REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2012-2013 - Pershore High School

We are proud of our history and
confident in our future
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
2012-2013
Our primary aim is to enable all our students
to achieve their potential

Guest of Honour
Councillor Rob Adams
Rob was born and has lived in Worcestershire all his life. Educated at The Hill School, Upton upon
Severn he left at 15 years and commenced a career in Agriculture. From a non-farming background
and keen to learn he attended day release and evening classes before returning to full time education
at Shropshire Farm Institute. Here he gained a National Certificate in Agriculture.
After working for five years at Queenhill, Upton upon Severn he moved to Aston Hall Farm, White
Ladies Aston in 1969 gaining the tenancy of that farm in 1986 and Aston Moat Farm in 1994. He now
farms 500 acres, 200 of which is arable and the remainder grassland for his 60 cow single suckler
herd, 100 ewes and lambs and New Forest ponies.
The farm has been in a Higher Level Stewardship scheme since 2006 that includes many
Environmental features and Educational Access. For the past two years he has hosted visits on a
weekly basis by a class from Pershore High School.
In addition to his farming commitments Rob has been a Wychavon District Councillor for Norton and
Whittington since 1999, a Worcestershire County Councillor for the Upton Snodsbury Division since
2005 and has just completed a year as County Council Chairman.
Married in 1970 his two, now grown up, sons attended Pershore High School with both progressing to
gain degrees at University.

Foreword by Chairman of Governors
The Annual Presentation Evening has become a well established opportunity for
Pershore High School to demonstrate the achievements and capabilities of its
students. Over the years we have seen a consistent improvement in academic
standards and the vocational and community involvement by the school in local,
national and international projects. We can be justly proud of such a track
record and we look forward to a bright and productive future for the school. But
this will only be possible with the ongoing support of committed teaching and
support staff on which the success of the school ultimately depends. As
Governors, we have been very conscious that the ethos of the school has
always been centred on the needs and aspirations of its students and I am sure that with the evidence
presented here this evening you will agree that such a focus is totally justified, particularly in the face
of the financial, social and political pressures faced by education establishments throughout the
country. Please enjoy this evening and above all show your appreciation of these young peoples`
efforts and the dedication of the school staff who act as the catalyst to realise their potential.
Rob Phillips
Message from the Headteacher
Tonight is one of my favourite events in the school calendar. The reason for that
is simple, because it is an evening that belongs to our students. I am privileged
to have a job that brings me into daily contact with hundreds of very special
young people. I am sure that we will all enjoy this celebration of their
achievements. We are pleased to welcome our guest of honour, Councillor
Rob Adams.
Clive Corbett
Introduction
Since July 2011, Pershore High School has been an Academy for girls and boys aged 12 to 18. We
have a committed team of well qualified staff who work hard to ensure that students achieve well both
academically and personally. We are highly regarded in our community as a very good local school
and in 2008 enjoyed a very successful OFSTED inspection. The OFSTED inspectors remarked:
“This is a good school which provides a good education for its students. Some features of its work are
outstanding. It provides an excellent education in the Sixth Form. Parents rightly value all aspects of
the school’s work, particularly the wide range of opportunities the school provides for their children and
the high levels of commitment of the staff." They then proceeded to quote the words of a parent:
“The school respects and values its students, both as individuals and as members of the school and
wider community. It fosters the development of well-rounded individuals, confident, physically fit,
intellectually engaged and socially responsible.” This came hard on the heels of an inspection of our
post 16 provision in 2007 that concluded; "The level of support and guidance given to students is
outstanding." In March of this year we received a letter confirming that an OFSTED interim
assessment had been carried out that confirmed our on-going good performance.
Visitors to the school appreciate the calm, friendly and caring atmosphere, good discipline and
purposeful ethos. Our aim is to provide a high quality education in a safe, supportive and stimulating
environment. In our school community, all people are valued and we expect them to make a positive
contribution that will allow them to become responsible and independent members of society.
The School and its Community
Pershore High School serves the large, predominantly rural area between Worcester and Evesham.
Within this area there are three tiers of education. Eleven first schools serve three middle schools
which in turn feed into the high school at the start of Year 8. There are some 1235 students on roll,
around 260 of whom are in the Sixth Form. The school is currently oversubscribed. The
longstanding links between the high school and its contributory schools have been extended and
reinforced since we first became a Technology College in 2002. We have invested in practical
schemes to strengthen, in particular, liaison in Science, Technology and Mathematics. Technology
College status has enabled us to offer courses in ICT and many other areas to adults in the wider
community, and to develop our links with business and higher education.

Recognition that we were a high performing specialist school led in 2007 to the granting of a second
specialism as a Training School, something that acknowledges and reinforces our commitment to
life-long learning for all. This includes placing great emphasis on the quality of staff training and
induction. Although the government has made the national decision that specialisms no longer exist,
they remain huge strengths of the school to which we are committed irrespective of name or funding.
The School and its Students
Since June 2011 students have been organised into one of three houses, Armstrong, Kingsley and
Magellan, and within these into tutor groups. Teaching is arranged into a fortnightly timetable of 50
one hour lessons. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous extra-curricular
opportunities which the school provides, both on the premises and further afield.
OFSTED acknowledged: “Students have an excellent awareness of how to live a healthy lifestyle,
which is demonstrated in their healthy eating habits and enjoyment of excellent school meals. They
have high levels of participation in an excellent range of extra-curricular sports provided by the school.
Students feel safe and have positive attitudes to learning. Students’ good social skills, personal
development and academic achievement prepare them well for the next stage of their lives and
careers.”
Debating, public speaking and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme are just three examples of the
range of activities available. A school award scheme encourages a high level of participation, and
twice a week a late bus is available to students taking part in activities after school. The school was
rated by OFSTED as providing outstanding international opportunities and community links. Students
take their numerous responsibilities, such as being training school delegates seriously, promoting the
school’s reputation very well within the local community". Our Sixth Form is a particular strength of the
school of which we are rightly proud. Not only is their achievement excellent, they also give an
enormous amount to the life of the school, as again recognised by OFSTED.
The School and its Staff
There are currently 80 full and part-time teaching staff and 88 non-teaching staff. Professional
development has a high priority and there are carefully considered arrangements for new and newly
qualified colleagues. We participate in the Initial Teacher Training programme for PGCE teachers at
the University of Worcester and the University of Gloucestershire.
The House system is overseen by a Head of Student Achievement, with a discrete Sixth Form team
with its own Head and Deputy. There are three Heads and Deputy Heads of House, each supported
by a House Administrator.
The School and its Buildings
The school stands on a very pleasant 27 acre site. The oldest buildings date from the foundation of
the school in 1932. Successive extensions and developments have created an extensive range of
specialist accommodation, most recently a larger Sixth Form Centre (2003), a renovated Design and
Technology facility (2003) and an all weather sports surface (2005) renamed the Scott Holden Football
Centre in 2012. In addition we have the Richardson Building, a block of eleven new science
laboratories built at a cost of over £3 million in 2005, and since 2007 the Hampton Centre, a purpose
built provision for students with mild autism and learning needs as well as a new main entrance. A
Training Room was opened in 2008. A new Mathematics block and refurbished English classrooms
were opened in 2010, and work on extending the dining room and refurbishment of the main hall was
completed in 2011.

The Friends of Pershore High School
The Friends have seen another successful fundraising year having donated almost £4,000 to fifteen
departments of the school. Items include chairs for Resistant Materials rooms, a water bath for the
Science Department, teacher packs and text books for Business Studies, specialist ceramic ink for the
Technology Department and specialist autism items for the Base.
We once again thank local businesses for their contribution of items toward our popular annual Quiz
and Auction of Promises. Thank you also to parents, staff and students for their continued support in
donating raffle prizes and chocolate confectionery for our renowned Easter ‘Chocolate’ Bingo and
Christmas ‘Chocolate’ Bingo. Generous donations for mulled wine and mince pie refreshments at the
School Carol Concert brought our annual profit to around £800 from fundraising events alone.
The 100+ Club has seen an increase in members this year to 165. The 100+ membership base
continues to contribute toward a large part of our on-going donations to school (not to mention monthly
prizes of £60.00 to £10.00 for lucky winners of the prize draw). We are always happy to receive new
members for only a £2.00 monthly subscription. You don’t need to have a connection with the school
to join the 100+ Club and if you’re already a member why not mention it to friends and family
Applications for the 100+ Club can be downloaded from the school website under 'Friends PHS'.
The Friends have a dedicated core committee of volunteers but there are never enough of us to carry
out the many tasks involved in our fundraising calendar. We are a friendly informal group who like to
share out tasks and help each other. If you would like to help out at a specific event or come to our
meetings, or relay some great fundraising ideas, we are always happy to welcome additional
volunteers.
A huge thank you to all who have helped in many, many ways this year , either through giving of
their time, attendance at events, allowing Friends to advertise events on their premises or
through donations of items for our fundraising events.
From all on the Friends Committee
June 2013

Selection of Individual and Group Participation and Achievements
A group of AS level Photographers went to Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire in October
where they took amazing images showing the mansion in its full beauty. With a brief to respond to
photographer Francesca Woodman, students used props and outfits to create eerie ghostly scenes.
The Art department staged two exhibitions simultaneously. At Number 8 the show was entitled ‘Blink
2012’, showing a diverse range of work from the GCSE and Fine Art course. The Civic Centre
Photography ‘A’ level student staged an exhibition called ‘Take Off’.
The Art Department went on London trips to the Saatchi Gallery and Tate Britain to help students
prepare for GCSE exams. Sixth Form Art and Photography students spent the day in London with the
freedom to visit their own choice of galleries to aid their exam preparation.
The Beacon Camera Club selected photographs for Young Photographer of the Year 2013
competition. A level students from Mr Reeves popular Photography Club and the wider school
community sent in a record amount of entries. Work by Tessa Carr, Rebecca Hancock, Chris
Bleakney, Elliot Mann and Isobel Woolley was displayed.
Year 12 Applied Business visited Dawn Foods in Evesham and were given an introduction to the
history of the multinational company which makes muffins, puddings and brownies.
Young Enterprise Group, PHresh won first place at Worcester Christmas Fair.
Students attended a Mazak Manufacturing Experience at their UK headquarters in Worcester,
organised as part of the Connecting Business with Education programme that the Chamber of
Commerce.
Year 12 and 13 students took part in the regional heats of the IEACW Base Business Competition.
They were given a business problem to solve and had to work together to think of creative solutions,
work within a budget and give a convincing presentation.
PHS Engineering team took part in the national Engineering Education Scheme working with Allen
Gears to solve real world problems, experience engineering first hand and prepare them for a future
career in engineering. The team achieved a BA Crest for their design and solution along with winning
an award for Most Creative Solution at the Regional Big Bang competition.
The Design and Technology department announced Lauren Vick winner of the Design Competition to
create a ticket to be awarded to pupils who have produced outstanding work in the department.
Staff from Inkberrow Design Centre led a workshop with the AS Textiles students, teaching ‘block’
patterns, balance marks and how to inset sleeves. Students created accurate, adapted pattern
pieces, a basic toile and part of the final toile their designed product.
Students attending STEM club have been introduced to computer programming using Kodu which
allows them to build interactive environments and program characters within them.
Erin Young, Bethany Neal, Will Parry, Kieran Rusher, Oliver Charles and Ross Davies were selected
by the Technology Department to take on the EDT Go4Set Challenge. They visited RAF Cosford and
one of the challenges set was to build a rocket to see who could fly the furthest.
The Design and Technology department and the Year 12 Engineering Education Scheme team
attended the official launch day in Solihull. EES links teams of pupils and their teacher with local
companies to work on real, scientific, engineering and technological problems. Louise Chilman,
Jonathan Drinkwater, Jonathan Jones and Ryan Cooper worked with General Dynamics UK; a worldleading
security and defence company.
Congratulations to the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award students: Sophie Beamont; Jack Hanson;
Tom Genever; Michael Redman; Abigail Gooderham; Alexandra Dobell; Matilda Maginnis; Sarah
Greenwood; Julien Redfern; Katherine Baston; Tidiahn Woodward; Alice Lees; Emma Godwin;
Rosemary Driscoll; Fred Badham; Leah Wells; Matthew Smith; Rebecca Wallbank; Adam Baxter;
Oliver Bradshaw; Isobel Sutch; Isla Gow; Miles Woodward; William Hornbrook; Hannah Pope; Rachel
Dicker; Eleanor Cavilla; Matthew Vicary; George Frangoudes; Aaron Robinson; Emily Foster PhIllips.
Silver Awards: Scott Cawkell; Richard Moynihan.
Giles Potter won through to the finals of the Open Mic UK at the O2 in London and became a student
with Baby Girl Music in London where he attended singing lessons during the holidays.

Thirty members of Pershore High School took part in an amazing concert in Worcester Cathedral,
Faure’s Requiem. The concert involved choirs from twelve schools from Worcestershire and with
some others totalled 270 singers.
European Day of Languages was celebrated with a variety of events in school, including a European
menu in school as well as quizzes and activities which took place during language lessons.
PHS was accepted for a new Comenius project entitled ‘Building Bridges’ involving several different
curriculum areas which promises to involve as many students as possible.
PHS hosted a visit from five Chinese teachers from Caoqiao Middle School in Suzhou City. The aim
of the visit was to develop links between the two schools with a view to promoting future exchanges.
A visit to Boulogne during activities week via the Eurotunnel included a trip to the hypermarché, a tour
of the old town and a chance to practise French in local patisseries, lunch in the park, rounders and
French cricket on the beach and a visit to the Nausicáa sea life centre.
Rachel Corbett had a short time to celebrate her A level results before she was flew to Uganda to
teach at the Kitanga School for a year before starting university.
Zambian students and teachers visited PHS and stayed with students and members of staff.
Year 8 students visited Stratford upon Avon theatre to see a gripping, quirky production of ‘The Mouse
and the Child’.
Hampton Centre students took part in a Tri-Bell Regatta at Fladbury Paddle Club run by Andy Train,
affiliated to the British Canoe Union. The crew members and their helm competed well over the three
200 metre races finishing 2 nd in the first two races and 1 st in the last race sending them to 1 st place
overall.
Years 10, 11 and 12 students and their teachers spent a week in the Rhön valley in Franconia during
October. Participants stayed with their German partners and were treated to a full and varied
programme of sporting, social and cultural activities.
The Eco Group visited Nature in Art at Twigworth to view the exhibition of photographs from the
finalists who took part in the British Wildlife Photography competition of 2012.
The Design and Technology Department took a group of students to experience the Harry Potter
Studio Tours where they saw original sets, props, animatronics, costumes as well as all the designs,
technical drawings and card model.
The Sixth Form New York trip was an outstanding experience with visits which included the Empire
State Building and a performance of The Lion King on Broadway.
Miss Flanagan and Mrs Clasen accompanied a group of students to the Worcestershire Teen Book
Awards which were held at County Hall.
Performance poet ‘Spoz’ spent the day working with students in Year 9 to develop their skills in rap
and performance poetry which was arranged by teacher, Nick Spice. A great day was had by all.
Students became cutting edge news reporters for the day when they took part in the BBC School
Report which saw them research their own story ideas and perform their own news bulletin.
Will Cooper and Caitlin Loxley attended the semi-final of Poetry by Heart competition at Droitwich
Library after getting through the schools heat.
Sixth Form Business Studies students visited BBC Drama Village in Birmingham, providing the
opportunity to interview the Line Producer of the drama, Doctors. There was a tour of the set and the
post-production area to see what happens before the programme is transmitted.
Sixth Formers visited The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park, most famous for being
the base of operations for the code breakers of Nazi ciphers during World War Two.
Members of the Pershore Youth Council, led by Youth Mayor Jamie Smith, and accompanied by Town
Mayor Charles Tucker, Governor Bronwen Hughlock and Headteacher Clive Corbett visited the
Palace of Westminster where they went on a tour of the Houses of Lords and Commons, and met
Harriet Baldwin MP in Portcullis House.

