Recently, my wonderful collie-cross
Frankie (fondly known as Frank the
Plank) and I auditioned to take part in
the CBBC television programme ‘Who
Let The Dogs Out?’. We were lucky
enough to succeed in making the live
shows after several nerve-racking
auditions in Manchester, having been
judged by Britain’s Got Talent winner,
Ashleigh Butler herself.
As the first round began, it was
revealed to us that the challenge was
flyball, a sport of high energy and
focus. The aim was to send
the dog away over a
course of 4 hurdles, for
it to retrieve a tennis
ball positioned within a
flyball box. Having seen
that my competition were
two ball obsessed dogs,
a cocker spaniel, Jake, and
a Doug-de-Bordeaux, Bella,
handled by two extremely capable
trainers, Carl and Daniel, I was getting
increasingly nervous. Not helped by the
fact that on our second visit, Frankie
paid no attention and, to put it bluntly,
was absolutely awful. Fully expecting
to be going home when ShowTime
came, my mum and I had been getting
in all the practice we could, even going
as far as taking the jumps to the park,
so it came as
a complete
shock to the
both of us
when he did all
three attempts
flawlessly!
Because
neither of the
others had
managed to
get a better
time
than me (Bella had
done a hoolie and Jake had
missed a couple of hurdles
each time), it meant I was
through to the semi-finals!
To begin with, I was
introduced to another pair
of cracking handlers, Ellie
and Thomas, with their dogs
Ruby, a tiny Yorkshire terrier,
and Barry yet another Springer
spaniel. We all waited very patiently
but expectantly back stage, while our
‘enchanting’ task was being prepared.
It was announced that the next of my
challenges was the magic box...I had
to make Frank the Plank disappear!
Each dog had to enter the box from
the front door, while the handlers
entertained the audience and closed
the opening. By speaking
the magic words, the dog
then had to disappear via a
STUDENT NEWS
The Famous Frankie!
back curtain, and reappear
on command, giving the
impression they had vanished!
While Ruby and Barry both
had the advantage because
of the height of their dogs,
Frankie still managed to
remain focused, and completed
the exercise perfectly each time while
practicing at home. Unfortunately for
me though, during ShowTime each
pair was given a cape for the handler
to wear, which got in the way of the
‘wait’ hand signal. Consequently, when
I went around to the front of the box,
he’d got back in! However, after a third
attempt, he managed to do it correctly,
and although this meant that we didn’t
go through to the final, I was a very
happy girl indeed! This just proves
what rescue dogs can do when given
to the right home!
I’m so proud of Frankie, myself
included. It was a fantastic experience
that will never be forgotten!
Emily 9C1
Peer Mentoring Programme
We have very successfully over the
last three years offered a peer support
scheme involving our year 10 and 11
students. The scheme involves the
trained young person (the Peer Mentor)
volunteering to support and encourage
another young person (the Mentee).
This one to one relationship lasts for
however long the mentee requires and
they can discuss worries, concerns and
problems on a weekly or fortnightly
basis. The mentors aim to support the
students in the following way:
•Transition – those who find the
leap from primary to secondary a
bit daunting.
•Individual support and attention.
•To help build confidence, selfworth, social skills and self-
esteem.
•Reduce unwanted behaviour,
such as bullying.
•Raise attainment by helping with
homework and classroom issues.
•Develop a sense of belonging to a
school as a community.
There are many benefits for the
mentors who are part of this successful
scheme and every year we have plenty
of willing volunteers who want to be
trained. Mentors learn to become
valuable helpers who have something
to contribute and by drawing on their
own experiences they can guide the
younger students. It also helps to build
their own confidence and is a fantastic
boost to add to their CV.
We are proud of our mentoring
programme as
we feel this reassures parents, carers
and families that their children are
safe and being supported, particularly
those who have joined us in year
7. It also promotes and develops a
caring community environment within
the school and hopefully making our
students feel happier.
If you are interested in becoming
a peer mentor and you are currently
in year 9 please come and see Mrs
Peters to discuss how you can
support, training requirements and
what qualities you could bring to the
role.
Winning Chicken Names
The Farm Committee chose the winning chick names and points were awarded accordingly.
10 points for a winning name, 1 point for an entry: Jerem ??
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