Beverley High School are celebrating after one of their pupils Hannah Wookey won the National Spelling Bee Competition in German.

Year 7 student Hannah won the coveted award at the finals that were held at Anglia Ruskin University beating off competition from a massive 60,000 entries from 63 different schools.

Now in its fourth year the National Spelling Bee Competition is to encourage students to develop strategies for learning new vocabulary in a foreign language.

Hannah speaking about winning the competition said;

“It was a really good experience as I met lots of different people and got the chance to look around Cambridge.”

“I was really shocked when I won but felt proud of what I’d done. It has also made me want to aim to go to Cambridge University in the future.”

The regional finals took place at Hull University in March. Four of students from Beverley High School were tested on a total of 150 words in front of 63 schools from all over Yorkshire and the Humber.

Hannah got through to the National Final which was held on Friday, 4th July where she had 200 words to learn.

Head teacher of Beverley High School Sharon Japp was proud of Hannah’s achievements, she said;

“Beverley High School is very proud of Hannah’s achievement in winning the national final of the German Spelling Bee competition in Cambridge last week.”

“As a Year 7 pupil she has studied German for only one year. We understand that 60,000 students entered the competition from a range of school types.”

“Our Languages department have entered Year 7 girls into the Spelling Bee competition each year since its inception, and we have had great success in the past with girls competing in the national finals.”

“But for a student to be placed first in the country is outstanding and to be celebrated. She invested a great deal of effort in learning new vocabulary, which is to be admired.”

Language teacher Julie Wilson commenting on Hannah’s success said;

“I am so impressed with the amount of time and effort that Hannah put in to learning her 200 words. “

“She was dedicated and took every opportunity to practice with me and our German assistant Sandra Duffe. The whole of Beverley High School feels proud of what she achieved.”

“I hope she continues to love languages and to get better and better at them.”

Most East Riding schools are celebrating their best ever GCSE results. This year’s results are judged by an entirely different set of measures to previous years, but the figures show significantly improved performances for all East Riding schools and academies, in a year when there has been a national dip in results for English and maths.

The new measures will be used by Ofsted as the main measure of achievement in schools from this year onwards.

The new measures are:-

• Attainment 8 – the average grade in eight subjects
• Progress 8 – the average progress made by all pupils from KS2 to KS4
• Percentage A*to C equivalent in both English and maths
• Percentage achieving the Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, English, maths, science, humanities and a language.

Progress 8 will be the main measure used to rank schools, but will not be available from the Department for Education until October 2016.

The previous ‘gold standard’ (five or more good passes including English and maths) last year was 56 percent in the East Riding, compared to 53 percent nationally. This has improved to 67 per cent this year in the East Riding – the biggest improvement and the best ever result.

Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and education, said,

“We are delighted with the improvement that many East Riding schools have brought about this year, which is a continued move in the right direction.

“This is down to the hard work of young people and their families supported by dedicated school staff.”

“East Riding of Yorkshire Council is committed to improving East Riding schools until we have the some of the best in the country. The results have been achieved against a backdrop of the very low level of funding for East Riding schools from the Department for Education.”

“Together with improving A-level results last week, they show that young people in our schools are achieving the success they deserve and going onto employment, education and training of their choice.”

“This is confirmed by the above national average destination data for school and college leavers at 16 and 18 in the East Riding.”

John Seaman, the council’s principal improvement adviser, said:

“These impressive results are underpinned by many outstanding stories of hard work and application as well as committed teaching and support. We look forward to further improving Ofsted inspection outcomes for East Riding schools, building on the foundation of this year’s best ever inspection outcomes

“We are proud of the work done by young people throughout the East Riding, with the support of their carers and families. We greatly appreciate the hard work of head teachers, teaching and support staff that have contributed to these results.”

Results in Beverley were good for schools with  64pc Beverley Grammar School, 74pc Beverley High School and  71pc Longcroft School achieving A-C in English and Maths.

