BELVEDEREACADEMY

Ezine

SUMMER TERM 2011

W e l c o m eTo The Belvedere Academy News Ezine

Outstanding Exam Results 2011

Congratulations A2 and G.C.S.E. Students

Well done to Y13 for a record breaking set of A-Level results

This year a record number of students at Belvedere Academy took A-Level examinations and we are delighted with an excellent set of results.

Belvedere is extremely proud to announce another set of outstanding G.C.S.E. results

In time honoured fashion Belvedere Girls’ nervous faces gave way to smiles and cheers as they realised how well they had done!

95% of all GCSE grades at A*- C

G.C.S.E.

94% A*- C

including

English & Maths

48% A*- A

grades

99% of all students achieved

5x A*- C

99% of A-Level

students passed

Record number of A*’s!

7.1%

Grades at A*

84% A-Level grades at A*-C

Annie

It certainly wasn’t a hard knock life for Annie and her pals after Belvedere’s production of the play. The students and teachers involved received much applause and kudos for the show which took place on 22nd and 23rd June 2011.

The dazzling cast of dancers, singers, musicians and actors rehearsed for months in preparation for the two performances and the hours of hard work paid off as both performances were sell out successes. The star of the show was 12 year old Jiordan Hadley (Year 7) who played the lead role. Her excellent acting skills, beautiful singing voice and all round enthusiasm for the role contributed a huge amount to the success of the production. Even her dog made an appearance as ‘Sandy’, the stray Annie finds in Hooverville.

The whole ensemble worked incredibly hard. The chorus of orphans played by Key Stage 3 students were outstanding, as was the tyrannical Miss Hannigan played by Meg McCarthy (Year 13) despite revising for and completing her A levels in the midst of performance week. Two teachers, Mr McGovern (MFL) and Mr Marshall (Geog), took centre stage playing Miss Hannigan’s brother, Rooster and the billionaire Daddy Warbucks. Both received huge acclaim from the audience for their professional performances, revealing hidden talents in their very first year of teaching at the Academy.

The music was another outstanding feature, with students and teachers working side by side in the orchestra pit, directed by Miss Bell, producing quality sounds which enhanced the atmosphere and added to the professionalism of the production.

This production has left a huge impression on all the students and teachers across the whole spectrum of departments and Year groups involved. However the lasting memory of ‘Annie’ will be the talent and enthusiasm of a cast dedicated and committed to producing a performance of outstanding quality, a credit to the Academy and a sign of things to come.

Mr Marshall (below), who played billionaire Daddy Warbucks, stated, ‘“I was both nervous and excited for the show, but thrilled to sing a duet with Jiordan.”

Belvedere Academy Performing ArtsDepartment Presents ‘Annie’

Mr McGovern, (left) who played Rooster stated; “It’s been a privilege working with the lower years, staff and sixth form; the team work has been amazing.”

On Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th of May, the Academy’s top talent was rounded up and put on the stage to wow us all. From gymnasts to choristers, the show had it all.

Taking place in the gym, over 250 pupils, parents, governors and teachers sat eagerly awaiting the evening of entertainment. The staging had been designed to allow the variety of acts the best angle to showcase their talent, with monologues performed on small rostrums and big acts taking centre stage in the centre of the audience.

Drama Department Theatre Trip To London

Performing ArtsShowcase

Throughout the night we were amazed as act after act took their place around the hall. Y12 drama students gave a short performance of John Godber‘s Shakers followed by the Chamber Choir’s Disney Medley. Y7 gymnasts performed an entrancing routine before Y10 drama student duo, Alex and Hannah, enacted a Victoria Wood Dinner Lady comedy sketch.

Abigail Fantin, 7J played the flute in the orchestra, and had this to say of the evening; ‘We had been practising nearly every day since Christmas, at home and in school. We all felt excited but pretty confident about our performances. Thursday went slightly better than Wednesday, but I would definitely do it again!’

