TAHS Weekly Newsletter.
Assemblies for Next Week
Assemblies: w/b 4th of October
The assembly this week will be led by Mr Melland to talk about World Space Week
Thought(s) for the Week
“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” ― Isaac Asimov
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” ― Marie Curie
Year 11 Sixth Form Talk: 30th September 2021.
Mrs Dodd delivered a talk to all year 11 students during period 1 today. She discussed the many opportunities that the Sixth Form can provide after year 11, the array of subjects (both A-level and BTEC) available, and the application process for 2022 entry. During this talk she reminded students that they are required by law to stay in education and/or training until they are 18. All students were given a letter to bring home in relation to our forthcoming Sixth Form Open Evening, which will also be emailed out to all parent(s)/carer(s) of year 11 students.
Sixth Form Open Evening: 7th of October 2021.
We are delighted to be able to offer a face-to-face open evening this year, which is the first stage of our application process for 2022 entry. Post-16 education at Thomas Alleyne’s is highly regarded by both students and their families, and we have a proven track record of success in both A-Level and BTEC courses.
The aim of the open evening is to support year 11 students in making informed decisions about their Post-16 education, and will comprise of a Sixth Form information session alongside a number of subject specific presentations.
Evening Format:
• 6.00-6.30pm – Sixth Form Information Talk one in the theatre OR
• 6.20-6.30pm – Subject talk one
THEN:
• 6.40-6.50pm – Subject talk two
• 7.00-7.10pm – Subject talk three
• 7.20-7.30pm – Subject talk four
• 7.40-7.50pm – Subject talk five
• 8.00-8.10pm – Subject talk six
• 8.20-8.50pm – Second Sixth Form Talk two in the theatre OR
• 8.20-8.50pm Subject questions and answers.
The Sixth form information sessions will be led by myself, Mrs Dodd and our Head Boy and Girl, and will cover the Post-16 admissions process, examination results, student destinations alongside our expectations and opportunities.
We strongly encourage our year 11 students to plan their evening in advance, as they will be able to attend up to six subject talks, which will focus on the nature, demands and admission criteria for individual A-Level and BTEC courses. Subject staff and current Post-16 students will be available throughout the evening to answer any questions.
To help you plan your evening, and to keep our community as safe as possible, we would ask that you book tickets for the sessions and subject talks via the following link:
Please could tickets for the talks are booked in the name of the prospective year 12 student, and where possible they attend with one parent/carer.
Our current Sixth Form prospectus is available to view online now in the Sixth Form section of our school website, and our 2022 prospectus will be available on the open evening.
If you have any queries, or if you are unable to attend the evening, but would like to receive information about our Sixth Form, please email sixthform@tahs.org.uk
UCAS 2022 Entry:
The Sixth form team are pleased to share that that our first UCAS applications for 2022 entry have been sent off this week. If your child is in year 13 and is hoping to go to university in 2022 please encourage them to complete their personal statement and UCAS application as soon as possible. Year 13 have been provided with a wealth of resources to support them in this, and also have free access to our fantastic online destinations platform Unifrog.
Please be aware of the following National deadlines for 2022 Entry:
Conservatoire music courses – 1st October 2021 6pm
Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary courses – 15th October 2021 6pm
All other university courses – 26th January 2022 6pm
For further information about UCAS or the application process please visit UCAS.com
TUTOR TIME ACTIVITIES W/C 4th October 2021
Year 12
Plan out your ‘road map’ to help you reflect on what you want from Y12. Or use the ‘goal setting’ worksheet to plan out careers and steps to getting there – courtesy of Unifrog.
Year 13
Log onto the Future Learn website and explore their moocs. Sign up for one and continue this during your 6th form 7 enrichment sessions or tutor time on Wednesdays. These will help your personal statements to really stand out!’
Sixth Form Volunteers Needed
We are looking for Sixth Form students to volunteer to help during our Prospective Sixth Form Open Evening taking place on Thursday 7th October. If you are interested in supporting the Sixth Form please pop your name on the sign sheets outside the Sixth Form office.
