Spring 2 2022 - The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School
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Spring 2 2022
Always Faithful with Christ
As the COVID restrictions have been relaxed, we have increased the number of
opportunities for students to engage in extra-curricular activities. This has
included; many sports fixtures in an increasing range of sports not previously
provided by Bishops, where students have excelled in their performances, a really
well supported mock interviews event for year 10 students, a full musical production
of the 'Wedding Singer' performed to three sell out audiences, our mathematicians
making great achievements in the 'Maths Challenge' held at Lucton School and
last week the Spring Term Concert showcasing the amazing abilities of our students.
We recently were able to hold our Presentation evening to Year S, last years, year
11 leavers, following its postponement because of COVID restrictions. It was a
wonderful evening for Year S to be together for a final time. The Vice Chair of
Governors, Mr John Nicol started the evening and also ably took the place of the
guest speaker, who was unable to attend after testing positive for COVID. It was a
really well attended evening and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Year S.
We recently hosted the Bluecoat Trusts Spring meeting in March, which included a
tour of the school to show the Trust how we have spent the money from our
successful bids during the two years of the pandemic. This involved meeting staff
and students to discuss how the bids have positively impacted on Teaching &
Learning and enhancing the Christian character of our school. We were also
successful in one of our bids from the Modern Foreign Languages team to develop
multi-nationalism and are greatly appreciative to the Bluecoat Trust for supporting
this.
As part of our continuing program of school improvement, even with the continuing
challenges from COVID we have made great progress. Our School Improvement
Partner Nicky Walters has completed Curriculum reviews in English and Science,
both of which have shown strong evidence of positive impact on learning.
Feedback from the review in English included; "All lessons visited demonstrated very
effective planning, addressing students’ needs, creative thinking in the way those
lessons were delivered and full engagement of students in their learning". The
funding received from the government for both the National Tutoring Program and
School led Tutoring has been implemented in full with over a hundred students
participating in the support provided and making good progress. Both the recent
White paper, 'Opportunities for all' and the Green Paper reviewing SEND were
recently published. Once we have fully considered the contents of the paper, I will
update you with the school's responses to it.
1
To support students in achieving their best, we are planning a whole school literacy
strategy. This will focus on students learning the correct terminology for all subjects
and being able to use them confidently in the right context. There will also be a
focus in classroom displays of key subject vocabulary.
To personalise the literacy strategy, each student will be given a specific literacy
target set by their English teacher to develop in their subjects. As part of students
feedback regular, subject teachers will then update students in the progress they
are making with their literacy target.
As speech and literacy improves with practice, we would like to encourage you to
discuss this with your child to improve their frequency of use for key words to
increase their range of vocabulary. As you know we encourage students to read for
pleasure and use the accelerated reader programme in school to promote this. It is
important that students in all year groups continue to read regularly at home. We
appreciate your support with this.
The introduction of Headteacher Awards has continued to be very positive by
recognising the extraordinary achievements of some students both in and out of
school, ranging from raising money for different charities in their own time, being
carers for family members, making great progress in the face of adversity or
representing the school or county in sport. Since September 2021, a total of 17
Headteacher Awards have now been presented across all Houses. It is a great
privilege for me to recognise students for their achievements with this award. Please
let your child's Head of House know if they have been involved with or achieved
something special either with an achievement or in our community.
Please have a safe and restful Easter break and thank you for all of your continuing
support,
Yours sincerely,
Martin Henton
Headteacher
2
Uniform Expectations
We are very proud of our uniform and the smartness of our students but we
need to ensure that every student is wearing the correct items of uniform
when we return to school.
General Uniform
Blazer badge: Gold and blue on maroon background
Blazer: Navy blue-plain. Sleeves should NOT be rolled up.
Pullover V-necked navy blue pullover, may be worn under a blazer, pullovers
with motifs should not be worn, and the pullover should not have buttons or
emblems of any type.
Tie: Maroon and gold striped. The knot should be pulled up to the top of the
collar and must be kept smart and tidy. When tied there should be 6/7
maroon stripes visible. It is acceptable to use a clip on tie.
