Bedrock Raffle of Recognition

Since September, the English department have been running a ‘Bedrock Champions’ competition to celebrate students who go above and beyond with their Bedrock homework. Every student who achieves over 50 points, or is in the Top 10 users in their year group in a week, automatically gets a ticket to enter them into the ‘Raffle of Recognition’. 

The raffle is drawn at the end of each half term, which means that we’ve already had two winners in each year group! The raffle resets each term, so students who work hard on Bedrock this half term will have an opportunity to win prizes.

There have been lots of entrants in each year group for the raffle and it’s been so impressive to see the dedication that students have shown towards their work on Bedrock.

Listed below are the students who have earned themselves a ticket in the raffle last half term– some of them many multiple times! Well done to each of these students for their fabulous work on Bedrock so far! 

Miss Starkie

Teacher of English

Book Club

If you like all things ‘bookish’, why don’t you come along to Book Club on Thursday lunchtimes in Room 6 (12.40-1.05pm). All years welcome!

We are currently reading…

‘A Secret Sister’ by Sophie McKenzie

Two sisters, two very different lives: the next edge-of-your-seat thriller by Sophie McKenzie, author of the bestselling, Girl Missing.

Asha has spent her life on an island community built on the principle of truth. But she discovers she has been lied to about something huge – a secret sister called Willow. Willow has always believed her twin sister died years ago. So, when she receives a message in the middle of the night from a girl claiming to be Asha, she doesn’t know what to think.

Can they piece together the truth about their pasts and find their way back to each other?

‘Secret Sister’ is the latest YA novel from the Queen of teen thrillers, Sophie McKenzie. It’s told through a dual-perspective narrative, sharing the perspectives of both Asha and Willow, twins separated as toddlers.

Mrs Marsh

Teacher of English

An Inspector Calls Theatre Trip

On Wednesday 8th January, our Year 11 Drama students had the incredible opportunity to take a trip to the theatre to see Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of An Inspector Calls. This play, written by J.B. Priestley in 1945, tells the story of the Birling family, who are visited by a mysterious inspector who is investigating the death of a young girl.

As soon as we arrived at the theatre, we were struck by the incredible, albeit unusual set design. The acting was brilliant, with each member of the cast bringing their own unique interpretation to their characters.

One of the most striking things about this production was the way it dealt with themes of social responsibility and class division. The inspector’s investigation forces the Birling family to confront the ways in which their actions have contributed to the tragic death of the young girl, and raises important questions about the role that each of us plays in shaping society. As a group, we discussed these themes and the ways in which they resonate with issues that we see in the world today.

Overall, the experience of seeing this production was brilliant for both students and staff. It will definitely help contribute towards our study of the play.

Miss Garlick

Teacher of English

Book Reviews

Book Review: Which Witch?

The book ‘Which Witch’ is about a dark wizard called Ariman. Since Ariman has no son or wife, he decides to hold a contest in which the seven witches of Todcaster (Mabel Wrack, Ethel Feedbag, Mother Bloodworth, Nancy Shouter, Nora Shouter, Madame Olympia, and Belladonna) participate in a competition that will decide who he will marry.  Whichever witch performs the darkest deed of magic will be his bride. However, most of the witches of Todcaster are downright revolting and nasty in both personality and looks! The exception to this is Belladonna, who is beautiful inside and outside and secretly loves Ariman.  However, as she is unable to perform any black magic. The question in the end that everyone wants to know is which witch?     

Maayana C (Year 9)

Book Review: Medusa

Medusa by Jessie Burton is about the Greek myth of Medusa written from a feminist’s perspective. In this book, Jessie Burton changes the original story of Medusa, where Perseus finds out that she is the monster he is looking for and chops off her head, to where Medusa actually fights back and looks Perseus in the eye to turn him into stone.

This change that she has made is great because it shows that when Perseus betrayed her, he got what he deserved. Medusa wasn’t killed for being a ‘monster’.

The ending of the story was very nice because she was left to sail across the oceans and seas with her sisters. It was also quite sad because she had to spend the rest of her life drifting on the sea with only her sisters’ company.  She was able to see everyone else on other boats, but they couldn’t see her.

