The Pitsfordian

Lent Term 2008

The School marks 10 years of observing Northampton' s weather

As Big Ben chimed in the New Year, the school had cause for a small celebration. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the foundation of Pitsford Hall Weather Station by four sixth form pupils in 1998. To celebrate 10 years of unbroken climatological monitoring as well as to raise money for flood victims, we are holding a dinner at the Marriott Hotel on 21st April from 7pm. The special guest at this event will be the Weather Station's patron, broadcaster meteorologist Alex Deakin (pictured). The evening should be thoroughly enjoyable, full of weather trivia. The cost of the dinner will be £28. Anyone who would like to reserve a ticket should contact the School office

at their earliest opportunity.

The Weather Station was initially set up to enable pupils to monitor changing weather patterns in relation to acid rain - a project which grew to include a number of schools right across the EU from Spain and Portugal in the far south-west to Finland in the north-east. The project won first prize in Transco's Grassroots environmental award scheme netting £2000. However, in the years that followed rather than being disbanded with the ending of the project, the station grew, attracting the interest of local businesses and the wider meteorological community, with weather observation becoming an important aspect of Sixth Form community service. Successive generations of Sixth Formers have kept the station's daily weather record and seen it expand to become the county's primary source of quality weather data for the general public. Now firmly established, there is no reason why the station cannot continue for another 10 years. MJL

The Weather Station at Pitsford Hall

International talk at the School Pupils have been brushing up on international relations with visits from the American and Israeli embassies.

Diplomats have given presentations and conducted question and answer sessions at NGS as part of the sixth form General Studies programme.

Mr Robert Tickle said ’ It is important to challenge pupils to clarify their views on controversial issues of current affairs’.

Oliver Moss, from the United States Embassy in London, who visited the School, served as a fighter pilot with the US Air Force during the Cold War. Mr Moss who was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford and RAF Lakenheath pointed out how the School was used as a navigation point.

In his talk he encouraged pupils to consider joining the British diplomatic service as a career with its opportunities for travel. Mr Moss served as a diplomat in Iraq and explained how the United

NGS Over the Airwaves Northamptonshire Grammar School Year 9 pupil, Jamie Bickers, has passed his Foundation Amateur Radio exam allowing him to gain an amateur radio licence. This allows communication world-wide by radio. The course, which is offered by the School's Amateur Radio Club, meets as an after-School club in term-time. As well as the written examination on radio theory and practice, pupils take a Morse test. There are also practical tests in operating complex radio equipment and in correct voice procedures.

Amateur Radio offers world-wide fellowship as well as self-training in radio science and communication. The School is always keen to have contacts with local amateurs as well as those further afield. RPT

Left to Right: Jamie Bickers, Amrit Sidhu-Brar & Charlie Blunden

Supporting Local Charity Deaf Connect, The Northants & Rutland Mission for the Deaf, thanked all of the staff at NGS who worked to support their ‘A Sign of Christmas’ performance that was held in the School gym. They raised a fantastic £708.88 which will help to support their community fund throughout 2008. For further information on the charity please visit www.deafconnect.org.uk.

States hopes to build the structures of democracy in that country. Far from being keen to attack Iran, he pointed out that the UK and the EU were in the forefront, and ahead of the US, in efforts to bring pressure on Iran not to develop nuclear weapons.

He pointed out how he admires the British electroral system which usually delivers a clear result. In America, the electoral college system can produce a government which does not have a majority of the popular vote. Mr Moss fielded intelligent questions from the sixth form audience.

Careers day gives pupils keys to City

Pupils from Northamptonshire Grammar School were inspired at a Careers Day at the Cass Business

School on Wednesday, December 12.

The “Careers in the City” day, which was organised by The Inspiring Futures Foundation, provided the

pupils with valuable insight into careers in banking and finance.

Speakers at the event included Sadie Leeds from Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Martin Leach of Lloyds and

former commodities traders, William King and Ed Harris.

William King spoke about his experience working in international trading and commodities and

commented:

“I have spoken at a number of Inspiring Futures’ events in the past and, like the one today, thoroughly

enjoy it. The pupils have been keen to learn and were a good audience to speak to. I hope imparting a

little of my experience will help create inspired and informed decisions when they choose their future

careers.”

Alex Edwards, from NGS said:

“It has been a very interesting day and given me a better idea of the course and career that I will choose.

It’s really important to find out as much information as you can before choosing what you want to do for

the rest of your life, so days like these really help. I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend as careers

advice is something that you really need to get so you can make the right decisions.”

The Inspiring Futures Foundation provides careers guidance to young people to help them make

informed career and higher education decisions and develop key employability skills. As part of this

offering, the organisation hosts tailored workshops and activities to provide in-depth insight into

specific sectors.

More information can be found at: www.inspiringfutures.org.uk

The School is always keen to have contacts with local amateurs as well as those further afield.