Shoes: Black (no colour visible on the outside including the sole), smart, safe
and sensible (with a heel not exceeding 2 inches). Trainers and canvas shoes
should not be worn – shoes should be polishable. There should be no sports
brands identified on the outside of the shoe.
Hair
Hair should be neat and tidy and not be of an extreme fashion in style and
colour. If colour is applied to hair, then it should conform to natural hair
colours and should be one colour. Students with long hair should tie it back
during particular lessons for safety reasons. All beards should be trimmed and
neat in appearance. Hair will be cut no shorter than a grade four.
Jewellery
Only one small pair of gold or silver earrings of the stud kind can be worn in
the lower lobe of either ear. This means that rings, bracelets, necklaces and
any other facial piercings are not allowed. This includes piercings on any
other part of the ear, nose, lip, tongue or eyebrow. There should be no visible
use of make-up. Nails should be natural in colour with no nail varnish. False
nails or acrylics are not allowed, there are no exceptions to this. Only badges
provided by the school can be worn with the exception of poppies for
remembrance.
3
Uniform Expectations
Girls
Skirt/Trousers: Regulation navy blue knee length school skirt with BHBS logo or
navy trousers conforming to school design – any alternatives are not
acceptable (regulation school skirts are available from the school shop). Skirts
should not be rolled up. The bottom of the skirt should be as close to the top
of the knee as possible.
Blouse: Pale blue, worn tucked in at the waist. The top button should be done
up, so please make sure that the neck size is appropriate.
Socks: Dark socks (ankle or knee length) or tights. No coloured patterns visible
when shoes are worn and no trainer socks.
Boys
Trousers: Black or dark grey (smart, not casual – not jeans, cords, denims)
Shirt: Pale blue, worn tucked in at the waist. The top button should be done
up, so please make sure that the neck size is appropriate.
Socks: Dark socks. No coloured patterns visible when shoes are worn.
Warm coats and scarves can be worn outside at break and lunch but should
not be worn inside the buildings.
Hoodies can’t be worn on the school site, unless it is a PE hoody for a PE
lesson.
Tailored unisex shorts are also available which have the school logo. No other
designs will be acceptable.
4
Term Dates 2020/21 -
2021/22
Autumn Term 2021
Monday 6th September 2021 - Friday 17th December 2021
Half Term Monday 25th October - Friday 29th October 2021
Inset Days Thursday 2nd September 2021, Friday 3rd September 2021
& Monday 1st November 2021
Spring Term 2022
Tuesday 4th January 2022 - Thursday 7th April 2022
Half Term Monday 21st February 2022 - Friday 25th February 2022
Inset Days Friday 18th February 2022 & Friday 8th April 2022
Summer Term 2022
Monday 25th April 2022 - Thursday 21st July 2022
Half Term Monday 30th May 2022 - Friday 3rd June 2022
5
Technology
An exciting new club has now started in Design & Technology, which is only open to
our Year 7 students. ‘Bright Sparks’ is a club looking at technology and the use of
electronics, this gives students the opportunity to learn to solder, creating basic cir-
cuits and circuit boards to make a fantastic illuminating light. Students will also be
working with Computer Aided Design or CAD, using a programme called TechSoft
2D Design, which is free to school students. Students will also be using our laser cutter
as well, which something that they don’t get the opportunity to use until later in KS3.
We look forward to showing more ideas once we get further into the project.
6
Maths & Computing
Maths Feast
This half-term, eight of our students from Year 10 went to Lucton School to take part
in the Maths Feast – a team competition against other outstanding
Mathematicians. They put in a great performance, with our 2 teams finishing in 2nd
and 3rd spots, just pipped by a team from a Worcestershire school.
Our students were Richard, Caitlin, Owen, Ava, Theo, Teodor, Scarlett and
Natasha.
One of the teams can be seen below, deep in thought!
7
Maths & Computing
As well as using their mathematical skills and understanding, our students had to
work as a team; this was a great experience and they coped really well.
