Saint Ambrose College | News Feed

Sports Committee Car Boot Sale

2012-05-01T00:00:00

17th June 2012
7.00am – 1.00pm
St Ambrose College

Hot Food and Drinks Available from 7.00am

Buyers
50p entry 7.00am – 12.30pm

Sellers
£10.00 per car (single pitch)
First come, first served – payment on entry
First entry 6.00am Last Entry 11.30am

If driving, please park respectfully
Parking for Sellers only

Your attendance contributes to our much-needed funds that are used to support the boys in the furthering of their academic, spiritual and physical education.

Thank you for your support

St Ambrose Summer Ball

2012-05-01T00:00:00

St Ambrose Parents' Assocation and Sports Committee present:-

The Grand Summer Ball Marquee held at Bowdon Cricket Club

Only a few last remaining tickets available (£40 per tickets)

Promising to be the event of the year!

For further details contact:-

deputychair@sapa.org.uk

and visit the SAPA website www.sapa.org.uk

Exam dates

2012-05-01T00:00:00

Exam dates:

click here

Latin Tour

2012-05-01T00:00:00

Trip to Pompeii & Rome

Pictures here:

Cheshire Cup Win

2012-05-01T00:00:00

St. Ambrose College under-16 rugby team produced a superb performance to beat a much vaunted King's Macclesfield side in the final of the Cheshire Cup.

Playing at Wilmslow Rugby Club in front of a large crowd of rugby aficionados, the cherry and blue hoops were disciplined in defence and clinical in attack, dominating possession, stifling the opposition threat and going for the jugular when the chances arose.

Ambrose took the lead when sniping outside centre Harry Callaghan bravely charged down a defensive clearance to kick the ball through and dive over the line for an opportunist try. Calm kicker Jacob Riley then struck the first of four successful kicks for a seven point lead.

Riley's boot made it 10 – 0 with a penalty before King's responded just before half time with their own penalty. But Ambrose stretched their lead after the break when their powerhouse pack turned over King's possession, with burly Number Eight James Shepherd carving through the defence with a muscular charge.

Riley again converted and though King's did well to reply with a try to the corner, at 17 – 8 Ambrose looked comfortable. They underlined their superiority with a breathtaking 50 metre run from inside centre Dave Jones, finishing a fluid backs move with a burst of pace past the cover.

Joint under-16s Coach Darren David said: “The performance from the back row of Liam Lyon, James Shepherd and Charles Leach was exceptional but it would be unfair to pick out any player because it was a strong 15 man display underlining all traditional running, handling and tackling skills. Their performance bodes well for the first XV over the next two years.

Speech Night 2012

2012-05-01T00:00:00

St Ambrose College was privileged to host Brother Chris Nhete as honoured guest at the recent Speech Night at the Bridgewater Hall. He had travelled from Zimbabwe to strengthen the links between the College and the worldwide network of Christian Brother’s schools as the College enters a new chapter in its history. Staff and students are preparing to move into their new £24 million pound facilities in September and this new beginning will provide opportunities for students to work more closely with the wider international network of Christian Brothers schools. Brother Chris spoke passionately about his work in Africa to fight HIV and how students should be inspired to make a difference in their own community.

The St. Ambrose College basketball team

2012-05-01T00:00:00

The St. Ambrose College basketball team have been running rings round the opposition in the Trafford basketball league.

They have won the under-15 league for the second successive year, also lifting the under-18 cup even though they are three years younger than the majority of the teams.

Captain Callum Schora, who is also the team's top scorer, said: “We have been playing together from the age of 11 and have a great understanding. There are no star players and we all realise we are only as strong as each other.”

The competitions are all held at Manor High School with Ambrose playing 16, winning 13 and losing three this year. In the final of the under -18 cup they beat Tigers 42 – 28.

Team manager Mrs Whittle said: “The young men have been a joy to work with this year have a fabulous spirit.”

New Status

2012-05-01T00:00:00

Secretary of State for Education has agreed the change to Academy status from 1st May 2012

As of now St Ambrose College is a State-funded Independent Catholic Grammar School

BUPA Run

2012-02-01T00:00:00

Jack Waywell will be running the Bupa Junior Run on 19th may 2012 to raise funds for the Alex Hulme Foundation www.alexhulmefoundation.co.uk

Alex was Jack’s best friend whom he had known since 6 months old, and they had gone through nursery and primary school together and remained friends despite going to different secondary schools.

Sadly, Alex was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in March 2011 and despite his very brave battle died 6 months later on 5th September 2011.

Donations may be made through the website

CB Schools Conference

2012-02-01T00:00:00

The College hosted the UK Annual Christian Brother Schools Conference on the last day of the half term. The Right Reverend Bishop Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury began the day by celebrating Mass for the seven schools in Holy Angels Parish Church. This is Bishop Mark’s second visit to the College since he was installed and we hope he will join us for the opening of our new building in Michaelmas term. Teachers from as far as Plymouth and Sunderland joined colleagues from Stoke, Liverpool, Crosby, Birkenhead and Hale Barns.

Little Shop of horrors

2012-02-01T00:00:00

College actors gave their old school stage a horrifying final salute when they staged the black comedy musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’

The classic romp, which features a hapless florist who raises a plant that feeds on human blood, was the last major production to be staged in the present College.

