Pocklington School Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2019 | Página 4

Academic update
The school year has got off to a varied and
inspiring start with pupils focused on developing
each of the Pocklington Values and Virtues in
their range of academic lessons. Our First Year
pupils, in particular, have had the chance to
explore the links and connections between
some of their subjects in the recent off-timetable
day in which some imaginative pairings –
Classics and PE; Music, MFL and Physics –
helped to spark pupils’ creativity.
First Year off timetable day
Learning, of course, extends well beyond the
classroom and this term has seen a wide range
of extension and enrichment including a Great
European Bake Off, a German exchange, an Art
trip to London, a theatre trip to see Malory
Towers, a Primary School Maths Challenge
supported by our A level mathematicians, a visit
to York University by Upper Sixth Biologists to
carry out DNA fingerprinting, a visit by local
author, Finn Dervan, Geography fieldtrips as
well as the 'once in a lifetime’ joint Geography
and Chemistry trip to Iceland. There really has
been something for everyone!
Laura J. Powell, Curriculum Director
Lower School
Lower School House Captains
The first term of the year is always the busiest for
the Lower School and with 77 First Years and 7
new Second Year pupils joining the team, this
year was no exception. After a few initial
challenging moments, our new pupils settled in
well and thanks to the support and guidance of
our Second Year and House staff, the Lower
School team quickly became stronger than ever.
Our new pupils were swiftly thrown in at the
deep end with our House Hockey and Rugby
Festival taking place over the first weekend and
I was so impressed to see everyone taking part
or supporting with gusto. Our house events and
the camaraderie they bring are one of Pocklington's greatest assets and I very much
hope to see every member of the Lower School
taking part in House Music next term. Our
Second Years have been challenging themselves
to set and achieve academic targets and I
congratulate those pupils who have seen their
improvements reflected in their reports. I hope
that success brings further ambition and
aspiration in 2020 and if targets are yet to be
reached, I look forward to seeing the
commitment and resilience needed to get there.
from rehearsals for A Christmas Carol to a
mountain of sporting fixtures; debate society to
LGBT society; student council to choir rehearsals
– the many other hundreds of other
extra-curricular events that I haven’t mentioned
and the countless hours of teaching and
learning. special mention to our Fifth Year who will be
working hard over the festive period preparing
for their mock exams. It may not seem like it
right at this very minute but a little sacrifice now
will pay off in a big way later.
Samantha J. Cheadle, Head of Lower School
Middle School
Middle School is a constant evolution and we
have seen this once again this term. Last year’s
Fifth Year now seem like a lifetime ago – the
blazer firmly left in a better place and the suits
now suitably worn in. We have welcomed our
new Third Year, who have made one of the
smoothest and easiest looking of transitions that
the Middle School team can remember!
As always there has been so much going on:
I wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year when they come; I also give
See you all in 2020!
Gareth Hughes, Head of Middle School
Sixth Form
This term has been one of aspiration and goal
setting, with the Lower Sixth getting to grips
with the expectations of Sixth Form study as well
as new privileges, increased choice and
independence in their learning. Our Sports
Leaders have been involved in events that have
seen them develop their characters and
leadership skills, from umpiring, to coordinating
training sessions with the Prep School, whilst our
Home Cooking course has continued to be a
firm favourite. Hopefully some samples of
participants’ culinary skills have made it back
home for friends and family to try out!
Sports Leaders
One step further on, the Upper Sixth have been
busily finalising their plans for the next stage of
their educational journeys, completing UCAS
3
applications, a variety of other plans for further
study including overseas applications, a trip to
the Apprenticeships roadshow and a selection
of visiting speakers supporting with application
and interview preparation. We have also
broadened our horizons and perspectives
through a range of subject society talks,
including Psychological Society and Historia;
Young Enterprise companies have moved
forward with their product development; and
our programme of symposium talks has helped
students look beyond the limits of their
academic disciplines with topics including Greek
mythology and the narratives of our lives.
Laura J. Powell, Head of Sixth Form