25 January 2019

The School was shocked and saddened this week to learn that Mervyn Brooker, who was Headmaster of the Boys' Division from 2003 to 2008, has died following a short and sudden illness. A tribute to his life and contribution to Bolton School can he read here. An online Book of Condolence is available to read here, and those wishing to contribute may do so here.

Mervyn was a huge advocate of sport and extra-curricular endeavour as part of the wider purpose of the School in developing well-rounded young people. He would no doubt be proud to see pupils today taking part in so many activities that stretch beyond their lessons.

Boys enjoyed meeting with Old Boy and Weightlifting champion Mackenzie Middleton as part of their SPACE Triad timetabled extra-curricular afternoon this week. He gave them an introduction to the skills and training needed to succeed in this competitive sport.

Musicians this week also met with Old Boy Rick Pilkington, who now enjoys success with his band The Blackheart Orchestra. He talked about the origins of his passion for music, the band he formed at Bolton School with his friends (the "infamous" Black Cat Bone) and discussed what it takes to make a living from making music.

Families who send their children to Bolton School Nursery raised over £200 for Derian House Children's Hospice with tombolas and raffles at their fundraising Christmas Party.

A group of boys in Year 8 put together a collection of creative writing themed around exile ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day 2019. This is available to read here. Pupils also took part in the town's service of remembrance on 23 January.

Writer and activist Natasha Devon MBE visited Bolton School to speak to parents, Sixth Form students and staff about the importance of promoting good mental health and self-esteem. She spoke candidly about her own mental health problems as well as discussing the challenges of getting young men to open up and discuss their feelings and sharing some insights. Her interesting and informative talk will no doubt have been useful to all who attended.

We recently announced that Bolton School (Boys' and Girls' Divisions) won the Independent School Parent magazine's School of the Year Award. The Boys' Division also won the Boys' School of the Year Award, while the Girls' Division was Highly Commended in the Girls' School of the Year category.

18 January 2018

Boys' Division students in Years 8 to 13 created powerful pieces of artwork to commemorate the lives of victims and survivors of the Holocaust, which will be displayed at the Bolton Holocaust Memorial Day service. They worked on the project with Holocaust art educator Caroline Slifkin to explore this year's theme: torn from home.

BSS Leisure has gained accreditation from Swim England to independently deliver  Swim England Level 1 and Level 2 Swim Teacher courses! There are six courses currently planned between April and October, which will be held in the Arts Centre swimming pool. Book online at www.bssleisure.com or phone 01204 434797 for a registration form.

Junior Boys went on an exciting musical journey with Travelling by Tuba. The interactive presentation went on a historical and geographical trip through the development of wind instruments. Boys enjoyed music played on a wide range of instruments and some volunteers even joined in with the performance.

Old Boy Terrence Li returned to the School to talk to current Boys' Division Sixth Form students about his career in Finance. He spoke candidly about the rewards and the challenges alike, giving students a fair picture of what it is like to work in this sector. He also encouraged students to undertake work experience and gave other helpful tips for the application process.

Looking back at last term, Boys' Division musicians helped to raise money for the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK by performing at a fundraising concert.

Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods is this year's Joint Senior Production! The performances will take place at the end of this half term (13 to 15 February). Tickets cost £5 and are now on sale: please contact Miss Caulfield (hcaulfield@boltonschool.org.uk) to book.