Aspire - Christmas 2012

44

description

Aspire - Christmas 2012

Transcript of Aspire - Christmas 2012

Page 1: Aspire - Christmas 2012
Page 2: Aspire - Christmas 2012

02

The Christmas term has been hugely successful, packed full of events and unique successes. This term’s magazine details the vibrant and varied life of All Hallows – life which makes learning fun and life which brings us together as a Catholic learning community!

Our students have been busy representing us in all manner of things - sports, music and the arts, business, enterprise and languages. There are so many moments which make us proud to be members of this community – ranging from the joint singing of carols in the Market Place with parishioners, to the work done with our primary schools on ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ this time involving St Alban’s and St Mary’s primaries. Miss Asquith and Miss Jackson are doing fantastic work helping younger members of our learning community learn the skills of performance and coping with the ‘big’ stage.

The performance of “A Midwinter’s Tale” carefully prepared by Mrs Brown and her students, was a polished performance, well received by a packed house. Head Boy, Luke Marley and Head Girl, Yande Chilufa, jointly led an assembly about life at All Hallows which entertained and amused St Benedict’s Catholic Primary pupils. Headteacher, Mrs Gornell said the assembly was ‘fantastic, perfectly suited and impressed everyone.’

A TEEP (Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme) showcase event organised by Mrs Connor, Deputy Headteacher, on 29th November brought many compliments from teachers from other schools following lesson observation, tours and interviews with teachers and students. We were also invited to present seminars on values leadership in schools at The National Conference of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

December 2012 marks the end of our Golden Jubilee celebrations and we are now moving into a new and exciting stage of development. On 14th December, the final documents were submitted to the Department for Education for All Hallows to become a converter academy following unconditional approval by the Shrewsbury Diocesan Trustees. This is the government’s programme for outstandingly successful schools to gain independence from the local authority. We are now looking forward to becoming a Catholic Voluntary Academy within the newly formed Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Academy Trust on 1st January 2013. Academy status will help us build on the good work achieved through vol-untary aided freedoms, support our College transport system and help us make the best decisions for students learning as we move forward into the next fifty years!

Thank you to all our students and staff, families and friends, governors, Shrewsbury diocesan officers and community partners for all the support we have received this term. I wish you all the peace and blessings of this Holy Season.

Mr Billings — Principal

A Welcome from the Principal

Page 3: Aspire - Christmas 2012

03

Academy Status Achieved…..…….p. 03 Remembrance Services..……….p. 05

Year of Faith..……….p. 06 Science Show..……….p. 07

Stained Glass Window Win..……….p. 08 Local Hero Awards..……….p. 09

Year 10 Fun Retreat..……….p. 10 O Pod Launch..……….p. 11

Father Christmas visits the Pod…..…….p. 13 Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week..……….p. 15

College Farm Grows..……….p. 17 We Need More RAM..……….p. 21

Winter Fair and Farm Open Day..……….p. 23 Fantastic Mr Fox..……….p. 24

Mid Winters Night Dream..……….p. 25 Year 7 and 8 Raise Money..……….p. 25

Rugby At All Hallows..……….p. 26 Poland Trip..……….p. 27

Starship Enterprise Competition..……….p. 29 Apprenticeship for the most ‘enterprising’ student!.........….p. 30

Tom Agar Inspires Year 11..……….p. 30 A ‘Capital Experience’ in London..……….p. 31

Waxing Wednesday..……….p. 33 Sixth Form Fancy Dress..……….p. 34

ADT AS Level Trip to London..……….p. 35 Textile Trip—Macclesfield Forest..……….p. 36

Year 11 Manchester Textile Trip..……….p. 37 Oxford Student..……….p. 38

Wear it Pink..……….p. 38 Students Visit Bronte County..……….p. 39

Recommended Reads..……….p. 40 Advent Services..……….p. 41

Dyslexia Friendly Colleges Project..……….p. 41

Epiphany Prayer..……….P. 42

In This Issue....

Page 4: Aspire - Christmas 2012

04

All Hallows becomes First Catholic Voluntary Academy in Cheshire East — Tuesday 1st January 2013

All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield has become the first voluntary aided Catholic College in Cheshire East to convert to a Catholic Voluntary Academy, and the second in the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The College is also thought to be the first in the area to establish a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), which will eventually include partner schools, who choose to become academies. The Diocese of Shrewsbury and All Hallows both believe that the establishment of a MAT will help to secure and sustain the future partnerships between the family of faith schools in the All Hallows Learning Community.

As a directly funded school, independent of the local authority, All Hallows will retain its present name and its admissions policy, continuing to serve the Catholic, wider Christian and local communities who seek distinctive, high quality, faith based education.