Overall this book was delightful to read and showed a new perspective on the things that were told in the original story.

Olive W (Year 7)

Press Gang Articles

Warwick Castle

On Friday 11th October, Year 7 went on a trip to Warwick Castle. We set off at 7:30am and we got there at around 10:30am. We headed off in form groups into the dungeons. There were actors that were dressed up like the people would have been at the time. There were several rooms that we went in. It was a bit scary, but a lot of fun!

At lunchtime, we sat on benches on the grass. We saw some beautiful peacocks while we ate as well.

We then went on the Trebuchet Tour. There were two people who ran in something that looked like a giant hamster wheel that made the rope move.  The rope would help them shoot the large rocks at whatever they were attacking.

The last thing we got to do was explore the castle with our friends. The inside of the castle was very fancy and the furniture was very elegant.

We then headed back on the coaches and eventually got back to school at 6:30pm.

Overall, it was a fun day and everyone had a good time.

Olive W (Year 7) – Press Gang

Ingleton Waterfall Trip

On Wednesday 9th October, the Year 8s went on a trip to Ingleton Waterfalls trail where learnt about the formation of waterfalls right in person!  The trail is a 4.5-mile walk, home to 6 main spectacular waterfalls that come from two different rivers.  The picturesque walk showed off some of Britain’s prettiest nature featuring towering oak trees, v-shaped valleys, steep hills and the gorgeous waterfalls. Here are some pictures taken by a student who attended the trip!

Amelia N (Year 8) – Press Gang

Exploring the World of William Blake: Year 8’s Creative Journey

As part of our recent study of William Blake, Year 8 students have dived into the rich, thought-provoking poetry of this iconic 18th-century poet and artist. Blake’s works, particularly his collections Songs of Innocence and of Experience, have provided a fascinating exploration of contrasting ideas. Most notably, students have explored his famous poems, including The Lamb, The Tyger, The Echoing Green, and London, all of which grapple with complex themes like innocence versus experience, joy and sorrow, and the beauty of nature alongside the harsh realities of life.

One of Blake’s unique artistic qualities is his ability to capture the extremes of human experience, often in the same work. This has inspired our Year 8 set 1 students to produce some truly imaginative and visually striking pastiches of Blake’s poetry. The pastiches reflect their own interpretations and creative ideas, while still drawing on the key themes and stylistic elements of Blake’s poems.

Among the standout concepts that students have developed are Harmony vs Chaos, Butterfly vs Moth, and Fairytale vs Reality. Each student has taken inspiration from Blake’s contrasting visions and applied them to modern interpretations of life, nature, and the fantastical. The juxtaposition of light and dark, innocence and experience is echoed in these creations, with some students choosing to illustrate the delicate balance between beauty and destruction, while others have explored the conflict between idealism and harsh truth.

What makes these pastiches so exciting is the range of ideas and the originality that has emerged. Whether it’s the delicate beauty of a butterfly representing innocence and freedom, contrasted with the shadowy moth symbolising experience and the inevitability of change, or the clash between the dream-like nature of fairytales and the grounded reality we face every day, our students have shown an incredible ability to bring Blake’s themes into the present day.

In addition to their poetic pastiches, students have also worked on stunning visual artwork inspired by Blake’s illustrations. Many of these pieces incorporate Blake’s signature style—bold, vivid imagery and intricate symbolism—while also infusing their own artistic flair.

We are extremely proud of the creativity and hard work demonstrated by Year 8. Their pastiches not only show a deep understanding of Blake’s work but also a remarkable ability to adapt his ideas and apply them to their own unique visions.

Miss Garlick

English Department

Drama Pupils Conquer Four-Day Halloween Performance to Raise Funds for Elsie’s Story

A couple of weeks ago, our dedicated drama students embarked on a thrilling four-day journey filled with eerie decorations, spooky costumes, and enthusiastic participation—all in the name of charity. In total, our talented pupils hosted an impressive 731 visits to the Drama Studio, with each entry ticket priced at just 50p. Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we raised an incredible £365.50 for Elsie’s Story, a charity that is deeply close to my heart.

