10 May 2019

The annual Battle of the Bands was this year judged by a former winner. Old Boy Rob Jones returned to watch performances from Shaky Foundations, The Tepid Grapes, Youth Concept and Funktionality alongside an enthusiastic audience of Boys' and Girls' Division pupils. He was impressed with all of the bands efforts and particularly praised their original songs.

Battle of the Bands performances are available to watch via the links below:

• Funktionality: Tints (Anderson .Paak) and Mine
• Shaky Foundations: Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (Oasis) and Tell Me The Truth
• The Tepid Grapes: Can’t Stop / Basket Case / Smells Like Teen Spirit Medley (Red Hot Chilli Peppers / Green Day / Nirvana)
• Youth Concept: Soundcheck (Catfish and the Bottlemen) and Dopamine Machine

The Girls' Division May Serenade provided an uplifting programme of varied music from start to finish. For this last whole school music event of the year, a masterclass of solo performances were interspersed with the ensembles and choirs to make the evening special.

The achievements of pupils in both Divisions were celebrated at the annual Duke of Edinburgh Awards Ceremony. Six pupils shared their experiences of completing Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and all pupils were applauded as they received their Awards.

Bolton School's Under 13 Girls' Water Polo team has been named National Champions! This is the first year that the Girls' Division has entered the competition, and thanks to the dedication and excellent attitude of players, it payed off with a win on the national stage for the U13s.

On the recent Bank Holiday Monday, a Memorial Cricket Match was held at Edgeworth Cricket Club in honour of former Boys' Division headmaster and keen cricketer, Mr Mervyn Brooker, and to raise funds for his Nepal Appeal. The match saw alumni compete against current pupils, and the cup was presented by Mr Brooker's wife Brigid.

The Girls' Division Bake Off competition came to a close last Friday with six Showstopper Signature Bakes! The finalists, all in Years 7 to 9, impressed the judges with their creativity and cooking skills and made it no easy task to choose just one winner and two runners up!

The series of free, public Lunchtime Concerts in the Arts Centre will come to an end next week with a Classical Guitar performance from Will Scattergood. Everyone is welcome to come along on Thursday 16 May at 1.20pm for this musical event.

Finally, Year 11 pupils in the both Divisions started their Study Leave this week ahead of taking their GCSEs. We wish them all the best in their revision, upcoming exams and future lives.