The RE department is proud to announce that it has recently achieved the national RE Quality Mark Gold award. We are only the second school in the northwest to achieve this accolade.
Many thanks to all of the students and staff that have helped make this possible.
And as an added bonus, if you look at the bottom of the home screen you will see a new badge recognising our new status. If you click on the badge you can see the full criteria that we had to meet.
Dear Parents/Carers
This year, as you will know, the Year 11 Prom will take place on Tuesday 25 June at Thornton Manor. The evening will begin at 7.30pm and end at 10.30pm. It is expected that all students will arrange their own transport to and from the venue at the end of the evening at 10.30pm. The cost of the evening is £32.00. Cheques should be made payable to Helsby High School but payment can also be made in cash.
The deadline for payment is Friday 7 June, cheques/cash should be taken to the Conservatory. Tickets will only be issued to students who return the attached reply slip.
As in previous years a photographer will be present. Both individual and group photographs will be taken on request and they can be viewed prior to purchase. The cost of each photograph purchased is payable in cash only on the evening.
There will be no bar facilities at the hotel and no alcohol will be available during the evening. Thornton Manor provides its own security staff and they, along with teaching staff, will be supervising entry to the hotel and ensuring that the young people can celebrate and enjoy themselves in a safe and secure environment.
This means there will be no admission to anyone who is not a Year 11 student or who is not in possession of a ticket. In addition, it will be made absolutely clear to the students that, if we have any concerns regarding their welfare, parents will be contacted immediately and asked to collect their son/daughter from the venue. This will apply to any student who is caught in possession of alcohol.
Once again we expect this to be a very successful and enjoyable Prom which will provide students with an opportunity to celebrate their time at Helsby High School with their peers and their teachers.
Yours sincerely
A Thompson (Mrs)
Head of Year 11
Attachment: Prom Information Letter (Adobe PDF Document)
On Tuesday 14th May the Junior Boys and Girls Teams (Years 7 and 8) together with the Inter Boys and Girls (Years 9 and 10) competed in the county round of the English Schools Athletics Track and Field Cup at Cheshire Oaks Athletics Track.
Almost 60 of our students took part in less than ideal conditions and performed admirably with all four teams qualifying for the regional (North-West) finals.
Results Summary
Junior Boys
|
Posn |
Points |
School |
|
|
1 |
345 |
Christleton High School, Chester |
|
|
2 |
295 |
Helsby High School, Frodsham |
|
|
3 |
273 |
Lymm High Voluntary Controlled School, Lymm |
|
|
4 |
270 |
Weaverham High School, Northwich |
|
|
5 |
258 |
Bridgewater High School, Warrington |
|
|
5 |
258 |
The King’s School, Chester |
|
|
7 |
231 |
The Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port |
|
|
8 |
165 |
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, Ellesmere Port |
| 2 : 295pts : Helsby High School | ||||
| 100m |
13.9s = |
12pts 14pts |
Daniel W Luke S |
|
| 200m |
31.9s = |
7pts 11pts |
Mitchil C Sam P |
|
| 300m |
46.7s = |
21pts 23pts |
Will G Alex S |
|
| 800m |
2m28.8s = |
17pts 14pts |
Jacob B Alex M |
|
| 1500m |
5m30.5s = |
11pts 7 pts |
Tom W Ben J |
|
| Hurdles |
16.2s = |
8pts 14pts |
Dan A Zach M |
|
| Relay |
= |
0pts 9pts |
||
| High Jump |
1.17m = |
9pts 7pts |
Mitchil C Tom C |
|
| Long Jump |
3.87m = |
10pts 13pts |
Jacob B Luke S |
|
| Triple Jump |
8.57m = |
11pts 12pts |
Alex M Zach M |
|
| Shot |
6.97m = |
9pts 6pts |
Dan A Daniel W |
|
| Discus |
21.08m = |
15pts 9pts |
Will G Alex S |
|
| Javelin |
15.98m = |
