News
The Eagles visit Holt Hall
Holt Hall
The Eagles recently took part in team work and communication activities at Holt Hall. They created a small dry garden which they made in the potting sheds and proudly took home.
They had fun working together and learning new skills and they are looking forward to future visits.
The Eagles would like to thank Holt Hall for having them and Mr Chris Wright.
Well done to the Eagles, we are really proud of how well you have represented Aylsham High School.
we are delighted to announce that Annie has found her Sandy
Following our plea a for help, we are delighted to announce that Annie has found her Sandy so the next musical at Aylsham High School is up and running. Show dates are 14th March to 17 th March 2012 with a Matinee on the Saturday.
Sandy is actually called Hartley and lives in Aylsham with his owner Janet.
We are full into rehearsals now and all is going well tickets will be on sale starting December.
We look forward to seeing you all in March.
Fashion Show at Wolterton Hall
On a sunny Sunday at the beginning of September, Miss Green and I worked with Aylsham High School models for a fashion show at Wolterton Hall. The event was to showcase the work of the Textiles GCSE garments to the public. The collection ranged from a recycled woven corset modelled by Sophie Bullimore to a range of playsuits modelled by Lauren Taylor, Jessica Conroy and Daisy Hughes. Other models included Bonnie Blyth and Charlotte Tolbart. Both the morning and afternoon shows were packed with impressed spectators. It was a fantastic day that was enjoyed by all and a great opportunity to strut our stuff! Well done to the designers, models and helpers!
Miss Norman
Comedy of Errors
On Wednesday September 14th 2011 the cast of Comedy of Errors set off from Aylsham High School to the Playhouse in Norwich to take part in a workshop with the National Youth Theatre as part of the National Shakespeare Festival.
These students have been working hard to prepare their own unique performance of Shakespeare’s play, even coming into school during the summer holidays to rehearse. The performance is set on a hot Mediterranean island which makes for a colourful spectacle complete with fly swats, ice-creams and carafes of wine! The plot is hilarious with lots of mistaken identities and the arrival of the terrifying Dr Pinch-in our case a student in a sparkly dress complete with angels to sing “Blow Gabriel”, Shakespeare would turn in his grave!
At the Playhouse the cast were given a chance to work with another school on the stage, experimenting with new voice warmups and many other drama activities. They were also able to demonstrate the first fifteen minutes of their performance.
Tickets for the evening performance on November 1st at 7pm are available from The Playhouse in Norwich from the box office 01603 598 598.
This performance can be seen at AHS later in the year. On Saturday 3rd of December we are presenting a Shakespearean evening. This begins at 6pm with Christmas craft stalls and refreshments. A performance of Romeo & Juliet directed by the Drama Captains is followed by the Comedy of Errors. Come and join us for an evening of entertainment by the students of Aylsham High School.
Tickets available from t.wiseman@aylshamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk or telephone 01263 733270.
We have our Annie now we need her dog ?
Students from Aylsham High School set off to Blickling Hall on the first week of the summer holidays. The National Trust staff had kindly agreed to let us take publicity photographs in the main hall using their newly re-furbished staircase. Principals from the show 'Annie', to be performed at Aylsham High School from March 14 -17 2012, posed in character against this magnificent backdrop.
Miss Hannigan in skimpy night attire lounged across a desk and Drake the butler marshalled the orphans into some kind of order while Mrs Greer the housekeeper looked on disapprovingly. Warbucks made a telephone call while Grace took notes and the star of the show viewed her surroundings from the staircase in awe, however one character was missing from the photos - Sandy!
We are now waiting to audition a dog for the show. If anyone out there has a sandy coloured large dog who would be interested in a lead role in our show - Annie - we would very much like to hear from you. Good behaviour and a love of children is of course very important.
If you can help us please contact twiseman@aylshamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk
We look forward to meeting you and your dog! Many thanks again to all at Blickling Hall.
Tanya Wiseman
Language Detective Day
Some pupils in Year 7 recently attended a Gifted and Talented day at Greshams. The students joined up with students from other local high schools. It was a Language Detective Day in which they had to use their knowledge of language structures to understand clues in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Finnish, Welsh and Russian, in order to solve a Crime Mystery.
Aylsham All Stars Show Jumping Team
Aylsham All Stars competed in the West Norfolk Schools Show Jumping Competition at Lime Kiln Farm Equestrian Centre on July 10th 2011.
In the Novice class the team of three Freya Giles, Jasmine Hunter and Evie Maskrey secured a win being the only three Double clears.
In the Intermediate class the team of four Freya Giles, Jasmine Hunter, Issy Lorraine and Ellie Bailey missed out on 1st place by four faults and came 2nd out of 10 teams.
In the Open the team of three Jasmine Hunter, Issy Lorraine and Ellie Bailey came 5th.
Well done to all who took part and a big thank you to Mums and Dads for all their hard work and providing transport. Also, a big well done to St Clements’s High School for organising a fantastic event again.
Friendly Face Roadshow, Tuesday 7th June to Friday 10th June 2011
A few weeks ago on the 7th June, 10:17am sharp, the Friendly Face roadshow hit the road. A somewhat nervous crew set off towards Buxton Primary school where 18 year 6 pupils awaited. As we arrived and watched the pupils file in, it was exciting yet extremely scary. We began with a short speech about the role of the Friendly Faces, and talked about life at Aylsham High School. As usual nerves took over and we (well I) rushed through it, but it got the job done and the children weren’t falling asleep! Fabian and Elise then led some fun team games which were thoroughly enjoyed by both pupils and Friendly Faces.
