Blog – w/c 16^th May 2022

Hi All,

I am delighted to share the events of another very busy couple of weeks at Blacon High School with you.

At the time of writing, while for some of our students GCSEs have begun, others are contributing to, and enjoying, a variety of experiences both in school and beyond, as we go some way to enhancing our ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ offer following two years of not being able to go anywhere (thanks to Covid). More below….

GCSEs

There is a somewhat hushed atmosphere amongst our Year 11s as exam season gets underway. It is a very challenging time every year but seems to come with a little additional pressure this time around. It is the first time that students have sat summative examinations for three years and, like all schools, we cannot fully predict what the impact of Covid will be on outcomes.

What we can say confidently is that all students have been prepared fully. All subject areas have amended their delivery appropriately in order to acknowledge changes to specifications and reductions in content coverage; this has ensured that students have been primed for each of the challenges they will face in the exams.

We know that effective preparation and revision pays off, and are confident that students’ efforts will be rewarded when results are published. It goes without saying that we wish them all the very best of luck.

Chester Schools Together

On 29^th April, a group of twenty five students attended the first ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ Conference along with our partners in the ‘Chester Schools Together’ alliance, in conjunction with the University of Chester.

Students from Blacon High School, Bishops Blue Coat, Chester Catholic High and The King’s School, Chester were hosted by the University of Chester and worked collaboratively in cross-school groups to develop projects that they will deliver to support diversity and inclusion in their own schools from September.

It was a productive day as students discussed practical approaches to challenging some of the prejudices faced by specific groups of students such as: the impact of differing socio-economic backgrounds; micro-aggressions; issues relating to belonging to the LGBTQ+ community and gender stereotypes. At the end of the day, students delivered presentations about their ideas for the projects they would be delivering in school.

Blacon High School students contributed fully to the day and spoke confidently during the presentations to the collected audience. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

Trip to local business

A group of Year 10 students who are studying Enterprise and Marketing visited ‘Business Reform Ltd’ in Chester on 4thMay. Managing Director, Andy Brown, prepared a relevant and interesting programme of activities to support their course. On the day, students were split into small groups and attended a carousel of three separate sessions:

• A day in the life of Technology Solutions and the types of things they do
• A day in the life of Project Services and things to consider when running a successful project
• A day in the life of running a business and what this entails

At the end of the morning, students were presented with the Cambridge National Level 1\2 Enterprise and Marketing revision guide to support their learning. This will be massively useful to them and was a very generous gesture.

Food Technology

Students have been so busy in the Food Department this week creating some culinary treats and focusing on 'creativity,' which is a focus for our LORIC initiative.

KS3

In KS3, Year 7 have been completing theory work on seasonal foods and how food choices can impact upon the environment. They have had some really good debate and discussion surrounding greenhouse gases, global warming and food miles. They have demonstrated excellent levels of independence when researching key areas and have used extended writing skills to advise people on how they can choose foods which are kinder to the environment.

In Year 8, students are completing practical work and have made a Biscoff cheesecake. They have been focusing on the nutrients in foods, and in particular the role carbohydrates play in our diet. Students have really enjoyed making a sweet dish and experimenting with decorative techniques.

KS4

This week, Years 9 and 10 have been completing the 'Teacake Challenge'. This is a competition where they have to present a classic teacake in the most creative way possible to produce a high quality, professional dish. Students worked totally independently and the outcomes were outstanding. The level of creativity, finesse and skill that was showcased was absolutely superb. Well done to all involved.  Next week they will be taking part in a 'Great British Bake Off' style technical challenge in pairs, to develop their higher-level skills and their ability to work as an effective team member. We can't wait to share the outcomes with you.

BEV Democracy Group

Max Jones and Alisha Karabacak, our Head Students, once again led the debate at the latest meeting of the BEV Democracy Group hosted by JH Godwin Primary School on Friday 20^th May.

Representatives from the student councils of all five primary schools in the Blacon Educational Village, along with Year 7 representatives from Blacon High School debated whether children should be allowed to take/use mobile phones in schools. As always, this was a hotly debated topic and students were happy to argue both sides of the argument.

The Democracy Project, now in its fifth year, is all about encouraging children to have a voice.

Half Term

Just a reminder that school closes on Friday 27^th May for half term and reopens on Monday 6^th June. I’m sure that everyone is ready for this well-deserved break and I hope that you all get an opportunity to rest and recharge as head into the last half term of the school year.