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DREAM SKI TRIP INAWESOME AUSTRIA

GIRLS’ RUGBY TEAMS IN YORKSHIRE CUP FINAL

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FUNDRAISER BRINGS IN POUNDS FOR LEPRA

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STAFF GET INTO CHARACTER ON WORLD BOOK DAY

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Speaking in public (and being judged on your performance) might be many people’s idea of a worst nightmare, but twelve brave students proved that it can be a confidence-boosting experience, and an extremely valuable skill to learn.

On Thursday 7th February, four teams spoke superbly, as their proud families, English Department staff and Mrs Shutter and Mr McCallion watched on. The event, which is organised Elland Rotary Club, has a long history at Brooksbank; it was the brainchild former Governor Norman Kemp, who sadly passed away last summer. The standard of this year’s entries was a fitting tribute to him.

Brooksbank have already produced National Champions, with a team which included current Head Girl, Evie Sutcliffe. With such an inspiring example to follow, twelve students formed teams to speak on topics close to their hearts.

Up first, in the Intermediate age group, were Molly Mills, Isla Holman and Grace Hirst. They gave an incredibly polished, professional performance on ‘To What Extent Do Your Choices Affect Your Future?’ They were followed by an energetic, enthusiastic Year 7 team, consisting of Hayden Connett, Joe Robinson and Vinny Read, using humour to communicate their concerns on global warming, with their ‘Green Warriors on a Mission’ talk.

In the Senior category, Sam Gargett, Noah Etherington and Annabelle Walker delivered a moving and passionate talk on the prejudices facing transgender people in the world today: ‘Trans Taboo’. Finally, Matthew Wragg, Lillie Belle Hunter and James Bushnell (all Year 10), addressed the emotive topic of the rise of mental health issues in teenagers, entitled

‘Teenage Mental Health: Are We All Just a Generation of Snowflakes?’ Their speech had structure and skill.

Judging these fantastic performances was a difficult task; reflected by the incredibly close scores. The winners in the Intermediate group were the ‘Green Warriors’, Hayden, Joe and Vinnie, whilst in the Senior category, ‘Generation Snowflakes’ Matthew, Lillie Belle and James triumphed.

In March, the winning teams took their speeches to the next level: the District Final. The teams faced strong competition from schools across Yorkshire at Leeds Trinity University. Unfortunately, we didn’t win on this occasion, but the Seniors were pleased in the knowledge that they came a very close second, losing by the closest of margins to a sixth form team from Malton School. Lillie Belle and Matthew were praised for using memorable imagery and James, for the way he referred to the question in the Vote of Thanks.

STUDENTS DAZZLE WITH YOUTH SPEAKS SPEECHES

BROOKSBANK TARGETS BOYS’ MENTAL HEALTH WITH STRATEGY A GROUP OF SIXTH FORMERS AND MEMBERS OF STAFF ARE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND A CAMPAIGN TO TARGET BOYS’ MENTAL HEALTH. CALLED MENGAGE THE TEAM AIM TO PROVIDE A LISTENING EAR AND SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TALK ABOUT ISSUES TROUBLING THEM.

Research suggests that many of the vulnerabilities men feel in midlife, when the risk of suicide is at its highest, are established in childhood and adolescence, and that the needs of boys and young men need attention to prevent difficulties in later years.

The project was launched in a series of year group assemblies by Mrs Puddephatt, who is leading on the school’s strategy. The assemblies coincided with a poster campaign to promote a respectful culture towards boys’ mental health across the school.

“It’s important for our boys to know that help is available in school if they need advice or support regarding mental wellbeing. Our team of male staff and older students are excellent role models who can talk empathetically about mental health, in a positive way,” said Mrs Puddephatt.

The strategy sits alongside our other work to support students who would like to talk about something that’s troubling them.

FORGET THE GLITTERING SPEECHES AT THE OSCARS – BROOKSBANK STUDENTS GAVE DAZZLING PERFORMANCES OF THEIR OWN AT THE IN-HOUSE ROUND OF THE YOUTH SPEAKS COMPETITION RECENTLY.

A PITCH PERFECT JOE, HAYDEN AND VINNIE

HAVE PLENTY TO SMILE ABOUT.

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TALKING BOOKS ON WORLD BOOK DAYBROOKSBANK SPARKED A BIG CONVERSATION ABOUT READING ON WORLD BOOK DAY 2019.

Fiction for Young Adults offers something for everyone.

We’ve come a long way since Enid Blyton’s simple stories of the Famous Five camping, hiking and holidaying. Young adult (YA) fiction literature began pushing the boundaries in the 1980s and now is incredibly diverse. Whiles flavours of friendship, getting into trouble and romance have always been popular, they now share

a shelf with new subjects: identity, life and death, rape, suicide and murder. It’s been an explosive journey, with J.K. Rowling leading the way. Suzanne Collins’, The Hunger Games continues the boom.

Why is reading so beneficial?

We live in an age of bingeing on box sets and scrolling down Instagram, but reading books brings benefits that enhance our lives way beyond the small screen.

As we connect with the text, reading helps us to develop our own ideas about who we are and what we want to achieve. It’s good for our health, too. Whilst reading may appear solitary and passive, research shows that reading for thirty minutes a week increases good health and wellbeing. It also improves our confidence and self-esteem and can be a great way to fall asleep at night.

Mrs Jervis says

“I absolutely love reading! My perfect day includes getting a few hours curled up with a good book. For me, it’s a way to find out about different types of people in the world, the lives they lead and the things they do.”

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson is one of my favourite books. This book is totally silly and laugh out loud. I also love Meg and Mog by Helen Nicoll and Roald Dahl’s, The BFG. I won a copy of The BFG at primary school for doing well in lessons … I just loved it! From this I decided I liked limeade because I thought it was similar to what The BFG drank.”

MRS SHUTTER MRS JERVIS

MRS SHENTON

MRS ELLIS

MISS CROSS MISS ROBERTS

MISS LEWINS

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We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Read it if you want to explore gender roles and equity for young women and men.

We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarrassingly, a True Story by Josh Sundquist.

Read it if you find the prospect of dating challenging

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger.

Read it if you’re a civic-minded teen who wants to make a difference in the world.

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming.

Read it if reality show dramas are your bag – camera-ready family paid the ultimate price.

The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller.

Read it if you’re a true crime addict. You’ll also learn something about the legal process, in this fascinating unsolved crime account.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill.

Read it if you’ve ever felt like there’s too much pressure on young women to be ‘perfect’.

13 Minutes by Sarah Pinborough.

Read it if you’re a thriller/mystery addict, and if you feel you struggle to fit in at school.

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed.

Read it if you’ve ever felt torn between two cultures, or wondered what it might be like to be in this situation.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake.

Read it if you’ve given up on waiting for the next George RR Martin, and fancy finding some new warring queens.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Read it if you want to gain insight into what it’s like growing up in a neighbourhood where your friends can be gunned down without warning.