8pts 18pts |
Sam P Zach H |
|
Junior Girls
|
Posn |
Points |
School |
|
|
1 |
265 |
The King’s School, Chester |
|
|
1 |
265 |
Bridgewater High School, Warrington |
|
|
3 |
251 |
Helsby High School, Frodsham |
|
|
4 |
234 |
Lymm High Voluntary Controlled School, Lymm |
|
|
5 |
231 |
The Queen’s School, Chester |
|
|
6 |
230 |
Weaverham High School, Northwich |
|
|
7 |
211 |
Christleton High School, Chester |
|
|
8 |
202 |
The Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port |
|
|
9 |
146 |
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, Ellesmere Port |
| 3 : 251pts : Helsby High School | ||||
| 100m |
13.8s = |
21pts 6pts |
Charlie M Abi G |
|
| 200m |
= |
0pts 18pts |
Olivia C Pip G |
|
| 800m |
2m42.5s = |
20pts 18pts |
Emily H Erin H |
|
| 1500m |
5m54.1s = |
16pts 14pts |
Natasha T Esther W |
|
| Hurdles |
15.6s = |
12pts 11pts |
Ellie H Jessica B |
|
| Relay |
1m02.8s = |
12pts 0pts |
||
| High Jump |
1.14m = |
12pts 10pts |
Emily H Jessica B |
|
| Long Jump |
3.80m = |
13pts 14pts |
Charlie M Olivia C |
|
| Shot |
6.81m = |
15pts 11pts |
Georgia F Emily H |
|
| Discus |
13.80m = |
11pts 7pts |
Pip G Ellie H |
|
| Javelin |
10.25m = |
6pts 4pts |
: Natasha T |
|
Inter Boys
|
Posn |
Points |
School |
|
|
1 |
382 |
The Grange School, Northwich |
|
|
2 |
366 |
The Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port |
|
|
3 |
355 |
Lymm High Voluntary Controlled School, Lymm |
|
|
4 |
349 |
|
Helsby High School, Frodsham |
|
5 |
343 |
Bridgewater High School, Warrington |
|
|
6 |
336 |
Christleton High School, Chester |
|
|
7 |
315 |
The King’s School, Chester |
|
|
8 |
289 |
Weaverham High School, Northwich |
|
|
9 |
25 |
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, Ellesmere Port |
| 4 : 349pts : Helsby High School | ||||
| 100m |
12.0s = |
23pts 18pts |
Joe W Ben P |
|
| 200m |
30.9s = |
4pts 14pts |
Dan C Aidan S |
|
| 300m |
41.9s = |
27pts 31pts |
Adrian B James V |
|
| 800m |
2m52.4s = |
5pts 16pts |
Jake H William W |
|
| 1500m |
5m07.1s = |
12pts 13pts |
Adam R Matthew K |
|
| Hurdles |
14.4s = |
13pts 15pts |
Michael P Nat S |
|
| Relay |
= |
0pts 10pts |
||
| High Jump |
1.53m = |
17pts 16pts |
Joe W Ben P |
|
| Long Jump |
4.63m = |
11pts 8pts |
Michael P Adam R |
|
| Triple Jump |
8.54m = |
4pts 14pts |
Matthew K James V |
|
| Shot |
11.55m = |
21pts 14pts |
Billy O Dan C |
|
| Discus |
18.98m = |
10pts 14pts |
Adrian B William W |
|
Inter Girls
|
Posn |
Points |
School |
|
|
1 |
321 |
The Queen’s School, Chester |
|
|
2 |
312 |
Helsby High School, Frodsham |
|
|
3 |
272 |
Weaverham High School, Northwich |
|
|
4 |
261 |
Lymm High Voluntary Controlled School, Lymm |
|
|
5 |
248 |
The King’s School, Chester |
|
|
6 |
246 |
The Grange School, Northwich |
|
|
7 |
224 |
Bridgewater High School, Warrington |
|
|
8 |
216 |
Christleton High School, Chester |
|
|
9 |
188 |
The Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port |
|
|
10 |
149 |
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, Ellesmere Port |
| 2 : 312pts : Helsby High School | ||||
| 100m |
14.1s = |
15pts 9pts |
Annabel K Jennifer B |
|
| 200m |
28.5s = |
19pts 0pts |
Michaela C : |
|
| 300m |
47.9s = |
17pts 12pts |
Megan M Emily R |
|
| 800m |
2m33.9s = |
21pts 9pts |
Cara G Georgia A |
|
| Hurdles |
15.3s = |
14pts 17pts |
Serena S Joydel F |
|
| Relay |
1m00.7s = |
13pts 0pts |
||
| High Jump |
1.26m = |
13pts 14pts |
Serena S Joydel F |
|
| Long Jump |
4.41m = |
17pts 15pts |
Annabel K Michaela C |
|
| Triple Jump |
9.06m = |
16pts 0pts |
Megan M : |
|
| Shot |
7.42m = |
15pts 19pts |
Cara G Keira B |
|
| Discus |
15.39m = |
9pts 10pts |
Lauren M Jennifer B |
|
| Javelin |
26.51m = |
24pts 14pts |
Emily R Leah S |
|
Year 9 Halton League Champions
Helsby year 9’ were undefeated in the Halton League throughout the season and won the league in style. The team played some excellent attacking football. In five games scoring 24 goals and conceding only 7; the team trained well every Friday night throughout the season.
