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GCSE Results 2009

PRESS RELEASE - CASTLEBROOK SMASHES ALL RECORDS!

Castlebrook High School has yet again seen record-breaking grades as this year's GCSE examination results are published. Head teacher Tony Roberts celebrated the best results in the school's history. He said that for the third time in the last four years the school has broken its own record and stated, "Castlebrook has made great strides forward as 76% of Year 11 students achieved 5 or more grades A*-C in their recent GCSE examinations - a phenomenal 15% improvement on last year's results. A record breaking 56% gained the Government's new ‘gold standard' of 5 or more grades A*-C including English and Maths - again an excellent achievement far exceeding the school's target with an 11% increase on 2008 results."

Over 94% of students achieved 5 or more A* to G grades and every Castlebrook student has achieved at least one GSCE grade - reflecting the school's commitment to the progress and success of all students and aspiring to the school's motto of achieving ‘The Best for All'

Some notable results include Amy Fielder and Kamo Kupi with 8 A* grades, Ben Roberts 6 A* and 5 A grades, Andrew Gregoriou - recently elected UK Youth Parliament member and David Meehan with 5 A* and 6 A grades.

The record breaking news follows hard on the heels of the school's recent Best School's award for gaining the highest grades in GCSE ‘Construction and the Built Environment' in the whole of the country.

"The strong results across the board this year have been absolutely fantastic", said the Head. He added: "Once again we are delighted with the outcomes for all our learners - the vast majority of whom will now be able to go on to take up the course of their choice at college while others will embark upon their intended career. These results reflect the persistent hard work of the students, the great dedication of staff and the support of parents and family as part of the sustained drive to achieve the very highest standards at Castlebrook High School. We are extremely proud of the achievements of all our students and wish them every success with their future plans."

Normandy Trip 2009

In February 2009 a group of pupils from year 7, 8, 9 and 10 went on a trip for a week to Normandy in France. We stayed in a castle called Chateau Beaumont, along with some other schools which was good as some pupils were able to meet new friends.

During the daytime we usually got on a coach and travelled to different landmarks and castles such as La Mont Saint Michel. This was good as we learned a lot about the history of France. One of the days we went to the local flea market and asked questions to French people to help us fill in a questionnaire. We found that this helped with our French Speaking and also gave us more confidence.

At night times there were different entertainment events at the castle such as ‘Blind Date’. Everyone enjoyed this including the teachers who had a chance to join in as well as the pupils. Everyone enjoyed this trip and are hoping to go again next year.

Written by Rebecca Cooper and Lucy Hill Year 10

Anti-Bullying Week

The Anti-Bullying Alliance was founded in 2002 and each year promotes Anti-Bullying week within schools from 17^th-21^st November.

Castlebrook High School showed their support for the Anti-Bullying week by organising a variety of activities. Each House had an assembly discussing bullying. Pupils studied different types of bullying during their citizenship lessons. The Year 10 Enterprise Team wrote and produced a play with support from our very talented Drama students. The performances took place at lunchtime and raised money for charity.

In culmination of Anti-Bullying, pupils took a pledge to do what they can to reduce bullying. Pupils signed their Form's Anti-Bullying flower and this was placed on Castlebrook's Anti-Bullying pledge board. Pupils also enthusiastically participated in ‘Blue Day'. All pupils wore blue as part of a non-uniform day which raised money for charity.

Pupils of Castlebrook realise that bullying cannot be wiped out in a week but they are determined to make those first steps towards it.

Hayley Bullock in Year 8 said that signing the pledge flower really made her think about her behaviour towards other pupils.

Lewis Sherlock says that one day he hopes to become a mentor so he can help all pupils enjoy school more.

Julie Troy (Assistant Headteacher)

Awards Presentation Ceremony

Every year Castlebrook celebrates the success of its pupils at a presentation ceremony and with a guest speaker. The awards include not only academic success but recognise those who have worked extremely hard throughout the year and have made significant progress in any subject area.

The occasion also provides any opportunity to present the Head and Deputy Head boy and girl for the following year with a gold tie, a symbol of this highly regarded position.

Guest speaker this year was Mark Granby, a former pupil who left Castlebrook many years ago and after gaining a degree went on to join the police force. He is now a Superintendent with the Greater Manchester Police Force.

Our thanks also go to the many parents (over 180) who managed to attend, even at such short notice, and watch their sons and daughters receive their prizes.

2009 Prom

The Castlebrook 2009 Prom , on the evening of Thursday the 30th of April, was a resounding success. With more students attending than any previous Prom the evening was without doubt one of the best.

This annual event was held at the Last Drop Village in Bolton, where the staff and students enjoyed an excellent meal followed by a disco complete with party games. Highlights of the evening included Mr Roberts doing the 'PoGo'.