Rugby star of the future!Jonah Cunningham

Happy Christmas from

Head Talk...John PoutHeadteacher

Dear Reader,Welcome to the Christmas 2013 edition of Highlights Magazine.

In this magazine there are exciting updates about Rainhill students doing great things – whether it be in examinations, in Science, in the Arts, in Sport, in the classroom and beyond. In addition there is a strong theme running through about the values and principles we want Rainhill students to have.

The two main features in this magazine are the Sixth Form and Citizenship.

The Sixth Form is fantastic. Results are better than Carmel College; loads going on and unique opportunities in the Arts and Sciences. All achieved with a personalised service, small classes and teachers who know you.

The magazine features the Anthony Walker Day and Anti-Bullying Week. This coupled with our Respect Weeks, Environment Weeks et al, all add up to important messages about our contribution to society.

As well as getting excellent examination results, enjoying school and making lots of friends, we expect Rainhill students to be GOOD CITIZENS. This is a crucial aspect of life.

Enjoy reading this magazine. Rainhill is a vibrant school and this magazine gives you a flavour of what it is like.

John PoutHeadteacher

Rainhill High welcomes

Brendan Rodgers!

Four years ago, Liverpool FC chose Rainhill High to provide education for some of its newest Academy recruits. One of the first being Raheem Sterling. Since then, the partnership has become formal. Rainhill students Jerome Sinclair and Jordan Ibe have made their 1stXI debuts.

From September 2013, Liverpool FC placed over 35 students with the school in years 7 to 11. These are all over and above the 240 places in each year group for local students. In the Sixth Form there are nineteen under 18’s, while we provide life skills for the under 21’s, e.g. Catering.

All Rainhill High students benefit from this partnership. This is epitomised by the new FIFA standard 3G football pitch that has been built.

It is nice to see local clubs like Rainhill United JFC and Rainhill Rockets JFC using the pitch a lot for training and matches. Another bonus is the growth in girl’s football.

The pitch was officially opened by Liverpool FC Manager Brendan Rodgers with ex-pupils Jordan Ibe and Lloyd Jones. Brendan spent an hour looking around the pitch, being interviewed by the media, talking to Rainhill students and posing for photographs with each of the Rainhill School teams.

August 2013 saw the Year 13 students achieve A level results that were the envy of St. Helens and better than Carmel College!The small class sizes, first class teaching and the personalised support paid dividends with 48% gaining A*-B grades, 83% A*-C and a 100% pass rate.35% of our Year 13 students went onto Russell Group Universities. While everyone who applied to Universities got in.

Individually the following achieved fantastic results:-

Antasia Adam-Smith secured grade A’s in English Literature, Biology and Psychology and is studying Psychology at Manchester University.

Meghann Matthews secured grade A’s in Biology, Geography, and Psychology and is studying Psychology at Sheffield University.

Andrew Foote secured an A* in Mathematics, A’s in Biology and Physics and B in German and is now studying Linguistics and Mathematics at York University.

Ben Quickfall secured A’s in Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics and Geography and will be studying Engineering at Sheffield University after taking a gap year working at Wood Group.

Michael Schenck secured A’s in English Literature, Mathematics, Theatre Studies and Geography and is studying English Literature and Theatre Studies at Leeds University.

The Science Academy saw excellent performances in A level Biology, Chemistry and Physics with many students gaining A*-B. As well as securing 9 Distinction*’s out of ten students in Applied Science.

John Pout says

“Yet again, students at Rainhill have done brilliantly. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff at the school. The support from parents has been fantastic and has contributed a great deal to our success. The vast majority of our students have a place at a University and on a course of their choice. Another good set of AS results in 2013 have laid a firm foundation for next year’s A level results. We are very proud of them all and wish them every success for the future”.

GCSE Results 2013.2013 saw some excellent performances individually and collectively by Year 11 last year. 93% of the students gained 8 or more A*-C grades and 24% of all grades awarded were A or A*. Every student achieved 5 or more A*-C grades. Exam performance in English was below the standard expected at Rainhill. The school has put this right with new leadership and new teachers. The following students did incredibly well, achieving 100% grades A*-B: Hannah Creamer, Imogen Eales, Lauren Bradley, Daniel Foote, Alice Ismail, Robert Schenck, Megan Davies and Louisa Keight.

A Level ResultsThe Best In Town

Happy Christmas from

Sixth Form NewsUnlocking Your Potential AtRainhill Sixth Form

Students at Rainhill Sixth Form are involved in a number of fundraising initiatives. They are busy raising money for the charities featured below. So far, over £300 has been raised. Well done to everyone involved!