Helsby were encouraged to pass the ball out from the back into the midfield not just kicking the ball forward. This takes a lot of courage in games but the boys performed this really well in an exciting 433 system of play. The squad consisted of about twenty and it gives me a lot of pride that we used these players throughout the season often rotating in games to making sure all the boys played.
Our most impressive performance was against Wade Deacon whom in the previous two seasons had defeated us quite convincingly. On a good playing surface we passed the ball superbly and pressed high up the pitch. Ollie was a colossus at the back and marked their dangerous centre forward out of the game and was helped by the brave and much improved Edward.
In midfield Michael and Ben two boys attached to ‘School of Excellences’ dominated the midfield. Winning the ball and passing to our creative wide players Tom and Dan whom have had excellent seasons. Upfront Grantley bullied their defence with pace and power. The final score was a 5-0 win to Helsby. A special thanks must go to Tom, Ollie, Dominic, Nyle and Rob whom have had an excellent season and have been consistent throughout.
We must set ourselves the target of winning the Cheshire cup next season this will only happen with hard work. The squad must continue to train with the same determination and commitment.
| School | Pld | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Points |
| Helsby | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 7 | 16 |
| St Peter & Paul | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Wade Deacon | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 12 | 8 |
| The Heath | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 6 |
| Bankfield | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| St Chad’s | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 20 | 3 |
| Ormiston | 6 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 1 |
Year 7 football
The year 7 football team have had a good season and had some decent results. They are beginning to develop the 433 system and understand the Helsby way of playing out from the back into the midfield.
It is important the players concentrate in training and continue to enjoy their football. With talent available I’m sure we will make progress in the future.
John has played brilliant in goal and made some excellent saves and Stoke City Academy player James Cottrall had played really well and has led by example.
George demonstrates a strong work ethic and heads the ball really well for one so young.
| School | Pld | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Points |
| Wade Deacon | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 9 | 9 |
| Helsby | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 13 | 8 |
| Ormiston | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 22 | 7 |
| The Heath | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| St Peter & Paul | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 14 | 6 |
| Bankfield | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 15 | 4 |
The Year 8 Team
The year 8 team have played some good football this season; they have an excellent work ethic and attitude which will play dividends in the future. In training the team have worked really hard, on a Friday night 20+ lads have turned up for training in all weather conditions which is highly commendable. The team are committed to being courageous on the ball and to pass the ball from the back into midfield which is very hard.
Instilling these principles has been Alex a football playing centre back starting our attacks by winning the ball and starting attacks. Mikey is an attacking full back with a good engine to get up and down the pitch. Alex and Will are two central midfield plays whom complement each other so well.
