Hummingbird ROCKS Rockingham - Plymouth High School for Girls

Spring Term Issue February 2016
Hummingbird
ROCKS Rockingham
PHSG storms into the top 10 of Formula 24
Library
The Dr Glas
and Learning Centre
Opening Times
Contents ■
26
From the Headteacher
Mary Utton 5
The skills required of
Governors
The Governing Body in relation to PHSG 6
Monday to Thursday - 08.30 to 16.45
Friday - 08.30 to 16.15
National Poetry Day 2015
Light 7
36
Teenage Cancer Trust
Plymouth High hosts a variety of events raising
money for the schools’ nominated charity 8
Children in Need
PHSG raises £932.04 for the annual BBC appeal
9
Going for GOLD
Recycling rubbish to create a fantastic fashion
show 10
Dress a Girl around the
World
Making dresses for girls living in poverty in the
developing world 15
Hummingbird ROCKS
Rockingham
PHSG storms into the top 10 of Formula 24 16
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Rob Banks | Plymouth High School for Girls
A Level Photography
Workshop
At Plymouth University 26
The Eden Project
GCSE Art Trip 28
ARTCLUB
From painting and mono-printing to origami
animals 30
Year 11
Paintings inspired by David Hepher 32
The PHSG Sports Council
Becoming an Arkwright Scholar 14
PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS
St Lawrence Road, North Hill, Plymouth PL4 6HT
T: 01752 208308
email: phs@phsg.org
website: www.phsg.org
Gaining inspiration from artists and their artwork
24
Inspiring the future
The Arkwright Scholarship
TALK
A Level London Art Trip
Year 12
Career Speed Networking 13
COVER IMAGE: Team Hummingbird at
Rockingham Race Course
PHSG’s partnership with Ahantaman continues
to grow 20
Mock Interviews
Preparing students for the future 12
New Books now available
GHANA 2015
Life Drawing 34
Another successful year for the PE department’s
student representatives 36
Individual Competitor
Options in KS4
Choosing the right pathway in PE 38
From the
Headteacher
Spring Term 2016
Mary Utton
Dear Parents, Carers,
Students and Friends
of PHS
KNITTING CLUB
Fridays 1.45 - 2.25
RS Office or A29
(depending on numbers)
‘My sense of pride
in our young people
is immense. I fully
appreciate how
privileged I am to lead
this school and interact
with such inspiring
young individuals’
As always I have enjoyed reading this edition
of our TALK magazine. TALK provides an
opportunity for me to reflect on the myriad
activities that take place at Plymouth High. My
sense of pride in our young people is immense.
I fully appreciate how privileged I am to lead
this school and interact with such inspiring
young individuals. However I also know that for
some of our students who face adversity, their
achievements aren’t always easy. Their resilience
makes their success even more admirable.
I have no doubt at all that resilience is
something worth having as a young person,
and from time to time every student needs to
demonstrate this. The problem is that some
seem to have this attribute naturally, while others
have to be helped to develop it! When life
provides challenges, one’s response alone can
nudge it towards being a learning opportunity
or a hindrance. I am always delighted when a
young person faced with a challenge is able to
bounce back from failure with a positive attitude,
reframing the problem, practising and developing
new approaches - and all the while retaining a
handle on reality. Students have to be able to
consider, expect and plan for the positives in
any situation or possible future while preserving
strategies to deal with the difficulties; they have to
accept set-backs as opportunities to understand
issues more deeply; and they have to recognise
this is the well-trodden road to becoming better
at something.
Our Wellbeing curriculum, which we deliver
to year 7 students, aims to give them mindfulness
as a life-skill. They can then use this skill to feel
happier, calmer and more fulfilled; get on better
with others; improve concentration and learning;
cope more successfully with stress and anxiety;
perform better; be mindful and have strategies
to respond any situation, whether it be good or
bad.
We recognise that by helping our younger
students develop some essential strengths for
engaging successfully in the changing world of
the 21st century, they will be more capable
of handling the challenges and the workload
required of them throughout their school career.
I am sure this edition of TALK will once
again provide you with much enjoyment as you
read about some of what has gone on over the
past few months whilst reflecting on our girls’
resilience.■
Yours sincerely
Mary Utton, Headteacher
...........................................................................
20
GHANA 2015: PHSG's partnership with Ahantaman
continues to grow
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 5
The skills required of
Governors
National Poetry Day
2015
The Governing Body in relation to PHSG
Light
I
n the modern age of school autonomy
the role of governors is increasingly
important to ensure that procedure
and process are brought together in a
consistent way. The National Governors’
Association considers it essential for all governors
to have a commitment to improving education
for all and the ability to work in a team to take
collective decisions. This requires a willingness to
learn, a commitment to the school’s vision and
skills in literacy, numeracy and IT.
It is also necessary that additional skills should
exist within the collective governing body, such
as an understanding or experience of governing,
previous work on a board of governors in
another sector or other school, experience of
chairing a board or committee and experience
of professional leadership. If the above sets of
skills can be identified across the whole governing
body then it should be fit for purpose and
capable of discharging its responsibilities well.
The detail of the governors’ work can be
broken down further into four key areas. Each
one should not be the provenance of a single
governor but rather a combination of two or
more governors who can take some ownership
and control of each aspect.
1 - Vision and strategic planning
This requires understanding and experience of
strategic planning combined with the ability to
analyse and review complex questions. The
identification of problems and the inception of
proposals to consider innovative solutions are
coupled with experience of reviewing the impact
of new ideas and initiatives.
2 - Holding the School’s Leadership to
Account
Communication skills including being able to
discuss sensitive issues tactfully, the ability to
analyse data and to question and challenge
6 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
3 - Financial oversight
This skill set sits clearly with financial planning or
management, experience of procurement or
purchasing, experience of premises or facilities
management. People from business, accountancy
and other areas of financial services can add
significant value to a governing body.
4 - Knowing your school community
‘In the modern age of
school autonomy the
role of governors is
increasingly important
to ensure that
procedure and process
are brought together in
a consistent way’
come to the fore here. It is also ideal if there
is experience of project management and / or
performance management. The appraisal of
someone else or experience of being appraised
or performance managed oneself is a good
background to have.
Links with the community, links with local
business and knowledge of the local or regional
economy are a good basis to come from. Those
working or volunteering with young people and
particularly those with an understanding of special
educational needs are also highly valuable.
At PHSG there are two supporting
committees to the Governing Body. The
Teaching and Learning Committee take aspects
2 and 4 as its main focus and the Personnel and
Resources Committee take aspects 1 and 3 as its
main focus. These two committees take on the
burden of the operational aspects of the school.
The Governing Body as a whole oversees this
work and takes a view on all school issues as may
become necessary from time to time.■
Mr Philip Braide, Chair of Governors
...........................................................................
On Thursday 8th October, the school held its
annual National Poetry Day event. As usual, this
took place in the library but this year. In addition
to Miss Harris’ excellent decorating skills, we
were also lucky enough to have some special
lighting effects - to suit the theme - provided by
Dr Van Es.
There was a large turnout (possibly tempted
in by the glow sticks), with sixth form students
particularly well represented, and many students
- and staff - were happy to read their efforts
aloud to an appreciative and highly supportive
audience. A wide range of styles were covered
and we even had a poem in German.