Chair of Governors, Mrs. Eileen O’Sullivan, said ‘Becoming an Academy will ensure that we can continue to make decisions which will secure the very best education for our children and families.’

All Hallows’ Principal, Mr. Tony Billings, said ‘We know that we have the vision and capacity to utilise Academy freedoms fully; being able to make more incisive and timely decisions about where we target our resources will have a direct, positive impact on students’ learning and achievement. This will help us maintain our reputation for providing an outstanding well-rounded education for children of all abilities and backgrounds.’

Page 5: Aspire - Christmas 2012

05

Business Manager, Janet Connolly said ‘It is expected that the trust, known as The Holy Family of Nazareth Academy Trust, will over time, make some joint staff appointments to support a range of activities in chaplaincy, family and student support, financial management, and student attendance.’

All Hallows Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2012, begins this exciting new phase of its life as an academy, on 1 January 2013 – a fitting beginning to the next 50 years!

Page 6: Aspire - Christmas 2012

06

Remembrance 2012 “We shall remember them…”

The Principal led the College annual Remembrance Liturgies on 9 November 2012. In this special solemn service we gather as a Church College community to witness to our belief in life after death, to pray for those who have died, and to ask those who have gone before us to pray for us. The service links with All Saints and All Souls days and emphasizes the importance of November as the month of remembrance. Together we remember the lives of all of the departed, including our own loved ones and those who have lost their lives in war or through disaster or disease.

During the service students and staff took ‘fallen autumn leaves’ to the Altar in memory of ‘the fallen’ and loved ones who have gone to be with God. We shared the traditional words of the Act of Remembrance ‘We shall remember them’, the eternal rest and a minutes silence. The service included very moving visual images, a

modern version of Litany of the Saints, Karl Jenkins’ Benedictus, and the Taize chant ‘Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

Page 7: Aspire - Christmas 2012

07

Year of Faith

Pope Benedict has called the Year of Faith to strengthen Catholics who go to Church to reach out to those who have left but who yearn for God in their lives and to offer a response for those who are searching for meaning and to help those who think they do not need God.

The Year of Faith is associated with the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

(11th October 1962) which renewed the relevance of faith in the modern world. The year also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Catholic catechism. The theme for the year is exploring new and well-established ways of sharing and passing on the faith (‘The New Evangelization’)

During the Year of Faith, all Catholic families, parishes, schools, societies and charities are encouraged to reflect on the nature of faith and renew their commitment.

The first of our special Year of Faith activities at All Hallows was the Community Carol Service at St Alban’s RC Church on Monday 17 December 2012, and All Hallows College Mission will be led by John Pridmore (Ex-gangster and author of ‘From Gangland to the Promised Land) with members of St Pat-rick’s Community from 7 to 18 January 2013. To find out more about the Year of Faith: http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/year-of-faith

The logo shown above for the year of faith has: A boat on the waves of the sea, which represents the Church, A mast which is the Cross of Jesus, sails formed from the letters I H S, which are the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, a circle which is the sun and represents the host, the body of Christ given at communion in the Eucharist (Mass)

Page 8: Aspire - Christmas 2012

08

All Hallows Hosts Science

Show

The College was chosen to host a science show to some lucky students. The company science2U produced an hour of bangs, smells and visual delights which amazed students from KS3 and KS4. As well as some students who had science when the show was being presented there were some members of the very successful science club who managed to grab the front row seats.

The show was part of the ever expanding STEM network which the College is becoming increasingly active in and the beginning of next year sees Vauxhall running a day of workshops across all key stages for selected classes.

We are always looking to expand our contacts with the "real world" of science and maths and if you are interested in sharing your talents with an enthusiastic audience please feel free to contact any of the science department.

Page 9: Aspire - Christmas 2012

09

Student’s floral stain glass

window design is a winner

Talented artist, Emma Nay, 13, had her design for a stained glass panel turned into a reality when she won a competition organised by Co-operative Funeralcare of Broken Cross, Macclesfield.

With the help of art teacher Miss Tofalos and funeral arrangers Gillian Crawford and Julie Burgess, students were invited to create a design, which would cross the boundaries of faith and religion in a non-denominational design. Emma’s clever winning design depicts a flower as a bud opening up to the full and it was chosen because of its representation of hope and the stages of life. Emma said ‘My design was all about progress and tranquility shown through the opening of a flower. I am proud that my picture was chosen.’

The finished window is now on display in the reception area of Co-operative Funeralcare. Mr Nick Wiscombe, manager, said, As a business at the heart of the community, we wanted to involve local teenagers in helping us to bring some light, warmth and a welcoming touch to the home.’ Well done Emma, All Hallows is proud of you!

