Our students returned from their half term break full of conversations about what they’d been doing and it was lovely to see the school site beginning to show real signs of spring. This was particularly apparent for the Forest School students. Mr. Woodward reports,
‘With snowdrops fully in bloom and the first hints of yellow daffodil flowers emerging, the woodland was starting to hint at the end of winter as the current forest school group completed their last session. Woodworking and knot tying skills were utilised to cut notches into hazel lengths to allow the students to successfully attach cord to their newly created bows. They then moved on to arrow creation; stripping sticks of bark, carefully splitting one end and inserting a flight before lashing the end to make a notch that would allow the arrow to sit securely on the bow string. Then it was off to the field for target practice!’
We’ve also started our new mobile phone policy this week. As ever, our students have responded positively and we are already seeing many benefits of this approach. Thank you for your support.
In assemblies this week with Years 10 and 11, with Progress Exams on the horizon, I’ve been talking with students about our value of being ambitious and showing how that can be translated for them at this stage in their school lives. It was lovely to welcome parents and carers of students in Years 10 and 11 to the information evening on Wednesday where they were given information about the processes and practices of the exam season with information on how to support our young people as they move through this potentially challenging time.
For Years 7, 8 and 9, Miss Bargewell was thinking ahead to World Book Day, examining the evolution of the written word with a strong encouragement of the power of reading.
In sporting news, Mr. Field reports, ‘The Yr11 Rugby squad revelled in their last opportunity to represent the school playing rugby and had high expectations of securing a coveted tournament victory. The boys were straight into action after exiting the minibus and took on Huntington and were quickly out of the blocks with some ferocious tackling and ruthless ball carries. The Huntington team were stunned by the ambition shown by Boroughbridge and were respectful in their defeat by 28-20. Boroughbridge next faced the host school Joseph Rowntree and although weary from their previous game still produced some fantastic rugby. The tactics changed slightly as fatigue started to set in, this showed another facet of the boys as they used their guile to ensure they secured a narrow 28-24 victory. The final game and the game the boys needed to secure a clean sweep was against Manor school who were already reduced to low numbers through injuries. A cobbled Manor team containing some Joseph Rowntree players tested the Boroughbridge boys as tired legs and minds caused a few errors. The game ended a 20-20 draw but importantly for the Boroughbridge team, it ensured an overall victory. The most pleasing element for the boys was that Mr Richardson upheld his word to wear the unicorn ear muffs (kindly supplied by Taylor) in the team photo. The boys were joyous in their victory and proudly rounded off their Boroughbridge rugby career in fine style. Well done boys.’
In footballing news, Mr. Field reports, ‘Thursday night saw the Year 10 boys play in the County Cup quarter final against Manor High School from York. The display by the boys was a significant improvement on the previous outing and showed great resilience in their endeavours. Despite conceding four goals in the first half the effort shown did not wane and rewards were reaped when King acrobatically flicked on a corner for Chowdhury to prove his goal poaching credentials and poke home for the Boroughbridge boys’ first goal of the season. The boys were beaten 1-7 but lots of positives were taken from the game as they look forward to more opportunities in Year 11.’
Next week is Year 9 Futures week where students will have the opportunity to experience new subjects which they may want to choose for GCSE. Exciting times!
Have a lovely weekend!
their studies to life as they explored the fascinating history of medicine, from Victorian surgical practices to modern breakthroughs in healthcare. Walking through the recreated 19th-century disease street and examining a range of interactive exhibits, students gained a deeper understanding of how medical practices have developed over time. It was clear from their enthusiasm and thoughtful questions that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The visit not only supported their learning prior to their exam, but also sparked genuine curiosity and discussion, making it a memorable and valuable day for everyone involved.’
Another cold week with biting winds but students warmed themselves with a new addition to our Forest School kit: Kelly Kettle storm kettles; these ingenious inventions make warming water and cooking outdoors in poor weather conditions easier, especially when dry tinder and fuel are hard to come by on a damp February afternoon!’
done to Daisy D, player of the match, playing her best quarter at C, sending strong passes. Georgina was like a whippet, driving into space. Millie worked hard playing C for the first half but her best play was at GS last quarter… with more time the goals would have come. Thank you, Daisy G for playing up and providing another option on court. 15 – 6 loss in the end but how nice it was to see goals going in. 
