Year 8 Trip to York

During a long weekend in mid May, 40 year 8 students visited York.  They went to Jorkvik, Clifford's Tower, the Minster and the Castles Museum.  It was a very busy and extremely fun weekend for all involved. Many thanks to Mrs Charlton, Mr Mistry, Mr Penhaligon and Mrs Terry for accompanying them.

   

  

”Voices for Equality” Workshops run by the Anne Frank Trust

Once again a group of year 9 students took part in the 2-day ”Voices for Equality” Workshops run by the Anne Frank Trust & Mr Cohen. With Anne’s story as a starting point they produced some excellent pieces of work which will be used across the school especially to encourage altruism and respect. Some pupils are considering becoming Anne Frank Ambassadors as many have done before. 

      

  

Geography Year 10 St Albans Trip 

Year 10 Geography students completed the first part of their GCSE fieldwork.  They visited St Albans for the day and investigated the changes across the high street. They collected excellent data which will be very useful in their exam. The second day is scheduled for mid June. Many thanks to the Geography department for leading the visits.

 

  

Year 12 University of Reading Trip 

Year 12 History and Politics students visited the University of Reading as part of our careers education programme.  They toured the campus and got a greater insight into University life.  Many thanks to Mr Macleod and Ms Watkins for accompanying the students.

Visit by John Sills

In Year 7 PRE lessons, students welcomed John Sills into their lessons. John comes into school every year to teach our students about the Bible and its role within our communities.  

Mock election 

There is a saying in politics, attributed to former Prime Minister Harold Wilson: ‘a week is a long time in politics’. Well, it has been two years since the last general election and I think it is fair to say that in that time there have been many long weeks. 

It therefore felt like the right time for students at Queens’ School to have their voices heard once again via a mock election process. We last did this in 2024 and just like the country at large, the Labour Party came out on top. However, the national picture since that time has changed and the recent council and devolved assembly elections have demonstrated the growing influence of ‘minor parties’.

The call went out to Year 12 students to volunteer to represent the range of parties in the political system and once again we were thrilled with the enthusiastic response. What followed was a short,  intense, campaign. Posters appeared on corridors, campaign videos were scripted and filmed, a crammed Sixth Form Centre played host to a candidate debate. Finally students were able to consider our political system, watch and discuss the campaign videos, and cast their votes in a Lifelong Learning Lesson.

 

  

 

The results are below:

We would like to say a massive thank you to all of the students who participated in the process. There was a tangible buzz on voting day and to eavesdrop on Year 9s discussing their personal policy preferences at break and lunch time is exactly what makes teaching at Queens’ great.

Thank you from Mr Brothwood.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful half term.

The Humanities faculty

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