Pocklington School Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2018 | Page 8

Independent Schools of the Year awards – shortlisted for Sporting Achievement Diary Dates Monday 7 January – Boarders return to School Tuesday 8 January – Start of Lent Term Saturday 19 January – 11+ and 13+ Assessment morning Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 January – House Music Festival Pocklington School has been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year 2018 awards, which were established to highlight the quality of the student experience in independent schools. The School has been shortlisted in the Sporting Achievement category, in recognition of the individual focus and support we offer pupils, regardless of ability, as well as the specialist programmes which help our most promising athletes improve performance levels. The School’s Strength and Conditioning Programme has put the School at the forefront of athletic development provision for students, providing facilities normally reserved for professional athletes. A focus on wellbeing encourages pupils to enjoy sport, regardless of ability, and aims to inspire them to remain physically active for life. David Byas, Director of Sport, said: “The Sport Department team is exceptional and I am really pleased that it has been recognised in these awards. Our staff put in a great deal of time and effort to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to participate and perform to the best of their ability and that they enjoy their sport.” Headmaster Mark Ronan added; “I am continually impressed by the Sport staff’s dedication to nurturing both talent and a positive attitude to exercise. Well done to all.” 26 and 27 January – Exeat weekend Saturday 2 February – 13+ Scholarship Examination Friday 15 February – 12.25pm Start of half term holiday Monday 25 February – Start of second half of term Saturday 2 March – Pocklington and Pocklington Prep School – Open Morning Wednesday 20 , Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March – Musical Theatre Society – Seussical The Musical Friday 29 March – End of term Parents’ Evenings Second Year Off-Timetable Day - Courage, Truth and Trust Wednesday 16 January – 5th Year parents’ evening Tuesday 29 January – 2nd Year parents’ evening Thursday 28 February – Lower Sixth Parents’ Evening Christmas Gift Ideas Jute bags, Pock Bear, Sports bottles and thermo mugs - all great stocking fillers for the festive season! Second Year pupils enjoyed an exciting programme of cross-curricular activities thanks to a series of challenges and tasks set by staff across the subject disciplines. Pupils had to work in teams to problem solve while demonstrating the Foundation's core principles of courage, truth and trust. In Science, groups were challenged by Dr Clow and Dr Myers to build the fastest boat propelled by wind from a hairdryer, using materials including plastic bags, straws and card. In English and MFL, Mrs Tomlinson, Herr Galloway, Mrs Scott-Somers, Mrs Peel and Miss Clarke set a series of visual and linguistic clues for teams to solve a murder mystery. In PE and Latin, Mr Perham and Mr Andrews devised a series of Classical Games. Pupils learnt about their origins and then competed in an ancient pentathlon, with physical challenges including the standing long jump and arm wrestling. In Maths, Mrs Towner and her Sixth Form helpers put together a testing set of problems based on a military attack. Pupils worked in groups to crack codes using their numerical skills and lateral thinking. Teachers commented on how well 2nd Years responded to the tasks and hope this spirit of enquiry will continue in their future studies. THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION - REGISTERED CHARITY NO 529834 See www.pockgifts.com Pocklington School, West Green, York YO42 2NJ, T: 01759 322639, E: [email protected]