Introducing Our Carnegie Medal Shadow Judging Panel

As we come to the end of a lively and enriching spring term at Penwortham Girls’ High School, we are delighted to share news of a brand‑new literary initiative that has already sparked great excitement across the school community.

This term, we launched our first ever Carnegie Medal Shadow Judging Panel. The Carnegie Medal—one of the UK’s most prestigious awards for children’s literature—celebrates outstanding writing for young people. Inspired by this tradition of excellence, a group of enthusiastic students have volunteered to form a shadow panel, giving them the opportunity to experience the judging process for themselves.

Over the coming weeks, students will read their way through a selection of titles from this year’s longlist, exploring stories that challenge, inspire and ignite discussion. Our panel will meet regularly to share their thoughts, debate themes, review writing styles and consider what makes a truly exceptional book. These meetings promise to be filled with lively conversation, thoughtful reflection and plenty of passion for reading.

As we move into the summer term, our shadow judges will continue refining their opinions in preparation for the official Carnegie Medal winner announcement in June. When the results are revealed, we will compare the national winner with our own panel’s choice—discovering whether our collective winner matches the official decision!

This project not only encourages wider reading but also gives students a voice, a platform for critical thinking, and a wonderful chance to celebrate literature together. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has signed up, and we can’t wait to see which book earns the title of Penwortham Girls’ High School Shadow Winner.

We look forward to sharing our panel’s journey—and their chosen champion—next term!

The Carnegies

Mrs Snowdon

Curriculum Leader for English

Recommended Read: Beth Is Dead by Katie Burnet

Suitable for ages 13+

If you enjoy twisty murder mysteries with a clever literary twist, Beth Is Dead might be your next favourite read. This modern‑day reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s classic Little Women takes a bold turn right from the first page: Beth—gentle, kind and beloved —is found dead under gruesome and mysterious circumstances.

From that moment on, the story grips you tightly. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone is hiding something, and everyone is a suspect. Sisters Jo, Meg and Amy must confront secrets, strained relationships and the darker side of the people they thought they knew. Familiar characters are given fresh, contemporary voices and their updated dynamics add tension and emotional depth to the story.

What makes Beth Is Dead especially engaging is how it balances homage with originality. Fans of Little Women will appreciate the nods to the original novel, while newcomers will be swept up by the fast pace, sharp dialogue and steadily growing suspense. Each chapter ends with just enough intrigue to keep you guessing—and reading “just one more.”

With its blend of classic inspiration, modern drama and a satisfyingly twisty murder plot, this book is perfect for readers who love mystery, sisterhood stories, or both.

Mrs Snowdon’s Verdict:

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

A gripping, clever ‘whodunit’ that keeps you turning pages right to the final reveal. If you love murder mysteries, you’ll love this.

Available to borrow from Mrs Snowdon’s bookshelf – just ask!

Recommended Read: In the Sea there are Crocodiles.

Suitable for ages 12+

In the Sea There Are Crocodiles is a profoundly moving and eye‑opening novel that tells the true story of Enaiatollah Akbari, a young Afghan boy forced to flee his home after the Taliban threaten his life. Written by Fabio Geda and based on Enaiatollah’s real experiences, the book follows his extraordinary journey across multiple countries in search of safety, belonging and a future.

What makes this story so powerful is the simplicity of its voice. The novel is told through conversations between Geda and Enaiatollah, and this conversational style allows readers to feel close to the narrator – his courage, resilience, humour, and quiet strength shine through on every page. Despite the harsh realities he faces – dangerous border crossings, exploitation, uncertainty, and long stretches of loneliness – the story never feels hopeless. Instead, it highlights the remarkable resilience of young people forced into impossible situations.

This book is particularly valuable for students because it encourages empathy and global awareness. It opens up meaningful conversations about migration, human rights and the real experiences of refugees today. It also invites reflection on themes such as perseverance, identity and the human instinct to survive and protect those we love.

Beautifully written, thought‑provoking and deeply human, In the Sea There Are Crocodiles is a text that stays with you long after you finish reading. I highly recommend it to students, parents and staff alike.

Mrs Hope’s Verdict:

★★★★☆

A powerful and heartfelt read that balances hope with harsh reality. I give it four stars for its honesty, emotional impact and the important conversations it sparks.

Available to borrow from Mrs Snowdon’s bookshelf in room 1 😊

As we quickly approach the summer exam season, please be aware of the revision support that the English department have on offer for your daughter. These sessions are open to all Year 11 students.In addition to these sessions, Room 50 is open for quiet revision every lunch time. Mrs Hope (English specialist) supervises this room every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and therefore is always on hand to answer any English related questions or offer guidance with revision.

Mrs Snowdon

Curriculum Leader for English

Year 9 have just finished an exciting new scheme of work all about how the media uses rhetoric to influence us. They have explored a wide range of real examples, including women in sport campaigns, Taylor Swift and gender representation, Malala’s appearance in Vogue, and luxury Patek Philippe watch adverts. Looking at persuasion through things they recognise from their own world has made a huge difference to their engagement and understanding and it has been brilliant to see how confidently they can now spot persuasive techniques in everyday media. To bring all of this learning together, Year 9 created their own perfume adverts. They thought carefully about how to use persuasive language, how to build a brand identity and how to appeal to a specific audience. The results have been incredibly creative and full of personality. The students have really enjoyed getting hands‑on with the world of media persuasion, and their perfume adverts show just how effectively they can apply what they have learned.

Mrs Bullon

English Department

Year 7 have been getting wonderfully creative in their Gothic unit this term. For homework, they were asked to make their own Gothic mood boards, and they absolutely rose to the challenge. From spooky castles to eerie colour palettes, the students really captured the atmosphere of the genre. The mood boards have been fantastic to look through, and it’s clear how much effort and imagination went into them. Well done, Year 7!

Our Year 7 students recently enjoyed a fantastic theatre trip to the Liverpool Empire to see Matilda the Musical. The visit, which took place on 17th December 2025, offered students a wonderful opportunity to experience live theatre and enjoy a vibrant, high‑energy production filled with music, humour and creativity.

The students represented the school brilliantly throughout the day, and their enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable. It was a brilliant way to enrich their learning and celebrate the end of term with something truly special.

Mrs Snowdon

Curriculum Leader for English

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have now submitted their entries to the national ‘Stranger Sagas’ writing competition. Each student created a unique 100‑word story, exploring everything from mystery and suspense to fantasy, humour and the wonderfully weird.

All entries have now been sent to Young Writers, who will be selecting pieces for publication and awarding a £100 gift voucher to their national winners. Every student who took part will also receive a reward for their creativity and effort.

We are incredibly proud of the imagination and enthusiasm shown by our students and we look forward to hearing the results from Young Writers when they are announced.

Miss Bullon

Teacher of English