Sixth Form Discretionary Bursary Fund (DBF)
Sixth Form bursary booklets are now available for collection from the Sixth Form office.
All students in Years 11, 12 and 13 have been sent this link via their school email. If they are interested in an apprenticeship they can register using the link.
Art & photography back on the road
Y12 Art and Photography Students went to Birmingham Library, City Centre and Galleries to make sketches and take photographs for their coursework development and experimentation. The trip went really well, all students worked hard and were an excellent example for the school and conducted themselves safely and maturely. Mr. Robinson-White, Mrs. Simmonds-Vaughan and Ms. Wood were delighted to spend the day supporting our wonderful Artists and Photographers.
Year 10 and Y11 Data Collection Sheets
Year 10 and Year 11 data collection sheets have been distributed to students this week. We thank all parents in advance for checking/completing these sheets and returning them to the school office as soon as possible. The information helps us to safeguard your child and contact you in an emergency. We politely request 2 emergency contacts. Please do advise the school office if any detail changes throughout the year including email addresses.
News from PE
This Thursday evening saw our House Handball competition take place. The event was a mixed gender, multi year group competition – which saw some great skill and game play.
Final positions after 2 hours of match play saw Whitmore come out on top, Elkes 2nd, Torrance 3rd and Orme 4th.
Joel M was player of the tournament. All players taking place earnt credits for their house as well as the competition points.
Preparations continue for Girls House Hockey and Boys House Rugby on Wednesday 6th October –
Year 11 P2, Year 9 P3, Year 10 P4.
Students wanting to play just need to register and go straight to changing rooms.
Fitness, Badminton and Girls Rugby continue to be well attended (see Pics)
Next week
Tue 5th Oct Year 9 Girls House Netball – 3.05-4.15
Wed 6th Oct Year 11 Girls House Netball – 3.05-4.15
Wed 6th Oct Girls House Hockey
Wed 6th Oct Boys House Rugby
Thu 7th Oct Boys House Football 3.05-4.15
Fri 8th Oct Badminton Club 3.05-4pm
Fri 8th Oct Girls Rugby 3.05-4pm
Fri 8th Oct Fitness Club 3.05-4pm
Science News
This week’s Science Students of the Week
Mrs North would like to nominate Lewis A (9T2) and Jack A (9T2) for excellent contribution in Biology.
Mrs Lambert would like to nominate Alisha C and Krishan K (10H5) for excellent practical work in Biology.
Mr Melland would like to say a huge thank you to the Year 9 students who volunteered to help in the Science Department and made a massive contribution during the School’s Open Evening.
The students demonstrated the dissection of a sheep’s pluck (lungs, heart and liver), intrigued visitors with smiley-faced marshmallows in the vacuum chamber and produced an array of colours in the chemical flame tests!
Well done!
MFL Musings
Firstly, well done to everyone in 11C who completed their Trial Speaking Exam this week. We’re looking forward to 11D doing just as well in a couple of weeks time – final details to follow as soon as we can.
It was also an eventful week as we had year 8 visiting us from the middle schools on Thursday evening. It was a great opportunity to meet everyone, tell them about what we do in year 9, and to get people trying Battleships, Sentences of Doom, and Quizlet.
This week, we want to celebrate students who have demonstrated the core values of a THOMAS Character, so congratulations to:
MC for helping others in class 9HAKJ for tenacity in every lesson 9HLJH and IG for tenacity 10C
And of course, another huge well done to 11C for their speaking exams, and a thank you to year 12 for all of their support and hard work on open evening.
Music News
Can all students who would like to have instrumental/vocal tuition in school please either collect a letter from me or return their parental consent slips if you have a letter. Please do this ASAP.
If you are unsure what time your lesson is please look at the music notice board in room 67 or see Mrs Todd. I will continue to remind pupils on SIMS for next week but then you will need to check the notice board.