FICTION SUGGESTIONS

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NON-FICTION SUGGESTIONS

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ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SPRING 2019

Since their launch, the organisers (or KOs, as we call them) have been a huge success with students, who have realised what a brilliant learning tool they are. After all, anything that makes the learning easier has to be a good thing!

Your child’s learning at a glance …

Getting parents and carers involved was central to our thinking when we were developing the organisers. We know a lot of our parents want to know more about how they can support their child’s learning, at home, and in any subject. Now you can!

For the first time ever, you can read the ‘small print’ and help your child learn the fine detail. Plus, you can also be assured that everything in the KO targets your child’s GCSE examinations in Year 11, so everything is relevant and nothing is missed out.

Interactive learning tasks …

Pages are clearly laid out and have interactive learning tasks that are designed to strengthen key concepts and terminology. Answers are recorded in the KO work book. There is also space for parents to sign off the completed work.

Students will be asked to complete five KO tasks every week (identified in the KO subject grid), and we already know that this practice is working well. Please encourage your child to complete the activities and pack both books in their bag each night, so that they can be used in lessons on the following day.

Thank you! …

Finally, we’d like to thank you for your support so far in our roll out of this valuable learning tool – your help really does make a difference and is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to view the organiser online, you can find it by clicking MY BROOKSBANK at the top of our homepage.

We’d love to hear your feedback ... email us your opinion and comments to admin@bbs.calderdale.sch.uk

SAY HELLO TO THE KNOWLEDGE ORGANISER! SHOE SWITCHING FUNDRAISER BRINGS IN THE POUNDS FOR LEPRA

WE’VE BEEN BUSILY ROLLING OUT KNOWLEDGE ORGANISERS TO EVERY STUDENT IN KEY STAGE 3. YOU’VE PROBABLY SPOTTED THEM IN YOUR CHILD’S BAG … WE’VE HAD THEM SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED FOR EACH YEAR OF LEARNING AT BROOKSBANK, AND THERE’S A WORK BOOK TO ACCOMPANY IT.

These and other activities succeeded in raising a fantastic £1,395.93 for the year group’s favourite charity, Lepra. The money raised will help to provide comfortable sandals for children suffering from leprosy.

The shoe-switching day was organised by 7N. Leading lights of the fundraiser were Pippa and Emily who love to get involved fundraising for charity. Pippa, a proud pug-owner (who fund-raises for a pug charity) admitted to being mad about guessing games when she was younger and wanted to enable students to follow their dreams of winning at life. Emily, a keen cyclist, also takes part in a fund-raising sponsored 5k cycle ride every year.

Emily came up with the idea to hold a guess the name of the teddy competition. First prize was a giant teddy bear plus a box of jelly beans. “We were surprised at just how many boys wanted to win the teddy!” exclaimed the girls.

Form members also held a bake sale and sold close to one hundred freshly baked buns and biscuits. “It was a huge success,” said Pippa. “By lunch time, we had completely sold out!”

High tops, loafers, pumps, flats, docs - or plain old trainers – Year 7 students were free to which ever shoes they liked on Switch Shoes Day. Students paid one pound for a badge to signal they could wear their own shoes to school on Wednesday. One week later, the year group took part in a sponsored dance session.

7N PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR LEPRA.

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In lessons, students learned about the lives of nine inspirational women. Familiar names Frida Kahlo, Sylvia Plath, Jeanne D’Arc, Florence Nightingale and Joanne Simpson were under scrutiny in Art, English, French, Maths and Geography. This year, new names were added including: trail-blazing marathon runner, Kathrine Switzer (Science); debugging computer scientist, Grace Hopper (ICT); medieval queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine (History); and formidable suffragette and composer, Ethel Smyth (Music).

Students took part in some fun learning activities in the LRC, which was themed especially for the event. Sixth Form girls enjoyed a Girlpower workshop and a special screening of ‘Girl Rising’ over lunchtime. The activities helped to raise money for our chosen charity: the Women’s Centre in Halifax.

Kathrine Switzer: marathon woman who challenged all-male marathon running

These days, marathon-running is a sport for both men and women - right? Well yes, but it’s only relatively recently that women have been allowed to run marathons. We have Kathrine Switzer to thank for challenging the all-male tradition at the Boston Marathon in 1967. Kathrine was the first woman to officially enter and run – but she had to hide her gender and her name to do so.

Cameras caught the brutal moment when a race official tried to drag her from the race. Kathrine’s then boyfriend knocked the official off the course, and she made it to the finish line and the history books.

Kathrine vividly recalled the moment in her book, Marathon Woman, “I jerked my head around quickly and looked square into the most vicious face I’d ever seen. A big man, a huge man, with bared teeth was set to pounce, and before I could react he grabbed my shoulder and flung me back, screaming: ‘Get the hell out of my race and give me those numbers!’”

The attack made Switzer more determined to enable women to run marathons - and she succeeded. She founded the women’s running club 261 Fearless (named after her 1967 Boston Marathon jersey number) to help women embrace running. She then set her sights on the Olympic Games and campaigned for a women’s marathon to be part of the Games. She got her wish, seventeen years later, in 1984.

On International Women’s Day 2019, students discovered, in their Science lessons, that women are not only able to compete with men, they also have the capacity to beat them at ultramarathon distance.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2019 ON FRIDAY, 8TH MARCH, BROOKSBANK CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. THE CELEBRATION BUILT ON LAST YEAR’S HUGELY SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES.

Amazing Grace: eminent computer scientist popularises debug term

In Maths, students have been discovering the work of American computer scientist, Grace Hopper. Grace became known as ‘Amazing Grace’ for her innovations in computing and her work with young people as Rear Admiral in the US Navy.

After earning a PhD in Mathematics at Yale University, Grace enlisted in the Navy. She graduated first in her class and began working on the Mark I computer. In 1949, she recommended that a new programming language should be developed using English words. She was quickly told that she couldn’t do this because computers didn’t understand English. By 1952, Grace had created a compiler that could convert English-like sentences into machine-code.

We owe the term ‘computer bug’ to Grace. It was Grace who found a moth in the machine she was working on. When the moth/bug was removed, the machine had been ‘debugged and the term has stuck with us ever since.

Grace received many accolades for her achievements in computing, including the National Medal of Technology and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She even had a guided missile destroyer, The USS Hopper, named after her. On New Year’s Day 1992, Grace died in her sleep of natural causes; she was 85 years old. She was interred with full military honours in Arlington National Cemetery. Grace said of herself: “The most important thing I’ve accomplished, other than building the compiler, is training young people.”