We then split the pupils into four groups and talked about the importance of wearing uniform with pride, using student planners, dealing with problems, about worries some people have about being bullied, and how to find the Friendly Faces in school. We also played a game called Sometimes Always Never. The group activities aimed to give the students a few tips about surviving high school and general school know how.
After the group activities, Shaun (a member of Young Chamber) showed a DVD on student voice at Aylsham High and spoke about Young Chamber.
Next came the best bit of the day… the song! We chose ‘Count on me’ by Bruno Mars as we thought the lyrics summed up what Friendly Faces is all about. We handed out words to the children so that they could join in (not that many did) and with Luke strumming the guitar with all he had, we began to sing - at first it was more humming and murmuring than actual singing but by the time we got to the chorus we could have been a full blown orchestra!
We handed out some ‘who do you want to be in your form’ sheets and made our way home, or so you might think… no we had to do it all over again for a whole week! And we really enjoyed it! We got some letters of thanks from some of the pupils at which really made it all worthwhile!
All in all I think a great week was had by both the year 6 pupils and the Friendly Face roadshow team!
Friendly Face Captain’s: Zac Highton and Georgi Connolly.
The roadshow team: Fabian Jackson, Lewis Gibbings, Jasmine Blake, Elise Mabbutt, Luke Whiting, Shannon Wiseman, Emma Atkin, Ellie Cleaver, Shaun Taylor.
Well done to our Friendly Face team. We are really proud of you.
AYLSHAM HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBIT AT THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 2011
On the 29/30th June, the D.T. department exhibited the work from years 7-10 projects in the theme of Wildlife and a very excited group of students shared their work with visitors at the Royal Norfolk Show. We had plenty of activities to do including a frog coin flipper which proved to be very popular, attracting hundreds of visitors. It was great to meet the public and tell them about our school. We even met the First Lieutenant of Norfolk, Richard Jewson and Lisa Christensen who were impressed by our stand. It was a great day with lots of people.
By Jamie Laville
We are so proud of our talented scholars
Students from Aylsham High School have enjoyed great success in pursuing highly competitive scholarships for their post 16 study at prestigious sixth forms across the UK.
Joshua Nightingale has secured an all-round scholarship at the Ipswich School in Suffolk as a result of his impressive talents across the performing arts and sport as well as across a wide range of academic subjects.
Talented actress Jodie Randell has been awarded a drama and academic scholarship at Gresham’s of Holt. This is a testament to her talent and her commitment to her studies.
Stuart Blyth, one of our Hospitality and Catering students was spoilt for choice when it came to his post 16 options. Stuart was offered a scholarship to Westminster College, whose alumni includes Jamie Oliver and an apprenticeship with Michelin Star Chef Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall. Stuart has chosen to pursue the apprenticeship option and learn his trade from a master.
Our furthest travellers are Jacob Bunn and Sasha Norris who have both secured scholarship places at Gordonstoun School in Elgin, Morayshire. Gordonstoun is of course famous as the school attended by Prince Charles and his father the Duke of Edinburgh. Jacob is taking up an academic scholarship and Sasha has been awarded a scholarship in recognition of her artistic talents.
In addition seven of our current year 11 students have a chance of being awarded one of the sought after Paston scholarships. They will not know if they have been successful until they receive their examination results in August.
Headteacher Duncan Spalding commented:
“I am immensely proud of the achievements of all of our students and would like to congratulate warmly our successful scholars. More than anything their success, often as a result of competitive tests and rigorous interviews, is down to the fact that they are such confident, articulate and talented young people. As a school it is crucial to us that our students feel confident that they can take their place in any company and that they have the courage to pursue their dreams. I wish them all the very best in the future”.
Mr Spalding and all of the students would like to express a huge debt of gratitude to Mrs Dianne Wade our Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance Coordinator who has been an inspiration throughout the process. Without her many may not have had the courage and confidence to take that bold initial step to apply in the first place.
Many congratulations to the Friendly Face Team who have been awarded the Princess Diana Anti-Bullying Award.
Friendly Faces are a team of pupils who work to solve the problems of younger pupils in the school including bullying. They have their own room in school where at least two Friendly Faces are available every Form, Break and Lunch time for pupils to drop in for problem solving advice, help with issues or just simply as someone to talk to. Their contribution to the school community is invaluable. The Friendly face team run a Friendly Face roadshow where they go out to the Primary schools to meet the Year 6 pupils in the few months before they are about to start at AHS, and help to get them ready for high school. This year they have also been involved in helping another local school to set up their own similiar scheme and deliver training for the pupils there.
The princess Diana Award recognises the quality of this work and we are really pleased that the hard work of the Friendly Faces has been externally validated in this way. Well done to the Friendly face team and to Miss Connor and Miss Heavens for their leadership,encouragement and support.
Dr R.Wade MB BS MClinEd FHEA
It always gives us great pleasure to hear about the successes that our students go on to achieve. We are therefore extremely proud to hear that former Head Boy Ryckie Wade, has recently completed his medical training, with distinctions in his Batchelor of Medicine and Batchelor of Surgery.and is now Dr R.Wade MB BS MClinEd FHEA
Ryckie is going to be based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for the next two years, during which he will continue his studies and training, with the eventual aim of becoming a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and a Lecturer to medical students of the future.
