Calder VI Committee
Elections took place in the last week of September for the Year 12 and 13 representatives for 2011 to 2012.

Year 12: Max Corcos / Lizzie Bradley
Year 13: Shamaila Mumtaz / Nia Jackson-Owen


Sixth Form Geologists on Arctic Expedition
Year 13 Geologists, Shari O'Regan and Joe Compton, have been selected to go on the British Schools Exploring Society's (BSES) expedition to Arctic Norway next summer. They have done incredibly well to be selected because BSES invites 16-20 year old students from all over the country to apply for places.

The expedition, based at Sorfjorddalen in northern Norway, will provide them with an opportunity to develop mountaineering skills such as using an ice axe and crevasse rescue techniques before the fieldwork starts. They will then study the geology, glaciers, rivers, biosphere (flora and fauna) or climate of the region depending on which group they are in. 24 hours of daylight will also be part of the experience!

Their first task will be to raise funds so watch out for events, raffles or competitions they may be organising. Go to the BSES website to find out more about this expedition or others which will run next year.

Calder VI Open Evening 2 November, 7:00 to 9:00pm
(See poster for details)


Visit of Craig Whittaker MP
(Pictured with Headteacher Carol Spillane and Director of Post 16 Learning, Mr M Howard)

Calder VI students were delighted to welcome our MP, Craig Whittaker, to speak to them about his experiences as our new MP since last year’s election and to take some questions from the inquisitive students. The questions ranged from those expressing concern about the state of the economy and the high unemployment levels amongst 18-24 year olds.  Regarding education, Craig was probed about his opinions on Higher Education tuition fees and academy status for Calder High. ,Craig was also grilled by one student regarding the government’s foreign policy in both Libya and Syria, which culminated in a blunt agreement that “We seem to fund the people we later fight.” ,

It was refreshing to be reminded of the political interest and opinions so many of our students hold and the growing realisation of the need to be aware and considering the political climate and how it effects our education and our futures.

Our thanks to Craig for taking the time to come in and speak to our students before he returns to Westminster to continue his work in the coalition Government.



A Level Biology: Ecology and Conservation Management
13 A Level Biology students spent two days based at the RSPB Leighton Moss reserve on Morecambe Bay studying the ecology and conservation management of its unusual reed bed and salt marsh habitats. With overnight accommodation at YHA Arnside, the group really extended the range of species and habitats they can now use when describing how the same ecological principles they have learnt in the Calder area can be applied in other ecosystems. Mr Emberton; Miss Walsh and Mrs Swain were delighted with the positive atmosphere and hard work. A great start to the A2 course!

(More images: Photo Gallery)

Year 13 Leavers' Do
This year the Calder VI Leavers' Do was held at Berties in Elland and was an all round success. The evening was a mixture of good food, laughter, dancing and reminiscing amongst both teachers and students. It was a moment to celebrate our time at Calder High School as well as looking to the future.


For many it was the end of seven years of school together and for some even longer and the evening highlighted the strong friendships which have been formed between Calder VI students. Mr Howard opened the evening’s proceedings with a speech for all students wishing us well in the next stages of our journeys. The end of dinner was marked by the traditional farewell speech from the Senior Student and a fun awards ceremony commenced.

Overall both students and staff enjoyed the occasion and it was a great opportunity for students to relax after their hard work and effort following this year’s exams.

Annie Faulds

Applying to Oxbridge / English literature
On Wednesday 6 July Calder High and Todmorden High School students welcomed an ex-Calder High student, Dr. James Williams to the Calder VI. Being a lecturer of English Literature at Oxford, he came to the school to give a series of talks on being at Oxford and the different aspects of applying to Oxbridge, followed by a taster session for current English Literature students in sixth form who may be thinking of applying to a Literature course this coming Autumn.

The day was very insightful, providing information to not only the current students in sixth form hoping to apply to Oxford, but also giving younger students the opportunity to ask any questions about what they can be doing in their studies if they wish to apply to some of the top universities in the country.

As a student who is beginning the process of applying to university, I found that it was very helpful to receive a friendly, first hand opinion of what it is like to be at Oxford and what I can be doing to prepare myself for an interview. As a lecturer, Dr. Williams was able to tell students what he would be looking for in an applicant in their personal statement and in their interview, and having been a student at Oxford he was able to give a first hand account of what it is like to be a student (especially one who came from our school!) at Oxford University and answer any questions about not only the academic, learning side of Oxford, but also the social side, one which we may not necessarily see when visiting the university.

Report by Nia Jackson-Owens

Applied Science visit to Microsearch
The year 12 Applied Science BTEC group have spent all year learning about working in the science industry but this month they saw what an industrial laboratory does for real. by spending a morning at Microsearch laboratories in Mytholmroyd. Microsearch tests food samples from large companies such as M&S and Asda to make sure they aren’t contaminated with micro-organisms, set sell by and use by dates and even quantify the nutritional information in the foods we eat. They were able to see how the procedures and techniques we have studied over the year work in an industrial setting. The feedback from the students was really positive and we would like to say a big thank you to Wendy and the team at Microsearch for their time and efforts.

Geology Rocks...with visits to Arran and Leeds Uni!
Year 12 A level Geologists spent a week on Arran in March. We stayed at the Lochranza Field Studies Centre in the north of the island and had a great specialist tutor who taught us fascinating things and new skills.
It is very beautiful as well as interesting. Its geology spans many time periods, so it was like we were walking back through the island’s history. We saw lots of things - amazing structures including ripple marks from ancient lakes, desiccation cracks from a desert period, arthropleura tracks (a giant centipede!), a dinosaur foot print, a fossilised lightening strike and lots of the different rocks and minerals we are studying for A level. The weather was great for most of the week but it rained on our assessment day. This involved mapping and describing the geological structures on a section of coastline and it will count towards our final AS mark. On the last day it was so windy we were virtually moon walking.

By the end of the trip, we had concluded that Geology Rocks!

Shari O’Regan Yr12

(More images: Photo Gallery)

Yr 12 Geologists Visit Leeds University
The AS Geology group were out on another visit recently. This time to the School of Earth & Environment at Leeds University which has a brand new state of the art building. The department offers teaching sessions to sixth form students as part of their outreach programme.

The afternoon was spent with one of the teaching staff and a third year Geology undergraduate. They ran a practical session on rock and mineral identification. We were very fortunate in having the sole use of a fantastic new lab as well as the opportunity to do some microscope work which involved looking at thin sections of different rocks to identify minerals and crystal shapes... a skill which is not normally introduced until degree level.

Students found the trip very worthwhile because it also gave them the opportunity to view other facilties at Leeds including the Student Union and main campus area.

Mrs A Gibson, Head of Faculty, Humanities

Year in Industry
Visit this website if you are interested in doing a Gap year with a difference: www.yini.org.uk/.

Computer policy
Acceptable Use Policy for computers in school