TAHS Weekly Newsletter.
Headteacher’s Blog
It has been another busy term for us all and I would like to say a huge thank you to parents and carers for their support and encouragement and to the students for their commitment and hard work. Every week we celebrate the successes of our students, whether that is in examinations, classrooms, partaking in charity work, playing an instrument, being part of a drama production or on the sports field.
A fantastic £1466.35 has been raised through our non-school uniform day on Wednesday. This will make a huge difference to some of our young people who will benefit from accessing counselling services. The other half of the money will be donated to Epilepsy Research UK, this was identified as the charity of choice by our school council leaders. Thank you all for your generosity.
Congratulations to all students who have been recognised for their achievements in our celebration assemblies or who have received a letter regarding excellent conduct in school. We have been fortunate to be able to congratulate some students personally at our Headteacher Celebration Breakfasts.
We use these breakfasts to ask students if they have any suggestions on how to improve the school. This week we were asked about the provision of vegan food in the school canteen. Having spoken with the canteen staff, this is possible. We ask that any student wishing to order vegan food introduces themselves to Mrs Lister in the school canteen and she will ensure vegan food is available to them.
Whilst we did not serve a vegan Christmas dinner the vegetarian and turkey dinners were superb this year. Thank you to the wonderful team of staff in the canteen who look after us all each day. If your son or daughter does not purchase a hot meal I would encourage them to do so as they are of excellent quality and are good value for money.
The Year 11 and Year 13 students have completed their first trial examinations and are focussing on areas to improve to ensure they can reach their target grades. Their attitude and commitment was outstanding throughout the examination period.
When we return, students partaking in the Aberdovey trip will be leaving school on the 6th of January at 8.40am. Please meet Mr Wright, Mrs Wallbank, Mrs Lyon and Mr Alcock in reception.
Students completing the PE workshop on the 6th January should also sign in at reception. We hope you find this helpful in preparing for your examination.
For the rest of the school population we look forward to welcoming you back to school on the 7th of January.
Christmas is an important time of year to spend time with those who matter most to us and recharge our batteries for the busy year ahead. I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support this term and hope you all have a restful and enjoyable break We wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Merry Christmas to you all.
To help start the festivities this year the History department have continued with their tradition of Elizabeth I being involved in Secret Santa. All gifts are to be placed at Elizabeth’s feet and then students collect their gift. As usual there was a definite A Level theme with wonderful gifts being purchased that link to their A Level content.

Many of our Year 12 students have shown an interest in becoming Senior Prefects. A perfect opportunity for them to show their commitment to the school is to attend the ‘Light Up Uttoxeter’ conference being held at Uttoxeter Race Course on the 6th January. For all the students that have signed up to help at Light Up Uttoxeter, thank you and we will see you on January 6th.
On Thursday 19th December, we invited last years Year 13 students back to school to collect their certificates and to chat to the team about their journey since results day, this was another successful event and we were pleased to see so many return to the Common Room one last time.
Today was the deadline for our UCAS applications. Those that had sought guidance from staff prior to the deadline will have their applications sent off, those that have handed work in today then we ill endeavour to do our best, the UCAS deadline is January 15th at 6pm.
I hope you all have a restful break and a lovely Christmas.
Year 11 Parents Evening
As previously communicated the revised date is Thursday 23rd January. We have unfortunately been unable to transfer the appointments thus booking will open for the new date at 3.30pm on Tuesday 7th January.
Canteen Accounts
Please can you check your accounts and top up accordingly.
Pastoral Expectations – Key Reminders
As we approach the end of term, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind our students and their families about some of our key pastoral expectations for years 9 to 13:
Punctuality – all students are expected to be on school site from 8.35am and in form period from 8.40-9am. Students are expected to attend all timetabled lessons on time and be present for the register at the start of each lesson. A detention system is in place, where students fail to attend form or lessons on time. We will contact you using our text messaging service.
Uniform – We expect all students to be in correct uniform each school day and do reserve the right to ask students to change or work away from the main school should they not co-operate with our uniform expectations. Form tutors check uniform daily during form period. Please do support us with our uniform policy. A copy of the uniform expectations for both years 9-11 and the sixth form is below.
Equipment – Students are expected to have the following items with them daily. 2 pens (black/blue), a green pen, 2 HB pencils, a ruler, rubber, sharpener, scientific calculator, protractor and set square. Ideally this should be in a clear pencil case. Form tutors will carry out equipment checks.
Please contact the House offices or 6th form office should you have any further questions.
Mrs Maingay
Uniform
Black blazer with school badgeBlack trousers; straight-legged with waistband (not bootleg, cropped, skinny or hipsters) and no buttons, embellishments, trims or belts
Regulation black pleated skirt; length just above the knee
Black v-necked jumper (school logo – optional). No cardigans or hoodies
White shirt/blouse with turn-down collar for wearing with a tie (can be a fitted blouse – top button must be fastened and not visible)
School clip-on tie in House colour – must be worn at the correct length
Black socks/black lycra tights
Black shoes you can polish with flat or moderate broad heels (no higher than 2 inches/5 cm).No boots or trainers
Other Items:
Make-up, nail varnish and acrylic nails are considered unsuitable for school. One flat ring, one think linked chain necklace and small stud or ring earrings are allowed but only one per lobe. No other visible body piercing is permitted. Hair should be kept in a clean and tidy condition. Exaggerated styles, excessive hair accessories or exaggerated colours are not acceptable, e.g. tram lines, ‘number one’ haircuts.
December Mock Examinations
Thank you for effort and conduct in the mock exam- it has been an intense period of assessment and, hopefully, you have shown the best of yourself.
Please be aware that if you were absent for any exam, you will be asked to sit them in the first week back.
Year 11 will receive their results on Friday, 17th January.
Year 13 will results subject results in lessons.
Reports
Year 9, 10 & 12 reports are now available on Insight.
Sports News
England School boys in Stafford

