TAHS Weekly Newsletter.

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School Lottery

 

On Monday our first PTA meeting took place. We always welcome new members and we don’t expect everyone to be able to attend every meeting. All meetings take place at 7pm in the school staffroom. If you would like to join us at any future meeting the dates are:

Headteacher blog

We are looking forward to welcoming guests to our Year 9 open evening on 2nd October and to our Year 12 open evening on 8th October. Thank you to all students who have offered to be guides and speakers for the evening. 

If you  know anyone who has a child in Year 8 or Year 11, who may not be aware of our open evening, please share these dates with them. 

This year, we welcomed 10 students from other local schools into our sixth form. They have settled in quickly and suggested that we ask all members of the community to spread the word about what is on offer Post 16.

We are passionate to provide a broad curriculum for our community and the greater the size of the sixth form the broader the range of subjects we are able to offer. If you are prepared to help us  promote the school that would be much appreciated. 

Assemblies: 30th of September

Assemblies: w/b 8^th of October

Mr Hulme will be leading assemblies on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on the theme of ‘ ‘Truth’ which is the theme for National Poetry Day

Wednesday will be an extended assembly for year 9 only lead by CACH.

Thought(s) for the Week 

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
― Mark Twain

“The truth.” Dumbledore sighed. “It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.”  J. K. Rowling

I would like to say a big thank you to all those who were able to attended our Year 12 information evening. We feel that it was a huge success and that the information we provided will enable you to guide and support your child through Year 12 and 13. If you were unable to make it then I have sent the power point on Insight as well as attaching it to this document. I wish that we had taken a photograph on the evening but as all of the Sixth Form Team were presenting we were unable to do so.

Again I would like to mention female uniform. There are still some girls that are wearing the wrong dress/skirt to school. It needs to be of a suitable length, nearer the knee than they currently are, they must not be skin tight and they must be a suitable pattern for school. Please can you support us with this.

Over the next few weeks we have various events running at school in the evenings and have asked for volunteers to help. All Senior Prefects should be attending these events, we need Year 12 to be volunteering too. These are the type of events that teachers need support, we can give information about the content and expectations but the students can help explain the courses from their point of view.  It is Year 9 Open Evening on Tuesday 2^nd October from 6.30-8pm and Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 8^th October from 6.30 – 9.30pm.  You can help us by asking your child to volunteer but also spread the word about these events.

Today our assembly was about Fairtrade and the importance of it, it resonated with our students as it made them consider about where their product originates from and how ethically they are produced.  I would like to think that this will enable them to make more informed choices in the future.

Young Leaders in Service Award

We were delighted to present even more certificates for community service to our Y13 students.  Representatives from Uttoxeter Lions attended an assembly to further promote this exciting opportunity for our students to work towards an internationally recognised award.  Last year, our students gave 3,200 hours of service to the community which is a massive achievement. 

Both Y12 and Y13 can take part.  Please see Mrs Bell for further information and get involved!

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TAHS Open Evening

Open Evening for Students in Year 8 – 2nd October 2019

We are pleased to invite Year 8 students and their parents to visit Thomas Alleyne’s on 2nd October from 6.30pm – 9.00pm for our Open Evening.   This will be an opportunity for you to meet staff and students and visit classrooms and our excellent facilities.  We were thrilled that once again our students achieved outstanding results at GCSE and A level this year.

As we have large numbers of parents and students attending the evening, the 30 minute introductory talk by Mrs Rudge and senior staff is delivered on 2 separate occasions. Firstly at 6.30pm and then at 7.30pm. If the talk is already underway when you arrive, please take the opportunity to tour the school first. Our Sixth Form students will be on hand to answer your questions and offer directions.

All teaching staff will be present during the evening to give you the opportunity to meet with them and discuss individual curriculum area work. During this time please feel free to ask teaching staff or members of the senior team any questions you may have.

We realise that this is a busy evening and would like to ensure you have had all your questions answered.  Therefore Mrs Rudge will also be offering a smaller, less formal opportunity, to meet with her at your middle school following the open evening.  Your sons and daughters are also welcome to attend.  

The dates for these events are:

 3.40pm Thursday 3^rd October – Ryecroft

 3.40pm  Tuesday 15^th October – Oldfields.

 3.45 pm Tuesday 22^nd October – Windsor Park.

Alternatively, you cannot gain a better picture of the school other than seeing it during a school day. As well as joining us on the Open Evening, if any parents would like to join Mrs Rudge on a tour of the school during Open Week, she will be running sessions on Monday 14^th, Tuesday 15^th and Wednesday 16^th October at 9.00am.   Please telephone our office to book in.   Parking is available at the Maltings car park on these days.

An Inspector Calls

There are a very small number of places available on this trip, if you are interested in a place for your child, please email Mr Hollins in the library for a letter.