Year 11 students from Beverley High School and Beverley Grammar School came together for their end of school prom.

The Class of 2014 from each of the schools held their prom on the edge of Beverley at Lazaat Hotel where they had a meal and a disco.

Following many years of working at the Beverley Music Centre new owner Sue Harker said it was unthinkable that a popular destination for musicians and dancers would close following a retirement.

Now re-branded as Beverley Music and Dance Sue has refitted the shop as she looks to carry on providing a range of services from the shop located on Norwood.

Speaking about how she came to run the business Sue said;

“I had worked at the Beverley Music Centre for approx 8 years. Late last year the previous owner Rosalind Willoughby, decided to retire.”

“Peter Hall who runs Peter Hall Violins at the rear of the shop has since bought the building and l was offered the opportunity to rent the downstairs and carry on running it as a music shop.”

“Being a popular destination for musicians and dancers over the past 50 years the idea of it closing down was unthinkable.”

“I took over straight away, changing the business name to Beverley Music and Dance. Starting completely from scratch we completely gutted the downstairs front part of the shop.

“It’s a very old building, maybe 270 years old. It needed a little bit of TLC and some new floorboards.”

“After completely stripping back the front shop we set to work building a new counter at the opposite end which has created more space.”

“We also built a platform were the old counter was to use as a display area for instruments, so now when you look through the window you can see some of what Beverley Music and Dance has to offer.”

“We shall still be continuing to supply Beverley High School with skirts and trousers as part of their uniform and also helping support Beverley Musical Theatre with ticket sales for their productions.”

“Another service we offer is that we are a UPS courier access point where parcels can be dropped off and collected from us if needed.”

Beverley Music and Dance is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Saturday 9am-4:30pm and Sunday’s closed.

Photos from the Beverley High school Y11 presentation evening where students past and present were acknowledged for their achievements.

Students were presented with their awards by Ben Pipes, a member of the Volley Ball that represented Team GB in London 2012 at the event held at Parkway Cinema Beverley.

Barbara and Paul James celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Tickton Grange Hotel with over 60 guests enjoying an excellent dinner followed music for dancing and easy listening to Magic Moments.

It was on the 18th August 1962 that Barbara Jenkins and Howard Christopher Paul James were married in the Cowcliffe Methodist Church in Huddersfield and are now celebrating their 50 years of happy marriage.

Barbara and Paul had met at University in London, where they were both graduated, Barbara as a Mathematician and Paul as an Economist.

They moved to Beverley 35 years ago and during this time Barbara taught at the Beverley High School for Girls and became Head of the Maths Department.

Paul after a Commission in the Royal Navy sailing the high seas, had a more down to earth job in Marketing at Ideal Standard in Hull in which he rose to the position of Marketing Research Manager with specific responsibilities for Europe with which he regularly travelled to many parts of the Continent.

During their time in Beverley they have really made an major impact on the local society being heavily involved in the Beverley Lions Club with Paul being President three times and also Secretary and Barbara as Chair of the Lions Ladies keeping it going from strength to strength.

They are of course well known for organising the New Years Day Fun Run, for their Treasure Hunts around Beverley and for their very intellectual Quiz Nights that everyone has enjoyed.

Some years ago Paul was captain of the EGGS Golf Section at Driffield Golf Club and Barbara, who played tennis, is still a keen supporter of her home towns, Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Club.

Two Beverley High School pupils, Sophie Thompson and Vikki Scruton raised over £900 for the Hull Royal Baby Unit as part of their Lifestyle Challenge.

Team 2 took part in a number of activities, including clearing litter at the Family Fun Day held at Beverley Rugby Club where they sold raffle tickets, six car boot sales and a grueling 15-mile bike ride from Hornsea to Hull!

The pair opted to support the Hull Royal Baby Unit as a family member is currently there receiving treatment for a heart condition.

Money raised by the girls will go towards new equipment on the ward.