Page 10: Aspire - Christmas 2012

10

Local Hero Awards 2012

The Silk FM 106.9 Local Hero Award ceremony was staged on 30 November at Macclesfield Town FC. The event was hosted by Silk Breakfast's Andy Bailey and Cheshire East Mayor, Councillor George Walton who welcomed everyone to the ceremony.

Care provider, David Lewis’ project called ‘The Work Shop’, in Chestergate, Macclesfield, won the award for Social Enterprise which is sponsored by All Hallows. The Work Shop provides opportunities for adults with complex needs to experience quality vocational training in retail and printing. All Hallows started sponsoring this award in 2007 as part of our Business Ethical Enterprise specialism to recognize and encourage business to think about the common good, and making a positive contribution to communities.

Our very own former student, Tom Agar, who is the first occupant of our ‘Business Incubation Pod’, won the award for Young Achiever of the Year. As we know Tom’s business acumen was developed during his time as a student here at All Hallows. He is passionate about business, and has set up his own company MSevents which is doing incredibly well.

‘Many students develop entrepreneurial skills directly as a result of specialist status, including through work experience

in the College’s iconic Romero Business Centre, an impressive facility which encapsulates its mission.’

- OFSTED 2011

Page 11: Aspire - Christmas 2012

11

“Fun” Retreat for Year 10 Students

‘Fun’ was how most of the students described their

week away on retreat at Castlerigg Manor in

Keswick. The only complaint from one students was,

‘there wasn’t enough snow!; Other quotes included,

‘Great experience…..never knew you could have so

much fun whilst worshipping God….lovely walks and

lovely people.’; ‘It gave me the opportunity to

deepen my faith’; ‘I loved it……I even feel more

confident’; ’It was wonderful…’; ‘ It was amazing.

The staff were funny and intriguing and we did many fun activities. The

food was really tasty and I would go back any day.’ Students enjoyed the

experience so much, that many are going back for an open retreat next

Easter. On behalf of Mrs Marsh and Mrs Heaton I would like to say once

again how proud we are of our year 10 students who were great

ambassadors of All Hallows.— Rev d. Harrison

Page 12: Aspire - Christmas 2012

12

Launch of Go Shop in The Pod

The All Hallows College Shop 'Go Shop' was officially re-opened by ex-student Tom Agar of MS Events in new premises in The Pod in The Quad on 2 November 2012. Throughout break and lunch time students queued to get a chance to look inside the uniquely designed Pod and see how products were displayed. On the outside and all around The Pod, Year 7 and 8 students sold products made as part of the new Business, IT and Enterprise (BITE) curriculum, working towards ASDAN Awards in 'Key Steps' and 'Enterprise'. From now on Go Shop will be open every day. Students can purchase stationery products, items of uniform, products brought back from India and all the products made by KS3 students. Year 8 BITE students are currently

busy setting up Young Co-operatives which are ‘based on the values of self help, self responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity’. In the tradition of their founders, Year 8 Co-operative members at All Hallows believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. All Young Co-operatives are run as social enterprises fundraising for The India Clinic Appeal.

Page 13: Aspire - Christmas 2012

13

Further new product lines are also due to be introduced to The Pod including a new line in greeting cards, folders and wallets for art and design and others linked to the College's outdoor enterprises. The College already grows and sells a fantastic range of vegetables, fruits and herbs in the Market Garden whilst the ‘Henterprise’ continues to provide fresh eggs throughout the year and the bees produce jars of honey for sale on an annual basis.

Page 14: Aspire - Christmas 2012

14

Page 15: Aspire - Christmas 2012

15

Father Christmas visits the

O-Pod!

The new O-Pod was transformed into Santa's Grotto to celebrate KS3 enterprise activity in the lead up to Christmas. Year 7 and 8 BITE students had the opportunity to sell their seasonal

products with a special visit from Father Christmas to draw in the

crowds. They were joined by Year 13 BTEC Business students who gave the Pod a festive makeover as part of an on-going business planning activity. They

also joined in with their own 'Go Soup' venture selling hot

soup to warm customers up in very cold conditions.

Fund raising for the India Clinic Appeal was high on the agenda, with students of all ages donating coins for the opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.

Page 16: Aspire - Christmas 2012

16

Page 17: Aspire - Christmas 2012

17

Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week All Hallows celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week in grand style recently by inviting a range of local entrepreneurs and industry speakers into the College. Amongst these were Brad Snelling (WinterFest) and Fiona Bailey (The Barnaby Festival). Both of these speakers provided an insight into Event Organisation as a career and gave all Sixth Form students the opportunity to gain experience in this field. Many projects could potentially come out of this including market research into brand awareness, a design and technology project based on building a carnival float, a textiles project based on costume design, event review and evaluation and many more. The Business, IT and Enterprise (BITE) Faculty hosted many other speakers during the week and also encouraged students to present to their peers.

