Pupils completed their complement of workshops with a dramatic re-enactment of the ship's journey timed to music and a voice over. They were able to demonstrate many emotions of the event through mime and body language and showed great maturity in presenting their work. A number of Shevington High School, Year 8 pupils ably supported the workshops showing great ability to work with younger pupils and support the smooth running of the day as a whole.

The day ended with a celebration of all things Titanic as parents, staff and pupils joined together to present some of the work from the day.  An overwhelming number of pupils wanted to share their work and did so brilliantly well with the ship as a backdrop whilst parents enjoyed afternoon tea in the ship’s lounge. 

March 1st, 2012

SHS Ski Trip 2012! - Pictures

During February half term (18th-26th), pupils from year 10 and 11 travelled to Courmayeur in the Italian Alps to take part in various winter sports activities, including skiing and snowboarding. Our pupils had a fantastic time, experiencing different cultures, developing new skills and gaining new friendships. All of our pupils were fantastic ambassadors for the school, showing a mature and sensible manner. All members of staff who accompnied the pupils would like to congratulate them on a brilliant week of skiing and snowboarding. Pictures and videos are now on our Facebook page

Shevington High School is now amongst the 100 top performing schools based on sustained improvement over the last 3 years. See the letter from Nick Gibb - here.

Shevington Speakers Shine On!

Youth Speaks Team named winners of 2012 Intermediate District Final

Despite the fact we had to give up our Saturday in half term...the Youth Speaks team, their parents, Terry Hogan of the Rotary Club - and of course, myself - journeyed to the tranquil setting of the Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham, Cheshire, to compete against three other schools for the title of Intermediate District champions 2012.

Once again the level of competition was very, very challenging. The tension was much more palatable than the Leigh Zone Final.

A fourth position in the draw didn't help nerves, as the team had to sit through the other competitiors' presentations, and realise just how tough they were going to be to beat! There were a number of truly outstanding performances and speeches, and we all wondered whether the team could once again rise to the occasion...

Once again, they proved they are a TEAM above all else, giving an outstanding performance, with little or no reliance on notes (which endeared them greatly to a tough and experienced judging panel).

After what seemed like an eternal wait, the individual awards were made first - with Laura Whitter being awarded Best Chairperson, and Ben Foster Best Speaker, in the Intermediate category! Amazing!

Following this, Bury Boys Grammar School were announced as Runners Up...and Shevington High School as the winners of this year's competition!

The team were once again ecstatic. This means ourselves and Bury go through to the Regional final - same venue, Sunday 25th March - when eight Intermediate teams will present...but only ONE will go through to the National final in Wales.

Can we do it?

From what I have seen, I have every reason to believe we can. Shine on, Shevington Speakers!

Mr Lunt
27th February 2012

Ski Trip Information

On Saturday 18th February 2012, 38 of our year 10 and 11 pupils are travelling to the Italian Alps to experience various snow sports activities.

·Pupils will depart school at 1 pm on Saturday 18th February 2012. (Pupils are asked to be at school no later than 15 minutes prior to departure-12:45 pm) 
·Pupils will travel down to Dover, taking an evening ferry to Calais, travelling overnight to our resort, Courmayeur, Italy. 
·Once in the resort, pupils will engage in various snow sport activities, including skiing and snowboarding. 
·On the evening of Saturday 25th February 2012, pupils will begin their journey home, arriving back at school on Sunday 26th February at approximately 2 pm. (Depending upon traffic conditions) – If this time changes, pupils/accompanying teachers will contact parents with an updated time of arrival

Dear Parent/Carer

I have been asked by Mr and Mrs Harris to give you details with regards to Jason’s funeral. 

This will take place on Friday 24 February:

• The service is at 10.45 am
• This will be held at St Anne’s Parish Church, Church Lane, Shevington

The family have said that they are willing to accept flowers or donations.   The donations will be in aid of the intensive care unit of Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital.   If you so wish to send flowers or give a donation please do this via the funeral Directors:

R Banks & Son Funerals Ltd
Halliwell House
758 Ormskirk Road,
Pemberton,
Wigan,
WN5 8BB
Telephone: 01942 222156

During the next half term I will be working with the pupils to decide on a memorial for Jason here in school and will give further details throughout the term. 

