We’ve had a great time with World Book Day. Yesterday teachers across the school led ‘drop everything and read’ sessions where they shared with students an extract from a favourite book, article or poem which was relevant to their subject before having a discussion about why it is important to them. There was a great variety and the possibility of students being inspired to read further. Examples include the Maths team who shared Humble Pi by Matt Parker. If there was ever an answer to the question, ‘Why is Maths important?’ then this book is it. Students heard about the consequences of mistakes made in Maths, some funny, some ridiculous, some almost unbelievable but ALL true! Students heard how a drinks advertising campaign ended up in court when the company refused to give away a Harrier Jet, how a building in London set fire to things, how the deepest saltwater lake in Louisiana was created by accident and how a bridge between Germany and Switzerland didn’t meet in the middle!
Up in Geography, Mr. Atkinson shared with his Year 9 and Year 11 classes, a section of ‘Moving to Higher Ground’ by John Englander. The passage highlighted the importance of sustainability and resilience in order to better manage the impact of sea level rise and that
“plastics in the oceans” isn’t the entire battle. It also helped our young geographers to understand the difference between Climate Change and Ozone depletion.
Mrs. Ennis in History used three poems ‘First They Came’ by Pastor Martin Niemöller, ‘Never Shall I Forget’ by Elie Wiesel and ‘Completion’ by Vera Schaufeld with Year 9 to explore the feelings of Holocaust survivors and the importance of challenging discrimination.
With Years 10 and 11, in History, Mrs. Town shared an extract from ‘The Spy who came in from the Cold’ by John le Carre. Students are studying the Cold War and this was written whilst based in Germany in an office overlooking the Berlin Wall. It’s particularly effective at recreating the atmosphere or tension and mistrust that the Cold War is known for.
Miss Bargewell, in English with Year 7, shared an extract from one of her favourite books, The Shadow of the Wind. In the extract, Daniel’s father takes him to visit the cemetery of forgotten books. The setting of the cemetery of forgotten books is a powerful symbol as it is a sanctuary where stories, even those deemed unimportant or forgotten, are kept alive.
In the Intervention Room, with Mrs. Mannion, 25 students in Years 7, 8 and 9 made a fantastic display of the books that they’re currently reading using the ‘I’m reading’ website templates. They then enjoyed ‘The Wild Robot’ by Peter Brown, Chapters 1 to 11. This book was chosen by one of our Year 9 students. The main character has some autism traits and there is a theme of kindness. 
Years 10 and 11 have started the second series of Progress Exams today with the French speaking exams taking place earlier in the week. This all forms part of our Raising Achievement strategy. Thanks to the parents and carers who attended the Information Evening about Wellbeing and supporting students with exams. We’ll be sending out the information if you were unable to attend.
We had a visit from our Senior Education Adviser on Tuesday with a focus on teaching and learning across the school. He reported that ‘The school should be recognised for the positive impact of the improving behaviour strategy across the school. Behaviour across lessons was generally excellent. Similarly, there were no issues of pupils out of lessons and the atmosphere across the school was calm and conducive to learning.’ and our recent focus on questioning was also recognised, ‘Pupils were generally working constructively across all lessons visited. There were some excellent examples of teachers using a well chosen blend of volunteers and cold calling during questioning activities.’
In assemblies this week, we’ve explored future careers which has complemented the Options Taster sessions for Year 9.
In sporting news, Mrs. Cheeseman reports that ‘Year 7 netballers played Ripon Grammar School yesterday. This was another opportunity for some students to experience their very first fixture. The girls played 40 minutes of netball against both the A & B team from RGS. Although, we were not able to come away with the win, it was a great learning experience. The girls showed resilience and did get stronger throughout the game and started to make interceptions. The players of the match were Rova and Eliora and there was good effort from all.’
Tickets are on sale for the Friends of Boroughbridge High School, Quiz and Chilli night – Friday 21st March 7p.m. for a 7.30p.m. start. Please use this link https://www.pta-events.co.uk/boroughbridgehighschool/
You’ll need to create an account with PTA events and when you go to the ticket page remember to add a quantity for the tickets even if it is just 1 ticket – it’s not very clear sometimes! Thank you in advance for your support. We’d really appreciate your support with this as all proceeds come directly back to school.
A reminder that it is Year 9 Parent/Carer Options evening on Wednesday (12th) from 6-8.30p.m. and then we have a Professional Development Day on Thursday (13th March) when students do not attend school.
Have a lovely weekend!