As part of the Get Set Network (the official London 2012 educational programme) Tom Pinfield, Beth
Goode, Connie Ingles, Ollie Cornelius and Molly Hanson were lucky enough to be selected to attend
this mega sporting event; potentially, a once in a lifetime experience.
Jimmy Amor is the only junior referee on the Worcestershire list to be allocated a County Football Cup
match to referee.
Year 8 girls strode to victory in a district meeting at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham,
beating Bredon Hill Middle School. Each of the girls competed in one track and one field event with
many finishing in first and second place.
The Royal Life Saving Society introduced new awards under a syllabus called ‘Survive and Save’. Lily
Weston and Alex Griffin completed the final element in the Bronze Level. Alex Griffin has been signed
off as an Assistant Teacher and is also a member of the club’s patrol team who crew boats. Other
students include Ben Faizey, Jack Comerford, Hugo Redfern, Lily Wall, Natasha Mieczyinska, Jack
Betteridge, Daisy MacDonald, Rebecca Pouton, Amy Stobbart and Kate Manton who have passed or
are in the process of passing their Bronze Core and Medallion awards. A number of older members in
the senior section include: Julian Redfern, George Creese and Oliver Cornelius. A significant number
of our current poolside teachers include: Charlie Amphlett, Imogen Hiden and Andrew Hemming.
South Worcestershire Lifeguard Assistant Instructor Alex Griffin rescued a boy caught in a rip current
on Bude beach in Cornwall.
Tazmin Pugh was invited to join the England Talent Development Programme. She is a member of
Pershore Swimming Club and her call-up comes after fine performances in the National Age Group
Championships.
Isobel Griffiths performed well at the National Swimming Championships attaining a silver medal in the
400 IM and third overall in the 12 year old girl category. She has been selected for the England Talent
squad and is the third best 12 year old girl swimmer in Britain.
Walk like a Warrior organised by Worcester Warriors at Sixways in Worcester develops teamwork,
leadership, problem solving, communication, confidence and behaviour, allowing students to work with
Mac Book Computers to create programs, comic strips and power point presentations.
Amy Johnson raised funds for the Maritime Training Trust to compete in the Atlantic Challenge, which
involved rowing and sailing 38' captain’s gigs for GB against 16 other nations. She finished in fourth
place behind Northern Ireland, Ireland and Russia.
Miles and Jacob Woodward and Matthew Waddoups completed the Welsh Championship in
Endurance Quad Bike Racing 2012. Miles came fourth overall and Matthew and Jacob took part in
the Clubman Class.
Tazmin Pugh took part in her first Open Archery Competition having won the Evesham Club’s Junior
Championships and became Junior Female Olympic Bow County Field Champion for 2012.
Following on from his 100m Sprint success at Nunnery Wood, Tom Kenwright received the Ernie
Andrews Cup for Best Sprint Performance for Youths under 15 Years.
The Shukokai Karate Federation of Great Britain students, Shaun Wigley and Jared White
represented England at the Copa Muryama Karate competition in Mexico.
Wychavon awarded the ‘Junior Sports Personality Awards for 2012’ to swimmer Tazmin Pugh a
member of Pershore and Worcester Swimming Clubs.
Clark Knapton and Charlie Cross won the Coaches Player of the Year Awards for Worcestershire
County Cricket Under 12s and Under 13s for the 2012 season and have both been selected for the
County squads for 2013.
The Year 8 Cross Country Festival was held at Bredon Pullcourt. Tazmin Pugh finished the race in
first position, followed by her team members Louise Hird, Hannah Kenwright and Isobel Griffiths. The
girls came second and Tazmin qualified for the county event. Oliver Morgan came in 1 st place followed
closely by William Parry qualifying for the county event. Andrew and Edward Littleboy both came in
the top 20 and the boys came second.
The Annual District Year 8 Swimming Gala took place at Evesham Leisure Centre with Blackminster,
St Egwin’s, Simon de Montfort, Bredon Hill and Pershore showing up for the Year 8 events. Pershore

girls won their Relay Race and Tazmin Pugh and Isobel Griffiths won their individual Races. The boys
were placed in top three in all of the races and a very close second in the last race of the day. Well
done to Tazmin Pugh Louise Hird; Hannah Kenwright; Isobel Griffiths; Jack Betteridge; Joshua Lane;
Benjamin Clarke and Oliver Shepherd.
Tazmin Pugh from Worcester Swimming Club entered all eight events allowed at the City of
Gloucester’s Level 2 Open Meet at the G1 Leisure complex and it was one of her most successful
meets to date with eight out of eight Golds, together with five personal bests and three National
Champs Qualifying times.
Congratulations to the new district netball under 13s champions: Jenny Cooper; Annie Lealan; Beth
Neal; Sophie Boulton; Vikki Kite; Freya Godfrey-Hunt; Rhiannon Simpson; Hannah Kenwright and
Harley Williams.
PHS hope to purchase and ship a generator out to Lubuto Clinic. Fundraising has included a St
Trinian’s Murder Mystery Evening, Zambia link at ASDA Pershore bag packing, carol singing, the PHS
jazz band and Santa’s Grotto. ‘The Rhythm of Life’ from the amazingly talented Colla Voce, staring
Mrs Josie Marston who also directed the event and raised £702.00. ‘ Take Me Out’ raised £1,110.
Pershore High School Interact Club supported by Pershore Rotary Club, handed over a cheque for
£300 to Sue Smith of bereavement charity Guy’s Footprints, to assist the organisation in its work.
Reception class children from Abbey Park, Cherry Orchard and St Barnabas First Schools participated
in a Teddy Bears’ Picnic run by the Sixth Form. They took part in fun filled activities from face
painting, party games and cookie decorating. There was fantastic cooperation and friendliness of the
60 volunteer Sixth Form students who all dressed up.
As part of the Engage 4 Life organisation, PHS students Oliver Pike and Ryan Saunders were behind
the ‘Our Summer Music Festival’ at Cripplegate Park in Worcester. The organisation that gets young
people together to do something constructive for the local community. Oliver and Ryan put together a
family festival with profits going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Bethan Goode and Kirsty McBride offered their time and interest during the concept period of setting
up Norton Youth Club, attending regular meeting and undertaking a variety of roles.
Gareth Roberts, Emily Foster-Phillips and Charlotte Redgewell were presented with Young Good
Citizen Awards by Community Service Officer James, West Mercia Police
A cheque for £1,000 was presented to Enzo’s Friends, Burnaid, part of Birmingham Children’s
Hospital. The money was raised by students in recognition of the care given to Armstrong House
student, Frank Richardson, after a terrible accident.
Emily Foster-Phillips won the Wychavon District Council Community Recognition Award 2012/13 and
received her award from Councillor Richard Morris, Chairman of Wychavon District Council.
Students from all three Houses collaborated in the Christmas charity effort. Caring Hands in the Vale,
an outreach organisation linked to the Evesham Christian Centre who provide food, toiletries, cleaning
and shelter packs for vulnerable individuals and charities. Diane Bennett from Caring Hands received
the donations and spoke to students who learned that their donations would go to needy people in
Evesham Vale, Pershore and the surrounding area.
Gerald O’Donnell, Vice Chairman of Wychavon District Council, presented Pershore Town Youth
Council members with a Community Award to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
A new poetry competition was launched to help young people remember those who have given their
lives in war by the Chairman of Wychavon District Council, Councillor Richard Morris. Harry Bennett
and Harry Hamer were the winners of the Remembrance Poetry Competition 2012.
Respects were paid to those connected with the school who died during World War II at the annual
Roll of Honour on Thursday, 8th November.
Pershore Mayor, Charles Tucker, welcomed the PHS Youth Council which has been in existence for
three years and plays a vital role in Pershore and its environs and also as a close link between school,
its students and local decision makers
An 80 th Anniversary Gala Concert was held in January at Pershore Abbey. Current pupils and staff
performed alongside ex-pupils and staff of the school in a Jazz Band, Orchestra and Choir.

On Monday 10 th December, staff and students entertained over 150 local residents with music, poems
and stories. They were provided with tea, coffee, mince pies and other Christmas fare, as well as gifts
and cards.
Year 10 students enjoyed the company and wisdom of nine guests from eight different faiths and
denominations. Mrs Lane and Mrs Wood from the Religious Society of Friends and Vajragupta from a
local Buddhist temple were also present and shared their outlook on key spiritual and ethical issues.
Kate Manton; Emma Wing; Meg Hedges; Luke Johnson Brown and James Rowberrry along with
pupils from other schools attended a Child Takeover Day at County Hall.
PHS hosted two events to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Through her involvement in the
Lessons From Auschwitz (LFA) project, History and Religious Studies teacher, Samantha Gisborne,
co-ordinated a series of events that encouraged the whole school to consider the meaning of the day.
Becky Pouton made it through to the TeenStar Regional Finals and performed at the live stages of the new
competition at the NEC in Birmingham.
More than 200 people packed into Number 8 Community Arts Centre to see the spectacular final of
the Wychavon W Factor. The competition showcases the talents of 11-18 year olds. Will Bewley won
the Music category and Ella Brown won the Singing category. They will receive assistance and further
training and will also be invited to perform at future Wychavon events.
Pershore High School put up a strong showing in this year’s Key Stage 3 Magistrates’ Mock Trial
Competition held at Worcester Magistrates’ Court.
Paige Foxall chose to undergo a transformation on her last day at school before the Easter break by
having her luscious locks lopped in memory of her mum, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Year 10 students Robert Bryant; Cameron Edmunds; Gordon Hill; James Burrage and Adam Ledbury
designed and built a garden which was based on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the Malvern Spring Gardening
Show. The garden won ‘Highly Commended’ and first place in ‘Best in Show Garden’ with a prize of
£150 for Pershore College.

Art and Design
Report by David Reid, Head of Department
The study of Art and Design is essential in raising student’s self-awareness, their sense of cultural
identity and in promoting the mobility of ideas and feelings. It is a subject that celebrates their
mistakes and has the ability to enrich, challenge and inspire them to make things happen for
themselves. For us, in the department, we seek to capture creative ‘accidents’ in the knowledge that
the wrong answer is the right answer in search of a different question. We borrow from Bruce Mau’s
ideas in which he encourages students to collect wrong answers as part of the creative process and to
redefine questions, themes and ideas to suit their own individual set of skills and personality. One of
the unique selling points of the Art department at Pershore High School is the diversity of the work our
students create. The diversity of creative output is matched by the diversity of individuals that step
through our doors to learn about Art.
Our department continues to attract high numbers of boys and girls despite the recent national trend
revealing a decline in the uptake of Art based subjects at GCSE and A level. Our moderator recently
commented on the high numbers we work with and expressed admiration in our ability to create
projects for examination year groups that were rooted in the same starting point before progressing to
personalised projects negotiated with the students, even with the numbers we have. Our students are
producing work in a wide range of materials and techniques, ranging from drawing, printmaking,
painting, sculpture and digital time based media. All Art departments to some degree have an inhouse
style that is perhaps more obvious to an outsider; despite being the obvious insider, looking at
some of the strongest work we have selected to showcase in this annual report, I am increasingly
aware of our ‘brand new retro’ style. We encourage students to celebrate the past, the analogue era,
memories and nostalgia as a starting point for their new work. This monochromatic series of drawings
by Year 11 and Year 13 students demonstrates this fascination with the past.
Sophie Daffin Polly Natynczuk Eleanor Brooks Hayley Tomlinson
Whilst we have been encouraging students to delve into the distant past for ideas I am reminded that
in our more recent past we have had some very memorable Art and Design experiences in this
academic year. Since the last presentation evening a large number of Year 12 Art and Photography
students went on a five day study trip to Barcelona. Mr Turfrey organised a cultural treat that exposed
students to the wonderful and wacky Catalan world of Gaudi, Picasso and Miro. Students lived and
breathed the city’s visual sights in which a graffitied wall became equally awe inspiring as some of the
medieval and Romanesque wood carvings displayed in the museums.
The Barcelona trip was a huge inspiration to both staff and students alike and it provided a strong
catalyst to these students’ transition to Year 13 and beyond. The impact of the trip was felt in a
number of ways, not only did it enrich the students socially and academically; it also improved the
success rate of our students achieving strong portfolios that has since enabled them to attain places
on competitive post 18 Art courses in places as far as London and Manchester. We are very glad to
be returning to Barcelona again this July with the next generation of future Art stars from Pershore
High. They will be expected to absorb their surroundings and document their experiences in their
sketchbooks, as demonstrated here by Anna Lear and Frances Dobell from July 2012.

Frances Dobell Anna Lear
Some of the work produced by the Sixth Form students inspired by the Barcelona trip and other
annual trips to London and Woodchester Mansion, were shown in the wider community with
exhibitions held at the civic centre and Pershore Number 8. Alongside these students were examples
of high quality work from other year groups and this acted as a strong advert for the creative life of the
school. Special thanks go to Laura Dean, our technician, and also two of our Sixth Formers Sam
Witts and Hannah Davis for supporting the teachers in setting up the exhibitions which were well
received by the public.
James Gullick Isaac Simmons Hannah Davis
This year has seen an unprecedented level of success in competitions for our Art and Photography
students. Three of our students, James Gullick, Hannah Davis and Adam Charlton had work
submitted in the Malvern Decorative and Fine Art Society Sixth Form biennale in which some of the
best works from schools across Worcestershire were displayed side by side. James Gullick was the
overall winner of the award receiving £300 which has been a much appreciated cash injection for his
studies in Manchester. The judges praised James for his highly detailed self-portraits inspired by
Richard Kilroy who was also a product of Manchester’s Art scene. Adam Charlton received special
commendation for his sculptural photographic constructions that resemble scaffolding on buildings as
if they were done by David Hockney. Adam Charlton had further success in partnership with Ryan
Cooper to receive the EDFAS travel bursary to visit Antwerp in the summer. The two Year 12
students beat off stiff competition from students here at Pershore High and students from Prince
Henry’s, Evesham High and other schools in the Wychavon district. We look forward to seeing what
impact Antwerp will have and hopefully it will result in some even more ambitious and exciting work
from the talented duo.
Adam Charlton
Ryan Cooper
Not to be outdone by the boys, Becky Hancock, the recipient of this year’s best Art and Photography
newcomer prize gained success with her photographic work submitted in the Hereford Young
Photographer of the year competition, along with Elliott Mann and Chris Bleakeney. She is one of a
small number of students who manages to successfully combine both her Art and Design studies and
Photography studies with a seamless exchange of ideas and is able to produce work that looks
unified. Becky will be following in the mighty footsteps of Anna Lear, who won the Sophie McCorrigan
Art award this year. Anna has proved a consistently exceptional Art and Photography student whose
work has been of the highest calibre throughout her six years at Pershore High. Her sophisticated and
mature ideas and technical skill has produced the quality of work that one would often see at degree
shows. We have also in this current class of 2013 been blessed with many other talented individuals
but none that embraced photography with the professionalism and panache of Elliott Mann who was
the unanimous winner of the Photography prize. We wish these award winners the very best for the
future and we hope that they will return and share their work to a future generation of Pershore artists.

Rebecca Hancock
Elliott Mann
With a big emphasis on exam results and ensuring students achieve their targets, it is easy to lose
sight of the younger generation and in the Art department at Pershore High we have been conscious
to ensure that we provide opportunities for young artists to develop. Recently we worked with our
youngest ever student, a two year old Callum Gardener, from Cropthorne. As part of the Pershore
Plum festival Mr Reid, supported by two Art ambassadors Nathan Branchett and Luke Ramsden,
carried out some outreach work in order to forge links with local community. We managed to recruit
40 painters aged between 2 and 69 years old; each painted a small section of Pershore High School’s
own interpretation of David Hockney’s style. The experience proved that you are never too young or
too old to get creative as long as you have an open mind. Interestingly we found it hard to persuade
students of the Pershore High age group to get off their skateboards and volunteer. But we did
discover a new young talent on this day who joined us this year in Year 8. Lily Blunstone who
contributed to the painting made a strong transition to Art at Pershore High helped by this experience.
Plum Festival artists and their collective efforts on display
Our Art ambassadors enhanced their CVs and references further by working with Abbey Park First
School children during their Arts week, and Photography ambassadors working in collaboration with
the Beacon Camera Club ran a studio portraiture workshop which included young students from
Pershore High and other schools in the county. In addition to this collaboration the Photography
students carried out talks and technical demonstrations on digital and analogue photography to
enthusiasts at the Beacon Camera Club, Malvern. The club praised the students for their ability to
communicate their passion for photography and for introducing them to new photographers’ work and
inspiring them to be more experimental in their own work. This work upholds a promise we had made
in attaining Artsmark Gold status, a status which we will be striving to retain in the next academic year.
We hope to continue to develop and expand further the provision for the Arts in school and also hope
that it will trigger changes to the way in which Art is perceived in the wider community.
Mr Turfrey in his role as the Community Cohesion co-ordinator, ever ready to make cross curricular
links and promote the Arts across the curriculum, produced a hugely ambitious project to
commemorate World Holocaust Memorial Day. He devised a project that involved mass participation
working through the vertical tutoring system to get tutor groups to collate and wrap discarded objects
to create artefacts that were labelled with the names and photographs of Jews who perished in World
War 2. These parcels were packed and displayed in an installation in the reception of the school in a
thought provoking manner that was effective in raising student awareness of the holocaust. This work
was followed up by a visit from Katy Carr, a musical performance artist who explores film, storytelling
and music to express the Polish Second World War experience. This unique and prestigious visit was
made possible with the help of Wychavon District Council and certainly made students aware of how
the past can be reinvented creatively.

Pershore Holocaust Memorial Day Installation
A good number of our students had work on display at Worcester Cathedral as part of Voices and
Visions exhibition, with strong contributions from our Key Stage 3 students. Following on from this
success we have created ambitious Extended Learning projects this year for Year 8 on St Ives and
David Hockney with Year 9 in the hope of creating a body of work that can be selected for exhibition.
The results of these projects will been displayed within the school to celebrate the output of work by
these younger students and it is hoped that the work will be displayed to coincide with open evening to
encourage the visiting Year 7 students and their parents to see Art as an exciting subject to look
forward to doing when they arrive.
Voices and Visions – Year 9 Travel Project
As Head of Department I am very fortunate to have a strong, committed and hardworking team that
bring enthusiasm and a passion for Art and Photography to the students they work with. This year we
were enriched and refreshed by the dynamic contribution of a newly qualified teacher, Matthew
Reeves. Matthew was appointed to cover Miss Baker’s maternity leave and his impact since arriving
in September has been felt by all whom he has worked with, staff and pupils alike. He has been
vibrant and energetic in his teaching and has an admirable ability to make students feel that they are
valued and listened to as individuals. Daily, his classroom was filled with eager artists who wanted to
develop their Art and also enjoy his company and diverse music taste. We hope that Matthew enjoyed
his short time at Pershore High School and that he will look back on the experience as one that
accelerated his development into an outstanding teacher. We wish him the very best as he goes on to
Tudor Grange School in Solihull. We are grateful for all his hard work and we will work hard to ensure
that his students will continue to pursue their love of the subject.