They have good technique and like to score a goal which is priceless. Lauchlan has pace and strength to get in behind defenders but needs to improve his composure in front of goal. Lastly Everton Academy player Con has played when he has been available which has helped the players development.
Next year this this team must continue to be motivated and aim to win the Cheshire cup!
Sixth Form team – So close but yet so far!
This team has been based on being well organised and following strategies to get results. There have been some memorable performances and games: a 2-2 draw at home against the mighty Cardinal Heenan set our season up brilliantly and gave the players confidence. If the season had finished at Christmas we would have been Merseyside Champions.
However, after Christmas our unbeaten run finished away to Rainhill in a 2-1 defeat in the wind, rain, sleet and snow. However, this team never gave up, in this tough, uncompromising league. A historic win away to Alsop was a tremendous result. But unfortunately we just lost some of our upper sixth players such as Simon (a fantastic athletic defender) and Joe a highly skilled play maker (whom should have played for England u18’s).
The team continued to soldier on with Mark Howard organising the troops and Jack Watson making some fine saves. Lower Sixth players such as Dominic, Scott, Matt and Tom played some excellent football and demonstrated great commitment. Tom from yr11 came into the team and instantly received the respect of their peers.
The team came so close to the play off’s but unfortunately didn’t make it. But every member of the squad should be proud. It is a group of players I will never forget and I am very proud of these young men!
During their first half-term, we take Year 12 students to the Conway Centre, Menai, to enable them to get as much benefit as possible from their Sixth Form education. We have run the Induction Course for several years and it has always proved very successful. We hope that all members of Year 12 will be able to go to Anglesey with us.
The Conway Centre is a large conference centre owned by Cheshire County Council and used by all kinds of groups. It is by the sea and is in beautiful grounds. Should there be an emergency the contact number at the Centre is 01248 714501.
The course will be run by me and members of the Sixth Form tutor team, (with help from the centre’s staff). The purpose of the course is to help students think through and prepare for the new and more demanding role that lies before them. Being a Sixth Form student is, in many ways, very different from being a pupil in Years 7 – 11.
New skills and ways of working are used. New, adult responsibilities have to be taken. Relationships with members of staff should be very different and opportunities for self-determination are much greater. The Induction Course will explore what it means to be a Sixth Form student and will help to develop the skills, attitudes and relationships which will make time in the Sixth Form successful and fulfilling.
Although we will work hard during the course, the work will be interesting and enjoyable. Students will be involved in a number of outdoor activities, including raft building, so they are advised to bring suitable clothing and to be prepared to get wet. Students will have the opportunity to participate in either canoeing, high ropes, abseiling, kayaking or sailing. Specialist staff at the Centre will run all of these outdoor activities.
We will leave school on Tuesday at 9.30am to arrive at the Centre around midday. Please could students bring a packed lunch for when we arrive. We will return to school on the Wednesday afternoon in time for the school buses.
The Centre is able to make provision for those with special diets such as a vegetarian diet. Please indicate any special requirements below.
The cost of the course will be £97.50. Assistance is available for those in receipt of free school meals and/or whose parents are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (with paper evidence provided). Any student who has already completed a Bursary application will not need to provide the evidence again.
We expect that all students demonstrate exemplary behaviour during the visit. Students must follow all the instructions given by teachers and the centre staff. Students should behave safely and responsibly at all times. Possession of alcohol is, of course, not allowed. Failure to follow any instructions will lead to serious consequences. This may include students being sent home from Menai.
I should be grateful, therefore, if you would return the tear off slip at the end of this letter by Friday, 6th September, 2013. This is essential as time is so limited. Money will be collected in after Sixth Form assembly on Wednesday, 11 September, 2013.
Please would you also return the Parental Consent form attached to this letter. No student will be able to go to Menai unless the Parental Consent Form has been completed.