Councillor Alan Dean, Academy governor and local Labour rep resentat ive , said: ‘All the girls gave great performances. A great evening to show off this Academy’s talent!’

The sheer variety of acts and high standard shown by all made it a night to remember. I am sure that we will see the girls who took part sharing their many talents for years to come!

Blood Brothers, Phoenix TheatreThis Willy Russell classic, set in Liverpool, tells the story of twins separated at birth but whose paths cross in later life. Tears were shed as all were enraptured by the drama of this story, Ellie Hughes was notably moved, saying: “It’s so tragic, I can’t help but get involved in the story.”

The 39 Steps, Criterion Theatre Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, ‘The 39 Steps’, is a wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller that features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and action.

Dirty Dancing, Aldwych ‘Superb’ ‘Brilliant’ ‘I wish I could be in it’ were comments overheard from pupils and staff alike, a fabulous and superbly choreographed production.

Shrek: The Musical, Theatre Royal A surprise highlight for many of us on the trip, Shrek was hilariously funny. The characters came to life in a spectacular new production adapted from the Oscar winning DreamWorks Animation film. The world of fairy tales was turned upside down in an all singing, all dancing and irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance.

Stage Combat WorkshopThis workshop was led by a musical actor and stage combat professional. For nearly two hours students and teachers were taught the techniques of stage combat and how to safely perform an effective choreographed ‘fight’.

This year from 1st -3rd June during the May Half Term, 82 pupils and 8 staff set off from Belvedere Academy on a journey to the dizzying heights of London’s West End. It was an ambitious plan but our desire to cram as many theatrical experiences into three days as possible was achieved. The schedule was packed: three musicals, one play, a stage combat workshop and as many sights as possible meant the teachers and pupils had to be on the ball and up for the challenge!

T h e a t r e R e v i e w

TRIPS

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a popular activity every year in the Belvedere Academy. The wealth of extra curricular activities offered by staff means that more and more girls are completing not just their expedition sections in school, but their service, skills and physical recreation sections too.

Last April, 19 Year 10 girls went on their Bronze awards Training expedition in Wales and a smaller group of sixth formers went to the Wirral. With the help of Miss Saulnier, Miss Bartalowski, Mr Halsall, and Mr Backstrom , they learnt navigation and camping skills, how to cook on trangias, and how to evaluate their fitness. But most of all, had great fun working as a group and they all are looking forward to go on the next expedition in July in Lancashire .

This year, the group is made up of girls from both Year 10 and Year 12, showing that the girls of the Belvedere Academy work well as a team, not just when they are paired with close friends, but across the year groups too. Together, they have been preparing for their expeditions but they also are very busy raising money to help to subsidise the cost of the expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award within the Academy

Parents and teachers have also played an essential role in supporting The Duke of Edinburgh this year by joining the 100 club. The £40 draw winners so far are Mrs Tyrell, Miss Saulnier, Miss Backstrom, Mr Carroll, Mrs Taylor, Miss Fisher.

Duke of Edinburgh also continues to collect unwanted good quality second hand adults and children’s clothing, sheets, blankets, curtains, soft toys, shoes, belts and handbags for Bag2School in order to raise money. The next collection will be in September 2011. Can you help? By Miss Saunier

On May 5th, Belvedere’s Geography AS Level students embarked upon an educational adventure to Snowdonia, an idyllic town in North Wales, in order to further their knowledge of their subject. Guided by geography teachers Ms Patterson and Mr Marshall, they spent two days investigating the physical features of the area, beginning with measuring rocks and river velocity at the Nant Cynnyd River on day one and studying glaciers, exploring all the various landforms that were formed from glacial and post-glacial erosion. Though students experienced some erratic weather conditions, with torrential rain on the first day of their trip and gale force winds on the second, it seems that they found the trip both an enriching and exciting experience, enjoying both their learning time and their free time, in which they had the opportunity to explore the area more liberally, and take photographs at night: one student described the lake at night as “tranquil and beautiful.” All in all, it seems that the trip was indeed successful, and Year 12 geographer India Ford described the experience as “educational but extremely fun!” By Chloe Nelson Y12

Geography Trip to Snowdonia

On Tuesday 28th of June, Year 7 girls took a trip to Conwy Castle. It was a fun, historic trip and everybody enjoyed it. The Belvedere buses drew up by the castle, out of the windows you could see the Medieval building, it was beautiful.