I must commend all of our pupils for their thoughtfulness, kindness and empathy for Jason and his family.  They have been absolutely superb. 

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely

Mrs H Mackenzie OBE
Headteacher

---

Youth Speaks Win Again! 02/02/2012

Pictures here

18th January 2012

Pictures click here

BONJOUR PARIS!

On the 16th December 2011, a group of Y9 and 10 pupils set out to the French capital, Paris. After a long journey, we finally arrived at the Château du Romaine just on the border of Paris.

On Saturday, we visited Le Louvre, as well as seeing magnificent sights such as Notre Dame and the Mona Lisa. The pupils got the chance to also speak French when out and about, like ordering food or even just small talk in public places.

On Sunday, pupils and teachers were all excited for the visit to Disneyland Paris! The day was simply fantastic, experiencing the amazing rides and of course meeting the famous Mickey Mouse himself!

I’d just like to give a big thank you to everyone who helped organise and prepare for the trip. The PGL team were so helpful during our time in Paris and I’m sure everyone enjoyed themselves.

Overall, the weekend was incredible! Also, a last thank you to our lovely coach driver Julie who drove us everywhere whilst we were in France. Thank you Julie from Shevington High School! Miss Hames. For pictures click here

Morning as usual

1.55pm Warning bell.

2.00pm Period 5 start's

3.00pm End of the school day.

“Inspiring children to read is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.I'd recommend Readathon to anyone.” Julia Donaldson, Author and Childrens Laureate.

All of Shevington High is taking part! our aim is to raise as much money as possible for these two very worthwhile causes...

Roald Dahl Foundation: 

Specialises in helping children with serious neurological conditions, it provides children's nurses, equipment, carers and toys.

CLIC Sargent: 

Helping children and young people with cancer.

Prizes:

Top Girl and Boy - Terry Pratchett Novel "The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents" 
Top Form - Tin of chocs (for forms with a number of entrants) 
Top Class - Tin of chocs (for those English groups with a number of entrants)

Every entrant will receive a metal pin badge "Readathon 2011" when handing in their cash as a reward for taking part.

Winners to be announced on our website andfacebook.com/shevingtonhigh.

You will be aware from the media that Trade Unions have balloted their members for strike action in response to the proposed changes by the Government to Public Sector pension arrangements which affect the Local Government Pension Scheme and the Teacher’s Pension Scheme.

Due to the number of staff in school that will be taking action next Wednesday I have no option but to close the school to all pupils, however, school will be open for those members of staff who have chosen not to take strike action. 

I do understand the difficulties that this can pose for parents and guardians and to this end please find details below that may alleviate problems.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further clarification.

Yours sincerely

Mrs H Mackenzie OBE

Headteacher

As you’ll no doubt be aware, next Wednesday the whole of the country will be affected by the National Strikes. Would it be possible for you to pass these details on to parents who may be struggling to find arrangements for their children that day?

Next Wednesday we will be offering a ONE DAY ONLY Football camp for parents / pupils affected by the National Strikes.  This gives parents the opportunity to drop children off between the hours of 8:30am – 9:00am and pick up between 3:30 and 4:30pm and attend our football camps.  (School Hours)  Please note we will be running the camp for £17.50 per head for the full day.  Should you have parents interested they must book in before 6:00pm on Tuesday 29th November.  Unfortunately we cannot accept any children on the day, as we’ll need to know numbers to arrange coaches.

Should you know of any parents interested, please get them to give us a call on 01942 210080 or email us on the details below.  Alternatively you can give Paul Kelly a call on 07960 801167

  Lucozade Powerleague Soccerdome Wigan
Stadium Way
Wigan WN5 0UN

Tel: 01942 210 080  Fax: 01942 210 081
Email: wigan@powerleague.co.uk
Web: www.powerleague.co.uk 

Children in need at Shevington!