Year 9 Talk the Talk

On 15^th – 17^th October, students at Thomas Alleyne’s High School will work with expert trainers from the education charity Talk The Talk.

Talk The Talk’s mission is to improve students’ communication skills to enable positive interaction in all life situations.

Talk The Talk has trained over 25,000 students in the past twelve months in England and Wales and nearly 80,000 since we first started – using a programme developed over the past six years.

Talk About Communication is an exciting and engaging master-class in essential speaking and listening skills within a creative classroom environment teaches students how to use persuasive language techniques to get ‘their message’ across. The day highlights and nurtures employability skills, interview techniques and key presentation skills.  Via numerous speaking opportunities, students are coached and supported throughout the day to deliver a structured two-minute presentation, on a topic for which they have a genuine passion, to their peers.

There is no doubt that grades open the door to opportunity for our students. But when they walk through that door – it is a completely different set of skills. We are striving to ensure that all young people are suitably equipped with the essential tools and skills to communicate confidently in a variety of situations – both within school and in their lives beyond.

Pastoral Students of the Week

Pastoral students of the week this week are the ones getting their houses off to a flying start in the credits competition: Sam Archer, Lizzie Shaw, Grace Ingram and Harriet Ekins. Well done!

Sports News

PE clubs next week

Monday – Lifesaving club 3:05-4:15

Tuesday – Girls Football Club 3:05-4:15, U15 football A v Kingsmead County Cup

Wednesday – U14 & U16 Netball at Cheadle 3:05-4:30, Girls rugby club 3:05 – 4:30, U18 Football practice

Thursday – Climbing Club 3:05-4:15, U16 football H v ST Margaret Ward, U14 and U15 v Moorside A

Friday – Badminton Club 3:05- 4:15

Science News

This week’s Science Students of the Week selected by Mrs Evans are:

Year 9

Joe Hall and Abigail Rolf for making an excellent start to Chemistry.

Year 10

Isabel Punchard and Freya Staley for consistently working above target.

Year 11

Evie Latham and Lewis Taylor for excellent first test scores.

Year 12

Aaron Gwynne and Vicky Catterall for making an excellent start to A Level Chemistry.

Year 13

Emily Barton and Laura Simister for commitment to Chemistry studies.

Well done!

INSET DATE OCTOBER 25th & Half Term

Please note that Friday 25th October is an INSET date for staff.  The school reopens again for students on Monday 4th November, with half term from Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November.

Coaching for Success

We are very proud of the 24 students who completed the coaching for success course this week.  They survived a tough two days in which external coaches from GRIT challenged their attitudes and approaches to everyday situations. They have now been matched up with coaches from within school who will work with them on a regular basis over the school year.  The aim is to enable them to achieve their potentials in every aspects of their lives. Both the coaches and students are looking forward to a productive relationship.

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Student Council

The first student council meeting of this academic year took place this week and it was great to see so many new members.  This year’s student council leader is Ellie Roobottom in year 11 and her first meeting was very lively with many students bursting with ideas and concerns about what the focus of the council should be this year.  

These included looking at our school site from toilets to windows, basketball courts to litter bins, looking at rules and procedures from equipment checks to chewing gum, looking at the canteen and the seating areas around school.  The group decided their priorities to focus on this year should be to look at the definition of “individuality” in the school aims, non uniform days,  contributing to the assembly programme, looking at heating in classrooms and water dispensers and starting with how we can reduce the use of plastic in school.

Our next meeting is scheduled for the 11^th November and we are hoping to be joined by some members of Uttoxeter Town Council.  If you would like to join us let your form teacher know and if you would like anything raised within the council look for any student wearing the School Council Badge.

Advice for parents/carers from Young Minds

Smoking and Vaping

Could we please remind all members of our school community that Thomas Alleyne’s is  a smoke free site. This includes both cigarettes and vaping/e-cigarettes.

The law states,”You must be 18 or over to purchase e-cigarettes or e-liquids in the UK. This legislation came in to force on 1st October 2015 following government policy change. At the same time, it also became illegal for an adult to buy e-cigarettes for someone under the age of 18.” 

Therefore if any students are caught in possession of a vape or cigarettes, these will be confiscated and cannot be returned. This is explained in our behaviour policy. 

Links

School Website

School Shop

TAHS Weekly Newsletter.

Headteacher blog

It was fantastic to see so many people join us for the Duke of Edinburgh Award introduction evening this week. We wish everyone well who embarks on the programme and our sincere thanks to all the staff and volunteers who support our young people. 

Next week at 7.00pm we have our PTA AGM we would love to see new members at the meeting. Our PTA is a huge help to the school both in supporting events and fundraising. 

Finally congratulations to all the Year 9 students who have already got involved in clubs and competitions across the school. You have made a fantastic start. 