Generations of Ambrosian actors have trod the boards on the College stage, but next year they will be ensconced in a fabulous new theatre complex, part of the brand new school building nearing completion on the site.

We wanted to give the old school a real send off and ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ has some wonderful parts for young actors, a fantastic musical score and, of course, unique staging and scenery.

The production featured semi professional young actors Daragh Cowley as Musnik and Alice Connolly, from Loreto Grammar School, as Audrey and introduced Joseph Peden as Seymour.

Thanks to Mrs Mortimer and Mrs Zorab for producing the show.

Kata Kid

2012-02-01T00:00:00

Kata Kid Jake Clegg has won two golds and one silver medal in the World Championships.

Kata is the non-combat form of Karate and involves detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs.

The sport demands strength, flexibility, balance, control, power and Jake said: “The ability to act is so important - you have got to look fierce.”

Having previously travelled to Portugal for the World Championships, this year Jake only had to travel to the George Carnall Community Centre in Stretford, for the event, which attracted top competitors from America, Australia, Ireland, Italy and Egypt. The England international won an individual Gold, with his other medals in Pairs events. He added: “I like both disciplines and working with a mate really does teach you team work and respect.

Jake, who trains at least twice a week at the Bushido Martial Arts Centre in Cale Green, added: “Kata builds confidence and self control and I have really enjoyed seeing how much better I can get if I work hard over the last three years.”

This is a stunning achievement from a very likeable and hard-working young man.

Exam Date Summer 2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00

Latest exam information posted on information pages

Pope blesses Cross

2011-01-01T00:00:00

St. Ambrose College’s innovative school building has received a Papal
blessing in a special ceremony in Rome.
Headmaster Michael Thompson took a replica of the Celtic Cross to a general
audience in the Vatican where Pope Benedict XVI bestowed his blessing.
Mr Thompson explained the significance: “Buried at the very centre of the
new school, where the Chapel will be located, is a similar, replica Celtic
Cross. It signifies that our Faith is at the heart of everything we do.
Since our foundation in 1947, the Eucharist has always been at the centre of
our mission, but now in the shape of the building, in the burial of the
Celtic Cross and the Papal blessing we are making our values and purpose
explicit.”
Mr Thompson added: “It was a privilege to stand holding our cross in The
Vatican and hear the Pope give his blessing and it is a moment I will never
forget.”
Mr Thompson is pictured with pupils James Boughen, 18 and Rowan Tiernan, 11.
Rowan said: “We are all looking forward to the opening of the new school and
understand the central values which have made it possible.”
James, who will leave before the new building opens, said: “The next
generation will benefit from the building of this wonderful new school, but
my peers have already benefited from the College’s Catholic beliefs.”
The ground breaking new £22.5 million building which is on schedule to be
open in September 2010.

Cyclists

2011-01-01T00:00:00

Pupil power has seen Northern Rail introduce an ambitious new scheme to
enable school cyclists to get on and off their trains more easily.
Northern Rail was horrified when they had complaints from St. Ambrose
College boys that they had been prevented from getting on trains on icy
winter mornings at Knutsford station.
Cyclist Kieran Greaves (13) said: “One morning we were left waiting on the
platform for an hour and a half as the conductor simply refused to let us
get on with our bikes.”
Northern Rail Conductor Manager Rob Edwards said: “We were horrified by the
children’s account and have therefore introduced a new card scheme to make
life easier for both the young cyclists and the conductors. It gives them
priority and also means we can contact parents if trains are going to be
late.”
Mr Edwards added: “It’s the first scheme of its kind and we hope to sign up
as many cyclists as possible. We want to develop positive relationships with
all our customers and we believe this clearly shows our intent.”
Sally Buttifant Mid Cheshire Community Rail Officer, who looks after the
Chester to Manchester line, which passes through Hale, where the boys get
off to cycle to extra mile to their school on Wicker Lane, Hale Barns, said:
“We wanted to work with St. Ambrose to encourage their boys to continue to
use bikes and not to be put off by any negative experience. Cycling is
sustainable and healthy and using both the train and their bikes is the
perfect combination.”
Ben Whittaker, (13) another who travels regularly via cycle and train from
Knutsford to Hale, said: “It’s much better now. Four of us use our bikes in
all weathers and many more do so if the weather is warm. This scheme has
made our journey much more enjoyable and we all think it’s a great idea.”
St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson said: “This a great example
of a big institution responding innovatively to their customers’ needs and
we are delighted to be the first school signed up to this intelligent new
partnership.”

Pictured with Rob Edwards and Sally Buttifant are Ambrose cyclists Be
Whittaker, Sebastian Russell, Kieran Greaves and Fergus Greaves.