Three Year 8 students showed enormous confidence in presenting an ‘enterprise’ themed assembly to the whole of Year 7. Other subject leaders are arranging visiting speakers to come into College in the lead up to Christmas.

Page 18: Aspire - Christmas 2012

18

College Farm

Grows From

Strength to

Strength

Over the last

three years the

College garden

has been joined

by an apple

orchard and various animals to give a farm experience for students to

enjoy as part of the rural dimension of the College.

From one raised garden bed, built by Mr Billings and Mr Blades on a

scorching hot day in the summer holidays three years ago, we now have

a fully operational garden growing a range of vegetables, fruits and herbs

Page 19: Aspire - Christmas 2012

19

in fifteen garden beds as

well as a poly-tunnel in

which chilli’s and tomatoes

are currently being grown.

Students who volunteer for

the Spade Brigade take

turns on a rota to join Mr

Phil Shaw, from

Food4Macc, to get their

hands dirty each Friday and

grow produce which is then

sold in College. A Sixth Form

student, Mark Samadram,

works on the garden as part

of work experience and helps

support Mr Shaw as well as

working with students on his own.

Two years ago the College was joined by Mrs Helen Scothorne from

Fruit-full Schools to develop an apple orchard in the College grounds.

Since then interested students in the Core Group have learned how to

graft fruit trees and have raised over twenty apple trees of different

local and rare varieties in our own orchard.

The orchard has appreciated the support of Mrs Patti Pinto, a parent,

in this enterprise and her knowledge and enthusiasm for the planting

of apple trees. On Friday 23 November two Year 8 Core Group

members, Calum Sefton and Ethan Smith, joined Mr Blades, Assistant

Head, and Patti and Helen to visit four local partner primary Colleges

to plant a total of twenty apple trees. Students from there primary

schools St Gregory’s, Christ the King, St Paul’s and St John the

Page 20: Aspire - Christmas 2012

20

Evangelist were shown how to plant trees carefully that so they can

now enjoy them for years to come. Core group members have also

been to primary schools to deliver assemblies on what All Hallows is

doing with our outdoor education. Thanks to the hard work and

dedication of Mrs

Donna

Stratford, Farm

Manager, the last

year has seen a

huge variety of

animals being brought into the College both indoors and

outdoors to join the chickens and bees. Snakes,

chinchillas, turtles, fish, mice and many more internal

animals have been joined by a llama, sheep, goats,

horses, ducks and pigs to our growing and impressive list

of animals kept outdoors in pens. Mrs Stratford and the

Science Faculty have developed a

fascinating resource for students

to enjoy both as an extra

curricular activity as well as a

learning resource.

The Chickens “Henterprise”,

continues to produce fresh free

range eggs to purchase each day

which sell like hot cakes. The

Page 21: Aspire - Christmas 2012

21

bees had their second harvest of honey in October thanks to Mr Aspinall

and his team of student helpers in the project called Plan Bee. This year

we harvested fifteen jars of our own honey and

raffle tickets were sold to give people a chance

of winning one jar. The garden goes from

strength to strength and students of all ages will

enjoy the benefits it brings for many years. It

certainly is creating a buzz amongst the

students and the wider community.

Page 22: Aspire - Christmas 2012

22

Page 23: Aspire - Christmas 2012

23

We need more RAM! E-Systems

Manager collects College Ram!

When I joined All Hallows just over a year ago, I

have to say I didn’t expect to be driving down the

country to see my family towing a sheep trailer to

collect a ram for the College. I am fairly sure that

wasn’t in the job description!

How this came to pass was down to pure

chance. The ram had been paid for, but needed

to be picked up from Hertfordshire. The College

Farm Manager, Mrs Stratford had heard I had

family in Hertfordshire and I was visiting them

next weekend. The next thing I knew my wife

and I were towing the College’s sheep trailer with

us.

Late Sunday afternoon we headed to the

breeders to pick up the ram, who was a

handsome fellow named Bilbo. Having loaded

him safely into the trailer we set off for College.

Some 3 hours later we arrived and the Farm

Manager was waiting for us.

We unloaded Bilbo and released him with the 4

ewes, who he proceeded to ignore and dived

straight into the food. Having satisfied his

hunger he then introduced himself to the ewes by

chasing them across the paddock. After about

30 minutes they had settled down and needless

to say he has settled in very well now. The

College hopes to expand the flock of these rare

breed of sheep in the future with his introduction.

Lambs are expected in the near future!