Firstly we were introduced to our guide who knew everything about the grand castle. We took a tour outside where soldiers once fought and where bloodthirsty battles had taken place. We were shown all of the battle tactics the King’s men used to keep enemies from entering the castle and tactics that helped evil enemies enter the walls of the castle. Also we learnt all about how the castle was built. It was amazing to know that some of the materials to help build Conwy Castle are still used today.

Next we were brought inside the walls, it was so exciting to know that extremely important people had stood where we were standing, they’d talked to each other about important duties and maybe, they’d talked about things that nobody knows - it felt magical. There were many rooms which were small and plain, it was very strange to know that our rooms were bigger than the Medieval Royal family’s bedrooms. Out tour guide told us that in Medieval times, having a bed was an honour, only important people had them. People like you and me slept on hay! Lydia Brady said, “The inside of the castle was my favourite part, there were many different rooms and places however, it is extremely different to Buckingham Palace!”By Chloe Moran Y7M

Year 7 Conwy Castle Trip

Duke of Edinburgh Award

On Friday 6th May 2011, children’s author Jonathan Mayhew came to visit Year 7 pupils at Belvedere. He hosted five hour long sessions which consisted of:

• Tips on how to write a book• How to make a great title for a book• An insight in to what his latest books are about

Jon lives on the Wirral Peninsula and has a wife and four children. Currently, Jon has two books out: ‘Mortlock’ and ‘The Demon Collector’. These books are adventure horror stories and definitely make you sit on the edge of your seat!

In an interview with our librarian, Miss Murphy, we found out what she thought of Jon’s books:

7M Would you read one of the books?LM “I would definitely want to read one of the books but the problem is that I never get the chance to borrow them! The girls are always borrowing the copies from the library.”

7M What did you think of Jon?LM “Jon was a fantastic guest speaker and he was very entertaining as well as informative.”

7M What did you think of the sessions?LM “They were very inspiring. Jon had a lot of good advice for anyone who wanted to be an author.”

By Olivia Rowley and Lydia Brady, 7M

Our Librarian Miss Murphy is raising money for Marie Curie by trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp in February 2012.

Mr McGovern and the Year 7 form tutors rallied round and organised the teddy bears’ picnic to raise £194 through tuck shop sales and quizzes!

Good Luck Miss Murphy!

This term GCSE English Literature students started their study of J.B. Priestley’s esteemed play ‘An Inspector Calls’. After reading and discussing the play in class the whole of Year 10 were involved in a dramatic and mysterious ‘Who dunnit?’ murder mystery style afternoon.

An Inspector CallsMortlock Mayhew Madness

The Year group were escorted into the English department (by a very stern looking PC Pickford) to discover a bloody crime scene. Eva Smith, a young, defenceless girl (played by Mrs Wise), had taken her life minutes before, as an escape from her miserable existence and lay, strewn across the floor, lifeless. Surrounding her were the familiar faces of the Birling family, all who had a part to play in driving Eva to her death.

But who was to blame? It was Year 10’s job to find out. They spent the afternoon with each member of the Birling family – and Gerald Croft of course, interrogating each character to try to get to the bottom of this mystery.

TRIPS overseasIn April I went to Lille in France for a week on work experience where I not only improved my French through arduous work and conversations with customers but gained a taste of life in a typical French city outside of Paris. My mind was consumed with anxious thoughts before the trip, what if I don’t understand them? What if they don’t understand me? However, when I boarded the coach I was greeted by friendly and warm people who shared my passion for French and my apprehensive feelings were replaced by a buzz of excitement.

