over 70 exhibitors and over 500 students. The school is very grateful to everyone who gave up their time to attend this event. The feedback from the students has been fantastic. Here are some photos from the event.

CAREERS FAIR

C C FOn Saturday, 7th November, 2009, Company Sergeant Major Warren Moore and I left Manchester to visit Northern France and Belgium. The trip was organised by Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force and is an annual trip, now in its 11th year. For the duration of our stay, 44 cadets including ourselves stayed in the French Army barracks at Valenciennes, about 100km from the Belgian border. On Sunday we paraded in the small village of Iwuy. Even though it was our first march with a pipe band, we managed quite well! The rest of our day was spent in their town hall drinking champagne and talking to the Mayor of Valenciennes. The next day was spent at a local primary school. We marched for the pupils and they returned the favour. They sang our national anthem then theirs, albeit with a lot more effort! Again nibbles and champagne were the order of the day. Later that night we made the 90 minute coach journey to Ypres in Belgium. We marched dressed in greatcoats, possibly the heaviest piece of clothing ever made, to the Menin Gate. The gate is impressive with its marble walls and high, barrel-vaulted ceiling, but when the Buglers sounded the Last Post, the only feeling present in everyone was respect. Respect of the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Wednesday, for me, was the most humbling, sobering experience of my life. Since we were in the Somme area, a visit to various monuments and memorials was necessary. The Welsh monument at Mametz Wood; the South African memorial at Longueval, the Canadian memorial at Beaumont-Hamel, the Lochnagar Crater at La Boisselle and the Franco-British monument at Thiepval were all very impressive. They gave us a greater understanding of how many soldiers fell just in the Battle of the Somme alone. It was at the latter memorial where I placed a cross, remembering those who died at the Somme who were Old Hulmeians. The final day consisted of three parades and two marches in and around the city of Valenciennes. This was particularly enjoyable as literally half the city came and watched! At the Town Hall food was again served but sadly no champagne was on offer! It is hard to sum up the trip in just one word: the feeling of enjoyment in marching in front of a French General, the respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and sadness when you see the headstone of a boy of 19 years from Manchester who died in the War. Both Warren and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, making some very good friends in the process, and would definitely go again. We would like to thank GMACF, Mr Mulholland and our CCF officers for their assistance. By Markell Williams

C/Sgt Markell Williams

CSM Warren Moore

Forthcoming Literary Events 2010take 11th March 2010: Manchester Book Award Ceremony. Ten Y7 students will take part in this event 12th March 2010: Author Visit from Manchester Book Award Finalists 15th March 2010: Author Visit, Joe Craig, will visit our school

YEAR 1 Visit from the Owls

As part of this terms science topic on 'Light and Dark', Year 1 have been looking at the book 'The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark'. We invited Michael and Margaret from Lancashire Hawks and Owls to come into school to talk to the children about some of their large collection of owls. These included a large European Eagle owl called Jammu, who flew around the hall, showing off his enormous wing span and silent flight, Brambles the Tawny owl, who is a rescue bird and Purdy who is a barn owl, just like Plop in The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark. Purdy even did a little dance for the children when they clapped! The children all enjoyed having their photograph taken while holding an owl. The owls proved to be a major attraction for many other staff and pupils in the school and a truly WOW experience was had by all!

DOCTORS WANTED!A number of our students are currently applying to University to study Medicine. We would be very grateful if any parents who are Doctors would be able to assist the students by undertaking some Mock Interviews. Please e-mail ahmed.marikar@whgs-academy.org if you can help in any way.

Please note that the Year 11 Trial Exam Timetable and the Year 12 & 13 Exam Timetable and Study Leave information are now on our website: www.whgs-academy.org.uk

E X A M S

A Very Cheeky Dog!Like many people I have a pet dog. Mine is a three and a half year old Rhodesian Ridgeback and his name is Yogi. The reason he is called Yogi is that when he was a puppy we thought he looked just like Yogi Bear! Rhodesian Ridgebacks are South African dogs and were originally bred to hunt lions! The hunters used them because they could run all day if needed and they were the only dogs that could keep up with the lions and then keep them at bay until they arrived to kill them. Although this makes them sound very fierce this is not true at all and they are very good natured and loving pets who will protect their owners but not in an aggressive way. Yogi is quite a character and is very cheeky, he will try to get away with the naughtiest things. One day when I went to answer my front door, he stole some raw sausages from the worktop and ate them all! He has also eaten a full packet of Rocky biscuits complete with wrappers! He likes nothing more than to laze in the sunshine in the garden in the summer or to snuggle on his quilt in the kitchen when it is cold. He is always ready to play games especially football which is his absolute favourite the only problem is that everytime he gets hold of a football he pops it! He now has a favourite ball which if you saw it you would think it was just a bit of rag, but he loves it. If you look at this photograph you can see the 'ridge' down the middle of his back - this is fur which grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the fur on his back and is why they are called 'Ridgebacks'.