Eleanor of Aquitaine: influential figure who dominated twelfth century Europe

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful figure in the middle ages and remains an important figure in women’s history. Born Duchess of Aquitaine in France, she would eventually become Queen of England. Aquitaine in the late-Medieval period was a centre of culture, fashion, and higher learning Eleanor received the best education available, which included arithmetic, astronomy, and history along with ‘domestic arts’ like household management, sewing, and spinning. She was being prepared for life as a powerful man’s wife.

In 1137, Eleanor was just fifteen years old when both her father and brother died. The Duchess inherited great wealth and overnight became the most eligible heiress in Europe. She had the pick of many suitors and chose to marry Louis, who would soon become King of France.

In 1147, Eleanor accompanied Louis VII on the Second Crusade, travelling to Constantinople and Jerusalem, but the Crusade was a failure and her inability to produce a male heir brought their marriage to an end in 1152. Two months after their divorce, Eleanor married Henry of Anjou who became King of England two years later. This marriage produced five sons and three daughters.

Endowed with intelligence, creative energy and a long life, Eleanor of Aquitaine played a major role in shaping twelfth century Europe. Her achievements were impressive

at a time when women were regarded as no more than belongings. Her brains and enterprise served her well during unrelenting hostilities between warring dynasties and religious crusades. Yet amid ruthless and turbulent times, Eleanor encouraged ideas of chivalry and courtly love.

By the time of her death Eleanor had outlived both of her husbands and six of her eight children.

She had been queen of two countries and travelled across Europe many times. She was entombed next to Henry in Fontevrault Abbey in Anjou, France. The nuns of Fontevrault wrote, “She was beautiful and just, imposing and modest, humble and elegant.”

Ethel Smyth: prodigious composer and formidable suffragist

Ethel Smyth (1858 – 1944) was a feisty activist for gender equality in the voting booth and and extremely talented musician on the classical stage. Her musical talents made her one of England’s most successful turn-of-the-19th-century composers.

Smyth grew up in Kent enjoying ‘unladylike’ activities such as hiking, tennis and cycling, yet her musical beginnings appeared less radical. She was already composing hymns and learning to play the piano at the age of ten and this would blossom into a long and successful career.

Compositions including songs, piano pieces, chamber music, orchestral and choral works and operas all followed - and so did the criticism. Male critics dubbed her work ‘utterly unfeminine’ and lacking in ‘sweetness and grace’. But tough-cookie Ethel was undaunted and would lend her musical prowess to writing the rallying call for women’s suffrage: ‘The March of Women’.

Ethel was the first female composer to be awarded a dame hood, when she was made a DBE in 1922 in recognition of her considerable musical talents. Hearing problems and deafness in old age did not stop her from writing music. By her death in 1944, the 86-year-old Dame Ethel Smyth had written ten books, a concerto, countless orchestral works and six operas.

SIXTH FORM GIRLS ENJOY A BODY CONFIDENCE

WORKSHOP BY 1325.

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ACCORDING TO RECENT RESEARCH, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO AVOID STUDYING LANGUAGES BECAUSE THEY PERCEIVE THEM AS BEING ‘TOO HARD’.

LIFE ON EUROPA VIDEO PUTS BROOKSBANK IN UK SPACE DESIGN COMPETITION FINAL SET ASIDE EUROPE, FOR THE MOMENT, AND THINK EUROPA! THIS WAS THE VIDEO TASK SET FOR STUDENTS WHO WERE ASKED TO PLAN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FIRST-PHASE RESEARCH FACILITY ON JUPITER’S ICE-CRUSTED MOON.

We’re happy to report that our students relish learning French at Brooksbank. Providing lots of opportunities to parler français plus a trip to the French capital all help to bring the subject alive.

French is everywhere! We’re already off to a flying start when learning French because our own language is sprinkled liberally with French words. Around 29% of English words have French roots (thanks largely to the Norman Conquest). Gourmet meals are created by chefs, hôtels often offer a concierge service, Brexit may reach an impasse and les gilets jaunes have been demonstrating on the streets of Paris. French is literally everywhere!

In conversation with MarianneThree students have been honing their French speaking skills with Marianne Serré, CEO of sia Abrasives Greetland, which is part of the Bosch group of companies. Marianne, who is fluent in English, French and German, popped into school for a chat recently.

Poppy Burnside asked Marianne why languages are important to her. Marianne replied that learning languages can be a great career benefit: “When I was 20, I left France and came to London, for a year, to work as an au pair (there’s another French word!) I lived with a family and looked after their children - it was a great way to learn English. If I only spoke French, I would not be here today.”

Career benefits aren’t the only advantage to learning languages; there are cultural benefits to be enjoyed too. Says Marianne, “Speaking other languages really opens your mind and broadens your horizons. If you speak a country’s language, you can

communicate with its people. Speaking to your host in their own language also shows your respect for them.”

The conversation also revealed Marianne’s love of England – especially Yorkshire! “I love this part of England; it’s a beautiful part of the world. I love the Yorkshire stone, the grand houses and the castles here.”

Max Freemantle wanted to know what Marianne’s favourite hobby was. Not surprisingly, Marianne’s favourite pastime is to travel, “As soon as the holidays come round I like to go abroad. I’ve visited many countries. If you ask me for a favourite city, I’d say New York. If you ask me where to find the best scenery, I’d say Scotland or New Zealand. If you ask me where my favourite beach is, I’d say the Maldives.”

SPOT US ON THE THIRD ROW AT THE

NATIONAL UK SPACE DESIGN COMPETITION!

MARIANNE ET LES TROIS MOUSQUETAIRES

Poppy asked, “If you had the choice, where would you live?” Marianne replied, “I have the choice. I’ve chosen to live here because of my job.” [Marianne’s employer, Bosch, employs 400,000 people across 130 different countries.] “I change jobs every four years. So I’m here for four years and then I’ll move to another country. My plan is to keep doing different countries until I retire.”

Les trois mousquetaires … Tom Batchelor, Poppy Greenwood, Max Freemantle and Poppy Burnside are now planning how they can help younger students at Brooksbank to learn French and give it a more positive image. “I’d like to make it more interactive and practical,” says Max. “More focussed on speaking and less on writing.”

We’ll keep you posted on the exploits of our three musketeers.

Flying the flag forFrench:

We are delighted to report that Brooksbank’s plan for habitation on the starry satellite has put the school in the finals of the UK Space Design Competition 2018/19.

Congratulations go to team members: Corinne Barker, Jake Whitehouse, Bill Gaukroger, Kasey Dunkley, Sam White, Nathan Loughrey, Oscar Powell, from Brooksbank, and James Turner and Eleanor Hopkins, from Brighouse High School.

The Space Design Competition is brilliant in the way it draws on students’ learning from across many curriculum subjects, to connect subjects such as Sciences, Mathematics, Geography, Design, Business and Art. It also draws on key video production, presentation and team working skills.