Mr A. Gostelow—E-Systems Manager

Page 24: Aspire - Christmas 2012

24

Winter Fair &

Open Farm

All Hallows first Winter Fair and Open Farm event on Saturday 15 December, was great fun - and a huge success! Visitors were treated to a large array of craft stalls including our very own student enterprises, guided tours of the market garden and visits to see all

the animals. Mr. Billings added his two Angora goats, Buzz and Woody, to the huge selection of animals on our farm, the ducks had a bath in the puddle near the boys changing rooms and the chickens had a free range walk around the Quad. Mrs Connolly and Mrs Connor kept visitors warm with drinks and mince pies. The Science faculty staff helped to make the event a success with Messers Kendall, Mirrlees, Aspinall sharing their expert knowledge and running stalls. Mr Mallon and Mr Faulkner proved to be superb Father Christmas stand-ins, ably assisted by two of

our student teachers, Miss Watkins, who was Santa’s perfect Angel-helper and Miss Ashley serving fruit punch. We are indebted to Mrs Stratford for her inspiration for, and overall organisation of this event.

Visitors commented with awe and wonder on our unique College and all the opportunities for students to learn out-side the classroom. All profits from this event are being donated to the India Clinic appeal.

Mrs. Heaton sixth form group were expert face painters.

Page 25: Aspire - Christmas 2012

25

Fantastic Mr Fox From September 2012 the Performing Arts Faculty began working in partnership with our feeder Primary schools on a new and exciting performance project based on an adaptation of Roald Dahl's 'Fantastic Mr Fox'. Each Primary School has been partnered together collaborating in Drama and Dance. So far this year St. Alban’s, St. Benedict’s, Christ the King and St. Mary’s have successfully performed on our College stage in front of a large audience. All the Primary pupils have done remarkably well and there has

been an impressive array of costumes.

Page 26: Aspire - Christmas 2012

26

A Midwinter Night's Dream The All Hallows Senior College Drama Company production of Shakespeare's A Midwinter Night's Dream took place on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 December in the College Drama studio.

The students involved ranged from Year 9 to Year 13. The performance was very well attended and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the whole production process from start to finish.

Year 7 and 8 students raise money for the India Clinic On Wednesday 14 November the Year 8 team hosted a film screening of ‘Madagascar 3 – Europe’s Most Wanted’ for Year 7 and 8 students in order to raise money for the India Clinic. 88 students in total attended raising £135 for charity. All students had a great time and really enjoyed the film.

Page 27: Aspire - Christmas 2012

27

Rugby at All Hallows

Rugby continues to develop in All

Hallows with teams competing in

district, county and national

competitions; all of this despite the

poor weather which has played

havoc with the fixture list. The 1st XV

have competed well in both the Daily

Mail Cup and the Cheshire Cup and

were unlucky to exit both

competitions in the early stages.

The under 13s put together a brave

display in the Emerging Colleges

Festival at Northwich RUFC. They

battled well against some much

more experienced sides and played some good rugby, with the boys

thoroughly enjoying the day.

The under 12s have played a number of fixtures, most recently pushing a

strong Holmes Chapel side close. They also competed well at the

Emerging schools festival. They continue to develop and are being

coached by Tony King from Macclesfield Rugby Club who has volunteered

to help increase the participation in Rugby at All Hallows.

We currently have two students playing representative rugby: Joe Macca,

who is part of the Sale Sharks Academy and George Hodkinson, who is a

member of the county squad. Congratulations to both!

In addition to external competitions, Rugby continues to be a firm favourite

of students in PE lessons. In particular it is gaining interest with the girls in

upper college. So, watch this space as regards a girls Rugby team at All

Hallows in the future.

Page 28: Aspire - Christmas 2012

28

Sixth Form Join other

European Students and

Teachers on a Visit to Poland

Before half term, five All Hallows sixth

form students and two members of

staff joined a collection of groups and

teachers from all over Europe, in the

small Polish town of Lubomia to

launch the region’s first International

conference celebrating International

Cooperatives.

Under the banner ‘Cooperation

Works’ students from the UK, Poland,

the Basque Region, Slovakia, the

Czech Republic and Hungary all met

in the Silesian town to

discuss the development

of the Cooperative

movement in their

countries but also to

share ideas on how the

spirit of these

cooperative values could

be used within our

schools. The

conference became a

showcase on how

schools in the region have

ensured that students benefit

from engaging in cooperative values. Many of the schools had

school shops that ran on cooperative values, using the profits to fund

school trips for those students who couldn’t afford them. Others had set up

gardening enterprises that used the produce as part of their catering

Page 29: Aspire - Christmas 2012

29

services, and again diverted all profits back into school. Of course, at All

Hallows Cooperation is one of our Five Core Values. These are a set of

values that impact on our daily practice and activities, but the All Hallows

students also shared their experiences of Cooperation and Enterprise at

our College. This included the Make your Money Grow challenge that all of

the students had engaged with, the on-going and exciting development of

the growing College farm (the long list of our animals drew many shocked

but impressed faces!), as well as engaging in lessons on the Cooperative

from resources developed using the Co-operatives own archive materials.