Guitar lessons Monday 9am
Drum lessons Monday 11.40am
Woodwind lessons Thursday 9.30am
Violin, Vocal, Piano Thursday 10.30am
Brass lessons Friday 10.45am
GREASE Production
Please can ALL students who want to be in Grease and have not yet had a Dance Audition, ensure you attend the dance session on Tuesday 5th October after school in the theatre until 4.15. If you have already auditioned for dance you do not need to be there. You MUST attend if you want any part on stage and have not already auditioned for dance.
Grease drama auditions will take place on Wednesday 13th October. For more details then please see Mrs Todd or Mrs Mood.
PET XI Training YEAR 11 Positive Directions
Congratulations to the Yr11 pupils who completed their level IT training with PetXI this. Throughout the week pupils developed their IT skills with external staff. The course allowed them to build CV’s and career applications as well as build skills in using Office 365. Well done to all pupils, the company were extremely complimentary about your approach and conduct during the week.
History
Year 11 pupils should be revising for their Paper 1 Medicine Through Time exam – this will be sat during the week beginning 18th October.
After school revision is Wednesday and Thursday each week.
English Stars
Congratulations to the following students who have impressed their English teachers this week.
Y9 Blake R, Matthew F, Harvey D, Elisha T, Landon F
Y10 Kieran S, Aimee S, Poppy B, Isobel H, Lauren N, Lily O, Harriet K, Milly S, Aileen L, Alex H, Billy T, Jack G
Y11 Jimmy K, Bertie I, Luke C, Joe Ho, Hannah C, Beth J, Bethan T, Joe Ha
Y12 Katie U, Will P, Tess SY13 Sadie B, Katie G, Sophie W, Lizzie S, Martha M, Robert F
Allies will return this week. If you would like to be involved, please come along from 8:00 on Monday morning to Room 23 or speak to Miss Cann or Mrs Attwood.
Latin club will start for sixth form students this week. Please come along to Room 21 at 3:30 on Thursday. For more information, contact cann@tahs.net
Maths- Year 9 ‘Star Starters’
Well done to all the following Y9 students who have made a fantastic start in maths
9H1: Nehir A, Matthew F, Harry O, Poppy W
9H2A: Lexi C, Evie D, Matthew L
9H2B: Isaac C, Landon, Louie R, Jess P
9H3: Ianthe R, Bayley W, Ava H, Scarlett C
9H4: Aimee M, Joseph H, Elena B
9U1: Spencer W, James D, Isabell D, Lily H
9U2: Blake R, Katie P, Daisy C, Daisy J
9U3: Elisha T, Tyler P, Sophia C
9U4: Larisa G, Ollie K, Lilly P, Matthew C
Career of the week
This week the career is ‘Games Tester’ click on link to see the My Path video which tells you more – > JOB OF THE WEEK – EPISODE #07 – GAMES TESTER – YouTube
| Job title: | Computer games tester (Gamestester, quality assurance tester, video games tester) Computer games testers play computer games to check they work, and find and record problems or ‘bugs’.In this role you could:test different levels and versions of a gamefind the cause of faults and recommend improvementsenter each ‘bug report’ on a quality management systemcompare the game against other games on the marketcheck for spelling mistakes in the game, manuals and packagingreport copyright issues like the use of logoscheck a game’s accessibility optionswork under pressure and to deadlines |
| How to become: | University You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in; computing, games design, programming. You’ll usually need: 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree College You could take a college course, which may help you to get a job as a junior tester. Courses include: A level in Computing Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development You may need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and a creative subject Apprenticeship You could complete a software tester higher apprenticeship. This typically takes around 24 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study. You’ll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship Direct Application You could contact games companies about part-time or short-term work experience opportunities. You’ll need good technical skills and an in-depth understanding of different game platforms and quality assurance processes. |
| Skills required: | maths knowledge for understanding programmingto be thorough and pay attention to detail for finding faults and ‘bugs’analytical thinking skills for software testingthe ability to use your initiativethe ability to come up with new ways of doing thingsexcellent verbal communication skillsa good memorycomplex problem-solving skills for fixing ‘bugs’to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently |
| What you’ll earn: | £24,000 – £50,000 |
All information taken directly from Firefighter | Explore careers | National Careers Service
Careers interviews
All year 11s will be seen for careers interviews over the next two terms to enable them to make their plans for post 16.
