DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (Check the calendar, too.)
Monday 28th October: Return to school
Friday 20th December: End of term
Monday 6thJanuary Return to school
Friday 14th February End of half term
Monday 24th February TRAINING DAY
Tuesday 25th February Return to school

CURRICULUM NEWS: ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION WEEK

As many parents already know, we suspend the timetable in the last week of the summer term and organise a huge range of alternative educational experiences. Years 7 and 9 are school-based, but get to go to a wide range of places, Year 8 are offered a residential experience and Year 10 are out of school on work experience placements. This year, our Year 7 students had the opportunity to visit the Science Museum and Startrek Exhibition in Manchester or go to the Earth Centre, including activities such as zip wire and abseiling. Later in the week they all went to Scarborough for the day. Other activities included learning more about Indian dance and music, as well as a range of sporting and creative activities (see article on Buggy Racing).Year 8 were on a variety of Yorkshire-based residentials, staying in hostels and learning the delights of self-catering and washing up (!), the value of teamwork and visiting a range of outdoor activities and attractions.Year 9 were given the opportunity to make some really useful preparations for their chosen GCSE courses, visiting York or Malham in readiness for GCSE History or Geography, undertaking a media project for English, taking part in a day-long business or Drama role-play prior to beginning Business Studies or Drama GCSE courses, or completing an ICT project in advance of starting our vocational double GCSE in ICT. They also had a sports day when many went swimming and ice-skating at Doncaster Dome whilst others undertook sporting activities based on site.Almost all of Year 10 managed to find themselves a work experience placement (see item that follows) and, judging by the descriptions in students' Personal Statements and updated CVs, they have all found it of immense value. At this time our Year 11 had completed their examinations, successfully as it turned out (see Headteacher's introduction).Year 12 spent the week preparing their university applications and Year 13 were relaxing, hopefully somewhere warm, after the rigours of Advanced examinations.It's an extremely busy week, but allows us all to enjoy the best of what education can involve - personal research and innovation, finding out more about ourselves in new situations.
Mrs Bavage
Deputy for Curriculum

BUGGY RACING
Computers and data-logging technology are adding accuracy to our buggy races! In the annual racing competition, held during Alternative Education Week, more than 80 students build elastic-band-powered K-Nex buggies and race them. Our data-loggers now allow us to calculate their times to hundredths of a second. This very popular activity has been helped by Hasbro, the UK supplier of K-Nex, who donated hundreds of pounds worth of the construction toys to help our students.
Mr Solowka
Science Department

FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Food Club continues on Wednesday lunchtimes this year. For the Bronze Award Year 7 are developing soup recipes to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables. Year 8 are working towards the Silver Award, with luxury biscuit designs.
Mrs Jennings
Technology Department



ENGINEERING
Year 9? Interested in a career in Engineering? The Smallpeice Trust (yes, it is spelt like that) are running an Engineering Experience for four days and three nights (a residential event) during the second week of the Easter holidays (22nd to 25th April 2003) at the University of Sheffield. You will have the chance to work with students of your own age on a range of problem solving tasks. The emphasis is on fun and practical application rather than loads of theory.The cost of the course is £95 full board but you'll have to make your own transport arrangements there and back. Although there are 100 places these events are hugely popular and you'll have to apply early if you wish to take part. For further details and an application form see Mr Westmancoat or visit www. Smallpeicetrust.org.ukWORK EXPERIENCE
Seventeen students on the year 10 Manufacturing GNVQ course will be looking for work experience placements for two weeks in July 2003. They woyuld benefit from aqn insight into how product production is split into different areas such as designing, manufacturing, sales, marketing, etc. They also need to know about the factors that affect the cost of producing an item as well as finding out how things are made: batch production, CAD/CAM mass production, bought components and assembly. If you think you may be able to help provide such an opportunity please do get in contact with us here at school or email me at school at westmame01@leedslearning.net
Mr Westmancoat
Technology Department

IT ALL ADDS UP
Students are expected to have the following mathematical equipment:
Protractor 10p
Pair of compasses 25p
Scientific calculator £4.50
These are needed in all years from Year 7 to 11. We do sell equipment to students at the prices shown above.This year we are trying out two new courses in Year 10. The top two sets have the option of doing GCSE Statistics as well as GCSE Mathematics. Two Intermediate groups are trialling the modular GCSE with exams taken throughout the course.
Miss Baldwin
Mathematics Department