Assemblies: 23rd of September

Assemblies: w/b 23rd  of September

Mrs Goodwin will be leading assemblies this week on the theme of ‘ ‘Fairtrade’

Thought(s) for the Week

“I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process.” — Benjamin Harrison

All students are now well and truly settled into the Sixth Form way of life. We need to draw your attention to a couple of points which are important to us as a Post 16 centre. All students must be in school between the hours of 8.40 and 3.05. There is no opportunity for students to go home if they do  not have a lesson in the afternoon.  All students need to be working in their non-contact times. This is always monitored and we do have some students that we need to speak to that seem to have forgotten this.  Could I please ask all parents and carers to support us in this matter.  All students will have set work or wider reading/Sixth Form Seven to be completing during this time.

We have a Year 12 parent/carer information evening on Thursday 26^th of September 2019.  During the evening Mrs Dodd will explain the educational process and the pastoral support that will be available to your child during the next two years.  The focus of the evening is to give you an insight into life in our Sixth Form, our expectations and for us to answer any queries you may have.  Primarily this is an event for parents/carers, as most of the information covered in this evening formed part of the Year 12 student induction, which took place on Tuesday the 3^rd of September.  Mrs Young and Mrs Bell will also be available on this evening and Mrs Young will explain our Unifrog support platform for Year 12 students. We look forward to welcoming you to the information evening, which will begin at 6.30pm prompt in the school theatre and last for approximately one hour.  Letters have been posted home.

On Tuesday 8^th October we will be holding our Sixth Form Open Evening. This event will be for all students in Year 11 who want to find out more about what the Sixth Form is and what to expect in Sixth Form lessons. All staff will be available on this evening and we will also have current Sixth Form students who will be able to talk to you about their experience and what our Sixth Form has to offer. We welcome students from all schools to come and have a look round our facilities and we will be able to arrange current Year 12 and 13 students to show you around on the evening. If you have any queries surrounding this event then please contact the Sixth Form Team at sixthform@tahs.org.uk and we will endeavour to help answer your question. This is a vibrant event and we often leave feeling exhilarated that we have manged to speak to so many of you. This is the first step for many of you, and we will help you through every step of the process.

Our Head Girl and Head Boy, Amelia Lowe and Kieran Coates, presented themselves very well in church on Thursday as they spoke about their journey through TAHS and the opportunities that they had and those that they had taken advantage of.  The message was received well by the Year 9 students and we hope the message resonated well with them.

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TAHS Open Evening

Open Evening for Students in Year 8 – 2nd October 2019

We are pleased to invite Year 8 students and their parents to visit Thomas Alleyne’s on2nd October from 6.30pm – 9.00pm for our Open Evening.   This will be an opportunity for you to meet staff and students and visit classrooms and our excellent facilities.  We were thrilled that once again our students achieved outstanding results at GCSE and A level this year.

As we have large numbers of parents and students attending the evening, the 30 minute introductory talk by Mrs Rudge and senior staff is delivered on 2 separate occasions. Firstly at 6.30pm and then at 7.30pm. If the talk is already underway when you arrive, please take the opportunity to tour the school first. Our Sixth Form students will be on hand to answer your questions and offer directions.

All teaching staff will be present during the evening to give you the opportunity to meet with them and discuss individual curriculum area work. During this time please feel free to ask teaching staff or members of the senior team any questions you may have.

We realise that this is a busy evening and would like to ensure you have had all your questions answered.  Therefore Mrs Rudge will also be offering a smaller, less formal opportunity, to meet with her at your middle school following the open evening.  Your sons and daughters are also welcome to attend.  

The dates for these events are:

 3.40pm Thursday 3^rd October – Ryecroft

 3.40pm  Tuesday 15^th October – Oldfields.

 3.45 pm Tuesday 22^nd October – Windsor Park.

Alternatively, you cannot gain a better picture of the school other than seeing it during a school day. As well as joining us on the Open Evening, if any parents would like to join Mrs Rudge on a tour of the school during Open Week, she will be running sessions on Monday 14^th, Tuesday 15^th and Wednesday 16^th October at 9.00am.   Please telephone our office to book in.   Parking is available at the Maltings car park on these days.

Insight Parental Logins

Access emails have been sent to year 9 parents for whom we hold an email address. Please check your junk / spam folders.

If you have not received or are having issues please email insight@tahs.org.uk. You will be asked a few security questions to confirm your identity before we activate your account. The same goes for any existing parents who do not have a login.

If you have simply forgotten your password please click the forgotten password link on thomasalleynes.org

Year 9 Welcome Service

Thank you to Reverend Charles Dale for welcoming our year 9 students and out staff at Saint Mary’s Church on Thursday morning.
The service provides a formal opportunity to welcome our new students to Thomas Alleyne’s High School.

Special thanks also to Robert Fuller and Mrs Todd for proving the music for our service and our Head Boy and Head Girl for also contributing.