Page 30: Aspire - Christmas 2012

30

The Starship Enterprise Competition Pete Pealing of Peaks and Plains Housing Trust launched ‘The Starship Enterprise Project’ with all students in Years 8, 9 and 10 in November 2012. Working as part of The Airport Group, Pete explained ‘we recognise that developing young people’s employability and entrepreneurial skills is crucial to prepare them for life after education and is a key element in the curriculum’. Students are currently producing a business plan and marketing strategy in preparation for the next round of the competition which will see them present pitches to a ‘Dragons Den’ style panel. The local winner will enter a prestigious Northern regional final. The competition gives the students of All Hallows a chance to win a substantial prize, alongside expert support and guidance in developing their business idea further. The BITE Faculty is supporting students who sign up for the competition in provid-ing business advice and guidance through extra-curricular activity at break and lunch times.

‘They develop entrepreneurial skills in a rich variety of contexts that have earned them national recognition.’ - - OFSTED 2011

Page 31: Aspire - Christmas 2012

31

Tom Agar Inspires Year 11 Ex-student Tom Agar, now director of MS Events presented an inspiring insight into his own entrepreneurial flair in setting up and running a new business to all Year 11 students in November, only a year after leaving All Hallows himself. Tom has been organising events since he was 12 years old and has now gone professional, setting up his own limited company whilst studying a part-time degree in business management with The University of Manchester. He studied both Business and Information Technology in the Sixth Form, Tom now rents an office (The Business

Incubation Pod) in The Romero Centre of the College. He is well placed to continue to work closely with students, as a business mentor for a newly recruited Career Academy UK (CAUK) students, as part of the Partner-in-Business Programme. Later on in the year he hopes to be able to provide some work experience too, for a business internship.

Simply amazing – an apprenticeship for the most ‘enterprising’ student!

This term local entrepreneur, Mark Simpkin, owner of The Simply Group has visited the College twice to run enterprise sessions which involved setting a challenge for Year 11 and 13 students. After completing five

challenges in total, one lucky candidate will be rewarded with an apprenticeship with The Simply Group at the end of the year. Watch out

for more news of this later in the year!

Page 32: Aspire - Christmas 2012

32

A ‘Capital Experience’ in London for All Hallows Business Students Ten students aged 16 to17 from All Hallows headed to London on Thursday, 22 November to get a taste of life at Cobbett’s, one of Britain’s most influential law firms, and to boost their networking and employability skills. The eye-opening visit was part of a day-long event, ‘A Capital Experience’, organised by the aspiration raising, business education charity, Career Academies UK. The day involved around 1300 students from across the UK, as well as over 100 leading London based employers such as AstraZeneca, BT Wholesale, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, City of London Corporation, Marks and Spencer and Santander. In the morning, Cobbett’s provided the All Hallows students with a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how the organisation works and an excellent insight into a range of careers in law. After the visit, all the groups made their way to the Royal Festival Hall, where they got the chance to network with other young people from across the UK. During the afternoon, they received valuable advice from speakers Action Jackson and author Lee Jackson. Mrs. Lynch, Career Academy Co-ordinator for the College, said: “The whole day provided a fantastic insight into ‘city life’, some students had not been to London before so to go as the guests of Cobbett’s Solicitors was a real privilege.” James McCreary, Chief Executive of Career Academies UK, said “With the need for excellent workplace skills high on the Government agenda at the moment, this kind of event is more relevant than ever. The day is a fantastic introduction to the Career Academy programme, designed to offer unique work-related learning experiences and inspire students to aim high. We hope that by visiting some of the UK’s largest employers, the students will realise that anything is possible.”

Page 33: Aspire - Christmas 2012

33

‘A Capital Experience’ is the biggest National one-day event in the Career Academy calendar and kicks off the two-year programme for young people taking part. Set up by the business community in 2002, Career Academies UK is a registered charity which leads and supports a movement of employers, Schools and Colleges working together to raise the aspirations of 16 to 19 year olds. Independently recognised for brilliant business and education brokerage, it is the first National organisation to receive the Award for Education Business Excellence.