Architect visit

2011-01-01T00:00:00

International architect David Ardill says the new St. Ambrose College will
be one of the most innovative new schools in the U.K.
The Design Director for Shepphard Robson flew back from Abu Dhabi where he
is designing a new corporate, global headquarters to see work in progress at
the Altrincham Road site in Hale Barns.
Ahead of schedule, the £22.5 million pathfinder school built under the
‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme will open in September 2012.
David, whose CV includes work on the design of the Millennium Dome, said:
“It is definitely one of the most innovative blue prints of any new school
as it revolves around a central space with four wings and no corridors.”
He added: “The mission was to create a cathedral like environment with a
sense of community and society at its heart.”
The new school is in the shape of a Celtic Cross, the symbol of the
Christian Brothers, who originally founded the Catholic Grammar School in
Hale Barns in 1947.
The main body of the Celtic Cross will feature four houses, on two levels,
with eight distinct learning faculties for Mathematics, English, Science,
Languages, Humanities, Technology, Religious Studies and Sport.
On the ground level will be an open plan social area with a Chapel at the
heart of the school, an auditorium for 1,000 people, which can be converted
into a theatre in the round, and a canteen.
The vertical line of the cross will be a state of the arts sports centre
with a competition sized swimming pool, four badminton courts, a fitness
centre, dance studio and sports science laboratory.
St. Ambrose has abandoned the traditional design of a school, with rows of
classrooms parked on long corridors, for an open plan community.
Each department will have an average of five classrooms with its own social
area for pupils, a department staff room and toilet facilities. Built with
collapsible, folding walls, it has been designed to create high visibility
in which teachers no longer have to lecture at the front of the class, but
can use the latest technology to work on a one to one, small group basis and
to deliver lectures to the whole department.
On the top floor will be the Sixth Form Common Room and a Library, with an
information resources suite. Both will have balconies opening out on to view
the Sports Hall and playing fields.
St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson invited key players in the
successful bid, planning process and design, to see the speed of the work in
progress.
Dorothy Houghton, then Deputy Director of Education Services at Trafford
MBC, said: “St. Ambrose qualified because it definitely had the worst
buildings of any secondary school in Trafford and we felt we were failing
the hard work of all the boys and the staff.”
Rosemary Sigee, then Manager of the Development Services for Trafford, said:
“It is the largest education projects in Trafford for the last 30 years and
it is fantastic to see it taking such wonderful shape.”
Michael Thompson said: “St. Ambrose has a world class team to thank for this
world class building. So many people put so much work into making our dreams
take shape and now we want to make sure that future generations will
benefit.”
David Ardill is the second international authority to sing the praises of
the new scheme, with professor Stephen Heppel, Europe’s leading expert on
the integration of ICT into the curriculum - saying “St. Ambrose is a
forefront of technological development.”

CAPTION: Headmaster Michael Thompson is pictured with architect David Ardill
as the new St. Ambrose College takes shape.

Bus Services Update

2011-09-01T00:00:00

A full list of bus services has now been uploaded.

See: INFO -> Buses

A level sucesses

2011-08-01T00:00:00

This year’s St. Ambrose College’s A Level students might never work in the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School’s new £22.5 million pathfinder school, but they will have fond memories of their alma mater after acing their A Levels.

From left to right are Alex Dobinson, Matthew Glancy, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Ben Tyas, Daniel Green, Pak Lon Cho, David Grant, Michael Southern, Ben Adams, Nicholas Bedford and Nicholas Webster all achieved straight A* or A grades.

St. Ambrose’s A*/A/B rate was 64% and prompted Headmaster Michael Thompson to comment: “As our new school begins to take shape, academic standards remain extremely high with our star students once again producing some exceptional results.”

GCSE successes

2011-08-01T00:00:00

St. Ambrose College star student Henry Bentham achieved a perfect ten in his
GCSEs.

The 16-year-old brilliant young academic from Little Heath Lane, Dunham Massey, gained A stars in all ten GCSEs and will now study Further Maths, Economics, French and English in the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School’s Sixth Form. A grade 6 trumpet player, Henry was modest about his achievement: “I am very happy with my results and delighted the work paid off.”

Henry hopes to use his qualifications as the stepping-stone to a career in the Law, “hopefully as a barrister,” he added.
St. Ambrose Headmaster Michael Thompson, “You simply cannot beat a perfect ten. Henry is a pleasure to work with and is a great credit to his family.”

David loses hair for charity

2011-08-01T00:00:00

A teenage boy grieving for his father and cousin celebrated the last day of term at St. Ambrose College by publicly shaving his luscious blond locks. David, 13, from Cottage Mill Gardens, Hale Barns, lost his dad Peter Gilbert, formerly a microbiologist at Manchester University, to pancreatic cancer , three years ago and his cousin Oliver Matthew a year ago to leukemia.

To honour them both and raise money for Leukemia Charity Research and Cancer Research U.K., David asked his best mate Precious Fatoye to take the scissors to his golden head of hair.

David said: “Dad was in tremendous pain when he died. He was in bed and could not move. It was an awful time and though he coped as well as could be excepted, it wasn’t easy for any of us, particularly dad.”

David, who last year skied down the Chill Factor slope in fancy dress to raise money for Red Nose Day, added: “When my cousin Oliver died of Leukaemia, his two brothers had their head shaved for charity and it was something I respected and wanted to repeat.”

Mum Diane said: “His father would have been proud. It’s a very mature thing for a 13-year-old to and he would have been pleased to see how he is developing into a considerate young man,” Diane added: “We have all struggled in our different ways, David, myself and our two daughters, and I don’t think it is something you ever get over, but for David to do at this time is a boost for us all as a family”

The family will shortly be going on holiday to Tenerife and David added: “I am going to have a wet shave at home, so my head will be really vulnerable to the sun so we will be taking lots of creams and hats.”

Best friend Precious who did the hair cut in front of friends and teachers at the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School said: “I enjoyed the process and think I might have a future as hairdresser, but we all wish David hadn’t had to do this.”

St. Ambrose College Headteacher Michael Thompson said; “David is strong character and a devoted son that any dad would be proud of.”