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Pastoral Students of the Week

Pastoral students of the week this week are the ones getting their houses off to a flying start in the credits competition: Sam Archer, Lizzie Shaw, Grace Ingram and Harriet Ekins. Well done!

Sports News

U16 Girls Netball

The Girls played very well this week, winning all three matches.
Won Cheadle 18-7

Won Mooreside 9-2

Won JCB 18-0

U14 County Cup Football

Year 9 got off to a great start in their High School football careers with a 3-1 county cup win at home to Landau Forte.  Well done to all players that took part.

U16 Staffordshire Moorlands Football League

Our Yr11 boys began the season with a comfortable 4-1 win over JCB at a sunny Rocester FC.  Star of the show going forward was Callum Stockbridge with all 4 goals, as well as hitting the cross bar twice with free kicks.  Jake Wildridge made a good debut at right back as did Kian Hall in midfield. Ethan Clarkson and Tommy Mangon worked tirelessly in midfield.

Next game is at home to Leek High on Thursday.

House Cross Country

On Wednesday morning over 200 students took part in the annual House Cross Country.

In the Year 9 boys 1st was Bertie Ingram, 2nd Lewis Bradley, 3rd Ali Dawson

Team result 1st Torrance, 2nd Elkes, 3rd Whitmore, 4th Orme

In the Year 9 girls 1st was Grace Ingram, 2nd Chloe Stockbridge, 3rd Caitlyn Lovatt

Team result 1st Orme, 2nd Whitmore, 3rd Elkes, 4th Torrance

In the Senior boys 1st was Kieran Coates, 2nd Leighton thomas and 3rd Hayden Fisher.

Team result 1st Orme, 2nd Elkes, 3rd Whitmore, 4th Torrance

In the Senior girls Isabelle Punchard was 1st, Jodie Birks 2nd and Eve Bednall

Team result 1st Orme, 2nd Whitmore, 3rd Torrance, 4th Elkes

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Congratulations to the Year 10/11 cricket team.

After making it into the county final last term they were in a final again, this time it was the league final.  Playing at the beautiful setting of Endon Cricket Club, against Endon High School the team put on decent score of 88 off 16 overs. New recruit Clowes put on an impressive 35 runs unbeaten which was supported by Bassett and Whitehead.  With Endon needing 5 and a half runs a over Alleynes were in a strong position.  Captain Richardson opened the bowling with Whitehead at the other end.  Unfortuantely the Endon opening pair stood up to Alleynes opening pair and wasn’t until the 4th over that Whitehead made the break through, with 30 runs on the board.  Richardson changed the bowling to stop the flow of runs, this worked to some degree with Cooper and Forrester taking wickets in their first overs.  As the game drew towards its climax Richardson bought on Clowes, a very tight over, conceding only 2 runs and a hostile over from Forrester left Endon needing 8 off the last over.  They hit the winning runs with 2 balls to spare. It was unlucky for Alleyne’s who fought well to bring the match to such a close finish. Well done.

PE clubs next week

Monday – lifesaving club

Tuesday – Girls football club (all year welcome), U15 Football Vs Kingsmead

Wednesday – Girls netball club (all years welcome), U15 rugby Vs Lancaster academy (A)

Thursday – U14 & U16 football Vs Leek (H), Climbing club

Science News

The details of our long-awaited for Science Quiz have now been released!

Please see the attached poster and look out for those displayed around the School. All entrants will receive a Credit Point, runners up will receive ‘front of the queue’ lunch passes and the overall winner will also receive the fabulous prize of an Echo Dot.

The quiz will be a termly event; this term’s theme is all biological!

On Wednesday, students studying for the BTEC Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation and A level Biology visited the new laboratories at Keele University.  We were lucky enough to use their state-of-the-art equipment and be taught by lecturers from both the Life Sciences and Forensic Science Departments.

The students began by extracting DNA from their own cheek cells using the Chelex resin technique.  They then amplified this DNA using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) before visualising the sample following electrophoresis on agarose gel. This practical is normally undertaken by first year students at the University so we were very lucky to be able to access this workshop. 

The students also had the opportunity to walk around the University and were provided with information about potential degrees on offer.  They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained a valuable insight into a challenging area of their specification.

This week’s Science Students of the Week selected by Miss Thorley are:

Year 9

Livvy Edwards and Joe Renshaw – For a making a fantastic positive start to the year, not being afraid of getting involved and putting forward excellent scientific contributions.

Year 10

Ben Pagett – For fantastic practical skills when investigating the rate of photosynthesis.

Zusanna Lysniewska – For consistent hard work and resilience in lessons.

Year 11

Ricardo Goncalves – Brilliantly detailed classwork.

Abigail Baldwin – For always asking questions making her work accurate and detailed.

Year 12

Kieran Hunter – For showing a great dedication to his studies from the very first lesson.

Georgina Fleeman – For fantastic in-class contributions.

