We were delighted to welcome Mr. Alder and Mr. Jackson from Boroughbridge Lions into school on Monday. They made a very kind donation to our Forest School which enabled us to buy a group shelter to allow sessions to take place in bad weather along with a set of sheath knives for wood crafting. They were able to see Forest School in action where Mr. Woodward reports that, ‘The session was introducing students to the sheath knife and using them to create feather sticks as an aid to help get a campfire burning, even when the wood being used is damp. The students engaged in the process of writing risk assessments for tool use and also re-capped some knot tying skills in a fast paced knot-tying race to try to warm them up in the sub-zero temperatures. The session ended with marshmallows toasted over the fire on sticks that the students had been whittled using the newly learnt forehand grip.’
The weather has certainly taken a wintry shift but extreme temperatures didn’t deter our Year 8 Football Team as they took on Hurworth School in Darlington in the second round of the ESFA Small Schools’ Trophy. Mr. Field reports,
‘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.’
After weeks of preparation, Progress exams are now underway for students in Years 10 and 11. They’ve made an excellent start and we’ve no doubt that further revision will be taking place over the weekend.
Earlier in the term, we saw Year 9 starting their dog building Art project which, at the time was looking challenging. Some weeks later the results show their level of perseverance and resilience as they have now been impressively improved as you can see!
Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the Careers Information evening last night. If you weren’t able to get there but want to know more then please go to https://www.boroughbridgehigh.com/curriculum/careershome/
Dates for your diaries
A reminder that it’s a Professional Development Day next Wednesday (27th November) when students don’t attend school. Looking ahead, we have a Parent/Carer Information Evening on Thursday 5th December at 6p.m. with a focus on attendance in the first half of the meeting and then you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of school life in the second half. As we move towards the festive season there are a couple of events for you to enjoy. Firstly, the Pop Choir have been invited to sing at the annual late night shopping event on 4th December. They’ll be performing from 5.50p.m. until around 7p.m. at the tree in Hall Square. We then have our Christmas Concert in school at 6p.m. on Tuesday 10th December. We’ll look forward to seeing you there.
Have a lovely weekend!