North-West Ambulance Service.

2011-08-01T00:00:00

St. Ambrose College Sixth Formers have said a big “Thank you’ for helping us to save a life to the North-West Ambulance Service.

Over the last two years every pupil and every member of staff at the Hale Barns Catholic grammar school has been taught cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) free of charge by the NWAS.

The programme was first delivered to 23 sixth formers and key members of staff who then rolled the programme out to all 965 boys and the team of teaching and administrative staff, making St. Ambrose the first school in the country to take part in the ground-breaking scheme.

Now the first set of Sixth Formers to receive their training have raised £250 for the service through a range of sponsored events. NWAS Community Resuscitation Development Officer Chris Veevers received the cheque while giving extra some lessons to the next generation of life savers.

Chris said: “It came out of the blue and was totally unexpected, yet a wonderful surprise. It is all the more satisfying that the boys who raised the money didn’t have to be persuaded to make the effort but did so of their own accord. I am delighted to report we will be using the money to support the Air Ambulance Service.”

St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson said: “At the heart of St. Ambrose College’s ethos is the belief that we should all give more than we take and it is testament to our young men that they should raise and donate this money without having to be cajoled or pushed.”

Mr. Thompson added “Our Sixth Form students have been fortunate to learn from such outstanding professionals who have so much experience and they have responded extremely positively to the challenge." Mr Thompson added: “It has been a very valuable exercise and it is so important that both pupils and staff alike learn these skills. For our pupils it is an investment that could still reap rewards in 70 or 80 years

time.”

Jonah has landed a right royal role

2011-08-01T00:00:00

St. Ambrose actor Jonah Rzeskiewicz has landed a right royal role, playing the young Edward 111 in the Shakespeare classic at Manchester’s Royal Exchange. Jonah, 13, from Bowdon, graduates from his school stage, where he has starred in The Sound of Music and Bugsy Malone straight to the professional stage.

Jonah said: “ I love acting. It’s my life and hopefully my future and I can’t wait for the rehearsals to start in August. I will learn so much from this professional production and I will love every second I am on that famous stage.” Jonah added: “I don’t suffer from nerves at all. I just enjoy the moment and want to make an impression on the audience.” St. Ambrose College Drama Teacher Mia Bull said: “Jonah has a very special talent and is a joy to work with. We all hope this will be the first step in a long and rewarding career.”

The production will be staged in the autumn with Jonah alternating with two other young actors during the six week run to accommodate their school work. Jonah added: “I have about 50 lines and I’ve learned them all already.”

Professor Heppell Visits

2011-06-01T00:00:00

Professor Stephen Heppell, Europe’s leading on-line education expert, wants
to help make St. Ambrose College a world leader in the teaching of
information technology.
Dubbed the Continent’s top expert by Microsoft in 2006, Professor Heppell
has been at the vanguard of IT provision for over 30 years.
Currently developing a Chinese language learning community for 20 million
Chinese school students, in partnership with China's Sun New Media
corporation, Professor Heppell flew into the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar
School to advise on the school’s new platform, currently being designed
during the building phase of the £22.5 million new school building on
Altrincham Road.
Professor Heppell said: “It’s an incredibly exciting model. They have chosen
the personal computer model where each child will have their own little
computers ticked away in their bags giving full access to the school’s
virtual learning environment. It simply could not have been achieved five
years ago, but then again in 10 years pupils will have these computers built
into their glasses and contact lenses.”
“The new platform will create a global learning environment in which St.
Ambrose pupils can chat to pupils in other schools all over the world; it
will create learning opportunities 24 / 7; children will be able to learn on
a just in time basis and manage their time much more effectively; they will
be able to support and help each other from their own homes; indeed the
pupils will be able to support and help the teachers. It will be a flexible
learning community geared to improving everyone’s skills and knowledge.”
Professor Heppell, who founded Ultralab, Europe's leading research institute
pioneering leading edge applications in the 1980s, continued: “I have never
seen a teacher’s vision exceed a student’s capabilities - so it is essential
that you have leaders such as you have at St. Ambrose who have a vision for
the future; who can imagine new possibilities and incorporate that vision
into the design of their new platform.”
He added: “Great Britain is not at the forefront of IT education; I would
have to point to Australia, Norway, Finland and perhaps in the U.K.
Scotland, but there are some schools, who have the very best teachers who
are well ahead of the game and I am certain St. Ambrose is one such school.”
“These young men will be going out into a world of unexpected problems -
volcanic ash, leaking oil wells; problems that they could not have imagined
and they must be prepared with tough challenges in school - challenges that
can be overcome using the latest or by designing new specific applications.”
St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson, a mathematician and
computing expert, said: “Professor Stephen Heppell is a legendary figure in
education and to be able to work in partnership with him during such an
important time in the school’s history is a rare privilege.”
Mr Thompson added: “Professor Heppell could have been an extraordinarily
wealthy man, but he has chosen to help young people realise the potential of
new technologies and we are very grateful.”
Jamil Jahid, 11, from Hale, said: “We are all very excited about the new
school and the new hardware and software and just what it will allow us to
do in school and from our own homes.”

SAPA Summer Ball

2011-05-01T00:00:00

Brush down the tux, pick out the gown and buff up the dancing shoes to join SAPA and the Sports Committee for an evening of fine dining and dancing at the newly refurbished Mere Golf and Country Club. Take this opportunity to celebrate the past and herald in the future as the “New” College is under construction at our joint Summer Ball on Friday 20th May.

