Arnold School

University applications are flying in

One of the highlights of this week has been the time I spent with our Upper Sixth students going through their university applications. It is so rewarding to hear them enthusing about their chosen subjects and I have been reassured that they have researched their universities choices carefully. I finish all my interviews by reminding each student that, once his or her UCAS form is submitted, the most important part of the process is about to begin; getting the grades required by their chosen institution.

The teachers and parents at Arnold are right to stretch and challenge the students and we must do all we can to encourage them to outperform. In fact, it is worth reminding students in Middle School that many universities also look very closely at GCSE results when considering whether or not to make an offer, so consistent effort is essential. Let's hope that everyone at Arnold is aiming high.

Talking of high achievers, our pupils entered the 'Language Olympics 2010' following our assembly to highlight the European Day of Languages. By day two our students had spent 28 hours competing and answered more than 9,000 questions. Phew! One of our pupils, Kiah Jones, had achieved a gold medal and was in third place overall in the entire competition. We are also the leading school in Europe on average points per pupil. This is a fine achievement from our bright linguists. 

On Tuesday, I awarded 30 pupils with certificates following last term's demanding English Speaking Board examinations. Congratulations go to all those who were awarded certificates and, in particular, to the following pupils who achieved distinctions: Lucy Dale, Jessica Omassoli, Kim Wan, Jonathan Ashton, Alexander Atherton, Lydia Bamber, Natasha Dagger, Danielle Gallagher, Tom Leah and Lucy Walker. I am heartened that many Arnold pupils have the confidence and skills to communicate through the spoken word so clearly.

Congratulations to our U14 hockey team on winning the County Round of the National Schools Hockey Competition with convincing wins over Kirkham, KEQMS and Baines. Half term is nearly upon us and yet all of our hockey teams remain unbeaten against opposition in their own age group! Well done girls - long may it continue.

Our younger pupils have benefited from a plethora of trips this week. It is so rewarding to see the smiling faces of our tired (but happy) Junior School pupils when they return from a day of putting into practice what they have learnt in their classroom. There are some great photographs of their escapades on the website galleries (in the 'My Home' section). I must praise all the teachers and volunteer helpers who accompany the children so enthusiastically as these visits really do strengthen the children's learning experiences.

Finally, this Thursday is Senior School Open Evening. Lessons will finish after Period 4 at 12.55pm and pupils may then go home. School buses will leave at 1.30 pm. The Open Evening starts at 6.00 pm and I will speak to all visitors at 7.15 pm. It finishes between 9.00pm and 9.30pm. There will be a short presentation by two of our Year 7 pupils as well as a "So you think you are smarter than an eleven year old?" competition! Enter at your peril... The staff and I would like to thank the many pupils who have eagerly volunteered to help on Thursday. Senior School Open Evening is a team effort and every participant plays an important part in its success. I do hope that, if you have friends who are not members of our community, you will invite them to come along. This is a special opportunity for all our visitors to meet our remarkable pupils and see what Arnold Senior School is all about. 

Posted by: J E Keefe
Date: Monday 04/10/2010