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!