This will be a black tie event. tickets priced at £45 per person.

Aperitifs: 7.00 for 7.30

Dinner: 8.00

Auction: 10.00

Disco: 10.30 onwards

Carriages: 1.00am

Numbers will be limited, so please reserve your tickets as soon as possible throughsummerball2011@sapa.org.uk. Updates and any additional information available on www.sapa.org.uk.

All proceeds to be split between the Sports Committee (for the upcoming rugby tour) and SAPA (for various school and college initiatives)

Auction and raffle donations will be gratefully received as will offers of help or sponsorship for additional “treats” on the night. Please contact chair@sapa.org.uk for more details.

Please remember this isn't just another school fund-raiser - this is staff and parents coming together to celebrate the advancement of St. Ambrose and the building of a community committed to supporting our sons through their education

College Photo

2011-04-01T00:00:00

The College is photo is ready for viewing at:

http://www.gillmanandsoame.co.uk/

Userid = 231718

Password = 485030

You may order on-line this year

Speech Night 2011

2011-04-01T00:00:00

South African Headteacher Dermot Connors described the long haul to racial equality in his adopted homeland when he addressed over 2,000 pupils and parents at St. Ambrose College’s annual speech night.

Born and brought up in Waterford in Ireland, the birth place of Edmund Rice, the founding father of the global network of Christian Brother schools, Dermot told his audience that his school ‘Veritas’, some 20 kms east of Johannesburg had already been at the vanguard of multi-culturalism prior to Nelson Mandela’s release 1994. “Because of the Christian Brothers philosophy we had already gone along way to removing racial segregation prior to 1994, it was against the law of the time, but we considered it our moral duty.”

“Since 1994, as a CBC school, we have probably been able to break down barriers more quickly than in many state schools. In fact I would say that children in our classes now simply don’t know how black children there are in the class and how many white children there are. It’s no longer an issue.”

Dermot added: “One of the most positive moves to was introduce remedial classes to enable the new intake of black children to catch up. They simply had not had the benefit of a formal education as our white pupils had enjoyed and needed the extra attention. But with that additional teaching, of course, they soon caught up.”

Dermot was making a three-day flying visit to speak at the glittering event in Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and also to share knowledge and new ideas with fellow Christian Brother teachers.

He said: “As a global community we share a common bond of the Edmund Rice vision but realise that teachers in different parts of the world will be delivering that vision in different ways, and that we have new methods to share and learn from. It is always a positive experience to come to the U.K. and see just what is being done in the British education, as I am sure it is for our visiting teachers to come to South Africa.”

St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson said: “As teachers we know that Education is at the heart of delivering positive social change and it was fascinating to learn how our counterparts in South Africa have played
such a pivotal role in the birth of a new country and much more benevolent culture.”

Scottish U17 spot for Sam and Tom Moncur

2011-03-01T00:00:00

U17 spot for Sam and Tom Moncur

Twin brothers Sam and Tom Moncur have been chosen in the Scotland Under-17 squad for a three-day training camp at Fettes College, Edinburgh, this weekend. The camp is the first stage of two weekends prior to the international against England U17s at Leeds on Sunday 3 April and then an international festival at Wellington College, Berkshire later in the month.
Centre Sam and hooker Tom are both pupils at St Ambrose College, Altrincham, and are attached to Sale Sharks.

Consecration

2011-03-01T00:00:00

Catholic clergy donned their hard hats to consecrate the site of the new St. Ambrose College, now under construction.
School chaplain Father Jonathan Mitchell blessed the ground on which the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School will stand.
The service took place at the centre of the new £22.5 million pathfinder building and involved the blessing and burial of a Celtic cross.

The school will be built in the shape of a Celtic cross and Headmaster Michael Thompson said: “We felt it would be apt to have a Celtic cross underneath our feet and for the site of this fabulous new project to stand on Holy ground.”

Ground works have already started on land adjacent to main Hale Road with the new school expected to be ready for September 2012.

The main body of the Celtic Cross will feature four houses, on two levels, with eight distinct learning faculties for Mathematics, English, Science, Languages, Humanities, Technology, Religious Studies and Sport.

On the ground level will be an open plan social area with a Chapel at the heart of the school, an auditorium for 1,000 people, which can be converted into a theatre in the round, and a canteen.

The vertical line of the cross will be a state of the arts sports centre with a competition sized swimming pool, four badminton courts, a fitness centre, dance studio and sports science laboratory.

Pictured are Father Anthony Coglioli, Father Jonathan Mitchell and Head Master Michael Thompson.

Acting Success

2011-03-01T00:00:00

It’s an actor’s life for young thespian Darragh Cowley who is currently in rehearsals for five different productions. Darragh, 14, from Heaton Chapel, joined the Plaza Youth Theatre only 18 months ago and now is hardly ever off the stage. The St. Ambrose College actor’s hunger follows starring roles in Plaza Theatre’s production of Peter Pan, playing to 1200 people a night, with further parts in Annie, Guys and Dolls, Twelfth Night and Jungle Book

He also took time out to take the lead role in his college’s acclaimed production of Bugsy Malone, is now juggling five new parts as he aims for a career on the stage.