We know that this success comes after many years of very hard work and dedication and we are enormously proud of him.
Students have a blast at Thorpe Park!
Year 10 Business Studies students recently visited Thorpe Park, in preparation for their unit of marketing and communication. We were greeted by the Education Officer, who took us into the ‘Thrills’ building for an educational talk. We made notes and collected the correct information in order to complete our course work, after which the students were eager to go and explore the park. We made more notes and collected leaflets and posters which would be relevant to our section of our unit ‘marketing’. While collecting this information, some of the students were fortunate enough to meet ‘Only way is Essex’ stars Joey Essex and Sam Faiers. Unfortunately the biggest ‘Only way’ fan, Joanna Maxwell, searched all over the park, and to her disappointed did not meet him even though other students claimed to have seen him approximately three times. Overall, a great day was had, and we are very thankful to the efficient student organisers, Ellie Cleaver, Ellen Lincoln, Joanna Maxwell and bus organiser (we wouldn’t have got there without him) Alex Karop!
Also, many thanks to the teachers to gave up their time to support us for this trip, Mrs Auber, Mr Turrell, Mr Doyle, Miss Shanahan and Miss Meadows.
Jo Maxwell
Year 11 Business Studies Student
Students awarded Chief Scouts Gold Award.
Many congratulations to seven of our students from the 1st Buxton Lamas Sea Scouts Group, who have received the Chief Scouts Gold Award.
This is the highest award that can be awarded in the Scout section and is achieved by completing a series of challenges from different areas of the scouting programme. The final challenge was completed in March, through a 30 mile expedition which they had organised themselves.
Everyone at the 1st Buxton Lamas Group is extremely proud of what the young people have achieved which has taken several years. They have all shown great dedication to the scouting movement and to themselves.
This is another example of how hard young people work and how determined they are to achieve at the highest level. It is also a further example of the many organisations and opportunities that are open to our students through the hard work of adults in the community, who give so much time voluntarily for the benefit of others.
Well done to everyone involved, we are very proud of your achievements.
Aylsham Cluster Family Fun Day at AHS
Aylsham High School was the place to be on Saturday as over 600 children, mums, dads and grandparents spent the day enjoying the activities offered at the annual Aylsham Cluster Family Fun Day sponsored by Aylsham Rotary Club. The school was filled with families doing art and craft, science activities, workshops and sports.
Families were offered the chance to sign up for workshops from Dinostar and the Planetarium, which were fully booked by lunch time, and to try their hand at Scalextric racing by Presto Park. Children also loved the opportunity to meet the ponies from Redwings and the fluffy chicks from Let’s Hatch Eggs.
The cluster schools and other local organisations provided craft and science opportunities such as making germs, monsters, parachutes, bird feeders, spinners, lemonade and much, much more, along with opportunities to learn about healthy hearts, clever hand washing and how to be an astronaut
The weather was just right as out on the school field families took part in multi-skills activities provided by the Community Sports Foundation and Tri-Golf run by High School students. We were also treated to a skipping demonstration.
With a café full of delicious home cooked food to recharge the batteries there really wasn’t time to do everything and families were sad to leave at the end of the day. What a lovely way to spend the weekend. Here’s to next year…
Thank you and well done to Monica Harding and Sam Tovell, for leading the organisation of the day and thank to to everyone else who was involved in the day, including the many members of staff who gave up their Saturday so willingly to make the event a great sucess.
Our Thanks to Aylsham Rotary Club for not only sponsoring the event but also to all of the members who gave their time so generously to help run the day.
Business and Finance Diploma students visit Waitrose to explore Corporate Social Responsibility.
As part of our Business and Finance Diploma, we have been learning about “CSR” (Corporate Social Responsibility). For this unit we needed to research a business that has a good CSR policy, so we decided to use Waitrose as they are local and successful. After researching them in our lessons, we decided to visit our local Waitrose supermarket for an interview with the Store Manager and an opportunity to look around the supermarket during the working day.
We arrived by minibus and were escorted upstairs to a well presented conference room where the Store Manager gave a detailed presentation of the “Waitrose Way” He showed us videos, posters, figures and slides of information and after the talk he allowed us to ask him questions in which we noted down and discussed when we came back to school. We then returned to the shop floor and were given a tour around the store rooms and we were allowed to access the freezers to experience the conditions in which the food is kept. The coldest we went in were -24 degree’s C!
We learnt about the charity work they do and the initiatives they are taking to reduce their impact on the environment. At the end of the trip we did a taste test of their strawberries - the Waitrose ones were great!
We left with a ‘bag for life’ full of information and goodies to enjoy. Our appreciation goes to Nick Leverett and Sally West for all the information they gave us and for giving up their time to look after us.
Sinead Delaney
Year 10 BAF Student
Year 9 Sports Ambassadors visit to the Olympic Village
A recent trip to the Olympic village with 5 of our year 9 students was a great success!! We have appointed 6 Sports Ambassadors from year 9 who have been commissioned with the task of promoting the London olympics and paralympics in our schools over the next year and share the legacy it will leave us after the Olympic games.