A record number of poems were submitted
to the contest this year, helped by form tutors
sharing inspiring light-based resources, and
choosing winners was very difficult. Eventually
it was decided that Valerie Mason (8BIS) should
be awarded best Key Stage 3 poem and Thea
Bourton (11ROU) should be awarded best Key
Stage 4 and 5 poem.■
Mr Rutherford, English Teacher
...........................................................................
Light
I am a dandelion planted
in the middle of the ocean I
gave birth to.
I am a cocoon left dangling
after the butterfly has
grown.
I am the splinters of glass
from the windshield
that kissed the oak tree.
I am the footsteps left
on a snowy pavement.
So go ahead and ask me about life:
I will tell you tales of breaking.
No sugar coating, no soft words.
Just ruptured letters.
Thea Bourton, year 11
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 7
Teenage Cancer Trust
Children in Need
Plymouth High hosts a variety of events raising money
for the school’s nominated charity
PHSG raises £932.04 for the annual BBC appeal
T
he week commencing 28th
October saw Plymouth High
School for Girls host a variety of
events in order to raise money
for the nominated school charity,
Teenage Cancer Trust.
Throughout the week students and staff
enjoyed various raffles and cake sales and
entered competitions such as guessing the
number of sweets in a jar, matching baby photos
with teachers, and competing against teachers at
various sports.
Over £180 was raised from the week’s
events before the mufti day on Friday.
Winners of the Baby Photo competition
were, Ruth McCulloch, Katy Gaston, Katie
Law, Jess and Katie Scott. These girls correctly
matched all 17 teachers to their baby/toddler
photos.
The winner of Guess the Sweets in the Jar
was Katie Dibb, who correctly guessed 157
sweets. Her prize was the jar of sweets.
Some of the most entertaining events of the
week were those that involved staff taking on
students at various sports.
We began the week with teachers v students
table tennis and Tuesday saw the school go dance
mad at lunchtime.
The week’s sporting activities finished with
the staff v staff netball match. The game was a
grudge match between the rest of the school and
the maths department, who won the last teacher
v teacher netball match for Sport Relief back in
2014.
The maths team consisted of six players Mrs Carter, Mr Goodchild, Mr Law, Mrs Randell,
Miss Roughton, Mrs Payne - honorary member
and Mrs Warland - honorary member.
The ‘Rest of the School’ team (ROTS)
included seven players - Mrs Alford, PE; Mr
Baines, Psychology; Mrs Barrett, PE; Miss Bishop,
Science; Mrs Leonard, A01; Miss Moore, PE; Dr
Van Es, Science and Mr Varrell, Art.
As you can see from the list, the ROTS had a
sub that they were able to use when a member
8 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
‘Throughout the week
students and staff
enjoyed various raffles
and cake sales and
entered competitions’
of staff needed a five minute time out.
The match began and ROTS team quickly
scored a goal. Within minutes the maths team
had equalised but then suffered an injury during
this non-contact sport! Mrs Warland was helped
off the court after coming into contact with an
opposing player. We found out later on that she
tore four ligaments in her ankle… ouch! The
match resumed with the maths team down to six
players, whilst the ROTS still had seven players
and subs! Lesser teams might call this unfair.
The match continued with some very dodgy
refereeing from some year 11 students. This
included giving out yellow and red cards to some
teachers. Goals were scored at both ends but
mostly by the ROTS team. The final score is still
in dispute but we think it was about ROTS 12
and Maths 7.
A great time was had by all teachers who
took part, although on the following morning
a few were nursing bruises and some sore
muscles.
Friday saw the students wearing mufti and
enjoying a cake sale organised by year 8 student,
Ymma Thomas. She raised over £40 from her
sale of cakes and buns.
The total amount raised across the week
was £935.46.
THANK YOU to everyone who took part,
bought a raffle ticket or ate cake.■
Miss Roughton, Charity Coordinator
...........................................................................
B
BC Children in Need is the
BBC's UK corporate charity.
Thanks to the support of the
public they are able to make
a real difference to the lives of
children all across the UK.
The vision is that every child in the UK has
a childhood which is, safe, happy and secure,
allowing them the chance to reach their potential.
On Friday 13th November PHSG raised a
grand total of £932.04 for the annual Children
In Need appeal. Students wore mufti to school,
baked cakes and bought raffle tickets. Other
students were sponsored to spend the day in
complete silence, using mini white boards to
communicate in lessons.
Georgina Nicholl (pictured right) in year 11
came to school dressed as Pudsey and raised a
total of £134.57 by making and selling her now
legendary Children In Need mice. She also held
a raffle and a competition to guess ‘Where in the
world is Pudsey?’ Who would have thought that
Pudsey was hiding out in Antarctica!
A big thank you to my team of bakers for the
delicious cakes and thank you to everyone who
contributed in some way to the grand total.
‘Every penny from
the money you raised
or donated will go
towards helping
disadvantaged children’
YMMA THOMAS: Raised over £40 from the sales of her cakes and buns
Every penny from the money you raised or
donated will go towards helping disadvantaged
children and young people right here in the UK.
Children In Need are able to make this promise
because they use investment income and Gift Aid
to cover all running costs, meaning you can be
sure your money makes a real difference.
Thank you!■
Miss Donna Roughton, Charity Coordinator
...........................................................................
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 9
Going for GOLD
Recycling rubbish to create a fantastic fashion show
W
ith Rio 2016 less than
a year away students at
Plymouth High School
for Girls embraced the
concept of the pending
opening ceremony by creating their own national
costumes using recyclable materials including
newspapers and rubbish bags through a vibrant
enterprise day with the Enterprise and Skills
Company.
120 year 8 students put into 24 different
countries were represented in a fantastic fashion
show at the end of day with amazing colours
and cultural twists. Karen Arnold from the
Enterprise Skills Team said, “The girls not only
used their imagination to create these fabulous
outfits from waste materials but also learnt more
about countries that perhaps fall outside of the
classroom syllabus including Belarus, Kazakhstan
and other more unusual destinations.”
‘The girls not only used
their imagination to
create these fabulous
outfits from waste
materials but also
learnt more about
countries that perhaps
fall outside of the
classroom syllabus’
Mary Utton, Headteacher remarked that,
“The whole day was an around the world tour
of stunning designs, cultural presentations and
dynamic involvement which will enhance the
students’ knowledge of the world and different
cultures.”■
Heather Longford, Careers and Work
Experience Coordinator
...........................................................................
10 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 11
Mock Interviews
Preparing students for the future
O
n 17th and 18th November
year 11 students had mock
interviews in order to ready us
for real life job opportunities.
First of all, we had to
research our employer to gauge what they
would want in an employee and to be prepared
if we were asked if we knew anything about their
business/company.
In my case, I looked at my employer’s
business online (their website) - at the same time
taking notes on anything and everything.
By the end of my interview I had not been
asked anything regarding my knowledge of their
business, so I gave my notes to my employer
to show that I had put in effort. This is a good
interview technique as the employer can see you
are interested in the job and you’re organised as
well as prepared for any situation.
The interview itself was definitely the most
daunting part of the process. Having never had
a proper interview before, myself and many
others had almost no idea of what to expect.
There were eight different interviewers from a
wide range of career fields, with each student
getting an employer related to their desired
future career. My desired career is medicine so
I was interviewed by Rachel Kay from Peninsula
Medical School. She asked me questions on
an ethical situation I had been given a few days
12 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
before the interview. Being asked a variety of
questions on this situation and my specific skills
made me realise how much preparation and
experience helps in an interview, allowing you
to give examples and think quickly on how to
portray your best assets.