This year we managed to raise £900!! Beating last years total by nearly £400!! Well done to everyone who contributed.

Shevington Goes Social!

Shevington High is on Facebook and Twitter! Ahead of the other schools we're bringing you daily news and updates, along with photos of the latest events and coming soon...competitions!

Like and follow us at www.facebook.com/shevingtonhigh andwww.twitter.com/shevingtonhigh.

Year 7, 8 and 9 join us for skate smart lessons Wednesdays 3.30pm till 4.30pm in the gym. All equipment is provided!

Learn to skate forwards, stop safely, turn and skate backwards! Interested...See Mr Lunt or Mrs Douglas.

On Friday 11th November we were pleased to welcome Lord Sharkey to school. Members of School Council were privileged to meet him and listen to his presentation about the House of Lords.

Pupils listened attentively to his entertaining and eloquent description of how the House of Lords functions. Following the presentation they had the opportunity to ask questions.

Lord Sharkey's visit has been a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in the process of democracy which they can relate to their roles on School Council and may have set the seeds to future career opportunities.

The card's have been judged by our christmas card experts and the winner is....

lst prize - Sorcha Lawler 7A - £20 voucher

2nd prize - Lucy Cotton 7C - £10 voucher 
3rd prize - Poppy Halliwell 7C - £10 voucher

The following pupils have received a certificate:

• Elena Lewis 7C

• Jessica Thomas 7D

• Jake Sculthorpe 7P

Congratulations to Sorcha and to all the pupils who took part! It was a very difficult decision!

See the winning card and all the runners up on the Shevington Facebook page here

Our new school gym opens to staff and Y10 and Y11 pupils from Monday 7th November!
£25 per term for pupils (7th Nov - Easter) Money to be delivered to cash office with a letter distributed in school by the PE department.
£35 per term for staff.

Open for pupils 3.15 - 4.30 - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

At the end of October Mrs Mackenzie and Ms Garfield went on a study tour to Washington DC to look at how schools are run over in the capital of the United States.  Ms Garfield is on a course training to be a Headteacher, so they were invited by the "Future Leaders" programme to join other trainee Heads and their mentors for this fantastic opportunity to look at how education works in another country!

After long flights, the days started early with 7.30 being the opening time for all the schools visited.  The first school was called Achievement Prep and had very high standards of routine and behaviour.  Corridors were silent, and students worked much longer hours than here in the UK - from 7.30am to 5.30 everyday.... and sometimes Saturday aswell!

The second school (Meridianb Public Charter School) was like our primary schools, but took students as young as three years old into their classes.  It was a very lively and vibrant atmosphere here and the students performed their school song for the group to listen to.  All these schools are based in very tough areas of Washington and some of the students have very difficult lives.

On the Friday, the group visited Thurgood Marshall Academy which was created by Law Graduates who felt they could create a better education for the people in the area.  It is a top-performing school and had lovely facilities - especially their sports hall!  Students were very polite, well-behaved and achieved very well in this school.  It was important that students took charge of their own learning and they were expected to seek out help and support if they felt they were falling behind.

The final school was Capital City Charter School.  This was a really family-centred school in a very odd building.  It used to be part of a church, so some of the classrooms looked more like dining rooms and ball rooms.... they even had chandeliers!  The students and staff were all very friendly, and although it was a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the other schools, the students managed to get into good colleges.

Ms Garfield and Mrs Mackenzie learned alot about how different countries educate young people during this time in America and are looking forward to sharing some of the good ideas with staff and students at Shevington High.  We may even receive a visit from some of our new American friends later in the year!

View the pictures here on our official facebook page - gallery

Always follow the firework code:

• Ensure that all children are supervised

• Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame

• Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter

• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face

• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin

• Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately

• NEVER throw fireworks

• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket

• Take care with sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished

• NEVER give sparklers to a child under 5

• Keep all pets and animals indoors

• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

• Only buy fireworks marked BS7114.

http://www.safe4autumn.com/

Shevington High school Language Department opened up its doors to 60 Year 6 pupils from local primaries. The pupils enjoyed a lively and interactive day of taster sessions in French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. The day culminated in our 'Grand Café' where parents, teachers and pupils met to celebrate the event. Pupils performed songs and parents enjoyed typical French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin sweet treats.