Brooksbank has been busy building a strong track record of success in the competition; ably led by the school’s Head of Physics, Mr Chris Smith. “We first entered the competition in 2015/16. On that occasion we

didn’t get through, however in the two succeeding years, we reached the national final. In 2017/18, Brooksbank reached the national final and two of our students were selected for the EU team at international final held at the Kennedy Space Centre in July 2018.”

The Competition Final was held on 16th - 17th March at Imperial College, London. Sadly, Team Dougeldyne were not winners on this occasion but rest assured, they gave it their all and we are very proud of them.

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Situated in the Glemm Valley, Saalbach and Hinterglemm offer great skiing opportunities for all grades of skier, with their wide, tree-lined runs and well-connected ski lifts. Both are lively resorts and the picturesque lakeside town of Zell am See is just a 25-minute coach-ride away. At Zell am See, there is a sports centre with an indoor swimming pool and an ice-rink where major league ice hockey matches are played.

Although reaching the destination - a comfortable and well-equipped youth hostel situated high up in the hamlet of Hinterglemm, with skiing up to the door - took 27 hours by coach, once there, the party had five full days of skiing, activities and laughter. “Where do I start!” said Maya Dunn. “Ski Austria was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had and I miss every second of it. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much in my life!”

“Students handled the journey unbelievably well and we did not hear a single moan,” said a pleased Mr Ball. “Once there, we didn’t waste a moment in getting fitted for skis, boots and poles - then it was straight to bed for a proper night’s sleep!”

The excited anticipation for the first day on the slopes was immense. “The weather was hot and the sky clear as we boarded the ski lift. The views were breath-taking, and I was so excited,” exclaimed Finn Cullimore. “The instructors were extremely helpful and by the end of the week, we were all strutting our stuff like experienced skiers, and skiing the mountain from top to bottom,” he added.

Beginner, Maya, confessed, “Not going to lie, but I had never skied before. I took my place in the baby group and learned the basics. It was a bit boring at first, but once I got the hang of it, I absolutely loved it!” By the end of the week, there were some accomplished skiers in the group who were a real credit to the school.

After each day on the slopes, awards such as ‘wipe-out of the day’ and ‘queen of the slopes’ were given. “It was very interesting to see lots of students offering staff reports on who was falling over the most,” laughed Mr Ball. Ski school was just one part of the package – there were also après ski events each evening including: watching an ice hockey game, swimming at Tauern Spa and shopping at Zell Am See.

As is customary, The Brooksbank Ski Awards closed the show, to celebrate students’ achievements, both good and bad! “It was a just-for-fun event and lots of awards were handed out. In particular, we had to hand it to Maya and Ben Miller who we awarded the prize for ‘outstanding girl and boy of the week’.

Praise also went to Jack Dodd, who won ‘wipe-out of the week’.” Jack managed to ski backwards down the piste for 40 metres! “It was quite a feat!” continued Mr Ball … “We couldn’t work out whether he was absolutely amazing or totally out of control! - we later learnt that he really was ace - the skis don’t lie!” The ‘most improved skier of the week’ award went to Finley Wheelwright; Finley progressed from beginner to advanced group in just five days, earning him the tag: ‘the Jamie Vardy of Brooksbank’!”

A ski-ecstatic Mr Ball thanked true blue staff for their wholehearted commitment to the students, “I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Mr and Mrs Puddephatt, Mr Mounsey, Miss Nutter and Mrs Kain. They made memories that students will never forget. Finally, I want to thank the truly brilliant Year 8 and 9 students who were just remarkable all week; you did Brooksbank proud!”

“Skiing down mountains... what an experience! If you ever get the chance to go skiing - take it! I promise you, you won’t regret it!” said Maya.

“The trip was so fantastic! It’s impossible to describe how brilliant it was. ‘Vielen danke’,” said Finn.

“I was so excited, I jumped a full three-sixty on my skis - much to my amazement. Despite being placed in the top group, on the last day, I still managed to fall twenty meters on my face, but that’s beside the point.”

IMAGINE SKIING IN THE BEAUTIFUL, SNOW-COVERED MOUNTAINS IN AUSTRIA. THE DREAM CAME TRUE FOR 44 BROOKSBANK YOUNGSTERS DURING FEBRUARY HALF-TERM. “THE STUNNING PICTURES, THANKS TO MR MOUNSEY, REFLECT WHAT A TRIUMPH IT WAS, AND HOW MUCH STUDENTS ENJOYED THEMSELVES,” SAID MR BALL, PARTY LEADER AND ORGANISER OF BROOKSBANK’S FIRST-EVER SKIING TRIP FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS.

SKI-TASTIC TRIP TURNS FLEDGLINGS INTO PROS IN AUSTRIAN MOUNTAINS

WHAT A VIEW!

TRUE BLUES ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

HAPPINESS IS HINTERGLEMM!

“WE’RE STILL STANDING!”

TAKING A BREAK TO REST THOSE QUADRICEPS.

APRÈS-SKI BEST GIRL AND BOY OF THE WEEK.

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Back in the day when camp really

meant camp and other stories

The excitement of Ambleside is highly anticipated by Year 7 students, especially as the summer term approaches. But did you know that our Year 7 Residential in Ambleside began life as a real under-canvas camping experience? This got us thinking about what else has changed in recent decades. We hope that some of these nostalgic moments of former times at Brooksbank will make you smile … let’s begin with “Camp”!

When Camp really was Camp

Back in the 1970s, the residential for our youngest students, affectionately known as camp, actually was just that. This real camping experience took place at Harlech, North Wales. It was considered a life-changing rite of passage back then, and is still regarded as one of the best-ever school experiences today, according to both staff and students. Despite a structured programme packed with activities, there was also plenty of time for fun – and games.

Some things never change and getting to sleep on the first night is no exception. In the days long before mobile phones, unofficial, pupil-organised football matches sometimes took place as early as 5.00am. Fortunately fresh air and strenuous activities would eventually take their toll and tired students would soon be fast asleep on subsequent nights. One felt sympathy too for the “homesick by Wednesday” pupils who weren’t used to being away from home.

Campers began each day with a full English breakfast followed by a packed lunch – all prepared by staff and students. Former teacher, Mrs Mabel Pighills was the #1 baker at camp. She would bake 125 teacakes and scones each day to keep young tummies satisfied. Feeding everyone also produced mountains of washing up, as the picture on the right shows. Tents were swept and beds made in readiness for morning inspection, and large rosettes with flowing streamers were awarded to the day’s tidiest two tents. Their inhabitants were presented with individual rosettes in assembly when they returned to school. On the last night of camp, Harlech castle was lit up as a special farewell treat.

Colour therapy in the

‘1st Year block’

In the late 1960s, pupil numbers were increasing rapidly and in 1970, we said hello to a circular cluster of classrooms built to teach First Year pupils. The “first year block” was sited at the top of the yard and, if you hadn’t already guessed, it is now known as E block. Rooms were painted in calming colours and some found the space to be a restful haven of tranquillity. This calm atmosphere was in sharp contrast to the “old block” - as C block used to be known – where one red-painted class was unsurprisingly described as rather “noisy”.

Co king on gas, in

‘the flat’

A new broader curriculum began to develop in the 1960s as we embraced comprehensive education. But the dream of equal opportunities had yet to dawn. In F block, boys were busy mitring and dove-tailing in their woodwork lessons, while girls were learning what was called “women’s work” in domestic science.

Who can remember “the flat” in C block? This small nest of tucked-away rooms (now the Key Stage 4 office) was where older girls trained to become future housewives. They would spend a whole day in the flat: washing and ironing laundry (brought from home); planning, budgeting and shopping for morning coffee with cakes; lunch and afternoon tea with scones for four (two pupils and two members of staff). Teachers would receive a neatly-written invite to dine, and RVSP a formal reply. The flat had to be thoroughly cleaned after the event too!

A RESTFUL HAVEN OF TRANQUILLITY: THE NEWLY-BUILT ‘FIRST YEAR BLOCK’ IN 1970.

WHEN ‘CAMP’ MEANT CAMP AND TIDIEST TENTS WON PRIZES!

TENTS WERE THE SIZE OF MARQUEES!

ALL THAT WASHING UP …

SPOT THE MANGLE!

MRS PIGHILLS’ GRANDSON, BEN -

BETTER KNOWN AS MR MOUNSEY.

Remembering Mrs Mabel Pighills

In February, a much-loved former teacher at Brooksbank passed away. Mrs Mabel Pighills taught at the school for 17 years, taking early retirement in 1989. Her memories of life at Brooksbank during these decades made an important contribution to The Brooksbank Legacy, our centenary book.

Mabel joined Brooksbank in 1972 as an English and RE teacher. With class sizes much larger than they are today, (almost 40 pupils in every class), Mrs Pighills added craft work to her portfolio and taught youngsters to make and do all sorts of things. In 1989, Mabel decided to take early retirement; she later recalled a constant stream of children bringing her small gifts, flowers and saying their goodbyes. “I enjoyed every day of my 17 years there,” she said. Mabel’s grandson Ben - better known as Mr Mounsey - attended Brooksbank as a pupil in the 1990s and returned to us as a teacher in 2004, thus continuing the teaching tradition set by Mrs Pighills.

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COOKING ON GAS, IN ‘THE FLAT’ -

NOW THE KS4 OFFICE.

Brooksbank Leaders and InfluencersStudent Voice encourages students to influence school life by expressing ideas and opinions about school life and how to improve it. These are gathered by our Comms Team who ensure they are reported to senior members of staff.

Enabling students to become leaders is top of our list for individual development. Students have lots of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, within the curriculum and in sporting and enrichment activities. “We are incredibly proud of our youngsters who work to promote Brooksbank’s core values and those who make the school shine at events such as open evenings and transition events,” says Mrs Rawson, Student Voice Coordinator.

The stories were celebrated at a special lunchtime event in the LRC, with best stories being read out loud by proud authors. Readers and listeners were drawn in by gloomy tales of lonely protagonists, totalitarian regimes and grim repression.

Every decade seems to produce a Dystopian masterpiece: Brave New World (Aldous Huxley 1932); Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell, 1949); Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury 1953); The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret

Atwood 1985); The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins 2008); and the genre is a popular with Year 9 students, perhaps because it allows them to discuss controversial issues and compare them with real-world problems.

The judges decided that Harry Forster’s story, Brave New Fighters, had seized the day. Harry’s story was set in a POW camp, where soldiers channel their energies and aggression to become fighters for the cause.

Alex Park, Riley Core-Sugden and Levana Clegg also received vouchers for their efforts.

Harry says he enjoyed thinking up unsettling phrases, such as: ‘The clock struck the thirteenth hour’ and ‘It was a dark morning in July’. “There are always two ways of looking at things,” said Harry. “Writing dystopian stories gives you an opportunity to scare the reader, to put things out there that are alien and to make them feel uncomfortable.”

YEAR 9 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN CONJURING WITH DYSTOPIAN IMAGERY IN THEIR SHORT STORY WRITING IN ENGLISH WITH EXCELLENT – IF CHILLING – RESULTS. HOW TO BE A BROOKSBANK

LEADER AND INFLUENCER

HARRY’S BRAVE NEW FIGHTERS SEIZE THE DAY

Says Morgan, “The Comms Team meets every Monday lunchtime in E2. There’s always space for more members and students are invited to come along and make their voice heard.”

IN A WORLD OF ONLINE INFLUENCERS, INDIVIDUALS CAN MOVE AND SHAPE JUST ABOUT ANYTHING. AT BROOKSBANK, EVERY STUDENT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A SCHOOL INFLUENCER OR LEADER. WINNING FRIENDS, INFLUENCING PEOPLE AND HELPING TO BUILD A BETTER SCHOOL COME TOGETHER IN A PROGRAMME WE CALL STUDENT VOICE. THROUGH ITS WORK, STUDENTS GAIN THE CONFIDENCE, AMBITION AND ENTHUSIASM NEEDED TO MAKE SHAPE THEIR FUTURE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. Comms Team publicist, Morgan Osborne in

10S reports:

“Students will spot members of the School’s Comms Team by the snazzy lanyards they wear. Our job is to listen to and communicate views and information from all our school community. We’re an approachable bunch who are eager to listen and respond.

We have a variety of jobs all aimed at improving our school. For instance, Sammy, Megan and Emily work on class meetings, while I write our newsletters. Lauren updates our various social media articles, Joe designs our posters, and Hayden, Molly and Sofia run our ‘surgery’, where students can discuss their problems and ideas. Isla and Emily create and update the Comms progress board.

Currently, we’re working on an exciting opportunity to see Brooksbank advertised on TV. The advert, showcasing the work we do, will air on LeedsTV - watch this space for more details!!!”

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“Year 10 prefects work closely to support our youngest students in their form activities and lessons. Their leading work models best practice and provides support and advice when needed. Year 7 transition leaders are trained to be role models for Year 6 pupils who are transferring to Brooksbank. They accompany transition staff on primary school visits to local primary schools and perform a brilliant job on induction days in the summer term.”

CHECKING OUT THE RED WINDMILL

ON THE MOULIN ROUGE.

ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE IN THE JARDIN DES TUILLERIES.

INSTAGRAM PARADISE AT VERSAILLES.

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After a smooth journey, the party arrived just before 9.00pm, local time. Accommodation at FIAP- Jean Monnet was close to the train station and offered good, clean facilities, breakfast and evening meal in a self – service restaurant, and a games room to relax in at the end of each day. The visit was blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine, as Europe and the UK basked in a most unseasonal February heatwave.

There was no better way to start the first day, than a bateau-mouche cruise along the sun-drenched Seine. “It was a superb vantage point to see the sights,” said Tom Batchelor. From the riverboat, explorers caught their first glimpse of the Parisian crown jewels in all their glory: Notre-Dame Cathedral; La Conciergerie, le Pont Neuf; le Musée de Louvre, le Musée d’Orsay, La Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.

“A surreal and magical experience,” exclaimed Grace Goodwin.

In the afternoon, students returned to the Arc de Triomphe for lunch and went shopping on the Champs-Elysées. “The Champs-Elysées oozed style, history and elegance,” said Grace. Tom agreed, “The Champs-Elysées was so cool and a great place to shop.” They then walked to the Louvre, passing through the Jardin des Tuileries with its exquisite gardens.

On Saturday, students headed out of town for the beautiful Palace of Versailles, to escape the gilet-jaunes protests. Students were hugely impressed by the grandeur of Louis XIV’s palace and its vast gardens: watching the fountains play their music and gazing at the sculptures.

On Sunday morning, students climbed the hill of Montmartre, to reach the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur. The imposing basilica sits on a 130 metre-high hill and has lush views over Paris. Students were captivated by the basilica’s stunning Romano-Byzantine architecture and the artists’ playground of Montmartre. The glamour of the Moulin Rouge, with its lipstick-red paint, made its own impact. In the afternoon, the party divided into two groups, with one half taking in the

Centre Pompidou with its unmistakable outside escalators and the huge colourful pipework. Group 2 enjoyed a guided tour of the Stade de France, the country’s largest stadium, which hosted Euro 2016 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Located in Saint-Denis, a few kilometres north of Paris, Brooksbank’s football fans were able to follow in the footsteps of world-class players such as Zidane and Pogba as they toured the changing rooms, the warm-up room, players’ tunnel and pitch. “It was giant!” said Tom.

Obviously, no visit to Paris would be complete without ascending the Eiffel Tower – it’s THE must see monument of the French capital. Originally built for the World’s Fair of 1889, students enjoyed catching the perfect camera angle. At 312 metres high, the tower offered stupendous views across the City of Lights in all directions. Soaking up the atmosphere in the Champ de Mars, Les Invalides Military Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb sealed the deal on this unforgettable Parisian experience.

“C’était superbe!” said tour leader, Mr Whitworth, “Superb group of students, superb weather, superb trip!”

GCSE French StudentsDISCOVER THE BEAUTY AND CULTURE OF PARIS OVER HALF-TERMROMANTIC AND PICTURESQUE PARIS COUNTS AS ONE OF THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE CITIES IN THE WORLD - AND WITH GOOD REASON. 20 FRENCH GCSE STUDENTS LEFT SCHOOL EARLY ON VALENTINE’S DAY TO BOARD AN EASYJET FLIGHT TO THE FRENCH CAPITAL TO EXPLORE ITS CULTURE AND TAKE PICTURES OF THEIR OWN.

“The trip certainly succeeded all my expectations,” said Grace Goodwin. “I’ve been wanting to go since I was five and it was truly amazing!”

As we all know, there are no short-cuts to fifteen-hundred word essays and there’s no way you can pull them out of a Christmas cracker. However, Mr Miller (Aim Higher Coordinator) had every confidence that our students would rise to the challenge. After all there was a juicy range of questions to consider.Our two favourite picks from each category were:

Six essays were shortlisted and judged by a crack team of essay experts (Mr McCallion, Mr Miller and Mr Campbell). The final step in the competition was a grilling interview where entrants were asked to expand on the main points of their musings. Finally, winners of the first, second and third prizes were announced and congratulated in assembly. The winning essays will be displayed for all to read. We can’t wait …

Praising students for their linguistic skills, competition organiser Mr Miller said, “It was tight at the top. As expected, the essays were of a very high standard, but Freya forged ahead in her interview, with her ability to discuss her views”. Well done to Amy Linford, Dominic Whilde and Jacob Maclean who received certificates of commendation; they received £10 vouchers.The most popular essay questions were: Why was Elizabeth I a great queen? and “Our earth is heating up.” Is this because of human activity, or is nature to blame?

Karol Seroczynski, Caitlin Whiteley, Georgie-Leigh Whiting, Gabriel Buckley, Tom Batchelor, Grace Sparks, McKenzi Freeth, Jill Haigh-Hutchinson are working hard to bring the event to market and are nervously excited about it. “No other group has done something this big before,” said Georgie-Leigh. “I was so excited about seeing the acts come together on the night,” said Caitlin.

Students came up with the idea of staging a proper night-time gig to demonstrate their determination to score high grades in August, and booked the two local acts to demonstrate their ambition.

Ego States are a four-piece, melody-driven rock ‘n’ roll band with plenty of live gigs under their belt. The Brighouse boys (including former Brooksbanker, Rhys Jenkins) have been gaining a following across the North

of England over the past year. Singles, including their first release Overthinker, have been big hits on Spotify and Apple Music and the boys have supported Jake Bugg and The Cribs on the Main Stage at Bingley Music Festival.

Ellie Telford is a talented singer-songwriter from Brooksbank, who is currently in Year 12. Ellie has a string of punchy songs in her indie-folk repertoire. Her perceptive lyrics are full of wit and wisdom with a West Yorkshire twist.

The BTEC Music team have worked very hard to make the event happen: booking the hall, liaising with the artists and the school’s sound and lighting engineer, designing the tickets and posters, developing social media marketing and organising refreshments. Fundraising began at the Christmas Fair with a seasonal hot chocolate stall. “Announcing the event in assemblies was nerve-wracking,” said Gabriel. “It’s been a pleasure working with everyone and great fun to organise,” added Karol.

STUDENTS STAGE SCHOOL ROCK CONCERTYEAR 11 BTEC MUSIC PRODUCTION STUDENTS SET THEMSELVES THE CHALLENGE OF STAGING THEIR VERY OWN MUSIC CONCERT AS PART OF THEIR STUDIES. THEIR STATES OF MUSIC GIG TOOK PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, 20TH MARCH AND FEATURED VINTAGE ROCK HEADLINE-GRABBERS, EGO STATES AND TALENTED SINGER-SONGWRITER, ELLIE TELFORD.

STUDENTS FLEX THEIR ESSAY WRITING MUSCLES

WHILE MOST OF US WERE ENGAGED IN NAILING OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST, STUDENTS IN YEAR 8 WERE FEVERISHLY TYPING THEIR AIM HIGH ESSAYS TO MEET THE DECEMBER 17TH DEADLINE.

McKenzi Freeth: “I’ve loved the creativity that’s been going on throughout the course and seeing the show unfold was the icing on the cake.”

Grace Sparks: “After all the effort we’d put in, it was great to see so much support from the audience.”

OLIVER BOTTOMLEY ACHIEVED SECOND PLACE AND JOSEPH MITCHELL CAME THIRD. OLIVER AND JOSEPH RECEIVED £20

AMAZON VOUCHERS.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

FREYA SHAW, WHO WAS

AWARDED FIRST PRIZE.

FREYA WINS AN

AMAZON KINDLE.

Inspiring the next generation was the aim of National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week, held recently. Students across all year groups have been involved in thinking about how the subjects they study link to the world of work and progression routes. The C&K Careers Calderdale Apprenticeship Event, at The Shay Stadium, went down really well with Year 11 and Sixth Form students; it gave them the opportunity to meet lots of employers and training providers face-to-face.

On International Women’s Day, local electrician ‘Little Miss Electrical’ (aka Cathy Cockin) met with students in Year 9 to discuss thinking outside gender stereotypes when it comes to career choices. Cathy described how she changed her career direction from that of lawyer to setting up her own business as an electrician. Selected Year 8 students played the Make it in Manufacturing game; racing to build a small enterprise before their opponents. They have been kept up to date with regional labour-market information and local opportunities.

Particularly popular was the video short showing how After Eights and Quality Streets chocolates are made at Nestlé, Halifax!A round of mock interviews for Year 11 and 13 students, assisted by the local Rotary Club and RSA Insurance Group completes a very productive term of careers education at Brooksbank. The department now has its sights set on attaining the Quality in Careers Standard Award, welcoming back O2 for our Employability Days, careers assemblies and much more!

LITTLE MISS ELECTRICAL AND OTHER CAREERS DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

EnglishAre the Harry Potter stories simply tales

of good versus evil?

Is studying Shakespeare stil l relevant

in today’s society?

History Why was Elizabeth I a great queen?

What is the point of studying history

in schoo l?

Geography

“Our earth is heating up.” Is this because

of human activity, or is nature to blame?

Why do many poor countries struggle

to develop?

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SPECTACULAR YORKSHIRE CUP SEASON HIT BY STORMS TO DELAY FINALS

NOTCHING UP WINNING TRIES AND MILES IN CHAMPION SCHOOLS COMPETITION

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The Year 7 side tipped the balance in their favour when they played St John Fisher in Dewsbury. It was a tight game which produced a final score of 18 - 14. The team will face Castleford Academy in their Cup Final.

Year 8’s game against St John Fisher was clearer cut. Brooksbank beat the academy by a thundering 28 - 4! Coach Mr Ball declared his joy on Twitter, “A brilliant performance despite missing a few players.” Year 8 play Corpus Christi in their Cup Final.

Year 10 put themselves in the final when they beat Brigshaw High. It was a tough encounter but yet another demonstration of skill with a final score of 36 - 4 to Brooksbank. Year 10 face Malet Lambert in their Cup Final.

Year 11 beat Garforth Academy 40 - 6 to qualify for their shot at the County Cup. “There were five tries from the skipper and a great all round team performance,” said Mr Ball. Year 11 play Outwood Grange Academy in their Cup Final.

In the National Cup, mid-January saw crucial wins for Year 11 when they met Cardinal Newman, while Year 8 faced St John Fisher.

As reigning National Champions, the Year 11 side were defending their title when they met Cardinal Newman College in Preston. The Lancashire team presented very little threat to our Year 11s who played some brilliant tries to produce 58 - 16 at the final whistle. This stunning result put the team through to the Quarters against Hinchley Wood, Surrey on 7th February. Hopes were high as the squad departed Brooksbank at 7.30am to meet kick off time. It was a bruising London encounter but a terrific result for Year 11 when they trounced their opponents 36 - 16. “Well done to all involved,” tweeted a very pleased Mr Ball.

Year 8 took their chances against 2018 Champions, Wade Deacon, on home turf on 8th February. This time, it was not to be for Brooksbank. The Wade Deacon side maintained their form beating our Year 8s 36 - 4. It was a worthy win, and our lads put up a good fight,” said Mr Ball. Brooksbank’s Year 7 team bounced straight into their Quarter Final when Hinchley Wood conceded their game.

Year 10 played their First Round game against Culcheth High at home on 26th February. In a closely fought contest, Brooksbank just managed to snatch the win with a 26 - 24 final result. “Very well played to our visitors who proved to be a real challenge this afternoon,” said Mr Ball after the game. We wish all our teams the very best in their bid to become National Champions.

“Reaching the Yorkshire Cup Finals is a first for girls’ rugby at Brooksbank and I’m hoping that their effort will set the standard for other year groups to follow,” said Girls’ Coach, Miss Jones.

In the Year 9 tournament, the team were fantastic in attack; Amelia Brown and Chloe Helliwell’s speed consistently tearing up their opponent’s defences.

Year 9 Team Captain, Julia Lowery, was fantastic and led the girls to victory with great confidence. “Julia stood out as the woman of the tournament. She was outstanding in defence, not missing a single tackle, and fought hard to keep tries scored against us to a minimum,” beamed coach, Miss Jones.

“Our pace and movement made it difficult for other teams to stop our runs and we were able to effectively break their lines. Our strength in a tackle was fantastic with everyone giving 100%. The girls have worked exceptionally hard in training over the winter term and their determination paid dividends in their games.”

Brooksbank will face Castleford Academy in the Year 9 Girls’ Final, to be held after Easter.

Congratulations to the team:

Julia Lowery, Tilly Rose, Millie Bowker, Erin Bentley, Amelia Brown, Chloe Helliwell,

Jamie-Lee Ryan, Mollie Butterworth, Aliyah Jackson, Olivia Wilde, Isabelle arnshaw, Niamh Earnshaw, Ruby Tyson, Isabelle Clinton.

Making the double two days later, our Year 10 Team have also made the County Final.

The Year 10 squad beat Castleford Academy in the Semi Final on 7th March. “It was another outstanding display of rugby!” said Miss Jones. “There were fantastic defence tactics from the whole team and numerous outstanding performances.”

Cheyney McCarthy and Lillie Belle Hunter led the team from the start with fantastic performances in attack and defence. Julia Lowery, who stepped up from Year 9 Team Captain, played an outstanding game against older players.

Brooksbank will face St John Fisher in the Year 10 Girls’ Final, to be held after Easter.

Congratulations to the team:

Cheyney McCarthy, Lillie Belle Hunter, Charlie Singleton, Olivia Luby, Emily Barker, Emily Waddle, Georgia Stansfield, Isobel Morton, Erin Bentley, Amelia Brown, Tilly Rose, Julia Lowery, Chloe Helliwell, Millie Bowker.

Brooksbank Year 7/8 placed third but garnered great recognition

In the Year 7/8 tournament, Brooksbank the girls played some fantastic rugby but were beaten by the size of their opponents. The team won two games and lost two games by just one try in the dying minutes. Despite this, and were singled out by a number of coaches as being the best team at the tournament.

“Unfortunately, there were a number of teams with players who were much taller and stronger than ours. Having said that they worked hard and defended well, only to be frustrated by a couple of tries in the minutes of the games,” said Miss Jones.

Well done, girls for a great effort!

Alice Hackney, Freya Jones, Kaitlyn Morrison Twibill, Sydnie Connell, Niamh Earnshaw, Isabelle Earnshaw, Ruby Tyson, Isabelle Clinton, Mollie McDonnell, Megan Whilde, Emily Keasey.

GIRLS’ RUGBY DOUBLE PUTS YEAR 9 & YEAR 10 IN YORKSHIRE CUP FINALS!

Football-focussed Ava, who’s been playing for the club for four years, has also attended three training camps for England and is hoping to join the Under 15 squad and play for her country – that’s an impressive track record for a youngster who is still in Year 8!

Ava discovered a taste for the sport when she was just a tot in Year 3; she was spotted for Leeds while playing for the Goldstars. In her central midfield position, Ava rules the midfield and scores plenty of goals to boot. She also plays a key role in defence, working with the keeper, strikers and wingers up and down the pitch.

“I love the game and enjoy the commitment,” says Ava. “This year I’ve scored ten goals in fifteen games and set up over twenty assists.”

Football must be a popular subject in the Pickard household. Alongside Ava and her brother (who first inspired her to take up the sport), there’s also mum and dad, who are big fans of Man City.

We wish Ava all the very best in achieving her dream to become a professional footballer.

LEEDS MID-FIELDER AVA DREAMS OF TURNING PROFESSIONALBROOKSBANK STUDENT, AVA PICKARD, HAS BEEN PLAYING FOOTBALL SINCE SHE WAS AROUND SEVEN YEARS OLD. SHE FOLLOWED HER OLDER BROTHER INTO THE SPORT AND BEGAN PLAYING FOR GREETLAND GOLDSTARS. WHILE THERE SHE WAS TALENT SPOTTED BY SCOUTS AT LEEDS UNITED AND WAS INVITED TO JOIN THEIR REGIONAL TALENT CENTRE.

IT’S BEEN A SPECTACULAR SEASON FOR BOYS’ RUGBY AT BROOKSBANK, WITH FOUR OUT OF FIVE BOYS’ TEAMS REACHING THE COUNTY CUP FINALS. UNFORTUNATELY, ALL DECIDERS WERE DELAYED WHEN STORM GARETH PUT THE SCHEDULE THROUGH THE WRINGER IN MARCH. HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF THE SEMI- FINALS AND THEIR SPECTACULAR RESULTS.

BROOKSBANK’S YEAR 9 AND YEAR 10 GIRLS’ RUGBY TEAMS HAVE WON BIG-STYLE IN THEIR TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK. THE FANTASTIC NEWS HAS PROPELLED BOTH TEAMS INTO THE YORKSHIRE CUP FINALS.

THE BROOKSBANK SCHOOL SPORTS COLLEGE VICTORIA ROAD, ELLAND, WEST YORKSHIRE HX5 0QGtel (01422) 374791 email admin@bbs.calderdale.sch.uk www.bbs.calderdale.sch.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYSCHOOL CLOSES SCHOOL OPENS SCHOOL CLOSES SCHOOL OPENS

EASTER Friday 12th April 2019 Monday 29th April 2019 SPRING BANK Friday 24th May 2019 Monday 3rd June 2019

MAY DAY Monday 6th May 2019 SUMMER Thursday 18th July 2019

STAFF TRAINING DAYS Friday 19th July 2019, Monday 22nd July 2019

SCHOOL CLOSES SCHOOL OPENS SCHOOL CLOSES SCHOOL OPENS

SUMMER Tuesday 3rd September 2019 EASTER Friday 3rd April 2020 Monday 20th April 2020

AUTUMN HALF TERM Friday 25th October 2019 Tuesday 5th November 2019 MAY DAY Monday 4th May 2020

CHRISTMAS Thursday 19th December 2019 Monday 6th January 2020 SPRING BANK Friday 22nd May 2020 Monday 1st June 2020

FEBRUARY HALF TERM Friday 14th February 2020 Monday 24th February 2020 SUMMER Friday 17th July 2020

STAFF TRAINING DAYS Monday 2nd September 2019, Friday 27th September 2019, Monday 4th November 2019, Friday 20th December 2019, Monday 20th July 2020

2018-2019

2019-2020

24 ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SPRING 2018

Stay up to date with our latest news: @thebrooksbankschool @thebrooksbank

Team Calderdale’s incredible winning streak continues with a fantastic fifth win in a row in the Panathlon Yorkshire Multisport competition. The team, comprising youngsters from Brooksbank and Brighouse High, came up trumps again at Fulford School in York on Tuesday, 12th March.

The winners streaked ahead a clear 10 points of main rivals Hull, notching up a massive 56 points, with wins in four out of the six events. In third place was York, represented by Joseph Rowntree School, while Rotherham’s Abbey School finished fourth.

A beaming Harry Moyers, from Brooksbank, was delighted to win another medal and even

provided some useful pointers on how to be a table cricket champion. “I love to be able to go home and show them off to my family,” said Harry whose favourite event is table cricket. When asked what his table cricket secret was, Harry said, “Just keep aiming for the big sixes!”

Jack Dunn, from Brighouse High, was attending his last Panathlon event before going to college. He admitted it was the perfect way to finish. “It’s really great to win but also a bit sad at the same time. I have had so much fun – I would drop anything to do these events. As I’m going to college to do coaching, I can use this Panathlon experience to help other people with disabilities.”

This competition was Sarah’s final Panathlon event as coach, although she hopes to be able to continue to support the team at future events. Sarah was awarded a medal by Panathlon’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Waymouth, for her outstanding contribution to the event in the Yorkshire area.“I have been doing this since 2016 and the number of students who are getting involved is amazing. When I first started, I brought five children and now we have so many here.” Reflecting on her time attending numerous Panathlon events over the years, Mrs Pearce insisted it is all about the children and all she does is provide the opportunities. “The kids really wanted to win but we stress to the children it’s not just about the winning, but the opportunities offered,” Mrs Pearce said. “They will be beaming from ear to ear when they go home and get to meet the Headmaster when they go back to school. They are ecstatic and it makes it all worthwhile to see their faces.”We wish Sarah all the very best in her future career.

IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR SARAH PEARCE, A SUPPORT ASSISTANT AT BROOKSBANK. SARAH HAS BEEN A HUGELY INSPIRATIONAL LEADER AND MENTOR FOR THE CALDERDALE TEAM AND STUDENTS AT BROOKSBANK.

CONGRATULATIONS AND CERTIFICATES:

TILLIE-MAY RUST RECEIVES HER CERTIFICATE FROM MR MCCALLION.

24 ON-SIDE MAGAZINE SPRING 2019

HIGH FIVE TO CALDERDALE PANATHLON YORKSHIRE MULTISPORT TEAM!

FAREWELL TO SARAH, MRS PEARCE.