Page 34: Aspire - Christmas 2012

34

All Hallows Sixth Form Raise Money for the India Appeal on Waxing Wednesday! A big thank you to all those who supported our sponsored leg wax in aid of or our India Clinic Appeal. The boys were really brave and the beauty girls certainly had a challenge on their hands with all that hair!! A brilliant £70 was raised for the India Appeal. Watch out for the next team challenge in the new year - "Towie Tantastic" - just looking for a suitable volunteer.

Page 35: Aspire - Christmas 2012

35

More Funds Raised for India Clinic thanks to All Hallows Sixth Form Sixth form students at All Hallows have raised just over £360.00 for the College’s India appeal with this year’s Fancy Dress.

This is phase two of the project; the College is hoping to raise enough money to provide a community room above the clinic which can be used to support the education of the children in Varasanadu and as a community meeting room for the co-operative groups.

Phase one was to build an HIV Clinic for children in the remote village of

South Tamil Nadu, Varasanadu, India.

Page 36: Aspire - Christmas 2012

36

Year 12 AS-Level Art,

Craft and Design trip to London

Orient Express

Students in Year 12 studying Art, Craft and Design AS-Level, had the opportunity to visit London this year to further develop the wonderfully vibrant colours and intricate shapes of oriental culture that provided them with the starting point for their first portfolio project; Orient Express. Students visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, which houses the world’s finest collection of object d’art and the British Museum’s Asian Collection to develop their drawing, refining and research skills. Students also had the opportunity to visit London’s China town to sample authentic oriental cuisine, view traditional tailoring techniques and visit oriental shops.

Page 37: Aspire - Christmas 2012

37

Year 9 Textile Design Trip

to Macclesfield Forest

Year 9 textile design students undertook an easy level walk within Macclesfield Forest, guided by Miss Parry and Mrs Hartley-Potts that provided them with the opportunity to take photographs and collect natural material for use within their first coursework project.

Students have embarked on “understand the design process” in textiles, guided by staff to look at the natural world as a source of inspiration that can lead to innovate

design work. This project will conclude in the creation of a ‘Forest God’ doll that teaches students the basics of pattern cutting, dying and wrapping techniques in textiles.

Page 38: Aspire - Christmas 2012

38

Year 11 Textile

Design trip to

Manchester

Costume Museum

Visiting Manchester

Costume Museum offered

Year 11 Textile Design

students, an exciting and

inspirational start to their

final Year 11 Textile Design

GCSE coursework project entitled ‘Trashion’.

This project involves students exploring

environmentalism, sustainability and innovation

within the fashion industry. Making traditional

objects out of recycled materials can be ‘trashion’,

as well as creating avant-garde fashion from

cast-offs or junk. It springs from a desire to make

the best use of limited resources. The trip provided

a vital opportunity for students to

evidence all four GCSE Assessment

Objectives whilst also providing a

good body of work towards their

GCSE portfolio.

Students had the opportunity to

explore Manchester’s Gallery of

Costume that houses one of the

most important costume collections

in Britain, second only to the V&A in London. It

contains over 20,000 fashion items from the 17th

century to the present day. The gallery continues to

collect pieces to enhance the collection and

provided a source of inspiration to students as they

embark on the design process, working towards

making and designing their own recycled garment’.

Page 39: Aspire - Christmas 2012

39

Former All Hallows Student wins Oxford University Scholarship

We are delighted to have received a letter from

Oxford University to say that Will Truefitt has been awarded a Bull Scholarship. Will, who is reading English at Somerville College, has been awarded this in recognition of achieveing a distinction in his

first year examinations. The Principal, Dr Alice Prochaska said 'Somerville will always be pleased to welcome

entrants from All Hallows, and I hope that Will's success here will be an encouragement to other applicants.' Mr Billings said 'Will

has always aimed high and aspired to be the best person and scholar he can be. Well done Will.'

All Hallows Staff Wear It Pink

All Hallows staff and sixth form students raised just over £200 for the

fight against breast cancer. Each member of staff wore a touch of pink

to raise awareness of the disease.

Thank you to everyone who to part

John Connor—Driving Instructor

Special offers for responses to this advert

Tel: 07887988314

www.jpconnor.co.uk

Page 40: Aspire - Christmas 2012

40

Year 12 Literature students visit Bronté country

On Friday 9 November, the AS

Literature students left College and

travelled up to the Yorkshire town of

Haworth for the weekend to visit the home

of Emily, Anne and Charlotte Bronte. The

eleven students, who are reading

Wuthering Heights as part of their AS

course, spent Friday night in the Haworth

Youth Hostel, an old Victorian mansion overlooking the village. This was

an evening of ‘old fashioned fun’, with a quiz in the games room (a tight

victory just won by the team headed up by

Ben Mock), followed by supper before bed.