8
Maths & Computing
Competition for Year 7 students
Our Year 7 students were challenged to design their own mathematical board
game, we had some fantastic entries, some of which are shown below:
It was a very close decision, but our winning entry was by Riya. Our runners-up
were Edward, Rowan, Finley and Zara. Well-done to all entrants!
9
Maths & Computing
Computing
Last half-term, some of our Year 8 students were designing graphics using Inkscape.
One of their challenges was to design a racing car. A few of their designs can be
seen below:
They used a variety of techniques to
create their designs.
10English—Year 7
Following an exciting introduction to Shakespeare last half term, our Y7 cohort are
now exploring vibrant and diverse poems from across the world in our Cultural
Poetry scheme of work. We are focusing on discussing topical issues; debating the
unique opportunities that we, as writers, have to express our ideas and beliefs. From
the powerful simplicity of ‘Blackout Poetry’, to the more complex narrative styles
adopted by poets, we are honing our analysis skills and developing our ability to
explore the difference between literal and metaphorical meaning.
7EnSh students created some beautiful blackout poetry to begin their study of
Cultural Poetry. Here are some examples from Hannah, Lucas, Fynn, Eli, and Liam.
11English—Year 8
Our Year 8 students have continued with their studies of Shakespeare’s timeless
classic, Romeo and Juliet. Students have explored the inner workings of medieval
theatre; considering how it would have felt to watch plays in the Globe Theatre.
The focus has shifted this term: from a more analytical approach, to development
of creative writing skills. Famous for his masterful use of metaphor, Shakespeare
provides a wonderful ‘bench-mark’ for us to aspire towards in our own writing,
and we have been using some of the exciting scenes and ideas within his works
to inspire our own creative responses.
7EnSh and 8EnSa created some mini Globe theatres as part of their
Shakespearean studies!
12English - Year 9
We have entered the weird and wonderful genre of dystopian fiction with Year 9;
exploring the various features used by writers to craft their dystopias. Students
have enjoyed traversing the warped dystopian worlds of Z For Zachariah, 1984,
The Hunger Games, and The Handmaid’s Tale (to name but a few). There have
been some particularly valuable conversations that compare and contrast our
current affairs with the ones depicted in literature. The skills focus this term is on
analysis as we explore writer’s craft and apply our previous knowledge of analysis
writing to a new genre.
(Dylan – Y9 Dystopian Writing)
13English - Year 10
It has been a wonderful term for our Year 10 cohort who have proactively and en-
thusiastically thrown themselves into their latest GCSE set text, Shakespeare’s Mac-
beth. They have performed, staged, and annotated with confidence and maturity;
working towards producing perceptive and insightful analysis responses. It has
been a pleasure to watch them apply skills gained during KS3 as they encounter
the considerable ‘step-up’ to KS4.
10EnMe recreated Macbeth’s banquet scene in Room 16 of Bishop’s! The wine
(red and white grape juice) flowed and we feasted on some traditional Jacobe-
14English - Year 11
As we fast approach the Summer Term, and with it, Exam Season, our Year 11
students have been focused intensely on revision. We have been hugely im-
pressed with their dedication and tenacity as they apply the skills acquired
through Learning to Learn sessions whilst students at Bishops. It has been particu-
larly inspiring to engage in discussions that access a more conceptual dimension
as our young people further explore writer’s intentions and begin to aspire to-
wards college and sixth form.
(Y11 Essays below)
15English—Year 11
(Y11 Collaborative planning below)
16Science
Throughout February and March, Science club have been busy getting their
investigative heads on. Ms Hallam has been utilising her forensic Science
background to give the students a masterclass in all types of crime scene
investigating and the students have had the chance to try the techniques for
themselves.
So far in their forensics course the students have studied fingerprints – including how
to properly dust for fingerprints, taken plaster casts of footprints, studied wear
patterns on the base of shoes and are especially looking forward to blood analysis,
blood spatter analysis and DNA extraction.
The photographs show some of the students making plaster casts of footprints for
analysis.
17Science
STEM & Medicine Summer Experiences:
Ages 12-18
We have partnered with world-class professionals across 10 STEMrelated industries to
create the most immersive and exclusive work experience activities that school stu-
dents can find this summer.
