Wikipedia: Bad jokes and other deleted nonsense/The Blue Coat School, Oldham

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From the Blue Coat School, Oldham page, by a small group, most probably students:

The main building, in the Pleasant era.

Overview

The Blue Coat School, Oldham is a Church of England comprehensive school in Oldham, a town in North West England.

The school caters for pupils aged 11 - 18, offering A Level and GCSE courses, one attraction being its Beacon School science college status.

The motto of the schools is from the Latin: "Semper, Quaeraemus, Virtutem". This means "Faith, Vision, Nurture". Each pupil remembers this phrase at the beginning of each school day as it is part of the crest on the front of the school blazer.

As well as this, the school has gained leading edge status. This means the school has social responsibility to help develop other secondary schools in the area, as well as themselves.

Hollis' vision as of July 2004: Now the school has proved to be "the best in Oldham", it is working to become "the best in the North West" which will pave the way "to become the best in England".

<center>The post-Hollis renovations.

Recent Government grants have enabled the school to venture into a multi-million building scheme. So far additions have been a wheelchair lift to increase disabled access; and the reconstruction and further reconstruction of the school's Main Entrance. This involved the erection of a handrail-free, lighted walkway and single double-glazed door, designed by Art teacher Peter Hughes. There was an observance to celebrate the new steps in which they were blessed by a local Vicar.

The Blue Coat school provides an education for those who live in areas of Oldham, Saddleworth, Manchester, Tameside, Rochdale and Derbyshire. A five minute walk from the town centre, the Blue Coat school is at the heart of the community. Currently, there are around 1050 pupils in the main school, with an additional 200 in the sixth form. There are also nearly 100 memebers of staff (teaching or otherwise) who work at the school.

To gain entry to the school, evidence of a Church Of England background is necessary. However, this has been the subject of controversy due to the large nearby Muslim population. During a school year, there are three communions (Christmas, Easter and End of year) and the assemblies during the school time have a strong Christian theme.

In years seven to nine, pupils study a broad range of subjects in Key Stage 3, before taking Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) in the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science. These examinations test the competancy of both the pupils understanding of each subject as well as the standard of their teaching. Years ten and eleven involve Key Stage 4 work, which leads to General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs). Pupils must do the core subjects of Mathematics, English (Language and Literature), Double or Triple Science, Religious Studies and a modern foreign language (either French or German). On top of these, pupils are given the option of three more subjects, which could be an additional language, History, Geography, Drama Studies, Information Technology, Physical Education, Business Studies or Drama, as well as several Design and Technology courses.. In these years, pupils can be expected to do substantial coursework, as well as examinations. The majority of these are at the fag end of year eleven. After this, education is not compulsary. Pupils can choose to stay at the sixth form for years twelve and thirteen. Alternatively they could choose another sixth form college, such as Oldham Sixth Form College, Tameside Sixth Form College or The Blackburn School of Farming. However, some students look for work by this stage, for a variety of reasons. Should pupils stay on at Blue Coat in year 12, they will be required to choose four subjects to study for AS-level. The school currently offers around 30 different and diverse courses. In year 13, each student keeps at least three of these subjects for A2-level. Students will have the option of keeping all of their subjects through A2, doing three A2-levels and one new AS-level, or just three A2-levels in year 13. The intensity of sixth-form is high, with a large amount of coursework expected in each subject, as well as exams at the end of each year. Having completed sixth form, students have several options. These include going to University, finding work or taking a gap year.

Julie Hollis MA(Oxon) (Mrs).

The most recent OFSTED inspection was in 1999, during the reign of Ken I. A summary of the report was that it was one of the top comprehensive schools in the country. However, despite attracting and nurturing gifted students, the school spent more time worrying about minor details such as the issue of hair gel, rather than actual teaching. Of the teaching, the report gave nothing but credit to the methods adopted and the results gained.

Contact details

• Address: The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham, OL1 3SQ
• Tel: +44 (0)161 624 1484
• Fax: +44 (0)161 628 4997
• Email: secretary@blue-coat.oldham.sch.uk
• Website: http://www.blue-coat.oldham.sch.uk

Geographic directions

• Assuming travel on the M62, turn off at junction 20.
• Take A627(M) into Oldham.
• Continue until the A62 Ring Road.
• Take the Huddersfield exit from the roundabout at Mumps.
• At the first set of traffic lights, turn left into Shaw Road (B6194).
• At the second set of forthcoming traffic lights, turn left into Egerton Street.
• Continue and the school is at the top of the hill on a right turning, just before Horsedge Street.