MODERN LANGUAGES
Bonjour!
¡Hola
Guten Tag!
In the Modern Languages department we are delighted with our students' achievements over the past year in French, Spanish and German.In June 2002 we had a record number of Year 9 students achieving National Curriculum level 5 or 6 in a modern foreign language. Our GCSE results were also very pleasing, with 46% of the year group gaining an A* to C grade and a record number of A* and A grades. In the sixth form all of our 'A' level linguists achieved excellent results and most are going to continue their language studies at University.We would like to offer a very warm welcome to our two new Foreign Language Assistants, who will be with us until the end of May. Anaïs Pepin from France and Yana Poblete from Chile will play a vital role working with French and Spanish classes to help our students improve their spoken language skills. We hope they will both enjoy their time at Priesthorpe.The German Exchange between Priesthorpe School and the Städtische Gesamtschule in Soest will be taking place again next year for Year 10 students. The German group will visit Farsley from Tuesday 27th May to Wednesday 4th June 2003 and our students pay a return visit to Soest from Friday 11th July to Saturday 19th July. Taking part in an Exchange is a brilliant way to get to know a foreign country, make new friends, have lots of fun and improve your language skills. On our previous two visits to Soest we have always had a fantastic time and have been made to feel very welcome by our German hosts. We look forward to our next visit.Some of the most talented linguists in Year 11 are being offered the unique chance to gain an additional qualification in Spanish or French. The Institute of Linguists is recognised and highly respected in industry - and a group of our students will be sitting the level 2 exam in Listening and/or Speaking next year. We wish them good luck.Have you ever fancied reading the foreign language version of your favourite magazine? Key Stage 3 students at Priesthorpe will have the chance to do just that with the launch of the new MFL Lending Library. They will also have the opportunity to buy their own personal copies of the magazines, full of articles on their favourite pop stars, actors, sporting heroes and teams, at a reduced rate.Finally, after having moved out of the Tower Block last July whilst new windows were fitted and refurbishment took place, we are now very pleased to have returned to lovely clean, freshly-painted and newly-carpeted classrooms. The effort involved in moving all our resources down six flights of stairs, teaching elsewhere for four weeks, then moving it all back in again … was finally worthwhile!
Mrs Goostrey
Modern Languages Department


THE DANISH EXCHANGE
Year 12 and Year 13 vocational students from all areas have been given the opportunity to be part of an exchange visit this year with students from a school in Denmark. The Danes come to us in November for one week and our party of 19 goes to them in April for one week.This is a unique experience, as we will be joining other students from Finland, Poland and Switzerland, all living together in their residential school.Our students will experience a wide range of customs and cultures. Funding from the EU to help with costs is being sought. If any businesses wish to offer practical support, this would be gratefully received. For further information please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at school, or you can email me at priesthrpe@aol.comWe have at least two Young Enterprise companies starting this year. As yet, no names or products have been decided upon, but the company directors will be out and about selling shares in the next few weeks, at 50p per share.All of our GNVQ Intermediate Business Studies students have been involved in interviews at Green Flag, who have helped to deliver the induction unit in Business Studies. Each student has been given an opportunity to learn about interview techniques from the side of the employer and have been able to put their new skills into practice.Year 11 Business Studies students have been working on a unit of work on marketing a new snack or drink. They have been able to use Powerpoint for their presentations, and have come up with some excellent ideas.
Mrs Marsden
Business Studies Department

THE HISTORY OF SURFING
Hello all you budding historians. I have found some excellent websites for you which will help your homework a lot. Get surfing!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/history
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk
http://www.historylearning.co.uk
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/healtact2
http://www.ActiveHistory.co.uk
http://www.bethshalom.com
There are loads more - go googling!
Mrs Hart
History Department

SPORTS NEWS
YEAR 7 FOOTBALL
After two trials in which over 40 boys took part, the Year 7 team have got off to a fantastic start, winning their first six games:
Fulneck (away) Friendly 3:1
Abbey Grange (away) League 2:1
Intake (home) League 5:1
St. Michael's (home) Leeds Cup *
Lawnswood (away) League 8:2
Ralph Thoresby (home) League 6:1
*game conceded
The squad are a pleasure to take, being keen, enthusiastic and very skilful. Each match sees an improvement in their ability to work well as a team. Thanks, too, to the team's parents who are avid supporters.Keep up the good work boys!


YEAR 11 FOOTBALL
The Year 11 team has got off to a shaky start to the season, losing three and winning one game by default.A disappointing 5:4 defeat at home to Guiseley in the Aire/Wharfedale League was followed by a much more committed performance against fellow Sports College St Mary's of Menston. Two late goals meant an unlucky 3:1 defeat.With players missing in Blackpool (part of a GNVQ Leisure and Tourism trip), a depleted side took on West Leeds (City finalists last year) in the Leeds Cup. An outstanding display led to an unfortunate 2:1 defeat with the side emerging with great credit.A consistently available squad of players, working to full potential, will see a number of victories this season. Chris Cokill remains an outstanding and well-organised captain whom I would not be without in terms of running this team. Thanks, Chris.
Mr Goldthorp
PE Department

YEAR 8 and YEAR 9 FOOTBALL
Both of these teams have had a successful start to the season. The results are as follows:YEAR 8
Lawnswood Won 1:0
Intake Won 7:2
Wortley Draw 0:0
Agnes Stewart Won 3:0
Prince Henry's Won 3:0YEAR 9
Abbey Grange Won 7:1
City of Leeds Won 5:0
Prince Henry's Won 7:3
Both teams won their leagues last year and had a number of players represent the Leeds' Schools City team. We are hoping that this success will continue this year. More importantly, I hope that the boys enjoy their football and continue to take pride in representing Priesthorpe around the city and in West Yorkshire. Practices are at lunch times, Mondays for Year 8 and Tuesdays for Year 9.