After the gruelling twenty minutes of
trying to sell our skills, we had a small feedback
session. This involved our employers telling us
what improvements we could make in order
to (hopefully) be employable individuals in the
future.
Our CVs were reviewed with us and swiftly
picked apart. I’d never written a CV before and
the entire thing seemed like rocket science.
Not too long, but make sure the employer
knows all your skills. Not too short, but keep
it concise. Don’t use too much colour. No,
use a bit more colour. How often do we use
bullet points? Which
telephone number
do we provide? Who
do we ask to do our
references? And,
the most common
question, why should
we even bother?
And, the answer
to that question
is: because it’s the
perfect time to
practise.
If the first time I
write a CV is when
I’m applying for a job,
then I wouldn’t have
the best chances. But now we’ve been told what
to tweak in order to make a good impression.
Not only that, but we were also informed as
to how well we presented ourselves in person.
They say that the CV only gets you an interview
- the interview is what gets you the job. It’s
important that we’ve brushed up our blazers and
perfected our intonation.
I believe that one of the most important
things to be done after the interview process is to
set aside some time to reflect. I had an interview
‘Having never had a
proper interview
before, myself and
many others had
almost no idea of what
to expect’
with someone from the NHS and looking back
on the experience I can focus on what went
well and what I could have improved on. I feel
I answered the questions quite well, trying to
present varied examples to best answer what
was asked and on reflection I am more confident
with what kinds of questions I could be asked
in the future. Also, the feedback that we were
given individually (both positive and negative)
about the interview itself and our CVs helped me
understand what employers will be looking for in
the future. For me, reflecting on this extremely
interesting day was really significant and I feel it
will be a key to success in future interviews.■
Abigail Russell, Beth Hembury, Rosalind Phillips
and Lola Beal, Student Leaders, year 11
...........................................................................
A wide range of employers from across the
city volunteered to give the year 11 students
the opportunity of a mock interview including
representatives from Peninsula Medical School,
The Army, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary,
Cornwall College, Bailey Partnership, Calweton
Veterinary Practice, University of St Mark &
St Johns, Bond Dickinson Solicitors, Natwest,
KPMG, The Herald, Babcock, Frontline Image &
The NHS.
PHSG Careers is now on twitter!
For up to date tweets about career talks, events
and much more please follow PHSG Careers
@PHSGcareers
inspiring
the
future
Career Speed Networking
O
n 20th November Plymouth
High School hosted an
Inspiring the Future ‘Career
Speed Networking’ event run
by national education charity
Education & Employers. The purpose was
to inspire students to consider careers in the
transport sector. Fifty students from years 11, 12
and 13 were invited to take part in this event.
The aim of career speed networking is to
help students gain insights into different careers
and raise student aspirations. It is informal and
gives students the opportunity to meet a wide
range of people from different sectors and who
are at different stages in their careers, from
apprentices to CEO’s of big companies. Students
are seated in small groups with volunteer
networkers and are given the opportunity to ask
questions about their educational route, jobs and
sectors. Approximately every 10 minutes the
students will move onto the next table to meet
with a new group of volunteers.
Lord Ahmad, Parliamentary
Under Secretary of State for
Transport, was due to take part
in the career speed networking
event but regrettably had to cancel his Plymouth
visit. His additional role as Parliamentary Under
Secretary of State (Minister for Countering
Extremism) required a renewed focus on security
in the UK due to the tragic events in Paris which
had just occurred.
John Parkinson, Director; James Lloyd,
Policy Official; and Fiona Douglas, Private
Secretary visited Plymouth High as Lord Ahmad’s
representatives from the Department of
Transport.
Lord Ahmad, Parliamentary under Secretary
of State for Transport, said, “The government
is investing billions of pounds in improving our
transport network, and as a result, is creating
thousands of high-quality new jobs. I hope
‘The aim of career
speed networking is
to help students gain
insights into different
careers and raise
student aspirations’
that this career speed networking session will
inspire young people here in Plymouth, showing
them the great opportunities that a career in
transport
has to
offer.
We’ve set
out our ambition to create 30,000
apprenticeships across the rail and road industries
over the next five years and I hope sessions like
these will attract Britain’s best young minds to
these exciting roles.”
Mary Utton, Headteacher at Plymouth High
School for Girls said, “We were delighted to
be able to host the Department of Transport’s
visit with their team of volunteers for a speed
networking session with the students. A high
quality careers provision is essential in today’s
complex and changing employment market.
Plymouth High signed up to Inspiring the
Future in 2013 because we wanted different
professionals to visit and help inspire our students
and give them an insight into different careers.
Volunteers help students acquire the skills,
attitudes and abilities they will need to chart
their path through life with confidence and to be
effective in a variety of adult roles. Plymouth
High School for Girls is constantly looking for
ways to develop students' experience and
knowledge. The profile of the event
truly supports Plymouth High
School’s motto “For life, not school,
we learn”.
Rebecca Buckingham is a 19 year old
Signalling Design Apprentice at MGB Engineering
Ltd. She says, “I am taking part in this event
because I embrace the opportunity to provide
young people with something I was never given;
inspiration. Inspiration to try something new,
inspiration to make a career out of something
they enjoy, inspiration to exceed the expectations
placed upon them.”
Career speed networkers included, John
Parkinson, Director Department of Transport
- Andy Moore, Urban Transportation Control
Practice Manager, Atkins Transport - Millie
Coombes, Apprentice, Atkins Transport (former
Plymouth High Student) - MGB Engineering,
Ltd., apprentices - Oonagh Maguire, Royal
Navy Petty Officer, Royal Navy - Network Rail,
employees and Wrigley, employees.■
Heather Longford, Careers and Work
Experience Coordinator
...........................................................................
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 13
The Arkwright
Scholarship
Becoming an Arkwright Scholar
M
y name is Amelia Adams.
I am a student in year 12
and I am an Arkwright
Scholar. The Arkwright
Scholarship is a prestigious
Engineering Scholarship for students who
are aspiring to an engineering career. It is an
opportunity which is too good to miss because
of the massive number of benefits it provides,
including work experience, a personal mentor,
just over £1,000 of financial help, and an
achievement that really stands out on a CV or
personal statement.
The process of becoming an Arkwright
Scholar involved many steps, starting with being
recommended by my teacher, although you
can always approach Dr Van Es yourself if you
think this is a route you want to take. Next is an
application form, showing your predicted grades
and a short statement about why you think
you’re suitable for the role. Dr Van Es, the Head
of Science, will guide you through this process
and will also send off his own statement about
you from a teacher’s perspective.
After this, the next stage is a two hour exam
which tests both your technical knowledge and
also your imagination. If you pass this stage,
you are then invited to a formal interview at a
University. Although this involved a long drive
for me, it was definitely worth it. I went to
Southampton University where we spent the
day doing a group activity after several interesting
talks from University lecturers. Parents were also
welcome to attend.
Throughout the day, you are called out
individually to talk to a panel of engineering
experts. Although this may seem scary, they were
very nice and welcoming to me. You are asked to
bring a project with you to the interview, so
14 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
Dress a Girl around
the World
Making dresses for girls living in poverty in the
developing world
W
e dream of a world in
which every girl has at
least one new dress!
Dress a Girl around the
World is a campaign
under Hope 4 Women International, making
dresses for girls living in poverty in the developing
world.