Business Education
Report by Rachel Kilmister, Head of Department
Business Education continues to be an expanding subject within the school and students consistently
achieve great GCSE and A Level results. There were plenty of opportunities for students to learn from
and interact with real businesses in the local area; the highlight of the year involved running our first
ever Business Start Up conference. Students from local schools as well as our own were treated to
seminars and workshops on marketing, finance and enterprise skills. They had the opportunity to
question entrepreneurs like Miranda from Muddy Boots and Neil Westwood from Magic Whiteboards,
both successful local business people.
Our results were excellent with 78% of our Year 11 students achieving A*-C grades or equivalent.
GCSE students continued to achieve well against target and this year saw the first accreditation of the
Btec Business course with 100% of students achieving at least one grade C or above GCSE
equivalent.
A2 Business and Economics students continued to do well with 86% achieving A*-C and Year 12
students are well on their way to matching this. Applied A-level students also did well to achieve 75%
A*-C. The Year 12 students again performed well, achieving 76% A*-C and setting themselves up
well for Year 13 studies.
Business courses continue to become increasingly popular and I firmly believe that is due to students
and parents being able to see how the subject is relevant and preparing students to take on work,
especially with the economy the way it is. This is fantastic for the department and confirms the
intention to offer varied courses, to suit different learners, is the right one. The Btec Business course
continues to grow in popularity due to the different assessment forms, limited examination and a
combined hands-on approach. We currently have two groups in Year 10 to take on to Year 11 next
year, as well as four new groups of Year 9 students that have just opted to take the subject next year.
This is because Btec continues to provide students with relevant industry related qualifications. The
two options at Sixth Form are again increasingly attracting more students and we are expanding to
two groups of Applied Business next year in Year 12.
Our industry links have developed again this year with an
increased amount of local businesses offering their support
and running activities which continue to enhance the
teaching and learning that takes place. Trips, competitions,
conferences and visiting speakers have all added to the
variety that students have experienced. This year, Year 12
students have visited Dawn Foods and Cadbury World
again to support coursework and Year 13 have been out to the BBC. JSC Rotational Ltd continues to
support our GCSE and Btec students, as have Dawn Foods this year, Cadbury and Number 8. This
year most of our Year 11 GCSE students attended an intensive revision day for the first time. This was
a lively and interactive day set in a cinema to help students engage with revision and the topics being
covered. Links with these businesses continue to enable students to produce much higher quality
coursework and controlled assessment, with access to up-to-date company information.
Our students have again enjoyed huge success with extracurricular
opportunities. Young Enterprise continues to be a
popular enrichment subject amongst Sixth Form students. PHresh,
a take on a ‘fresh’ and the ‘PH’ for the school, were our company
this year. They designed and produced custom made T-shirts
aimed at their own age range. Their use of social media to
advertise was exceptional and recognised by the judges within the
competition aspect. They also achieved an award for Best Stand
at the Malvern Spring Show. Many thanks go to Karen Drinkwater
of JSC Rotational Ltd, who gave up her invaluable time and effort
to support the group this year. These students have developed valuable transferable skills in being
part of the company; they have also taken the Young Enterprise exam to get some recognition for this.

Students represented the school again this year in the ICAEW
Base Business Game. They unfortunately did not make the final
three to qualify for the national finals, but they put in a fantastic
performance. We have also been involved this year with a project
aimed at Year 12 and 13 students being run by the Worcester
Chamber of Commerce to connect Business with Education.
This is aimed at Year 12 and 13 students and has incorporated a
number of opportunities for students. The start-up conference
which we ran in school was supported by the scheme. In addition
16 students were lucky enough to attend a manufacturing event run
at Mazak which involved talks on different aspects of Mazak as well
as a factory tour. They then had to present to a board of directors
their views as a team on the strategic direction for the company and
change of product range.
Our Sixth Form students again did well in the West Midlands CIPFA
Management Game this year held in Birmingham. The team were a
fantastic asset to the school showing their business knowledge,
acumen, communication skills and teamwork. As in previous years
we have again run our in house Year 9 Enterprise event to
introduce them to some of the topics we teach in business and help
them to start developing their skills in creativity, team work and
ingenuity by redesigning and re-branding a new mobile phone.
Some Year 10 students have had the opportunity to take part in the
Tenner Tycoon scheme again this year, supported and funded by
Young Enterprise. The students combined entrepreneurial skills
with charitable fundraising to set up and run their own business for
a year.
It has been another busy and rewarding year made possible by the hard work and enthusiasm that is
shown by students and staff in the department. I would especially like to thank Mrs Taylor for all of her
hard work and support and we look forward to another successful year this year with students
continuing to reach new heights.

Child Development GCSE
Report by Gayle McPherson
The Child Development Award has been kindly donated by Mrs Jill Armstrong who was our school
nurse for many years. Child Development continues to be popular and covers a range of subjects
from Family and Society to Children with Special Needs. Students often continue from this subject
into Health and Social Care, nursing and teaching.
Thanks to the very generous donation from the
‘Friends of Pershore’, Year 11 have had the
opportunity to take home a ‘Real-Care Baby’ for a
couple of nights. This educational computercontrolled
baby gives students an insight into the
demands of caring for a new born baby – an
experience not many of them were keen to repeat.
As always, we have tried to include as much
practical work as possible into the course.
Cooking a meal for a
pregnant lady
Making a toy for a child
Sterilising and preparing bottle
feeds
Production Evaluation - Toys
Learning to bath a baby

Debating and Public Speaking
Report by Gareth Roberts, Debating Society Chairman
This year, as always, debating has been something of which those involved can be justifiably proud.
We have also seen the undertaking of a great range of highly engaging debates, ranging from the
controversial; with debates on US foreign policy and the issue of women’s rights, to the more lighthearted,
such as debates on science fiction and EU membership. Throughout, the standard of
speeches has been consistently excellent and it has been particularly satisfying to see strong
contributions from younger students.
There have also been particular successes in competitions this year. Alice Bull and Charlotte
Redgewell progressed to the final of the Taylor Trophy, and performed exceptionally well with
Charlotte winning the award for Best Speaker. Congratulations are also in order to our other Taylor
Trophy team of Eleanor Roberts and Erin Young who also performed strongly, winning through to the
semi-finals. Charlotte and I also participated in this year’s Three Counties Debating Competition at
Malvern College where we participated in a day of British Parliamentary Style Debating. With only
fifteen minutes preparation time we were asked to debate a range of topics from landing men on Mars
to the place of religion in schools. We were able to win through to the final, an excellent conclusion to
a very enjoyable day.
But, as always, none of this could have been achieved without the full support of the English
department, with particular thanks due to Mrs Iddon, Mrs Durrant and Mrs Merrett who have been
invaluable to the continuing success of the Debating Society. I also wish to extend my own thanks to
Amy Price and Will Cooper for their assistance in the administration of the Debating Society.
Finally, it remains necessary to thank the members of the Debating Society for the time and energy
they contribute to debates. With people like this I have no doubt the years to come will be as
resoundingly successful.
Public Speaking
Report by John Rees
Pershore High School continued to develop its tradition of public speaking at Blessed Edward
Oldcorne College in January, in the English Speaking Union Competition.
Charlotte Redgewell gave an excellent presentation on the topic “Should Bad Laws be Broken” and
fielded questions on the tricky subject expertly, while Nick Rawlings held the proceedings together
smoothly as chairperson. Jess Evans grilled an opposing speaker, which required both quick thinking
and the need to listen carefully at once in her role as questioner. Jess and Nick are eligible to
compete next year, although Charlotte will have to hone her craft in other competitions as she enters
the Sixth Form.
Malvern Rotary were unable to present their Public Speaking competition this year; we look forward to
taking part in 2014.

Drama
Report by Vicki Brown, Acting Head of Department
Once again the Drama Department has had an extremely busy year with staff and students alike
working very hard to contribute to the many productions, performances and showcases that the
department has successfully staged and theatre trips throughout all key stages.
November saw the Year 13 Drama and Theatre Studies devised exam performances of ‘Red’ and
‘The Analysis of Dreams’. Both performances were an exploration of the work of various theatre
practitioners such as Brecht, Artaud and Beckett, both were devised heavily following the style of
performance art. Both pieces were incredibly imaginative and thought provoking and were executed at
a very high standard.
At the start of December, the Year 11 Performing Arts and GCSE Drama groups made their way down
to London to take part in an actor’s workshop at the Covent Garden Theatre. The workshop focused
on the characters in Stephan Mallatratt’s frightening Woman In Black. A spooky and scary couple of
hours were had, where the students had the opportunity to tread the boards in London’s West End.
After the workshop we then experienced the spine chilling performance of the Woman In Black which
had us recoiling into our seats.
The middle of December saw the Year 10
GCSE group then took to the stage with their
performance of Trouble In Pantoland. They
performed to a sell-out audience which was a
huge success. There were plenty of jokes and
lots of singing and dancing, the students
performed at a very high standard with an array
of slightly eccentric and humorous characters,
sprinkled with a dose of happy endings - true panto style.
In February the Btec Performing Arts students took part in a Performance Evening Showcase which
they presented to a full house of family and friends. Their showcase culminated in both dance and
lighting. The dance groups performed two dance styles of jazz and contemporary. Jazz focused on
the hit musical Chicago – All that Jazz. Chicago was performed with class and style, while maximising
the pupils’ own choreography skills. The two contemporary pieces focused on an emotional
performance of The Story, By Brandi Carlisle. Both were extremely thought provoking and beautifully
executed by the dance students. We also had the opportunity
to watch an array of duets and group dance pieces which
students choreographed and staged. The lighting shows that
the students designed and presented were simply amazing.
The design skills of the lighting were excellent, and highly
stylised. The whole evening was a huge success and an
excellent opportunity to showcase an enormous amount of
talent and a diverse range of skills of the Performing Arts
students.
Also during February the Drama department took 60 pupils to the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre to watch
a stunning performance of Oliver! to fill us with inspiration and imagination for the task ahead. We
were all incredibly excited to watch the performance with the lead roles played by comedy performer
Neil Morrissey who played the role of Fagin and recently renowned for her performance in Les
Miserables, Samantha Barks playing the role of Nancy.
Oliver!
The year began with gruelling
Oliver! auditions and rehearsals
which began in September.
A well-motivated and energetic
team worked hard at learning
lines, songs and dances under
the direction of Mrs Cookson,
Miss Brown, Mr Walden and
Mrs Witherick. Mr Roberts, our
Performing Arts Technician and
his technical crew worked
tirelessly in creating the wonderful London backdrop London Bridge, Thieves Kitchen, props, sound
and lighting. Rehearsals stepped up in intensity after Christmas, with students and staff giving up
many hours after school and some weekends to ensure that the show went off with a bang!

Over 120 students formed the cast, crew and band of the successful production of Oliver! this year.
There were a huge amount of other volunteers who supported endlessly by carrying out many other
jobs needed when performing a musical.
The show was a real success with performances to three sold-out audiences and an additional dressrehearsal
performance to students from local middle schools. A 20-piece band made up of students
(Mrs Witherick and Mrs Kershaw) under the direction of Mr Walden, accompanied the performers
through many of the songs playing music specially arranged to suit their talents. The technical crew
were superb every night and, most importantly, there was amazing singing, wonderful dancing and
superb acting from everyone involved on stage with too many outstanding performances to name
individuals. Many thanks and congratulations to all involved, I cannot wait for next year.
The Drama department have run many theatre visits this year, the third one being to the Royal
Shakespeare Theatre where the Year 13s saw a superb performance of A Winter’s Tale; a fantastic
portrayal of love, sexual jealousy and magic. The fourth theatre visit of the year was to Cheltenham
Everyman Theatre to watch an inspiring production of Goodnight Mr Tom. We watched a beautiful
story with an outstanding cast. The set was clever and versatile and provided inspiration for the Year
12 Drama and Theatre Studies group. The Year 10 Btec Performing Arts group had the opportunity to
visit the theatre for the first time to watch the touring production of Blood Brothers at Wolverhampton
Grand Theatre. The students witnessed a powerful storyline of love and superstition to inspire their
upcoming duologue assessed performances.
The exam period then fast
approached and the department
was bursting at the seams with
rehearsals. The A level exam
performances we first up with their
monologues and their group
performances of A Dead Woman on
Holiday directed by Mrs Cookson
and Pool (no water) directed by
Miss Brown. Monologues and
group performances were both moving,
thought provoking and stylised.
A huge well done to all performers.
The GCSE performances were second in line to perform
their exciting pieces in front of the examiner and it was clear
to see that all the hard work, dedication and commitment
that had been put in since January had well and truly paid
off. All were incredibly moving and thought provoking
devised performances based on themes such as Ascension
(depression), Mind the Gap (London Bombings) and the Fall
Out (Nuclear War). All performers worked to the best of their
ability and produced thoughtful and emotive performances.
Well done Year 11.
Year 11 Btec Performing Arts also completed the year with their final performances. Performances
were based on various pieces of stimulus ranging from war, cyber bullying, poverty and eating
disorders. Students worked together to culminate in successful final performances, where they not
only devised they managed and staged too. Well done to all the Performing Arts students for
successful final performances.
As the year draws to a close the department still has many performances and showcases to go. Year
10 Btec students, who have worked staggeringly hard this year and shown true commitment to their
work, are performing their scripted plays on their Blood Brothers duologues ready to perform in
costume and lighting in less than two weeks. Good luck to all Btec Performing Arts students.
I would just like to round off by saying a huge thank you to all members of the Performing Arts
department for all their hard work, commitment and support throughout another busy yet successful
year, where a huge amount of fun has been had by all. We would all like to wish Mrs Cookson a very
happy maternity leave and look forward to her return in January 2014.

Eco
Report by Kate Herbert, Eco Co-ordinator
For the first time Eco/Humanities has been offered to some students in Year 8 and 9 which has
resulted in some exciting and innovative work being done both in and out of lessons. This year has
also been a very exciting and productive one so for the Eco Group and we have been involved in a
number of activities both in and out of school, sometimes jointly with the Eco Humanities groups. The
Eco Group meet every Wednesday lunchtime and I am indebted to the students for their commitment
and enthusiasm. They willingly give up their lunchtimes and time after school to assist with a variety
of activities.
In the Autumn term we did a number of seasonable activities as the focus for the term was
Seasonablilty and what changes we can notice at this time of year in the plant and animal world,
including making and selling chutney, although due to the very wet weather harvests of apples and
plums from our trees on site were particularly poor. We hope that yields will improve in the future if we
get good weather. We also put the raised beds in place in the Eco Garden and filled them with
compost from the local tip, ready for our Spring planting.
In November we visited Nature in Art at Twigworth
in Gloucestershire to view the British Wildlife
Photography exhibition. The students were really
impressed and inspired by the standard of the
pictures, some of which had been taken by
children. I am hoping that in the future some of
them will submit their favourite wildlife studies.
Pictured: Jacob Woodward, Luke Johnson Brown,
Adam Palin, James Rowberry, Emma Wing,
Esme Sheppy, Ellie Bannister and Penny Adams
The Eco Group also worked closely with the STEM students and were involved in a water sampling
project of the Bow Brook at Peopleton which has been on going. This has involved working with the
Environment Agency as well as the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
Our theme for the Spring term was ‘Water’ and with the very cold weather over the Winter our pond in
the Eco Garden froze over several times but fortunately this does not appear to have affected the
pond life as in the Spring when we did our pond dipping and water testing we found a number of
creatures including baby newts, dragon fly nymphs and Mayfly larvae. When we tested the water
quality we found that the pond was slightly acidic and generally in good health. We plan to introduce a
few more pond plants in the future as the pond looks a little depleted at present.
We were fortunate to secure a visiting speaker from Severn Trent Water who gave all the Eco
students a very interesting talk on what happens after we flush the loo, following the process of
cleaning and recycling our water, until it can be used for drinking. As a follow up students then sent
off for their free water saving devices, including an egg timer designed to get us all to shower in four
minutes. As a result of the talk we then spent some time in lessons considering the work of the charity
WaterAid.
The Eco Group acted as great ambassadors for the school when we hosted the local Eco Schools
District meeting attended by Rupert Brakspeare the County Learning and Sustainability Adviser and a
number of local teachers and Eco Co-ordinators. The students were happy to show the staff around
the school and talk about the projects they had been involved in during the year.
We spent a lovely day at the WWT at Slimbridge
towards the end of term which allowed the
students to study and handle a variety of
amphibians and consider what they need to
survive. We also visited the tropical house and
arrived just in time to help with the feeding of the
Koi carp. The highlight for the students however
were the otters which we saw being fed and
which we had a very interesting talk about.
Pictured: Kyle Elliott; Ryan Hutcheon; Thomas
Howells; Katie Biddle and James Rowberry

Our focus for the Summer term is Food and Farming
and students have been doing a variety of planting in
the Eco Garden of different food types from
strawberries to lettuce and tomatoes, the latter kindly
provided by Chris Chambers. Students have also
been carrying out surveys about their favourite foods
and where they come from, considering the impact of
food miles on our daily diets and the environment.
They have also interviewed Andy Taynton, the school
chef, pictured right, about his work and where he
sources his ingredients from. Before the term ends
we are attending an Eco Schools Conference at the
Bishopswood Centre and hope to visit the Cotswold
Farm Park. We shall also be involved in working
locally on the Pershore Wetlands project.
All in all we have had a very busy and productive year
and I would like to thank all students and staff for their
interest and involvement in our work and for the kind
donations that have been made to help our work, from
plants, equipment and most importantly time. Next
year we hope to be able to move towards achieving
Green Flag status in recognition of what
we are currently doing and what we can do in the
future to make our school and its surrounding more sustainable.

English
Report by Anita Iddon, Head of Department
It would be easy in this review to dwell on the extraordinary injustice our Year 11 students, along with
thousands of others nationwide, were subjected to last summer, when the decision to change the
GCSE grade boundary meant that an unprecedented number of them failed to achieve the grade in
English we had been anticipating. The disappointment we felt as a school and particularly within the
department was immense, but to give that incident too much emphasis now would allow it to
overshadow all the wonderful achievements and experiences we want to celebrate at the end of the
year.
Looking back it is astonishing to see how much the department has accomplished again. Writing this
report always makes me wonder how we manage to pack so many extra-curricular events in to what
seems a very short space of time. No sooner have we organised the Christmas Poetry event (Poetry
and Pies) than it seems we are preparing for our summer term readings (Poetry and Pimm’s!). But the
extras we provide are what make the difference to so many students’ experience of school. As ever I
am hugely indebted to a department that prides itself on providing a wealth of extra- curricular
activities for all students as well as a rich and exciting curriculum.
Again this year we have provided extra help for many through revision and intervention sessions in
order to ensure students realise their full potential. We are very optimistic about the achievements of
all our GCSE and A level students this year.
Our success however is not simply measured by the work which takes place in the classroom. Whilst
exam preparation and our students' performance at all levels are important, we are tireless in our
desire to provide rich and challenging experiences beyond the classroom which are not necessarily
exam driven.
Located as we are within such easy travelling distance of so many great theatres, we have always
offered our students the opportunity to see those texts studied so assiduously in the classroom come
alive for them on stage. Visits to the RSC at Stratford this year have included productions of ’Hamlet’
and ‘As You Like It’. The annual pre-Christmas trip for Year 8 was also at Stratford this year for an
entertaining performance of ‘The Mouse and his Child’.
To extend the boundaries of the subject beyond the classroom, we are forever on the lookout for
events which will offer our students a wider perspective. In October the Year 12 Literature students
attended the Cheltenham Literary Festival to see Pat Barker, the author of Regeneration, one of the
texts which we study as part of our First World War unit. She was engaging and inspiring and the
students were given the opportunity to ask her questions which she answered readily and in detail.
This term our Year 13 students attended an excellent study day in Stratford. The group received
further insight into their set texts which will be invaluable preparation for their A2 examinations.
In January, some Year 11 students accompanied by Mrs Durrant and Mrs Fryer, were inspired by a
group of famous poets, whose work they have been studying for GCSE Literature, at a Poetry Live
event at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. The highlight of the day was hearing from Simon
Armitage who, with his understated readings and witty remarks, captivated the audience and brought
to life his pieces, sharing (amongst others) his experiences of the punk era in Huddersfield. The
students also heard from the chief examiner who gave them some useful tips on how to do well in
the exam.
Within school there are many ways in which we ensure that our subject maintains a high profile.
Again this year Mr Spice prepared students for the BBC School Report Project, an exciting opportunity
for students to see the nuts and bolts of the journalistic world. Weeks of planning culminated into one
day in March when students had to go live by uploading their stories and a news programme onto the
school website. It was a fantastic day which has really sparked off the journalism bug in the students
who were involved. We are very grateful to the expertise provided by Trevor West, one of our school
governors, who gave up his time to assist on the day again this year.
In September, our Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, Mrs Merrett ran a day
at PHS with an English focus for local schools. All of the activities were
designed with elements from the GCSE syllabus in mind. The theme was
‘Matilda’ and several middle schools were involved: St Nicholas, St
Barnabas, Abbey Park, Witton Middle and Westacre Middle. After sharing
key ideas and themes, they created wonderful Matilda posters using laptops
and wrote a letter in role as the ‘orrible Trunchball. The day was a roaring
success with the support and guidance from Year 8 students Erin Young,
Robert Ward, Zoe Wood and Will Parry.