Sporting Round-Up

Champions at Cross-Country No team silverware this time, but plenty of individual successes at the District Cross-Country Championships in Daventry, including superb late charges from Year 7 Fraser Dalby and Luke Conyard. Sarah Ward, Year 10, also enjoyed a comfortable but impressive win. Most improved athlete went to Year 10 Emily Gilbert - 13th and a qualifier for next month’s County Championships. Altogether eight of our athletes made it through to the next level—our best ever tally. Well done to everyone who took part.

Pitsford Run

Left:Junior School pupils Pia Chipchase, Yr 3, at the front, Gemma Vaughan, Yr 5, on the left, and Lauren Mercer, Yr 4, back right.

Right: Lauren Mercer, Yr 4, front, and Carla Rolfe, Yr 4.

Rugby Highlights Well done to the U14 Rugby Team who beat Quinton house 63 -10. A great display of flowing rugby by the whole team with tries from Carlton Strowbridge, Robert Verrall, Jack Brown, Isaac Hawkins and Simon Scott. Louis Wixon kicked all 9 conversions - congratulations to you all. CAH

www.ngs-school.com Pitsford Hall, Pitsford, Northamptonshire

NN6 9AX Tel: 01604 880306 PITSFORD

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Junior School Netball Results Both A & B teams beat Two Mile Ash Primary

School.

Results: A Team won 6-4 and B Team won 8-0.

Well done.

The annual Pitsford Run took place on a bitter day but spirits were high. The Year 7 & 8 race was won by Ryan Conyard, Yr 8, with Charlie Bingham, Yr 8, in 2nd place and Robert Mcardle, Yr 8, in 3rd. For the girls Anna Lawson, Yr 8, with Flora Louden, Yr 7, 2nd and Hannah Smith, Yr 8, 3rd.

The Year 9 & 10 race was won by Damian Conyard, Yr 10, with Tarundeep Benning, Yr 9, 2nd and Louis Wixon, Yr 9, 3rd and for the girls Sarah Ward, Yr 10, came 1st, Abigail Seward, Yr 9, 2nd and Maryanne Blowman, Yr 9, 3rd.

Years 11, 12 & 13 winners were Matthew Gundel, Yr 12, for the boys and Emily Harris, Yr 11, for the girls. Matthew McClean, Yr 11, came 2nd and

Steven Briggs, Yr 13, came 3rd for the boys. Amber Simons, Yr 11, came in 2nd and Maxine Shemeld, Yr 11, came 3rd for the girls.

Teaching and support staff also took part in the race, Mr White came in 1st with Mr Smorfitt in 2nd and Mr Bellamy in 3rd.

The Junior School pupils also did very well. Key Stage 1 race winner was Alycia Darby, Key Stage 2 boy’s race winner was Fraser Dalby and girl’s race winner was Gemma Vaughan. The overall winning house was Lamport.

Country

NGS pupil plays for his country in Under 17

Badminton Tournament From January 10 -13 2008, an 8-strong English Badminton team participated in the annual U17– Quadrangular Tournament, which this year was held in Dublin. The team selected included Year 11 Peter Briggs. The event was split into team and individual competitions and the English team proved too strong for their opponents, wining three matches and therefore retaining the trophy England won last year.

In the individual events, the English players again competed strongly against their opponents. Peter won the Mixed Doubles with Hayley Rogers and he also won the Boy’s Doubles with Tony Stephenson.

Both coaches of the U17 team were very pleased, firstly with the results but also the attitude shown by the team as a whole, maintaining their winning attitude after the team events.

Well done to Peter and his team mates for their amazing win.

Host Family Opportunity

Gateway Corporation UK Ltd. is looking to recruit local Host Families for overseas GCSE and A-level students studying at Northamptonshire Grammar School.

This is a marvellous opportunity to support this positive cultural link.

To be eligible, you must be over 21 and a home-owner. Gateway enrols international students aged between 16 and 18 years, from countries in Asia (mainly China), who come to Britain each year to study full academic courses.

We are currently recruiting Host Families for new pupils requiring accommodation during School term times from September 2008. Gateway offers competitive rates of pay and a 24-hour, 7-days a week peace-of-mind guardianship service for each pupil, maintaining regular contact with its host families.

If you are interested in supporting this venture, please contact Gateway for more information by telephone or email:Debbie@gateway-corporation.com Tel: 01604 713815 or 07915 059067.

Pupils smash their CAFOD Appeal Target Year 11 pupils smashed their target of £1100 for their piglet appeal. They raised an astonishing total of £1458.33 which has enabled them to send 58 pairs of piglets to Africa.

CAFOD says ‘the piglets can provide a vital additional source of food and income in poor rural families. The pigs grow and can be sold to pay for extra food or education. These pigs come as a pair and will breed so this gift can go on giving for years to come’. CAFOD representative Frank Sugden came to the School to collect the cheque for CAFOD and spoke about the work of CAFOD and world development in the School assembly.

Year 11 pupils Ben Corten and Elise Spiers with Frank Sugden from CAFOD collecting the cheque.

CAFOD has now added the NGS appeal onto their website www.cafod.org.uk/news_and_events/news/piglets.

Steven Briggs, Yr 13, came 3rd for the boys.