Thought of the Week

Head Teachers Blog

Thomas Alleyne’s High School Farm – Runner up in National Award

We are very pleased to announce that our school farm came runners up as Community School Farm of the Year in a national gala award ceremony at the School Farms Network Education Alliance (SFNEA) Conference, held at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester last week. Students and staff from school attended the 2 day conference which included the inaugural SFNEA Gala Awards Dinner on Friday night. This celebrated the very best of school farms from across the UK. The award was presented to students and staff at TAHS by TV presenter Adam Henson.

RAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Jo Price said: “Congratulations to all of entrants; the standard was incredibly high. We are so impressed by the achievements of all of the schools, teachers, and their students. Without all of your hard work, passion, and dedication, none of this would be possible – and for that, we sincerely thank you. The conference was a wonderful opportunity to meet staff and pupils from schools in the School Farms Network, and to exchange knowledge, hear success stories, and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

The Conference was attended by 100 teachers, students, and education practitioners from across the UK, and it was a golden opportunity for those passionate about school-based farm learning and developing pathways to higher education to come together and share knowledge and expertise. The conference explored the role of rearing farm livestock in schools, and the value of land-based education, including the areas of agriculture, business, technology, food security, and the environment. Justine North, the Head of Department at Uttoxeter Community Farm, ran a popular workshop during the conference on using the school farm in the curriculum. Meanwhile the five students were given a tour of the facilities on the campus as well as attending lectures and activities that introduced them to the possibilities of further study in the land based industries.

There were a number of key messages which shone through all of the sessions:
– We need bright young people in the future of the agri-food and wider land-based sector.
– School farms help students to become passionate about animals and farming practices.
– School farms enable students to build confidence and improve their academic performance.
– Young people are interested in where their food comes from, and the food supply chain.
– Conservation is a key part of agriculture, the two must go hand in hand.
– Education must be fun and hands-on, that’s when students learn and become inspired.
– Once inspired, we need to help students select the appropriate progression routes
– We need to promote the vast career opportunities in food and agriculture to young people.

Derby Theatre

End of Year Reports

Please be aware that Year 9, 10 and 12 reports will be available on Insight from 10am on Monday 17th July. These reports will include a pastoral report.

Year 10 Mock Exams & Results Day

GCSE and Post 16 Exam Results Days August 2017

School Gateway App

Have you downloaded the school gateway App yet?

This is  free app that is linked to our school communications system and has many benefits:

1. The school can send you text messages for free via the app. You still get a notification on your phone.
2. You can reply for free!

So download it now and save both of us money!

You will simply need your email and mobile phone number as held by the school to register on the app & it then sends you an access code. If you have issues logging in please email schoolcomms@tahs.org.uk stating:

• Your name & relationship to the child
• Child’s name
• Child’s tutor group
• Child’s DOB
• The email address and mobile number you wish to use

We will then update our records and the app will work.

      

Unused Uniform?

If you have any good quality uniform that you can donate to the school please ask your child to drop it into the student support base any morning next week.
As a thank you we will issue 5 credits per student  in September.

Summer Concert

Have you got your ticket yet for the end of year musical extravaganza?

Do so now – tickets available via the school shop linked at the bottom of this page.

Biology Field Trip

On Tuesday our Year 12 students visited Formby sand dunes and pine forest to carry out a required practical as part of their A Level Biology course.

The students investigated the growing conditions of the marram grass – which helps to stabilise the sand dunes and prevent coastal erosion. Older sand dunes were found to have a lower density of marram grass, but higher plant species diversity overall when compared to younger dunes.

The light-level conditions in the pine forest were studied with respect to the location of lichen on the tree bark. The students concluded that the most favourable growing conditions were on the north facing tree trunks away from direct sunlight.
The students are now back in the lab analysing their data and presenting their findings!

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As we approach our summer break please be advised of this guidance from Staffordshire police about keeping children safe. Do please also access the website https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ for all kinds of safeguarding advice for young people.

Staffs Police Parental Presentation

Afternoon Tea Challenge