Two more goals from QE ensured they took a 4-2 lead into the half time break, the Boroughbridge squad listened well to the feedback and showed great resilience and true Yorkshire grit as they competed well in the early exchanges of the second half. Boroughbridge conceded once more against the run of play but their tremendous mindset was undeterred. Farnworth, revelling in his more attacking role, struck again with a well taken poacher’s goal inside of the six yard box. Boroughbridge continued to apply pressure in attack and the substitutions and positional changes worked well. Farnworth was on hand to expertly dispatch a laser guided freekick into the far top corner from 25 metres out, the view from the sideline was perfect to witness the spectacle and Mr Richardson was mightily impressed with the technique used to complete his hat-trick. With Boroughbridge enjoying a good spell of possession, nerves in the QE team were jangling as the scores crept close to a draw. QE pounced on a rare error in defence to maintain the two goal lead but Boroughbridge hadn’t finished yet. Another excellent delivery from Farnworth into the box from a freekick created the perfect opportunity for Godley to attempt an audacious flick on ‘martial arts’ style which found itself outwitting the goalkeeper and nestling in the back of the net. The comeback seemed on for the Boroughbridge boys but another QE break resulted in another goal to seal the tie in favour of the home team. The level of performance from the Boroughbridge squad was fantastic, great preparation for the upcoming ESFA semi final against St Mary’s College.’ 
Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a number of activities to support students with their thoughts around possible futures as part of our CEIAG programme. Last week, Matt, Julia and JayJay from Ardent, a local company based near Roecliffe, visited Boroughbridge High School to deliver an assembly to the Year 9 students. They spoke about Ardent and the work the engineering company does, alongside sharing their own career journeys and the different routes that led them to their current roles.
In sporting news, Miss Robson reports, ‘Last Thursday we ventured over to Barlby High School for a friendly Year 8 netball fixture. I’m not sure what the girls enjoyed more, the game or the minibus karaoke. 9 players meant we had options allowing players to come on and make an impact on court. The first quarter was hotly contested with Barlby narrowly leading 5-4. We became a little unsettled with a few offside calls and a couple of ‘not received in the centre third’ when taking the centre pass. This was a result of making decisions under pressure, a feeling completely different to when we play in lessons and club. Having said that, the girls couldn’t have worked any harder. I was astonished at how well they caught hard passes being fired at them by their team. The final score was 15-8 to Barlby. This is the most we have ever scored in a game so credit does go to the shooters, India and Eliora, as well as the whole team. Well done, Rova, player of the match and Amelia, Barlby’s PE Teacher’s player of the match. Rematch incoming…’
There was an air of eager anticipation as the Year 9 football set off in torrential rain on Tuesday. Mr. Field reports, ’The Yr9 boys continued their ESFA Small Schools Cup journey this week with a quarter final clash against The Priory Belvoir Academy from Nottinghamshire. The weather posed challenges for the hosting of the fixture with the decision made to relocate the game from Boroughbridge to York St. John University Sports Fields complex. A special mention to the help and support from staff at Boroughbridge and York St John University for making this possible for the boys. The facility was a fitting venue for the quarter final and the boys rose to the challenge of this important fixture. The focus of the team was evident from the kick off, a driven, resilient mindset was shared by the Boroughbridge boys and the team started to control the game in the early exchanges. As both teams weighed each other up, confidence grew in the Boroughbridge ranks as they peppered the Priory Belvoir goal. ‘Hatrick Patrick’ opened the Boroughbridge account with a fine poacher’s goal, prodding in from close range after the goalkeeper spilled another shot on his goal. Shortly after Priory Belvior equalised through a quick break catching out the Boroughbridge defence. At half time, refuelling on Mrs Godsell-Wright’s Jelly Babies, the team talked through the game plan to secure the tie. The plan was executed expertly and soon into the second half Farnworth added a smartly dispatched goal to the tally. Boroughbridge continued to dominate possession and the wave of attacks continued to ask questions of the opposition defence. The added pressure paid dividends as the game was drawing towards its conclusion, ‘Hatrick Patrick’ evaded the opposition defenders and calmly slotted home past an advancing goalkeeper. The Boroughbridge team saw out the remaining minutes still pushing forwards to further extend their lead, not allowing even a hint of complacency to set in. At the final whistle both teams congratulated each other on a fittingly competitive quarter final, staff from Priory Belvoir were very complimentary about both the performance and conduct of the boys who fully deserved the accolades. Boroughbridge now progress to the semi-final stage of this national competition, we await the draw to find out our next challenge.’ We are all very proud of both the team’s achievement and their approach. We’ll be wishing them well for the next round.