You'll know you're in right area when you start to see scallys. Whatever you do, do NOT stop and ask for directions, otheriwse you WILL be carjacked.

A road map of the area surrounding Oldham was here, but has been deemed a copyright violation.

Staff

The current headteacher is Julie Hollis MA (Oxon) (Mrs).

There are two deputy headteachers:

• Brian Devenport
• Mike Platt

And two assistants:

• Robin Gadsbey
• Claire Green

Subjects

<center>One of the leading art students.
<center>Subject	<center>Head of Department
<center>Art	<center>Philip D'Roza
<center>Biology	<center>Doctor Lawson
<center>Business Studies	<center>Clive Lightfoot
<center>Chemistry	<center>Myra Brunton
<center>Design & Technology	<center>Anne J Cooke
<center>Drama	<center>Betty Boardman
<center>English	<center>Dorothy Rank
<center>Food Technology	<center>Kathleen Lees
<center>General Science	<center>T.J. Hughes
<center>Geography	<center>Sally Sinfield
<center>History	<center>Ronald Clewer
<center>Information Technology	<center>Anthony Ballantyne
<center>Key Skills (A-level only)	<center>Patrick Iceberg
<center>Mathematics	<center>Laura Dobson
<center>Modern Foreign Languages	<center>Alice Knott
<center>Music	<center>Sarah Brown
<center>Physical Education	<center>Brian Duffy
<center>Physics	<center>Michael Johnson
<center>Religious Studies	<center>Carol Williams
<center>Social Science	<center>Eugene Kirwan
<center>Textile Technology	<center>Alison Clayton (formerly Carrott)

Houses

The school uses a house system; the school is divided into three smaller sections, there are three houses:

</table>

Upper school

The upper school is also divided:

</table>

School history

Thomas Henshaw, the founder, who died in 1810, left the sum of £40,000 for the endowment of the Blue Coat School. As no provision had been made for the cost of the building, a public meeting was held in Oldham in September 1825, when offers of land were received, and a public appeal was launched for funds to build the school. A start was made in 1829 when the foundation stone was laid and the school was opened in 1834. Throughout the remainder of the nineteenth century the school continued to maintain and instruct between 100 and 130 boys.

In July 1952, the trustees decided that, as the number of pupils in residence was gradually decreasing, Blue Coat should be closed as a residential school and the building converted for use as a secondary modern day school. This plan was effected, and the school became co-educational accommodating approximately 400 pupils.

The Oldham Henshaw and Church of England Educational Trust, constituted in 1950, had as one of its aims the building and maintenance of new secondary schools, and one of its objectives was to provide a Special Agreement secondary school by extending and reorganising Blue Coat into a comprehensive school. This plan was realised in September 1966 when The Blue Coat School became fully comprehensive. It is now a seven form entry Voluntary Aided Comprehensive School admitting 211 boys and girls each year, with a thriving Sixth Form, the majority of whom go on to Higher Education. Voluntary Aided status means that the governors of the school are responsible for the upkeep of all buildings and have to rely on the financial support and generosity of parents and friends of the school.

Pictures

School amenities

• The Main Entrance - situated at the traditional front of school, this was a convenient method of entry to the building, but is inaccessible to students due the complex nature of the new design.

• The Student Entrance - located at the side of the main building; outside the hall. Despite it's name, teachers can use it as well.

• The Hall - the place for all religious activity, including worship to God, Thomas Henshaw and the relevant headteacher of the time. It is also a place for exams. It contains many spiritual items, most notably a grand piano, which was donated by a governor circa 1910 and is rarely played, except by popular figures and those who can also handle a saxophone.

• Kirkman House - advertised as a sixth form area, many younger years are starting to filter through to use the services of this place. In particular, the room Kirkman House 3 is a popular area for social inclusion.

• The Jean Taylor Block - originally made entirely out of cardboard, local surveyors insisted that some form of insulation was added to the design.

• The Undercroft - an alternative social area for sixth formers. This place has been used, abused and is now the main venue for Oldham's underground boxing contests.

• The Poncy Arts block - officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 2002, this was the drama department's response to the construction of the Jean Taylor block, used for modern foreign languages.

• The House Block - the hangout chat place for years 7-10. This is generally the untidyiest place in the school, and has since been nicknamed "cream cheese". Until recently, this place had pool facilities.

