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5 February 2018
MHSG’s Balance Week put the brakes on homework, and everyone were involved with fun lunchtime activities, be it testing their strength at powerlifting, spending time with guide dogs for the blind or relaxing in a yoga class.
Mrs Goddard, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Manchester High School for Girls, said: “Balance Week was launched three years ago and it has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the School calendar.
“It is the perfect opportunity for us all to take some time out; readjust and reflect on our busy lives. We want our pupils to have a calm and well-adjusted approach to their studies and in order to do so they need a healthy body and a healthy mind. These are skills for life which will sustain our pupils when they move onto further education and, indeed, the workplace”.
Manchester High School for Girls student, Sofia Wedgwood (11) from Didsbury, said: “Having no homework for a week is an obvious bonus but I was more excited about trying out all the different activities on offer. I was one of the first girls to sign up for powerlifting which certainly isn’t one of my usual hobbies! We’ve learned that it’s not just for body builders. It’s good for the heart and lungs and helps build endurance. It’s also meant to give you real strength of mind, if you can lift that heavy bar then you can handle anything that comes your way.”
MHSG is an academically rigorous school and students achieve excellent results; a quarter of the Class of 2017 secured a string of straight A*s and As at A-level, and 88% of all grades were in the A* to B range. However, the School highlights that its excellent academic outcomes are sustained by a commitment to the personal development of a child.
Mrs Goddard explained: “The School places great importance on the girls’ personal development. At Manchester High, we educate girls to lead balanced and healthy lives and offer them a wide learning experience from which they can all thrive. Balance Week is a small part of our extensive Wellbeing programme, but it has great benefits. Girls have been visibly enjoying themselves, and having fun in a social setting which creates a wonderful sense of togetherness and belonging that should not be underestimated.”
