Rebecca 8MSt reporting

On 10th June 17 pupils left England and travelled to Germany  for a German Exchange visit.  After a long journey we arrived at the train station, where we were met by our host families.  We were all very nervous about meeting them, but they  made us feel very welcome.  

The English and German penfriends

Whilst we were in Germany we attended school with our pen-pals, which was a great experience.  After school we went on trips to some of their favourite places - the Castle, the Roman museum and shopping in Münster.  At the weekend we spent time with our host families.  It was really upsetting when we had to leave.  We all had a really good time in Germany and we can’t wait until our pen-pals come to us in October.

A trip to Vischering Castle

Alison 8FLo reporting

We went on several trips including a Town Hall visit to meet the Mayor.  At the weekend my pen-friend and I went to Warner Brothers Movie World; we later found out that this was a popular choice as we saw five other pupils from Sweyne Park with their pen-friends in tow!

Inside a German Classroom

We said a sorrowful goodbye to our pen-friends on Monday and returned home.  I think that all the people who went on the exchange had a very enjoyable time and if given the chance, they would  go back to Germany again.  Thank you Miss Lowe and Miss Garcea!  

Many of the year 10 music group have been busy composing for the ‘My Generation’ show. So much work has been put into these songs and I think that everyone who has heard them will agree that they are all a very high standard. We have a range of styles from a jazzy number to a more modern pop song. The song I wrote is called ‘Him or Me’, its about warfare in the trenches.

Sandie - 10PBd

Stacey and John are recording their composition coursework using ‘Cubasis’ music Program on one of two computers in PA3. This allows them to use a vast range of instrumental sounds and to record layers of music, saving all their ideas. John is recording a fusion piece based on African polyrhythms; Stacey is recording a backing track for a song from a musical in modern style about homelessness. When they have finished their music, this program will allow them to print out a score of a professional standard.

In music we formed a rock band. I play lead guitar, Alex is on bass, Luke plays piano, Mark plays drums and Tom sings. We perform in assemblies and school shows with modern rock songs like “Its My Life”.  It’s good fun and helps us gain confidence. We’re called ‘Worlds Apart’.

Jon - 10PBd

Jena Keenleyside reporting

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week a cast of 70 performed this year’s show ‘My Generation’.  This was an original show devised by the staff and students, using drama, dance and music. 

The first part was called ‘A Lost Generation’ and explored the horrors of the First World War.  ‘A Generation Gap’ was a humorous look at the differences between the young and old, whilst ‘An Innocent Generation’ adapted the play ‘Blue Remembered Hills’ to look at bullying and power.  The cast also performed to 300 primary school students who thoroughly enjoyed being a special ‘preview’ audience.

Thanks to all staff, parents and students who made

 ‘My Generation’ possible.

‘My Generation’ was a mix of dancing, acting and singing ... ...

GCSE and Year 8 dancers performed three excellent dances, ‘Ghost’, ‘Roxanne’ and ‘Bullying’ which were choreographed by Mrs Young, and the dancers were outstanding.

Jennifer 8RCh

I have enjoyed being in this play.  It has given us an opportunity to produce our own drama, rather than working from a written script.  I have met new people, and we have worked well as a team.  The outcome has been fantastic.  Sandie 10PBd

Being in the play has helped me to learn more drama skills that will aid me in my GCSEs next year.  I have really enjoyed doing it as I got to meet new people and produce a piece of drama based upon original ideas and not from a script!  Beth 10HWh