We were given talks and workshops on the Olympic build, the size of each stadium, the transport issues, people involved. Also we were shown what will happen to the Olympic park after the games are over!
In addition, we were treated to a bike ride along the canal weaving around the park!!
Fashion Show Project with Break Charity
The fashion show was amazing! It went really well and we raised lots of money for Break charity. The outfits were outstanding and admired by everyone. Most of the models are keeping the outfits that they made so that they can wear them. The fashion show was a great success!
By Beth Bailey- Year 8 designer and model
I was really impressed by how well the girls coordinated the fashion show! They even choreographed a dance routine that they performed at the end for the audience. It was also a great opportunity for the GCSE Textiles students to showcase their final pieces on the catwalk! Well done to all of the girls involved!
By Miss Norman
David Copperfield
Half term - what half term? No half term for students at Aylsham High rehearsing for the summer show David Copperfield. All performers are working extremely hard to ensure another brilliant performance.
This is a wonderful entertaining production suitable for the whole family. Performances will take place at Aylsham High School on Friday July 1st and Saturday July 2nd, 2011
at 7.30pm. All tickets are £5.00 and are now available from twiseman@aylshamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk or telephone 01263 733270 Ex 126
The play is the story of David’s life. His own father had died six months before he was born. Seven years later his wonderful caring mother marries the horrid, strict Mr Edward Murdstone, who beats David on a regular basis. Following one of his beatings, David bites him and is sent away to Salem House, a boy’s boarding school with a stern headmaster called Mr Creakle. Here he meets a life long friend James Steerforth.
David’s mother then gives birth to Murdstone’s son but sadly both mother & son pass away. David returns home immediately to see Peggotty his mother’s housekeeper & loyal friend but she has been dismissed by Jane Murdstone, Mr Murdstone’s evil sister. David is then sent away to work in the bottle factory, partly owned by Murdstone. Here he meets his new landlord Mr Wilkins Macawber and Mrs Macawber with their many children. Macawber is then sent to prison after going bankrupt and David then decides to run away as he has no where to live and no one to care for him. He runs to Dover to see his only relative Miss Betsey Trotwood who along with Mr Dick is rather eccentric!
David likes his time in Dover with his aunt and Mr Dick but when he is old enough he leaves to go and work in London at Wickfields where he meets the lovely Agnes Wickfield and Uriah Heep the devious and fraudulent clerk.
We look forward to seeing you all,
Tanya Wiseman.
Visit to Ypres May 2011
Forty four of our students took on a day trip to Flanders, travelling through the night to find themselves in the heart of Belgium. Ninety seven years ago the trenches dug here were filled with the soldiers of four nations struggling to survive the new age of industrialised warfare. The museums told the soldiers’ experiences of the trenches and the graveyards spoke silently but eloquently as to the end of very many of those soldiers. Many of our students were filled with a ghastly awe when viewing the sights of these battlefields. Particularly poignant was the grave of Private Strudwick at Essex Farm Cemetery, whose grave was covered with poppies and crosses. He was just 15 when killed in action…..Just one year older of most of our students.
Lest we forget
Ellie Cleaver & Shannon Wiseman, complete the Race for Life
Well done to Ellie Cleaver & Shannon Wiseman, for completing the Race for Life at the Norfolk Show Ground last Saturday. They managed to complete the walk dressed up as a camel, which was extremely hard work. They wanted to make a difference, as the mother of one of their friends has just been diagnosed with cancer, so it was very close to their hearts. The girls have raised a huge amount of money for Norfolk Cancer Research. Thank you to Vicky from Costume World in Norwich for allowing the girls to use her camel costume.
Well done to you both and you didn't even get the hump with each other!!
Mrs Wiseman
Preview of Year 8 Fashion Show
Students in Year 8 have been working in partnership with the Aylsham Evening WI and Break Charity and will be putting on a Fashion Show at 4.00pm TOMORROW ( Saturday 21st May) at the Town Hall in Aylsham. Please come. Tickets available from the Break shop or on the door.
Aylsham in Bloom
Year 10 Land Based and Environmental Science students, spent time yesterday planting out geraniums that they have been caring for, in the market place. They have been working in partnership with the Aylsham in Bloom committee.
Norfolk Schools Aquathon
Congratulations to all of our swimmers who took part in the Norfolk Schools Aquathon at the UEA and went on to be Norfolk Champions.
We are really proud of you all.
Prom and Glam Fashion Show
Well done to the Class of 2011. We are so incredibly proud of you.
The Prom and Glam Fashion show raised over £1100 for the Prom. Everyone had a fantastic evening and enjoyed watching you all looking so fabulous.
Best wishes to you all for your GCSE Examinations starting this week.
Many thanks to our Business supporters, Essence Bridal,Blossom and Green,Decorum Menswear,the Rose Garden.Catwalk Fashions,Cute Little Cupcakes,The Little Clothes Shop,Sollis Spray Tan,Arbonne Beauty Products,Virgin Vie Cosmetics,Just Aylsham and Gianne Zagne Hair and Beauty Salon.
Well done and thank you to everyone who helped.
A HUGE thank you to Dianne and Georgina Wade for making this event such an amazing success
THE FRENCH EXCHANGE 2011
I woke up excited on the 14th April, all ready and packed for the next five days. I arrived at Norwich Station just after Mrs Howe, Mrs Chalk and the other students who were all buzzing with excitement and nerves.