Darragh is to play Riley in Our Day Out at the end of the Summer term, and is now in auditions for Oaklahoma for October. He has a part in Billy Elliot, is directing the 4-to-8-year-olds Plaza Peas in Seussical the Musical and is part of a university student’s degree production. In between the drummer and singer rehearses with his band ‘The Jodies.’

He said: “I am in rehearsals for each different production on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, then again on Saturday and all day Sunday. My parents say if I lose control of my school work I will have to stop, but I work hard in lessons and do homework during lunchtimes. He added: “Joining Plaza Youth Theatre has changed my life.”

Darragh gave a virtuoso performance in Bugsy and only then did we realise just how seriously he was pursuing his ambitions. In class Darragh is reserved and hard-working but as soon as he gets on the stage he becomes a totally different person.

Old Boy Receives Papal Award

2011-03-01T00:00:00

On Friday, Old Ambrosian Michael Prior was presented with the Papal Benemerenti Medal to celebrate 50 years of service to Stonyhurst College. The presentation was made in the College Chapel by Fr. Michael Holman SJ the Provincial of the British Jesuits. He was the principal Celebrant along with 5 other Jesuits and Michael's own Parish Priest Fr. John Rafferty. After the sung High Mass there was a Reception for Family and Friends in The Long Room.

'Be the Change' Convention

2011-03-01T00:00:00

The front line in the mission to save the planet for future generations discussed how best to convey the message at a special symposium for teachers from Christian Brothers schools.

Hundreds of teachers from four Christian Brothers schools in the north and midlands: St. Ambrose in Hale Barns, St. Joseph’s in Trent Vale, St. Anselm’s in Birkenhead and St. Mary’s in Crosby gathered for a day devoted to examining how best to persuade the next generation not to make the same mistakes as our current power brokers.

Volunteer lead speaker Mike Arundale said: “The purpose is to put forward an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on the planet. Mike added: “We want to create a future that we can all aspire to. We want to show how so many important ecological issues are all interconnected, enable teachers to relate to the increasing amounts of data and be empowered to play their part in that change.”

“Teachers have a key part to play in what is the most important story of our time and we were absolutely delighted to be invited here.” Mike added there was no escaping the simple fact that each and everyone has responsibilities: “Everyone has to reflect on the small changes they can make in order to make a big collective change. We have to make a powerful statement to ourselves and to others around us. “For example schools and other groups have a duty to convert to solar and wind power and show large businesses and government those who have the most powerful levers that the citizens want change. That’s the only way they will respond.”

The symposium suggested hundreds of different ideas to start making a difference from buying a reusable water bottle, to reducing meat consumption, stopping junk mail and planting an organic garden.

Michael Thompson Head Master of St. Ambrose College said: “The school pupils we teach are incredibly motivated to bring about environmental change and it is our duty to satisfy that thirst for knowledge and identify practical solutions that they can make part of their family’s lives. It was an inspirational symposium; a very memorable collective experience for us all.”

To find out more please visit: www.bethechange.org.uk

Alcohol awareness day

2011-02-01T00:00:00

The agonies of persistent alcohol abuse were explained to St. Ambrose 2nd year pupils on an alcohol awareness day.

The health care team at the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School took every pupil through the short term and long affects of the demon drink. From the slurred speech, blurred vision and the general unsteadiness of drunkenness, to cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, obesity and psoriasis caused in the longer term, boys discovered the risks and necessary responsibilities associated with the nation’s favourite pastime.

Pictured student in a pair of glasses designed to mimic the affects of drinking.

Anthony, from Altrincham, said: “My mum and dad have explained the dangers of drinking, but not in such detail and it has certainly made everyone think again about drinking. It doesn’t seem that cool to any of us.”

St. Ambrose College Headteacher Michael Thompson said: “Society has to manage a growing problem of alcohol abuse and the first place to start is with better education.”

St. Ambrose College Nurse Linda England, who delivered the alcohol awareness, said: “We don’t want to stop young people enjoying a social drink, but no one should drink at all before the age of 15, and thereafter young adults should be very careful not to cause irreparable damage early in their lives.”

Daily Mail National Schools Cup

2011-02-01T00:00:00

St. Ambrose under-15 rugby players produced a battling rearguard performance in the quarter-finals of the Daily Mail National Schools Cup, but ultimately their efforts came too little, too late.

Facing up to a physically intimidating team from Truro High School at the Catholic Grammar School's grounds in Hale Barns, the Ambrosians were trailing 20 - 0 10 minutes into the second half.

Coach Mr Cutting said: “The Cornishmen were outstanding in the opening stages and we made a few silly mistakes.” But if Ambrose were caught cold in the first half, they came roaring back in the second half, with beautifully worked moves for centres Dave Jones and Harry Callaghan to go over for telling tries.

They then got within touching distance of a semi-final berth when livewire scrum half Matthew Beasley produced two dazzling dummies to waltz past the cover to bring the score to 20 - 15. But despite powerful performances from Ciaran Parker, Liam Lyons and David Shepherd the cherry and blues could not muster a decisive final score.

Mr Cutting added: “It was a fabulous game of rugby and I was delighted that our lads refused to give up but showed their mettle. Although the last eight in a national competition is a good display, I know the boys feel disappointed not to have gone even further.”

Karate Kid

2011-02-01T00:00:00

Karate kid Jake Clegg has won gold and bronze medals in the Karate Council’s National Championships.

The St. Ambrose College Year 7 pupil won gold in the team event and bronze in the individual Kata sections.