Mrs Merrett has also been busy this year setting up a Stationery
Shop in the library. This is a non-profit making enterprise and a
place where students can purchase all the equipment they need
for their lessons. It also gives them the opportunity to help out
behind the counter and assist in stock control and ordering.
Lynda Forse in Year 9 has been a reliable assistant this year
and looks set to take over the running of the shop next year.
Earlier this term we welcomed the return of Giovanni
Esposito (aka Spoz), the Birmingham Poet Laureate.
Year 8 students were put through their poetic paces
and spent the day in the hall being entertained by the
visiting poet and were encouraged to produce their
own skilfully crafted poetry. We were hugely
impressed by their enthusiasm and their ability to
maintain such high levels of concentration. This year
the winning group of students on the day from
Pershore High School will perform in the inter-schools
competition held at The Atrix Theatre in Bromsgrove.
Before Easter we signed up to ‘Poetry by
Heart’, a new Government initiative for
students to compete in a national competition
performing poems they have memorised. It
was open to all students in Years 10-13 in
schools and colleges in England, and its aim
was to inspire students to explore England's
rich literary heritage using poetry ranging from
the serious to the playful, covering both
'classic' and contemporary poems. We saw it
as an excellent chance to give our students
the opportunity to enjoy a wider range of
poetry than they usually find in their
preparation for exams and to find pleasure
and confidence in a part of the curriculum
where such things can be in short supply.
Will Cooper and Caitlin Loxley from Year 12
represented the school at a semi-final in
Droitwich and although we didn’t make it
through to the final both students loved the
whole experience.
The year is not yet over; there are plans afoot for a
summer's evening of poetry readings for our Sixth
Form students and tickets have already been reserved
for productions to be staged in the RSC's Winter
Season. Inevitably there will be changes to staffing in
the department from September. We look forward to
welcoming some new members of staff as we will be
saying goodbye to Miss Harper, Mrs Fryer and in the
short term to Mrs Durrant who will be starting her
maternity leave. A more significant farewell will be to
Andrew Medcalf who has taught English at Pershore
High School for the past 27 years; for 20 of those years
he was in charge of the school library. Mr Medcalf has been a loyal and hugely supportive member of
the English department who has always derived a great deal of pleasure from teaching but now feels
the time is right to pursue his many other interests. The students will miss him greatly and his friends
in the department know the gap he leaves will be unfillable.

Geography
Report by David Brookes, Head of Department
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future”
(Michael Palin). At Pershore High School we believe that to
unlock that potential and enable students to appreciate the
complexities of the world around them, we need to teach
dynamic student centred lessons which challenge them to think
for themselves. This must be combined with opportunities to
expand learning outside of the classroom. Over the past 12
months we have worked tirelessly to realise this aim.
Year 11 - Birmingham
The Autumn Term was
packed with fieldtrips across the Key Stages. In the first week of
the school, Mrs Higginbotham and Miss Bliss led Year 12
students to Ashes Hollow, Shropshire. Here they investigated
changes along the course of the Ashes Hollow Stream. This was
soon followed by the Year 11 visit to Birmingham, to develop
students’ understanding of this important case study.
Year 13 - Bristol
As the floods arrived in November, we took an impromptu trip into
Pershore, to study the effectiveness of the new flood defences
which had been constructed to protect houses along Defford
Road. Luckily they appeared to be doing their job!
Year 12 - Pershore Flood
Defences
In spring the pace of fieldwork abated and our focus switched
to examination skills and broadening horizons. In March we
took Year 13 students to Manchester, so they could benefit
from the examination feedback of David Redfern, Chief
Examiner. We were also able to offer a similar opportunity to
Year 11 by inviting the Principal Examiners for both GCSE
Geography papers into school, to lead training with the entire
cohort. Year 8 also received a visit, but from local members
of our community. We are indebted to Lisa Smith, Tom
Piotrowski and Anuja Lavy who gave their time, to help
students broaden their understanding of the Traveller, Polish
and Asian communities.
In December both Year 12 and 13 were out and about. Year 12
undertook a study of contrasting urban areas in Worcester. Here
they investigated differences between the inner city areas of
Arboretum and Lowesmoor, with the suburban area of Warndon
Villages. Year 13 travelled to Bristol to learn about the impact of
urban processes. On this trip we were able to arrange for
presentations from Bristol City Council, which gave students an
invaluable insight into urban challenges they are trying to tackle
and their attempts to manage them. We also had a tour of the
St Paul’s area by local resident Pete Bullard.
In the Summer Term, we continued to be active, taking Year 10 students
to the Wyre Forest and Dorset to collect data for their Controlled
Assessment. We also took 200 Year 8 students to Stratford to investigate
Settlements.
Year 10 – Dorset
Year 8 - Stratford
At the end of this academic year we will bid farewell to Janet
Higginbotham, who has been a member of the Geography
Department since 1989, when she was appointed as Head of
Geography. Over the years countless students have
benefitted from her passion for the subject, and she has
inspired many students to continue their studies beyond Sixth
Form. Her legacy of championing learning outside the
classroom, and helping to create this exciting programme of
fieldwork opportunities that we provide will continue long into
the future. We wish Janet well for the future.

Gifted and Talented
Report by Nicola Merrett, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator
Covering this post has been an excellent challenge this year and I have enjoyed it immensely.
Our Gifted and Talented students in Science and English were invited to take part in an ATE
residential weekend in Ledbury co-ordinated by Mrs Whitehead from Pinvin Middle School. I agreed
to accompany them, with slight trepidation, in order to experience this Stretch and Challenge bonanza.
Despite my anxiety the night before, we all had a fabulous time. We took part in indoor and outdoor
activities. There were also a number of conundrums to solve over the three days. Our minds and
bodies were stretched to the limit.
These two are looking particularly pleased with their ‘walk through a broom’ task as they had just
witnessed my atrocious attempt and subsequent toppling over as I tried to prove I wasn’t too old.
There were Science experiments with rockets and English storytelling events in pyjamas as well as
Drama ice-breaker challenges to enjoy. Dormitory groups shared responsibility for laying the tables
for meals and then clearing up afterwards and everyone took part – willingly. I felt obliged to
photograph this as evidence for disbelieving parents as they collected their exhausted yet grateful
children on a sunny autumnal afternoon. The feedback from all concerned was so positive that we
fully intend to take both Years 8 and 9 next year. My sincere thanks go to the Pinvin teachers and all
the ATE team who were outstanding in their dealings with adults and children alike.
Further, in the autumn term, we ran a lively ‘Matilda’ day to stretch our Gifted in English cohort, where
pupils created film trailers and wrote in role as the ‘orrible Trunchball. In addition, our two most
accomplished Debaters, Gareth Roberts and Charlotte Redgewell were chosen to attend and compete
in The Three Counties Debating Competition at Malvern College, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Isaac Chidlow and Rachel Day won places to take part in the Government run Dux Award; they had
the pleasure of visiting Bristol University for a day and attended lectures in Science and English. This
year, Eleanor Roberts and Adam Rowling are looking forward to following in their footsteps.
Due to the increasing number of opportunities, targeted at our Gifted and Talented students across the
school, in and out of lessons, there is not space to cover them all here. However, the Art installation in
the foyer that was constructed as part of a Gifted and Talented Art/History event, serves as a timely
reminder to staff and students alike, that there are things a great deal worse than coming to school.

Hampton Centre
Report by Jan Stoney, SEN Co-ordinator
The Hampton Centre has had a very busy and successful year. Teaching Assistants have provided
excellent mentoring for students, as well as personalised intervention sessions, to support effective
learning and the development of crucial independence skills. The development of key skills and
varied experiences are part of the role of the Centre and lots of students have been involved in many
visits this year.
The Centre and Base have enabled students to develop foundation learning and life skills in the Open
College Foundation Learning qualification. Ten students have fifteen awards and have achieved
Open College qualifications. They will receive their certificates in July 2013.
The Awesome and Epic groups have visited Warwick Castle as part of the
curriculum and watched stunning birds of prey displays, the trebuchet in action,
as well as touring the Castle and braving the terrifying dungeons.
A number of students from the Centre and Base, Abigail Redman,
Carter Gough, Edward Edkins and Simon Farrell Adams have been
learning how to row in bell boats at Fladbury Regatta paddle Club.
They have learned how to row on the River Avon. Thanks to Darren
Hunter from school for his leadership of
the course. Darren has also led the
fortnightly football sessions for students
from the Centre and Base, Carter
Gough, Grant Biddle, Richard Lewis,
Ryan Hutcheon and Thomas Howells in conjunction with the Vale of
Evesham School. All the students received certificates and the course
ended with a inter-school football competition.
The Centre has been fortunate to win a bid for
funding from the “Big Lottery Fund” to run the
Rising Stars course again with Nigel Clark from
the band ‘Dodgy’ and Doug Armstrong, a specialist music
project co-ordinator for ‘Working Talent’. A group of students
from Year 8 and Year 9 will be involved in the course. The
students will be entered for the Arts Award Apprenticeship
and they will perform their compositions to local people and dignitaries at the end of the course.
Joy and Jenny Ludlow will work with me, Nigel, Doug and the students over the next two terms to
complete their preparation for the Performances and Arts Award qualification.
Jill Johnson, Anna Smith, Joy Ludlow, Tracey Day and I took a group
of students to Waitrose in Cheltenham to the ‘Come Dine with Me’
Demonstration Studio in Cheltenham. They learned how to create
balanced menus and cooked delicious food during their visit to the
studio.
Sam Godber, from the Autism Base, wrote a poem for “Create Art for
Autism 2012” and was regional finalist. He went to Cardiff with Paula Hayden, Teacher in Charge of
the Autism Base, for the Award Ceremony. Colin Harworth from Beechwood College visited school to
present him with the framed poem to be displayed in school. Sam’s poem:
Aches and Waves
The thundering roars heard in streets,
The screeching babies are afoot,
The world keeps spinning, the shouts of winnings,
Can give your eardrums a hoot.
Strings and drums and horns and weeps,
24/7, no wink of sleep,
The crashes, bashes, my mind in ashes,
The search for peace is way too deep.
Honking cars, crashing jars,
They all make tornados in my mind,
But laughs and giggles, violins and jingles
It helps my consciousness wind.
The world of noise is such a clatter.
Cries and pain could make the world a mad hatter,
A slow song and a hot chocolate are just the tone,
To make a noisy lave my home away from home.
Booms and bangs, they give a clang,
Yet it sets some action, an adventurous gang,
If broken notes were all around,
It would make me crazy as a clown.
The bombs and planes would make me insane,
If I was in World War 2,
It seems to me the world is in glee,
Yet I am the only one with the blues.
Sam Godber

The Centre and Base have said farewell to teaching assistants, Graham Wilde who has become a TA
in another school in Worcestershire and Lynne Murphy and has become a Cover Supervisor in the
Centre and Base. A huge thanks to June Falvey and Lorraine Whitehouse for their volunteering in the
Centre and Base. Their support has been valued by the students and staff. We say farewell to
Sophie Johnson who is starting a Midwifery degree at Worcester University and Zoe Pugh who is
starting a PGCE Religious Studies Course at the University of Worcester.
Students who attend Pershore Horticultural College designed and created a garden for the ‘Malvern
Spring Garden Show 2013’. The students, Robert Bryant, Adam Ledbury, Cameron Edmunds, James
Burrage and Gordon Hill, worked on the design at college and then spent several days on the run up
to the show assembling the garden design. Their entry won first place and Highly Commended in
Best in Show Garden. They received £150 for Pershore College. Students have learned many design
and development skills while at college and were delighted with the award from such a prestigious
show.
CONSIDER A CAREER IN
MANUFACTURING

History
Report by Sam Foster, Head of Department
2013 has seen some excellent work from all involved in the department as we continue to ensure that
History remains an exciting, engaging and popular subject at Pershore High School. I am delighted
that we have so many students opting to follow History courses in Key Stage 4 next year. The same
is true for Key Stage 5. This is a great testament to the teachers in the department who, over the past
year, have been working hard to make the learning experience of their pupils as creative, thought
provoking and enjoyable as possible.
During the past few months students and teachers alike have been busy in preparation for the
summer exams. All students have been offered much in the way of help and structured support in the
form of revision packs, mock exams, revision sessions and email contact with their teachers.
Students now have the responsibility of their future in their own hands. We look forward to seeing the
results of all this hard work in August with some fantastic grades expected. Again we see some of our
most talented Year 13 students aiming to read History or History related degrees at some splendid
Universities around the country. Good luck to everyone sitting the History GCSE, AS and A Level
examinations this summer.
Outside of the classroom, Year 8 students have had the opportunity to visit the Black Country Museum
as part of their work in Humanities. A now annual tradition that involves coal mines, sweet shops and
hugely fattening fish and chips. A successful visit to Bletchley Park has rewarded our most industrious
Year 9 and Year 10 students. My thanks to Kate Herbert for organising this inaugural trip and it was
so interesting, engaging and enjoyable for all that we look forward to repeating the visit next year.
Chris Burrows continues to plan a very exciting trip for October 2014 to the Battlefields of Belgium to
commemorate the hugely important centenary year of the Great War. Excitingly, we also have a trip
to Berlin in the pipeline for next academic year so please keep a look out for more information on that
in the near future. Sam Gisborne has had a most successful first year of fully qualified teaching and
continues to bring great enthusiasm and expertise to visits and the department as a whole. Mr Corbett
and Mr Nockton continue to share their considerable historical and political knowledge with students of
History by teaching GCSE and A Level classes. My sincere thanks to all the History staff who give up
their own valuable time to make these extra-curricular visits and day to day teaching such a success.
This year and into next, the staffing of the History department remains stable which means that we
can concentrate upon improving the progression and attainment of every student who walks through
the doors of a History classroom. As the political world continues to send surprises our way, teachers
of History at Pershore High School hope that students will appreciate the benefits of studying the past
even more than ever. Events such as the troubles in the Middle East become even more pertinent
when you fully understand the ideas of cause and consequence that History teaches us.
We look forward to another year creating knowledgeable and worldly wise citizens who are equipped
to make independent, informed and valid judgements about the society in which they live.
Year 11 Visit to RAF Cosford

Information and Communication Department
Report by Sally Beeton, Head of Department
As usual ICT and Computing continues to develop and change. We are awaiting a new Programme of
Study more focused on computing content but it is not in place yet. We already have a number of Key
Stage 3 computing units of study and students undertake Scratch programming and are introduced to
concepts such as binary and the programming language Python. Key Stage 3 also includes a range
of more traditional IT tasks such as designing and implementing a database
and creating spreadsheets to assist with problem solving and modelling
solutions.
ICT and Computing offered a STEM unit this year where students
developed games with Kodu, a 3D programming environment.
They learnt a range of programming skills to allow objects to be user
controlled and interact with each other.
Our Key Stage 4 Functional Skills qualification has seen all the students passing and we will continue
to offer this qualification for as long as it suits the students taking it. The first of the new Microsoft
Office Specialist qualifications have been taken and students will continue to develop skills and take
more units next year.
Year 11 multimedia students have produced online magazines – e-zines – on a topic of their choice
which saw a wide range of themes and some excellent use of multimedia.
Christian Bennett - introduction to Iceland e-zine.
Rachel Dicker – introduction to the world of
trampolining e-zine
Jake Smith – Grime music genre e-zine
Charlotte Spalding – singing e-zine
William Hornbrook – Film e-zine, joint winner ICT
Design Award
Daniel Thomas – photography e-zine, joint winner ICT
Design Award

Year 12 and 13 Computing students visited The National Museum of
Computing at Bletchley Park where they had a talk from the museum
guide about the code breakers efforts to break the Nazi’s Enigma codes.
The students were able to see a rebuild of the world’s first programmable
electronic computer, the Colossus, in operation and were sent back to school
with a Colossus valve.
The students also saw the WITCH
computer, the world’s oldest
original working digital computer
(as recognised by Guinness World
Records, 2013). Some of the
group got to operate the machine,
which took several minutes to
complete a simple multiplication
calculation.
There were more hands on activities for the rest of the day, including creating punch tape on a 1960’s
computer to playing vintage games on 1980’s consoles. To complete the day, the students had a go
at creating their own version of ‘Snake’ using BBC Micros and BASIC.
Year 13 multimedia projects were as diverse as ever. Students work independently for a sponsor to
create a multimedia product. They are awarded grades based on the product in one unit but also are
working for marks for their performance as project managers – always a useful transferrable skill.
Charlotte Haynes – early learning product to teach and assess
times tables knowledge
Jacob Holmes – introduction to the orchestra for Key Stage 3
students at Pershore High School
Sarah Farmiloe – early learning time product for Flyford Flavell
First School
Aaron Burge – promotional product for Vintage V vans.
Kieron Sheen – art review product for the Art Department at
Pershore High School
As ever IT and Computing is ever changing and developing and we will be implementing a new KS4
course next academic year and a new A level in the year after.