By Mrs Lockett (Reception Office)

PRIMARY PHASE NEWS!The Primary Phase has had a really busy, action-packed term with lots of visits and visitors. Visitors to assembly have included a brass ensemble from Year 8, some sixth formers playing flutes and fifes, a fencing demonstration and a visitor from our linked school in India. Classroom visitors have included two Vikings who spent the day with Year 3 and recreated life in a Viking village, Lancashire Hawks and Owls who brought a selection of birds to show to Year 1, a variety of minibeasts and insects brought by Zoo Lab to visit Year 4, a teacher from the Manchester Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths project who helped Year 2 to make some dancing jitterbugs, a dentist and a model maker in Year 3, and parents and friends who visited Year 3s very successful sandwich caf. Year 4 have spent the day dressed as children from World War 2 and Year 5 as Victorian children in order to get a feel of what life was like during those times. Year 6 launched their topic on the Greeks by holding a mini-Olympics afternoon. Year 1 and Year 4 have investigated the local area around school and Reception have been out for Road Safety training. Year 1 and Year 2 have taken part in multiskills sports afternoons at Whalley Range High School. Years 5 and 6 have both visited the Museum of Science and Industry, Year 2 have visited Cheadle Mosque, Year 5 have been to the Silk Museum in Macclesfield, Year 4 have been to the Imperial War Museum and Year 3 have been to the Roman Experience at Chester, as well as having lunch at the Northern Star deli in Chorlton. Reception have been to Chorlton library for a story telling session, and Nursery have been to the City Art Gallery. In addition to this, all children in KS1 and KS2 have visited the Aquatics Centre for at least one swimming session this term, and all children in Year 6 can now swim at least 25m. A travelling pantomime company will be presenting to us Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and our KS1 and Early Years children will put on two performances of the nativity play The Grumpy Sheep. We held a Cake Sale in aid of Children in Need and raised over 200, and more than 1,000 worth of books were sold at our Book Fair. Our harvest assembly was very well attended and we were proud of the amount of goods we were able to send to the Wood Street Mission. Extra-curricular activities this term have included Cross Country, Netball, Football, Choir, Recorder, Fencing, Weaving, Wildlife Explorers, Arts and Crafts and Textiles: thanks to the staff who give up their time to run these. Please do look at the school website to see lots of photos of the events that have taken place this term. Thank you to all parents and carers who have supported them and an especially big thank you to the teachers and Ms Douglas who have organised everything. We have had lots of WOW experiences this term, and we look forward to many more next year!

Mrs B Schouten Head of Primary Phase

ECO-WARRIORS MEET FORTNIGHTLY - WEDNESDAY 12.35PM IN S1

My Review of SkelligOn the 6th October we went to the Lowry Theatre to watch Skellig because we were reading the book and we wanted to see how they act it out. The Story of Skellig was scary. It was about a boy called Michael and the baby was born early and was ill. Michael found a man in his garage. The man had wings and ate with his hands. This man was called Skellig and at the end he saved the baby. I enjoyed the show because it was really fun to watch. My favourite part was when the baby was in hospital. My favourite character is Mina because she had a loud voice and her acts were fun and funny. The play and book had the same words. The actors matched my imagination. Something that was different was that the people who were playing the violin were telling us what was going to happen. There was no music in the book. I really enjoyed visiting the Lowry Theatre because its fun watching the people acting. I would like to go on more trips to the theatre in the future because it helps you understand the books when we read in class. By Hanadi Dadah 8J

SCHOOL YEAR 2009 2010Autumn Term 2009Term Ends: Friday, 18th December, 12.10pm (approx) Tuesday, 5th January Monday - Friday, 15th - 19th February Friday, 26th March, 12.10pm (approx) Tuesday, 13th April Monday Friday, 31st May 4th June Friday, 9th July, 12.10pm (approx) Friday, 3rd September Monday, 6th September

Spring Term 2010Term Starts for students: Half Term: Term Ends:

Summer Term 2010Term Starts for students: Half Term: Terms Ends

Autumn Term 2010Year 7 & 12 Induction Day: Term Starts for students: