rhs highlights winter 2010

WINTER 2010WINTER 2010MEDIA ARTS COLLEGE

LAUREN LYNCHProudly displays her DIANA AWARD

INSIDE...

RECORD EXAM RESULTSSEE PAGE 3

RAINHILL INTERNATIONALSEE PAGE 7

REMEMBER THEMSEE PAGE 11

A VERY MERRY

CHRISTMASFROM RAINHILL HIGH

A VERY MERRY

CHRISTMASFROM RAINHILL HIGH

CHECKOUT THE WEBSITEPAGE 9

Christmas 2010:Layout 1 10/12/2010 14:19

Dear Reader

Welcome to the Christmas 2010 edition ofthe Highlights magazine.

This reflects a vibrant school with talentedstudents who are doing great things.

My starting point has to be this summer’sexam results. Well done to all of last year’s11, 12 and 13 for the best set of results theschool has ever seen. Exam results days arealways stressful and tearful days. ThisAugust there were so many tears of joy itwas a privilege to be there. To see so manyRainhill students get the grades they neededwas heart-warming.

This edition also highlights the schoolspartnership with the Anthony WalkerFoundation. The recent Anthony Walkerdiversity day was excellent. The evening,attended by Gee Walker, Anthony’s mum,was superb. With lots of sporting and artssuccess celebrated in this magazine, it iscertainly true that our students are busyachieving remarkable things.

With more than 640 people chasing 240places in Year 7 and the Sixth Form full-Rainhill has never been so popular.

Happy reading,

John PoutHeadteacher

Head Talk...

John PoutHeadteacher

HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS - HIGHLIGHTS -

RECORD EXAOUTSTANDING GCSERESULTSLast year, Year 11 achieved the best GCSE results in thehistory of Rainhill High School. Results at GCSE level havebeen improving each year. In 2004, 50% of Year 11students were awarded five or more GCSEs at grade C orabove and 41% achieved this including English and Maths.In 2010, 88% gained five or more GCSEs at grade C orabove and 68% achieved this including English and Maths.Well done to the students, their teachers and their parentsand families.

A great achievement for the whole year group. There were also somefantastic individualperformances:David Lloyd achieved 15 GCSEpasses, all at Grades A or A*.Rachel Boyle gained 13 GCSEs,all at grades A or A*.

The following students passed 10 ormore GCSEs at Grades A* or A:Shannah Cunningham, MelissaHorner, Beth Morgan, KathrynLynch, Lauren Atherton, ChloeBishop, Emma Larne, ElliotPlatt, Rebecca Williams andJamie White.

CHLOE BISHOP

ELLIOT PLATT

MELISSA HORNER

KATHRYN LYNCH

BETH MORGAN

SHANNAH CUNNINGHAM RACHEL BOYLE

JAMIE WHITE

EMMA LARNE

DAVID LLOYD



AM RESULTS!A LEVEL SUCCESS2010 was also a record year for AS and A2 results at Rainhill Highwith some excellent individual achievementsGraeme Anderson has just started a Law degree at LiverpoolUniversity after gaining an A* in both A level Law andPolitics and a Grade A in English Language. Anna Navis hasbeen awarded three grades As in Chemistry, ICT and Mathsand is at Manchester University studying Pharmacy.Congratulations also go to Nathan Dean who passed EnglishLanguage, English Literature and Sociology at Grade A andto Adam Gulliver who achieved the same in EnglishLanguage, Politics and History. Finally, Andrew Keogh, whois currently studying Geography in Exeter, achieved an A* inSociology, a grade A in Geography, a grade B in Law and agrade C in History. Well done to them and we wish them allthe best for their studies at university.The current Year 13 broke all records with their AS results.The following students did particularly well: Sarah Clarkewith 4 grade As and a B, Andrew McNally who gained allGrade As in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Maths, AlexGraham, Alice Tong and Thomas Malone, who achieved acombination of Grade A and B in all of their subjects.

With results like this in Year 12, the future looks bright for anothergreat set of A2 results in August 2011!

ERLAUREN ATHERTON

REBECCA WILLIAMS

LOYD



Introducing a newmember of the SixthForm TeamPaul ChadwickJob title: KS5 Progress mentorHobbies: Listening to and performing musicFavourite T.V programme: The Apprentice / Celebrity JuiceFavourite Food: Pasta & pestoFavourite Music: The SmithsChildhood hero: Johnny MarrWhat (or whom) inspired you to work in a Sixth form centre?I wanted to work in education because of the teachers frommy past who set time aside to speak to me and look after mywellbeing.What was your favourite subject at school? PE closelyfollowed by Technical DrawingWhat do you enjoy about working in the Sixth form centre?Being able to share experiences with people and knowingthat a small piece of advice really can have a positive effecton someone’s thought process and wellbeing.Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School? TheSixth Form was introduced to me by a current member ofstaff. The personal approach to teaching and learning reallyappealed to me and I felt that I could make a worthwhilecontribution.Are you enjoying it so far? Thoroughly. I wanted a newchallenge and I’ve certainly got that!

“I’m in a band and recently performedat the O2 arena in Liverpool. I’mstudying the AS Music Technologycourse and this term I performed myown compositions to a largeraudience at Open Evening. This helpsme to try out different songs and seehow audiences react to them. “Holly Year 13“ I have worked with LIPA andrecently spent my half term holiday ona course there preparing me to applyfor Dance courses at University. I’mgoing to apply to the MountviewTheatre School in London and thepartnership with LIPA will help myapplication because I now know whatthey are looking for.”Scott year 13

What’s happening in the Sixth Form?In 2010, our Sixth form student’s achieved their best ever ‘A’ Level and BTEC results,along with their best ever ‘AS’ results. OFSTED concluded in February 2010, that “thisis a good Sixth Form where attainment, learning and progress are rising.” Last month,we held a very successful Open Day for all students in Year 11 and a Sixth Form Openevening which began with a brief introduction from Mr. Cunningham (Sixth FormDirector) in the Arts Theatre. This was followed by an opportunity for prospectivestudents and their families to visit the Sixth Form facilities and to meet the specialistteaching staff to find out about the courses being offered for September 2011 entry.The evening was very well attended with a record number of external students visitingRainhill High for the first time.

In September, we saw the highest ever student enrolment and our external applicantshave also doubled too. By combining excellent academic success alongside personalcare and support we strive to provide a happy, self-motivating, creative andchallenging environment for all of our sixth form students to be a part of and besuccessful in.

The Arts Academy at Rainhill HiThe Arts Academy at Rainhill High hasbeen busy since the official launch inSeptember with students working on apromotional film and a whole range ofopportunities within the ArtsEntitlement. The Arts Academyrecently represented Rainhill High inthe Heats stage of the St HelensCultural Awards. The Arts Academyprovides opportunities for pupils tocreate their own work in the Arts andto work with professional artists,particularly through our Trustpartners, LIPA and St Helens College.Read on about what a few ArtsAcademy members have been doingthis term so far:



Expedition 2011By David BridgeWorld Challenge is not only a once in alife time experience, but a lifechanging experience too. At thebeginning of summer 2011, a group of12 students and 3 teachers will bedeparting from our lives of luxury inEngland and heading out to Kenya.When we arrive in Kenya, we willcomplete a number of acclimatisationtreks to help us get used to theweather and the climate. We will thenbe travelling through Kenya and intoUganda. In Uganda, we will becompleting our project phase. In thisproject phase, we will take part in arange of activities. These range fromhelping to construct and decoratebuildings to teaching local children.Whilst away we will be sleeping in tentsand carrying our kit with us everywherewe go. This makes fitness veryimportant. As a group, we have startedrunning and trying to keep in shape. Todo all of this, however, each studentmust raise £3,245. This is a very largesum of money and we hope to raisemost of it through fund raisingactivities around school. Look out forthem and please support us if you can.

“This term, I am helping to direct theschool play and the Arts Academyhave supported me when I haverecently been in two productions atthe Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool.This is a good chance for me todevelop my skills in other areas oftheatre work.”Jamie Year 12

“I have studied for the LAMDA Dramaexam in my own time with my Dramateacher. This is worth UCAS pointsand will help me when I apply touniversity this year.”Emma Year 13

WORLD CHALLENGE

Congratulations to ex-pupil Robert Blackburn...Currently studying at EmmanuelCollege, Cambridge, he has beenawarded an Honorary Bachelorscholarship in recognition ofcontinued excellence in hisstudies. Well done Robert!

High Sixth Form Centre

The Arts Academy at EcclestonLane Ends Primary School.For anti-bullying week this year, Arts academystudents have been out with Miss Worrall and MrsWilliams running anti-bullying workshops atEccleston Lane Ends Primary school. The studentscreated some excellent piecesof Drama about bullying. Keepa look out for other Arts Academy workshops and



RAINHILL HIGH INTERNATIORAINHILL HIGH INTERNATIO“CONNECTING CLASSROOMS, CONNECTING LEARNING”by Mrs Shakeshaft.

Trip to BerlinBy the Year 10 group

After a busy day at school, we left Rainhill at 4pm to traveldown to Dover. The teachers claimed the front of the coach andYear 11 claimed the back so that left Year 10 in the middle.Part way there we picked up our new drivers who would bewith us for the rest of the journey, Scott and John. Weeventually got to Dover and boarded the ferry. Some of usdidn’t feel too good on the ferry including Miss Jackson as MrFisher and Mr Cornish left her to go to sleep as she really didn’thave her sea legs! After a long journey through the night, we arrived in Berlin andwent sightseeing. We went to the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gateand the Memorial for the Jewish people who died in theHolocaust. During the next couple of days, we visited Wannsee(the place where the Nazis planned the Holocaust), the JewishMuseum, the Olympic Stadium and Checkpoint Charliemuseum. One the last day we had to brave the public transport system.Miss Jackson went to get the tickets but only had 5 minutesbefore the train left. I have never seen Miss Jackson run so fastbut we made it. We travelled to visit the Sachsenhausenconcentration camp which included a guided tour. We wereable to walk the route that the prisoners walked. While at thecamp, Mr Cornish said a prayer of remembrance for all thepeople who had died there. After lunch at the Hard Rock cafe,we headed home. We finally arrived in Rainhill feeling tired onWednesday 27th October. Everybody really enjoyed the trip andthe Year 10 students hope that it will run again next year.

by Mr Brownlow.Rainhill High GCSE Spanish students took their language skills to Spain to practiseand brush up their Spanish in Alicante.Whilst there, we explored the town, climbed up a hill to a castle, went for a ride onthe underground and visited the local museum. The students only had breakfast atthe hotel (although that was pretty enormous) and the rest of the time had to speakSpanish to get fed! We followed the Spanish habit of eating late and spent theevenings in the beautiful old town with its narrow lanes and loads of outdoor cafés.Free time later in the afternoon saw us heading for the beach for volleyball with someof the locals, football, swimming and playing British bulldogs!

Rainhill High School has beenrecently awarded InternationalSchool status for its commitmentto developing global citizenshipand embedding internationalismthroughout the ethos andcurriculum of the school.Our newest venture is a threeyear project involvingcollaboration between pupils fromRainhill High School and schoolsin Morocco. This project aims to

improve cultural and linguisticknowledge and understanding forall involved.Our first step was to host arecent visit to Rainhill High by MrLahcen Razzaki from theMoroccan Ministry of Education.Rainhill High Language Leaderswill use their leadership skills totake this project to the next leveland ensure links are maintainedat all levels and amongst allparties involved.

RAINHILL HIGH LANGUAGE LEADERS

Viva Espana!Viva Espana!



HAPPY DIWALI!

IONALIONAL

Earlier this term, Rainhill High School was asked to host an extended visit by a groupof head teachers from India. Our guests toured the school and met with manyteachers and students. The visit was a great success and plans were made tocontinue these international links. Since the visit and in celebration of themulticultural and inclusive ethos that we embrace here at Rainhill High, Mr. Walton,Mr. Binns and Mrs. Ayre have been working with Year 7 students to create a link withAnand Vidyavihar School in the Gujarat region of India. Students have been writing tonew and exciting pen friends in their Indian link school and will soon be receivingtheir reply letters. They have been developing literacy skills through learning aboutnew cultures, religions and even celebrations that are different to our own festivecheer! One such celebration is the Festival of Diwali, popularly known as the "festivalof lights," and is the most important festival of the year in India. It is celebrated infamilies by performing traditional activities together in their homes, I’m sure we canall relate to that at this time of year! For more information or to become involved seeMr. Walton or visit http://anandvidyavihar.net/.

Introducing a new feature for“Highlights” magazine- each edition, wewill profile a couple of ex-pupils and ask them, what dothey remember of their time at Rainhill High? and what arethey doing now?Adam DanielsWhen were you a student at Rainhill High?I was a student at Rainhill High from 1999-2004 andalso attended Rainhill 6th form for one year.What did you do after this?I went to 6th form for a year, but suffered a brokenleg whilst playing semi football. So I moved on toSt Helens College to do a National Diploma inSport development & Fitness. Once finishingcollege, I went on to Edge Hill University andgraduated in July 2010.What do you do now?I am currently working for St Helens Rugby League Club as a communitycoach. I attend a different school each day of the week and deliver P.Elessons and extra curricular activities. I visit both Primary andSecondary schools. I am at Rainhill High on Thursdays teaching MultiSkill activities to Year 7 and Rugby after school for boys & girls in Years7 and 8, with the hope of creating a team.What did you enjoy about your time at Rainhill High?The subject I enjoyed the most at Rainhill High was P.E, as I have alwaysbeen a sporty person and really enjoyed the lessons. They have helpedme to play a number of sports at a high level. The most memorable timefor me was playing for the school football team when we became thefirst St Helens school to ever win the Merseyside Cup. We also won theSt Helens Schools League and reached the quarter finals of the EnglishSchools FA cup. After that great year, I also received the shield forSports Man of the year which was a proud moment.Michael LeylandWhen were you a student at Rainhill High School?1997 - 2004What did you do after this?English Studies degree at the University ofNottingham.What do you do now?I’m a Media Project Officer at Ariel Trust which isan educational multimedia charity based inLiverpool City Centre. I work with teachers, youngpeople and other educational partners such as the Fire Service, thePolice and health professionals to try to tackle social issues such asbullying, racism and alcohol abuse. We develop interactive learning resources which allow teachers tocover these issues with young people as part of the English, Maths andScience curriculum. I also have a voluntary role as Chair of the European Youth ParliamentUnited Kingdom.What did enjoy about your time at Rainhill High?There are so many stories and fun times (not all of them appropriate forthis magazine!) that I don’t know where to start! Performing stand-upat Educaid, the victorious football team (although I was mainly on thebench!), the legendary German and Eastern European trips and aninspirational English teacher and Head of Year who went by the name ofMrs. Eaves stand out.I know I’m biased and it sounds very cheesy but Rainhill High reallydoes give you a great start in a life as there are so many things to getinvolved in. I enjoyed the general atmosphere of Rainhill High as itencouraged me to find the balance between having fun and makingfriends and trying out and learning new things.

ALUMNI NEWSALUMNI NEWSChristmas 2010:Layout 1 10/12/2010 14:20


Name: Katy Reaney

Subject: Textiles is my specialist subject but I also

teach Health and Social Care, Food and Resistant

Materials

Hobbies: all sports, especially skiing and surfing

Favourite T.V programme: At the minute I really like

Dexter

Favourite Food: I like any pasta dish

Favourite Music: I like a bit of everything, rock, indie

and the odd bit of classical music sometimes.

Childhood hero: When I was about 11 I really wanted to

be a witch after reading Harry Potter and was bitterly

disappointed that I was already 11 and so would not be

getting a Hogwarts letter.

What (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher?

I was inspired to become a teacher by my maths teacher

who made the subject fun and got me my Maths GCSE in

the process.

What was your favourite subject at school? My

favourite subject at school was sport, closely followed

by textiles.

What do you enjoy about teaching? I like that every

day is different and I get to work with the young people

who challenge me and always make me laugh.

Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?

I chose to work at Rainhill High School so that I could

teach a diverse range of pupils and subjects.

Are you enjoying it so far? I am really enjoying my job

so far.

Name: Gareth DuffySubject: Head of REHobbies: Going to the gym (weightlifting), listening tomusic and Japanese art.Favourite T.V programme: “Miami Ink”, “Lost”,” UFC”.Favourite Food: Steak, KFC, all kinds of meat.Favourite Music: Indie Rock and Roll. (Killers, Kings ofLeon, Script, Mumford and Sons, Biffy Clyro) Childhood hero: Arnold SchwarzeneggerWhat (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher?My dad inspired me to become a teacher. What was your favourite subject at school? Englishand Graphic DesignWhat do you enjoy about teaching? Making complexphilosophical issues accessible to young people.Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?Rainhill High school is regarded as one of the bestschools in the North West and has a RE Department thatcontains 4 dedicated specialist staff.Are you enjoying it so far? Starting any new schoolthere will be challenges and lots of work, but I haveenjoyed every second of it, the staff and pupils arefantastic and have made me feel very welcome.

Well done BethCongratulations to Beth Cummins

from Year 11 on winning the

competition in the Summer 2010

edition of “Highlights”. Beth won

£10 for correctly guessing which

teacher was going on a motoring

holiday in France and Spain lastSummer.

Name: Mrs Josie ThorogoodSubject: Deputy HeadteacherHobbies: I like to mountain bike when I can and I haverecently managed to do a bit of travelling with myfamily. The rest of the time is spent watching my ownchildren play various sports (usually on a wet and windySaturday morning). Favourite T.V programme: SpooksFavourite Food: Olives and all other Mediterraneanfoods. Favourite Music: Abba (especially on the drive intowork), The Killers and John Martyn.Childhood hero: Princess Leah of Star Wars.What (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher?I don’t really know to be honest, I think I was probablytaught by some teachers who could have easily put meoff – perhaps I simply wanted to make things better!What was your favourite subject at school? FoodTechnology (but it was known as Cookery then!)What do you enjoy about teaching? Working withyoung people who never fail to come up with new ideasand questions that make me think a little bit hardertoo! Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School?Mmm, there were lots of reasons but mainly the clearhard work and dedication of students and staff to makeit so successful and pleasant to be in. Are you enjoying it so far? Yes – particularly theopportunity to go into lots of different classes and seewhat students are learning.

NSuHodoFaFaFaChWhMy(I tevDaclaWhTeWhHawithuWhI ctheelsopSirArI hfansubo

Check out the newSchool WebsiteAs part of Rainhill High School’s on-goingimprovements, a new website is currently underconstruction and is due to go live before the endof this term. We are hoping that the site will keepeveryone up to date and make accessinginformation quick and easy for parents, studentsand school Governors. The site will contain aflavour of the fantastic work going on at theschool, Sixth Form, Arts Academy and RainhillVillage Trust. If you would like a say in what elseyou think should go on the site forward your ideasto Mr Ben Simpson. If not, watch this space!



Name: Michael McDonnaghSubject: Head of Design TechnologyHobbies: Football, Golf, Fishing, Cycling, walking mydog.Favourite T.V programme: SpooksFavourite Food: SteakFavourite Music: Kings of LeonChildhood hero: Steve McManamanWhat (or whom) inspired you to become a teacher? My tutor in 6th form said I would make a great teacher(I think she told lies!), she was an inspiration toeveryone and she always made you feel special! She isDaniel Craig’s (James Bond’s) mum, which is a littleclaim to fame.What was your favourite subject at school?Technology of course! I also liked PE.What do you enjoy about teaching?Having good conversations with the people you workwith! It amazes me how mature, well-mannered andhumorous young people can be. Why did you choose to work at Rainhill High School? I came for an interview and was really impressed withthe atmosphere around the school more than anythingelse, the students seemed so calm and well mannered,opening doors for me and saying things like ‘excuse meSir’ it was nice as I knew it was all totally natural.Are you enjoying it so far? I have met some really nice people and have somefantastic classes. It really is a pleasure to work withsuch nice people, everyone has made me feel welcome,both staff and students!

The Rainhill VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) works over the internet and provides a collectionof tools to support learning in school. We plan to have an increasing amount of work carried outthrough this learning platform. We are at the start of an exciting journey in which pupils, teachersand parents can work together through this new learning platform. All pupils and parents shouldhave at this point a username and password. This will allow access through the new school web-site into the VLE. Please browse through the vast array of subject areas. You can also comment onthe forums, check what homework your child has been given and what marks and comments havebeen recorded. As we increase usage of the VLE, we aim to have at least one homework per sub-ject per half term uploaded on the VLE. Many vocational subjects are using the VLE to uploadvideo clips of performances and physical activities. If you have any issues with access to the VLE,your first port of call is the ICT Service Desk in school. The ICT team can send paper copies ofyour username and password. Please take the time to browse through the VLE with your child andtake advantage of this new learning medium.

Virtual learning at Rainhill High Schoolby Dr Beswick.

LIFE AFTER

RAINHILL...GRAEME ANDERSON Graeme did fantastically well atRainhill Sixth Form this year gaining 2‘A*’s in Law and Government & Politicsand an ‘A’ in English Language in his ‘A’Level results. He has now started a Lawdegree at the University of Liverpool.Here’s what he has to say about theexperience so far . . .“University is great! I couldn't ask foranything else and I get to study thesubject I want!The social side to University life is just as good. Thereis most definitely a group or society that caters foreveryone! I have recently got onto the University golf team. Thehome course is Royal Liverpool!

In terms of the work load, yes we areexpected to do a lot independently, butthe tutors are always available for youto discuss any problems.I even have a peer mentor who is in hissecond year, so there is alwayssomebody around to give me assistanceand advice. My message to anybody thinking ofgoing to University would be that itsextremely beneficial to go - for

example: the future career prospects, meeting lots ofnew people from all over the globe and a goodrelationship with the tutors, who treat you like anadult. The list could go on and on really. I believe that if you go to university, the end resultwould be the most rewarding thing a young adult canachieve.”

Alistair WalesAABB

Biology: University ofSheffield

Jonathan FosterAABC

Maths/Music (Dual hons)University of Liverpool

Nathan DeanAAA

Scholarship to USA

Laura JoyceABC

Acting - RADA, London

Kathryn ByrneAAB

Law: University of Liverpool

Andrew KeoghA*ABC

Geography: ExeterUniversity

Adam GulliverAAA

Law: Bangor University

Laura DouglasA*BC

Psychology - ManchesterMet

Daniel KnottBBC

Zoology: LiverpoolJohn Moores

Adele LyonABB

Liverpool Hope University

Michael O’NeillABC

Business: LiverpoolJohn Moores

2010

succ

ess

stor

ies.

..



Anthony WalkerDayAnthony WalkerDay

Gee Walker

REMEMBERING ANTHONY

In November, we held our first annual Anthony Walker Day. The aim of this day is to remember thestory of Anthony, who was murdered in a racist attack in Huyton in 2005 and to celebratediversity in our lives. Every pupil in school was involved and we successfully raised £1236.72. Thismoney was formally presented to The Anthony Walker Foundation. The Foundation will use themoney raised to continue important work in challenging all forms of prejudice anddiscrimination, particularly with young people.As part of the day, pupils took part in many activities. We were very pleased to welcome PhilNeale OBE and Brian Hall from Liverpool Football Club who led a workshop based on the “GiveRacism the Red Card” national campaign to stamp out racism in the game. For our youngerreaders, Phil Neale played for Liverpool from 1974- 1985 and made 50 appearances for ournational side from 1976- 1983. Brian Hall played for Liverpool from 1968- 1976 and won the FACup, the First Division Championship and UEFA Cup during his career. As Mark Collins in Year 13said of this session,” it was very informative about the politics of the game and the how the lifeof a professional player has changed over the years.” Miss Gates organised an Art competition inwhich all students at Rainhill High were invited to respond to Anthony’s story. The four winnerswere selected by Anthony Lloyd from the Anthony Walker Foundation. Well done to Jason Chisnall,Alex Mather, Thomas Cunliffe and, in particular, to Georgia McCullough who won the first prize of£100 in High Street Shop vouchers. Many thanks to everyone who took part.The Anthony Walker Day concluded with an evening event, entitled “Celebrating Diversity.” Theevening started with a marketplace in the Gym with displays of pupil’s work on the subject ofdiversity, stalls and an International Cookery demonstration by the Design Technology Faculty.Following this, there were performances in the Theatre of Dance, Drama, Music and CreativeWriting. We were very proud to welcome as our Guest of Honour, Mrs Gee Walker, Anthony’smother. In her thanks at the end of the evening, Gee spoke powerfully about forgiveness and howtouched she was that the community of Rainhill High had not forgotten her son. The evening wasvery well attended and raised more money for the Foundation. Thanks to all those involved andeveryone who came to watch. See you next year!



In the fighting zones of World War One inNorthern France, the devastation caused tothe landscape created a wasteland of churnedup soil, smashed up woods, fields and streams.Few plants or flowers survived. However,against the odds, new life did also occasion-ally come into being in the battle zones. Thespring of 1915 was the first time that warmweather began to warm up the countrysideafter the cold winter at war in 1914-1915.Farmers were ploughing their fields close up tothe front lines and new life was starting togrow. One of the plants that began to grow inclusters on and around the battle zones wasthe red field or corn poppy. Many soldiers re-member the sight of these beautiful flowers inthe middle of a battlefield and they have be-come the symbol for Remembrance Day eachNovember when we remember those who losttheir lives in war.

The following piece of creative writing by Georgia Vernon in 8G was read out in a particularlymoving assembly led by Mr Marlow and his form for Remembrance Day and I’m sure you will agreeis a fitting tribute to those who have given their lives for their country.

The story behind theRemembrance Poppy

REMEMBERSilent, our heads bowed,Remembering the dead,The poppies lie in wreaths aroundA solemn black and red.For us, that’s why they fought.And for us, they died, they bled.The poppies grow out in the fieldsA solemn black and red.They truly were our heroesTheir nerves did never crack.We wear a poppy on our chest,A solemn black and red.Risking their lives for this countryKnowing they might not come back.We wear a poppy, an emblem of them,A solemn black and red.

“A Solemn Black and Red”



Last summer, we staged our secondannual GCSE Art and Design exhibitionand it was fantastic. The quality of thework always amazes me and all thepupils should be incredibly proud ofthemselves.It was a wonderful evening with pupils, parents and staffenjoying the artwork .This year’s GCSE results in Art werethe best ever and we are looking forward to an even biggerexhibition with Photography, Media Studies and Creativeand Media Diploma work also on display. Year 9 pupils havevisited Tatton Park in Knutsford as part of the Tatton ParkBiennial and Kirsty Archer, a professional Glass artist,visited Rainhill High recently to work with pupils to createa series of Glass tiles for display in school. In a recentcompetition, students were asked to come up with freshideas for covering our SuperLambanana. The theme thisyear was ‘Go Green’ and the winner was voted by parents,teachers and students. Thanks to everyone who took part.The winning design was by Courtney Cox in 9A.Congratulations to Mr Jackson, who has exhibited a largetextile installation as part of his Masters Graduate Show atLiverpool John Moores University. The work successfullyexplored themes of class and privilege.

ART MEEART MEE



Your chance to win £10

“Highlights”

COMPETITIONIf you know the answer to the following Summerquestion, post your entry in the Highlights box inpupil reception. The prize will be given on the lastday of term to one lucky winner.Which flower is used as the symbol forRemembrance Day?

The answer is ............................................................

NAME..........................................................................

FORM..........................................................................

Last Edition WINNER Beth Cummins.

Over the last year, the Art Departmenthas been working with otherdepartments in school on someexciting creative projects. During theSummer Arts Festival, Year 7 pupilsworked with A level pupils to createcard sculptures based around themathematical principles of ‘nets’.Inspired by the artist Richard Sweeny,pupils created some wonderfulsculptures by in locking the nets theybuilt together. The results were greatand are on display around the MathsDepartment. Year 8 pupils took part ina project which combined Art andTechnology. Influenced by the work ofAndy Warhol, the pupils made a varietyof colourful cupcakes. Once thesewere decorated, they were thenphotographed and manipulateddigitally to reflect the work of the popartists.

Rainhill YoungMusician of theYear 2010Well done to all the Rainhill Highstudents who competed earlier thisterm to become the Rainhill YoungMusician of the Year 2010. MatthewGrove in year 11 won the Senior StringCategory and Laura Ujvari won theSenior Vocal Category. However, theoverall winner of the Mike DoyleMemorial Trophy and the RainhillYoung Musician of the Year title wentto Adam Case in year 9.Congratulations to everyone involvedand well done to the winners.

EETS MATHSEETS MATHS



A CHANGE FOR LIFE

CONGRATULATIO

Through the Sports Coordinator programme, we have beensuccessful in securing an “Awards for All” bid from the NationalLottery. This funding is to support fitness classes based withinschool for our students and others from the local community.The classes will run on 2 evenings from 3.15pm until 4.15pm.There will be a range of activities on offer such as Box Fit,Aerobics/ Street Dance and Rowing sessions. Specialist instructors will provide a range of classes or you mayjust come along and try some of the activities with your friends.Parents and staff are also welcome to try the classes.Regular attendance will be rewarded with a prize draw to winmembership of a local gym.Watch out for these opportunities in the new year.Funding has also been secured to support a “Change 4 Life”Badminton Club.This will take place after school on Mondays starting in January.It will be run by a qualified coach and supported by 2 of oursports leaders who have achieved a Badminton Leadersqualification.