After about seven trains and underground trains we arrived in Blois, and the families were there to meet us. Most of them live in La Chaussée St Victor, a suburb of Blois, which is twinned with Aylsham.
Throughout the stay, we did many activities with the families, such as visits to the fair, the local castles and the zoo. With the whole group, we spent a morning in school and went to a reception hosted by the mayor of La Chaussée. On the way home, we spent a day in Paris.
I found my exchange partner Valentine, and her family, very kind and welcoming. Some of their culture is different to ours and they eat very late in the evening, between 8 and 9 pm.
I really enjoyed the trip and spoke lots of French. Our French partners will be returning to Norfolk in July.
Robyn Morley Year 9
Loir et Cher | Le Blaisois | la chaussée-saint-victor
Onze collégiens anglais en visite 19/04/2011
Les collégiens en compagnie des élus et des professeurs. - (dr)
Vendredi soir, Marc Jollet, maire adjoint en charge de la culture et Jean-Marie Lachat, maire adjoint aux finances, ont accueilli onze collégiens d'Aylsham, ville d'Angleterre jumelée avec la commune pour un court séjour dans la cité ligérienne.
Leurs professeurs, Hilary Howe et Diane Chalk les accompagnaient ; ils sont hébergés dans les familles de leur correspondant. Le programme, préparé conjointement par Muriel Le Chalony et Béatrice Fessy, toutes deux professeurs d'anglais au collège des Provinces, qu'ils visiteront, leur permettra de découvrir le château de Blois et la région avec un passage par le bowling.
Dans son allocution de bienvenue, Marc Jollet a mis l'accent sur l'importance des échanges linguistiques en famille, d'une part pour le côté linguistique car c'est une véritable immersion et d'autre part pour le côté convivial et relationnel. La salle de la mairie où avait lieu la réception a été l'occasion de leur faire un rapide historique sur les personnalités locales telles que Marcel Achard, Adrien Thibault et de leur décrire la fresque murale sans oublier la statue de Marianne. Une visite de Paris précédera leur retour en Eurostar prévu mardi.
Un moment de convivialité a clos cette sympathique réception.
Elise Mabbutt impressed the judges at the South East regional Finals.
Elise Mabbutt, 14, recently attended North Hertfordshire College for the penultimate round in the Rotary Young Chef competition. Elise had fought off fierce competition in the previous rounds and this round was bringing the best together from the South East region. The next step would be the National final!
For her starter, Elise made celeriac remoulade with walnut halves, apple croutons and sultanas soaked in orange juice. The main course was salmon en croute with salsa verde served with pea shoots and carrot ribbons and the pudding course was rhubarb delice.
The competition was fierce and the working conditions were extremely challenging. The final decisions were really hard, with the judges taking a long time to deliberate and Denniss Lusnikovs, nearly 4 years her senior, won the final by a very narrow margin. The judges were very complimentary to Elise and the other competitors stating that this was the closest year that they had ever had in terms of making a final decision.
Elise was presented with an embroidered apron, a large bag of olive oils and olives and a gift voucher. Elise came out smiling and full of determination saying that next year she will do it, she will get to that final!
Since the competition Elise was asked to give a 20 minute talk to the local Rotary club about her experience in the competition. Her talk was hugely successful and in addition to this she was also interviewed by the Eastern Evening News.
Many congratulations Elise. We are all really proud of your tremendous achievement and we look forward to next year!
Year 7 meet Charlie Higson.
On the Friday 8th of April, just over one hundred year 7 students walked to the Jubilee Centre in Aylsham to listen to a talk by Charlie Higson.
Mr Higson talked about his new book ‘The Dead’ This book is the second in a series of books to be written about Mothers and Fathers who are all zombies and small groups of children trying to survive. Everyone over the age of 14 has contracted the ‘Zombie Plague’, hence the zombie outbreak, really scary.
We watched a short trailer, the first Chapter of ‘The Dead’, of a small boy, on U Tube, sending out a message, asking for help. He is the last one alive and is trapped inside his home with the Mothers and Fathers trying to get to him. WOW!
We have posted our individual comments below:
I thought Charlie Higson was great. Some of the book sounded very disturbing but very exciting at the same time.
Max Byrnes
The book begins with a small boy being kidnapped by the Mothers and Fathers who had become Zombies through some sort of plague. Scary!
Joel Lodge
I thought the visit was fun and Charlie Higson was Hilarious. I will be reading more of his books.
Luke Wooldridge
Charlie Higsons book ‘The Dead’ seems very different to many other books, because he really wants to scare you.
Hannah Richards
Charlie Higsons first book of this series ‘The Enemy’ begins immediately you start reading. I will definitely be recommending to others.
Eleanor Fowell
Year 7 would like to thank the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre for making this visit to meet Charlie Higson possible.
Written by:
Max Byrnes
Joel Lodge
Luke Wooldridge
Hannah Richards
Eleanor Fowell
Thank you to Mrs Walker for organising the event.
AHS Students on Time Team Dig
In the middle of March, if you had travelled to Garboldisham, you would have found our students carrying out an archaeological dig under the supervision and guidance of Time Team’s Carenza Lewis and Paul Blinkhorn. Normally done by undergraduate students from Carenza’s Cambridge University archaeological faculty, our students burrowed into the earth near Thetford and rewrote the history of Garboldisham. Over two days all the finds from earth test pits were collected, cleaned and recorded, the whole being put together at Cambridge University on day three. Our students also had a chance to look round the University and try out the facilities of, perhaps, their future academic home.