The idea of 'Dress a Girl' is to make a simple
dress, from fabric or a pillowcase, which will be
distributed to a child in need. The children in
these countries own very little and the dress will
often be the only pretty item of clothing that they
own. They have donated 18,500 dresses (and
shorts for boys) in the three and a half years they
have been going!
ARKWRIGHT SCHOLAR: Amelia Adams aspiring to a career in engineering
you talk about this project as well as your future
career aspirations. After the interviews, you
return home and the long wait begins to find out
if you are to become an Arkwright scholar.
For me, the experience so far has been
amazing and although the process was
challenging it has already been extremely
beneficial. I have attended several interesting
seminars and have already met up with my
mentor who will help me through the next two
years.
I wish you all the best with your
applications!■
Amelia Adams, year 12
...........................................................................
‘The Arkwright
Scholarship is a
prestigious
Engineering
Scholarship for
students who are
aspiring to an
engineering career’
the dresses to Ahinkoji Primary school and St
Theresa Primary School and we are really looking
forward to seeing some photos of the dresses
being worn.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of
making a garment for someone less fortunate
than ourselves. The year 9
students have worked incredibly
hard to research and design a
garment that will be suitable
for the girls in Ghana, as well as
adding something special. They
have taken time over the quality
of the garment, putting their
utmost effort into their work.
Using recycled materials has
taught students that not
every item of clothing has to be bought and new.
They can upcycle and make unique garments
of their own! It has been exciting to see the
results.■
Gemma Westaway, Textiles Teacher
...........................................................................
‘This project was so
much fun! There is a
lot that goes into it
but knowing the
dress is going to
someone less
fortunate made
it all worthwhile’
Mollie York
Year 9 Textiles students at Plymouth High
School for Girls are showing their support for
the charity by creating their own dress designs
for girls in Ghana. Our link school in Ghana,
Ahantaman High School, will be delivering
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 15
Hummingbird
ROCKS Rockingham
PHSG storms into the top 10 of Formula 24
L
eaving Plymouth at the rather
civilised hour of 9am, Team
Hummingbird set off ‘up north’
for the Greenpower International
F24 finals at Rockingham.
We were joined for the weekend by school
governor, Roger Burnett.
A smooth drive took us through Devon
and Somerset, into the wilds of Gloucester and
Worcester, and a briefly through Warwickshire
before reaching our destination county of
Northamptonshire. As always we have to say a
big thank you to Mr Cope and Mrs Warland who
drive the school mini buses to make sure that the
team get to the races on time and safely.
We arrived at Rockingham race course at
around 2.30pm and set up camp on a balcony
overlooking the pit lane. This was an excellent
vantage point from which to monitor the race
and time the cars, both Hummingbird and our
closest competitors. The pit crew and drivers
began work straight away ensuring that we
successfully went through scrutineering.
At 4pm the track opened for practice and
first in the car was Fran. The track is unlike any
other that we have raced on before as it is simply
oval in shape. The aim for all drivers is to hug the
inside of the track, which is easier said than done
when you are trying to overtake, or prevent
others from overtaking… preventing them in a
legal way of course!
Fran found the track was faster than any
other track that she had raced on before and was
able to pass on words of wisdom to the other
drivers. Meredith, Issy, Jess and Thalia all then
took their turns in the car to check out the track.
All of them returned to the pits with smiles on
their faces… they loved this fast track.
We stayed for the award ceremony
celebrating the success of the teams in the Kit
Car final that had taken place earlier that day. We
cheered with gusto the team from Cornwall who
16 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
won this category, ‘Retro Rocket’ from Sir James
Smith’s School in Camelford.
Following on from this we got back on
our minibuses and travelled the eight miles to
our very plush hotel, the Holiday Inn Express,
Rockingham. Paul and Fran from our sponsors,
Timstar, met us there when we checked in and
Paul commented that he was looking forward to
seeing the culmination of this year’s hard work in
the finals.
We had about an hour to kill before we
were to head out for dinner, so some of us
watched Strictly, others watched the X Factor
and a few of us watched Wales get beaten by
Australia!
At 7.30pm we all congregated in reception
and walked across the car park to the Harvester;
our dinner reservation was awaiting us. We were
joined by Mr Hedley and Ben, father and brother
of one of our drivers, Issy. They had been with
us all afternoon at the circuit, watching the
practice laps. After being well fed and watered,
the team returned to the hotel to rest. Sleep
crept in and team members were soon dreaming
of overtaking and clean driver changes.
Morning saw the team roused at 7am and
eating a delicious continental breakfast. Whilst we
ate our breakfast the duty manger approached
Miss Roughton and asked if he could have a
word! We were a little panicked… we had been
good, honest! He told Miss Roughton how
impressed with us he was. He commented on
the politeness of the team, how mannerly we all
were and how well behaved we had been during
our stay. He said that we were a true credit to
our school.
At 8.30am we left the hotel to venture
back to the Rockingham speedway. After a short
journey we arrived back at the track to find it
much busier than the day before with, 67 teams
preparing their cars for the days races in the pits.
On arrival we quickly took control of base
camp, which we had set up partially the night
before. Practice had begun, but as we had
arrived yesterday this was our opportunity to
watch the other teams and plan our tactics.
Our extended team of supporters began
to arrive, including individuals from the Harland,
Nicholls, Smith and Cocker families. We then
prepared for the parade before the first race.
The parade was a true spectacle with teams from
all over the UK and even two from the USA
taking part. Team Hummingbird made sure that
the Timstar umbrellas were flamboyantly shown
in the parade.
Once the parade was over we took our
place on the grid. We began the race in 12th
position on the grid. Our first driver was
Meredith. After a rolling start we were off.
Meredith was averaging a lap time of three
minutes and six seconds. She was driving well
and overtaking cars, gradually working her way
up through the field. After the required first
driver change Meredith said, “That was my last
race as a driver because I am getting too tall,
but I loved it. I intend to stay with the team and
become a communications buddy.”
Issy had taken over from Meredith and was
continuing the consistent lap times and
driving well, avoiding trouble and
overtaking when she could.
Spectator’s eyes were then
drawn to a squirrel on the track;
he was not going to beat Team
Hummingbird!
The final driver change saw
Fran take the wheel. The car was
slowing and the performance team was getting
concerned. The batteries were not performing
as expected. We were slowing drastically and our
last lap took forever! Despite losing speed we
still managed to overtake a few cars around the
final bend and when Fran crossed the finish line
we were in 21st position. On leaving the car Fran
said, “When I was going up the back straight,
there was a slight uphill bit and I nearly stopped.
Luckily the home straight is slightly downhill and
I was able to build up speed and cross the line
with almost no power.”
Our fastest lap in race one was two
minutes and fifty nine seconds. Our slowest
lap in race one was 5 minutes and forty two
seconds. Following the first race we held a team
conference where the master plan was revised,
ready for race two.
Between the two races the team was able
to explore the various trade stands at the track.
These included the exam board OCR, Seimens,
various universities and of course our very own
sponsors Timstar. Their stand was, of course, the
best one there!
We all returned to base camp with bags full
of freebies, the obligatory free pen along with
mini motors made out of batteries and paper
clips, message bugs, sticky notes and much more.
The team was in place for 2.30pm when
race two began. Once again we started in 12th
position on the grid and, despite the issues in
race one, we remained confident.
Thalia was the first driver out. She
maintained a very good consistent lap time of just
over three minutes for the first twenty minutes
of the race.
Our second driver out in race two was Jess.
