15th September 2011

A-Level Health and Social Care students have recently received training from the Red Cross, in preparation for becoming peer educators of first aid to other students both within school and at primary schools. The students found the experience very rewarding, and are looking forward to educating others on the important subject of first aid.

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12th September 2011

Applications are now open for the 2011-2012 intake of the Young Journalist Academy.

To apply for the programme, you will need to download the application form below - fill it out - and hand it in to Mrs.Bell in the English department, before Friday 16th September.

Good Luck!

2011-2012 Young Journalist Academy Application Form

7th September 2011

25th August 2011

Eight Year 11 students received A*-A grades in every subject taken at GCSE at the High School this year – including top performer Lucy Doddrell, who gained an A* grade in each of her ten subjects.  Twenty five other students gained five or more passes at A*-A level.  All bar one gained at least 5 A*-C GCSEs; almost all can continue their studies to A level with confidence.

Headteacher Dr Jason Howard commented:

“We congratulate all of our students on their achievements.  They are all the more impressive given that many students completed most of their GCSEs last year – a year ahead of time.  Increasingly, universities, as well as employers, look at GCSE grades carefully when considering applications –  gaining as many A*-B grades as you can helps to give you an advantage.  Most of our students have that advantage, and bright futures beckon.’

The following Y11 students were awarded A*-A grades in every subject:

Emily Cooper
Lucy Doddrell
Jade Doughty
Elizabeth Hall
Sophie Holland
Rida Rizvi
Emma Trolley
Stephanie Walsh

Mrs Bridget Anderson, Head of Sixth Form at BHS, said ‘we are looking forward to welcoming back the majority of our existing students to the Sixth Form as well as a good number who will be joining us from elsewhere.  We welcome late applicants; a wide range of subject options is available - please see our website for details and get in touch!’

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22nd August 2011

Demand for university places is exceptionally high this year as students across the country seek to avoid the tuition fee increases that will affect those starting degree courses next year.  Many schools have feared that a large number of their students might not secure a place despite doing well – but at Boston High School, teachers, students and parents are celebrating the fact that almost all students have secured a place at one of their chosen universities.  Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Bridget Anderson, commented ‘we’re still waiting to hear from some of our leavers as to their destinations, but almost all of our students will be happy that they are on their way to a university of their choice – and relieved that they won’t need to go through the ‘clearing’ process.’ 

Headteacher Dr Jason Howard suggested that gaining entry to any university was ‘a great achievement – but what’s particularly impressive is that almost four in ten of our students will be attending some of the most selective universities in the country – places like Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester and UCL – that make very demanding offers.  It’s unusual for universities like these to accept any grade below a B – which shows how highly these students have performed.  If you’re just about to get your GCSE results, we still have some Sixth Form places available despite some late applications; take a look at our website and get in touch with us as soon as you can.’

18th August 2011

In the year in which admission to university is expected to be more competitive than ever, Boston High School students are celebrating the achievement of excellent A level results. The school is delighted to report that 55% of grades obtained were at A*-B grade, with a pass rate of 99%.  The proportion gaining the prestigious A* grade has doubled, and a quarter of all entries resulted in the award of an A*-A grade.

Headteacher Dr Jason Howard commented,

‘These results reflect the hard work of the students, the support of their parents and the dedication and expert guidance given by their teachers.  The results are the school’s strongest for many years, and by a considerable margin; it is a delight to know that almost all have performed highly enough to realise their ambitions in this most competitive of years.  We warmly congratulate all and wish each every success and happiness in the future.’

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The following students performed particularly well:

EPQ = Extended Project Qualification

21st July 2011

The Young Journalist Academy is delighted to post this Press Release from Dr Jason Howard who is starting as Headteacher on the 1st September. We would like to say, on behalf of all the students, a big thank you to Mrs Thornalley who took on the role as Acting Headteacher bridging the gap between Mrs McEvoy and Dr Howard.

Jenny Brown
Young Journalist Academy at Boston High School

Press Release
July 20th 2011
Dr Jason Howard

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Jason Howard as the next Head of Boston High School.  Dr Howard is currently Deputy Headteacher at Bourne Grammar School, having previously served as a Head of Sixth Form and a Head of History at earlier stages in his teaching career.  Before teaching, Dr Howard studied History and Politics at Exeter before completing a PhD at Churchill College, Cambridge.  Dr Howard is married and has three young children - all of whom are almost as excited about his appointment as he is.

