National Poetry Day
Summer Reading Challenge
Over the summer holiday we will be asking students (and staff) to send in photographs of themselves reading books in weird and wonderful places. The more obscure the better.
If you find yourself reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on a visit to Cadbury World, Messi at the Charity Shield match or Billie Eilish – From E-Girl to Icon at a music gig simply take a selfie and send it to Mrs Gibson in the Library jgibson@birchwoodhigh.org.uk.
The best photo as chosen by a panel of independent judges will win a bag of goodies including a £10 Waterstones voucher.
BB is pictured reading his favourite book ‘A Boy and a Bear in a Boat’ by Dave Shelton, whilst on holiday at Birchwood High School.
Mrs Gibson, Library Resource Manager
Just the ticket!
Students celebrated 25 years of World Book Day by finding Golden Tickets which had been hidden around the school site. The activity, which was based on Roald Dahl’s classic book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was organised by English teachers Miss Long and Ms Cuddington and Librarian Mrs Gibson.
Mrs Gibson, who is a keen advocate of reading for pleasure in order to raise literacy standards among children and young adults said “The school ran a number of activities throughout the day but it was the Golden Ticket challenge which really got the students buzzing. They were extremely excited and eager to get involved. Students from all year groups took part and visited the library to exchange their ticket for a free book and chocolate. World Book Day 2022 will certainly be remembered for a long time to come by students and staff alike”.
Congratulations to Hans Tsui
Congratulations to Hans Tsui from Year 9 who was the lucky winner of last half term’s ‘Read, Review, Reward’ competition. Hans read and reviewed five books from the reading list – his overall favourite was ‘Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus‘ which he rated 4.5 out of 5.
This half term’s competition ‘Read around the World’ has been extended until Easter so there is plenty of time to get involved. You too could be the lucky winner of a £10 Waterstones gift card. For more information on how you can enter please contact Mrs Gibson jgibson@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Read, Review, Reward competition
Congratulations to Jonathan Crick Year 7, who was the lucky winner of last half term’s ‘Read, Review, Reward’ competition. Jonathan read and reviewed Dear Martin by Nic Stone and gave the book an overall rating of 8/10.
Jonathan is pictured collecting his prize, a £10 Waterstones voucher.
Mrs Gibson, Library Resource Manager
National Poetry Day
National Poetry Day is a UK wide celebration of poetry, and the theme this year was Choice. To celebrate National Poetry Day form tutors read a poem to their tutees during form time. All staff were invited to choose their favourite poem and students were asked to guess which member of staff had submitted each verse. Congratulations to 7CHT and 11MAS who both guessed correctly. Both forms have been awarded House points.
Mrs Gibson,
Library Resource Manager
Carnegie Shadowing
Birchwood Bookies are shadowing the Carnegie Medal again this year. The Carnegie Medal is a British literary award that annually recognises one outstanding new English-language book for children or young adults. There are eight books on the shortlist and our bookworms are reading their way through them all. This will culminate in an afternoon on 18 June when we cast our votes for our favourite book before finding out the official judges’ top pick. There is still time for students to get involved, just speak to the librarian to receive your Carnegie Shadowing booklet and start the reading journey.
Ms Hall, Librarian
Book Reviews of the Month
Aguero by Matt and Tom Oldfield
Aguero is the tale of the boy who would go on to re-write football history. His 94th minute goal for Manchester City on the final day of the 2011/2012 season was the most electric moment in Premier League history. This is the story of how a small boy from Argentina became the biggest hero of all.
Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of the world.
All the Things that could go Wrong by Stewart Foster
Dan is angry. Nothing has been the same since his big brother left and he’s taking it out on the nearest and weakest target: Alex. Alex is struggling. His OCD makes it hard to leave the house, especially when Dan and his gang are waiting for him at school. Forced together during the summer holidays – what could possibly go wrong?
...and one for the parents:
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
Tom Hazard has a dangerous secret. He may look like an ordinary 41-year-old history teacher but he has been alive for centuries. As long as he keeps changing his identity he can stay one step ahead of his past… The only thing he must not do is fall in love.
Young Carers go to Vire
On Friday 23rd March, the Vire Zone in Bishop’s Stortford town centre opened its doors to a group of ten students aged between eleven to sixteen from Birchwood High School.
The students, who are all young carers, took part in a range of activities including the Nuclear Launch Escape Room, virtual reality computer games and the Nerf Battle Arena. They all had a wonderful time, demonstrating great team work and resourcefulness. The idea behind the trip was to provide an opportunity for the students to enjoy themselves and bond as a group. Due to their home circumstances young carers may not have the chances to socialise and have fun that other students do. By the end of the hour and a half session, everyone had tried at least two activities, there were big smiles all round and the confidence of the group had visibly increased. Feedback from the students was that…
“everyone at the Vire Zone was really friendly. There was a lovely atmosphere and we felt welcomed as soon as we walked through the door.”
Kate Byers, Community Manager at Birchwood High School thanked Ian Cox, owner of the centre, and his staff for their time and generosity in making the afternoon possible.