• The White Zone - this is used for loading and unloading only.

• The Gym - as well as hosting sports events, this building is universal for any purpose, including religious activities after it was declared "thsacred" by Dave Saville in early 1996. However, the sports facilities will be moving to a new gym, which has been funded by the lottery, Government grants and generous donations from former pupils and parents.

• The Library - the main purpose of this research facility is for sixth form pupils to have suitable environment in which to work. Also, in recent times, certain members of staff have found it appropriate to conduct their lessons there, resulting in angry sixth-formers being "one step away from hitting a person". The school's librarian is Glynis Allen. Her assistant is Sally Wilkinson. During lunch hours, younger students earn invaluable pocket money by assisting whilst Allen eats her lunch amongst the books.

Annual events

• Founder's Day: The commemoration of the school's founder Thomas Henshaw. This is usually held towards the end of July. It involves the school's pupils parading in front of the residents of Oldham as they walk down to the parish church, under the guidance of senior teacher Simon Read, who has naval experience of such events.
  Here, there is a service which recognises the achievements of both the founder and the current dictator. The assembled school then proceeds back to the sacred grounds of Hollisville, where a wreath is laid in front of Henshaw's statue.

• Speech Night: Usually held on the second Friday in November, this recognises the achievements of a minority of pupils over the past academic year. Notable feature of the ceremony are the prolonged speech by the headteacher and the fact that certain pupils do not fit in with the cliqué, so are not even considered for the award, irrespective of the previous year's work. Over previous years, the ceremony has taken place at Manchester Cathedral and the Oldham Coliseum.

• Xmas Fayre: Despite being a Church of England funded school, this day is not usually referred to as being Christmas. It occurs on the last academic day of the year and the pupils are encouraged to raise money for charity by paying ever increasing funds to wear non-uniform, watch/take part in a talent show and buy items at the fayre itself.

• Community Day - this occurs towards the end of the year. It involves pupils integrating on a social plane. A typical day may involve picking up litter inside the school grounds (encouraging social responsibility), playing softball (encouraging teamwork) and having the rare chance to hear a public speech from Hollis. Before the days of Hollis, this was known as 'Activities Day' and involved pupils choosing to go to one of a variety of school trips run by members of the staff. It was changed to Community Day in 2002 due to the worry that some pupils would not be able to afford the more expensive trips.

List of pupils to gain ten A*/A GCSE grades

• 2003
  • Rose Barraclough
  • David Bates
  • Sara Daintree
  • Alison Ellwood
  • James Harding
  • Thomas Russell
  • Lara Shawmarsh-Smith
  • Louise Whittaker

• 2004

List of pupils to gain four A grades at A-level

• 2003
  • Katy Butler
  • Sarah Curtis
  • Stephen Ellwood
  • James Kapur
  • Sarah Williams (5 grade A A-levels)

• 2004

Clubs and other extra curricular facilities

• Archery - run by Sue Wright, the Information Technology teacher (previously a Design and Technology teacher) and designer of the school website, archery was a popular social activity amongst the younger years until it emerged that Wright lost the ability to stand up for a period greater than five minutes. It now only occasionally takes place.

• Brass Band - officially one of the best brass bands in the country, Blue Coat has had the opportunity to work with many leading conductors. It was invited to play in competition in London in July 2004, alongside professional players. Despite the loss of Andrew White, who had worked in West End theatre before joining Blue Coat, the band has gone from strength to strength.

• Basketball - whilst not being one of the most successful school teams, Blue Coat has a reputation for nurturing talented basketball players. It is generally organised by the male physical education staff. Also, the school attracts many top basketball players to give coaching sessions.

• Cricket - previously run by Chris Bennett, the school has no teachers who specialise in the sport. This has been to the severe detriment of the school's team, which is not at all competitive with any of the other local schools.

The successful chess team of 2003

• Chess - one of the top schools in the North West, due to the excellence of many of the players in senior years of the school. In particular, Stephen Gordon has had unfair criticism in recent times from those who were jealous of his achievements. The school's chess club is highly competitive and a regular place here is highly sought after.

• Debating Society - aimed at the higher years on a Tuesday lunchtime, this club discusses a variety of issues. One of the most thought provoking and sensitive issues of recent years have been the questions: "Should extreme political parties be banned?" and "What should we debate next?". Under the guidance of Carla Woolfe, the school has successfully debated in competition against other local schools.