Pupils at Beverley High School held a rock concert in aid of Children in Need.

Guitarists, solo singers and contemporary keyboard players performed in front of a crowd who had all paid a £1 to hear them perform music by artists that included Amy Winehouse, Adele and Elton John.

HU17.net Magazine issue 121 is available from Molescroft News, Woodhall Way and features pictures from the following events and sporting fixtures that have appeared on the HU17.net web site;

Children In Need: Kidz@Annies Do Their Bit
Children from Kidz@Annies took part in a sponsored walk this afternoon to raise money for children in need.

Children In Need: Abby Skye Shaves Her Head!
Abby Skye has shaved her head to raise money for Children in Need. In turn students and staff at East Riding College came up and slicing chunks of hair off her head, which was then shaved down with clippers before a razor was used to remove the rest of hair.

Coletta & Tyson Garden: Putting The Love Back Into Christmas
At Coletta & Tyson Garden centre their Christmas is bigger and better than ever before. The beautiful displays, including themed rooms, real-life houses in their lit up ‘street’ and a miniature Christmas town.

Beverley High School Rocks For Children In Need
Pupils at Beverley High School held a rock concert in aid of Children in Need. Guitarists, solo singers and contemporary keyboard players performed in front of a crowd that had all paid a £1 to hear them.

Open Night Mic At The Royal Standard
The ever popular Open Mic night at the Royal Standard again proved to be a big hit with the punters and local musicians. Money was

Fashion Show @ The Conservative Club
The Beverley Conservative Club held their annual fashion show. On the cat walk a number of ladies fashions were showcased by local.

And much more….

The newest restaurant in town, located in part of Norwood House, a building that has stood the test of time, is finally opening its door on the 30th November 2012.

It has been restored to offer the most spectacular setting to enjoy simple, but special food, in an environment entrenched in local history. Norwood House, when first built was the home of Jonathan Midgley, 3 times Mayor of Beverley.

The elegant surroundings can be soaked up whilst diners are served the most delectable delights. Whether it is an evening meal with close ones, morning coffee – whilst taking a break from shopping in town, afternoon team or lunch with friends, you will be guaranteed to feel you have experienced a special treat.

Norwood House will also cater for private functions and are taking bookings to ensure your celebrations are a huge success. Alongside the Restaurant/Tea Room there is a small area (The Pantry) selling quality products should you wish to purchase something special, to take home to eat for a treat.

A Grade I listed building of local and historic interest, Norwood House dates back to 1748 and in recent history was used as part of Beverley High School. It is a spectacular building that contains architecturally important features including ornate plasterwork on walls and ceilings, a fine staircase and original woodwork and stone flooring.

The exterior has an elegant facade of attractive brickwork, stone dressings and ornamentation.

Restaurant owners Heidi Greaves and Jill Moore said that they are really thrilled that the Restaurant/Tea Room is finally opening. Heidi said “we have really gone the extra mile to ensure the restaurant is decorated and designed to show the building off to the standard it deserves. Our aim is for people to be just as ‘wowed’ by the food, as well as by their surroundings”.

Be one of the first to sample the special treat of dining within a building that holds many memories for the people of Beverley when it opens its door on the 30th November 2012.

Anyone wanting to guarantee a table any time after the 30th November 2012, can call 01482 869012 and make a booking.

Visit www.norwoodhouserestaurant.co.uk for more information.

HU17 will be featuring more news in future publications to tell you what else is happening at Norwood House.

The winners of a jingle competition around a new Government policy to help promote a brighter future for young people have been announced.

Viking FM, in association with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, gave students the opportunity to create a genuine radio jingle to promote the RPA (Raising the Participation Age) campaign, >move on | aim high>.

Students competed with teams from schools right across the region and the winner has been invited to record their jingle in the famous Viking FM studios. This jingle will then be broadcast on-air as part of the subsequent campaign on Viking FM raising awareness the various options available to young people after compulsory schooling, as well as highlighting the >log on | move on> website which provides information and guidance about the post-16 opportunities open to young people living in the East Riding and Hull.