BRITISH CYCLING
Congratulations to Gemma Saville and Sophie Hudson who achieved a high standard in the cycle tests last summer and have been invited for the next level of testing at Trinity and All Saints College in Horsforth. Well done.
Mr Barnes
PE Department

YEAR 10 NETBALL
Students are continuing to show interest in playing netball - there is at present a squad of approximately 14 girls involved in representing the school.The girls' first fixture is on Monday 14th October. Good luck to all those involved.

YEAR 7 and YEAR 8 GIRLS FOOTBALL
Since September girls from Years 7 and 8 have been practising each Monday lunchtime. The standard of play has been excellent and we look forward to the first fixture.The girls will play their first match, a triangular, against Horsforth and Abbey Grange, on 21st November.
Miss Nicholas
PE Department

SENIOR NETBALL
We regularly practise on Wednesday lunchtimes. The first game is coming up soon. Anyone in Years 11, 12 or 13 who wants to join can come along and play.

TRAMPOLINING
Trampolining has been as popular as always this year and takes place on a Wednesday after school. All year groups welcome.

SCHOOL SPORTS CO-ORDINATORS
Priesthorpe is now the host school for the school sports co-ordinators project in this area. This involves employing two school sports co-ordinators to work in our partner secondary schools (Pudsey Grangefield, Pudsey Crawshaw, Wortley High and Milestone Special) and to work in 21 of their feeder primary schools. National training will be organised for all the primary school PE co-ordinators. The aim is to improve links between Key Stages 2 and 3 in physical education.
Miss Metcalfe
Project Development Manager

OTHER NEWS
"NEW BUILD"
We are in the early stages of working with Education Leeds to facilitate a further building programme. We are keen to get rid of most of the 'temporary' huts which adorn our site. For many staff and students the huts will seem like a permanent feature as they have been here so long. Education Leeds have earmarked £350,000 for the project. We can add to this pot with monies from our Sports Status grant and from other sources which come directly from the Government. We can raise £150,000 from those sources, giving us a grand total of £500,000. What can we get for half a million? Perhaps not as much as you would imagine but a building big enough to get rid of some of our temporary eyesores. We have to decide what to include and where to build it. The next Newsletter will give more details.
Mr Hardaker
Site Manager/Deputy Head

SKI-ING
We have ski-ed in France, Italy and Austria for a number of years. This academic year we are going to Aprica in Italy. This will be our third visit to this lovely tranquil Italian resort. The ski-ing is excellent and the variety of après ski is just right for our mixed-age party of 49 students and staff.We usually ski in the February half term and I shall be planning our trip for 2004 very soon. We offer the trip to Year 9 in the first instance so watch out for further details. I usually advertise in November - yes, eighteen months before we actually go. You will need time to save up for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Mr Pickles
Headteacher

EMAG
During Alternative Education Week the EMAG team again arranged some educational and very enjoyable workshops. These included bhangra dance sessions. Dhol (large drum) and tabla (two small drums) sessions.There has been a lot of general awareness-raising of ethnic minority issues over the last twelve months, including displays, the harvest festival party and culture club. This year we are going to target individual students that need that little bit of extra guidance and support to help them achieve their full potential.Last year's GCSE results from students whose background is from the Indian sub-continent was a pleasing 79% achieving 5 or more A* to C grades.
Mr Saimbhi
EMAG Co-ordinator

YEAR 7 SURVEY
As usual we asked our year 7 students if they wished to fill in a questionnaire after two weeks, to see if they had settled in and if they had any ideas they could offer us. This year we also included a question for parents. Some of the responses from over 50% of our new parents follow:
"The process has been fairly nerve-wracking but has been made easier by the school providing so much information and the Planner is invaluable for keeping track of homework and general behaviour"
"Placing the children with their friends in the form class is a good idea"
"I think the day visit for the children prior to starting and teachers visiting them at their primary schools were both very helpful"
"It is a big step for a child moving from primary school to high school - I think my son has settled in well, thanks for all the support and encouragement"
"To have more information and warning of matches and extra-curricular activities so that arrangements can be made"
Point taken - the full list will be distributed after half term.

YEAR 11 LEARNING SUPPORT
Last week well over 100 of our Year 11 students were able to take part in a learning performance seminar. These are designed to teach our students how they learn so they can use some of the hints and tips offered to make more of the work they do 'stick'. The first 40 Year 11 students to be mentored this year by volunteer staff has now begun the process of preparing for 'mock' exams in December. We hope that, with that little bit of extra support, more of them will achieve their full potential and realise what value in later life good exam results may have for them. After the exams we add up to another 30 students - thanks to the 70 staff who have volunteered to give up their time.
Mrs Bavage
Deputy for Curriculum