21 August 2015

GCSE students returned yesterday to collect their results, with many happy faces seen on the School campus. The percentage of papers graded A* and A increased this year in both Division in contrast to the national trend, which has seen a drop in top grades this year.

In the Girls' Division, nine pupils achieved at least 11 A* GCSE grades, and 7 out of every 10 papers were graded A* or A which is an increase on 59.4% last year. The girls also set a new record for recent years: 74% of girls achieved 11 or more A*-C grades. A number of girls managed to balance their studies with extra-curricular activities, including girls who have in the past year played county level Golf and national level Lacrosse, entered an international music competition, and self-published a novel.

Boys' Division pupils set a new record with 15 boys receiving 10 or more A* grades at GCSE. The percentage of papers graded A* and A was 54.6% up from 52.8% last year, and the percentage of A*-C grades also went up to 96.3% (93.1% in 2014). The School's U16 water polo captain, David Price, not only led his team to win the title of National Champions but also achieved a fantastic 11 A* grades and 1 A grade in his GCSEs. The rest of the water polo team also each received at least 10 A*-C grades.

Earlier this summer, the School's Saxophone Choir travelled to Luxembourg. The trip followed their performance at the World Saxophone Congress and Festival. The group was able to practice at the Luxemboug Conservatoire, where they received advice from Guy Goethals, a distinguished saxophonist and teacher. They gave two concerts in the city, one of which was held at Music D’ARCA.

The School said a fond farewell to Mrs Deborah Northin, the retiring Head of the Infant Department of Bolton School, Beech House. At the end of term, she was given a wonderful send-off by the children in a special leaving assembly, which saw the Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils dancing and singing in her honour. Mrs Northin is retiring at the end of the summer after a lifetime of teaching, including five years as the Head of Beech House.

Last week, children from the Caterpillar Room at Bolton School's Nursery went down to the woods for a Teddy Bears' Picnic! They brought in their favourite teddy bear from home to join them for this occasion. As well as enjoying a picnic in the wooded areas of the School's main campus, the children enjoyed fun and games in the Infants' School hall.

Finally, this week's Inspiring Mind is Tony Wadsworth CBE, Chairman and CEO of EMI Music UK & Ireland from 1998 to 2008. He talks about his connection to the School and his fondest memories of his time here in this interesting interview.