This week’s Animal Care Students of the Week selected by Mrs North are:

Year 11

 Abby Moore and Millie Hodges for an excellent attitude in class and course work.

Year 10

Millie Yates and Luke Watts for excellent work when worming the sheep  

Well done!

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MFL Intervention

GCSE French intervention target grades 7-9 intervention room 11 Tuesdays 3.05.

Links

School Website

School Shop

TAHS Weekly Newsletter.

Headteacher blog

I have had many questions this week about the new building which is being constructed at the back of the school. The walls for the changing rooms and toilets are now fitted as is the glazing and roofing. We hope to open the building in November and at that point we will have 3 new classrooms, a gym, changing rooms and showers.  Students have been excellent around the site and we thank them for their consideration. 

I would also like to pass on my thanks to our school farm staff and the team of student volunteers who support them. They do an incredible job running our farm which, over the last few years, has become increasingly self-sufficient. This is only possible due to the support they have from the community. Agriculture is such an important employment route for many people in our area and I feel very fortunate to have such a unique resource on our school site. 

Assemblies: 16^th of September

Mr Godwin will be leading assemblies this week on the theme of ‘ ‘Focussing on Success’

Thought(s) for the Week

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”  –Vince Lombardi

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”  – Maya Angelou

Fresh Starts! We all need them and they give us all a level playing field. Motivate yourself to do better and to remember the strategies that worked well last year and bring them to your work this year. If your work was not as good as it could be then strive to improve.

This was the message that Mrs Catterall gave in her assembly to Year 12 and 13 this morning.  As teachers we always want our students to do their best and to challenge themselves to improve on previous work. This way of working will allow success to occur and for each student to take ownership of their own journey through our Sixth Form.

As we are a Sixth Form we do have policies around uniform, and for the most this policy is followed.  For those students who choose not to wear the correct uniform, as given out to them previously, we will be asking them to change it. This may mean you discussing the style and type of skirts that are being worn. They cannot be short, lycra skirts. They must be of a reasonable length, nearer the knee, and be suitable to wear to school. We have had some conversations this week and may need to have some more next week. Please help us by supporting our uniform policy.

There are many areas around the school that Year 12 and 13 can use, these are quiet spaces and allow students the opportunity to complete tasks set by teachers or wider work that the students have chosen to complete to add to their knowledge. As they have some many areas I would like to reinforce the statement made in assembly that Ross House is not an available area for Sixth Form students. Lessons and meetings take place in these rooms so they must always be empty and ready to use.

The Common Room is a great place to work and talk about subjects, there is a small kitchen area, while some in the Sixth Form seem to spend time at the end of the day tidying and washing up after other students this is not their responsibility. Please can all Year 12 and 13 students who use this space ensure that they leave it clean and tidy for others.

Last week Mrs Walton issued Code of Conduct forms.  These are lilac for Year 13 and yellow for Year 12.  A large percentage have been returned but we are still waiting on some. Could I ask that bags and blazer pockets are turned out so that these forms can be returned to us by the beginning of next week.

Year 13 students should be looking at Unifrog on a regular basis to look at updates on apprenticeships, university choices and how to improve their personal statement.  This is a great platform that we have bought in for all our students in the Sixth Form to use. If you would like to see how useful it is then please speak to your child and ask to go through it with them. Year 13 already have access to this and Year 12 will be getting in the next couple of weeks.

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Insight Parental Logins

Access emails are being sent to year 9 parents for whom we hold an email address and should be received by Wednesday of next week. Keep an eye on you junk / spam folders.

If after this time if you have not received or are having issues please email insight@tahs.org.uk. You will be asked a few security questions to confirm your identity before we activate your account. The same goes for any existing parents who do not have a login.

If you have simply forgotten your password please click the forgotten password link on thomasalleynes.org

Music

Please can all students who would like to start instrumental or vocal tuition, return their consent slips to Mrs Todd as soon as possible, thank you. Any students who wish to start lessons, please see Mrs Todd for a letter, it is not too late. A reminder that funding is available for PP students.
All music groups begin next week and all students are welcome, as are members of staff. All groups will take place in room 67 at lunchtime, from 1.30 until 2. Please feel free to bring your lunch for 1.20. All instruments can be stored in the music room before form time.
Monday  Orchestra

Wednesday Strings

Thursday Jazz

Friday CHOIR. 

I look forward to seeing you there. 

Mrs Todd

A heartfelt plea on behalf of the PTA

You will be aware that schools and education are under more financial pressure than ever before. The role of PTA has changed from raising money for treats and special occasions to buying essentials like text books, equipment and tools that are fundamental to your child’s education.

However, our PTA is now just a group of about 6 (some whose children have left TAHS) and struggling to survive. The school and children need your help. We know that you are busy and under pressure (we are too) so here are some key things that will make all the difference. Taking part, providing support & helping us survive will create a brighter future for every child in school.

