It was lovely to welcome students back into school on Monday and to hear how they’d enjoyed the lovely half term week of sunshine.
For Years 10 and 11, exams have continued this week and we have been so impressed with their calm, focused and organised approach. We have just over a week of exams remaining.
We were really proud to hear of Lola in Year 11’s recent sporting achievement. On the 16th May Lola competed at the Junior and Sub Junior British National Powerlifting Competition in Guildford. This was only Lola’s third competition having qualified for it in her very first one in September last year. Lola held her own, competing in a new weight category with girls who had been competing at a national level for much longer, achieving a new personal best in bench. An amazing experience in a fantastic venue. Well done Lola.
Just before half term, Mrs. Murphy was invited to attend the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award celebration event in Buckingham Palace Garden as recognition of the difference she has made to our young people through the leadership of the Award at BHS. It was a great occasion with Dame Kelly Holmes giving a very moving speech, talking about her 7 years of battling with injuries, before she gave it one more shot, winning her gold medals in the eighth year. Mrs. Murphy commented, ‘One thing that really resonated was telling all of the award winners to be proud of themselves. Sometimes we need to be proud of ourselves for just getting out of bed and at other times we may have big successes to be proud of but, whatever it is, be proud.‘
I’m sure that you can see how our school values; to be ambitious, respectful and resilient were in evidence throughout her speech. Mrs. Murphy was in attendance with some famous faces. Can you spot them?
We were also delighted to discover the impact of our students through their volunteering for D of E – an impressive 741 hours! In a couple of weeks, students will be completing their Bronze Qualifying expedition.
In Forest School this week, Mr. Woodward reports, ‘Did you know you can make string from nettles? Neither did today’s Forest School group. However, now they know not only that you can make string from nettles, they know how to make it too. Groups gathered nettles, stripped them of their leaves and stinging hairs, pummelled and split the stems, removed the pith from the middle and then used the outer fibres to weave into cordage. This was then used to make loops for their tarp-tipi shelters. A quick bit of wood work later and each group had crafted their own tent pegs and they had a shelter built to keep them out of the unseasonably damp weather. Amazing what you can do with a bit of knowhow, a sheet of plastic and a couple of tools!’
We’re delighted that a group of Year 9 students are setting up a student led Wellbeing Group. They’ll be starting their training soon and are having a tombola and sweet stall fundraiser on Friday lunchtime (12th) to raise funds for items to use with the group including mindful colouring books, fidget toys and colouring pencils.
You’ll be aware that we have lots of trips and visits over the next couple of weeks. Some of our Year 9 students will be experiencing the delights of Bewerley Park next week. We have the Colour Run on Thursday and some students in Years 7 and 8 will be going to Normandy the following week. Next Friday Year 8 will be going on their Geography fieldtrip to Whitby and shortly, Year 9 will be returning from their trip today. Mrs Ennis reports, ‘Year 9 have had a great visit to Beamish Museum. Students were able to see how life has changed for people in the North of England from 1900 to 1950. Students enjoyed rides on historical transport, visits to homes and businesses. They even had a lesson as it would have been like in 1913.’ It was also lovely to hear that a member of the public had approached Mrs. Ennis to compliment our young people on their excellent behaviour.
If you’re available on Sunday, it would be lovely to see you at Boroughbridge Lions’ Summer Fete. The Friends of Boroughbridge High School will be holding a tombola to raise much appreciated funds to enhance the experience of our students.
Have a lovely weekend.