January 2022 - Page 2 of 4 - Penwortham Girls' High School

Online Introduction to UK Parliament

Posted on January 24, 2022 by Michelle Murray

The whole of Year 10 had the opportunity to engage in a live online workshop delivered by staff from UK Parliament. During the session, students learned about the work and role of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Students learned about the difference between UK Parliament and Government, the work of MPs and members of the House of Lords, how laws are made and how to get their voices heard.

As part of the session, students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with Katherine Fletcher, the MP for South Ribble. Across 6 different classrooms, students submitted questions about education, her views on current affairs and life after Covid.

The session proved to be really engaging and left all students with a good understanding of the basics of UK Parliament – perhaps inspiring some future politicians too!

Mrs Snowdon, Curriculum Leader for English

The Punctuation Show

Posted on January 24, 2022January 24, 2022 by Michelle Murray

On Wednesday 19^th January, The Punctuation Show came to Penwortham Girls’ High School. Instead of their routine English lesson, the girls were treated to an hour of jam-packed entertainment. Barrie, the punctuation man, presented the rules of punctuation in a memorable and hilarious way. Barrie helped the students (and some teachers) to revise or learn the punctuation rules they need to apply in their writing through singing, rapping and interactive quizzing. If that wasn’t enough, Barrie has kindly provided PGHS with his album for us to use in lessons and a Parents’ Guide, which we have attached. You can find more resources and help on Barrie’s website www.thepunctuationshow.com, and also find The Punctuation Show on YouTube. Who knew punctuation could be so entertaining?

Mrs Snowdon, Curriculum Leader for English

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Year 7 Theatre Trip

Posted on January 20, 2022January 20, 2022 by Michelle Murray

On Wednesday, 45 Year 7 students were transported to the magical land of Narnia (via The Lowry Theatre in Salford) and were welcomed into a magical world of fauns, talking animals and witches.

We were all impressed with the creative ways that the production brought C.S. Lewis’ classic story The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to life. The performance was enchanting and engaging and it felt as though we had all stepped through the wardrobe along with Lucy Pevensie and her siblings.

Here are some of our students’ responses to the play:

“I loved the play and all the fun songs, but my favourite scene was when The White Witch introduced herself.” Charlotte B, 7GFO

“The performance was really good and I really enjoyed it. My favourite part was when the children went into the wardrobe, because it looked like they were actually entering another world.” Hannah S, 7RCH

“The play was absolutely amazing! My favourite part was when Santa came on and started singing. It was really funny and I would definitely go again.” Imogen C, 7RCH

“It was very magical and you felt like you were in a different world. I really liked the performance, especially when the children went in the wardrobe; that was one of my favourite parts.” Saniya S, 7SSC

“I thought the show was amazing! My favourite parts were when the children all went through the wardrobe and when Aslan came back.” Chloe A, 7RCH

The students all behaved brilliantly throughout the trip and it was lovely being able to experience live theatre again. We will be returning to Narnia later this term in our English lessons, focusing on the villainous character of The White Witch. Thank you to all the staff members who took part in the trip.

Miss Starkie

English Department

Design & Technology Star Designers

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

Well done to the students from the last rotation who made our designer wall! There were some wonderful designs and final products made.

Mrs Gornall, Design and Technology

Year 10 Creative Media

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

Students have been filming an advert for an antibullying campaign as part of their creative media work. They are now learning how to edit using professional standard editing software ‘Premiere Pro’. I am really looking forward to sharing some of the final campaign adverts that the students have worked so hard at planning and producing.

Mrs Gornall, Design and Technology

Product Design Club

Posted on January 18, 2022January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

Before Christmas, we were making some festive tea-light holders and Christmas scenes using CAD and laser cutting, as well as adding some LED lighting. Well done to Violette for her wonderful festive light up village!

This half term, we have the opportunity to do some 3D printing using free online software called ‘Tinkercad’ and ‘Onshape’. We are not holding the club in school at the moment but you can still design at home and the designs can be 3D printed in school. If you would like more information, please speak to Mrs Gornall.

Mrs L Gornall

Design and Technology

Year 7 and 8 Computing Club

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

Come along to room 50, Monday lunchtime from 12:45 until 1:15. You will learn about programming and take part in a variety of cyber security challenges as the weeks progress with the potential to enter competitions nationally. Sign up with Mrs Bennett, room 50. First come, first served!

Mrs Bennett
Curriculum Leader for the Creative Arts & Technology Faculty

GCSE Computer Science

Posted on January 18, 2022January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

Year 11 have just completed their first round of mock exams and the results were brilliant! All their determination and hard work has paid off so far and I am sure that if they continue with this positive attitude towards their work, they will continue to do well in the March mocks. Well done, girls!

Year 10 are showing great determination in their GCSE course. Don’t forget revision guides are still available on ParentPay.

Mrs Bennett, Curriculum Leader for Creative Arts and Technology

Key Stage 3 Computing

Posted on January 18, 2022January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

Last half term saw KS3 Computing investigating and using a variety of programming codes ranging from Scratch to Python. In year 7, students have been designing and creating their own game using Scratch. The game had to have a theme about healthy eating and educating others all about being healthy. The games had to include a variety of scripts, sprites and variables. These games will be evaluated and assessed and the games that have been planned are fantastic with a lot of imagination.

Year 8 have been looking at binary code and hexadecimal and have started to use the programming language, Python.

Year 9 have investigated a range of Python techniques, including variables and ‘if and else’ statements. Students had to create a dating app to showcase their skills learnt throughout the unit.

This half term sees all Key Stage 3 students learning about different aspects of online safety which links to Internet Safer Day on the 8^th February 2022. The theme for this year’s Internet Safer Day is about games. We will also be exploring respect and relationships online. The students will learn about what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour when playing games online and how to be respectful towards others when playing online games.

Students are increasingly online due to the current climate and are being exposed to a variety of new online tools. We will look at how to teach them to stay safe when online and to educate them on acceptable use of software and apps that are around today.

Mrs Bennett, Curriculum Leader for Creative Arts and Technology

Year 10 Photography Students Create Cyanotypes

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Michelle Murray

As part of our GCSE Photography coursework, students have been learning about non-camera photography, researching the work of botanist Anna Atkins and Man Ray’s extensive range of photograms. Using pressed natural forms and acetate negatives, we have been experimenting with the process of cyanotypes.

Here are some examples of our work so far:

Miss Morris, Lead Teacher for Art, Design and Photography