The students poured hours into planning the walk. Some students even went above and beyond, helping set up each day so everything was ready to go. Their dedication did not go unnoticed, and I couldn’t be prouder of each of them.

A special thanks to everyone who visited, donated, or supported this event. The funds we raised will make a real difference, and it’s all thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of our school community. To the staff that helped and, of course, our extraordinary students—thank you for believing in this cause and for helping make a difference in the lives of children and families facing the unimaginable.

Miss Garlick 

L.M. Nathan Author Visit – A Review by our Year 10 Librarians

Year 8 and Year 9 students were visited by the wonderful author L.M Nathan. We were introduced to her new book called ‘The Virtue Season’ and how she was inspired to write it. The moral of the story is that you should not let others define you. The protagonist in the story is a strong-headed girl called Manon, who is determined to change the dystopian kingdom that she lives in, while keeping her dangerous secret hidden.

The author expressed to us that the protagonist, Manon is reflected on the personality of herself. Manon portrays a confident exterior, yet inside she is very timid and reserved about herself.

She illustrated to us that even though it is terrifying to share your work, you should. However, you should pick your critics wisely.

L.M. Nathan was inspired by the flood that took place near her home in Clitheroe. She wanted to achieve something that was bigger than herself and will outlast her.

Her favourite part of writing her book was working with the editor on the 2nd and 3rd drafts. However, she didn’t like or enjoy the entire writing process. Sometimes, she had to force herself to write but the struggle was worth it in the end.

L.M Nathan is an ex-English teacher who has always enjoyed and loved writing. Nathan got into writing through song lyrics as she was fascinated by how song writers put songs together. She also took a novel writing course which helped her to produce her first novel which took her 10 years to write. Nathan has also gained lots of new friends over the course of writing her first novel who are fellow authors just like her.

Character is plot and plot is character” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

By Lily T, Hannah S, Ana C

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ Theatre Trip

As part of the Festival, 30 of our Year 7 and Year 8 students took a trip to the Empire Theatre in Liverpool to see the fabulous, “four-fendered” musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Our students were dazzled by the impressive dance choreography, especially in numbers such as ‘Toot-Sweets’ and ‘Me Ol’ Bam-Boo’. We also loved hearing the beautiful singing, and laughed a lot at the witty interactions between characters – the two hapless spies from Vulgaria were particular favourites. We managed to hold our nerve when the sinister Child Catcher stalked across the stage and thankfully, none of our students were lured into one of his traps!

A real highlight of the show was when the famous car itself took flight and rose above the stage, flying across a starry night. It truly felt like a magical moment and it took our breath away.

The students all behaved excellently on the trip and were brilliant ambassadors for the school.

Miss Starkie 

L.M. Nathan Author Visit – A review by our Year 10 Librarians

The other week our Year 8 and Year 9 students were visited by the wonderful author L.M Nathan. We were introduced to her new book called ‘The Virtue Season’ and how she was inspired to write it. The moral of the story is that you should not let others define you. The protagonist in the story is a strong-headed girl called Manon, who is determined to change the dystopian kingdom she lives in, while keeping her dangerous secret hidden.

The author expressed to us that the protagonist Manon is reflected on the personality of herself. Manon portrays a confident exterior, yet inside she is very timid and reserved abour herself.

She illustrated to us that even though it is terrifying to share your work, you should. However, you should pick your critics wisely.

L.M. Nathan was inspired by the flood that took place near her home in Clithero. She wanted to achieve something that was bigger than herself and will outlast her.

Her favourite part of writing her book was working with the editor on the 2nd and 3rd drafts. However, she didn’t like or enjoy the entire writing process. Sometimes, she had to force herself to write, but the struggle was worth it in the end.

L.M Nathan is an ex-English teacher who has always enjoyed and loved writing. Nathan got into writing through song lyrics as she was fascinated by how song writers put songs together. She also took a novel writing course which helped her to produce her first novel which took her 10 years to write. Nathan has also gained lots of new friends over the course of writing her first novel who are fellow authors just like her.

Character is plot and plot is character” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

By Lily T, Hannah S, Ana C

  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award