It’s been a week of celebration at Boroughbridge High School beginning with the Year 12 Rewards trip to Tenpin Castleford on Monday. Teams of five were formed and the competition began. As you can see, a good time was had by all and it was a great way for students to celebrate their successful first term as Sixth Form students.
Sausage sandwiches and pains au chocolat were on the menu for the Rewards breakfasts on Tuesday and Friday. More than two hundred students across the year groups with top rewards points were invited to enjoy their breakfast together in the Library, before moving on to their lessons.
On Wednesday afternoon when the temperatures were sub-zero and mist was in evidence, Years 7 and 8 and their teachers, walked down to St. James’s Church in Boroughbridge for our annual carol service. We were warmly welcomed by Reader, Mr Moss who led the service. We sang traditional carols and heard confident readers from across Years 7 and 8 tell the Christmas story. There were also performances from Tutti Flutti and the a capella group. We finished with a group version of ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’ before making our way back to school. Thanks to Mrs Skilbeck and Mrs Godsell-Wright for organising the event.
A further festive treat followed on Wednesday evening with the performance of ‘Disorder in Court’. We knew it was going to be a quality event when, as a prequel, the audience were taught an a capella version of ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’. There was laughter throughout as a cast from across Years 7 to 9 put Goldilocks and The Big Bad Wolf on trial! All was resolved by the end but not before we’d sung ‘I will survive’ and ‘Day Dream Believer’ followed by our now practised version of ‘Don’t worry, Be happy’. Our congratulations go to the cast and our thanks to Mr West.
We were delighted to welcome past and present students, parents, governors and representatives from the local community to our annual Awards Evening on Thursday. Head students Ruby and Bertie gave the official welcome before Bertie expertly performed ‘Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ on the keyboard. The scene was set for my Headteacher review of the year before I introduced our guest speaker Jenni Kirkwood. Using her experience of being a Dru yoga and meditation teacher and massage therapist, she shared with us the value of reflection, face to face communication and seeing challenges as opportunities. I’m sure that we’ll all continue to reflect on the key messages shared in the coming weeks. Certificates and trophies were then awarded to many students whilst their families and teachers looked on proudly. A true celebration of success.
You may have heard of the competition which has captivated the imagination of many staff and students over the past week – the annual form Christmas Door competition. The competition reached a crescendo this morning as students anticipated the declaration of the winner in the whole school assembly.
Our whole school assembly is such a positive way to end the term with all students in one space reflecting on the past year, achievements and successes. We relived the year with a photo presentation, celebrated students who’d achieved top Rewards points and stamps, and students with excellent attendance, whilst also hearing some excellent musical performances. Student applause determined three winners of the Christmas door competition, 9AC, 9AS and 10GE. You can see why they won!
So, as 2019 draws to a close, we have much to celebrate at Boroughbridge High School and we’re looking forward to the opportunities that 2020 brings. Thank you, as ever, for your ongoing support. I hope that you and your families have a restful and peaceful Christmas and I look forward to working with you in 2020.