Congratulations to EmilyOwen, Hannah Murphy,Kevin Vaughan and DannyMcMahonwho have been selected to attend the StHelens Leadership Academy. Their talentswere recognized on the Year 9 LeadershipDay at Edge Hill University in the summerterm. They will be supporting extracurricular sporting activities andcompetitions within school.

ST HELENS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

What’s new in the School SportsCoordinator Programme?

LAUREN LYNCH IS AWARDED THEDIANA AWARD.Lauren Lynch has worked unstintingly tosupport young gymnasts at the St Helenscentre for Gymnastics. She is there mostevenings and weekends and has in totalgiven over 1400 hours of her own time tosupport others. She has been recognizedthrough the Step into Sport VolunteerPassport and has received a Gold Awardfrom the Youth Sport Trust. In addition tothis she received the prestigious national“Diana Award” in recognition of hercontribution to her community.

The following students represented school inthe junior Triathlon competition which washeld at the St Helens Show in the summer term.This involves completing a swim, a cycle rideand a run consecutively!Their results were:Oliver Smiles 2nd overallMelissa Hayman 2nd in girls competition and7th overallJack Seddon, Abigail Coulthard and EnyaBartels also competed well and all ourcompetitors finished in the top half of all theentries. Well done!

INDI



JAE

UK SCHOOLS GAMES

TIONS TRI-ATHLETES

Michael Lunn in year 11 was recentlyselected to compete at the Sainsburys UKSchool Games in the Table TennisCompetition. “Highlights” magazine askedMichael to write a diary about his time atthis competition.Thursday 2nd September 2010.We arrived in Sunderland at the venue fortable tennis and had a two hour trainingsession ready for the next day. We had toget ready then for the Opening Ceremony.This involved all the competing teamsfrom throughout the UK. This was a greatexperience with 1600 athletes ready tocompete!Friday 3rd September 2010.The first day was the team event. TheNorth West was the lowest ranked team inthe event. Against all the odds, I managedto win my first match and only narrowlymissed out on winning the second. Myfinal match was against the top team fromthe Midlands. This team contained fourplayers who are in the top 10 EnglandJuniors and who have represented

Ethan Davies and Danny CroftEthan won the Young Masters Golf U12flag competition at Daventry.Liam was recently selected to representLancashire U14s team.

The JAE Elite Athlete Programme led by Mrs Walsh in schoolcontinues to support our talented athletes in their sportingquests. Congratulations go to the following athletes for theirrecent achievements.

Adam RobertsWon 2 bronze medals in 10-12 age groupin the World Kick Boxing Championshipsin Edinburgh.

England. I was not daunted and managedto take games off the two players that Iplayed. I was pleased with myperformance.Saturday 4th September 2010.Today saw the start of the individualevent. I am ranked 63 in England in thejuniors and had to play players ranked alot higher than me. I played extremelywell but did not manage to progress pastthe group stages. However, it was a greatexperience and I learnt a lot about myselfand the way I play.Sunday 5th September 2010.Today was the finals of the individualevents and the medal presentation. TheMidlands dominated and won both theBoys and Girls events. After the Medalpresentation was the Closing Ceremony.There was a BMX bike demonstration anda Live Band. What an experience! Nextyear’s UK Schools games will be held inSheffield. Hopefully, I will be selected tocompete again.

Natalia Lees has won the KnowsleyDisability Sports Personality of theyear and attended a SportingChampions Dinner as a potentialfuture Paralympian!Liane Bibby and Mike Causer havecompeted in the English SchoolsAthletics Championships inBirmingham.Raheem Sterling signed from QPRand plays in Liverpool’s U17 squad.He has also representedLiverpool’s first squad in EuropeanCompetition and England at U17level.David Moli joined Liverpool’s U16Squad from Luton Town. He hasalso represented England at U16level.Callum Pilkington signed forLiverpool U15s from Leeds. He hasa sponsorship deal with Adidas andhopes to win a scholarship withLiverpool.Justin White also training forLiverpool, he came over fromCanada!

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DIVIDUAL SUCCESSES


rhs highlights winter 2010

Documents

record year

rainhill internationalsee

a2 results

summersexam results

year group

best gcse results

rainhill highwith

themsee page