Students supporting Jeans for Genes Day

Students release balloons to support Macmillan Nurses.

Developing Leadership Skills

The Sixth Form Centre is now a recycling environment thanks to Year 13 students Philip Leyland, Fiona Pye and Rebecca Roberts. They have lead the way in introducing the recycling scheme to the Sixth Form. Philip told “Highlights” magazine, “We hope everyone will get into the habit of using the recycling bins and we can eventually gain some revenue back from the waste collections to the benefit of us all.”

Kieron Moran and Michael Askew supporting the recycling scheme in the Sixth Form library

Fiona Pye Philip Leyland Rebecca Roberts

Taste of Sixth Form Day.

On Tuesday 12th November it was great to see so many enthusiastic and Year 11 pupils attending and sampling sessions at the Sixth Form taster day. If you attended, we hope that you enjoyed the day and found out a lot more about the courses on offer which will help you to decide which of the subjects you will go onto study with us in September 2014. If you need further support or guidance with deciding on your subject choices and would like to speak to a member of staff in the Sixth Form, please call into the Sixth Form reception and make an appointment with either myself or Mr. Chadwick (Sixth Form Progress Manager) who will be happy to help you. Please remember that applications to Rainhill Sixth Form can be made either on-line via our website www.rainhillsixthform.org.uk or by completing the application form within the prospectus – more copies are available at the Sixth Form if you need one. The deadline for applications is Friday 31st January, 2014. It is advised that you submit your application to us as soon as possible.

Do Ghosts really exist?

Do Ghosts really exist? As part of their Psychology course, a group of Sixth Form students went to find out by attending the Ghost Tours at Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester. The visit brought the topic to life in the way that only ‘hands on’ research can. Thanks to all staff and students who attended.

Sixth Form News

Happy Christmas from

Arts Academy News.

This term, the Arts Academy at Rainhill High has developed new partnerships with Stage Ed, Theatre in Education Company, The Royal Ballet School, Sky Studios. Photography students are preparing for a forthcoming exhibition at the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool. We are extremely pleased with the development of an innovative partnership between the Rainhill High Dance Department and the Royal Ballet School in London. Rainhill Arts Academy Dance students have visited the Royal Ballet School and will take part in a residential programme finishing with a performance at the Royal Ballet School.

In October, the Arts Academy went on its annual trip to New York City.If you would like to go on this trip in 2014, then you must become a member of the Arts Academy- find out how from Mrs Aylward.

Media students have visited Sky Studios in Middlesex and the Creative Edge Centre at Edge Hill University. At Sky Studios, the students had the opportunity to work with amazing technology, including broadcast quality cameras, green screens and touch screen edit tables.

SUZANNE COLLINS.In October, we were very fortunate to host a Masterclass for Arts Academy Drama students with the actor, Suzanne Collins. Suzanne is best known for her role as Nikki Shadwick in “Brookside” from 1998 to 2003. Suzanne spoke to the students about her career and what it is like to be a working actress for film, TV and theatre. Suzanne told “Highlights” after the Masterclass that she was extremely impressed by both the talent and the commitment of the Arts Academy students at Rainhill Sixth Form.

Arts Academy students in New York

This term Science Academy students have participated in the Engineering Careers Day at Liverpool Town Hall, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s annual Christmas lecture at Bolton Boys School and visited the Institute of Physics lecture at Liverpool University as well as working towards an in- house Practical Laboratory Skills qualification. “Highlights” magazine talked to two Science Academy students,Michael MacGlashan andMatthew Williams, to find out how they are enjoying the Science Academy so far. Michael said, “I want to study aeronautical engineering and join the RAF as an engineer, so the opportunities to talk to potential employers has been very useful.” Matthew added that he was inspired to come to Rainhill Sixth Form because of the Science Academy Taster Day adding, “I am now more aware of the career choices out there in Science as a result of some of the events that I have attended.”

Anti- Bullying Week.

Last month, Rainhill High School celebrated Anti-Bullying Week in style with a programme of events and new initiatives. Our guest speaker was “Big Dave” Gauder. Dave has been running an anti- bullying campaign in schools for the last nine years and delivered several assemblies in school in which his message was to encourage everyone to build their self- confidence and to talk to others about bullying. We were also treated to a show of physical strength by Dave as part of his presentation as many Rainhill High pupils gathered at lunchtime to watch Dave pull a single- decker bus. Two important initiatives were also introduced during Anti- bullying week- The Bully boxes around school and the online Bullying report form. Both of these initiatives are designed to provide confidential ways in which all pupils can report incidents of bullying. Well done to everyone involved in a very successful Anti- bullying week.