See the pictures here

Quelle journée! 

Shevington Speakers Prepare To Shine Again!

 On Monday 3rd October, Shevington High had the privilege of a visit from Mr.Terry Hogan, the member of Wigan Rotary Club responsible for the organisation of the Youth Speaks competition in our local area. Mr Hogan met with Mr Lunt, who is coordinating our hosting of the next local heats in June 2012, to begin preparations for what we hope will be a successful and enjoyable event.

 Letters will shortly be sent to local secondary schools inviting them to enter a team in the competition, which has proven, year after year, to be a huge success for Wigan schools. Shevington, current winners of the local heat for this years' competition, are progressing on to the local zone round to be held in January 2012; if successful our team will go on to compete at district, then regional level.

 The Youth Speaks competition is a great opportunity for Wigan school pupils aged 11-13 to rise to the challenge of public speaking in a formal setting. The standard of entries from schools is outstanding, and according to Mr Hogan, continues to improve every year.

Our Headteacher, Mrs Mackenzie OBE, was on hand to meet Mr Hogan, as were Mr Lunt and the three members of our current team - Laura Whitter (Chairperson), Ben Foster (Speaker) and Matthew Turner (Proposer).

Preparations for the event are now underway, and the current team is back in training for the ongoing competition. We continue to celebrate our success so far, and look forward to more to come!

Mr Lunt

Examination Results 2011

5A*C including English and Maths = 65.19%

5A*-C = 84.4%

Congratulations to students, staff, governors and parents.

The Inspiration

On a cold Sunday in January, I went to visit the Tate Modern Gallery in Liverpool, I was cold, tired and ready for a large hot chocolate covered in marshmallows when i was completely blown away by an exhibition of sculpture. In particular the one featured below. This was because filmed images surrounded the piece of young people talking about the impact of art in their lives. I immediately felt that i wanted young people at Shevington to have an experience of being immersed in art and allowing them to express their individuality and creativity in a stimulating environment. To this end i have worked tirelessly with members of staff on putting together the Shevington Arts Festival - Gateway to Success.

Life is a journey and Shevington plays a large part in young people's journey, it is their Gateway to Success.

Mrs Ashcroft accompanied 4 scientists to the Salters Festival of Chemistry at Manchester University on Monday 20th June 2011. The pupils had a wonderful day and came 1st out of 19 schools in the Forensic Science activity. Well done to all involved!

A family centred school at the heart of the community that nurtures potential, embraces technological innovation and fosters high aspirations to succeed in education, work and life

All different, all equal Taking pride Succeeding together! Meeting the future!

It is with great pride that I accept the honour of an OBE which appeared in the New Years Honours List. This is very much about all of us working together and the practices that we establish together to ensure all of our young people achieve to their full potential. I feel very honoured to be working with staff, governors and parents who are very supportive and work very closely together. All of us put our children first. This has always been and will always be my major priority. Children and young people deserve the very best that we can give them. If we can’t champion their cause well who will? This philosophy has always lived in me and I have done my best to live this out in my personal and professional career and so it was with great surprise combined with joy to hear that I had been awarded an OBE. I have been teaching and in leadership roles for 30 years and how wonderful for the teaching profession that this award recognises collaborative working practices. I will again be visiting the Palace in the next few months to receive my OBE, another new outfit! I look forward to sharing this experience with you all. Helen Mackenzie OBE

On Thursday 21 January Mr Brian Hadgraft Chair of the Governing Body and myself attended the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust reception at the Guild Hall in London. This was a specific invite to myself and Brian. We mingled with the good and great! We spoke with the Secretary State Rt Honourable Ed Balls MP and with Elizabeth Reid Executive Director of Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. Liz was delighted at the Honour I have received and was delighted with the progress the school is making. The Secretary of State was also pleased that when we last met he didn't let it slip that he knew about my forthcoming award.