Prelimary results suggest that Garboldisham had an intense period of human settlement in Neolithic times, after which the settlements dwindled only being partially resettled during Saxon times. The Norman invasion seemed to have unsettled things as occupation dwindled again but came back in the middle medieval age after which humans remained and thrived, especially through the Tudor period. It’s not often that a student gets to write the history books.
A terrific experience for our students and possible a future career path for some? Thanks to Cambridge University for the opportunity.
Mr Roberts
Aylsham High Finest Talent Show
Aylsham's Finest Talent performed on Saturday to help raise money for MENCAP (a charity that works to improve the lives of others). Maths teacher Miss Mash is running the London Marathon, a charity close to her own heart, as her big brother Simon, has Downs syndrome. She needed around £1600 to be able to take part in the London Marathon, but with all the support from students and staff within Aylsham High School she was able to raise over £2000, which is truly amazing figure in such a short space of time.
Three judges from the local community had the very difficult task of judging the 12 acts that were either singing, dancing and acting as all of the contestants were absolutely brilliant. However they did manage to select a winner - Tom Withington from year 10 for his ballet dancing. Second place went to Kiesha Rice and Emma Wood for Clarinet & Flute and Third place went to Jodie Randell from year 11 for her acting.
The evening was well attended by Aylsham High School and the community .
We wish Miss Mash well in her first Marathon and feel privileged to have been able to support her on her journey.
Good Luck from Aylsham High School.
Well done also to Mrs Wiseman, to the Judges and to anyone else involved in running the event.
U15 Triumph at Norfolk Rugby Cup Final
Congratulations to our Under 15 Rugby team who played brilliantly last week and won the Norfolk Cup Final. They played Downham Market and won 37 - 17.
Well done to the squad and to Mr Keats. We are really proud of you.
Norfolk u 16 girls badminton league finals
Well done to our Under 16 Girls Badminton Team, who won the Norfolk U16 league finals this week.
Congratulations to all the team, we are really proud of you.
Fashion Challenge
An ever increasing group of Year 8 pupils have accepted the challenge set by Break Charity Shop in Aylsham to rejuvenate unwanted clothes into appealing, on trend garments. So far dowdy floral skirts have been transformed into cute playsuits and retro aprons customised to create baby doll dresses. The group can be found in the Textiles room most lunch times and will be exhibiting their talent in a fashion show held at the Town Hall in Aylsham at 4pm on Saturday 21st May. More information to come on this exciting event!!!
Well done to our U16 mixed badminton team
Well done to the U14 girls Badminton team
Comic Relief
Well done to everyone in school who worked so hard on the day and had a great deal of fun raising money for Comic Relief. The picture above shows one of the Team Oasis events.
Half a Sixpence
Our production of Half a Sixpence last week was enjoyed by hundreds of people. The performers were amazing and the back stage crew and front of house team supported them with huge professionalism.
When watching the show the performers and the costumes were brilliant but so too was the very impressive set which provided such an incredible setting. The set was the result of many months of very hard work by a number of people. Congratulationsand a huge thanks is due to Mr Bonnington for hours and hours of work, to Mr Walker for his brilliant design and to everyone else involved including: Mr Wiseman, Mr Springall, Mr Spencer, Mr Moy, Mr Shearer and Tom Saunders.
Congratulations and well done to everyone.
GCSE RE students develop their understanding of Christianity
During the week beginning the 28th February we were lucky enough to have some Christian visitors from America, Canada and Germany. Chad, Jon, Kristin and Stephanie came into our R.E lessons and were able to give us a great insight into the Christian religion and their beliefs about it. Being a full course group, we were able to spend 4 hours with the visitors. We came up with some general religious questions and had a session where each of the visitors gave us their opinions. Afterwards, we found some exam questions and asked them about what they thought. It was fascinating as although they were all Christians the answers each gave were very different – this taught me that religion is open to interpretation and the importance of personal beliefs – no one should be able to stop you believing. This also is important for us all in whatever we do – if you have a dream follow that dream – don’t let others stop you. The week was a great opportunity and really helpful. Rather than just reading something out of a textbook and having to remember it, we got to experience it, which made it more real and appealing. Hopefully now when we go into the exams this summer a Christian viewpoint on a question will be easier to remember!
GCSE Student.
U13 Girls Runners up in County Cricket Competition
On the 4th March a squad of 11 year 8’s took part in the ‘Lady Taverners School Indoor County Competition’ at the UEA. The girls played some excellent cricket and ended the day long tournament as leading run scorers. The team finished as runners-up, losing narrowly to the eventual winners in the league format and should be proud of the way they played! Well Done!
Report on year 7 Geography project.
For our homework we had to choose from six options, Map work/Video/Brochure/Design/Art work or a rhyme. It had to be on your settlement (your Town/City or Village).
The homework had to include where your settlement is/why it was originally located there/what you can do in your settlement and how your settlement might change in the future. You had to make it interesting and colourful. You should try and include pictures, maps and research. It could be word processed or by hand.
I decided to do a Brochure on North Walsham and I found the information off the Internet, and from the Library and local Shops. I chose to do some hand written work and some word processed.