Michael Macglashan

Dave’s Bus Pull

Happy Christmas from

In November, we celebrated our fourth annual Anthony Walker Day. The aim of the day was to both honour the memory of Anthony who was murdered in a racist attack in Huyton in 2005 and to celebrate diversity and challenge prejudice.

Rainhill High School students took part in assemblies and workshops throughout the day with the Anthony Walker Foundation and the Foundation for Peace from Warrington.

Our special guests this year were Akala, a MOBO award winning hip hop artist and Rio Young, a rapper and lyricist.

The day concluded with a very successful performance evening in the Arts Theatre, attended by Gee Walker, Anthony’s mother. When Gee spoke at the end of the evening, she shared some of her memories of her son and thanked Rainhill High for helping to keep Anthony’s memory alive. Over £1500 was raised on the day for the Anthony Walker Foundation- thanks to everyone involved.

St Annes Primary school performing at the evening event

Akala

Anthony Walker Day2013

St Annes Primary school performing at the evening event

Akala

Gee Walker

Anthony Walker Day2013

Rio Young

Happy Christmas from

Rainhill Village Bake Sale.

For Children in Need this term,Libby Howarth, Stasia Sharples, Heather Austin and Aimee McMahon in Year 7 decided to hold a Bake Sale. The girls arranged with the Co-op Supermarket in Rainhill Village to have a table at the front of the shop one Saturday afternoon last month and sold nearly 120 cakes, brownies and scones that they had baked themselves in just three hours raising £220 for the Charity.

Year 11 Charity Fund-Raisers.

In the last edition of “Highlights,” we profiled five students from Year 11,Sam Simpson, Yianna Karaginannakis, Hannah Davies, Lauren Neil and Alex Athertonwho were organising a Sponsored Walk as part of a series of fund raising events to raise £1000 for Alder Hey Hospital. The Walk, entitled “Walk for Alder Hey,” went from St Helens Town Hall to the hospital itself earlier this term was a great success and the team have surpassed their original target and have raised over £1700 for the hospital. Well done!!!

Year 11 Fundraisers

Year 7 Fundraisers

Well done to Year 7 who raised £600 for Children in Need in November and especially to Sarah Andrews for making the best cake of the day!

Sarah Andrews

Young People have a voice in St Helens.

Earlier this term, students from Year 9 were invited by St Helens Council to take part in a secondary school democracy debate with other local schools. Rainhill High School was well represented by Rebecca Hodge, Emily Worthington, Daniel Gibson and Christopher Cahillane. The Theme of the debate this year was ‘Safety First’ and students participated in workshops on ‘Keeping young people safe in St Helens.’ This was an excellent opportunity for the students to debate this subject and to experience what it would be like to be a councillor. Rebecca Hodge was also put forward as a possible candidate to be the Chairperson for the secondary school debate in 2014. Good luck Rebecca!

Ellie’s Got Talent.

We’ve all got our fingers crossed forEllie Prescottin Year 11 who is through to the third stage of auditions for “Britain’s Got Talent.” After impressing two sets of judges with her singing at a recent audition in Manchester, Ellie has been told that she will find out in the New Year whether she will feature in the new series in April 2014. Well done so far Ellie, we all hope that you get through to the next stage.

Good Citizens

Year 9 pupils making their voices heard

Spooky Do

Year 8 held a Spooky Do one lunchtime in November to raise money for their year group charity. Year 8 took over the Pyramid Room at lunchtime with stalls, face painting and other attractions. Well done to Mrs Booth and Year 8 who raised £140 for Cancer Research.

Happy Christmas from

Rainhill Students Remember…….

My first visit to the First World War Battlefields byJames McDonnell and Chelley Lunt

“We were selected to go on this visit as part of a government initiative that enabled two students from every school in the North West to visit the First World War battlefield sites. We visited the cemetery at Ypres and the Somme battlefields. The trip was extremely valuable and one we will never forget.”

Exciting times for the Rainhill High School Choir.In November, the Music Department took over 40 singers to perform at the Australia v Fiji Rugby League World Cup game. The Choir put on a fantastic performance despite the cold weather.

Introducing The Pyramid RoomThis term, we have created a new multi- purpose and flexible teaching space in A Block called the Pyramid Room. The space is equipped with the technology to project imagery on a large scale and onto three separate surfaces and the walls have been specially designed so that our students can write all over them!!! The space is available for teachers to book and is being widely used every day by all departments.

James McDonnell

House News.