She produced the fastest lap of three minutes
and two seconds on her lap out from the pits.
Driver three, Fran, took over next, knowing
the issues we had faced in the first race with
our batteries. Her first lap out was fine, three
minutes and ten seconds. Then she slowed
to three minutes and twenty seconds, but she
maintained this for the rest of the race. As Fran
began the last lap
the American team
was ahead of us; they
were in tenth place
and we were in
eleventh.
Fran was told
over the comms to go for it. We followed her
progress around that final lap as she got closer
and closer. As she approached the final corner
she was right behind the American team (who
are sponsored by NASA by the way). As they
headed down the home straight Fran moved out
from behind the American car and then…
SHE OVERTOOK THEM...
The team erupted on the stands above the
pits. The finishing line was in sight, could she
hold on…? YES. She beat them by two seconds,
finishing in 10th place.
The team was amazing; as soon as the
second race finished, all hands were on deck as
we packed up camp, loaded the trailer and then
congratulated the drivers, pit crew, performances
team and timers for the superb team effort. We
then headed off to the presentation ceremony.
As always we enthusiastically cheered and
applauded all winners in the various categories.
We were absolutely delighted to receive a
Special Commendation for our portfolio.
As we walked away from the track, through
the tunnel and back to the mini buses Paul from
Timstar commented, “It is great to see how far
the team has come from the kit car in year one
to the design that it is now. Well done to all
involved.”
The team left Rockingham after
a great day. Maybe not as winners
of any races but winners none
the less. We know we are the
best TEAM and we can say with
confidence that we one of the top
10 teams in F24.
As we left Rockingham the light
was fading and a lot of us fell asleep,
dreaming of what might have been if those
batteries had lasted in the first race.
Stopping for a comfort break in north
Somerset, we refuelled with fast food and then
travelled on back into Devon. The school choir
may well get a few more members as the
→
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 17
→ singing on the buses on the way back was
‘tuneful’. Listening to some classic eighties tunes
ensured that the team were buzzing when we
finally saw the lights of Sainsbury’s.
Monday morning saw the team back at
school ready for a day of learning, although
maybe not quite bright eyed and bushy tailed.
A debrief was held at lunchtime by Dr Van Es.
He welcomed us to the gathering, “Yesterday
was incredible. It was amazing with surges of
disappointment and then mega highs of elation.
The aim was to beat the American team, which
we did. The problem with the first race and the
batteries has to do with the micro-processor
in the car. We’re not sure that it is calibrated
properly and investigations will need to be done
before next season, but well done to you all.”
Mr Thackray then spoke to the team about
some key data facts from the weekend. “We
achieved great things over the weekend. We
achieved 32 mph at one point in the practice on
Saturday, something we never thought we would
do. Our national rankings are getting better year
on year; 51st in year one, 23rd in year two, 12th
in year three and now 10th, our best ever finish.
A tremendous effort. We are 50 yards behind the
car in front and a mile and half in front of the car
behind us. We can do it next year!”
We also had a note from our Governor,
Roger Burnett, “Thanks for the opportunity to
join you all at the Greenpower International
Finals. It was a very enjoyable well organised
weekend. The racing was very exciting, especially
the last race, the company was good and there
was a great group of girls who are a credit to
the school. Finally my personal thanks to you
all for the teachers’ enthusiasm, commitment,
hard work and time sacrifice to enable the girls
to benefit from this extra-curricular activity.
You should be very proud of the team’s
achievements.”
As the meeting drew to a close and the
2015 season came to an end, we all left the
science lab thinking about how we might go even
faster next year.
The aim is for a single digit number finishing
position and we are poised on the brink in
10th.■
Meredith Berriman, Eleanor Burkey, Emma
Cocker, Ruth McCulloch and Rebecca
Tremaine, year 10
...........................................................................
‘We achieved 32 mph
at one point in the
practice on Saturday,
something we never
thought we would do.
Our national rankings
are getting better
year on year; 51st
in year one, 23rd in
year two, 12th in year
three and now 10th,
our best ever finish. A
tremendous effort’
Team Hummingbird
2015
18 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 19
GHANA
2015
PHSG’s partnership with Ahantaman continues to grow
O
ur partnership with Ahantaman
Senior High School (AHSS) in
Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana, is
now into its 13th year. Every
two years the schools have
an exchange of staff and students working on
a joint curriculum project. The theme in 2015
was ‘Health and Wellbeing’. Students from
AHSS taught two Ghanaian games to our year 8
students when they visited in March 2015. Our
students lead lessons in tennis and rounders to
promote more exercise at AHSS and delivered a
lesson on healthy eating.
Most people are in bed fast asleep at
11.59pm on a Monday night - not the group
travelling to Ghana. This was just the beginning
of a trip that was to be filled with experiences
of facts, sights, tastes, contrasts, memories and
so much more. We covered so much in such a
short time it is difficult to describe it all but here is
a very brief outline of our time away.
Day 1
The motto of ‘sleeping is cheating’ from Mr
Moisob was soon changed to ‘sleeping is cheating
but meditation is allowed’ as we all tried to
catch up on our sleep when we could after our
midnight departure from Bretonside bus station
and our long awaited journey to Ghana. We
finally arrived in Accra at 8pm and spent our
first night at the GNAT hostel where the girls
were able to try out their mosquito nets, get
accustomed to the smell of DEET and have the
first of many cold showers!
‘Our students lead
lessons in tennis and
rounders to promote
more exercise at AHSS
and delivered a lesson
on healthy eating’
background of the lake and the effect of the
low water levels on the electricity supplies in
Ghana. We then joined a walking tour of the dam
followed by a lunch of a local favourite, Tilapia
fish, eaten with our fingers. Mrs Osei, former
Headteacher of AHSS, treated us to our first
home cooked Ghanaian meal on our way home.
Day 3
Today we left Accra for Sekondi-Takoradi. En
route we stopped at Winneba National Sports
College to donate tennis rackets and balls to
the tennis coach, Mr Noah Bukari, who was
overwhelmed and touched that people from so
far away in England had thought to give them
equipment to use. Finally we arrived at AHSS
and were given their amazing ‘celebrity’ style
welcome with the students cheering, singing and
dancing. We spent the rest of the evening settling
into our new surroundings and getting to know
new friends.
Day 4
Day 2
Everyone managed the 5.30am wake up time
to leave for our visit to the Akosombo Dam.
Martin Hiles, former manager of the Volta River
Authority, gave a very informative talk on the
20 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
For those of us who could make a 4.30am start
there was Morning Devotion - song and prayer
outside the dormitories in the courtyard, a very
moving experience. Today’s visit was to Kakum
National Park. We were given an informative talk
on the forest and conservation before walking
through the rainforest that led to the seven
bridges roped canopy walk, 30 metres high
above the trees. This was one of the highlights of
the trip. In the afternoon we visited El Mina slave
fort, taking a very emotional tour of the castle
to learn about the appalling conditions endured
by the African slaves held there before being
shipped to other countries.
Day 5
Nothing like a session of aerobics at 6am to
start the day! After this our girls lead sessions
in tennis and rounders as part of the joint
curriculum project between the two schools.
We all then participated in Ghana v England
tug of war, hockey and sack races. In the
afternoon we walked around Takoradi market
circle to experience the very busy and cramped
atmosphere of the narrow ‘streets’, full of
people selling and buying all range of things. Our
evening was spent watching short performances
of dancing, drama and singing by students
from each class in the school. For many of us,
however, it had to be an early night as we were
so tired from our non-stop schedule and early
mornings.
