Academic extension
This has been a busy term with pupils taking part in lots of opportunities for academic extension beyond the classroom.
There have been many academic competitions including the RSC Olympiad and a number of Maths Challenges, where Pocklington has seen fantastic success at the national level this year. A range of trips have also enriched pupils’ academic experience, including music and drama trips to the West End, a fascinating day at GCSE Science Live in Bradford and several revision workshops for A Level English, economics and business students. A visit from Sir David Davis MP was also a great chance for history, politics and economics students to see their learning in a real context.
The academic scholars have also had some exciting events this term. In January, we had an eye-opening talk from Adam Smith, founder and CEO of Surplus to Purpose. This company utilises food destined for waste, by safely redistributing this through cooked meals, products and provisions to families. Adam ' s talk focused on the environmental issues caused by food waste and prompted lots of questions from the scholars, both about environment and the challenges of setting up a business.
In March, our annual Scholars’ Soapbox event took place in which the scholars had the chance to hear bitesize talks from members of our own expert teaching staff and a guest speaker, OP Professor Colin Davis, Professor of Literature at Royal Holloway. These thought-provoking and inspiring talks gave the students a taste of topics beyond their normal curriculum and certainly generated some interesting debate and ideas.
Charlie Prosser, Academic Extension and EPQ Coordinator and Sarah McLoughlin, Academic Scholars and Oxbridge Coordinator
Lectern Society
January 20th, saw the return of our annual big event on the English Department calendar... Lectern Society. The Gruggen room was packed to standing room only with parents, students, Governors, and staff all joining together to hear our Sixth Form speakers present their takes on this year’ s topic, ' Identity is now a costume, not a conviction.'
On arrival, guests were presented with an array of delicious canapés and beverages prepared by our catering team, and entertained by our talented flute ensemble and later in the evening, our violinists. Nerves were running high among the speakers but you would never have guessed once they stood up at the lectern; their ideas were thought-provoking, reflective, humorous, and intellectually stimulating, each student approaching the topic from a unique perspective and with incredible confidence and authority. The judges this year, however – Clare Frisby, Roly Cronshaw and Charlie Lovelock – probably had the toughest gig of the night, choosing the winners!
Thanks again to all involved in the organisation and congratulations to the twelve speakers who gave everyone an insight into what makes Pocklington School a really special place to study and work.
Anna Sargeant, Teacher of English
Music
In February, Pocklington School proudly hosted its“ Sing Out!” concert, an inspiring initiative that brought together a wide range of local primary schools in a truly collaborative musical celebration. A huge congratulations to our own choir, who opened the concert with a vibrant performance of Sing!, featuring standout soloists Chloe, Lula and Lydia. The evening concluded on a high note, with the choir joining forces with the string orchestra and local primary schools for a rousing finale of Golden.
We were also delighted to hear from our resident DJ artists Oscar, Ethan, Rupert and Max. They provided an energetic soundtrack to the Community Sports Day, keeping the crowd entertained with an excellent selection of music.
At this year’ s Commemoration of Benefactors and Founders Service, our Chamber Vocal Ensemble delivered a truly amazing performance, showcasing their musicality and professionalism. With a busy and important schedule ahead, this talented group is set to continue performing across the community in the coming months.
Excitingly, this term also saw the launch of our first music tour in many years. The Music
Department is thrilled to announce that 32 talented students have signed up for a six-day tour to the Netherlands this October. The trip promises a rich and memorable experience, including performances at a variety of venues, a stay in a castle, cultural excursions, and a visit to Efteling Theme Park.
After many years of dedication, stretching back well before secondary school, Padme has had a final music lesson with Mr Sage, Pocklington’ s outstanding woodwind teacher. Throughout this educational journey, and especially during A level studies, Padme has greatly benefited from the guidance and opportunities that private music tuition provides.
This long and rewarding journey with Mr Sage reaches its culmination in a solo performance at this year’ s Music Gala Concert.
Meanwhile, rehearsals this term have been in full swing as students prepare for the upcoming Music Gala Concert on April 23rd. Be sure to secure your tickets- this is an event not to be missed!
Charlie Lovelock, Music Co-curricular Coordinator
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