Yours sincerely,
E Valentine (Miss)
Head of Sixth Form
Attachment: Menai Parent Letter 2013 (Adobe PDF Document)
Helsby High School’s English Department have been successful in their bid to become members of the Prince’s Teaching Institute; they have been awarded the quality kitemark which can now be displayed on the website and school letterheads.
Membership is awarded to subject departments who have proven excellence in terms of their curriculum provision, expertise and knowledge of staff, links with the wider community and extra-curricular opportunities for students.
As a result of membership, the English Department will be able to offer Sixth Form English students the opportunity to attend lectures and seminars run by academics from Cambridge University as well as celebrity experts such as Michael Palin and Stephen Fry.
What is the Prince’s Teaching Institute?
The Prince’s Teaching Institute is an independent charity organisation set up by HRH The Prince of Wales in partnership with Cambridge University. It is run as a membership group to help and encourage school departments to provide a rigorous curriculum delivered by highly trained teachers who are passionate about their subject.
English Summer School @ Homerton College -The University of Cambridge
On June 24th Mrs Foulder of the English Department will be attending an English Summer School at The University of Cambridge. During the visit there will be practical workshops on how to teach Shakespeare lead by the RSC, lectures from fellows of Cambridge colleges and a talk from renowned playwright Sir Tom Stoppard amongst other exciting guest speakers.
Mrs Foulder says: “I am really looking forward to seeing what new ideas the Prince’s Teaching Institute has to offer. The chance to hear a lecture from Sir Tom Stoppard is really exciting and will hopefully reveal some new perspectives on his play ‘Arcadia’ which I study with our Year 12 Literature students’.
Dystopian Literature Lectures @ Senate House London
Hosted in the building that gave inspiration to George Orwell’s Ministry of Truth (in the seminal novel 1984), this day will encourage and inspire you to introduce the dystopian genre across the key stages and become more familiar with key texts.
It will provide a unit of work at KS3 which encourages independent reading and builds in the possibility of group presentations. It will suggest opportunities to add options in the extended literary study at KS5.
This Saturday, May 18th, Helsby High’s U13 basketball team were crowned Dynamik England Basketball National Schools Champions after two convincing wins at the Final Fours held in Nottingham.
In the semi-final the team faced the South region champions Holy Trinity (Sussex). They quickly took control of the game, taking a 39-20 lead into half time. The lead was extended to 56-31 by the end of the third quarter with the game finishing 66-41 as some of the starters were given the opportunity to rest in the final minutes with the win secured. Captain Louis Mackay led all scorers with 31 points.
The win set up a final against Great Baddow (Essex) who had won a close fought semi-final by just three points against Lampton School (London). Playing with great confidence following their semi-final win Helsby raced out to an 18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. They then stepped the intensity up even further winning the second quarter 23-5 which gave them a 41-13 lead at half-time.
The lead was further extended to 60-19 at the end of the third quarter. This then gave them the opportunity to rest the starting five for the majority of the final quarter. The game finished with Helsby winning 69-36 to claim their fifth National Championship. Louis Mackay followed up his semi-final performance with an astonishing 47 point contribution which deservedly earned him the Most Valuable Player award.
On the same day Helsby’s U16s also played in the championships. With only six fit players the team started well in their semi-final against St Bonaventures (London) however fatigue became a factor with the team eventually losing 78-60. In the 3rd/4th play-off the team faced St Benedicts (Derby) to whom they eventually lost a close game 67-62 to finish as the fourth placed team in the country.
“The U13 team deserve huge credit for their performances at the finals and throughout the season. The whole team has developed impressively throughout the season and it’s pleasing to see all their hard work and sacrifice in training paying off with a National Championship. Credit also to the U16s who despite having such a small squad and injury problems all season have for the second year running reached the Final Fours.”
Paul Park, Head of Physical Education, Head Basketball Coach
Schools have been allocated a sum of money to help young people who face financial hardship to stay in full-time education. The scheme is targeted at the 16-19 age group and is called the Bursary Fund. It replaces the old EMA scheme.