Day 6
Morning worship at 6.30am (for those who
could make it) to hear 500 plus girls singing - just
incredible to listen and see the energy they give
to their worship. Today was set aside for a day of
rest relaxing at Africa Beach Hotel, swimming in
the pool, sleeping on sun loungers, reading and
walking along the beach.
Day 7
Our students led a lesson on diet and exercise as
part of the joint curriculum project. We made →
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 21
‘I think a key thing I
gained from the trip
was perspective,
with a little more
understanding,
however slight, of
the challenges and
successes (past and
present) of Ghana
and its people’
→ an official visit to the Chief Nana Ahinkofi
on whose land AHSS is built. Following this we
walked to Ahinkofi village primary school where
our girls engaged in a drawing activity with the
children. A later visit to St Peters Primary school,
a private school, showed a complete contrast
in terms of resources and facilities available to
the pupils at the two schools. In the evening
we were guests of honour at the residence of
the Metropolitan Chief Executive and treated to
fabulous traditional food, music and dancing. We
tried to show off our best moves Ghanaian style!
Day 8
Another early start, this time heading to Nzulezu
village. To get there we had to canoe for 45
minutes along canals, through mangrove swamps
and into open water to reach the village. It is built
on stilts with a population of 600 people living
‘on’ the water. It was interesting to hear how the
village came about, to ask questions and wonder
at the way of life here. We watched as young
children, barely a year old, sat and played close
to the edge of the walkways with no one unduly
worried about their safety. This is simply how life
is in the village - no health and safety guidelines
here! In the evening Mrs Ocloo, Headteacher
of AHSS, laid on a ‘dansette’, an evening of
food and dancing for ourselves and Ahantaman
staff, students and PTA members involved in our
partnership.
Day 9
A farewell assembly was held by AHSS with
visiting dignitaries and schools. We presented
our findings from the curriculum project and
gave our thanks for the hospitality we had been
shown. Our last night was spent at Big Millys
Backyard by the beach - a relaxing atmosphere
22 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
Student comments from the trip
It's difficult to capture the awe inspiring sight of
the Akosombo dam in a photograph, or to put
into words the feeling of elation as you walk
across rope bridges high in the canopy of Kakum
rainforest, the gut wrenching tour of El Mina
fort, canoeing across a glassy lake to Nzulezu
village. These were the big things, but there
were countless other details that made the trip
so special - playing Ampe in the roasting heat of
the yard, being taught how to hand wash our
clothes, having the chance to talk to some of
the students about issues as diverse as religion,
body image, and careers. For me, these personal
right from the start with its sand floors and
collection of small huts. Some of us spoilt
ourselves with eating lobster or barracuda in
the evening and sleeping under the stars on a
balcony - a memorable way to end the trip!
Day 10
Our last morning in Ghana was spent watching
the fishing boats come in, playing table tennis and
doing a little shopping in the local stalls. A stop at
the craft market in Accra meant we could get last
minute souvenirs before having our last Ghanaian
meal and setting off for our flight home.
It would take too long to mention everything
that happened on the trip as we did so much.
Just looking out of the window travelling along
the roads is fascinating - the food, the people,
the animals, the houses - an education in itself. I
cannot write about all the laughs we had along
the way, the deep conversations about what we
were learning as we went along, the inspiration
the girls got from visiting places and meeting
people, how pleased people were to receive
items donated to them, the fresh mangoes and
pineapple, the loud horn on the school bus, the
bumpy roads, the heat, and looking forward
to a long cold shower to cool down! The list
really does go on. The girls we took this year
were superb and totally immersed themselves,
willing to try everything and anything on offer
which is exactly what is necessary to get the best
experience from a trip like this.
A big thanks goes to everybody who
has helped behind the scenes in the planning
and fundraising for the trip, both here and
at Ahantaman, to Mr Baines and lastly to Mr
Moisob, without whom we would find it very
difficult to keep the partnership going.
Jessica Randell, Ghana Link Coordinator
moments with the girls were in some ways just
as memorable as the outings to beautiful places
- it gave a brief insight into their lives as students,
women, and Ghanaian citizens. The experience
was non-stop, but each day was exhausting and
enjoyable in equal measure. I think a key thing
I gained from the trip was perspective, with a
little more understanding, however slight, of
the challenges and successes (past and present)
of Ghana and its people, it’s become easier to
see, in a time of global development, how big an
impact we can all have on our own communities
and others worldwide.
Lois Raines, year 12
What an experience. I've never felt so welcomed
and special than when we arrived in Ghana. The
greetings of smiling faces in the boiling hot sun
was phenomenal and the new experiences never
ended. From the fresh mango on the side of the
road to the cold showers and random power
cuts, the Ghana trip keeps you on your toes. The
trips to the Akosombo Dam, Kakum National
Park and Nzulezu stilt village were breathtaking,
and the visits to the local schools were an eye
opener. Going to Ghana makes you appreciate
what you have and you’ll never look back. I wish
I could do it all over again!
Lizzie Burnett, year 13
I have been looking forward to the Ghana trip
for so long, having heard girls from previous trips
talk so much about how incredible it was, but it
still beat all expectations. It was truly the most
eye opening experience. I have never learnt
and done so much in 10 days! The kindness
and welcome we were treated with was
overwhelming and I cannot describe how lucky I
feel to have been a part of it all and met so many
wonderful people.
Manon Louis-Puttick, year 13
Everyone tells you how hard A Levels are but
you don't really understand until you study
them. The same thing applies to Ghana. You
won't understand how truly incredible it is unless
you experience it for yourself. Drinking from
coconuts on white sand beaches, discovering a
village on stilts after a morning of canoeing and
dancing to African drumming are just a handful of
things that make Ghana amazing. It has inspired
me in so many ways and has been the best way
to end my seven years at PHSG.■
Phoebe Farrant, year 13
...........................................................................
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 23
A Level London
Art Trip
Gaining inspiration from artists and their artwork
A
rt can be a daunting subject
to start as there are so many
different directions you can
take your artwork. This can
reach a point where you
have no idea what you are going to do. That’s
where the London trip was really useful to me; it
showed me what direction I wanted to take my
work in.
I was inspired by the vast variety of artwork
held within the Tate Britain and the National
Portrait Gallery. I discovered artists and art
movements which I was previously unaware of
and also discovered how many amazing pieces
of art were within movements I had previously
dismissed.
We didn’t just focus on the art in London,
but the people too. The second aim of the trip
was to capture the extraordinary within the
everyday through street photography. London
was the perfect city for this; it’s packed with
people from all walks of life, from the rich to the
poor, the young to the old, the tourists to the
workers. Such variety and contrast allowed us to
capture really interesting and thought provoking
photographs, just from the everyday lives of the
people of London.■
Isabelle Harris, year 12
...........................................................................
24 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 25
A Level Photography
Workshop
At Plymouth University
A
s part of the photography unit
of A Level Fine Art, year 12
students had the opportunity
to attend a mini-workshop at
Plymouth University to explore
and develop our photography skills.
Due to changes in technology, large and
medium format cameras are not something we
come across in daily life, where an iPhone can
take a relatively detailed and well-focussed shot in
a matter of milliseconds. However as part of the
workshop we were able to use, model in front
of, and examine a large format camera. We were
then shown the University darkroom where we
developed our negatives by dipping the paper
in a variety of solutions. This was something the
majority of us had never had the opportunity
to do in our life, so it was an incredible learning
experience. It was truly fascinating to watch the
image develop onto the paper in front of your
eyes; it felt more involved, more real, than using
a digital camera.