Mathematics
Report by Debbie Morgan, Head of Department
The Maths Department continue to enjoy
success at all levels and have again
produced some very good results. Last
summer saw the first students complete
the new GCSE, with 68% of students
achieving a grade C or better, and a
pleasing 18% at Grade A* or A. Both
results are well above the national
average and this level of success was a
credit to the hard work of the students and
teachers. The staff spent many hours
each week putting on extra classes and it
was pleasing to see just how many
students made use of the additional
support on offer. Mathematics in the
Sixth Form is a popular choice and the
Department continues to thrive at this level. We enjoyed another terrific year with 69% of students
achieving a Grade B or higher at A2 level and 47% of students achieving a grade A or B at AS level.
We also had five outstanding mathematicians who completed the very demanding two year Further
Maths course, with all five achieving a Grade A.
Current Year 11 students have now completed the GCSE course and we are already confident that we
are going to achieve even better results this year, with many students securing their target grades in
March. In February around 60 Year 10 students participated in the Intermediate Maths Challenge
where they competed against students from
schools around the country. Best in School
and the only Gold award winner was Albert
Courts – a fantastic achievement in a very
tough competition. Silver award winners were:
Isaac Chidlow; Richard Adams; Nicholas
Rawlings; Dylan Freckleton and Katie Sharratt.
Bronze award winners were: Toby Wilcox;
James Foster; Tom Kenwright; Rhiannon
Hornett; Mollie Cresswell; Daisy Wakefield;
Harriet Lovegrove: Niamh McIvor; Sarah
Parker; Joshua Massey and Jessica Weir.
Congratulations to everyone who took part and
especially to those students who managed to
win an award.
In Key Stage 3 over 60 Year 8 students took
part in the Junior Maths Challenge at the end
of April with Maya De-Silva Morgan winning
the Best in School prize as well as a Gold
award. Other Gold award winners were
Zoe Wood, Erin Young and Robert Ward.
Oliver Morgan; Emma Bewley; Timothy
Coleman; Lily Blunstone; Patrick Chapman
and Joshua Lane all achieved a Silver award
and a further 18 students achieved a Bronze
award. Well done to all these students for
their great achievement.
Overall it has been a year filled with of lots of
hard work and the students deserve to be
rewarded with excellent results in the summer.
Thank you to all members of the Maths
Department for working with such enthusiasm
to support all our students this year.

Modern Foreign Languages
Report by Simon Kemp, Head of Department
The MFL department has enjoyed another busy and productive year with many successes to
celebrate and we have continued to offer a wide range of activities for students to take advantage of.
There were some outstanding performances during the summer examinations with showed there are
some really talented linguists at Pershore. At GCSE 68% of all pupils achieved an A*-C grade in
French, German and Spanish and at A level there was a 100% pass rate with notable successes
being A grades for Rosa Clubley and Ed Surman in German and Megan Chitty in French. We are
confident the current groups will do equally well and we wish them good luck.
The department are proud to offer a range of languages for students. At present all students study
both French and German up to Key Stage 3 with the option of continuing these languages to GCSE.
In addition our links with Caoqiao Middle school in China has shown the importance of developing
knowledge of non-traditional languages. This year a group of Year 8 students have been studying
Beginner’s Mandarin which they have found a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. Along
with Spanish and Italian, which the department have also taught with success in the past year, it is
evident that we are a truly multicultural department.
At the other end of the learning spectrum Mrs Loxley and the Sixth Form Language Leaders have
been working closely with the local first schools in our mission to turn the people of Pershore into minilinguists.
Chris Cosnett, Niamh Kelly and Ed Jordan created a taster lesson in Italian on the topic of
food which they delivered to different classes at Key Stage 1. They are currently working on preparing
the “Jeux sans Frontières” language and sports event which takes place for teams from the three
feeder schools in July.
As well as the work done in the classroom, we have continued to offer students the opportunity to put
their language learning into practice. The exchange programme with our partner schools in France
and Germany has once again proved popular with students keen to make new friends and experience
a different culture. In October a group of 50 students and four staff spent a week in Bad Neustadt,
Germany staying with their German partners and enjoyed a varied and exciting programme, including
a day in a German school as well as opportunities for some cultural visits. Pershore High School also
played host to the French exchange in April with 30 students taking part enjoying a range of activities
and plans are well under way for the return leg in October. As always a big thank you to all the staff
involved and to Mr Crouchley in particular for his tireless efforts in making the visits such a success.
French Exchange
German Exchange
In addition to the exchanges the department took 48 students to Boulogne in July for the annual day
trip to France. Blessed with wonderful weather, fantastic students and an unexpected detour via the
coast, it was one of the most successful trips of recent years, with all students using their phrase
books and making a great effort to use their language skills. We hope this year’s trip will be just as
much fun.
The department remain committed to offering students a rich cultural experience. In September we
celebrated European Day of Languages. All students received a European “passport” with facts and
figures about European countries. On the day itself there were a variety of activities including quizzes,
European menus and opportunities to learn some basic phrases in less well known languages. Many
students revealed unexpected skills in different languages.
Finally, we are pleased that the Rotary Club continues to show great commitment to the importance of
languages through their support of the MFL essay competition. This year there will be two prize
winners, one each for French and German, with essays based on the theme of a holiday abroad.

Performing Arts
Report by Keith Walden, Head of Department
2012-13 has been an extremely busy year in Music with
the pre and post-Christmas period feeling like being on a
rollercoaster! Fortunately, the screaming of both myself and
Mrs Witherick has stopped and we can reflect on what has
truly been a unique and memorable time in the Music
department.
The primary focus for us this year has been the 80 th
Anniversary Gala Concert. We wanted to celebrate 80 years
of Pershore High School by marking the occasion by holding
an 80 th Anniversary Gala Concert. The aim was to invite
former musicians to perform alongside current musicians in
a concert celebrating 80 years of Pershore High School
music-making. There was a broad range of ages and
experience; one cellist had left the school in 1955, and there
were performers from our new Year 8 cohort as well as
current and former staff. Over 120 performers were able to
take part and together formed a choir of over 70 singers, a
Jazz Band of over 60 and Orchestra of over 70 players.
People travelled from far and wide to take part including from London and Lancaster
(and Pershore too). Some of these came despite having the pressure of University or other exams.
On the day it was wonderful to see so many people coming through the doors of the Abbey, many
catching up with friends they had not seen for some time. The rehearsal soon began and the
Orchestra worked hard under the baton of two ex-Pershore teachers, Peter Butler and Martin Wall, as
well as Mrs Witherick and Mr Walden. The Orchestra were then joined by the choir to rehearse the
combined Orchestra/Choir item Sing before we immediately launched into the Choir rehearsal where
we were accompanied by both Marion Tunwell and the ever-present Sheila Joynes. Straight after this
we went into the Jazz Band rehearsals where we welcomed back Miss Brookes (now Mrs Barker).
After the large ensembles had rehearsed we then gave the soloists Amy Surman and former pupil
Emily Jones (now at the Welsh College of Music) time to become more familiar with the Abbey space.
The concert began to a full Abbey. The Jazz Band performed brilliantly augmented by the many brass
players who helped the Jazz Band make a really full sound; Amy Surman wonderfully performed her
solo Allegro Appassionato and the choir performed a selection of choral and pop repertoire producing
a beautiful blended sound of young and more mature voices. We should also not forget Mr Hanson
and others ‘flashing’ the audience with their impromptu ukulele flash mob ensemble which had all the
audience singing along. The second half heard the Orchestra playing a mixture of traditional and
more popular music including Fantasia on Greensleeves and the Beatles 50 th Anniversary hit Love Me
Do. Emily Jones performed a breathtaking violin solo Aus der Heimat before the Orchestra and Choir
combined in what could be called the anthem of 2012, the Jubilee song Sing written by Gary Barlow
and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The
e-mail received from ex-teacher
Graham Finch summed up the
experience enjoyed by many, “It was
great to see so many old friends -
both staff and students - and to meet
some new ones. I thoroughly enjoyed
the day - and the music. It was a
tremendous privilege…”. My own
thanks go to all the performers for
returning and taking part and to all
who supported in ensuring the project
was a success from start to finish.
It was a wonderful occasion.
Year 12 pupils had the opportunity to perform this year at the Annual Service of Worship for
Wychavon District Council held in Pershore Abbey at the end of October. Andrew Clark, Ruth Pollard
and Amy Surman performed specially arranged music at this event and represented the school
extremely well. Year 12 and Year 13 also enjoyed a trip to Birmingham to listen to a performance of
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons given by the Orchestra of the Swan (based in Stratford) at the Town Hall. This
was a wonderful opportunity to hear live one of the A2 set works, played by soloist David la Page, and
pupils also had the opportunity to attend a pre-concert talk where he was ‘interviewed’ about the
piece, the orchestra and the Arts in general. It also gave us the chance to take an early look around

the German market too. In particular, Chantelle Cain must be commended for her efforts in travelling
to the concert; she had an audition in Cardiff earlier that morning and there were many problems
affecting transport due to the snow, but she still made it. A highly enjoyable and engaging concert
followed and provided some real points of interest and discussion for the pupils which will be of benefit
in their A2 exams this year.
This year the school Orchestra was again invited to perform for the Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’ in
Pershore at the end of November. This is always a great way to begin the Christmas season.
Members of the Senior and Junior orchestras combined to perform a wide variety of Christmas
favourites to the public awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. Year 10 performers continued musicmaking
during the Christmas season when they performed at the annual Pensioners’ Coffee Morning.
Pupils showcased their solo and ensemble performing skills in a 30-minute mini-concert which was
gratefully received by the visitors to the school. Orchestra members also performed at the annual
Worcestershire County Council Christmas Carol Service at County Hall and were well-received by
local councillors and other staff based there.
The Christmas Carol Service at Pershore Abbey is always a highlight of the musical year, and this
year, with the theme of Justice, proved to be no exception. Before the service the orchestra played a
broad range of pieces including an arrangement of Balulalow. The choir performed a number of
pieces, including Locus Iste by Bruckner, Gentle as a Lamb by Christopher Wright and arranged by
Mrs Witherick, also featuring Holly-May Lawley, Jemma Loader and Carolyn Brett and Sing in an
arrangement by Mr Walden. A drama performance focused on the Beatitudes and utilised the space
of the Abbey in a powerful way. During each of the three Carol Services Year 12 pupils Andrew Clark,
Ruth Pollard and Amy Surman performed as soloists and offered a moment of reflection during this
otherwise busy time of year. Thanks in particular go to Mrs Witherick, Mr Knight, Mrs Joynes,
Mrs Cookson and many other colleagues for their hard work in making the Carol Service a success,
and to the Abbey for their usual generous hospitality and support.
The Senior Orchestra have worked tirelessly and with absolute commitment over the year where they
were the pit band for school show Oliver. The performers went through a tough audition process to be
selected as a member of the band (including Mrs Kershaw). Members of the orchestra learnt to play
over 30 pieces that were extremely challenging demonstrating excellent rehearsal and performance
skills in the months leading up to the show, before performing for three nights in a row to a sold out
hall. The standard of playing was exceptional and many audience members praised the orchestra for
the high quality of performance. My thanks go to all performers and also the staff involved in playing,
Mrs Kershaw and Mrs Witherick.
A2 Music Technology students Alex George, Jacob Holmes, Elliott Mann and Kieran Perkins enjoyed
the opportunity to work with Music-Industry Consultant Ade Holbrook in a project designed to
introduce them to industry-standard music production software, Logic Pro 9 using Apple Mac
computers. This project also aimed to develop their Music Technology and Production skills, and will
culminate in a presentation showcasing the knowledge, understanding and skills the pupils have
developed over the course of the scheme.
For the fourth consecutive year, the school choir enjoyed an
amazing opportunity to perform at Worcester Cathedral. The
concert, organised by Sing UK, provides young people with the
opportunity to perform major choral works alongside a
professional orchestra, giving them a taste of what choral
singing is about. This year the chosen pieces were Faure’s
Requiem and his Cantique de Jean Racine. There were three
busy months of rehearsals in school as well as two weekend
rehearsals in Worcester before an in-school rehearsal with the
conductor of the concert, Malcolm Goldring. He was extremely
impressed with the standard of the choir at Pershore High,
although managed to insult us all for ‘being from Pershore’ at
the final rehearsal - we have only just forgiven him. Special
thanks must go to Mrs Witherick for her efforts in preparing us
all so thoroughly for the concert as there was a lot of music to
be learnt. All day on Saturday 27 th April we rehearsed in the
Cathedral and in the evening pupils performed as part of the
choir of nearly 300 accompanied by the Orchestra of the
Swan, who during the concert also played some Elgar as well
as Barber’s infamous and haunting Adagio for Strings. The
concert provided all performers with a wonderful experience
we all enjoyed and one that we will repeat in the future.

If you like singing, want to sing with other
people, or just want to try something new
then join the choir in September. This is
especially important if you would like to take
part in an event of international significance
in the Royal Albert Hall in 2014 where, as
part of the nation's commemorative events
marking the 100th anniversary of the
outbreak of the First World War, Sing UK
(featuring Pershore High) will be
undertaking a special project which will
culminate in a performance of Karl Jenkins'
The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace on 28th September 2014. We will be joined by the Philharmonia
Orchestra for this poignant occasion and will sing with a choir of 600 voices from schools in the UK
and youth choirs representative of France, Belgium and Germany. It is a fantastic opportunity and is a
project that we hope many young people will be keen to be involved in.
I would like to thank many people for their hard work in helping the Performing Arts department enjoy
another successful year. Mrs Witherick has been a constant source of support, and has worked
tirelessly and with total commitment throughout the year. I would also like to thank Mrs Cookson, Miss
Brown and Mr Roberts for their contribution this year. Miss Brown now takes over from Mrs Cookson
as Acting Head of Department (how appropriate for a Drama teacher) whilst Mrs Cookson is absent
from school on maternity leave. We all wish Mrs (and Mr) Cookson all the very best. I thank them all
for their enthusiasm, sense of humour and dedication which I could not be without. Thanks also to all
staff who have supported the Choir and Orchestra, and in particular Mr Knight for his support during
the Carol Service. Thanks also go to all the instrumental and vocal teachers who come into school
and develop the skills of our performers. Thanks must go to the encouraging parents of our musicians
for supporting at events in and out of school. Finally, I would like to thank and congratulate the pupils
for their hard work, energy and commitment demonstrated over the course over the whole year. They
have worked tirelessly in and out of lessons to help to create a vibrant and exciting department that is
extremely enjoyable to work in. I wish those who leave us as the end of this year every success and
look forward to welcoming those who join us in September for some great music-making.

Philosophy and Applied Ethics
Report by Jon Knight, Head of Department
At this time of austerity for the many yet excess
for the few, wealth and poverty and freedom and
determinism, ideas of justice and equality are hot
topics in the press, in the class room no less so.
As young eager minds go about their tentative
and abandoned exploration of their world they
often stumble across glaring discrepancies in
what they have been led to believe and what is
evidently so. Philosophy and Ethics sets about
not only to equip them with the knowledge and
skills to understand the complexities of high
ideals and mundane practicalities, more
importantly, it furnishes the student with the
ability to question the authority of the norm, and
then the courage to steer their path and maybe
others in a more questioning and enlightened
way, to see an alternative view of the world.
Religious Studies is really the study of humanity and the relationship it has with its own institutions,
whether the relationship is beneficial or harmful, progressive or regressive, Philosophy is a discipline
that necessarily seeks the empowerment of students, with empowerment comes responsibility and to
act responsibly one has to be informed. In Year 9 the students have been asked to research,
describe, explain and evaluate the major beliefs and practices of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism
and Islam. The religions are explored in a more thematic approach; we explore the concepts of
personal identity, life after death and different concepts of God.
GCSE has seen a dramatic change with the
introduction of Full Course Philosophy and
Applied Ethics as an option group. The
teachers of the department will also offer a
course for the whole of the student body that
will ensure their continued development;
morally, culturally, socially and spiritually.
At A level we have seen further improvement
with 100% pass rates and 75% A grades for
A2. More importantly the students could easily
outwit me in argument and innovation which
was both gratifying and frustrating at the same
time. The current Year 12 and 13 have been a
joy to teach and we wish them the best in their
results.
I would like to thank the staff who have helped
to create the department’s unique thinking
environment; Mr Burrows for his help in
devising and delivering Society and Ethics,
Mr Rees for his continued contribution across
all key stages, in particular his work with AS
level Philosophy and Ethics, Helen Witherick
who has taught Year 9 Religious Studies and
Miss Samantha Gisbourne who, assisted by
play-do and hats, remains an inspiration to all
students and teachers alike. I would also like
to mention the brilliant support and guidance
given by the teaching assistants essential for
the communication of ideas. We wish Miss
Zoe Pugh all the best as she embarks upon
the first stage of her teaching vocation, starting
a PGCE in Religious Studies this coming
September.