Lille’s historic 19th century buildings and quaint cobbled roads surrounding Place Rihour set the scene of my working environment in ‘La Chicorée’ restaurant for the week. We stayed in Lille’s most cosmopolitan areas, only fifty yards from Galeries Lafayette. We were given the freedom to discover the city ourselves and gain a real taste of French culture through the independence that we were given to explore the restaurants, museums and places of historical and architectural beauty that the city has to offer.

The first day of work was how I had expected it to be, I had taken the big step of going from an hour’s French lesson a day, to working from nine to five in a real French environment. I quickly dropped my fears of making mistakes and enjoyed the challenges of French conversations. I urge anybody who has a passion for languages to take on the experience despite its challenges and as the French say, ‘ça valait le coup’.By Lucinda Ross Y12

On the 1st April 2011, 36 pupils and 4 teachers took an aeroplane to Barcelona for a five day trip. We were met by Michael and Henk from Spanish Star, who, with Michael’s Spanish wife Estrella, looked after us during our stay. We stayed in a town south of Barcelona called Vilanova I la Geltrù, just outside of Barcelona city centre. We went to Torres Vineyards, where we had the chance to try some non-alcoholic wine.

On the second day, we walked down the Ramblas and saw lots of performers. We visited Park Guell for lunch before going to the very impressive cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. Before tea each evening, we had the opportunity to go swimming and play water polo which we all really enjoyed. We ate delicious food and most evenings we had a disco and even learnt Latin-American dancing.

The third day was one of the best! We did sport in the morning before going to Tibidabo theme park on the hill above Barcelona.

On our final day, we visited the Nou Camp – Barcelona FC’s huge stadium and the Olympic village, where we had lunch. Finally, we went to Pueblo Español which was a really pretty model town.

We had a really good time in Barcelona and we did our best to speak some Spanish. We would like to thank Mr Pickford, Ms Gilmartin, Miss Barry and Mr McGovern for taking us.By Rebecca Yu and Jessica Fairclough 8J

During April half term, a group of us year 12 Spanish students were lucky enough to go and work in the beautiful city of Salamanca to sharpen up our speaking and listening skills, in particular just before our exams.

Abbie Gaston, Bella Pimental and Katie Oliver all worked with children at nursery schools around the city, who better than to criticise their Spanish than those who are also learning it for the first time? Gabrielle de la Puente was able to explore her love for photography by working with a local photographer with some interesting bull fighting stories.

Sunny Italia went from a business to a florist through the week but made it her job as resident group entertainer to always please the locals with her singing and in turn tended to be having conversations with most people in the street! Finally I worked at a tapas bar, spending more than enough time sampling the food and learning the orders of the regulars! Bella said, ‘I have to say I did really enjoy being at my placement and I probably couldn’t have asked for a better one.’ Most of us found we were well suited to our work from our letters of application we previously sent to Halsbury, the organisation responsible for planning the trip. We often made the most of the beautiful siesta weather and the gorgeous city by exploring new spots each day, usually settling at the plaza, the heart of Salamanca. Katie also said, ‘The trip didn’t just teach me language skills but broadened by knowledge of the culture, I’d definitely go back again!‘ Alice Parsons in Y12

Lille

France

Barcelona

Spain

Salamanca

Spain

Miss Palin, Miss Jones and Mr McEvoy accompanied the Year 12 Biologists to the Malham Tarn Field Studies Centre in North Yorkshire for a three day residential course at the end of March. This trip was a fantastic opportunity to learn the fieldwork skills necessary to achieve the highest grades at AS and A2 Biology.

Taught by experts in Ecology, our girls learned how to estimate the population size of various animals and plants including Dogs Mercury, as well as learning the statistical tests to analyse our results.

We had lots of messy fun down at the stream collecting and studying invertebrates and everyone was excited to see if they had caught some shrews in our mammal traps. It was a surprise none of us were blown away by the gusts of wind on the Yorkshire Dales!