Today, Viking FM Drive presenter Liam Smedley attended an assembly at Beverley High School to present the prize of a framed winner’s certificate, iPod Shuffle and tickets to The Deep to Key Stage 3 winner, Gina Woodmancy. He said:

“It’s great to see how passionate young people have been about this competition. The standard of entries has been excellent. We loved Gina’s entry, she’s shown a real talent for jingle writing.”

Jane Fisher, 14-19 lead officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “RPA will affect every young person in Year 11 and below.

“This competition gave us the opportunity to raise the awareness of RPA and I would like to thank the teachers and young people who took part.”

The lucky, overall winner was Key Stage 4 winner Brad Abbott from Headlands School in Bridlington, whose jingle will be recorded at the Viking FM studio and broadcast on-air.

Year 10 students, Beth Edeson, Teigan Gardham, Chloe Broadbent, Daisy Taylor, picked up the Group Award and Wolfreton School’s Zara Good took the prizes for runner-up.

The word ‘bake’ derives from the Old English ‘bacan’, and the Old Norse word ‘baka’. People have probably been baking food since it was discovered how to make fire, but the first known use of ‘bake’ in its modern form was in 1565, as it became fashionable to note down a popular recipe.

It’s fair to say that people have been writing down successful recipes ever since, as can be demonstrated by the number of recipes to be found in the archives at the Treasure House, in Beverley, where you will discover several old recipes going back to the 18th Century.

Some of the most interesting of these old recipes are actually more recent and were written down in the recipe book of Grace Ockleton of Beverley.

Grace was a pupil at Beverley High School for Girls, and went on to become the headmistress there. She began a recipe book in the spring term of 1926, two years after she passed her exams as a pupil, and it is thought that the book was used by Grace to note down useful recipes that she would teach to the girls in home economics classes.

The book contains instructions for how to make apricot delights, coconut ice, Queen’s pudding and, most appetising of all, pancake scones. All were made in Grace’s own style and passed on to the young schoolgirls of Beverley, some of whom would undoubtedly have taken the recipes and continued to use them to bake for their families in adult life.

Sam Bartle, collections officer, said: “Traditionally, we have handed down our best recipes from generation to generation and in some ways this still continues; only we tend to rely now on TV, published books and the internet and it is the celebrity chef, rather than grandma, or great grandma, who supplies us with the recipe.”

Grace Ockleton’s recipe book is currently on display at the Treasure House, in Champney Road, Beverley, but you can also search the archives yourself for other old recipes by making a visit to the archives and local studies service, also in the Treasure House.

Champney’s, the in-house coffee lounge, provides homemade baking produce and will soon be offering its customers some tasty items baked from old archive recipes.

Tesco were pleased to welcome students from Beverley High School to bag pack in our store on Friday 1st February.

Thanks to our customers, the bag pack raised a fantastic £239 in only two hours. The students will be using the money to help fund their appearance in this year’s Humberside Police Rock Challenge, to be held at Bridlington Spa on 19th February.

School organiser Katie Karlson said that she would like to thank all of Tesco’s shoppers for their generosity.

Beverley High School are again celebrating after a number of their students won awards at the National Spelling Bee Competition.

Jazmine Schultz, Rebecca Jenkins, Josephine Stone and Lucy Jenkins will all go to the National Final after their efforts in the regional contests.

In its third year, the competition is designed to encourage students to develop strategies for learning new vocabulary in a foreign language.

Students from Year 7 at Beverley High School were given 50 words in either French or German. They had to learn the translation and also how to spell the words in the native alphabet. They were then all tested on how many words they could recall and spell within a minute.

The winners of were then presented with another 50 words before taking part in competition held at the school in the main hall in front of staff and parents.