Physical Education and School Sport
Report by Tom Barz, Head of Department
There have been some new faces in the PE Department this year. Sophie Beachus joined the
department to cover for Alison Lockley and Rebecca Forshaw, both on maternity leave, and Chloe
Naughton replaced Polly Christian as School Sports Co-ordinator.
The year began well, thanks to the exceptional results achieved by our A Level students once again.
80% A* to C at A Level and 100% of pupils achieving A* to E at GCSE.
The number of pupils participating in extracurricular sport continues to rise and this has been
supported with the termly sports competitions. Over 300 pupils have represented their houses in the
rugby 7’s, 7-a-side football, netball, hockey, cricket and rounders’ competitions and many more
competitions are in the pipe line for next year.
The many successes and highlights have been publicised in the local press and school newsletter.
Some of these are listed below:
June/July 2012
The Olympic Torch comes to Worcester
Over 40 Pershore High School sports leaders and athletes were fortunate enough to be able to take
part in the Olympic Torch celebrations at Worcester Cricket Ground.
Oarsome Experience
Students from the Hampton Centre tried their hand at rowing by completing a five week indoor training
programme before being let loose on the river at Evesham Rowing Club.
Football Crazy
Pershore High School’s Year 8 girls’ football team celebrated after winning the County school’s
championship and then followed it up by winning the district tournament.
Pershore Town Girls Under 15’s team beat Droitwich to claim the Mercian Festival Junior League.
Crowle Searchers Under 16’s won the Ambassador Evesham League after scoring a staggering 172
goals and conceding just 19 goals in 27 games.
Drakes Broughton Under 15’s were
crowned Champions after winning the
Westbury Celtic tournament.
Pictured: PHS Girls Football Team
Success for the Woods Brothers
PHS duo Chris and Matt Wood
had the honour of representing
Worcestershire County Hockey
team which won the U14s County
Tournament.
Year 8 Girls Athletics Team stride
to victory
The Year 8 Athletics team raced to
victory at the SWSSP District Athletics
meet at the Prince of Wales Stadium
in Cheltenham. They annihilated the
favourite’s Bredon Hill Middle school
in the process.
Pictured: PHS Year 8 Girls
Athletics team

PHS Family Multiskills Festival
25 sports leaders from PHS ran a multiskills festival for a group of Year 1 and Year 2 children from the
first schools. Over 150 pupils took part in the fun filled day.
Worcestershire School Games
15 leaders from PHS attended the school games to show off their coaching skills. PHS students
coached and officiated in netball, football, mini-tennis, bocia and basketball.
England Football star visits school
We were honoured to welcome to PHS, Lee Greatbatch, a key member of the England Men’s Blind
Football team. Lee was guest speaker at the Year 8 Activities Week Olympics Opening Ceremony.
August/September 2012
Paralympic Trip
As a result of being part of the Get Set Network (the official London 2012 educational programme) six
of our finest sports leaders were lucky enough to go on the trip of a lifetime to watch the Paralympics
at the Olympic Stadium.
Pershore Team perform at County swim
Four of our pupils achieved 1 st place in the Worcester County Development Meeting at
Wolverhampton. To cap off the successful meet the team managed 26 personal bests along with five
new County Qualifying Times.
October/November 2012
Wychavon Awards Win for Tazmin
Tazmin Pugh was awarded Junior Sports Personality for 2012 at the Wychavon Awards, after gaining
a place on the England Swimming Talent Development Programme.
Sprint success for Tom
Following on from his 100m sprint success at Nunnery Wood in the summer where he won in just 12
seconds, Tom Kenwright received the Ernie Andrews Cup for Best Sprint Performance in the Under
15 age group.
Karate
Shaun Wigley and Jared White represented England at the Copa Muryama Karate competition held in
Mexico.
December 2012
Cricket Awards
Charlie Cross and Clark Knapton won the Coaches Player of the Year Awards at the Worcestershire
County Cricket Club Awards Dinner.
Football Team League Champions
The Year 8 Boys football team finished the season
unbeaten becoming SWSSA League winners.
January 2013
Year 8 Cross Country
At a very muddy and windy Bredon Pull Court our Year
8 runners competed in the SWSSA annual cross country competition. Excellent performances by
Tazmin Pugh (1 st ),Louise Hird (7 th ), Oliver Morgan (1 st ) and William Parry (3 rd ) helped to ensure that
our team secured second place. Pictured: Cross Country runners

Football Festival
Young leaders from PHS organised a football festival for Year 5/6 pupils from the local feeder schools.
Over 60 pupils showed off their skills and thoroughly enjoyed the event.
March/April 2013
Festivals Galore
Year 8 pupils hosted the annual Leadership festival.
The event gave PHS pupils the opportunity to pass on
the skills they have developed as part of the Leadership
academy to potential leaders from our feeder schools.
In her role as School Sports Development Officer
Miss Naughton and her team of leaders hosted the Year
3 Gymnastics Festival.
Netball District Champions
Year 8 Netballers built on the success of the Year 8 Boys
Football team to become the Netball District Champions.
Pictured: Year 8 Netball Team
Sports Development
Report by Chloe Naughton, School Sports Development Officer
It has been a great year for Sports Development at Pershore High School. We have seen increased
participation levels in sport and exercise and many students have had a go at a sport that had not tried
before.
Lacrosse
A coach from English Lacrosse came in and offered a six week coaching program to one lucky class.
Next year, we are hoping to progress this by setting up an after school club.
Rugby
Worcester Warriors kindly offered to come into to the school and teach six after school club lessons
open to all students. This was a huge success.
Dodge Ball
Sport Challenge LTD offered dodge ball of a lunch time. We opened this up to all years (boys only)
and had a great turn out, reaching up to 60 students one week! This gave pupils the opportunity to try
something new and use some of that unwanted energy. We are hoping to continue working with
Sports Challenge as they can offer a whole range of games and activities for all pupils to get involved
with.
Football Mash-up
Football Mash-up continued to be a great success this year with many boys and girls turning up, this
will be continuing in September, with hopefully even more students wanting to get involved.
Year 8 Leaders
The leadership academy is continuing to progress with ten Year 8 students joining the academy this
year and all attending the Leadership Festival which was run by other pupils on the Leadership
Academy.
Summer Games Leaders
Four young leaders were selected to take part in the summer games as leaders. Two girls for
rounders and two boys for golf; they have already undergone training and will go to the county event
on the 25 th
June
The pupils in the leadership academy have done a great job in organising and running several events
for feeder schools. So much so they have been asked by schools to go in and help with their festivals
and help organise festivals outside the schools.
Twitter Account
We have set up a sport twitter account for students and parents to beware of sporting activities at
school @PHS_Sport

National Schools Equestrian Association
Report by Rachel Kilmister, Team Manager
For the first time ever, the school has set up their own equestrian
team this year. The school and a number of students have
become members of the National Schools Equestrian
Association. This gives the students the opportunity to represent
the school in their chosen field by competing at numerous
equestrian events throughout the country as individuals and as a
team. They also have the opportunity to qualify for the National
Championships in October this year.
This year the team comprises of Angharad Llewellyn, Rose
Llewellyn, Erin Carvill, Ryan Watkiss, Sophie Rushton, Sophie
Albutt, Amy Price, Laura Whittington, Imogen Smith, Anna
Lampitt, Georgina Longfield and Roberta Coll.
In order to look like a team we have purchased some saddle
cloths with the school’s logo on so that the public could see
which school the riders are representing and some members of
the team now have team jackets to wear at events.
Four students were entered for the first ever event the team had
the chance to take part in at Kings Equestrian Centre on Sunday
7 th April. Erin Carvill, Immy Smith, Ryan Watkiss and Roberta
Coll were all entered into the same show jumping class as a
team and as individuals and Ryan then entered a further class to
ride as an individual. The team did fantastically well and their
hard work paid off when they were awarded 2 nd place as a team
beating eight private schools to take the silver medals and 2 nd
place rosettes.
The second outing for the team saw us travel to Princethorpe in
Warwickshire in Saturday 27 th and Sunday 28 th April. Immy Smith
competed on the Saturday in the dressage competition on her
horse Talla Bay and came a fantastic 5 th in her class. On the
Sunday we had four riders taking part in the show jumping.
Ryan Watkiss, Immy Smith, Rose Llewellyn and Sophie
Rushton. They rode in a number of classes as a team and as
individuals. Unfortunately we were not placed as a team that
day but Sophie went on to be placed 4 th individually in the 90cm
class and then was placed 1 st in the 1m class which is a fantastic
and means she has already qualified for the championships.
We still have events to take part in this academic year in order to
try and get more students qualified for the championships in
October. We have students competing in dressage and jumping
at the Gloucestershire school games at Hartpury and in
Championship qualifiers for show jumping at Rectory Farm in
Cirencester and Kings Bromyard in the coming weeks. There is
also a dressage Championship qualifier at Kings to attend as well
so we will be busy during these last few weeks of term. For our
first year the students have represented the school incredibly
well. We have some very talented riders and I look forward to
working with more of them next year.

Psychology
Report by Zoe Starkey, Head of Department
Profiling the Serial Killer ‘Ted Bundy’ was the task for our students this year
as they embarked on their Year 13 studies. This method was used to
introduce students to the Forensic Psychology topic and to develop their
skills in writing a psychological report. It proved to be a very successful and
valuable approach, as students worked exceptionally hard on answering
the many questions that they had been given and produced some excellent
discussions, within the classroom, for many weeks.
As a department we are keen to ensure that Psychology is not taught from
a textbook and that students are provided with as many opportunities as
possible to interact with the subject material on a day-to-day basis.
Activities such as the above are used frequently to help bring the subject to
‘life’.
This year students were taken to the exotic destination of Birmingham for the department’s annual
outing. As in previous years the purpose of the visit was to interview ex-offenders to gain a greater
insight into criminal behaviour. All students sat nervously in their seats preparing questions to ask,
unsure of what to expect. The lecture was opened by a Prison Psychologist who provided students
with first-hand experiences of working with some of the most dangerous offenders in the country.
They then had the opportunity to listen to men and women from different backgrounds who had
committed crimes ranging from burglary to murder! Students enjoyed being given the opportunity to
ask questions, which were answered with frankness.
Currently the department is busily preparing to
take the Year 13 students to London for two
days in October. This trip will provide them
with the opportunity to visit the Freud Museum,
a hypnotherapy workshop culminating with a
Jack the Ripper tour in the evening! They will
also visit a medieval prison dating back to the
12 th Century and will have the opportunity to
handle original historical torture artifacts
relating to crime and punishment, which will
hopefully not find its way back on the coach.
Psychology continues to gain in popularity; with over 120 students opting to take the subject in
2012/13. In Year 12 and 13 students sat a January examination. The results were outstanding,
especially in light of an extremely challenging paper. In Year 13, 28 students achieved a grade C or
above.
As a department we work hard to evaluate our
practice and involve the students in evaluating
lessons and topic areas. Consequently we are
excited to be introducing ‘Criminology and Law’
from September. Students will have the
opportunity to study this fascinating topic at A2
and we have no doubt that they will enjoy learning
about eyewitness testimony, identification
procedures and face recognition. We feel that this
is an area that will complement the units currently
taught and will appeal to both our male and female
students.
We have once again thoroughly enjoyed teaching students that are enthusiastic, good-humoured but
who most of all are willing to challenge theory and pose interesting and thought provoking questions.

Science
Report by Caroline Tarring, Head of Department
As always, the year began with a review of the summer’s results in Science. The results were very
pleasing, with some worth a particular mention, for example 70% of our Year 11 students achieved
two Grade Cs or above and 55% of our Year 13 students gained a Grade A*, A or B at A level.
We were also very pleased with the results of our Year 10 students; they were the first cohort to sit
the new more rigorous Science GCSE. Over 70% of them achieved a Grade C or above and their
coursework scores were among the best in the country. Our students continue to work hard and the
results they achieve are a credit to them.
In between all the normal classroom activities, we have had another busy
year with lots going on inside and outside the department. Visitors to the
department include Dr Liam Grover from the University of Birmingham; he
came to speak to our Year 12 physicists on the subject of Materials
Science, giving our students an insight into the increasingly hi-tech world
of prosthetics and dental implants. Year 8 students and students from the
Mainstream Autism Base were entertained by Ian B Dunne (known as
‘The Professor’) with his Science Magic show. He performed an amazing
selection of scientific experiments and tricks, including using his Van de
Graaf generator to give Barbie a very bad hair day…
Head of Physics, Dave Pedlar, and four of our A level scientists continued to work with General
Dynamics UK Ltd on the Engineering Education Scheme; their project was entitled ‘Research into
reducing energy by troops in the field’. Steve Dowling from General Dynamics spent time working with
Austin Line, Greg Walton, Daniel Comber and Harry Parsons helping them to develop their ideas on
improving the efficiency of generators, using thermocouples to recoup heat energy. The ideas
were initially tested out on a diesel generator with promising results. Their project narrowly missed
being selected for inclusion in the Big Bang Science and Engineering Fair. Well done to the students
involved and many thanks to Dave Pedlar for all the time and energy he invested in the project.
Another year sees a new cohort of students being enrolled into to our STEM Club. Jess Troop and
colleagues from the Technology and IT departments run this Science and Technology Club for Year 9
students and again we have a hugely enthusiastic bunch of budding scientists. You will often hear all
sorts of pops and bangs on a Thursday after school as the club get to do some of the experiments
which we can’t do in lessons.
This year the Science department has teamed up with the Eco
Club; a group of like-minded Year 9 and Year 10 students have
been working together with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to
sample water at a local brook. The site at Barrel Bridge in
Peopleton is an area flagged up by the Environment Agency as
having poor water quality and as part of an ongoing project the
Agency asked us to help out. Over the course of the year we
have sampled water from the site for ammonia levels, pH, BOD
(biological oxygen demand), dissolved oxygen and done kick
sampling in the river to monitor levels of invertebrates. A sample
is also sent to the Environment Agency for full water chemistry
testing. We will be reporting our findings later on in the academic
year to other local schools also involved in the 'Our Water, Our
Future' project at a Worcestershire County Council presentation.
Our students will be entered for a bronze or silver CREST award
on completion of the report.
‘Zoo for a Day’ now seems to have become an annual event –
each year students and staff bring in a variety of caged pets
from home turning one of our labs into a menagerie. At
lunchtime, students and staff are able to come and see the
animals as well as talk to their very knowledgeable owners.
This year’s animals on show included snakes, a tortoise,
tarantulas and bearded dragons to name just a few. Many
thanks to Jess Troop for again organising this event and
allowing her lab to literally become a zoo.

In December, the department received a plea for help from the last surviving alien on the planet
Shrepreo. Pupils from Ridgeway Middle School spent the day with us trying to find out why planet
Shrepreo was in such danger. The students worked in small groups and learnt to carry out a number
of scientific procedures to test water samples for possible pollution from dust, copper, and carbon
dioxide. They also examined the samples for signs of algal life. At the end of the morning the
students put their findings together and produced a short report explaining what they thought had
caused the destruction of planet Shrepreo. The young students enjoyed working in the laboratories,
handling the new and colourful chemicals. Many thanks to Sarah Cox for organising the event and to
Sixth Form student Shannon Murphy who worked brilliantly with the children.
A group of our most able scientists in Year 8
were given the opportunity of becoming forensic
scientists for the day. We are lucky enough to
have some excellent equipment in the
department in order to solve crime scenarios
using gel electrophoresis genetic fingerprinting
techniques. The students working with Sarah
Cox and Gabrielle Edwardes were introduced to
the science involved and then used the
equipment to put it into action.
In between all the extra-curricular activities, the
staff also find time to deliver engaging and
challenging lessons. As well as the teaching that goes on in lessons, most lunchtimes will see
numerous revision sessions, and in addition, Sarah Cox has put together a rigorous revision timetable
for our Year 11 GCSE students, where students had nine intensive revision lessons, three on each of
the three sciences. We have also been working hard to improve our student’s scientific literacy; Sarah
Cox, Rebecca Hill and Sarah Schaathun have been looking at ways to embed the necessary skills into
our schemes of work so that students are trained to recognise command words in questions and then
construct appropriate answers.
After another hectic year, I am indebted to all the Science Department staff for their continuing
dedication and enthusiasm.

Technology – enriching student learning
Report by Neil Harding, Head of Department
Year 8 Go4SET (STEM)
We believe passionately in providing our students with wider
opportunities to apply and enrich their understanding of Technology
beyond their lessons. This year has been no exception, with our Year
8’s taking part in the Go4SET scheme.
Pictured left, back row, left
to right: Carol Riding, TA,
Technology Department;
Bethany Neal, Will Parry,
Erin Young and Mr Corbett.
Front row, left to right: Oliver
Charles, Ross Davis and
Kieran Rusher.
On 5th March 2013, the Go4SET Team who took part in a ten week project set by EDT for schools
across the West Midlands, were invited to the Celebration and Assessment Day at RAF Cosford.
The team attended the Launch Day back in November where they selected their project entitled
‘Create Sport’. Their challenge was to design a new, creative and innovative sports centre.
They were supported in this challenge by First Year students from Worcester University. The 10 week
environmental project was set to stimulate the interest of young people in Science, Engineering and
Technology. By providing a real and live SET project, Go4SET raises the pupils’ awareness and
provides personal development in team working and project management. The team met every week
during lunchtimes and worked together to plan, design and build their project. Each member of the
team worked to their strengths and helped produce a report, display and a model to be proud of.
The team was commended for their innovative design and received the National Award in recognition
of their valuable contribution to the Go4SETproject.
KS3 STEM Project – in association with The British Science Association
A highlight of the Summer Term has been a project using eggs organised by
our PGCE student, Emma Cartwright, through the Gifted and Talented funding.
Pupils carried out a range of activities to investigate the most successful type
of eggs for cake making. Experiments included tests to determine the
freshness of an egg, the temperature at which egg protein coagulates and
consideration of sustainability and types of egg production.

Year 9 STEM Club
Working alongside our Science and ICT colleagues, we have
been running a very successful STEM club for our Year 9
students. This year the Year 9 STEM (Science,Technology,
Engineering and Maths) Club started off with an exciting new
competition. The challenge was developed by the Aluminium
Federation (ALFED) and Aluminium Packaging Recycling
Organisation (Alupro), endorsed by the Design and Technology
Association. It provided schools with resources to educate children at Key Stage Three about the
importance of material selection, and how aluminium can be used to deliver a sustainable future.
Pictured above: Alan Arthur, Marketing and Communications Executive from Aluminium Federation
Ltd, sharing his passion for the uses of aluminium and how it is transforming products we use every
day.
Coca-Cola recently launched aluminum bottles inspired by the shape of their iconic glass bottle. Other
than the visual wow-factor, aluminum bottles have several advantages over glass and plastic. Here
are some reasons why they are here to stay:
ENERGY SAVING
Because these new-age aluminum bottles are lighter and stronger than glass,
pallets can be stacked on top of one another. This conserves space and
maximizes fuel economy.
The aluminum retains its temperature better than glass or plastic, requiring
less energy to keep cool.
RECYCLING
Aluminum bottles are made only from aluminum–even the label design is
printed on the surface of the bottle. Glass and plastic bottles have labels and
caps that must be sorted out before recycling. Coca-Cola's aluminum bottles
featuring all-over patterns designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
Engineering Education Scheme (STEM)
Further opportunities for students have arisen
through continued investment in The Engineering
Education Scheme (England).
The EDT Programme is a fantastic opportunity for
budding engineers, which links teams of four Year 12
students and their teacher with local companies to
work on real scientific, engineering and technological
problems.
We were delighted this year to work with General
Dynamics UK.