Whilst this was the key point of interest
for me, we also took part in a variety of
other mini-experiences such as using a
professional standard camera set up with
rigged lighting and an infinity background
(something we, sadly, are not equipped
to do at school!) The photography lecturer
running the workshop was full of concepts
and little ideas for us to use during our turn
behind the camera. It was inspiring to see
photography as a medium applicable in
the real world as opposed to something
limited to the classroom.■
Tegan Louis-Puttick, year 12
.............................................................
26 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
Photography
with Dom
Moore
Dom Moore is an award winning, Plymouth
based, freelance photographer. He specialises
in portraiture, brand styling, print material
photography and press photography. He came
in to show us the work he has done and let us
experiment with the apparatus he brought with
him. It meant we could fully explore the way
we can use light to create different photographs.
I really loved looking at the potential of
photography and learning about how he has
developed as an artist. The workshop really
enabled me to take some good shots for my art
project and gave me a little insight as to how few
limits there are in photography.■
Poppy Collingwood, year 12
...........................................................................
Navy Base
Photography
Workshop
We had the opportunity once again this year
to visit the Naval Base Photography unit to
experiment in the studio. Our year 12 students
produced some stunning photographs that they
will be using as part of their Extreme Emotions
project.
Miss Watts, Art Technician
Having been to the Navy Photography
workshop, we were able to experience what
it was like to take photographs in a professional
studio. We were given the opportunity to
take photos in the style that we wanted and
allowed to use the lighting and backdrops to
our advantage. We were able to capture some
amazing images that we could use in response to
the photographers that we are studying. We also
had the chance to model. The entire experience
was very different to what we are able to capture
in school.■
Lara Caglayan, year 12
...........................................................................
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 27
the eden project
GCSE Art Trip
R
ecently, my GCSE Art class took
a day trip to the Eden Project as
part of our coursework. We are
currently studying ‘Natural
Forms’ and to really understand
the subject matter we are exploring Georgia
O’Keeffe, a natural forms artist. The majority of
her paintings are of flowers and skulls.
One of her most powerful quotes is, “When
you take a flower in your hand, and really look
at it, it becomes your world for the moment. I
want to give that world to someone else. Most
people in the city rush around so, they have no
time to really look at a flower. I want them to see
it whether they want to or not.”
The Eden Project started out as a disused
china clay pit in 1995. Tim Smit began developing
an idea to completely rebuild it into a green
space. It has different biomes which contain
different environments for plants to grow, and
its whole identity is for everything to be ecofriendly. The many different habitats enable a
large variety of flowers and plants to grow, which
meant it was an excellent location for us to visit
and photograph for our projects.
At the beginning of our visit, we were told a
brief history of the Eden project. Walking around
afterwards, I found it fascinating to consider
how much work must have gone on behind the
scenes to make the place able to run.
It was very inspiring to see people with
such seemingly impossible ideas create what
they dreamed of. Also, they have managed
to create an area that really benefits many
people. Whether it is just a walk in nature or
an educational trip, it is a truly amazing place to
visit. For anyone given this opportunity I really
would recommend going. It was such a great
experience for myself and my friends.■
Aimee Louis-Puttick, year 10
...........................................................................
28 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 29
ART CLUB
From painting and mono-printing to origami animals
W
e are coming to the
end of our roles as Art
Captains. In the past year
we have been running
the Art Club as well as
helping out the art department with installing
exhibitions and promoting art in the school.
Throughout our time as Art Captains we have
held Art Club every Thursday at lunchtime. Art
Club gave us the opportunity to get younger
students more interested in art and to lead them
in different artistic activities including, painting and
stitching on images of celebrities, mono-printing,
creating adorable origami animals and relief
printing famous buildings. At the beginning of this
academic year we had a group of close to 30
girls attending the club and that high number has
carried on throughout this term, resulting in the
artwork becoming more impressive in scale and
more girls becoming interested in the club. Our
favourite project has to be the Monet and Van
Gogh inspired piece, created by the girls through
finger painting. This was the first week we had
a large group and it resulted in all of us working
together to get the huge piece finished. Art Club
30 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
has been a huge part of our role as Art Captains
and we have really enjoyed it.
Another part of our role was to help out
with setting up art exhibitions. We particularly
enjoyed installing the A Level Art Exhibition last
July because it was a chance to properly look
at and appreciate the works of art that fellow
students had created. Most of these were
extremely good and made us hugely proud to
be a part of the artistic community within the
school. There was an incredible range of diverse
artworks from huge controversial feminism
pieces to small, elegant acrylic landscapes.
The other art exhibition was Art2Day, held at
Plymouth University and showcasing work from
post 16 students across all Plymouth secondary
schools. Plymouth High School featured heavily
and we both realised just how good our school
is at art. Some of the best artworks in the
competition were by Plymouth High students
and we felt proud to be representing our school
through these incredible works.■
Elaine Sinclair and Lizzie Collingwood - Art
Captains, year 13
...........................................................................
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 31
Year 11
Paintings inspired by David Hepher
ELSIE TATE
MOLLY POWELL
JEMIMA RAE
TRINITY ADAMS
JORDAN HARDY
AMELIA HAWTHORNE
BETH HEMBURY
32 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
RAHIMA BHATTI
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 33
Year 12
Life Drawing
SASHA EGONU
SASHA EGONU
SOPHIE SEMMENS
ANASTASIA BASKERVILLE-HICKS
SELWIN HULME-TEAGUE
ANASTASIA BASKERVILLE-HICKS
34| TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
POPPY COLLINGWOOD
TEGAN LOUIS-PUTTICK
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 35
The PHSG Sports
Council
Another successful year for the PE department’s
student representatives
G C SE P E
T
he PHSG Sports Council achieved
a lot last year. By organising
fundraising events we were able
to contribute towards painting
the changing rooms which were
in need of freshening up! We also listened to
feedback from students and consulted with the
PE department staff which resulted in leggings
being included as part of the PE uniform. This
year the Sports Council is hoping to do much
more. So far, we have organised inter-house
netball competitions and we will be leading
football and dodgeball competitions which will
take place later in the year. We also hope to
encourage students to join clubs available both in
and outside of the school and aim to encourage
pupils to exercise more. We are open to any
ideas to promote a sporty atmosphere at the
school.
Izzy Machpherson - Sports Council member,
year 8
‘Forty year 10 students
planned and led PE
sessions in different
primary schools and
taught over 120 year 5
and 6 children in total’
running station, parachute games, ball skills and
team building. Both of our sessions went well;
everybody listened, enjoyed themselves and all
the Sports Leaders gave good advice, motivation
and constructive criticism to make sure people
got the most out of the sessions. We gained a
lot of experience from these sessions to help us
in the future. We know how to plan and get the
most out of our time.”
Orlane Mbahin said, “On 23rd November
we went to Compton Primary School and on
the 30th of November we went to Plymouth
University and taught Hyde Park primary
students. Zoe and I were running the team
building activity; the other groups lead different
exercises. This experience enhanced my
confidence and ability to motivate and engage
children. However, sweets helped too!”■
The PE Department
...........................................................................