The Bursary Fund could help students with any education-related costs that may arise during the school year, including essentials like a meal during the day or transport to school. Or students might need extra help to buy books, clothing or equipment for their course, or pay for educational visits.
Eligibility is based on the vulnerability and/or household income of the student.
These payments are spread across the school year, with each amount being calculated according to attendance and progress criteria. To apply, please collect a Bursary Application Form from the Sixth Form’s Admin Office.
Last weekend saw three Helsby Orienteers running in the Y7/8 category at the Cheshire and Merseyside schools league relays. These were held at Marbury Park in Northwich.
In this adventure sport you have to run to a number of locations marked on a map. Controls must be visited in a stated order but you decide yourself which way to go. Decisions can be hard to make whilst you are running, and the shortest route is not always the fastest.
Orienteering relays are similar to a running relay race except that you don’t know where your team member is until they (hopefully) appear at the last control and run to tag you.
Dan ran first leg on the 1.6km course and managed to open out over a minute lead on our main rivals from Fallibroome. Ed produced one of his best ever runs at second leg to maintain Helsbys position. Ben had another strong run to secure the win for Helsby!
First place prizes were also awarded to Evelyn in Year 9, Helen in Year 13 and Dan in Year 8 for results in the Cheshire and Merseyside schools league events last winter.
Dear Parents/Carers
As Year 11 students start their GCSE examinations the school wishes to thank you for all your help and support during the last five years. The students have displayed many positive qualities of which they, and you, should be rightly proud. For our part we are looking forward to welcoming many of them back into the Sixth Form in September.
I would like to bring some key dates and events to your attention that will help to ensure your sons/daughters have the information they need to celebrate the end of Key Stage 4 and make appropriate plans for the future.
The final examination for Year 11 this year falls on Thursday 20 June. Most students in the year will take a mathematics examination in the morning and following that the school will arrange a final Year 11 assembly in the Main Hall that will run from approximately 10.45am until 11.30 am. In this assembly there will be an opportunity for awards to be presented and yearbooks and hooded tops to be distributed. At 11.30am all Year 11 students will need to leave the school site quietly. If any student is unable to make their way home at this time of day the school will make arrangements to supervise them until the arrival of the buses at 3.05pm on receipt of a parental request to do so.
The main celebration for Year 11 will take place on the evening of Tuesday 25 June at Thornton Manor. The ‘Prom’ has been arranged by a very hard working student committee and we hope that the vast majority of Year 11 students will be able to attend what promises to be a very enjoyable event.
Together these two events will provide every student with an opportunity to celebrate this mile stone with their peers and their teachers as they look forward and plan for the future. What Year 11 students need to avoid is becoming involved in any unofficial ’celebrations’ planned in school, that might involve fancy dress, water guns, horns and klaxons or any other activities that could lead to the disruption of lessons. As well as GCSE examinations the school has students sitting crucial A Level and other public examinations and in the past these have been disturbed by the actions of a thoughtless minority. It is very important that in celebrating no student disturbs the learning of others and the support of parents in ensuring this is invaluable and will help avoid the situation where we have to consider withdrawing a place at the ‘Prom’.
For those students who are planning to stay on into the Sixth Form at school there are a few more dates for the diary. The Year 11 into Sixth Form morning is scheduled for the morning of Friday 28 June starting in the Main Hall at 9.30 am. During the morning the Sixth Form Students and Staff will host a series of activities about the Sixth Form at Helsby High School. GCSE results day this year is
Thursday 22 August and results will be available for collection in school from 9.00am in the Break Out space. In the results envelope will be details of the registration process for the Sixth Form. Registration is open to all students who have the entry grades and will take place on the first day for the Sixth Form which will be Monday 2 September.
The current Year 11 group has been a hugely positive and enterprising year group as shown by their plans for the first ever Prom at Thornton Manor. The school hopes to oversee an appropriate joyful celebration of the five years the students have spent in school and the support of parents in achieving this is greatly valued.
Yours sincerely
S Capstick
Deputy Headteacher
Attachment: Key Dates and Events 2013 (PDF Document)