In Forest School this week, Mr. Woodward reports, ‘It’s January, it’s cold and you have hours ahead of you outside with a biting wind chilling you to the bone. What is your priority? Shelter. 
‘The Year 9 boys took to the road on Monday for the long trip to Louth, Lincolnshire. The Small Schools’ Cup game was eagerly anticipated by the boys and they were ready to test themselves after the tough fixture against Barlby in the previous round. The team started the game in confident form and created numerous chances in the opening minutes, peppering the King Edward’s Grammar School goal but to no avail. Former hatrick hero Patrick opened the scoring for Boroughbridge with a classic poachers goal from close range. The lead didn’t last long as concentration lapsed moments later for King Edward’s to level the score. Undeterred, the Boroughbridge boys continued to play some attractive football and took command of the midfield battleground. When captain Burrell placed the ball for a free kick just inside the opposition half, nobody was expecting the sumptuous delivery that flew into the goal catching the defence by surprise. Nearing half time the game was proving to be a great footballing spectacle and King Edward’s added to their goal tally to make sure the game was tied at the half time break. After refuelling on jelly babies kindly supplied by Mrs Godsell-Wright and talking through some tactics the boys turned the screw and scored two goals within the first five minutes of the second half. Layton expertly placed his shot into the far corner of the goal before ‘Hatrick Patrick’ acquired his brace calmly slotting the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper. The Boroughbridge boys continued to dominate possession and put a truly professional performance. Minutes from the end Farnworth delivered another thunderbolt to make the scoreline 2-5 and put the tie beyond doubt. The victory secured passage into the quarter finals of the English School FA Small Schools’ Cup, an amazing feat for the boys, who can now proudly say they are one of the top eight small schools in their age group. The Priory Belvoir Academy await in the quarter finals next week, we hope the boys continue with this fine form and get the chance to experience even higher accolades.’
In Forest School this week, Mr. Woodward reports, ‘A cold, wet, woodland greeted the forest school group this week (as it seems to most weeks at the moment) but, undeterred by the conditions, the students threw themselves into the session with gusto. Strategy, teamwork, communication, patience and spatial awareness were all put to the test as the group took on a competitive challenge to remove sticks from a pile without disturbing any other branches. Next, an activity which took students out of their comfort zone as they were guided around the woodland by a partner whilst wearing a blindfold; as part of this challenge students were required to use senses other than their sight to identify a specific tree and it’s whereabouts in the woodland encouraging a more immersive sensory experience of the natural environment. Finally, teams were challenged to build the highest possible platform that they could, using material from the woodland environment and knot tying skills they had developed. Some very different approaches to the challenge ensued with Alfie, Tyler, Coby and Hugo emerging victorious.’
‘Yesterday we welcomed our federated partners, King James’s School, to play a friendly netball fixture. This time it was our Year 9s that took to the court with a mixture of experience. It’s always reassuring to hear “how do you even play netball?” minutes before the start of the game! I assure you, we have covered netball, thoroughly, in Physical Education lessons and once that player took to court she remembered what to do! The first quarter was promising with a score of 3 – 1 to KJS. A pep talk about our plan for centre passes eased nerves on court. KJS continued to pull away, winning 15 – 2. They had 14 players so fresh legs were an advantage to their game play compared to our 9. Our girls showed determination and resilience as the game was 4 x 10 minutes, much longer than they have played before. Well done, Darcy who was named player of the match. Also, our captain, Daisy, showed her versatility playing three positions throughout the game. 8 netballers from other year groups came to watch and support the match! Thank you for raising the team spirit. 