Brand new for 2022: watch a real-life surgery taking place; explore an aeroplane be-
ing converted into a refuelling hybrid jet; work with
psychologists on a mental health ward; analyse fingerprints and blood splatter on a
crime scene. And much more!
Our Medicine and Engineering experiences are already over 70% full so students
should register as soon as possible.
18Science
View & Register: Ages 15-18 View & Register: Ages 12-14
19Science
KS3 Science Careers Poster Competition
We, in the Science Faculty, were amazed with the huge numbers of entries for Sci-
ence Careers Poster Challenge!
The level of detail, their originality in choosing a Science related careers and effort
that the students put in to this was very impressive.
After much deliberation amongst the Science team and after some difficult deci-
sions we are delighted to announce the winners.
For excellent detail including lots of interesting facts: Tia - Hairdressing
For superb originality in design: Alfie - Astrobiology
For effort and detail in presentation: Millie - Volcanologist
These students will be rewarded with 20 House points and a Fun Fly Stick
The following students are Commended for their efforts:
Zara - Marine Biology
Amelia - Fishery officer
Chelsea - Pharmacist
Bea - Architecture
Archie - Toxicologist
Griff - Agronomist
Lucy - Perfumer
Millie - Midwife
These students will all receive 10 house points for their efforts.
We'd like to thank the students for the time and effort that they put in to their work
and hope that the activity has inspired some of our young people into future Sci-
ence related careers.
For students who are interested in broadening their knowledge of science careers
then take a look at the website below.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers
20Science
21Science
Science Careers - Science Buddies
Want to know more about careers in science? Browse
through detailed information on dozens of careers to
discover what scientists, engineers, and other STEM
professionals really do and what it takes to prepare
for these careers.
KS4 Science
As year 11 prepare themselves for their GCSE exams we have provided a range of
supporting resources.
These are available in the l: Drive and include:
Revision Trackers
Core Practical Guides
Pat exam papers
Topic quizzes
Students will need to check that the content that they are revising appears as As-
sessed Content as is indicated in the Advance Information document that is availa-
ble for students on the SIMS App and has been previously emailed to them.
22Year 7 Henry VIII
7Tr have been looking at the reasons why Henry VIII changed the church and his
decision over whether or not to close down the monasteries. The group took part in
a research exercise followed by a role play. Here are some of the group conducting
the role play.
2324
Digimap for Schools
All students have access to ‘Digimap for Schools’, which provides UK Ordnance
Survey and world street level mapping. We encourage students to use it for school
and leisure purposes. The password is available from the Humanities staff. https://
digimapforschools.edina.ac.uk/
Reflective Revision
Year 11 have demonstrated some excellent examples of
Reflective Revision as they prepare for their mock
examinations. More detail and further examples can be
seen on our Instagram @bishopshums
2526
Physical Education
Netball
Olivia, Nikaletta, Jess, Gracie, Judy, Molle, Darcey, Siana, Elenoa, Urte, Esme,
Eva, Poppy, Sade, Lily, Evelyn, Ava, Daisy, Ella
U12 netball tournament
We are in a fantastic position of having 4 netball teams in year 7-testiment to the talent and
commitment of our pupils. We recently entered multiple teams in a tournament with a focus on
enjoyment and giving those interested in netball an opportunity to play. England Netball ran
the tournament at Earl Mortimer college with young leaders from HSFC Netball Academy
assisting. It was great to be back out competing in a tournament and the girls were great
competitors. There was lots of great teamwork and some excellent netball skills on display.
Comments were made about how well our girls conducted themselves and how smart they all
looked. Each team got lots of game play and we had some great wins.
27Physical Education
Gabby/Annie/Caitlin/Maddie/Emily/Poppy/Ellla /Amber
The U15 netball team competed in their county tournament winning against
Aylestone (5-0) and John Kyrle (6-3). They faced stronger competition against both
The Cathedral and Lucton schools, finishing 3rd in their group. Well done girls!