Dr Howard explained that he was 'delighted' to be taking up the Headship of Boston High School, adding that the students he met during the selection process 'spoke with immense appreciation of the care and support that they receive, and the inspirational quality of their experiences inside, and outside of, the classroom.' He stressed the importance of helping students to become active, independent learners and the need for schools to encourage all both to develop existing talents and to try things that are new.  'Students who enjoy learning, and who are encouraged to discover new interests and to develop their potential, achieve highly.  A school that offers all the best it can, and expects the best from all, is one that helps young people prepare for lifelong success.'  When asked whether the main aim of a grammar school was to deliver outstanding results, he suggested that 'of course exam results matter-ask any young person aiming for a job or a place at university' but that 'a good school helps students to develop aspects of character - things like determination, resilience, and the ability to see mistakes as information that can be learned from, rather than as 'failures.'  It's these kinds of things that help any of us to stay motivated and to keep trying, making the best of the opportunities we are offered.  Good grades - and other achievements follow.'

Despite being a historian, Dr Howard prefers to look forward.  'Boston High School has a very bright future – at the centre of this community.  I’m keen to develop the already strong links between school, students, parents and the wider community, both to promote the school and to ensure it helps to serve the local area.' His key priority is to 'get to know the people who make up the school community, as well as the school's culture and traditions.  I've had a very warm welcome so far, and I look forward to meeting everybody.'

Says Chair of Governors of the Boston Grammar Schools Federation, Phillip Bosworth “The Governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Jason Howard as the Head of Boston High School for Girls.  Dr Howard will join us from Bourne Grammar School – an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted school.  We are all very excited and on behalf of the Staff, Students and Parents offer the warmest welcome to Dr Howard when he takes up his position on September 1st.”

21st July 2011

Congratulations to Harriet Housam of Year 11.

Rowing with her partner, two years above her age group, Harriet won the Bronze Medal in the J18 pairs at the National Rowing Championship held at the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham, last weekend. Well Done!
 

18th July 2011

As a part of Year nine adventure week, Boston High School students exhibited a fashion show to display their creative ability in the fashion world. As adventure week connotes somewhat of a challenge, year nine students had to learn the tricks of the trade of transforming colourful fabrics into desired designs in a week.

The viewing of this collection brought out a supporting crowd of students and staff in eager anticipation of the new designers. This show was not only an event in the name of fashion but also for charity too. All donations from the catwalk show went to Breast Cancer UK; this gave the fashion show an important subtext; all people can wear fashion under any circumstance and fashion can uphold morale.

The opening design was modelled by Alice Buckingham; a cocktail dress which showed different textures between the black lace and the gold fabric and screamed out classic sophistication. The collection continued with the pieces made with a collaboration of creative minds and opinions, indulging in African inspired prints to majestic colours of bright pinks, yellows and mysterious deep reds.

On the whole the collection shows promise for Boston’s fashion scene. If skills are honed and passion left to thrive goals can be achieved. All of the clothing shown on Friday’s catwalk will be in an exhibition and sold with proceeds going to Breast Cancer UK.

Article written by Holly Evans, Y12

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18th July 2011

A record number of 102 students went to Cadbury World in Birmingham on July 13th. This proved to be a joyous and interesting day with lots of chocolate to eat and much to think about. For those who have not been before we learned the story of how cocoa beans are sourced, how chocolate is made and the importance of fair trade in a rapidly changing world. It was fun and we thoroughly tested and approved of the new adventure playground. This, of course supports our work on the geography of chocolate and included a visit to the Cadbury World exhibition and a talk from the education officer. Another teacher visiting the centre in a private capacity remarked to me on how well our students were behaved. He was right! Well done to our year 8 students!

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18th July 2011

House Reward Points Shop has been an amazing success this year. A group of staff and students revamped the Rewards system to try to encourage more students to achieve in school. The new system has worked really well with the Staff awarding over twenty thousand House Reward Points this academic year. Lots of students have ‘spent’ their House Reward Points on several different items.

Our thanks go to Miss Biscoe for supervising the Rewards shop on a Wednesday Lunchtime (she was very busy!)

Well done to everyone on their success. You will receive your prize in final assembly on Friday, and Mrs Thornalley will announce the overall winner of the IPod Nano too!