Become a member of the PTA

We simply need more people to share the load and bring in new ideas and skills. We hold just 1 meeting per half term and the load is light (even lighter the more members we have). Sadly, we are not able to raise anywhere near enough funds to support the school as we would like, so your contribution would be fabulous. If you’d like to talk it through first, please call Emily (Vice Chair) on 07736414425. Otherwise join us on September 23rd from 7pm in the staffroom for a coffee & chat. Our meetings only take an hour.

Buy a School Lottery Ticket

This is a super quick and easy way to support the school. For just £1 per week, you can win cash and special prizes and this means regular income for school. Please find out more and buy online in 3 easy steps today. Join the Lottery Now Sponsor an event, raffle or project We know many of you own or work in local businesses and the support that school needs has moved beyond the occasional cake sale. Would you or your company like to sponsor the purchase of new equipment or perhaps simply make a donation to one of our successful raffles? Please contact Emily (Vice Chair) on 07736 414425.

Add EasyFundraising to your Browser

We have an EasyFundraising account that means school gets a small cut of all your online purchases. Simply add the EasyFundraising widget to your regular browser (Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox) and every Tesco food shop, holiday, clothes purchase or Christmas shop will help the school at no additional cost to you. Here is the link: Get the EasyFundraising Widget.

What Happens without this support?

Without additional support from our school community, the PTA will have to close. This means, after many years, the school will lose the additional funding it so badly needs right now. We will no longer be able to apply to local supermarkets for bag packing days, sponsorship or take part in their token based fundraising pots in store. In addition, we will not be able to supply the Science department with essential equipment, the Maths department with scientific calculators, the Humanity subjects with essential new text books or contribute to other departments like our very special farm enterprise, Art or Sport departments.

Please help the all the children at Thomas Alleyne’s get the school experience they deserve.

Thank you.

Drama

The school production this year is The Tempest by William Shakespeare. We are in particular, looking for actors and dancers from all year groups to audition. Cast and production team sign up will take place at Monday luncthime in the Ede Studio at 1.30pm (16/9/19) and auditions will follow next week.

Tuesday Lunchtime in Ede Studio at 1.30pm

Musical Theatre club.

This runs as a separate club to the production and actors, dancers and tech team are welcome to attend each week to learn short scenes and choreography.

Any questions, please see Mrs Mood

Sports News

Girls netball club – Wednesday 18th September Yr 9 & Yr 11

Netball tournament @ Cheadle Thursday 19th September

Science News

As in previous years we will be running our coveted Science Students of the Week Award.  Each week two students from Years 9, 10 and 11 will be nominated by their Science teachers in recognition of outstanding effort and positive attitude towards their Science studies.

During this academic year we will be running our new termly Science Quiz.  The quiz will be open to Years 9, 10, 11 and the 6^th Form.  The theme for the quiz will be ‘Science in Society’; details will be posted around the Science Department next week.

All entries should be handed in to Mr Mitchell by the end of school on Friday 29^th November 2019.  Rewards for the outstanding entries will be given out in December.

This week’s Science Students of the Week selected by Mr Milward are:

Year 10

Alfie Adams for excellent contributions in lessons.

Sam Archer for outstanding effort.

Year 11

Beth Reilly and Harry Meredith-Wood for excellent work and focus.

Year 12

Jason Lee and Neve Hall for making a strong start to the A level Biology course.

Year 13

Nick Jakes and Harriet Thompson-Smith for commitment to the course.

Well done!

As in previous years we will be running our coveted Science Students of the Week Award.  Each week two students from Years 9, 10 and 11 will be nominated by their Science teachers in recognition of outstanding effort and positive attitude towards their Science studies.

Visit to Arnhem

Last week Mrs Carder was lucky to be able to accompany a group of Royal Air Force Air Cadets to Arnhem to commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of “Operation Market Garden”.  Every year the veterans from this operation return to Arnhem, where the people of the town along with many military personnel and thousands of others take part in a march in their honour.  The cadets from all over Staffordshire, joined other cadets from around the country and completed a challenging 20km march, saluting the veterans at the start and finish line.   Seeing these proud men, wearing their maroon berets, receiving salutes and respect from the 33,000 people completing the march was quite something.

“Operation Market Garden” aimed to liberate numerous Dutch cities and capture nine bridges creating a foothold over the Rhine.   10,000 men were parachuted into the area, they were lightly armed and aimed to hold the bridge at Arnhem, the last bridge in this operation.  The operation was a failure due to a lack of reliable intelligence and issues with ground forces being delayed.  1,400 troops were killed and over 6,000 were captured.  The story about what happened was made into the film “A Bridge Too Far”. 

