With our current focus on aspects of Teaching and Learning as part of our Raising Achievement Strategy, questioning has been at the fore this week. Staff have been using questioning sequences to assess student progress, provoke thinking and deepen understanding.
Examples of this across the curriculum include Miss Bargewell’s Year 7 English class who were involved in Travel Writing. Miss Bargewell reports ‘Students were asked to agree or disagree with the statement ‘this advert would persuade me to go on holiday’ after watching ‘Simon the Ogre’ from Thomson. Through whole class questioning, all students offered an initial response to the statement. By using a combination of cold calling and probing, students developed their initial ideas and also built on the answers of others, sometimes challenging another student’s point of view! The general consensus was that the advert was not as effective as it could be because it ‘didn’t really have any words, only images’ which was a perfect introduction to writing our own advert voice overs.’
In Year 8 PE where students were playing volleyball, Mrs. Cheeseman reports ‘ Questioning with hands down approach was used to retrieve knowledge from previous lessons. We had covered dig and set hits in volleyball previously. Students were selected to tell and show key teaching points of the hits. Where appropriate they were asked to explain why they had given that answer. When introducing a new element of the game, serving, they were given time to discuss prior knowledge with a partner and then hands up was used to gauge confidence levels and prior knowledge.’
In Year 8 Art, Mrs. Hunter reports ‘Students were asked to look at the illustrations of Tim Burton before describing his style using keywords initially as individual work. Wider questions were then asked about similarities across several media showing his work both stop motion animation characters and his simple sketches. Students were asked what type of mood his work created. We then discussed how to achieve the same effect in our own work and broke this down into a 3 part simple process. We then discussed techniques and simple tips in which to achieve this in their own work. Individuals were targeted initially but then opportunities were opened up for those that felt we had missed anything additional in our summing up.’
In Year 8 DT where students were looking at mechanisms, Mr. Groves reports that he discussed with groups the uses of mechanisms in the wider world. Students were asked to give examples of where mechanisms might be used and how they would be used in those devices, machines or structures. The responses were wide ranging and thoughtful.
In Year 10 English where students were studying Act Two of ‘Macbeth’, Mrs. Wellock reports that ‘This week, we have been considering: How does Macbeth’s internal conflict and Lady Macbeth’s influence escalate following Duncan’s murder? Closed questions were used to retrieve key information from the play and a range of open ended questions including the key question above were used to deepen our understanding of the play.’
Finally in GCSE Business Studies and Computer Science, Mrs Sands reports that ‘As part of retrieval, students were asked to respond to a range of written questions which link to their forthcoming practice for the mock. Prompts were given for students who needed support and students were selected to give information before further questioning challenged students to answer in more detail.’
As part of our Quality Assurance, on Tuesday, one of our Governors visited and went into classes across the school to see questioning in action.
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January 2025 with the theme this year being ‘For a Better Future’, Mrs. Ennis has led assemblies with all year groups. Having shared information about the Holocaust, Mrs. Ennis talked about more recent genocides which have taken place before exploring how our young people can create a better future by challenging prejudice and discrimination and how they should never underestimate their capacity to make a positive difference.
In sporting news this week, the Year 8 boys football team played Ashville College with BHS finally winning on penalties with a BHS penalty converted and one of Ashville’s missing. The boys demonstrated excellent team commitment and spirit and showed great resilience as they came back from behind and secured the win!
It’s Year 8 Parent/Carer evening from 4-6.30p.m. next Wednesday (5th February). We’ll look forward to seeing you there.
Have a lovely weekend!
We were incredibly grateful to the First Responder Team who came into school on Wednesday for our ‘Restart a Heart’ day. Years 7, 8 and 9 participated and with Years 10 and 11 carrying out the training last year, our school community is now fully trained in CPR. You can find out more about it at https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr
In sporting news, Mrs Cheeseman reports ‘This week we had two fantastic football opportunities for Year 7 & 8 girls. For many it was their very first fixture representing the school. On Monday, Boroughbridge High School hosted the indoor area Year girls 5-a-side tournament. All teams participated excellently well demonstrating high levels of skill. All games were low scoring and extremely close. The BHS team came 3rd with Harrogate Ladies College 1st and Ashville College 2nd.