Lots of Biology was learned, lots of sugar was consumed and lots of fun was had by all. The trip was a huge success and our girls have learned so much in the process.

Thank you to our girls for making the trip so enjoyable.By Miss Palin

Impossible? B e l v e d e r e think not! Intelligent. Committed. Respected. Just three of endless words used to describe incredible 18 year old Belvedere student, Hannah Miller. From her first years at her primary school, Beaufort Park, Toxteth to the challenging years of sixth form in Belvedere, Hannah has never ever missed a day of school. Showing commitment, enjoyment and creativity she has brought a joy to each and every class of which she has been apart.

Hannah has transformed into a respected, honoured and punctual young woman, becoming Head Girl of Belvedere Academy; a role-model to all. Even at the most difficult stages of school she has made sure to be on time to lessons, prepared and always organized. Mr Lucas, Head of 6th Form, said, ‘It is a fantastic achievement and shows real commitment.’ He also commented, ‘She is a fantastic student that everybody respects and she always brings a great vibe to the class.’ One of her best friends Muna Abdo, age 18, says, ‘It is incredible, and she is an amazing person!’

All those around her are blown away with her achievements and are proud to say that she has earned it, especially Mr Kennedy, who said, ‘It’s a remarkable achievement and a fantastic example to other girls at Belvedere. Hannah has been a fantastic head girl and is a wonderful role model.’

Now the time has come for Hannah say goodbye to Belvedere, as this year she will set off to university. All those who know her are positive she will succeed and her remarkable achievement thus far means it’s inevitable!

By Karolina Brown 9P

Malham Tarn F ie ld Centre

Selected Year 9 classes took part in the prestigious Biology Challenge in March. The challenge was composed of two online papers based on general Biology knowledge, which had to be completed in a strict time limit. There are 20,000 participants in this challenge and I am pleased to say our girls did us proud!

Blessing Opawole achieved a Silver award placing her in the top 9% of all 20,000 participants. A few of our girls were Highly Commended (in the top 16% of participants) and they include Jessica Aitken, Lillianna Thompson and Olivia Vanden Bos. A number of girls were Commended (in the top 12%)- Kerri Ashes, Lim Yan Cheung, Alyssa Dawber, Kate Robson and Lydia Williams.

What a great achievement girls- well done!By Miss Palin and the Biology Department

The Biology Challenge

Belvedere Academy and the Liverpool School Sports Partnership

It has been another successful year for Belvedere Academy in the Liverpool School Sports Partnership. Many more young people have benefited from coaching, competitions, leadership experiences and activity trips.

COACHING

The partnership has funded a fitness coach for girls at Belvedere which has been extremely popular with as many as 30 girls attending each week. Jenny Morris has introduced the girls to a variety of fitness activities and has helped motivate and inspire their desire to get fit and healthy.

SPORT UNLIMITED

The Belvedere Academy has also benefited greatly from Sport Unlimited funding which has enabled Belvedere girls to get professional rugby coaching from RU@ School. A selection of rugby coaches came into school to give fitness and technique sessions to girls. All the girls thoroughly enjoyed the variety of activities they tried.

As a continuation of last year’s success in Basketball coaching, Mersey Tigers ran a block of coaching sessions with girls at Belvedere and again proved very popular with girls from years 7-13.

Due to initial Sport unlimited funding for Dance, The Belvedere Academy has been able to sustain this funding and keep the ever popular Dance sessions with Jenny Morris running. The new Dance studio at Belvedere has been packed out week on week with as many as 30 girls attending. Jenny has choreographed routines which have been showcased in school performances. We hope to sustain this in 2012.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOR SPORT

Tony Westman who has a background in coaching the Danish Women’s Volleyball team has hosted intensive volleyball coaching sessions at Belvedere each Friday evening since January. There have been 20 girls ranging from year 9-13 attending religiously each week. They have benefited greatly from Tony’s expertise and have greatly improved their skill level. With many of the girls opting to attend volleyball clubs outside of school and at the Universities some of them will be attending from September. Tony along with Ste Park and Brian Kendall hosted a Volleyball tournament in Sefton Park with 10 teams entering. Belvedere entered 4 and came 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 8th overall. A very enjoyable and successful afternoon.