This last term got off to a flying start with several events in which pupils aimed to beat the current House winners, Sans Pareil House. The Languages Department organised an amazing ‘Sampling of Disgusting Foods’ competition in which pupils were invited to eat foods from across the world against the clock. For more information on House events add us on Twitter or check the school website.

Disgusting Food competition.

Plain Sailing for Josh.

Congratulations toJoshua Speakman Lowe in Year 10 for organising a significant part of a 24 hour Sailing competition. In June 2013, Josh won a trophy at the Under 18s 12 hour Dinghy Championship in Southport. The next challenge for Josh will be the “FireFly” dinghy class championship next year- we wish him well for that.

Spooky Story.

Congratulations to Will Spilsbury in Year 7 who won the recent House competition in English for Best Spooky story. Will won vouchers and 100 house points for Sans Parei. The following runners up won 50 house points each: Elise Brighouse, Erin May and Emily Unwin.

Pupil’s Achievements

Year 9 Construction Trip to the Manchester Cancer Research Centre.

In September, the Year 9 Construction students had a unique opportunity to have a behind the scenes look at a major construction site as part of their course- the new Cancer Research Centre in Manchester. The students gained first-hand experience of watching a number of very advanced building techniques and also had the opportunity to speak to a number of different people in the construction industry. Mr Monti said of the trip, “Construction is more than just bricks and mortar and our students realised how advanced the industry is. They gained an insight into the amount of jobs available and with the right skills they will need to hopefully go on to construct buildings like this in the future”.

Literacy Winner.

The winner of the Year 7 literary review competition was Eve Landry from 7E. Eve wrote her own version with pictures of “STARDUST” by Neil Gaiman. Her prize was a Kindle. Eve said afterwards, “I really like my Kindle and I’ve already downloaded four books. “ Well Done Eve.

Happy Christmas from

RAINHILL HIGH PUPIL WINS TOP FOOTBALL AWARD.

LFC Academy player Yan Dhanda in Year 10 won the Up and Coming award at the Asian Football Awards at Wembley earlier this term. Yan, who is the first player of Indian origin to play for Liverpool FC, was presented with the prestigious prize by former Reds assistant manager Steve Clarke. “It means a lot to win this award, this will only inspire me more,” said Yan. These awards are really important for Asian football and it’s good that so many role models are being recognised.” Mr Pout said, “Jan has fitted in very well since his arrival. He works very hard in lessons, is doing well in his GCSEs and I am delighted he is doing so well in his football as well.”

Ethan Davies.

“Highlights” magazine has been following the golfing career of Ethan Davies in Year 11 over the last couple of years. Ethan has been a member of the Lancashire Squad for the last four years. We are pleased to report that, even though Ethan is currently focusing upon his GCSE exams, he has still found time to come 2nd out of 120 competitors in the Birkdale Junior Open last summer and to have trials for the England Squad. Well done Ethan.

Rugby star of the future.

Jonah Cunningham in Year 12 has beaten off stiff competition to gain a place in the Saints Academy team. Last month, Jonah took part in a three- week tour of Australia with the Academy team. Jonah’s ultimate aim is to be offered a first team contract when he is 18, so will be working hard for Saints this season to ensure that this happens. Well done so far Jonah and we wish you well in the future.

Sports NewsYear 8 Champions.

The year 8 Football team won the St Helens 7 Aside Central Venue competition at Hope Academy last month. The team played brilliantly and were a credit to the school. They beat Rainford High in the final game to win the tournament. Well done team.

Inter-house Cross Country.

Earlier this term, Miss Bakstad’s Y11 BTEC Class organised the annual Interhouse Cross Country competition. The race took place on the back field with Years 7 & 8 completing a distance of approximately 2000m and Years 9-11 3000m. The individual winners of each year group were: In Year 7, the winner for the Girls was Anya Walters and for the boys, Benjamin Coulthard. The year 8 winners were Adam Fairclough and Katie Samosa. In Year 9, Sam Thompson and Emma Fairclough were the winners with Curtis Adamson and Olivia Hughes victorious in Year 10. The winning House was Sans Pareil. Well done to all who took part and we are looking forward to having more competitors next year!!

Miss Bakstad.

Year 7 Cross Country competitors

PGL Netball Weekend.

Last month, the Years 8, 9 &10 Netball teams competed in the PGL Netball Weekend competition in Swindon. The teams competed in three tournaments over two days. The Year 8 team finished in fifth place. The year 9 team reached the semi-finals and Y10 team were runners up. During the weekend, the girls had free time in which they took part in activities such as Climbing, Zip wire, Aero Ball and Giant Swing. Well done to everyone involved

Rainhill High Netball Teams in Action

Year 8 Netball team

Year 9 Netball team

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