Mr. Field reports, ‘The Yr10 boys had a tough away fixture against Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton on Wednesday. In unpleasant January weather, the boys showed good determination and resilience throughout the District Cup quarter final game. The opposition proved the be well organised and took a 4-0 lead into the half time break. Some substitutions and tactical changes in the second half made the boys more competitive but the boys struggled to retain possession and with tired legs, could not stop the continuous attacks. The game finished 8-0 to the opposition but valuable lessons have been learnt for future games.’
Our school values were certainly in evidence in Forest School this week where Mr. Woodward reports, ‘Sub-zero temperatures couldn’t stop the students today. We spent time identifying Silver Birch trees on the school site and harvested some bark as a natural tinder for our campfires. We collected fallen branches from various trees around the school before heading to the woods for a much needed warm-up game. We then used froes and billhooks to develop our log-splitting skills, followed by the use of sheath knives to point the end of sticks to be driven into the frozen ground to create a three-stick fire and pot stand to cook pasta / noodles on. Resilience was tested in each group as the freezing conditions made the whole process extremely difficult but everyone persevered…even the eventual collapse of one pot stand, causing the spillage of freshly cooked pasta onto the ground couldn’t dampen spirits!
In Sporting news, Miss Robson reports, ‘School is back and so is netball club as well as some brand new post protectors purchased with the money won from Sports Directory. These protectors will benefit PE lessons, extra-curricular activities and competitive fixtures, ensuring safety for our students and also showing off our school colours with pride. Thank you to those who attended the club this week and assisted in fitting the protectors. Team work makes the dream work!’
‘Wednesday saw the Year 9 boys take on Barlby High School in the 3rd round of the English Schools FA Small Schools Cup. The away fixture was thankfully quite local for this national competition and the boys were eager to test themselves against a fellow North Yorkshire team. The game proved to be an eye opener for the Boroughbridge boys as they found the opposition quite physical in their gameplay, this knocked the boys off their stride and after a defensive mix up we found ourselves a goal behind. As the first half progressed the boys started to find their feet and began to meet the challenge head on, a handful of attempts on goal boosted the confidence as they headed towards the half time break. A refocus of efforts and reassurance of abilities paid off as Boroughbridge took the game to Barlby and played some attractive passing football to clearly demonstrate their superiority within their footballing gameplay. The pressure mounted as the second half progressed with numerous efforts on the Barlby goal without reply. The physical tactic worked against Barlby as good refereeing penalised them as they presented promising opportunities from the resulting freekicks. Farnworth delivered another one of his expertly dispatched freekicks into the roof of the net to set the Boroughbridge boys level in the scoreline, but importantly, ahead in their belief of winning the tie. As the second half and the winter sun ebbed away Barlby dug in deep to stop the torrent of Boroughbridge attacks, the full whistle blew, penalties beckoned. Nerves were jingling like Christmas sleigh bells at the prospect but the boys held their nerve and secured victory with a 7-6 scoreline. This means that they now progress to the 4th round, one round further than last year and with a greater belief that they can overcome tough obstacles to achieve their ambitions.’
With the full festive season drawing ever near, in assemblies this week, Mrs. Godsell-Wright has been talking about the messages surrounding advent whilst also launching our reverse advent where we think of others and how we can support them. In particular, we’re hoping to help others in the locality who are experiencing hunger, loneliness or homelessness. We’d be delighted if you could help and would appreciate donations of food products including tins, packets or boxed. All food donations will be taken to our local food banks. We’re also holding a cake, sweet and chocolate sale on Friday 12th December. Items will be priced at 50p. Money raised from this will be given to the Harrogate Homeless Project. At this time of year, we also like to send Christmas cards to residents in our local care homes. If you have any unused Christmas cards then please send them our way! Thank you in advance for your support. 
A festive date for your diary! You are warmly invited to our Music concert on Wednesday December 10th at 6p.m. It’s always a great evening with Christmas joy in abundance and we look forward to seeing you there.