Kiah/Freya/Lois/Ella/Millie/Honey/Willow/Phoebe
The U12 netball team enjoyed their first county tournament, leaving with 3 wins, 1
draw and 1 loss under their belts resulting in 6th place overall. The girls have shown
fantastic enthusiasm and commitment to training this year and we know they will
come back with even more determination next year.
28Physical Education
Rugby
Rugby fixtures have been continuing as usual. The Year 11s have played South
Bromsgrove (48-19 win) and Sir Thomas Richards (14-8 loss) since the Christmas
break. Year 7s have played Bristol QEH (A team lost 4-0, B team lost 3-1) and
Monmouth (A team lost 6-4, B team drew 4-4). Year 8s have played Sir Thomas
Richards (lost 10-0) and Monmouth (lost 8-0).
Going from left to right. Ben, Ryan, Griff, Ravi, Alfie, Josh, Jeremiah , Will, Ellis-Jay,
Lewis, Harry, Caden.
The year 7 boys had a great day out and learnt a lot at the Monmouth School
invitational Rugby 7's tournament. We lost in the plate semi final but it was a
fantastic effort from all of them considering they have never played 7's rugby
before.
This group of boys also won the County 7's tournament, on countback of tries after
a hard fought 3-3 draw with The Hereford Cathedral School. James replaced Lewis
who was injured.
29Physical Education
Pictured are Charlie, Alex, Jack, Dan, Jacob, Henry, Oli , Will, Lennon, Oli and
Adam. Not pictured James.
The year 10 rugby team did exceptionally well to win the County 7's having only
had 3 training sessions. All of the boys played well but there were some stand out
performances on the day from Henry, Charlie and Adam all of whom scored a hat
full of tries between them and Alex for his ferocious and tireless defensive work, but
the stand player of the day was Captain Will, whose game management proved
to be the difference between the Bishops boys and the rest.
Pictured are Tom (injured), Joe , Archie, Henry, Connor, Ben, Barty (injured) Mr J
Escott (coach), Zac, Freddie, Will, Joel, Ted, Jacob and Owen (Captain).
30Physical Education
The year 11 rugby team, like the year 10 team did an amazing job to win the
County 7's tournament, even after losing two talismanic players in Tom and Captain
Barty . This meant that the year 10 captain, Will, and vice-captain, Henry had to
step up to the year 11 team at short notice.
The boys won their first game against John Masefield in a hard-fought game by just
10 points. They then played a very good side from Kingstone and needed the
scrummaging expertise of Joe to set up a last play of the match wining try.
They then convincingly beat Lucton to set up a final, and rematch with Kingstone.
This time round the Bishops boys played exceptionally well n their execution of the
ball. They ran out 35-7 winners. The whole team played some wonderful rugby and
all played their part in winning the county 7s title. Stand out performers were Ben,
Joe, Owen and Archie.
Football
Football?! Yes – football! Residents living close to the school have expressed their
surprise at seeing football posts on the school field – but the students at Bishops
have been enjoying football in lessons and also against other schools.
Year 7 Boys 0 v St Marys 6
Year 7 Boys 2 v Aylestone 1
Year 8 Boys 3 v John Masefield High School 1
Year 8 Boys 8 v Aylestone 0
Year 8 Boys 2 v St Marys 0
Year 9 Boys 3 v The Hereford Academy 2
Year 9 Boys 1 v John Masefield High School 3
Year 9 Boys 1 v Aylestone 2
Year 10 Boys 1 v John Masefield High School 3
Year 10 Boys 6 v Aylestone 0
Year 11 Boys 3 v John Masefield High School 1
Year 11 Boys 5 v Aylestone 1
Year 11 Boys 0 v St Marys 0
Bishops invitiational football
Mr Panniers, our trainee teacher organised the inaugural Bishops invitiational at
Pegasus FC.
This was a tournament for year 7 and 8 boys and girls from Herefordshire. This was
well attended with over 300 pupils from across the county, it was also led and
officiated by our students. This will be an annual event and we look forward to
facilitating more whole county events in the future.
