ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

Life in Brigg often produces humour in the most unexpected situations, as this incident at Sir John Nelthorpe School demonstrates very well.
In her annual report, just issued to the former pupils' association, The Briggensians, headteacher Linda Hewlett-Parker (pictured) recalls the latest inspection by Ofsted, in which 'HMI' had been very positive about the progress made by the science department.
Not exactly an amusing time for any school, however well-run and successful. But bear with us...here comes the funny bit, involving fancy dress.
"Fortunately the HMI had a sense of humour, as the inspection took place during the sixth form TWAG week," Linda explains.
"When the HMI asked to interview four students who were studying sciences post 16, he was presented with Dennis the Menace (aka head boy), Little Bo Peep, a leprechaun and Emu!
"Not only did the science department do well but also the sixth form raised £2,900 for charities in four days."
The Headteacher's Report 2008 is included in the annual newsletter, compiled for the Briggensians' Association by David Brittain, who many will remember (prior to his retirement) as head of SJN and a physics master at its forerunner, Brigg Grammar School.
Dave emails the annual report - containing a wide range of stories, memories and photos - all round the UK and to ex-pupils living in far-flung corners of the world. Many printed copies also go out in the post.
You can find out more about the good work of the former pupils' association, and join up if you haven't already done so, by visiting the website www.briggensians.net
The hard-working committee oversees an annual dinner and various sports events spread throughout the year, but more of those in later posts on this Blog.
Now back to Linda's report on present-day life at the school. Here's the remainder, in her own words...

The GCSE results achieved by Year 11 pupils in the summer of 2007 were very good. The percentage of pupils passing five or more subjects at grades A* to C rose to 62.4 per cent. The new government target for 16 year olds requires pupils to pass five subjects at grade C or above including English and Mathematics. We were very pleased to find that Sir John Nelthorpe School came top of the local league table with 57.3 per cent, which is well above the national average.
The Sixth Form A level results were also very pleasing with a pass rate of 97.9 per cent. There was a significant rise in the number of students achieving higher grades. All the students who wished to go on to higher education courses were successful in obtaining suitable places on a wide range of courses.
The students should all be proud of their achievements and we wish them well for the future.
Recruitment to the Sixth Form has been very successful this year; 52 students enrolled in the lower sixth in September. This is the highest number for some years. There are now 95 students in the sixth form at Sir John Nelthorpe bringing the total to 140 in the joint sixth form (operated with neighbouring Vale of Ancholme - NF).
There have been significant increases in recruiting students to study mathematics and science subjects post 16, which is one of our specialist schools targets. Despite this the LSC and government continue to target school sixth forms for closure. Economy of scale seems to be their priority.
The summer term 2007 was an eventful one for Sir John Nelthorpe School. The Girls' High School Reunion was held on June 30 to celebrate 70 years of the Wrawby Road building being opened.
This provided the opportunity for ex-pupils and staff to relive old times and rekindle friendships. I would like to thank all staff and friends of the school who helped to organise the event and attend on the day.
Fortunately the reunion had taken place before the rain arrived in July! The school field was under water and seagulls took up residence in the ha-ha, which became a moat!
The sixth form residential visits and induction courses went ahead and were enjoyed by all involved despite the rain. As the monsoon continued and the days ran out it became apparent that sports day was not going to happen, however the summer house matches did take place between the storms.
The weather did not prevent parents, pupils and staff from turning out to support the 'summer' musical evenings, end of term celebrations and proms or participating in the annual Outward Bound week.
At the end of the summer term we said goodbye to Dr Eric Stainton who had been deputy headteacher and teacher of chemistry at Sir John Nelthorpe for 17 years. We all wish him well for a long and healthy retirement.
September saw the beginning of a new academic year and we welcomed Chris Peters as the new deputy on the Wrawby Road site. He teaches biology.
The Governors, Trustees and Briggensians continue to make great contributions to the life of the school. I would like to thank them for their continued support.