Whilst we were in Arnhem we also visited the cemetery where many of the troops were laid to rest. We laid a wreath and observed a minutes silence before walking round to find the graves of men from the 2^nd Batallion, South Staffordshire Regiment, many of whom were local to us in this area.  We learned about the bravery of Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield who won the Victoria Cross for his actions in Arnhem where he was fatally wounded.  Baskeyfield was from Burslem in Stoke on Trent and died at just 21 years of age whilst holding off German tanks single handedly.  Baskeyfield has no known grave but he does have a statue in Festival Park in Stoke.

The trip also involved visits to the Hartenstein Hotel Museum which was the divisional headquarters for the troops during the battle and the  National Military Museum. 

Experiences like this cannot be offered to cadets without staff who are able to supervise and support them and sometimes finding staff who can give their time can be a challenge.  I would like to thank Mrs Rudge and Thomas Alleyne’s High School for allowing me to take the time off so that the cadets from across Staffordshire Wing could take part in such an important event. 

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TAHS Weekly Newsletter.

Headteacher blog

It has been wonderful to welcome Year 9 students into our school this week. They have made an excellent start to their time at Thomas Alleyne’s High School. 

As many of you are aware the GCSE and A level results were published over the Summer. I am delighted with the exceptional performance by students. For the 5th year in a row, students have made excellent progress. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to parents, governors and school staff for the support they gave to our young people. The results show that students at all levels have been able to make exceptional progress something so important in a school at the heart of its community. 

Below is an extract from the school press release:

Performance in Science and Maths was particularly strong with over 25% of students achieving an equivalent of an A/A* in Maths known in the new measures as a 7, 8 or 9 grade. History students also performed exceptionally well with 1 in 3 of students achieving 7, 8 or 9 grades. 

We offer a broad curriculum with some unique provision. 10% of grades in 21% of students who studied Animal Care on the school farm achieved the highest grade possible. A number plan to go on to work in veterinary science or in the Agricultural industry.

Within the headline figures lie some highly impressive individual student performances with 18 students achieving at least 8 grades at the equivalent of A/A*. (New grade 8s and 9s)

Across the entire UK, only 832 students achieved 7 subjects or more all at the coveted grade 9. This year at Thomas Alleyne’s 5 outstanding students exceeded this. 

With more than 7 grades at Grade 9 (equivalent to A**):

Shani Wright and Alice Radley achieved 8 GCSEs at grade 9 with one GCSE at grade 8. Shani also achieved the equivalent of a 9 in Further Maths. 

Shani said, ‘I am quite surprised but pleased the hard work paid off. I am just thankful to all the teachers who helped me get where I want to be.’ Shani will be studying Art, Maths and Biology at A level at Thomas Alleyne’s High School. 

Vicky Catterall and Grace Harvey achieved 7 GCSEs at Grade 9, and the equivalent of a 9 in Further Maths. Grace also attained 2 GCSEs at grade 8. Aaron Gwynne achieved 7 GCSEs at Grade 9, and the equivalent of a 9 in Further Maths. He also attained 1 GCSE at grade 8. 

With an average of Grade 8 (equivalent to A*): 

Charlie Martin achieved 5 GCSES at grade 9s and 3 GCSEs at grade 8 and Alicia Mountfield achieved 4 GCSEs at grade 9 and 4 GCSEs at grade 8.  

Euan Walsh achieved 4 grade 9s and 3 grade Maths with an A* in Further Maths. 

Ash Gray achieved 2 GCSEs at grade 9, 5 grade 8s and 1 Distinction*. Daniel Hensman achieved 2 GCSEs at grade 9 and 6 grades at grade 8. Matthew Payne achieved 1 grade 9, Further Maths at A* with distinction, 4 grade 8s, a Distinction* in Animal Care and 3 grade 7s.

Jenna Timmis achieved 2 GCSEs at grade 9, 1 Distinction* in Animal Care, 2 at grade 8 and 2 at grade 7 and 2 grade 6s. Emma Rose achieved 3 grade 9s, an A*, 2 grade 8s and 3 grade 7s and Emma Allen.

Other exceptional performances include:

Andrew Pye achieved 3 grade 9s, an A* with distinction in Further Maths, 3 grade 8s and 3 GCSES at grade 6. 

Emma Allen, Emma Kendrick, Natasha Painter and Alex Ford. William Bowyer, Samuel Broome, Harvey Mansfield, Eleanor Punchard all achieved 10 GCSEs at an average grade of 7 (the new A grade).

Jenna Timmis, George Mothershaw, Alice Jeffery, Lucy Greatrix, Abigail Dimelow, Shannon Davies, Morgan Perry, Mia Stevens, Amy Holgate, Mackenzie Paterson also made superb progress whilst at Thomas Alleyne’s achieving some excellent outcomes. 

Mike Prescott, Chair of the Governing body said, ‘On behalf of the governing body, I would to like to congratulate the students and staff on an excellent set of GCSE results; a reward for their hard work over the last two years.