31Physical Education
Bella/Mylie/Grace/Alexa/Evie/Jemima / Kiah/Amelia
32Physical Education
On the 30th March we held an interschool football tournament at Pegasus FC. We
hosted both a Boy’s and Girl’s tournament for Years 7 and 8. We coached the Year
7/8 girls football teams and they did very well, bringing the title of both 1st and 2nd
place. We began coaching at school in support of the #LetGirlsPlay campaign by
the FA as we want girls to have the same opportunities to play football as boys. The
girls have worked very hard over the last few months that we have been running
the club and we have seen massive improvement from all who participate, their
confidence in themselves and their teammates has grown superbly. The effort
shown from the girls in this tournament amazed us and we really enjoy coaching
them! We are excited to see what they bring to us in the future, well done! Ava and
Emily.
Ava is named ‘Barclays Game Changer’
We are proud to announce that Ava (Year 10) have been selected to be a ‘game
changer’.
As part of the broader #LetGirlsPlay campaign, Barclays Bank Is working together
with the FA to put together a team of girls aged 12-16 who are passionate about
women’s and girls’ football. Known as Barclays Game Changers, a team of up to
300 young ambassadors across England will be formed who believe that all girls
should have the same opportunities to play football at school as boys do. Using
their passion for equal access – which may be based on their own footballing
journey – the Barclays Game Changers to help inspire, engage and empower other
girls, as well as parents, teachers and key decision makers, to want to make a
positive change for girls’ football.
Well done Ava!!
Inter house
Inter house football took place during the last week of term with both boys and girls
playing football. It was fantastic to see so many studnets participating and
representing their houses. Winners to be announced during assemblies.
33Physical Education
Table Tennis
On Tuesday 1st February Bishops hosted Kingstone in an inaugural inter-school
competition for the county. Bishops had nine players and played against every
member of the Kingstone team. The final score was 63-4 to Bishops. There were
many outstanding performances, but Ali was voted the player of the competition.
Kickboxing
During the holidays I went to my first verve kickboxing competition in Kidderminster
in 3 years my first time as a black belt. I was in the 14-16 year old category, I had
two fights winning both. In the first I won 13-6 and the final 13-2, I took home the
gold and retained my championship im looking forward to the next competitions
coming up. Ellie.
Rowing (Coxswain)
On Wednesday 16 march 2022 there was a race called the junior sculling head,
which was a located on the Eton Dorney lake, (Olympic lake) it was a race over
3600m in total and was to determine whether you qualify next round of the
competition which takes place in Nottingham where we will be competing for
Hereford RC, within the sculling head we came 3rd out of 60 other crews, it is a
really exciting time for Maisey.
34Physical Education
Basketball
As the county champions, the Bishops KS3 team faced off against Blessed Edwards
who are the current Worcestershire champions. The result was 51-31 to Blessed
Edwards. Top scorer for Bishops was Bodhi. Coach Chris Smith was pleased with the
performance, especially the way in which Bishops kept pace with a very athletic
team.
Dance Initiative
Thanks to a successful grant application the has been able to bring in dance
specialists into school for lessons and extra-curricular clubs. This project is being
administered by Stride Active and funded from the Government’s Covid-19
Outbreak Management Funds grant as part of Herefordshire Council’s Covid-19
recovery plan, supporting economic recovery and improving wellbeing in
Herefordshire.
We have utilised the services of Laura Gale dance company to facilitate lessons in
commercial, contemporary, musical theatre and street dance for boys and girls in
all years. Each lesson students are learning new dance moves and enjoying
choreographing their own dances with the help of the dance instructors.
35Creative Arts
36Creative Arts
Creative Arts has had productive half term!
Art
As we draw to the close of another term of GCSE Art deadlines (Monday
25th April in case you’ve forgotten year 11s), the school show (did you see
the size of the mobile phone?) and general creativity chaos, it is time to
learn from the artist Edward Hopper who said, “If I could say it in words
there would be no reason to paint”. So without a witty link or less than
subtle pun, we’ll let some of this terms work speak for itself.
Year 10
37Creative Arts
Year 9
38Creative Arts
Year 8
39Creative Arts
Year 7
40Creative Arts
In Drama our year 11s have performed their devised pieces for friends and
family over the course of two evenings. This GCSE work requires students to
create and develop theatrical work from self-selected stimulus, this component
representing 40% of the GCSE Drama course. This year topics included myths
and legends, the seven deadly sins and the work of performance artist Marine
Abramovic amongst many others.