• Football - the school has an A-team and a B-team at most levels, from year 7 to staff. However, it is generally not the most successful of the Oldham schools. It is usually run by Brian Duffy and Robin Gadsbey, the former was a semi-professional footballer in Ireland.

• Girls Rugby - organised by Sally Sinfield, she often persuades her brother Kevin (of the Leeds Rhinos rugby league) to give advice to the players. Surprisingly, this sport is not especially popular amongst the boys, hence the lack of a regular boys rugger team.

• Java Club - one of the most popular lunchtime ventures, Anthony Ballantyne gets the most out of his students of computer programming. His most successful student, Andrew Boothroyd, has written several complex games which have been published on leading websites.

• Science Newspaper - published once a term, the newspaper gives the opportunity for budding journalists to write on a regular basis. This is a pivotal publication for the school, since there are many students who look forward to reading the articles. The most remembered idea from this paper was in February 2004 when a 'ZARS' epidemic was spread. This was to simulate the problems caused by the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus in China in the previous year.

• String Band - the senior string band happens every Thursday lunchtime. It usually plays as an act whilst the brass band is taking a rest during school concerts. Although not always given the chance to shine, they are an effective music group in their own right. There is also a junior string band where the less able students of string are given a chance to build up their repertoire before joining the main group. The senior band have had an opportunity to work with local pianist David Bates.

• Swimming - traditionally one of the school's leading sports, Blue Coat had success on a national level in 2002, when they were judged the 9th best school in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

• Trampolining - both boys and girls teams have had tremendous success at both local and national level in this discipline. Generally under the guidance of the popular teacher, Mrs Davies-Capper, the pupils have been given the additional motivation necessary to make them an outstanding outfit.

Notable teachers from the past

• Kenneth Walter Pleasant - Former headteacher of the school who was famous for having hearing aids in both ears. Under his guidance, the school remained a stable force in Oldham throughout the 1990s.

• "Mad" Christine Kennedy - language teacher who in a short space of time worked her way up to being head of Rountree Wrigley house. Due to depression, she descended into drug abuse and eventually died of a stroke in February 2000.

<center>Graham McGuffie does not endorse smoking.

• Graham McGuffie (left) - long-standing Religious Studies and deputy headteacher. He eventually moved on to pastures new when he lost the race to become headteacher to Julie Hollis MA(Oxon). Since April 2004, he has been working as a leading figure at Oldham Education Authority. His most recognised achievements were the infamous "Look At Me" assembly in July 2002 and his unique use of a megaphone during school fire practices.

• Chris Bennett - chauvinistic P.E. teacher who will be remembered for his genuine science experiments that took washing up liquid and water, which was filled with gas and the consequent bubbles set alight. He was also involved in the infamous Getting To Know You Weekend where one pupil badly injured his nose. A former British international Basketball player, Bennett owned an expensive red motorcycle and sportscar. Chris was viewed as a rare sex symbol at the school, but ironically this was his downfall as he slept with a senior student and was forced to resign to avoid repercussions. Bennett was most recently seen selling tracksuit bottoms out of the back of his Audi in a Liverpool car park.

• Peter Fraser - religious studies teacher and assembly leader who was noted for his solo-work called "Focus On The Candle". This series of assemblies lead to much appreciation and encouraged local religious figures such as David Saville to become regular speakers. Since leaving the school in 2000, he has widened his spreading of the gospel to the whole of the Manchester area.

• Herr Harold Ainley - languages teacher who emitted enthusiasm throughout his long career, to such an extent that he would often be found upon classroom tables in his lessons. Remarkably resembling a poster of Albert Einstein on the door of teaching facility DOB, "H" was reknowned for his witty and communicative personality. Notable periods of his time at Blue Coat include a drawn out absence after a petrol bomb was targeted at his house in Halifax, England, an area of extreme racial tension; and a comical moment as a coach of English German-Exchange students headed for Rotterdam, suddenly realising that Harold had last been seen at the previous services. It is known that amongst his schedule Harold established a small fortune pacing the school grounds alone, enabling him to retire in July 2004.

• 
  Andrew White (right) - failed brass band conductor who became head of music. He left the school in acrimonious circumstances in 2001 following a mass rebellion against his style of teaching and realisation that he was ignorant to every music pupil who did not play a brass instrument. He is understood to have left for Blackpool because 'the chips are cheaper'.