The Belvedere Academy sports teams have met with considerable success over the school year.

The 1st netball team played in the Preliminary County Netball Tournament, at St Mary’s College Crosby, with opposition from schools in Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley and Liverpool and finished as Runners up, after a very close final. In the end of season Liverpool City Tournaments the 1st team won all their matches, becoming Champions.

The Year 10 Netballers met with exceptional success winning both the League and the City Tournaments, with no losses all season; winning the “double” is quite a feat.

In the Liverpool League Rounders South Division, organised by Calderstones, The Year 10’s were runners up, after only losing to Calderstones but in the North versus South Liverpool play off finals they got their revenge, in the final, beating Calderstones to become City Rounders Champions.

The Year 9 netball team were crowned Liverpool League Netball champions and they too were runners up in their South Rounders League, losing to St John Bosco in the final of the play offs.

Belvedere also met with success, becoming champions in the Key Stage 3 Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership South & South Central team competition.

The success of the teams is a fitting tribute to Mrs Jan Davies, Head of P.E., who retired at the end of the summer term after teaching at Belvedere for 25 years and who was, herself a pupil at the school.

Sports Successes

Huge thanks to Jan Davies, retiring this summer after teaching at Belvedere for 25 years and who was, herself a pupil at the school.

Mrs Davies said, “It is always a joy to share in our students’ successes but my main aim, over my teaching career has been for the students to recognise the importance of physical fitness and principally to enjoy themselves.”

We wish her every success for the future.

Congratulations to Miss Kehoe who got married in the summer holidays. She is now Mrs Trayner.

Advertising In The Belvedere Academy News Ezine

The Belvedere Academy News Ezine is published three times a year, in September, January and April. 1500 copies are widely distributed among parents, local businesses, nurseries, churches and primary schools. Advertising with us will reach a large target audience throughout Liverpool.

All revenue is put back into the production of the magazine.

The advertising rates and advert dimensions are:• FULL PAGE COLOUR £250 Inside front or back cover 180x265mm • FULL PAGE A4 BLACK & WHITE £200 180X265mm • ½ PAGE COLOUR OR BLACK & WHITE £60 (landscape) 180x130mm • ¼ PAGE COLOUR OR BLACK & WHITE £40 (portrait) 90x130mm

To place an advertisement, please contact Abi Cox on 0151 471 1845. Advertisements should be submitted as JPEG or PDF files on CD or emailed to a.cox@belvedereacademy.netCheques should be made payable to GDST Academy Trust. All copies and payments need to be received one month before publication.

Congratulations to the News Team from Belvedere’s talented Journalism Enrichment. They are:

Abbie Gaston, Bella Pimental, Katie Oliver, Lucinda Ross Nneka Cummins, Jenny Shaw, Chloe Nelson, Karolina Brown, Omima Ihmandat, Rhiannon Ireland, Jessica Brandwood, Hannah Melia, Blessing Opawole, Chloe Moran, Eleanor Hoey, Ellie Herr, Niamh Mahoney, Rebecca Yu, Jess Fairclough & Mercy Opawole, Olivia Rowley and Lydia Bradey, Miss Keating, Miss Bradley & Mrs Cox.

Many thanks to teaching staff who have also contributed articles and photographs. For more news please visit www.belvedereacademy.net

If you have any comments or suggestions for the magazine then please contact Abi Cox: a.cox@belvedereacademy.net

The Belvedere Academy17 Belvedere Road

Princes ParkLiverpool

L8 3TF0151 727 1284

info@belvedereacademy.net

Farewell