The students tackled the challenging material with imagination and ambition.
As well as writing the scripts, directing and rehearsing the material themselves,
the students also have responsibility for the costume, scenery, music selection
and lighting. It is a lot of planning, logistics and effort for the students and we
are very pleased with their efforts.
In years 8 and 9 students have been working on Romeo and Juliet and Dennis
Kelly’s DNA. The former is part of the school’s increasing efforts to develop links
between different departments and the latter is set as an example to the stu-
dents of what work happens in Key Stage 4, as the play was originally written as
a GCSE set work.
Over in Music we’ve continued to push our busy extra-curricular schedule. Firstly
we had numerous students and ensembles compete at the Herefordshire Per-
forming Arts Festival. Performing at several venues around the city competing
against schools from across the county notable results included our clarinet en-
semble winning their class (against our sax choir!), Esme winning her piano class,
Camron winning the Grade V category and the violin quartet also winning their
class. The adjudicators all commented on the musicality, presentation and dis-
cipline of our musicians. The music department would like to thank the parents
of the participants who gave up their weekends so our students could com-
pete.
The major event for our collective department was our production of The Wed-
ding Singer- A musical comedy. A team of over 50 students and staff put on 3
evening performances and one morning performance for 90 primary school
students from Hampton Dene and St Paul’s. Based on the Adam Sandler film set
in the mid 80s, our cast and crew delivered fantastic performances full of hu-
mour, character and fluency to packed houses each night. The staff team
could not of been prouder of how the students involved handled the workload
of a full scale production, all attending multiple rehearsals a week. Students as-
sumed responsibility for numerous jobs-
41Creative Arts
Make-up
Props
Sound
Lighting
Stage Management
Costume (alongside the exceptionally talented Mrs Hatt)
Scenery
Special mention must be given to Luke and Poppy for choreographing the
majority of the show themselves and to the band, with the majority of parts
being covered by students.
It was a real privilege working with these students- the sense of comradery and
accomplishment at the end of the run was wonderful, especially when they
all spontaneously signed each others spoof award certificates- we were
enormously proud of them.
42Welcome to the Languages
Department at Bishop’s!
The Languages Team were delighted to go to Hereford Cathedral School to at-
tend their Languages no Limits careers event on 24 th March. A number of our stu-
dents from years 9-11 attended and students began with an hour of language tast-
er sessions - Arabic, Afrikaans, Russian, German and Italian. After refreshments, the
audience then listened to a range of speakers, telling their stories of where lan-
guages had taken them. From a former student talking about her year as an au
pair in France, to a former Johnson and Johnson executive outlining his career with
the company and a diplomat who worked for the FCO and learnt Arabic as part
of her job, leading to numerous stints in and trips in the Middle East, the speakers
inspired is all with tales of how they had learnt, developed and used their lan-
guages to progress their career and to open up opportunities.
43Languages Year 7
Our year 7 students have been writing about their pets and other animals. Here
is a selection of work, including pieces from Evelina (the most amazing hand-
painted cat), Abi and Fola.
44Languages Year 9
In year 9 French, students have been discussing schools and looking at the dif-
ferences between the systems in French-speaking countries and in the UK. Stu-
dents designed some meals for the canteen, based on this module.
Here is something I have done with my Yr9Fr Bo, when we talking about food
and lunchtimes in British schools and French speaking countries schools.
They designed their ideal meals at school.
45Languages
Following 'Internation Francophonie Day' on 20th March, students were invited to
research and find something about a French-speaking country which their teach-
er doesn't already know. We now know a lot more!
Here are some examples of the information students presented us with!
Our year 11 students have their speaking examinations the first week after the holi-
days. We wish them lots of luck with these (although they don't need luck - they
have worked hard and are ready for this).
46Languages
Tyler Gallagher, in year 8, presented us with so many facts, some which we did
know but a lot of new information. Here is an extract of his research and a well
done and thank you for taking part to all the students who presented us with
facts.