• Dave Collier - probably one of the most underrated teachers to ever work at the Blue Coat school, he spent many years nourishing and guiding students through D & T and Electronics syllabuses and courses. Rumoured to be an ex-student who refused to leave, Dave was a credit not only to the school, but to the entire teaching system in the United Kingdom. With his unique teaching methods, which usually involved repeating the same topics six times, and his legendary register taking, it was common for him to be offered lucrative posts elsewhere, but he insisted that staying in CD Tech held him together.
  He was often ironically complimented for his hairpiece, which culminated in him winning the Greatest Teacher of Britain award for best haircut on three occasions and is, as yet the only person to have retained the title.
  Although not confirmed, it is commonly believed that Dave retired to pursue a career in wrestling.

• Michael Green - the mathematical genius of this former student of engineering shone through his inspiring lessons. Future generations will forever be endedebtted to his work on calculus and classic mechanics. As well as being one of the best in his field of teaching mathematical science, he was an all-round eccentric. Many pupils will have appreciated the fact that he only ever wore the colour green, and only changed to karkee when in protest mood. His teaching reign was not without controversy: he set up homework club. Here, he would do the entirety of pupils homework, much to the disgust of fellow teaching staff. Classic moments included his bored exercises and tailing off in the middle of sentences when trying to explain complex algebra.

• J Hyde - history teacher who had a brief stint working at the school. Features of her teaching style were sudden mood swings and incessant references to horror novels. Always wore about 4 jumpers in lessons.

• Carol King - a French language teacher who was only on the school's register for less than four months. Her competent teaching style was never given the chance to fully blossom when she decided to move on to pastures new. It is commonly reasoned that this was due to certain pupils giving her the unfair nickname of "C King (Asylum)" because she arrived following the immigrant problem of Summer 2001.

• K Aspden - "blast from the past" maths teacher who left after being given the chance to shine as head of department at a leading Oldham comprehensive. As well as teaching her subject with great gusto and passion, Aspden was well-known for her comical mispronunciation of the word "English".

• Frau Grayson - a German teacher who almost became a brand name in herself as such popular figure. Her memorial was left around the Junior Block when she retired after more than 50 years service to the school.

• Eugene Kirwan - after his first stint with the school, he was told to be "careful with that axe", because he was being axed. However, he has since returned with ambition to avenge those who originally saw him as a threat to a senior teaching post, causing his resignation.

• James Whale - never specifically taught at the Blue Coat School, but was an inspiration to enough pupils to be earn teacher status.

• Paul Buckley - the impact and inspirational effect Buckley had on his pupils was immense. Instead of teaching the curriculum, he taught pupils things that he thought would be beneficial for them in the real world. His favourite music includes the works of Randy Newman and Love. He always wore a big yellow bubble coat to school and always carried the exact amount of money in a special part of his wallet for the bus journey home, just for emergencies. He started the rumour amongst both pupils and staff that the American English teacher, Mrs Mallinson was leaving the school to set up a Ferret Farm in Dorset. He is also a big campaigner against the McDonalds food chain and regularly distributed anti-McDonalds propaganda. His intelligent sense of humour is second only to that of Michael Johnson, of the science department. When the school removed him from the teaching faculty under rather circumstances it was alleged that he suffered from clinical depression, due to his high level of intelligence. . He was last seen in public in February 2004, when he was crossing a pelican crossing in Ashton-under-Lyne.

• Whitaker Robot - believed to have been mechanically created, Whitaker was part of the first batch of teachers not to be entirely human. As well as his enterprising and technical science lessons, Whitaker will be remembered for his lunch time duty where he seemed to be in all places at all times. Whitaker eventually left due to the poor behaviour of certain pupils leading to his circuits not being able to cope with the demand of high currents.

• LAD aka Lydia Darne - Most well known for her ability to skive from work even more than her pupils. She would regularly interrupt the lessons of Chrstine Kennedy (see above) for no apparent reason apart from the fact that she was probably on a sugar high from her unhealthily high intake of mars bars. Famously fainted in a lesson, much to the amusement of several pupils. The incident is best recalled by one student walking round in circles saying "This is not good, this is not good".

• Michael Johnson - Physics teacher and all round cool guy. It is believed he did his teacher training with the SS, due to his ability to make you feel totally uneasy while answering any question he asks. Often gets pissed on school snowboarding trips.