I telephoned the North Norfolk District Council and spoke to a lady called Sue in the Planning Department to find out about what developments/changes were happening now and in the near future. She was very helpful and sent me some information in the post and I included it in my project. I also visited some of the development sites and took photographs to add to my project like, the site beside Focus on the Cromer Road where Roy Davenport hopes to open his Magic Kingdom.
I also found out some really interesting facts like North Walsham used to be called Walessam-eska and was the first recorded Anglo-Saxon settlement in the area appearing as ‘Walsam’ in the Domesday Book of 1080. Lord Nelson used to go to school in North Walsham on the Paston School site.
I took some photographs of some of the local sights in North Walsham such as the Church, the Market Cross and the view of the Market Place now and what it was like years ago.
I was lucky enough to find some comparison newspaper cuttings showing how the Market Place used to have the old fashioned horse and carriage going along it.
I really enjoyed doing this research and found it very interesting.
By Holly Tyler.
The Voice of Youth in Aylsham Public Speaking Competition - sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aylsham
Following Heats taking place during November, 10 finalists (2 from each year group) were selected and gathered for the Final on the evening of Friday 3rd December. Their speeches were on the theme of 'I can Make a Difference' - for some, that involved making a difference in their community. For others, their families, and for some, the world! The 3 minute speeches were moving, articulate and delivered with passion.
Our judges, Mrs Paddy Seligman OBE Dl JP, Mr S Downes, the Education Correspondent for the EDP and Josie Holladay, Chairman of The Rotary Club of Aylsham deliberated, and Florrie Crass, from Year 8 was chosen as the winner. Each finalist was presented with a cash prize, by Josie Holliday. Florrie was presented with a trophy.
Congratulations, Florrie!
Aylsham High School student reaches Young Chef regional final
Elise Mabbutt, a Year 10 student at Aylsham High school has reached the regional finals of the Rotary Young Chef 2011 competition. Elise, 14, had already fought stiff competition in elimination rounds first at the High School and then at City College Norwich where she got the better of fellow Aylsham student Annabel Gray. At the District final, held in the Zest Restaurant at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, she was up against seven other challengers from all over East Anglia, all cooking a 3-course meal of their own design.
Elise's mouth watering menu comprised a first course of Butter Celeriac Parcels with a Mushroom Sauce, followed by locally-sourced Fish Pie accompanied by a Green Pea Shot and fresh vegetables. The dessert course was Lemon Roulade with a Raspberry Coulis. Just beaten into second place by Denniss Lusnikovs from the College of West Anglia, Elise nevertheless goes on to compete alongside Denniss in the Regional final to be held at North Hertfordshire College on 19th March. Success there would see her advancing to the National final in Stratford-upon-Avon at the end of April.
Young Chef 2011 is organised by Rotary International in association with Filippo Berio Olive Oil with the winner of the national final receiving £250 plus a trip to the olive harvest in Tuscany. The second placed young chef will receive £200 and third £100.
Well done Elise.We are all really proud of you and wish you well in the Regional Final.
Aylsham High School Proudly Presents- Half a Sixpence.
Wednesday 16th March- Saturday 19th March 2011 at 7.30pm
Saturday Matinee at 2pm
Tickets are now on sale from High Aylsham School or from
Eclipse Hair Studio, Red Lion Street, Aylsham.
For a synopsis of the show please click here
Cambridge University: Trip to Gonville and Caius College
On the 27th of January, Fin, Josh, Sasha and I (Jodie) attended a day at Gonville & Caius College Cambridge, organised by Mrs Wade. We arrived at the college at 10:30am where we were greeted with refreshments. As soon as we entered the college we were all overwhelmed by the beauty and inspiring atmosphere of the college grounds and buildings.
Following this was an information session in the Lecture theatre, about applying to Cambridge, Oxford and others in the Russell Group of Universities (the top 20 in the UK). They told us that on average a student at Cambridge has 7 A*s (the rest mostly A’s) at GCSE level, and two A*s and an A at A level, although there still are pupils there with less and more A/A*s. Also, they told us that for every three/four people applying one person is accepted and they have the lowest number of applications to university, in the country! Maybe more about our beliefs than theirs? We all found the session extremely informative and inspiring and we were able to ask questions about what A levels would best suit our route into university life. What was most interesting was learning that 50% of students at Cambridge come from the British state school system, and that our own school’s results are looked at when they are considering our applications, making it a fair system for everyone.
Lunch then followed and we found ourselves dining in the Great Hall, filled with paintings and long wooden tables and being served by waiters – a day in the life of Cambridge University students! It was quite a surreal experience! We had a tour, and got to see their magnificent Library, which they said was one of fifty two libraries belonging to Cambridge University! We then had two work-shops, one in Arts & Humanities, delivered by a History academic, and one in Science, presented by students from The Triple Helix - who had us testing out our debating techniques. Both workshops were highly enjoyable, and inspiring.
We left the college in high spirits, knowing what we have to do to perhaps one day come back as a student at Cambridge University.
Jodie Randell (writer), Finbar Hendry, Josh Nightingale and Sasha Norris.
Year 11 pupils.
Norfolk Schools 10 aside Rugby
Well done to the boys who played in very wet and windy conditions last week in the Norfolk Schools 10 aside Rugby competition at Holt.