In sporting news this week Mr. Field reports, ‘Wednesday saw a return to football fixtures for the PE department as the District Cup Competition gathers pace. The Yr11 boys, with assistance from some Yr10 boys, made the arduous journey to South Craven to play this round of the Cup. The long journey did not phase the boys and they started positively against the home team dominating early proceedings. A. Nunns opened the Boroughbridge account finishing well from some intricate passing play from the midfield. The home team were on the back foot after conceding as Boroughbridge pushed for the second goal before half time. South Craven worked their way back into the match and despite some fine defensive play they broke through the Boroughbridge ranks to equalise before half time. The home team started the second half with their tails up which soon led to them scoring a deflected goal giving them the lead. The game ebbed and flowed providing great entertainment for those on the sidelines. In the dying moments of the game I. Burland forced an opening and capitalised with a lobbed finish to draw the game level. The game entered the tense final minutes with penalties looming to settle the draw. The inevitable end to the game presented itself as penalties were needed to settle the tie. Boroughbridge started the shoot out positively netting the first spot kick, South Craven struck the woodwork handing the advantage to the visiting team. Both teams took some great penalties but it was the home team who managed to hold their nerve and secure the tie winning 8-7. The boys played some fantastic passing football and are hopeful for their next fixture before the exam season kicks in.’
I hope that you had a lovely Christmas break and we send our best wishes for 2025. We certainly returned with an icy blast on Monday and it was lovely to see how one of our students and his dad had been helping in the community. Settling straight back into routine, we had assemblies to reinforce our values (ambitious, respectful, resilient) and expectations ensuring a smooth start to the Spring Term. Uniform standards were high as usual and we thank you for your support with this. Mrs. Godsell- Wright has continued to reinforce our values in assemblies by thinking about the year ahead and how we can approach it to maximise impact.
Wednesday was a triumph of a day! The inter form Tug of War competition took place for different year groups throughout the day. Everyone was involved including those participating and those supporting. Mr. Field and Mrs. Bradford had taken on the serious Christmas challenge as you can see and Festive music was played throughout with an occasional moment where all in the year group came as one to sing and dance. Points were awarded for wins and the quality of the support, resulting in an excellent event where our school values of being ambitious, respectful and resilient were seen in action.
Finally, in the evening, it was our Awards Evening where we welcomed back the class of 2024. It was lovely to welcome ex-students and families back into school and to see what they’ve been up to since they left in June. Certificates were given out and prizes presented by members of our local community to students for their remarkable achievements.
As anticipated, the Christmas Concert on Tuesday evening was a great event with a range of fantastic performances. We heard solo performances from James (guitar), Charlotte (piano), Larisa (vocal) and Rosey (piano), before hearing duets from Charlotte (vocal) and Rosey (piano) and Olivia (vocal) and Darcy (vocal). Austin (Piano), Bodie (drums) and James (guitar) gave a band performance. The Keyboard Club showcased an Abba classic and the Pop Choir showed their ever increasing confidence with harmonies in a number of songs. The student technical team made sure that all ran smoothly and for the finale the audience was invited to participate in ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ so we finished with joyous singing all round. Well done to the students who participated and we thank Mr. Jackson for organising the event.
Following on from Year 7 last week, Year 8 have received their Book Buzz books and, as you can see, they couldn’t wait to get started! The English team are looking forward to discussing their choices during lessons in the coming weeks.
In sporting news this week, Mr. Field reports, ‘Monday saw the Yr7 boys compete in their 7 a side football tournament at St Aidan’s school. The boys played 6 games against Queen Ethelburga’s, Ermysteds, King James’s, St Aidan’s, Ashville and St John Fisher. The boys showed great resilience throughout their matches as they found the opposition from the larger schools challenging. They did manage to find the back of the net but unfortunately not enough times to register a victory. The squad enjoyed their evening competing and are looking forward to future matches where they can showcase their talents.
Some students started the week with a cross country experience. Mr. Field reports ‘Monday saw 27 pupils from Boroughbridge High School take part in the Harrogate & Craven Cross Country Championships at Ripon Grammar School. The bracing weather and the length of the course provided an ample challenge for the pupils as they competed against pupils from a multitude of schools from the area. The course length of 2700m for the girls and 3400m for the boys tested their ambition and resilience as the undulations and soft ground proved more of a challenge than the qualifying school course at Boroughbridge. Although not challenging for the qualifying positions for the Harrogate & Craven representative team, the pupils enjoyed partaking in the event and competing against other good athletes from the area. J. Godley in Yr8 secured the best placing for the Boroughbridge team finishing 17th in the Junior boys (Yr8 & 9) category. The wind swept students were glad to be back in lessons later in the afternoon away from the biting cold conditions!’
