Julian Watson

Sale Grammar School were delighted to be able to welcome back Julian Watson to talk to Geographers about a range of development issues based on his work in Malawi. All Year 11 GCSE Geographers benefitted from his knowledge and his personal understanding of what it is live and work in a developing country. This will help to consolidate their understanding of the GCSE topic, The Development Gap.

We were delighted when Julian agreed to extend his day with us to speak to all the A level Geographers in an after school lecture. We were also pleased to be able to welcome A level Geographers from Altrincham Girls, Altrincham Boys and Loreto Grammar Schools to share in this learning opportunity. Julian's lecture was very powerful and engaging and made us all think about our own lives and opportunities.

Sale Grammar Students A Level Geographers were a credit to our school as they organised a cake sale and managed a cake sale which raised £66.00. This money will go directly to support young people to continue their education in Malawi.

RE

Julian also spoke to two Year 11 GCSE groups in the RE Department. You may remember Abi Watson, Julian’s daughter, who used to teach Maths at SGS and was also the ‘voice of Malawi’. Julian is the director of two charities in Malawi and has visited the country fourteen times to support worthy causes such as orphanages, HIV clinics and the installation of much needed boreholes. He spoke about the causes and consequences of poverty in Malawi in a way no text book could as he has so much first-hand experience of the country. Julian also informed Sixth Form students about the Gap Year project that his daughter Jess has set up. Thankfully the ‘voice of Malawi’ continues.

RE visit to the Buddhist Centre Manchester

The Year 12 AS classes visited the Buddhist Centre in Manchester to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Buddhist beliefs and practices. Garavachitta gave us a tour of the centre and we all experienced a stilling exercise. The students really enjoyed the visit as there is nothing like talking to a practicing Buddhist to learn about a religion. The Buddhist Centre is also a beautiful place to visit as it has an air of tranquillity which permeates the whole building.