Language teacher Julie Wilson said;

“It was a very exciting yet tense event, there were some really outstanding performances in both French and German.”

Winners then progressed to the regional finals that were held in April at Hull University, which featured students from across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Beverley High School’s Jazmine Schultz, Rebecca Jenkins, Josephine Stone and Lucy Jenkins like the others taking part was each tested on a massive 150 words each!

Jazmine came first in French while Josephine got first place in German, Rebecca came fourth in French and Lucy third in German meaning all four of the girls will take part in the national finals in July.

Julie added;

“Our girls were amazing. It is a great achievement that all four of them got through to the National Final.”

The school has every reason to be proud, this year over 5,000 students entered the competition from the region and to get such good results is a truly incredible achievement.

Students from Beverley Grammar School and Beverley High School Year 11 celebrated the end of a year with a leavers ball.

Held at Willerby Manor Hotel the ball was a colourful affair with Nathan Cattle and Ellie Douglas were named king and queen of the prom to the delight of 200 people.

Nathan and Ellie then danced to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing as the newly crowned King and Queen of prom.

Cave Castle Hotel was the chosen venue for the Beverley High School and Beverley Grammar School joint sixth prom.

Well over two hundred students enjoyed a prom as the class of 2013 partied one last time together.

The students were joined by a number of teachers at the stunning East Yorkshire location which was decked out with balloons and decorations.

PICTURE: Head Boy Will Clay and Head Girl Intuorn Hudson

HU17.net Magazine Issue 152 is available from Molescroft News Woodhall Way.

This week’s edition feature extensive coverage of the Beverley High School and Beverley Grammar School joint prom held at the Willerby Manor Hotel plus image from the pre prom drinks at the Bruce’s.

Also feature are the following articles that have appeared on the HU17.net;

• Mammoth Maths Day @ Swinemoor School
• Beverley Entrepreneurs Benefit From NEA Scheme
• Spanish Market Provides Inspiration For Spicy Local Business
• Melanie Edwardson Wins £100 To Spend At Sugarbird Boutique
• Matthew Saint Top Scores For Beverley As They Beat Airmyn

Beverley Carnival will take place on 21st July at Beverley High School, the first event organised by the Tyas Foundation, a local charity that supports vulnerable young people in the East Riding.

Founder John Robinson, who has Whites Restaurant in the Beverley Georgian Quarter, started the charity as a wedding gift for his wife, he told HU17.net;

“At our wedding we did all the food and had a bar. Instead of having a free bar I used the money to start to start this charity.”

“My wife Liz is a primary school teacher and it seemed like a nice present to put something in place that will help youngsters in the local area.”

“This is the first ever event for us and is should be a great day for all the family. There will be a number of craft stalls, food stands and also competitions.”

“For the kids there will be a mini fun fair and plenty of demonstrations including birds of prey and chainsaw woodcarving.”

John is also hoping to find a local unsung hero to open the event, he added;

“I would like to appeal to people to nominate someone from the community to open the carnival.

“We would really like to get someone out there who has done something for others and I urge anyone who can think of such a person to contact me.”

“Most of all though I hope people come along and have a great day out with all the family and support a very good local cause.”

There are still a few stalls available for the event which takes place on the Sunday 21st July from 10am until 4pm. Entrance to the carnival is just £2 for adult and £1 for concessions.

To book a stall or to nominate a person to open the Beverley Carnival please visit http://www.tyasfoundation.co.uk

Related Links;

• Beverley Georgian Quarter
• Whites Restaurant

Sunday saw the Beverley Carnival take place at Beverley High School.

The event which was organised by John Robinson, who has Whites Restaurant used the event to raise money for Tyas Foundation, a local charity that supports vulnerable young people in the East Riding.

Beverley High School is currently running a series of informal rounders sessions on Thursday evenings from 6-7pm.

The sessions are open to everyone above the age of 16 and cost £1 per session.

All are welcome, whether or not you have played before.