Life Skills Topics w/c 19th May
Mr McVey’s Mysterious Maths – May 2025 Edition
A Kakuro puzzle is a logic puzzle sometimes called a ‘mathematical crossword’. You’ve probably heard of Sudoku puzzles and maybe have tried a few before. You might even consider yourself a bit of an expert! The puzzles below are a variation on the Sudoku theme.
Example
To solve the puzzle, you need to fill in the white boxes with single digit numbers from 1 to 9. The numbers in the white boxes must add up to the totals at the top of each column and at the start of each row. You are not allowed to use the same number more than once in any individual row or column.
Can you solve the puzzles below?
Completed puzzles can be emailed to r.mcvey@penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk or given to me in person to win a Head’s Breakfast. Good luck!
United Kingdom Mathematics Trust – Junior Mathematical Challenge 2025
On Thursday 1st May, it was time for our Year 7 and 8 pupils to take on the yearly challenge of the UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge 2025.
This national event takes the form of a multiple-choice quiz based on using mathematical skills learnt in lessons to solve problems.
Over 4000 schools across the UK take part in this event and the standard of participation is high, only the best achieving students can receive an award and to do so is recognition of the effort and ability of our students.
After good showings from previous year groups in their respective challenges last year, expectations were very high and I am proud to announce that this year the results were our best ever with our highest ever number of pupils receiving awards.
This year’s prize winners are as follows:
Lucy B (Year 8) – Best in School, Best in Year 8 and Gold award
Harshey R (Year 8) – Gold award
Quinn M (Year 7) – Best in Year 7 and Silver award
Silver awards were achieved by the following:
(Year 7) Darcy A, Humeira W, Navaeh S, Emma L, Molly S, Amy G, Alayna R, Elodie K, Unaisah S and Hafsa S.
(Year 8) Lesly Y, Tallulah H, Veronica K, Violet C, Ruby S, Gauri-Radha C, Grace D, Alicia E, Hannah R and Amelia F.
Bronze awards were achieved by the following:
(Year 7) Dhemica P, Dua Z, Haleema D, Annabelle B, Etta M, Sophia T, Alice L, Lingyi Z, Sienna K, Amrin S, Phoebe B, Freya F, Eve C, Lucy W, Cynthia K, Ana P, Harper E, Francesca T and Florence R.
(Year 8) Olivia B, Leisha P, Daisy P, Alice H, Eda M, Seren G, Abbie B, Karma A, Evie F, Erin W, Rosie J, Julia K, Gabby D, Bella P, Alyce C, Maisie V and Delilah M.
Congratulations to everybody involved!
The department is already looking forward to seeing what each year group can do in their respective challenges next year:
Intermediate Mathematics Challenge (Years 9 and 10) – Wednesday 28th January 2026
Junior Mathematics Challenge (Years 7 and 8) – Wednesday 29th April 2026
Mr S Cheal
The Mathematics Department
Year 9 Students Excel in Edge Hill Maths Challenge
We are delighted to share the exciting news that a group of our talented Year 9 students have successfully progressed to the next round of the Edge Hill University Maths Challenge.
As part of this stage of the competition, students were required to solve a challenging mathematical problem and present their solution in the form of a poster. What made this task particularly exciting was the requirement to demonstrate the use of computer technology in both solving the problem and presenting the work. The students rose to the occasion with incredible enthusiasm, combining mathematical thinking with creative flair and technical skill.
Working in teams, they researched different approaches, experimenting with software tools and refining their ideas. Their posters showcased not only their mathematical understanding but also their ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and engaging way.
We are extremely proud of the effort, teamwork and innovation shown by all those who took part. The standard of work submitted was fantastic and it is a testament to the dedication and determination of our Year 9 mathematicians.
We look forward to hearing how they get on in the next stage of the competition. Good luck to all involved!
Mrs Phillips
Maths Department
Year 8 Historians Explore the First World War
Our Year 8 History students have recently begun studying a new topic on the First World War, examining why it was fought, how it developed, and why it had such a lasting impact on the world.
Students have been learning about the significance of 28 June 1914, when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated — an event that triggered the start of the conflict.
To help deepen their understanding of the global conflict, we encourage students to explore the following excellent online resources:
- The Guardian’s Interactive Documentary – A global guide to the First World War, including maps, videos and personal stories from around the world. Access it here
- BBC World War One Centenary Website – A rich collection of short films, articles and features that bring the key events and experiences of the war to life. Visit it here
Students are also encouraged to use A Street Near You — an incredible resource which allows you to find individuals from your local area who served in the First World War. Simply enter your postcode or street name to discover real stories of soldiers from your community. Explore it here.
If you have any family stories or artefacts at home connected to the First World War, we would love to hear them – please let your History teacher know!
Mr Herbert
Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History
Supporting GCSE Historians: Our First Visit to Saltaire
On the 1st July, the History Department has organised its first visit to Saltaire, near Bradford, to support Year 10 students studying the Eduqas GCSE History course, specifically the Health and Medicine in Britain thematic study.
Saltaire is a model village built in the 1850s by Sir Titus Salt, a wealthy industrialist. It provides an excellent real life case study of 19th century public health improvements, linking directly to the section of the course that covers the challenges of industrialisation and the response to poor living conditions. Rather than reading about public health reforms in abstract terms, students will be able to see first-hand how an industrial employer tackled the problems of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and disease.
The visit has been designed to strengthen students’ understanding of key topics such as:
- The living conditions in industrial towns.
- The impact of reformers and philanthropists in improving public health.
- How attitudes towards public health shifted during the 19th century.
Walking through Saltaire, students will examine the workers’ housing, the wash-houses, the school, and Salt’s Mill itself. These examples will help them to link specific features of the village to the wider social and legislative changes they are studying, including the 1848 and 1875 Public Health Acts.
We are looking forward to seeing the impact of this trip on students’ confidence and progress as they move through their GCSE course.
Mr Herbert
Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History
South Ribble Football Cup
On Thursday 24th April, our Year 10 and 11 Footballers travelled to Balshaw’s High School for the South Ribble Semi-Final Cup Match. The girls played exceptionally, demonstrating high levels of skill throughout and fantastic gamesmanship and team spirit. Despite our best efforts and only having the minimum 11 (no subs), Balshaw’s did win the game. We wish them luck in the final. Well done to all our girls – Neve, Zara, Lucy, Izzy, Lois, Chloe, Lucie, Molly, Holly and a special shout out to the manager’s players’ of the game, Evie and Grace for their amazing effort until the final whistle.
Mrs Tompson
PE Department
VE Day
On Thursday 8th May, we marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with form time reflections and remembrance. Students were also treated to a special VE Day themed lunch.
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It marks the day World War II ended in Europe – 8th May 1945. On that day, people across Britain and other countries celebrated because the fighting in Europe was finally over. This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day; a time to remember the people who fought, worked and lived through the war, and to honour their bravery and sacrifice.
We were so proud to see our students in the cadet forces wearing their uniforms with pride as we honoured those who served and sacrificed.
VE Day: Celebrations across London for 80 year anniversary – BBC Newsround
VE Day 80: Women’s roles in World War Two – BBC Newsround
Mr Herbert
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Life Skills Topics w/c 12th May
Life Skills Weekly Topic w/c 5th May