The team members: Jonathan Jones, Louise Chilman, Ryan
Cooper and Jonathan Drinkwater presented at the Celebration
and Success Day which saw them not only successfully pass
the scheme after formally presenting to a panel of professional
engineers from industry, but also receive a CREST Gold award.
In June we are taking part in The West Midlands Regional Big
Bang Fair at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry where
they will be entered into The Science and
Engineering Competition which aims to
recognise and reward young people’s
achievements in all areas of Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM).
Big Bang National Science
and Engineering Finals (STEM)
This was also the year that saw our Year 13 team
of George Stephens, Andrew Hemming, Carys
Evans and Simon Cartwright take their developed
solution to the The National Science and
Engineering Competition after qualifying by
winning the Creativity Prize at the West Midlands
Regional Big Bang Fair in June 2012.
The team did exceptionally well to push their
engineering solution even further on from their
time working with Allen Gears in Year 12.
Visit from Ridgeway Middle School
In December alongside our Science colleagues we
hosted Technology experience day for pupils from
Ridgeway Middle school in Redditch.
Talented Year 10 GCSE Food
Technology pupils were invited to
help our young visitors make a
selection of decorated cupcakes.
In textiles students manufactured
personalised wristbands using
recycled carrier bags in the heat
press.
In Resistant Materials students
where challenged to construct
structures able to withstand load and
protect the contents from damage.
Our visitors enjoyed the experience and PHS pupils
were able to experience passing on their making
skills.

A Champion of Design
We are delighted to have further strengthened our
invaluable link with the Gordon Russell Design
Museum, Broadway.
(Extract taken from the Gordon Russell Design
Museum monthly newsletter).
The Gordon Russell Design Museum was
pleased to welcome pupils from Pershore High
School last July. The education team, many who
had previously worked for Gordon Russell Ltd,
were on hand to provide an introduction to
furniture
design and
manufacture,
as the children
were guided
round the
Museum
collections.
Founded in 2008 in one of the original workshops, the Museum provides a visual reference for the
range of designs, from Arts and Crafts Movement to Modernism for private and corporate work.
The Museum has recently updated the educational
resources available on their website:
www.gordonrussellmuseum.org.
These are designed for studying product design,
resistant materials, design and technology as well as
art and design, as well as material for Key Stage 1-3,
GCSE and A Level. Both the Museum and the
website are well worth a visit.
Recognising outstanding achievement
Pupils who produce exceptional work in any of the
material areas can be allocated a Golden Ticket by
their class teacher in addition to a House
Commendation.
The D&T Golden Ticket
system compliments
the whole school policy
when rewarding pupils
with House Points and
Commendations for
good work. Every half
term, a winning ticket is
drawn by Mr Corbett as our link Leadership team member and the
winner will receives an Itunes voucher.
Congratulations go to our Golden ticket winners this year who are:
Will Hulbert ASRC; Grace Oldfield AIC; Georgia Simpson MBY; Poppy
Sloane KTB; Lauren Willis MDB; Stephanie Drinkwater KHE; Charlie
Davies AVB; Nadeem Plimmer KCT; Abigail Redman MAC; Jamie
Biddle ACD; Shea Rourke KBN; Rob Ward KOB; Jack Dowdeswell
KGH. So far this year the lucky iTunes voucher winners have been
Tom Appleton KTB, Ruth Bennett ASN and Abigail Evans KJG.

Food Technology
Food and the diet of the nation continue to dominate the news.
As part of the curriculum in Food Technology, pupils are taught about the principles of eating for a
healthy lifestyle, and the importance of a balanced diet. This equips pupils with the confidence to
make informed choices and the knowledge of how to make a wide range of recipes demonstrating
practical skills such as baking bread and cakes and making curries and quiche.
Environmental issues regarding sustainability are included within the curriculum at all levels. The
advantages of living in an area renowned for its abundance of fruit and vegetables enables us to focus
on the use of local and seasonal produce wherever possible in order to use ingredients when they are
at their best, while supporting the local economy and reducing air miles.
GCSE Food Technology
Food Technology continues to be a popular choice at GCSE
level with almost 100 pupils in Year 11 this academic year.
Coursework accounts for 60% of the final GCSE grade. Pupils
are asked to design a product for a target customer. Leading on
from the success of the Great British Bake-off, “Design and make
an attractively finished product to be sold from a supermarket’s
in-store bakery” is a very popular choice of coursework task title.
Another new title which lends itself to a wide range of creative
recipes is “Design and Make a savoury product which could be
sold at a music festival”.
The work pictured here is a typical example of the level of
demonstrated for this qualification.
We are looking forward to offering GCSE Catering this September.
A Level Food Technology
The A level course consists of a combination of thorough knowledge of healthy eating, nutrition and
food science.
AS coursework requires pupils to design a range of nutritious products which are specifically aimed
at a target consumer.
A2 coursework requires pupils to research current trends and develop a range of high skilled
marketable designs.

Textiles Technology
This year has passed in a flash – being busy seems to speed up time. Key Stage 3 students have
been working hard learning new skills and utilising our sublimation printer and heat press to create
impressive products including bags, pyjama bottoms, pencil cases and most recently, clocks. Well
done to them for the cheery way they approach the variety of tasks we set them.
GCSE students have been very busy with their Controlled Assessments and they continue to astound
us with the imaginative products they create and the dedication that they show. They have variously
designed and made outfits for teenagers and children, toys, and furnishings. The practical outcomes
continue to amaze us with the quality and innovation. The pictures below represent a small sample of
the outstanding work that is being done.
In the Sixth Form students have also been working extremely hard. The AS students learnt about
pattern cutting at an Inkberrow Design Centre led workshop which they then used to make the shirts
they designed. They learnt too that sometimes teachers give good advice and it is wise to follow it –
they have all vowed not to work with chiffon ever again. Other products made have included a dog
coat and bed, and a ‘Queen of Hearts’ dressing up outfit – all seen below.
A2 students have been producing a wide range of interesting and technically challenging
products that include capsule wardrobes, a unique man’s jacket and soft furnishings. As
these students leave and move onto the next stage in their lives, we wish them all the very
best with their future careers.
The GCSE and A Level results are the product of the students’ hard work, effort and an impressive
ability to take on board and act on advice given. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
students for being such a pleasure to teach and for their efforts with their work; they inspire us on a
daily basis. It is a pity that we can only list a few of the students below - there are so many who have
achieved so much.
All of this has been made possible through the positive contributions and partnerships between
students, parents, companies and dedicated members of the department, so that we can all once
again appreciate the range of outstanding achievements as we all work together to realise our
students' potential.
Fond farewells – In July we say goodbye to two of our colleagues,
Mr Bradley and Mrs Conway, two great personalities who will be really
missed. We wish them both the very best in their future.
Mrs Conway in her new career as Head of Technology at Finham Park
– we know you will do a fantastic job.
Mr Bradley who is retiring after 29 years dedicated service. We will
miss you. You were one of a kind, and will be remembered for all funny
things that you did.
Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication.
Congratulations on your retirement.

A School for its Community - Community and Service
Report by Andrew Nockton
The long standing traditions of community service and involvement at Pershore have been maintained
and enhanced over the course of the year, as the following selection of activities and events
demonstrate.
In November, the school hosted an Inter-
Faith Day, when 120 students from Year 10
enjoyed the company and wisdom of nine
guests from eight different faiths and
denominations. The faith representatives all
gave positive feedback on the excellent level
of questioning and exemplary behaviour
exhibited by our students
In the same month, five PHS students were
part of a ‘Children’s Takeover of County
Hall’, taking on the roles of County Council workers and
having a say on many projects the County Council were
working on. Anna Nandihalli, Assistant Learning for
Sustainability Officer for Business, Environment and
Community said ‘it was a pleasure to work with Megan
(Hedges), Kate (Manton), Emma (Wing), James (Rowberry)
and Luke (Johnson-Brown). They really impressed some top
decision-makers in the county, and should be very proud of
the work that they did’.
Our annual Senior Citizens’ Coffee Morning in December remains as popular as ever, an event
enjoyed by guests, staff and participating Sixth Formers. Over 150 of the town’s senior residents were
welcomed into school and looked after royally, provided with tea, coffee, mince pies and other
Christmas fare, as well as gifts and cards. In the same month, the school Carol Service in Pershore
Abbey was well attended with a programme of music and words on the theme of Justice.
Pershore Town Youth Council continues to work to
improve life for young people in the town by providing
assistance in holding local events and campaigning for
improved services. For the fourth year running, crowds
gathered in the High Street for an afternoon of Christmas
celebration and the switching on of the Christmas lights.
The event was organised by the Pershore Town Youth
Council, with Santa and his reindeer arriving to join in, as
well as several stalls selling Christmas gifts and music
from Pershore Town Choir. Ann Dobbins, Clerk of the
Town Council, said ‘the event had been a success despite
the constant showers!’. In March, members of the Council, accompanied by Town Mayor Charles
Tucker, visited the Palace of Westminster. They met Harriet Baldwin MP at Portcullis House and
lobbied her on issues affecting the local area, such as a safe crossing point on Station Road. In April,
the Council’s work as recognised with the award of a certificate to acknowledge the honour of a
Community Award, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Pershore Town Mayor
Charles Tucker has been delighted by the achievements of councillors.
The aim of the Pershore Rotary Club Interact Section is to involve young people in the community to
choose their own charities and to raise funds for them. This year members of School’s Interact Club
were busy raising money for two charities. New Hope, a local charity, is an organisation working with
children with disabilities, and providing respite support for parents and carers. Waterloo School in
Sierra Leone, is Interact’s international charity, with the focus on raising money to sponsor
scholarships for students in the school which is being rebuilt following the civil war. Fundraising
opportunities this year have included a stall at the switching on of the Christmas lights, selling
Valentine’s Day cakes, organising an Easter Fayre in school and having stalls at Parents’ Evenings.
The Interact Club are in the process of creating videos to send to Waterloo School for their GCSE
students, of Science experiments and English plays and poetry readings, as the school don’t have the
resources to do many experiments themselves. The President and Officers of Interact wish to thank
Pershore Rotary Club for making this opportunity available and further to express their thanks to the
business and commercial world in Pershore and surrounding areas for their generous support and
donations. Thanks go to Bronwen Hughlock, School Governor and Sam Gisborne, teacher at PHS,
for their work with the Interact Club this year.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme continues to thrive at PHS, with a growing number of
students involved in Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. DofE gives all young people the chance to
develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. It is recognition of a
young person’s successful journey of self-discovery and development, renowned by employers and
universities alike for the qualities young people have who’ve achieved a DofE Award.
Janet Higginbotham is retiring after 24 years. She has contributed to school
life in ways too numerous to mention, but most notably in the Geography
department, through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, as Head of Year,
and since June 2011 as Head of Kingsley House. Thanks go to the large
number of staff involved in our DofE provision, especially Sarah Cox and
Anne Watson.
Throughout the year there have been a number of notable individual
achievements such as Emily Foster-Phillips being the youngest winner of
the Wychavon Diamond Jubilee Community Recognition Award. Emily was
nominated by Stoulton Parish Council as she ‘always thought of others
before herself’. Emily works with St John’s Ambulance assisting in litter
picking, walking dogs for elderly neighbours and helping
out at Sunday School. Emily was awarded a trophy and
cheque, to enable her to continue the good work she
has been doing, at a special presentation and reception
at the Civic Centre. In December, Harry Hamer (9-12
years old) and Harry Bennett (13-16 years old) won the
Chairman’s (Wychavon District Council) Remembrance
Poetry Competition, pictured right. Emily Foster
Phillips, Charlotte Redgewell and Gareth Roberts were
presented with Young Good Citizen Awards by
West Mercia Police.
In what has been a very successful year, the idea of Community has again not just stopped at the
boundaries of Pershore and its rural idyll of villages and hamlets. Students, parents and staff have
firmly tied Pershore High School firmly into the international community with another very successful
exchange trip to Ndola in Zambia.

Zambia Link 10 th Anniversary
Report by Steve Curtis
It is with great excitement that we celebrate the 10 th anniversary this year, of the Pershore-Ndola link,
the positive impact of which is currently being demonstrated by the installation of a standby generator
at Lubuto Clinic (courtesy of Lister-Petter) and the visit of students and staff from Ndola, representing
Lubuto High School, Kansenshi Basic School and Goodnews School. At Easter we also had a
successful visit to Ndola by exchange students and staff from Pershore High School, St Nicholas
Middle School and Inkberrow First School, with further exchange visits being planned for next year.
The idea for the link came from me and my friend Goodson Mbewe (from Ndola) early in 2003. I first
contacted my local school in Fladbury to test the enthusiasm and such was the response that a school
pyramid presentation followed. Then a surprising telephone call to Clive Corbett at Pershore High
School led to the phone being answered by Clive's PA, Annette Williams, whose son had amazingly
travelled to Zambia with my daughter on the first exchange for their Somerset school in 1996 –
serendipity indeed.
Children throughout the pyramid schools were then
introduced to Zambia through a series of workshops
with Goodson Mbewe, culminating in a performance
of M’zangaza at PHS, working with the children to
show Zambian life and culture through songs, dance,
drama and poetry.
Pictured right: Goodson Mbewe works with children
from the Pershore Pyramid – May 2003
The PHS link with Lubuto High School was founded in
July 2003, when my wife Caroline and I visited
schools in Ndola with Goodson Mbewe. At Lubuto,
staff were found in the staff room. The fact that they
were on strike (having not been paid for several
months), made an interesting backcloth to a
presentation on the linking opportunity, which was
however, thankfully still taken up.
Pictured right: Steve Curtis presents the linking
opportunity to staff at Lubuto High School
Pictured right: The first Pershore-Ndola group leave
for Zambia – February 2004. Joan Humphrys
(Inkberrow), James Harrington (PHS), Caroline Curtis
(IntroZambia) Sian Smith (St Nicholas, Steve Curtis
(IntroZambia), Kathleen Owen (PHS), Annette
Williams (PHS) and Richard Williams (IntroZambia).
From 2004 to 2007 reciprocal visits were organised
for the staff of pyramid schools by IntroZambia, with
others accompanying their groups. Clive Corbett
visited Zambia in 2007, leading to PHS coming to the
fore in 2008 with the first student exchange. It now
takes place every year and has grown to include
practical support to each partner’s community, as well
as the long established education projects.
Pictured right: Clive Corbett meets Lubuto High
School students during his visit in 2007
The benefits of this link continue to be far reaching,
with one past exchange student championing a water
hygiene project at university, which was trialled in
Zambian schools by a subsequent exchange group.
The parents of another past exchange student are
now travelling with IntroZambia in February 2014 and
others are always welcome to join.
Contact 01386 860432 info@introzambia.co.uk)

Zambia 2013
Report by Vicki Brown
This year saw the 10 th Anniversary of
the link between Pershore High School
and Lubuto Secondary School and
what an amazing 10 th Anniversary it
was.
Friday 22 nd March 2013 was a cold, wet
and snowy afternoon; however it saw
12 individuals embarking on the annual
school exchange to Zambia. We had
heard so many wonderful and exciting
stories nonetheless; this could not
prepare us for the amazing adventure
we were yet to experience. It is safe to say that that each and every one of us most definitely had the
trip of a life time where many memories, experiences and lasting friendships were made.
Due to our two hour delay at Birmingham International Airport and the arrival of the spring snow we
had an unexpected 24 hour stopover in Dubai. We were incredibly lucky to be put up in a 4 star hotel
and experience the wonderful sights Dubai had to offer, this experience was the beginning of an
unforgettable trip.
Once finally arriving in Ndola we were greeted by a huge party of welcoming and friendly faces all
excited to see us after our 24 hour delay. Our experience began with a spectacular welcoming
assembly at Lubuto Secondary School where were introduced to Zambian cultural dance and
traditional Zambian cuisine where many of us sampled local Zambian delicacies of caterpillars, fish
heads and nshima.
The following day took us to Good News
School, linked with Inkberrow First School and
Kansenshi Basic School linked with St Nicolas,
Pinvin. It was here where, yet again we were
welcomed by wonderful staff and fantastic
students who sang and danced for us on
numerous occasions and were
shown such wonderful
hospitality. During our visit to
these schools our Pershore
High School students led
remarkable workshops based
on traditional English farming,
English seasons and dance.
Our students worked hard and gained such valuable experience from a wonderful mornings work, and
it was clear to see how much the Zambian students enjoyed their workshops from the smiles on their
faces.
‘One of our favourite parts of the exchange was when we visited all the schools and did our workshops
and road shows with the children. It was great to see all the kids involved and the smiles on their
faces were a great picture.’ Samantha Cox and Zoe Ramsden
The workshops didn’t stop there; Pershore High School students and their Zambian partners then led
successful workshops at Lubuto Secondary School in a variety of subjects and worked together as a
tight unit to create such a wonderful experience for the Zambian students.
‘We got to spend a night with our exchange partners at their
homes which gave us a real insight into African lifestyle and
how welcoming they were towards us.’ Izzy Rudge
The intense programme then led to the community project at
Lubuto Clinic. The UK and Zambian team worked together
to renovate a consultation room. We spent the day sanding
and white washing the walls ready to put a new fresh coat of
paint on. This day was incredibly rewarding for all involved
and brought us all closer together as a group.