The next day they were up bright and

early for breakfast before walking into town,

where they had opportunities to

explore the village’s quaint shops and cafes.

After this the students headed to the

museum for a talk by a local expert on the life and works of the Bronte

family. All were fascinated by the shocking family history and hearing

about the hardships people living during the 1800s had to face – the age

of death in the village during Emily’s lifetime was an average of 25 years

old. Once the talk was over students explored the Bronte’s house and

the graveyard of the church, where the family’s faithful servant Tabitha is

buried.

After lunch in the town the group then set

off on a bracing walk across the moors - led

by Ms Carroll – to the famous waterfall, a

key setting in the novel Wuthering Heights.

Here they stopped for snacks and hot choc-

olates, overlooking the dramatic landscape.

Fortunately only one student managed to

fall in the water, thus having to endure the walk back to the coach with

soggy shoes... The final conclusion: an eventful and enjoyable

experience for all!

Page 41: Aspire - Christmas 2012

41

Recommended Reads for Christmas Help support your child's learning by encouraging them to read widely and independently at home. Here are some popular teen novels with a Christmas theme…and a genre to suit every taste!

Adventure / fantasy Kringle by Tony Abbot A very untraditional Christmas tale of goblins and elves, Kringle is one of the few Christmas books that will appeal to boys as much as girls. The world is dark and danger lurks but Kringle has a mission, to stop the enslavement of children. An unusual and exciting read. Comedy A Very Dairy Christmas by Sylvia Hysen A humorous fish out of water story about a sophisticated New York teen who is forced to spend the holidays with her grandparents on a Wisconsin dairy farm. Pick it up if you want a good laugh.

Romance The Princess Present by Meg Cabot Even princesses have trouble finding the perfect Christmas gift. In this frothy holiday romance, Princess Mia is spending Christmas in Genovia with her Grandmère. She's delighted that her best friend and boyfriend are coming to join her, but worried about what to give to Michael. A light, holiday read for

those who are fans of the ‘Princess Diary’ series.

Classic The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum The enchanting tale of Nicholas the Wandering Orphan and how he grew up to be Santa Claus. Follow him through his first years as a lonely little boy, who had the knack of carving playthings for children; then as a young man, busy over the little toys; then as a prosperous, fat, rosy old man, who overcomes all sorts of difficulties in order to attain his

ambition, a toy for every child in the village. For teenagers who'd like to travel back in time and remember the innocence of childhood.

Page 42: Aspire - Christmas 2012

42

Advent 2012

“Go on – be an angel’

Mr. Billings’ reflection in this year’s advent service focused on being ‘like an angel’, drawing on the role of angels in the bible and especially in the story of the Annunciation – when the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she

was to be a ‘God-bearer’, conceiving and giving birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The congregation were treated to the well known words of the Robbie Williams’ song ‘Angels’ together with some images of angels in art and an analysis of the use of the word in the English language. The message was ‘Go on – be an angel’ in the sense of being a

bearer of good news, positivity and making good things happen. The worship music group led by Mr. Cunningham and the dance performed by Miss Jacksons’ dance students greatly enriched the liturgy.

The Advent collection organised by Mrs Garvey in aid of the India Clinic Appeal has raised over £1,213. Students organised special fund raising events and filled tubes with loose change. The winning forms, 7N , 8C, 9M, 10N, 11N and Mrs Welfle’s Sixith Form group were given free admission to ALL HALLOWS HAS TALENT. For further information about the clinic project see www.allhallows.org.uk in the For Community / Social Enterprise section.

Dyslexia Friendly Schools

Project

All Hallows Learning Community family of schools is thought to be the first family-group of schools applying together for Dyslexia Friendly Accreditation. The schools which belong to the partnership are All Hallows, St Alban’s (Macclesfield),

St Benedict’s (Handforth) Christ the King (Macclesfield), St Gregory’s (Bollington) St John the Evangelist (Macclesfield), St Mary’s (Congleton), St Paul’s (Poynton)

Page 43: Aspire - Christmas 2012

43

Epiphany Prayer

Lord Jesus You call me to live

every aspect of my life in your presence

and so I come before you as I am, With the myrrh

that the wise men carried I bring too,

the pain and sorrow and sorrow and suffering that I have experienced I lay them before you

because they are all part of who I am, I ask that good may come

from whatever negative things happen to me, knowing that nothing

can ever separate me from your love.

Amen

Page 44: Aspire - Christmas 2012

44

All Hallows Catholic College

Brooklands Avenue

Macclesfield

Cheshire

SK11 8LB

www.allhallows.org.uk

All Are Welcome at

All Hallows Catholic College

Come in and visit our

wonderful Church College