17th Februry 2012

Internationally renowned classical guitarist Craig Ogden visited Bolton School this week to direct a 'Classical Guitar Ensemble Workshop' with young guitarists from Bolton School and local secondary schools. Around 90 music students took part in the day, which began with a mini concert given by Craig, who then led the pupils in rehearsing a classical guitar recital. The workshop culminated in a performance of the pieces to a live audience at an evening recital given by Craig in the Boys' Division Great Hall.
It has been a fantastic week for sport news with plenty success stories. Firstly, seven of our senior pupils are through to the National Final of the English Schools' Biathlon event following success in the Northern Semi Finals. The pupils completed a 1000m run and a 100m swim for the event and go through to the final which will be held at Crystal Palace on 25 March. The Bolton School U15 Volleyball squad have won the Bolton Town Volleyball Tournament, and as winners they will now progress to the Greater Manchester Championships, as part of the Schools' Games build up to the Olympics. This was the first time the school has entered the Volleyball tournament and so to win with very little experience in the squad was a great achievement. And the Girls' Division Senior and Intermediate Swimming teams are the Town Champions - both teams swam excellently to become Bolton champions and walk away with the winners trophies.
The Junior Girls have had a busy week too – their musical talents were on display in a Music Festival, where an audience of parents was treated to short individual performances from the girls on a variety of instruments including cello, guitar, trombone, saxophone, violin, flute and even drums. Judges were on hand to listen to each performance and offer feedback to the girls. And Thursday was Belgian day, where the girls got to experience all things Belgian exploring food and culture. The day was a farewell to one of the teaching staff who is Belgian, and one of Belgian’s finest, Papa Smurf, even made a visit to see the children and encourage them to enjoy a Belgian meal!