Students will be collected from their lessons to attend and where possible will be contacted in advance.
All year 11s will be seen by either myself (Anna Featherstone) or Clare Atkinson – our advisor from Entrust.
If students would like to know more about what to expect in their appointment or look at how to prepare then please click on the link attached which will take you to a document in Microsoft teams. Alternatively you will find the information on our school website under the careers tab.
Featherstone: What to expect in your careers appointment
Upcoming events and Opportunities
Free Careers Evenings for Teachers and Parents – Expert advice to enhance your students’ career potential
InvestIN runs a series of bespoke, free-of-charge events for parents and teachers specifically designed to help you enhance your students’ career potential. This term’s schedule includes sessions on how to break into medicine, learning leadership skills, launching a career to fight climate change and much more. If you are interested or want to register for any of the events then you can on this link Events for Parents | InvestIN
The Skills Surgery – Breaking into a career in medicine, dentistry and veterinary surgery. Led by Dr. Julian Pearce, Dermatology Registrar and Academic Fellow – Live online | 6th October 2021 | 7-8pm GMT
Succeeding in STEM – Discover how to kickstart your child’s career in STEM-related industries. Led by Ella Podmore, McLaren Engineer – Live online | 20th October 2021 | 7-8pm GMT
RAILWAY FUTURES CAREERS DAY
FOR SECONDARY AND SIXTH FORM/COLLEGE STUDENTS
13.15–14.55 Wednesday 6th October
Students can explore the industry through a series of workshops, with professionals sharing stories about the exciting combination of innovation, engineering and technology in the railways. Students will discover how and why the future in rail is exciting and dynamic, and how to pursue a future in rail and STEM.
HOW TO TAKE PART
If you are interested in taking part then please contact Mrs Featherstone at featherstone@tahs.net and I will organise the opportunity for you.
Morgan Stanley – Step in Step up – An insight to Banking
Step In, Step Up: An Insight to Banking is an introductory two-day programme designed for Year 12/13 female students. This programme comprises of divisional overviews, panel sessions and interactive workshops. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with employees at all stages of their careers. Meet our inspiring individuals and discover your passion for Finance.
The event will be held on the 26th & 27th October 2021.Applications close on the 26th September 2021.
Event address / venue details
London (Virtual / In our offices) to be confirmed closer to the time dependent on COVID-19. Register – Morgan Stanley Campus (tal.net)
Royal Air Force ‘Access All Areas’ Free Virtual Careers Event – Wednesday 6 October 2021 at 18:30 – 20:30.
The RAF is responsible for protecting the UK’s air and space capabilities, and Access All Areas is a fantastic opportunity to uncover an immersive, interactive 360° experience. With nine must-see locations and the opportunity to chat directly with RAF Recruitment Personnel, explore where the RAF could take you.
RAF Virtual Event Access All Areas Tickets, Wed 6 Oct 2021 at 18:30 | Eventbrite
Spotlight Talks: Inspiring careers excellence – 13-14 October, 2021.
In partnership with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Spotlight talks brings together the UK’s leading employers and apprentices to inspire even more young people, from all walks of life to take up technical career routes and apprenticeships. The next Spotlight talks will focus on digital skills and careers. To register click on the link below. Registration | WorldSkills UK Events
Staff Vacancies
We are looking to recruit exam invigilators on a casual basis to increase the numbers of our current team. This highly flexible role will help to support the effective supervision and monitoring of internal and external exams. Supporting students during exams is both a rewarding and vital role. Please see the school website for full details:
http://www.thomasalleynes.uk/page/?title=Exam+Invigilators&pid=282
Thomas Alleyne's high school 