Jake, 11, from Heaton Norris, Stockport, will now represent England in the World Championships in Cadiz later this year for the second year in succession.

Jake is a specialist in Kata sequences, which are rehearsed acrobatic moves and sparring fights Jake added: “You need to be strong, have good balance, great confidence, and natural agility plus the ability to breathe deeply through each of the exercise routines.

“I think Karate builds confidence and self control and I have really enjoyed seeing how much better I can get if I work hard over the last three years.” St. Ambrose College Headmaster said: “It’s a great achievement to represent your country and we hope Jake will continue to develop all his skills.”

Fergus Mulchrone

2011-02-01T00:00:00

New Sale Sharks centre Fergus Mulchrone returned to his old school to tell the next generation of St. Ambrose College rugby hopefuls of life in the professional ranks. Described as a model for young rugby players by Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Kingsley Jones, Fergus, 23, from Moor Lane, Wilmslow told a hugely appreciative audience of his unusual path to the top. “After leaving school, I took a year out to go travelling and then took a marketing degree at Manchester Metropolitan University. I joined Macclesfield Rugby Club and just kept applying myself until I was spotted.” He added: “Most of my contemporaries went to Premiership academies, but I am glad I did it this way. It was fantastic to play at Macclesfield.”

The son of a London Irish stalwart and brother of Charlie Mulchrone who was a schoolboy Irish international, Fergus was never the star of the memorable St. Ambrose College side, which won the North-West Floodlit club in 2005. St. Ambrose College Head of Physical Education Nigel Handy said: “Fergus wasn’t the stand out player in his generation, but whereas the majority of talented young players do not apply themselves properly, Fergus just kept going and going and going and look where he is now - every young player’s dream - a contract a Premiership club.” A powerhouse centre, Fergus told his audience that there was no substitute for hard work. “We start at 8.30 in the morning and have our weight, body mass and body fats monitored.

We then work on core flexibility, will have two rugby sessions for endurance and skills with more work in the weights room. It doesn’t stop there. I know some guys who train hard but then go down the chippy and to the bar. You just can’t do that. Diet and rest are essential too.” Fergus has already played three games for Sale and was not about to talk about other ambitions. “I got a contract in the Summer and that’s fantastic, to talk about England is just unrealistic - my ambitions are all with Sale.”

Kingsley Jones said: “Fergus is a model for the future. With the new wage cap in the Premiership more and more players are going to France for big money contracts and clubs like ours just cannot scour the world for fresh talent. We have to look closer to home and who could be a better role model than Fergus, who learned his rugby just a stone’s throw from the club. It’s these boys that we really want to encourage and to show just what can be achieved with hard work.”

Old Folks' Party

2010-02-01T00:00:00

Gladys France enjoyed the last year’s St. Ambrose College Old Folks Christmas party so much, that she made a special effort to come to this year’s celebratory event.

Now 96-years-old, Gladys, from Meadow Close in Hale, said: “After last year I wanted to be here again so much, and I really want to be at next year’s party as well. We all love talking to the young men and appreciate everything they do to make this such a special day for us.”

Gladys gave as good as she got when it came to pulling a cracker with St. Ambrose College Sixth Form organiser and rugby player, 6ft 6 ins, 17-year-old Hugo Cassani.

Hugo said: “Some of our guests are nearly six times our age and have such a wealth of experience. We all love chatting, discovering what they all did in their own lives and what’s important to them now. They offer such wonderful advice, free of prejudice or sentiment, but gained from a lifetime’s wisdom.”

Gladys was among 30 old folks from St. Vincent’s and Holy Angel’s parishes invited into the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School for an annual Christmas Party.

As well as simply talking and enjoying each other’s company, the sixth formers laid on sherry, mince pies, bingo and music. Hugo added: “They certainly know how to party.

CAPTION: And the prize goes to 96-year-old Gladys as she pulls a cracker with 17-year-old St. Ambrose College rugby player Hugo Cassani.

Remembrance Sunday

2010-01-01T00:00:00

The war-dead were remembered in a multi-faith service at the Hale Barns Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Members of the Anglican, Catholic and Jewish faiths honoured the heroism of the fallen military in a joint service with civic leaders.

The service was held in the Anglican All Saints Church with boys from the Catholic St. Ambrose College reading all the names of the fallen.

Michael Thompson Headmaster of St. Ambrose College said: “Sadly it seems the same words are more and more relevant with every turning year. With so many brave young men losing their lives in Afghanistan, this service is a vital date in our calendar and a reminder that young men not much older than our boys are paying the ultimate sacrifice."

Mr Thompson added: “How terrible to have this happen to you, and to be forgotten. Down that road lies even more horror, more war. More Auswchwitzes, more Gallipolis or Guernicas, more Normandy beaches or Fallujahs."

Old Ambrosian Paul Maynard MP

2010-01-01T00:00:00

Conservative M.P. Paul Maynard thanked his old teachers for ‘teaching me to shout from the roof tops’ when he retuned to St. Ambrose College. The 34-year-old Oxford History graduate, is now one of three old Ambrosians now sitting in the House of Commons, and was the guest speaker at the Hale Barns’ Catholic Grammar School annual Old Boys’ Reunion dinner. Paul, who has mild cerebral palsy, said: “St. Ambrose taught me to speak up for myself. It brought me out of my shell and taught me to shout from the roof tops. I learned how to debate, how to frame an argument. It formed all my thinking and I will be always be grateful to teachers such as Sean Fleming the late Charlie Crawford."