Notable pupils from the past

• Stephen Bywater - footballing legend; as a young child, it was evident that Stephen was going to become a national treasure with the bravery of his shot stopping. Still in his early twenties, Stephen has got the potential to be involved within an England setup. His big break came in 1997, when a West Ham United scout spotted him whilst he was training with Oldham Athletic. Harry Redknapp took the opportunity to sign the teenage shotstopper. However, it should be noted that West Ham's footballing fortunes have dwindled as he has become a more active member of the first team. Bywater is currently the first choice goalkeeper for the club.

• Matthew Wolfenden - another footballing prospect. A talent playing in midfield, Wolfenden still has to prove himself having only played a handful of matches for Oldham Athletic. Still in his teens, it has been speculated that Wolfenden is the North West's answer to Paul Gascoigne.

• Alex Carter - drama student who attended Blue Coat, Alex currently plays 17 year old Lee Hunter in the television programme Hollyoaks, aired on Channel 4 in Britain. Prior to joining Hollyoaks in 2001 he appeared in Adam's Family Tree and Where The Heart Is on TV as well as some plays for Radio 4.

• James Witty - comedy genius who's routine was so good that some thought that it may not be an act. However, his act became slightly predictable and so moved to pastures new, where he could be appreciated by those on the same wavelength.

• Thomas Russell - Not actually from the past, as he still attends the school. However, there is no doubt that Thomas James is notable. He is actually the only person in the school who is a true punk rocker at heart. His most notable achievement is the fantastic work he has done with the disabled children in the school over the past few years. Unfortunately this has taken its toll and lately he has been found dancing in green fields.

Quotes

• Summary of 2002/03 - "2002-03 was a marvellous year for Blue Coat. The outstanding results of summer 2003 and being chosen as one of the country's 102 Leading Edge Schools, charged with leading partnerships and developments to help transform secondary education, crowned the year with success.

But achievement at this level does not happen spontaneously; it is the culmination of 24/365 commitment from parents, teachers, governors and students.

{I am pleased to be able to} indicate the range of activities, opportunities and developments in school which create the ethos that enables young people to achieve because they believe in themselves, because they know they are valued, cherished and special, and because they are encouraged to have the highest aspirations." - Julie Hollis - Headteacher from Blue Coat News, November 2003 issue

School bus services

These buses are commissioned by the school for the sole use of students attending the school.

• 125 - the Stotts Of Oldham School Bus Service which runs between Mottram and Oldham. It is a double decker bus. The complete journey takes approximately 50 minutes, unless a window gets pushed out. This is an occurance which is generally exclusive to this service. The morning route is as follows: Mottram Cross Roads - Hare & Hounds, Stalybridge - Heaps Farm, Stalybridge - Fern Bank/Mottram Road - Ridge Hill Lane/Wakefield Road - Tameside General Hospital - Hurst Cross, Ashton-under-Lyne - Alt Estate - Glodwick - Blue Coat School. The afternoon route is the same but backwards. This bus is famous for the annual cricket match and the "Andrew Stott is gay" incident, which caused uproar in 1998.

• 126 - also run by Stotts. This runs between Hyde and Oldham. Originally, it was a "second 125" when it started in 1999, but by early 2000, it had become a route of its own. It is only single decker. The route is Hyde - Hurst Cross and then takes the same route as the 125. The journey is should last 35 minutes, depending on the traffic.

• 130 - run by Stotts. This was the original school bus for Blue Coat. It is double decker. It takes a similar route to the "408 First Northwestern" service between Oldham and Ashton. This is along Oldham Road. The only difference is that it starts at Stalybridge Bus Station and goes via Ridge Hill estate before proceeding to Ashton-under-Lyne. From there, the route to Blue Coat along Oldham Road is adhered. This journey takes 40 minutes. This bus is the most popular amongst teenage smokers. The driver of this bus (who has since defected to the 125) was once caught reading a book about Nazism.

• 829 - run by MR Travel and Stotts on alternate days. It is generally a double decker service. This bus takes pupils from and to Rochdale. It is as yet, the only bus which has been temporarily suspended from service due to the poor behaviour of students. Examples include the setting of fire to bus seats and throwing litter at and verbally abusing the driver. It sets off from school in the opposite direction to the other three major school buses.

The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us today our daily bread
As we forgive our trespassers
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever
Amen.

Useful links

• www.blue-coat.oldham.sch.uk
• www.deto.info/schools/blue_coat_school.htm
• www.manchesterchess.co.uk
• www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/beaconschools/stjose05