U18 Football
We have had the pitch Shockwaved thanks to Croppers in preparation for our cup campaign after Christmas.

Swimming Success
On Tuesday afternoon the school swim team travelled to Biddulph leisure centre to compete in the Moorlands swimming gala.All pupils swam well with outstanding performances from Ben Twynham.
Our year 9 girls finished in first place and our year 9 boys finished 3rd. Overall our year 9’s finished 1st.Year 10 boys finished in 1st place but due to a disappointing turn out from year 10 girls the year 10’s finished 4th overall.Combined scores put Thomas Alleynes in 2nd place.

Year 11 PE Revision Day 6th January
Reminder we will be running a revision and coursework day on Monday 6th January 10am -2pm. Sign in at reception.
Core PE
Activities will be on Insight for the new term.
Science News
Congratulations to Joe Hall for his winning entry in this term’s ‘Big Science Question Competition’ titled: ‘Should embryonic stem cells be used for research and medical purposes?’. Joe researched multiple sources, evaluated the evidence, drew conclusions from his research and his work was well referenced. Joe received our star prize of an Echo Dot during Year 9 Assembly.
Next term we will have a new ‘Big Science Question Competition’ this time with a Chemistry theme. Look out for the posters displayed around the Science Department in the first few weeks back.
As we reach the end of term we have selected 12 students from all year groups who have excelled in their Science lessons:
The 12 students for Christmas are….
Year 9
Jack Bright for consistent hard work and positive attitude in Chemistry; selected by Mrs Hughes.
Ryan Jeffrey for consistent hard work in Chemistry; selected by Mrs Macdonald.
Year 10
Heather Leech for being conscientious throughout the term; selected by Mrs Pavey.
Isaac Stanier for consistent exceptional effort all term; selected by Mr Crum.
Bailey Redshaw for excellent help around the School Farm, going above and beyond; selected by Mrs North.
Aiden Moorfield for determination all term to master skills and knowledge in Physics; resulting in excellent progress – well done Aiden! selected by Mrs Maingay.
Year 11
Eve Bednall for consistent positive attitude in her Physics studies this term; selected by Mr Melland.
Leon Bareham for consistent self-motivation in his GCSE Biology lessons; selected by Mrs Thorley.
Isabelle Watts for consistent hard work and interest in Chemistry; selected by Mr Mitchell.
Year 12
Shani Wright for continuous hard work in her A Level Biology lessons over the Autumn term; selected by Mr Milward.
Oki Ari for excellent effort and achievement in A Level Biology all term; selected by Mrs Gwynne.
Year 13
Emily Whieldon for achieving great progress in her A Level Chemistry studies; selected by Mrs Evans.
Very well done!

Safeguarding Advise
West Midlands Police has been made aware of an app called UNICO LIVE. This app is publicised as age restricted 12+ and is designed for young people to upload videos of themselves performing, singing and dancing, etc.
It has come to our attention that there is inappropriate content on the platform involving young people which is currently under investigation.
The content does not appear to be monitored and we urge you to raise awareness widely to increase vigilance and reduce the likelihood of any child/young person being sexually exploited.
For more information about online safety, please visit https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
News from the farm
A big thank you to all the students who helped us prepare our turkeys for sale this year. They have been the best year ever and have done a fantastic job. We would also like to thank all the staff and parents who have bought a turkey from us. Out turkeys can be purchased in the knowledge that they have been well cared for and treated humanely throughout their lives. We have sold more turkeys than ever this year, 56, and any profit made goes straight back into the school farm. If you have not bought a turkey from us this year please keep us in mind for next year.
Happy Christmas

Music News
Thank you to all students and staff involved in music department rehearsals this term. Your commitment and dedication have been outstanding and I am continually impressed every year with your talent. Well done team music!Rehearsals begin again the second week back, Monday 13th January.
All students are welcome and if you have not joined a group yet, you are most welcome. No need to audition, just come along at lunchtime. Bring your lunch with you!
Monday: Orchestra/band -any instrument!
Wednesday: String Ensemble
Thursday: Jazz
Friday: CHOIR
Many Thanks and see you in 2020