Polam Hall Pupils Spread a Little Sunshine

Polam Hall pupils have brought a flavour of SW19 to DL1 by holding a Wimbledon-themed event to help bridge the generation gap.

Over 40 elderly people were invited, via Age Concern and the Darlington Town Mission, to the Polam Hall School Sunshine Party, which aims to promote understanding between different age groups.
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Students from the Lower Sixth organised the event with the support of boys and girls from year 10. The students greeted the guests, served them afternoon tea and entertained them with a mix of music, a quiz and bingo.

To reflect the time of year, the party had a Wimbledon theme which involved decorations in the dining room including bunting, flowers and Wimbledon posters and guests being served strawberries and cream – the all England Lawn Tennis Club’s traditional fayre.

Marie Green, Polam Hall School Head Teacher, said: “The students worked very hard to ensure everything went well for their guests, organising the whole afternoon themselves.

“It is important that our pupils contribute to the wider community. The Sunshine Party is an ideal way for people from different age groups to engage with each other and learn about each other’s interests, ways of life and opinions.”

Polam Hall E-newsletter

Hello

We thank Miss Green for all she has done as Head of Polam Hall over the last eight years - she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the very best for a long, healthy, happy and, no doubt, action packed retirement.

We also say goodbye to Mrs Susanne Davison. Mrs Davison has been a part of Polam Hall for many years, from former student to Deputy Head. We wish her a long and happy retirement. Best wishes also to our third ‘retiree’, Mrs Carol Midcalf.

During the recent Old Scholars Weekend Karen Hirst, President, gave her inaugural speech. Click here for her inspiring speech.

Please look out for a further e-newsletter later this week which will provide details of our new Polam Parents’ Business Network.

Buttercup News is now available on the website, Facebook and Twitter. July’s issue of the MyDaughter newsletter is also available here.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a good summer break and look forward to seeing you all again in September.


The Polam Hall Team

Hello

Many Old Scholars returned to Polam Hall last weekend and spent time having a look around the school, enjoying a school lunch and the afternoon at the Awards Ceremony. The Old Scholars Association award very generous cheques to students from across the school such as The Erica Martineau Award for the pursuance of an Interest/Hobby, the PHOSA Travel Award and the Old Scholars Exhibition for the best overall performance at GCSE. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Old Scholars for their untiring and valued support of the school and its current pupils. Guests enjoyed a wonderful programme of drama and music followed by a light tea in the Dining Room.

The sports department have been busy with pupils of all ages enjoying their Sports Days this week as well as a number of House competitions in the Senior School. The Senior Athletics produced outstanding performances in the Town Sports on Wednesday.

The last Numbers Club draw of this academic year has taken place and details of the winners can be found on our website. Many thanks to Mrs Alison Roberts for all her hard work setting up the Numbers Club.

Buttercup News is now available on the website, Facebook and Twitter.

Please note there will not be a Buttercup News or e-newsletter next Friday (1st July). The final newsletters of the term will be available on Tuesday 5th July.


The Polam Hall Team

Hello

Children of all ages have been busy practising for their Sports Days scheduled for next week. Pupils and staff alike would love to see you there so please do join us. Dates can be found on the website.

Years 3 & 4 enjoyed their trip to York earlier this week and Year 5 their trip to Durham. More visits are planned in the coming weeks for children of varying ages throughout the school.

Children aged 8 to 16 are invited to join the Darlington Arts Academy at the Civic Theatre this summer. Full details can be found here.

Buttercup News is now available from the website and is available on both Facebook and Twitter. Our Facebook ‘likes’ and Twitter followers continue to grow - why not ask your friends to join us.

The Polam Hall Team

Pupils' Artistic Talents on Display

A Polam Hall School pupil has been offered work experience at leading high-end clothing retailers after being spotted by a fashion guru.

Becky Patterson is being mentored by Andy Scott, founder of the Bank fashion store chain, after he came across her work through an acquaintance.

As a result, the teenager is going to undertake some work experience with Red or Dead and Rare Fashion during the summer. She is planning to go to Northumbria University to study Fashion Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Becky, Head Student until Easter 2011, was among 21 Polam Hall students who staged an Art and Music evening at the Darlington School.

The GCSE, AS and A-level pupils displayed a variety of work including craft, design, technology and photography. The evening also included musical performances.

Another student, Nicola Race had an unusual piece in her exhibition – she designed a metal-framed skirt, which was turned into a reality by her father’s roofing company.

Marie Green, Polam Hall School’s head teacher, said: “Becky and Nicola are examples of the artistic talent that we are proud to cultivate and develop at Polam Hall School.

“All of those taking part in the music and art exhibition have demonstrated their artistic flair and we are delighted that Polam Hall’s ‘excellence for all’ philosophy has enabled their creative talent to flourish.”

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The PHPA are urgently looking to recruit more parents and family members to help support upcoming school events on the 18th, 21st and 24th of June. If you feel you could spare an hour or two to help welcome guests and serve refreshments, then please contact Mel Forster (PHPA Secretary) via the school office.

The PHPA are also hosting an open evening for anyone keen to join the group when school returns in September. Please see the PHPA section of the school website for more details.

We are very pleased to be able to advise you of the winners of the June numbers club draw as follows:

1st prize number 23, £20 Mrs J Swinbank
2nd prize number 27, £14.50 Mr H Roberts

There is only one outstanding draw for this academic year which will be announced on 1st July, so we wish you all good luck. Remember, if you would like to continue with this PHPA fund raiser you will need to complete an application form and return by 13th September 2011 - the forms can be found on the PHPA section of the school website. Thank you for your support this year!

Children aged 8 to 16 are invited to join the Darlington Arts Academy at the Civic Theatre this summer. Full details can be found here.

The Polam Hall Junior Journalists have once again been busy reporting on recent activities and their reports are now available on the website.

This half term is packed with events and your support is always appreciated. Click here to see which events you might be interested in.

Buttercup News is now available from the website and is available on both Facebook and Twitter. Our Facebook ‘likes’ continue to grow but if you haven’t ‘liked’ us yet please do - you can then help to spread the word about Polam Hall School!


The Polam Hall Team

Hello

Last year the PHPA Numbers Club raised over £460. Many thanks to Mrs Alison Roberts who inaugurated and organised this venture. Entry forms are now available for 2011/12 from the website – click here and help raise funds for school.

Children in Years 5 & 6 entertained their parents, grandparents and friends on Tuesday at their French Night. Click here to see some of the pictures from the evening.

Last night our senior students were entertained firstly by the wonderful exhibition of public examination artwork and then by a music concert in the Liddiard Theatre. If you were unable to join us last night here is your opportunity to see the fantastic artwork our students create.

Students and staff are looking forward to the Celebration Ball this evening at Blackwell Grange Hotel. This is always a wonderful final event for the Upper Sixth students and a celebration of all their hardwork.

The Polam Hall Junior Journalists have been busy reporting on recent activities and their reports are now available on the website.

To check any upcoming dates please visit our website.

Buttercup News is now available from the website and is available on both Facebook and Twitter. Why not share our news with your friends?

We hope you have a restful half term and look forward to seeing you again on 6th June.


The Polam Hall Team