Paul, who was born and brought up in Timperley, said: “The reason I got into politics was that back in the 1990s there was a chance that Labour might win Trafford and destroy schools like St. Ambrose and what we need in this country and what the Conservatives are now promoting is many different kinds of schools, with power handed back to head-teachers who know what is best for local children." Elected as MP for Blackpool and Cleveleys at the last general election, Paul often rubs shoulders with fellow Ambrosians Conservative Damien Hinds and Lib Dem Greg Mulholland. “We all share a love of the school and often talk about our days here."

St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson said: “Paul is a wonderful role model and we believe it is no coincidence that St. Ambrose has three current parliamentarians, because a social conscience is, and has always been, at the heart of everything we do."

Paul is pictured looking at his old school photograph with Headmaster.

Boys visit Sierra Leone

2010-01-01T00:00:00

Modern missionaries from St. Ambrose College have returned from their 10-day trip to poverty stricken Sierra Leone as changed men. The 12 sixth form students and 6 staff from the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School went to the war torn West African state to discover what life is really like for a people still emerging from a gruesome bloodbath. Their photographs reveal a triumph of the human spirit under appalling conditions.

Matthew McAuliffe, 17, from Altrincham, summed up the young men’s sentiments: “Seeing the children’s smiles amidst such sheer desolation was a life changing experience.” The party first flew into the capital Freetown to visit the bayside slums, a sprawling shantytown built on the city’s rubbish dumps, extending further into the sea as new land is created from piles of rotting landfill.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, 17, from Sale, said: “It was an eye opening experience. It’s completely different to anything you will ever see in the Western World. The slums, were cramped, squalid, smelly, unsanitary and obviously a danger to the thousands and thousands of inhabitants.” The party, who each raised £1500 for the challenge, and took with them 20 containers of clothes, educational equipment and toys, then went to teach in the country’s second city of Bo, set in the heart of the interior.

Michael Barry, 17, from Timperley, said: “The welcome we received from all the children was simply fantastic. They were so happy to see us and it was such a privilege to work with them.” Matthew Bibi, 17, from Altrincham, added: “It helped us learn a lot more about the developing world and about ourselves, but I must say you don’t change Africa, Africa changes you.” Tens of thousands of innocent people were killed in the war that raged from 1991 to 2002 with two million fleeing as refugees. Even though the country is blessed with vast natural resources including vast diamond mines, Sierra Leone was declared the poorest country in the world in 1998 and abject poverty is evident in every street and in every school.

St. Ambrose has already raised £20,000 in the last two years for Sierra Leone and in line with sister Catholic schools in the U.K. is actively supporting the Sierra Leone Christian Brothers missions.

Andrew Roche, Assistant Head of Religious Education, said: “The trip develops the bonds between Christian Brothers’ Schools around the world, and continues the missionary zeal of our founding father Edmund Rice, who started his network of schools in Waterford in Southern Ireland to help slum children.” Mr Roche added: “We intend to return at last every two years to Sierra Leone and, alongside our sister schools in the U.K., make a genuine contribution to improving schooling in Sierra Leone.”

NWAS teach life saving skills

2010-01-01T00:00:00

First it was the boys and now it’s the staff, everyone at St. Ambrose College will be trained to save a life. St. Ambrose College is the first school in the country to roll out vital life saving techniques to all its pupils and staff. In January North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) provided free training to 23 Sixth Form students, who have since been rolling out the training programme to 965 pupils down the school. The training course included operating a defibrillator ⎯ a machine that can restart the heart by giving an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest ⎯ and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The Sixth Form students, were taking the course as part of their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, and delivered the training to all the pupils in the Hale Barns Catholic Grammar School with the on-going support from NWAS. Now the same exercise has begun with the teaching and support staff, with 80 adults also taking the course.

NWAS’s Community Resuscitation Development Officer, Rob Sharples, who carried out the training said: “This is the first time we have gone into a school specifically to train the trainers, who in the case of the students will then work with the younger children throughout the College, and in the case of the teachers the rest of their colleagues in the staff room.” “The new skills they have acquired mean that eventually all staff and pupils at the school will have the ability to provide life-saving help to patients before paramedics arrive.” He added: “Many of the qualities you need to be a lifesaver, such as emotional detachment and coolness, in what can be highly stressful circumstances, naturally come with experience, but we believe teaching these vital skills will ultimately save lives.”

St. Ambrose College Headmaster Michael Thompson, said: “Our Sixth Form students have been fortunate to learn off such an outstanding professional who has so much experience and they have responded extremely positively to the challenge." Mr Thompson added: “It is a very valuable exercise and important that both pupils and staff alike learn these skills. For our pupils it is an investment that could still reap rewards in 70 or 80 years time.”

Halle

Seventeen boys from 1st and 2nd year spent the day with members of the Halle choir and the Halle Orchestra. The day concluded with a fantastic performance of Parry's 'Blessed Pair of Sirens' and extracts from 'Carmina Burana' by Carl Orff, including the well known movement 'O Fortuna' often heard on X Factor. They were fortunate enough to be conducted by Sir Mark Elder and Greg Batsleer, who publicly acknowledged the boys at the end of the rehearsal and mentioned how well they had done.