A highlight of this term has been the Year 9 players coming up with an ambitious target to raise money for new netball bibs for the season. They organised a bake sale and successfully raised the money. The PE department matched the money raised and bought a second set of bibs and a new match ball. Last week, the Year 9 netballers and super star Rova (Year 7) played Tadcaster Grammar School’s A Team. This was their first fixture of the season so there were a few nerves amongst the team. Unfortunately, we did not secure the win but the last quarter was a draw, so that’s a win in itself. I have to say I was really impressed with the amount of turn-overs that the team managed during the game. With more competitive experience I am more than confident we will be able to contest a re-match in the New Year. The player of the match was our captain, Daisy, always driving to get free into space. A special mention to Rova who played a fantastic half at GK, marking her player closely, despite being two school years younger. Well done, Alice W, Bella, Bodie, Daisy, Georgina, Millie, Maddie, Rova!’
‘The journey north was made in good spirits and the boys were greeted with a fantastic pitch to demonstrate their footballing prowess. The game was a close affair in the early stages of the first half as Hurworth showed their credentials as quarter finalists in the competition last year. The deadlock was broken shortly before half time by Burrell, who lashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range after the Hurworth goalkeeper had saved his earlier effort. The half finished with Boroughbridge dominating proceedings with the midfield starting to gain control of possession. The second half started much the same as the first with chances for both teams in front of goal, some superb goalkeeping by Searle protected the Boroughbridge advantage and it wasn’t long until the lead was doubled. Burrell played a delightful cross field ball to B Godley who plucked the ball out of the air with a scintillating first touch before then going on to finish with aplomb. This set the tone as confidence grew within the Boroughbridge team, Farnworth expertly dispatched a penalty low into the corner after excellent forward play in the penalty box by Godley drew a foul. Burrell then completed his brace with a galivanting run down the wing before cutting inside to finish leaving the Hurworth goalkeeper no chance of stopping his driven shot. The result was completed when Marshall proved his goal poaching instincts to prod in a goal at the far post after the Hurworth goalkeeper had been forced into another fine save. The boys were commended by the staff at Hurworth for their composed approach to the game and the fine football that they showed in the game. The next round will be played at home before the end of term with the fixture yet to be arranged.
Thursday saw the Yr10 boys take part in the Harrogate & Craven District 7 a side football tournament. The boys braved the bracing weather conditions at Ripon Grammar school playing Ripon Grammar, Outwood Ripon, St John Fisher’s and Rossett. The tournament started against the host school and the Boroughbridge boys displayed some nice passing football and steely determination to secure a 0-0 draw providing a boost of confidence. Outwood Ripon proved to be a very competitive game with both teams having some good chances in front of goal and strong defending. The Boroughbridge squad were tested throughout but proved resilient to secure yet another 0-0 draw. The third game saw some of the best football played by the players and the first goals for Boroughbridge. Wilson executed an exquisite turn and shot to fire the ball into the top corner of the Rossett goal. The team pushed forwards with great effect and allowed Wilson to again find the back of the net with an opportunist strike that caught the whole opposition off-guard. The win provided the valuable points needed to top the tournament table leading into the last round of games, Boroughbridge needed to draw or win to secure the glory, their opposition, St John Fishers, needed victory to snatch the title. The game was fraught with both teams being edgy with the title on the line, strong attacking play by Fishers was equally met by Boroughbridge defending and the game seemed destined to play out in the favour of Boroughbridge as a draw loomed. With time ebbing away Fishers had one last attack. With 10 seconds remaining they managed to find the target to the dismay of the whole Boroughbridge squad. The team finished second overall in the tournament which they were duly proud of on reflection. This gives a great timely boost to the squad after the County Cup exit to Sherburn and just before their upcoming fixture against Ermysted in the District Cup.’
‘Another busy week for the pupils and the PE department, 161 pupils have engaged in the extra curricular activities this week – a new record for the department (and over 1/3) of the school cohort). 
The annual small sided tournaments have now started, the Yr9 boys were first up and traveled to St John Fisher School to play. The team needed to be bolstered by the Yr8 boys who performed outstandingly against older, more experienced opposition. They narrowly lost against the host school and Rossett but held the eventual winner, St Aidans, to a well deserved 1-1 thriller. This gave the Yr8 boys a bit more challenge and provided a great learning experience that they can take forward into their match next week against Hurworth in the ESFA Small Schools Trophy.’