‘An emotional day was had when we visited Lubuto Clinic, where we
renovated one of the consultation rooms. We are hoping to raise
enough money for a generator to deal with regular power outages,
which result in them being unable to power lifesaving equipment.’
Gareth Roberts and Izzy Rudge
We then had the opportunity to visit Ulalu Community School;
it was here were we led a Sports Day for all the students who
attend the school. Ulalu Community School is situated in a very
underprivileged area of Ndola and the teachers volunteer to work
there. The sports day was a huge success with activities such as;
egg and spoon race, pass the parcel, relays and sack races to
name a few. The students at Ulalu thoroughly enjoyed all the
activities and it was such a rewarding experience to witness their
excitement.
‘Ulalu community school receives no government funding, so they were grateful for
every small donation and all the activities. These days in the schools were eye
opening but rewarding experience.’ Alice Hulbert and Amy Surman
The second part of the trip led us down to Livingstone with our Zambian partners.
We visited the stunning Victoria Falls: The Smoke that Thunders and got completely
and utterly drenched. Words cannot describe this amazing natural wonder;
it was simply breath taking.
The next part of our trip took us to Botswana where
a wonderful day was had on a river boat and land
safari at Chobe National Park. We managed to
see elephants, hippos, water buffalo, giraffes,
dung beetles, impala, monkeys and mongoose
and many others.
After our fantastic stay in Livingstone it was back
on the bus for the final leg of our stay. We arrived
at Atkins Farm near Monze and received a warm
welcome from our hosts, George and Nina Atkins.
They were keen to hear about our experiences and
exchanged stories and gave us their point of view on life in Zambia.
The next day we were off to a remote African village called Muntemba
Village. Again we were greeted with songs and dancing. They showed us around their village.
Their resourcefulness was amazing, everything had a purpose. They also showed us some of their
traditional crafts, music and dancing, which we got stuck into. It was here in Muntemba Village where
we learnt how to make mud bricks and nshima and even did a spot of Zambian cultural dancing.
The whole experience was incredibly amazing from start to finish. We learnt a huge amount about
Zambian culture, but the main feeling brought back by all was the lifetime friendships that have now
been built. Words cannot describe the warmth, hospitality and generosity shown to us, by everyone
in Zambia. It is incredibly sad to be back however we have many memories, photos and videos to
remind us of the fantastic experience we all shared together.
Zambia was a
truly incredible
trip, which we
got a huge
amount from.
We thoroughly
recommend the
exchange to
anyone
interested
because as long
as you’re
prepared to step
out of your
comfort zone, it really is a trip of a lifetime. Ben Neal

Pershore Rotary Club and Pershore High School
There has long been a close association between Pershore High School and The Rotary Club of
Pershore (Rotary) which has provided support to the school and its students encompassing a wide
spectrum of roles and activities
In recent times a Rotary sponsored Interact Club has been formed and has continued to flourish since
first being conceived in 2005. The similarity of the broad purpose and objectives between Rotary, an
Interact Club and aspects of a formal school education were recognised and its formation was enacted
in 2006 supported and encouraged by the Headteacher, his staff and Rotary members. At the
beginning of each new school year the Club elects a new president, secretary and treasurer and
together with the club members develop their plans and proposals for the year. Through this they
have developed leadership skills and self-confidence whilst learning the value of good team work to
achieve their goals which have included both local community and international projects, always with
an eye to having fun. Speakers invited to their meetings have helped broaden their understanding of
the wider world and respect for the rights of others. Each year a joint working lunch meeting is
arranged at the school when the Interact members have the opportunity to meet and provide Rotary
members with an update of their activities. (Age gap; what age gap) Each new year also brings the
challenge of inevitably losing their senior members as they move on to pastures new and recruiting
new younger members with like interests.
In a similar vein, for each of the past seven years, a 17+ year old student has been sponsored by
Rotary as a candidate for a RYLA course (Rotary Young Leadership Awards). The candidates spend a
week at a location near Chepstow on a programme, run by a recruited highly professional training
team, which comprises a series of 'in field' and 'in class' team building exercises, all with the objective
of having fun whilst developing new skills and self-confidence. As part of a group of 40 (divided into
teams of 10) no student has yet to return without being full of enthusiasm for all they have experienced
and achieved including the development of many new friendships.
Among other sponsored and supported activities have been; a nationally run Rotary Young Chef
competition; a technically based Rotary Young Innovator competition; The Excitement of Science
(a national project including a visit to the renowned Royal Institute) and a foreign essay competition.

The International Dimension
Report by Simon Kemp, Head of Modern Foreign Languages and International Co-ordinator
International links continue to be a key part of the school ethos at Pershore. This can be seen in work
undertaken in the classroom as well as the many and varied opportunities for travel and study abroad.
The school places great emphasis on global learning and, in turn, this has a significant impact on our
students’ awareness and understanding of the wider world.
The Comenius partnership is a central part of the international work undertaken in school. This year
we started a new two year project entitled “Building Bridges” which aimed to promote the themes of
collaboration and partnership between all the countries involved. Activities have included a History
project looking at inventions in the different
countries, an MFL project which focused on
how languages are linked in the partner
countries and a Maths/Technology project
where students designed and built a
prototype bridge. The culmination of this
work came in May when 17 students and 7
staff gathered at Ounsdale School to build
the winning design. The bridge was built in
a day and will be a permanent reminder of
what can be achieved when students work
on a common project.
Final bridge design - from Pershore High
School, Rachel Day and Izzy Preece
One of the major commitments of the school are its links with Luboto High School located just outside
the town of Ndola in the copper belt region of northern Zambia. In April staff and students from the
school visited Zambia and you can read an account of their visit following this report. Suffice to say
that the links between our two countries are becoming stronger with each visit thanks to the tireless
work of staff and students in fundraising and organising the trips.
In October the school received a visit from
six staff from Caoqiao Middle School in
Suzhou City, China. This was the first visit
of a new partnership between our two
schools. During the visit Chinese staff gave
some lessons in Mandarin to Year 8
students as well as giving workshops on
Chinese culture and history. Since then 25
Year 8 students have been in contact with
their Chinese pen pals and they have even
made a video diary of our school which has
been sent abroad. We hope to visit our
new partner school in the near future.
Simon Kemp, International School Co-ordinator, welcomes a group of Chinese teachers from Caoqiao
Middle School in Suzhou near Shanghai.
The school continues to place a great emphasis on trips abroad and prides itself on the number of
opportunities it offers students to expand their horizons. In October, the MFL Department took a
group of 50 students and 4 staff to Bad Neustadt in Germany for the German Exchange and in April
this year PHS hosted the French exchange students from Plouay. Other trips have included the Sixth
Form visit to New York in February where 30 students from Year 12 spent five days experiencing life
in the great metropolis including a visit to the Memorial site at Ground Zero, the Sixth Form Art trip to
Barcelona in July and a History trip to the battlefields at Ypres in Belgium for Year 9 and 10 students.
Not to mention the ever popular (with staff and students) ski trip to which took place in February in
Austria this year. A huge thank you to all the staff for their hard work in organising and running these
trips.
The international work that takes place in Pershore High School is truly exceptional not just in the
visits overseas but also in work that takes place in the classroom on a daily basis. The school
recognises the importance of celebrating sameness and difference with other cultures, something
which helps make us more understanding individuals.

The Sixth Form
Report by Jason Howell, Head of Sixth Form
Last summer's A Level results were excellent. Over 77% of A2 grades were from A* - C, including
52% at A* - B; results that consistently put us among the top state providers in the county. The pass
rate at AS Level was over 91%, far higher than the national average. In these times of austerity, our
Success Rate is critical as it is a significant factor in determining future funding. It represents the
percentage of qualification starts that resulted in both completion and success. Last year ours was
90%, again, far above the national average, indicating that the vast majority of our Sixth Form
students start the right courses and succeed on them. More importantly, the Alps Value Added score
(which compares each student's performance at GCSE with that at A Level) put Pershore Sixth Form
comfortably in the top 15% of providers nationally.
Student numbers in the Sixth Form continue to be strong. About 145 students have received and
accepted conditional offers for Year 12 in September; this includes about 18 external applicants (from
a number of different schools), demonstrating both the excellent and growing reputation of the Sixth
Form and the increased marketing activity. Total numbers in September are projected to be about
245.
During a hectic year, the Year 13 students have been making successful applications to a range of
universities and courses. Most have received offers from their first choice universities and look set to
meet the terms of those offers in the summer. Josh Hart received an unconditional offer to read PPE
at Oxford University. Three students, Alice Howe, Charlotte Woollaston and Alexander Williams
received offers to read Medicine. Other students will be starting degrees in a wide variety of
competitive courses at top universities, including Physiotherapy, Law, Journalism, Drama, Theology,
English, French and Italian, Occupational Therapy, Forensic Computing, History, Biology, Events
Management, Environmental Science, Psychology, Interactive Games Design, Fashion, Business
Management, PPE, Philosophy, Nursing, Criminology, Dental Hygiene and Therapy, Culinary Arts
Management, Computer Science, Equine Therapy, Music, Policing, Architecture, Geography,
(varieties of) Engineering, Sports Science, Classical Archaeology, Marketing and Pharmacy.
Year 12 students kick-started their research of higher education opportunities by attending the UCAS
Higher Education Convention at Worcester University in March. Futures' Days in June give Year 12
students further opportunities to gather information and begin the difficult but critical task of writing
personal statements and starting their university applications. They will be visiting Worcester
University for a tour of the campus and seminars on living on a budget and student life. Back at
school students then choose from a list of over 20 speakers (including a number of ex-Pershore
students) from a variety of professions and organisations to gain an insight into different careers and
options post- A Level. A Parent and Student Higher Education Applications Information Evening
provides guidance on the Application Process and the complexities of Student Finance.
The Sixth Form Electives programme continues to evolve. The impressive range of enrichment
opportunities available to Sixth Form students comprises about 20 options, with virtually everybody
getting their first choice. The options include: academically testing, additional AS Levels in Critical
Thinking, General Studies, Government and Politics, Science in Society and the Extended Project
Qualification; a course in Latin (Level 1 and 2) and the Foreign Language Leaders Award; the
challenge of Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Silver Awards, Young Enterprise, Sports Leadership Award,
F1 in Schools and the Engineering Education Scheme; and wider opportunities in Recreational Sport,
Cooking and First Aid. New for this year is the industry standard Microsoft Office Specialist
qualification (available at two levels) offering students a chance to learn valuable skills at their own
pace. A large number of Sixth Form students choose to become involved in Community Service via a
wide range of voluntary placements and helping younger students through Classroom Support.
Sixth Form students continue to play a crucial part in the success of the Vertical Tutoring system.
Acting as co-Tutors they help lead Tutor Group activities and act as role models for the younger
students. As the culture change of Vertical Tutoring continues, Sixth Form students will also benefit
from the leadership opportunities available and by rising to the high levels of responsibility and
expectation placed upon them.
The Senior Student team, led by the outstanding
Bethan Goode and Tom Perks (Head Girl and Boy)
have been particularly active this year; most importantly
successfully organising a number of social events, each
for between 150 and 250 students and guests (even the
staff were invited to some), culminating in a splendid
Leavers’ Ball, complete with a surprise firework display.

Review of the House Year
Report by Andrew Nockton
The theme for the House System during the 2012-2013 academic year has been ‘Get Involved’.
Students from across Armstrong, Kingsley and Magellan Houses have certainly taken this to heart.
This has been evident from the number of students who have earned House Points and
Commendations, joined a team, taken up a new sport or challenge, completed their DofE Award,
taken part in Oliver! or taken up one of the musical opportunities, to name but a few.
Notable results from our House Competition this (June 2012 – May 2013) year have included:
Overall House Competition (June 2011- May 12)
Armstrong House
Pictured right: The retiring House Captains Ed Surman
and Lizzy Davis, are presented with the Pardoe Cup by
the Headteacher of Lubuto High School, Ruth Sichemba
(The 2012-13 winner is announced at Presentation
Evening)
Year 8 Activities Cup (Summer 2012)
Kingsley House
This competition takes place over the final two days of
the school year and involves a number of activities
across a range of subjects
Inter House Tutor Cups
Armstrong House (AVB); Kingsley House (KRK); Magellan House (MNE)
Winning tutors are usually characterised by those groups where every student has made a good
contribution; echoing back to this year’s House theme of ‘Get Involved’
Top scoring individual students – Congratulations go to (by House and Year Group):
Armstrong
House
Kingsley
House
Magellan
House
Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11
Rhianne Gale Ruth Bennett (ASB) Sarah Parker Will Hornbrook
(AKW) 168 points 163 points
(AKW)
(AJB)
80 points
80 points
Robert Ward
(KOB) 260 points
Beth Neal (MLK)
139 points
Natasha Meusz
(KCT)
147 points
Charlotte Bradley
(MRH)
240 points
Rob Bryant (KRS)
95 points
Jemma Loader
(MNE)
98 points
Adam Baxter
(KSP)
63 points
Alice Bull (MRE)
105 points
Award Scheme (Years 8 and 9 only) - Years 8 and 9 have again been enthusiastically earning the
different levels of the Award Scheme with the following impressive results:
Armstrong
House
Kingsley
House
Magellan
House
Bronze Awards Silver Awards Gold Awards
127 96 56
56 29 10
87 70 40

House Captains and Senior Students – Congratulations and thanks go to the following students:
Armstrong
House
Kingsley
House
Magellan
House
House Captains
2012-2013
Mia Ralfe
Ashley Phillips
Kathryn Cobain
Mark Grimes
Esther Chidlow
George Crotty
House Captains
2013-2014
Alice Hulbert
Jared White
Kim Degville
Andrew Clark
Shannon Murphy
Ben Neal
Senior Students
2013-2014
Sarah Cowin; Amy Johnson;
Amy Surman;
Chris Cosnett; Dan Harknett;
Ryan Watkiss
Jasmine Godfrey-Hunt; Carys
McCullough;
Louis Kelly; Oliver Knight;
Jack Mallinson; Oliver Pike
Becky Smith; Heather Paton;
Jake Molineaux
The 2012-13 academic year has seen some new developments in the House System:
Tutee of the Half Term competition – At the end of each half term, tutors have been asked to
nominate their “tutee of the half term” – students are selected for a number of different criteria
including an excellent Report or Progress Check, outstanding contribution to a Tutor Activity, earning a
large number of House Points or sometimes simply doing everything that is asked at the right time and
in a pleasant, friendly and polite manner.
Tea with the Headteacher – earned in recognition of outstanding commitment and effort across a
high number of subjects, as Ellie Walters Mabbott noted ‘we got the opportunity to have a tea party
with Mr Corbett to celebrate our fantastic Progress Checks and Reports. We had the chance to
discuss any problems or situations concerned around school life with him. It was good to get a treat
for our efforts and hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to do it again.’
House Councils – House Councils meet, led by House Captains, with school based issues passed to
the Leadership Team and out of school issues to the Youth or Town Councils. Feedback is given
through House Assemblies. The Houses have been responsible for raising for money for a number of
charities during the year, including the Burns Unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. In addition, an
impressive quantity of goods was raised for the Caring Hands in the Vale charity, for the benefit of
those less fortunate than ourselves.
Diane Bennett from Caring Hands, pictured with Year 8 students.

The Staff and Governors of Pershore High School would like to thank the following
for their generous support of the Presentation Evening:
Aston’s Coaches
Carrick Travel
Commandery Coaches
Cox's Cars
Councillor J Grantham
Councillor R Adams
Councillor Mrs V Wood
Crowthers Chartered Accountants
Dudley's Coaches
Dunn's Butchers
ESA McIntosh
Evesham Vale Lions Club
GEMAC Consultancy
Glassier
Jarvis & Parsons Veterinary Services Ltd
JSC Rotational Limited
Kanes Foods
KC Carpets & Blinds
Martin & Carr Veterinary Services
McCarthy Taylor Limited
MHF (UK) Ltd Skip Hire
Midshire Communications Limited
Ms J Armstrong
Mrs J Griffin
Mrs J Higginbotham
Mrs B Pope
Mr H Badger
Mr G Hartley-Bennett
Mr T Pitt
Mr T Richardson
Mr & Mrs Stephens
Mr & Mrs Williamson
Mr & Mrs Woodcock
N. N. Cresswell Coach Hire
Number 8 Community Arts Centre
Oxford Educational Supplies
Pershore Abbey
Pershore College (part of Warwickshire College)
Pershore Inner Wheel
Pershore Medical Practice
Pershore Town Council
Pete Bott Skips
Peter Smith Optometrist
QualitySolicitors Thomson & Bancks
Rivers – Wychavon Leisure
RP Lampshades
Schmersal UK
Schloetter & Company Limited
Schooltogs
Speedway Garage of Cradley Heath
The Palfrey Family
The Pear Tree Hotel
The Rotary Club of Pershore
White Logistics and Storage
Winstanley & Co Ltd
Worcester Bosch
Wychavon District Council
Yamazaki Mazak U.K. Limited
Front Cover: Tom Pinfield, Beth Goode, Connie Ingles, Ollie Cornelius and Molly Hanson were selected to attend
the Paralympic Athletics at the Olympic Stadium in 2012.
Back Cover: A selection of work from the Art Department.

1st July to 13th July

Pershore Medical
Practice
We are pleased to support Pershore High School
We are a family friendly and dedicated primary healthcare
team offering a full range of general medical services to all
ages.
Our modern, spacious and well equipped premises provide a
welcoming environment with ample parking in the adjacent
car park.
Telephone: 01386 553346
www.pershoremedicalpractice.co.uk
Joanne Parsons
BVetMed MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Jarvis and Parsons
Veterinary Services
Limited
The Veterinary Surgery
Northwick House
Coopers Lane
Evesham
WR11 1BY
Tel: 01386 442739
01386 47785

K C CARPETS & BLINDS
Professionally measured,
supplied and fied by a family
run business
23 Broad Street, Pershore
Telephone: 01386 552152

FOR ALL YOUR COACH HIRE
REQUIREMENTS, WE CAN OFFER
STANDARD OR EXECUTIVE COACHES
FOR YOUR DAYS OUT, THEATRE
VISITS OR TOURS.
ALL COACHES ARE FITTED
WITH SEAT BELTS.

Hannah Davis Libby Phillips George Frangoudes
Claire Ward Samuel Witts Megan Thomas Anna Lear
Jack Finch Ella Brown Constance Ingles
Charlotte Manser Sarah Tarplee Rebecca Ward