In the Languages Challenge Club, one of our year 9 students has been working
on a questionnaire for local businesses about how they value and need lan-
guages. If you are involved in a local business, would you be prepared to answer
the survey questions? Please contact rmetcalfe@bhbs.hereford.sch.uk if you are
willing to help with our research.
47Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Year 7 have evaluated why people are good and bad. They have spent the term
evaluating the idea that humans are flawed and in need of salvation.
Year 8 have been considering the merits of rebel behaviour linked with social justice
and change. They should now be able to tell you what they think and give
examples of people who have used rebel type behaviour to bring about positive
change.
Year 9 have nearly completed their Christian Beliefs and what living a Christian life
means for different followers unit. Year 10 have continued on the carousel learning
and are just starting their fourth part of the carousel. They are exploring Peace and
Conflict, Relationships and Family, Muslim beliefs and Mindfulness.
The Year 10 option group have been evaluating Religious beliefs around issues of
life and death. In one lesson they completed some research on Euthanasia case
studies and expressed their own views and opinions about whether or not we
should have the right to end a life. Year 11 have just started their revision carousel
helping them to prepare for their exam in May. Thank you to all parents and carers
who have followed the Religious Studies team on Twitter. If you haven’t yet done
this you can find us by using @bhbsrs.
48Skills For Life
Skills for Life
Year 7 are progressing through their Equality and Diversity unit of work, they have
explored the Equality Act and how they can support people who face prejudice.
For advice about how to support your child with learning about diversity please
look at:
https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/encouraging-children-to-value-
diversity
Year 8 are completing their unit on safety where they learnt more about the
dangers associated with alcohol, smoking and vaping. They will also learnt more
about gang culture, knife crime and County lines. For more information about
County Lines and what to watch out for as a parent:
https://www.safe4me.co.uk/portfolio/child-criminal-exploitation-county-lines/
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-abuse-and-neglect/county-lines
Year 9 have been exploring rights and responsibilities. They have been learning how
decisions are made, what democracy is, how political parties are formed and the
importance of voting.
49Anti-bullying Ambassadors
Anti-bullying Ambassadors
Our Anti Bullying Ambassadors have been reviewing their progress since they
started in 2018. They have been applying for badges to recognise some of the work
they have been doing. The website review has been completed and they will be
putting the actions in place at the start of the Summer term. The key message
behind the work of the students is #bettertogether.
For free, safe and anonymous support for mental health students can access:
https://www.kooth.com/
For parent support and advice:
https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/news/mental-health-support-for-parents-2825/
Police Youth IAG
We are very proud to be working with PCSO Ali and her work in the development of
a Youth IAG. They have been formed to encourage young people to have their
say on how we can improve the quality of the service we deliver and to improve
trust and confidence in our younger communities.
The group will be able to advice on issues that affect young people and for their
thoughts on our plans and policies that might impact on the younger generation.
Essentially it gives members the opportunity to make a difference to how their
community is policed.
Here are a few areas they will be exploring:
1. What they think of Policing in Herefordshire
2. What they want from their local Police Force?
3. How can we make policing a more attractive career?
4. Violence against women & girls
50In room 59 (nextdoor to Mrs Barker) every Tuesday
51Sickness
Sickness Bugs
It is our school policy that in order to prevent the spread of sickness
bugs, students should remain at home until they have been clear
of ALL symptoms for 48 hours.
School Shop
To place an order with the school shop please click here or email
schoolshop@bhbs.hereford.sch.uk. Mrs Luk will contact you directly to arrange collection.
Should your son or daughter require a lift key for medical
reasons, we require a letter confirming the reason why and a
£10 deposit which will be refunded when the key is returned.
We have been asked by local residents to ensure parents/carers do not park
across driveways when dropping off or collecting students.
52We respectfully request that parents/carers refrain from driving on the school site
at the start (8.15am - 9.00am) and end of the school day (2.45pm - 3.20pm). Too
many vehicles on site causes congestion and increases the chance of an
accident, with so many students either entering or leaving the buildings.
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