Falinge Park High School

Falinge Park High School

On 9 and 10 December 2014, a group of Year 8 pupils studying a language at Falinge Park High School (FPHS) were awarded with a trip to the Manchester Christmas Markets. They were chosen as they had demonstrated excellent behaviour, effort and attitude to learning in their modern foreign language (MFL) lessons. Some of the pupils even had a go at practising their foreign language with the people working on the stalls.

Four CALL classes have paid a visit to the Rochdale Pioneers Museum in Toad Lane this week as part of their curriculum work on individuals who have changed the world. Students participated in a specially planned workshop and got to look around the museum. Many thanks to all the staff and students who went along during the week as part of the sessions.

There are two new competitions available for students this term from the Creative, Expressive and Performing Arts Faculty as we start the rehearsal process for our April show, ‘The Odyssey’. The first competition is a large wordsearch task whilst the other invites students to design a mask for one of two characters in the show; either Circe or Tiresias. The entry forms are available from Group Tutors, the CEPA Office or are available to download directly from our website.

Tickets for our show, ‘The Odyssey’ are now available to purchase directly from the CEPA Office. An adaptation of the epic tale by Homer, our story features strange creatures, brave warriors and a pinch of magic. Set in the distant future, the adaptation promises to be something special for the whole family. Tickets are priced £3.00 (no concessions) and are available in advance only. For more details, please contact Mr De Courcey.

Our second Arts Award Expo takes place on the 30th of January and will showcase the work and portfolios of students from across the years as they complete their Arts Award Silver or bronze. The expo will give families and friends a better understanding of the work involved in the Arts Award and allow other students the opportunity to see the range of pathways available in the Arts. The Expo takes place from 3.30pm until 4.45pm in the Heart Space. For more details, please speak to a CEPA teacher.

Technical Theatre Club takes place each week and features a range of activities for students of all years to build their specialist knowledge and have fun along the way. Details of the club can be found on the school website, digital signage or by speaking to Mr Wilcock, the CEPA technician.

Auditions for our show, 'The Odyssey' take place this week at lunchtime in G2, the Drama Studio for students who are interested in being involved in the drama. The offer is open to students in Years 7 to 10. The auditions will be a short rehearsed reading and can be undertaken either Monday or Tuesday lunchtime. See Mr De Courcey if you require a lunchtime pass to participate.

Our latest edition of 'Create & Participate' has been issued with the student bulletin and is available for students to read. The full archive is also available to view on our school VLE. This has also replaced our 'Create' termly Arts magazine on our website whilst we update to our latest issue.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme sessions are now underway for our Year 10 students. They take place on either a Wednesday or a Friday each week. Please see the website link for more information regarding details of these sessions. It is important that these pupils have 100% attendance to these sessions so they have a complete understanding of the skills needed for the expedition section of the award. There are also 2 upcoming day walks where pupils can get to practice their skills outside. The details will be set home to pupils nearer the time.

Pupils who took part in the D of E award last year need to ensure that all evidence and assessors evidence is uploaded, and that all outstanding presentations are presented to members of staff as soon as possible. They must be completed by the end of January 2015. If they are not completed, pupils will not be invited to attend a borough wide presentation evening at Rochdale Sixth Form College and will need to wait for the next scheduled event by Rochdale Council.

Miss Turners Year 9 French Class are taking part in a yearlong project with MMU. The project is called ‘Adopt a Class’ and involves a university undergraduate studying languages embarking on a year abroad, partnering up with a Year 9 class. The aim of the project is to raise awareness amongst students about studying mobility opportunities; to enthuse students about studying languages post GCS and to bring a country alive into the classroom. Our student is called Karis Gardiner and is studying French and German at university. She has been studying in Lyon in France. She writes blogs for the class and send PowerPoints in French to inform us of her time in Lyon. Our students also email Karis in French. Karis will go to Graz in Austria in February and will also correspond with our students.