1st February 2013

Dr Elizabeth Sidwell CBE, the Schools’ Commissioner who is charged with raising standards and leading the expansion of the Government’s academy schools programme, visited Bolton School this week after receiving an invitation from the Headmaster of the Boys’ Division, Mr Philip Britton. Mr Britton, having met Dr Sidwell at a number of conferences, decided to offer her a personal invite in order that she could learn firsthand about the many ways that the School engages with local schools. Some independent schools have chosen to sponsor a local academy but Bolton School has pursued a policy of engaging with as many different schools in the area in as many different ways as possible. Pupils and staff at Bolton School were joined by teachers and children from a number of local schools to give a series of short presentations demonstrating the wide range of local partnerships.

Girls and boys also enjoyed a visit from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester this week. There was a large lunchtime gathering in the Boys’ Division Great Hall as historians, school academic societies and interested parties of all ages assembled to hear George Almond CBE, the current presiding Sheriff, relate a history of the position and explain his role in today’s world.

Successful children’s author Joe Craig came in to Bolton School to talk to pupils in both the Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions about life as a writer. Joe spoke to the Year 7 girls and boys about how he became a writer and the process he goes through to write his books. Joe is best known for the Jimmy Coates series of books, described in several reviews as 'The Bourne Identity for kids'. He explained to the pupils how to turn an idea for a story into an actual book and gave them some valuable tips on becoming an author including what the vital components for a story are and even how to plan a story in ten minutes. At the end of each talk Joe’s books were available to buy and he even signed them for the pupils.

And Year 10 pupils in the Girls’ Division presented a cheque for over £1,200 to the North West Air Ambulance charity, raised through their annual Christmas Post Charity Event. The money was raised over four days at the end of last term, starting with a special assembly where each form group performed a ten minute themed assembly to generate interest in the fundraising efforts they intend to carry out over the following days. Girls chose topical themes such as 'I'm a Celebrity' and 'X Factor' for their presentations, to encourage other students to support them in their fundraising which includes selling cakes and sweets. A representative of the NWAA came into school to receive the cheque from the girls.