Sports Leadership
Our Year 10 Sports Leaders have been
developing their leadership skills to enable them
to successfully plan, lead and review activities
suitable for primary children. Forty year 10
students planned and led PE sessions in different
primary schools and taught over 120 year 5 and
6 children in total. The schools involved were
Compton, Hyde Park and Mount Street primary
schools. Miss Allen commented, “they excelled
themselves in their ability to lead a session and
received excellent feedback from the primary
school teachers.” The sessions contribute to the
year 10 students’ Level One Award in sports
leadership.
Lucie Prior said, “Over these two sessions
we had a variety of different stations available; a
36 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
DEVELOPING THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS: PHSG Sports Leaders
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 37
Individual Competitor
Options in KS4
Choosing the right pathway in PE
O
lder students in the school
will already be aware that
when moving into Key Stage
4 students are offered options
and can choose what they
want to do in their PE lessons for the year.
We offer a number of different pathways that
they can opt for; e.g. team games, health and
fitness, creative etc. One option is the Individual
Competitor pathway. This was introduced as
we appreciate that not all students enjoy playing
competitive games and being part of a team
every week. Some enjoy being active but in
more individual activities. If that sounds like your
type of thing then this is the pathway for you!
The activities included in the year are often
physically and mentally challenging and it is great
to see students rise to these challenges and, in
some cases, overcome their fears. It has been
great to work with a year 10 group this term that
have been doing just that.
Their first activity was on the water rowing at
the Mountbatten Centre. There was a definite air
of nervousness to begin with but it was brilliant
to see their confidence grow over the weeks
and eventually see them getting the boats in
and out of the water as if they had always been
doing it. They all became competent rowers well done. The next activity was climbing at the
YMCA Centre. Again there were a few that were
genuinely scared and nervous of going very high
and being off the ground just attached to a rope!
They have all persevered and achieved their own
individual successes, which has been fantastic to
see. As the year progresses the students will also
be taking part in trampolining, badminton and
mountain biking.
This is a great pathway to opt for if these are
the type of activities that interest you. Keep it in
mind when it’s time to choose your options at
the end of year 9!
Mrs Alford, PE Teacher
38 | TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016
In the 3rd game, against Plymouth College,
the girls stepped up their game to win 6-4 but
unfortunately lost on goal difference when it
came to progressing on to the semi-finals. Both
Ivybridge and Plymouth College went on to win
their semi-finals and will represent the Plymouth
area in the county finals. The girls may have
just missed out this year but have something to
aim for next year! The year 9 girls who have
played this year include: Ellie Childs, Jasmine
Weaving (Captain), Abbie Smith, Sophie Ferrett,
Emily Law, Charlotte Lazarus, Olivia Barry, Mia
Steele, Rebecca Sims, Esther David-West, Tegan
Tunnicliffe and Sophie Grange.
Mrs Barrett, Head of PE
Hockey
Round-up
The U13 hockey team played in the Plymouth
Schools tournament at Lipson during November
and December. They had some very competitive
games and despite playing without a goalie
and without training together as a team, they
did really well. They came 5th out of 7 teams,
finishing above Plymouth College after beating
them 2-1 with some fantastic goals from Poppy
Moore and Caitlin Hine. They also beat DHSG
B team 1-0 when Robyn De Jager was quick to
pounce on the rebound from the keeper’s first
save. They were unlucky to lose to Lipson after
beating them in a warm up friendly match but
then losing 1-0 despite some excellent defending
from Claudia Baulf and Zara Taffs. The team
Netball
Round-up
The year 8 netball team has built on last year’s
unbeaten season by winning the Plymouth
Schools Central Venue League. They had
convincing wins over Plymstock A and B team
and beat DHSG 5-3. They beat Hele’s 8-6 and
had a close game against Stoke which ended
in a 7-7 draw. Those who played in the team
include: Caitlin Jackson (Captain), Amber Bishop,
Charlotte Smith, Tharuny Sivasothy, Phoebe
Goodsell, Evie Jones, Mariam Khan, Lily Ambler,
Abby Fishleigh, Izzy Macpherson, Ellie Brewer,
Matilda Irving de Andres, Achala Sharma, Issy
Rowland and Fran Hanson. Since winning the
League they have played in a few friendlies; the A
and B team played against Ivybridge, both losing
by a couple of goals in the end but it was good
experience for all those who played. They came
back to finish with a strong win against Plymouth
College (19-6) before Christmas which was a
fantastic result against a very good side.
The year 9 team have had an up and
down season. They ended up coming 5th in
the Plymouth Schools Central Venue League,
finishing above DHSG after beating them 10-0.
They did however do a lot better and rose
to the occasion of the U14 National Schools
Cup competition. They were in a tough pool
with Plymouth College, Ivybridge and DHSG.
They started off really well beating DHSG
7-5. Although they played fantastically against
Ivybridge, the opposition was too strong for
us in the second half and they beat us 11-5.
also included, Catherine McGougan, Niamh
Mills, Megan Whittaker, Daisy Murphy, Izzy
Macpherson, with a few games being played by
Megan Cornish, Fran Hanson and Jess Maxwell.
Mrs Barrett, Head of PE
English Schools’
Swimming
Association
The PE Department made their annual trip up to
Millfield School in Somerset on Wednesday 23rd
September to take part in the English Schools’
Swimming Association’s Secondary Schools’
Team Relay Championships. This year we took
two intermediate teams and a senior team to
compete against the rest of the region in the
medley and freestyle relays.
As always the girls were a credit to the
school, behaving brilliantly throughout the trip.
The journey passed uneventfully and we arrived
in good time for the warm up.
The first of the freestyle heats saw the
intermediate girls A and B teams swim strongly,
achieving times of 2.02.77 and 2.20.13
respectively. The senior girls swam well with
a time of 2.07.12. In the medley relays, the
teams again worked well together and achieved
2.20.67 and 2.43.89 with the seniors achieving
2.21.40.
The regional competition was as tough as
ever with Plymouth College and Millfield winning
every event (Plymouth College swam a 1.44.20
in the senior free!) and some strong times from
Mount Kelly and Bournemouth Collegiate. We
missed out on travelling to Leeds for the final
which was won overall by Plymouth College
Seniors and Millfield Intermediate teams.
Well done to the following girls: Lauren
Howard, Victoria Adams, Lara Caglayan, Abigail
Cooper, Emma De Jager, Corrie Fairbairn,
Amber Francis, Tess Harland, Rosie Milburn,
Lucie Prior, Mia Steele, and Beth Thompson.
Thanks also to Mrs Alford for accompanying
us and doing most of the driving!
Mrs Goolden, PE Teacher
Cross Country
On Tuesday 10th November, 17 students from
years 7, 8 and 9 went to Staddiscombe to
compete in a Plymouth Schools Cross Country
competition. All girls competed and ran very well
despite the poor weather and muddy conditions.
Well done to all 17 students who took
part; the junior girls came 3rd and the year 7
girls came 4th out of 11 schools that competed.
Congratulations to the three girls who have been
selected to represent Plymouth in the Devon
Schools Cross Country competition. These
include Jenny Milburn, year 9, who achieved
3rd place overall out of 63 in her age group, and
Alice Bickley and Olivia Sullivan, both year 7,
who came 8th and 15th respectively out of 55 in
their age group.■
Ms Moore, PE Supervisor
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■
TALK | Spring Term Issue February 2016 | 39
Folk Band
Mondays 1.55 - Room M2
Band members are staff and students
All levels of ability welcome