Karting Craziness

Our trip to F1 Go-Karting earlier this month gave students the chance to test out their driving skills - and they certainly pushed them to the limit! Divided into three groups of seven drivers, everyone got straight into the action, attempting to set fast qualifying laps to determine their starting grid positions. The Bootham students didn't seem to grasp the concept of 'warm-up laps', or 'safety-first driving' as they accelerated into racing mode from the off. It certainly made for compelling viewing, even if some of the driving verged on unsporting! By the time the races started everyone had good control and it was about vying for those poduim positions. Congratulations to Liam, David and Alex, who came first, second and third respectively in the overall standings - top work from the Lower Senior boys!

A walk on the wild side

In early February we took a trip down to Doncaster to Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Despite the long drive and wintery weather the lure of seeing giraffes, tigers, lions and the like was too strong to resist. There was indeed some wonderful wildlife on show, but the highlight for most of us was definitely being able to get up close and personal with a group of wallabies - never to be forgotten!

Rainbow Ceramics

Res Grads Rachel and Jess led the way to Rainbow Ceramics where a group of arty students was able to get creative designing and painting their own customised mugs and plates - with some colourful and very professional-looking results...

Spring Term Boarders' Trips

The drab weather over the last few months has not dampened the spirits of our pluck boarding students and Resident Graduates. On each and every Sunday this term we've gone beyond the confines of the school grounds and had some fantastic days out around York and beyond. From the comfort of cinema, theatre, and making our own mugs and plates at Rainbow Ceramics to the adrenaline rush of go-karting and paintballing, we've had an action-packed term! Photos to follow...

Dancing on ice

Seems a long time ago now, but back in December a group of boarders led by Luke and Amy (a former national ice-skating competitor no less) showed off their skating skills at the Ice Factor just outside York. A great time was had by all - no broken bones, thankfully - and we even managed to squeeze in a little xmas shopping afterwards at the Designer Outlet.

 

Bootham Fireworks and BBQ

This evening we celebrated Guy Fawkes Night (one day late!) in style with a hearty BBQ outside Fox House, followed by a scintillating fireworks display courtesy of Mike Shaw and Rob Hudson. Many thanks to all involved, especially Edmund Fisher and Alex Blott for sorting out the lights and sound, Ian Zhong for providing the music and Liam Langedijk and Robert Hall for the amazing video projection.

 The party in full swing

 Res Grads Amy and John showing their skills

 Resident DJs Ian and Edmund

 Rowntree girls enjoying the festivities

 Light show

 The real deal

 Mike getting a little close for comfort!

Res Grad Team 2012-13

Here's a belated introduction to our team of Resident Graduates for this academic year. For those that don't know, we're here to organise regular activities and trips to keep boarding students entertained, look after children in the boarding houses, help students with prep, provide tutoring and support, as well as many other day-to-day duties around school such as admin, reception and lesson cover.

Familiar faces from last year include Daniel Gustafsson, Amy Sheldrake and Luke Highstead. The injection of inspirational of new blood includes John Chambers, who's come down from from Scotland, as well as Jess Melia and Rachel Essex who are both local Yorkshire ladies. Among the resident staff we also welcome Morvin Hamilton from Glasgow (Writer in Residence), and welcome back Emily Harper (Res Artist). I'll post up some individual profiles with more detail at a later date if I can obtain their permission!

From left: Luke, John, Morvin, Jess, Rachel, Amy (front), Emily, Daniel.