‘It is so pleasing to see a school such as Thomas Alleyne’s, a school at the heart of the local community, providing such a rich and exciting curriculum and continuing to produce such high academic outcomes.’

Mrs Catterall Head of Student Well-being stated that it had been wonderful to celebrate these GCSE results with students today. She added that they are a credit to themselves, their families, and to Thomas Alleyne’s High School.

‘My congratulations to them all for their successes both in and outside the classroom.  Our year 11 students have contributed to many charity events throughout their school career, alongside taking part in initiatives such as the National Citizenship Programme and Duke of Edinburgh.  Well done!’

Assemblies: 9^th of September

Mrs Catterall will be leading assemblies this week on the theme of ‘ ‘A Fresh Start?’

Thought(s) for the Week 

“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 
― L.M. Montgomery

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

This was Mrs Dodd’s message from our assembly this morning.

It has been a lovely start to the Autumn term; greeting all our new Year 12 BTEC and A Level students, and welcoming back our Year 13 students. 
Mrs Dodd also stated the following points in her address to both Year 12 and 13:

• UCAS – Opened for applications YESTERDAY (Thursday 5^th September) which means all those wanting to apply to university can now do so by sending their completed UCAS form.

• Code of Conduct for Year 12 (Yellow) and Year 13 (Lilac) – these will be sent home with students so if you can ask to see them and then sign them within the next week that would help us tremendously.

• Sixth Form Twitter – @tahssixthform – we share all our news on this platform and encourage parents/carers and students to follow us.

• Discretionary Bursary Fund – Booklets now ready – please ask your child to see Mrs Walton for a booklet to apply for this wonderful resource.  One way in which it helps is to enable all students the same access to the curriculum.

• It has become clear that some female students have purchased skirts which are not part of our school uniform policy for the Sixth Form.  This was discussed and all students are now aware that these skirts cannot be worn again. We need to ensure that all skirts are not stretchy lycra, cord or pleather. They must be of a length that is just above the knee and all students must be wearing their blazers. Coats cannot be worn instead of blazers.

• Mr Robinson-White stated that all students who have started working on an EPQ project must attend a meeting at lunchtime in the art rooms to discuss their progress.

• Lastly Mr Barrow has shared that he would like to start up a Year 13 rugby team and that all those interested should see him after school this Monday.

Have lovely weekend.

The Sixth Form Team

ICT Success

Congratulations to Amelia & Dan who have completed the Bronze award in the Duke of York supported Idea Award. They are now working towards their silver award.

Very well done.

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Our Community Exemplified.

Huge thanks to all the Elkes, Orme, Torrance, Whitmore and sixth form students who have gone out of their way this week to help our new year 9s get their bearings and welcomed to our school community.

There are too many to mention, but their efforts are hugely appreciated by our new intake and all of our staff.

Year 9 Welcome Service

Students will be getting a copy of the letter & parents/carers are welcome to join us on the 19th at 10.15am if they wish for our annual Year 9 Welcome Service in St Mary’s Church.

Music Department Notices

Please see me as soon as possible for a consent letter if your child wishes to have instrumental or vocal lessons in school. Lessons will begin next week. Timetables will be displayed on the notice board in room 67.

All music groups will begin week commencing 16th September. Rehearsals will take place at lunchtime from 1.30 until 2. This term will be in preparation for the Christmas concert on Thursday 5th December.All pupils are welcome to join the following groups;

Monday. Orchestra 

Wednesday. Strings 

Thursday. Jazz Group 

Friday. Choir 

Staff are welcome at all of the above groups. I look forward to seeing you there. 

School Lockers

As in previous years we will be running our coveted Science Students of the Week Award.  Each week two students from Years 9, 10 and 11 will be nominated by their Science teachers in recognition of outstanding effort and positive attitude towards their Science studies.

We will also be running our fortnightly BTEC Animal Care Students of the Week Award for our Year 10 and 11 Animal Care students.

Science Revision Guides

Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 Science students are strongly encouraged to purchase the appropriate Revision Guides, which will help with their studies throughout the course.

Students studying the three separate science courses require three GCSE AQA Complete Revision and Practice Guides: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Students studying the Combined Science course require one Revision Guide, Foundation Level: GCSE Combined Science for AQA.

Revision Guides are available to purchase from the School Online Shop, please click on the link:

https://www.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Uniform/Default.aspx?shopid=307

Richard Clarke First School

Lunchtime Supervisor

We are looking to employ a Lunchtime Supervisor to join our team, hours to be negotiated. The successful applicant will be required to help in the dining room over the lunchtime period, playground duties and returning pupils to class as well as other duties deemed necessary.

Applicants will uphold and work to the whole school behaviour policy and ensure the safety of all pupils at lunchtimes.

Applicants must be able to relate well to children and be sympathetic to their needs.

Richard Clarke is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure check along with relevant employment checks.

If you are interested in this position please approach the school office on 01283 840206

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