The boys played extremely well, however, despite all their hard work they won 1 and lost 4.
Joshua Bayley, Ryan Smith and Ben Chettleburgh were excellent in every game.
Norfolk Cross Country Championships
We took a team to the Norfolk Cross Country Championships last week. Our highest placings were Hannah Wright who came 4th in the U17 girls and Elizabeth Cooper who was 6th in the U15 girls. Both will represent Norfolk this coming weekend. Others competing were Ellie Folkard,Lucy Ellam,Chris Skipper, Tyler Hall, Hayden Ramm,Alex Witting,Katie Witting,Sarah Goodliffe,Bethany Curtis and Sascha Norrish.
Well done everyone.
UEA Geography Conference – 4th February 2011
We recently were privileged enough to attend a Gifted and Talented workshop day at the UEA. The workshops we attended were covering subjects such as “The One Child Policy in China”, “The Volcanic Ash that Choked the World” and “Geographical Information Systems”.
Amongst us were mainly A-level students considering following Geography at University in a related degree
It was very interesting to see the diversity of the subject; one can take Geography for almost anything – one of the undergraduates had studied the Geography of wine as a module!
The trip was very beneficial to us as we were able to get an early insight to the possibilities of undertaking Geography later in life. There was also a lot of advice and knowledge shared to us which will aid us in the revision leading up to the summer exams.
Also, being the youngest there, we were able to meet people who were all in different stages of studying Geography who could give us information on the subject. It was a great experience and hugely beneficial for us.
Written By:
Josh Nightingale
Robert Couzins
Tobias Parke
Film crew from South Korea
Pupils from Aylsham High School will soon be on TV, not on our local news, but on the other side of the world!
A film crew from Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) of South Korea busied themselves with recording a variety of activities around the School, including lunch in the canteen, pupils from Yr7 making soup and yrs 9, 10 and 11 assisting two local chef mentors with making quiches.
A full report appeared in the EDP this week.
Aylsham High was the midpoint destination of their tour, which has seen them filming in the USA and Japan; Italy and France are next on the agenda.
The crew from MBC is investigating food education around the world, with a particular focus on the work which AHS undertakes with the Cittaslow/ Aylsham Slow Food movements.
Using locally-sourced products, pupils were filmed creating a range of seasonal vegetable soups, then tasting them and promoting nutritional values of using fresh ingredients and utilising their natural flavours.
Gina MacDonald, from MBC, commented on how eloquent and enthusiastic the pupils were, even under the camera’s gaze.
We await details of the broadcast date, but hope to be able to show the documentary in full in the near future. Well done to all of the pupils who took part!
'Once in a lifetime experience' for Becky Gray
In March last year Becky Gray, a student in year 11, went to a series of trials aiming to find the ‘ball kid’s’ for ‘The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals’ in November. She battled against 1300 other children from around the Country in hope of being chosen as one of only 30 who would spend a week at the tournament on court with the stars. She has written the following report of her experience:
I got through to the national trials in London and was successful in being selected. Following a summer of vigorous training the big week arrived. I travelled to the O2 Arena on 23rd November when the tournament began. During this week, I truly enjoyed a chance of a lifetime, ‘ball kidding’ for big names such as Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. The best bit was being just centimetres away from Rafael Nadal, who gave me his towel and several autographs!
If you are a student between the ages of 12-16 and are interested in being involved in a big sporting event, becoming part of an inspirational team, and meeting your favourite famous celebrities then this is definitely a chance in a lifetime. For more information on becoming a ‘ball kid’ visit barclaysballkids.com.
U13 Girls 6-a-side team 'never give up'
The U13 girl’s 6-a-side team, after beating 26 schools in the regional round, represented Norwich City Football Club in the Area Finals of the ‘NPower Community Cup’. The girls were a credit to the school and played some great football. Our captain, Becky Hibberd, has written the following report:
On the 12th January the Aylsham High School under 13’s 6-a-side football team, travelled to Barnet Football Club to participate in the area finals of the ‘NPower Community Cup’. We had successfully won both the North-Norfolk and then the Norfolk finals and had a great day representing Norwich City Football Club.
After meeting at school at 7:45, which still saw some half asleep, we took a minibus to Norwich City Football Club where we met the ‘Football in the Community’ coaches (Emma and Elliot) who would be taking us in the FITC minibus.
The journey contained lots of singing (not to everyone’s liking), sweets, games and birthday cake before we arrived.
We found our way to the changing room and dressed in the sparkling Norwich City kit. After a quick coaching session the games began with us playing Northampton. Although we lost 2-0 our spirits weren’t knocked as we knew it was only our first match. After a little drink and fruit break we were back on against Stevenage. They scored an early goal, and no matter how much we battled we still didn’t score an equaliser, the score ended 1-0. After another short break we returned to the pitch. Eager to not go home goalless in our last game against Watford a header from me, put us into the lead. Some more good football was played and we were rewarded with a great second goal from Hazel Needham, securing the victory.
Even though we didn’t get through to the next round all the girls played amazingly well and never gave up. We had a great time and would like to thank Emma and Elliot for taking us and also getting us into the NCFC official match-day programme against Millwall. We would also like to say a another big thanks to Mr Claxton for coaching and helping us get this far.
Becky Hibberd – U13 Football Captain
Well done girls,we are really proud of you.Your determination never to give up is an inspiration to us all.
