Welcome to our newsletter.
This week we will be celebrating students achievements in our annual prize giving. We are thrilled that our guest speaker is Dr Emily Hancock.
Emily went to St Mary’s First School, Windsor Park Middle School and then on to TAHS in 2003, achieving GCSEs in 2006 and moving on to Sixth form doing A-Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Biology, and AS level French.
She studied Medicine at University of Leeds between 2008-2013, graduating with honours. She completed her Foundation Training in West Yorkshire, before moving closer to home to work in Emergency Medicine in Derby for 12 months, and then gained a place on the GP training programme in Derbyshire in 2016. This also involved 12 months at Leicester Medical School as a Teaching Fellow where she gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic and Professional Practice. Her GP training was completed in August 2020 in Swadlincote where she stayed until February 2021, when she moved to North Cornwall to work as a rural GP in Boscastle. She enjoys cold water swimming, walking the coastal paths, crafting and socialising with family and friends
We look forward to listening to Emily and to congratulating our prize winners.
Year 11 Parents Evening
Just to remind parents that the year 11 parents evening will be on Tuesday 22nd November from 4 – 7pm
Unifrog
Year 9:
All students in Year 9 have been sent a welcome email from Unifrog to their school email, can you please ask your child to access this email and create a password. As explained at the Year 9 tutor evening Unifrog is here to support all choices that our students make for their future intentions, this includes looking at their GCSE options.
Below is the link to a webinar that all students can access, as well as parents, to help make the decision of which options to take and why.
596 How To Choose The Best Gcses – Upcoming – Webinars – Student – Unifrog
Year 11 and 13 mock exams
Year 11 and 13 mock exams begin on the 17th November. Pupils were given their general timetables before half term and revision should be well under way. Next week they will be given their personal timetables with allocated venues and seat numbers. We wish all students the very best in these exams.
Year 11 November 2022 Mock Exams
| Period 1 8.50am-10.15am | Period 2 /3 10.35am-1.10pm | Period 4 1.50pm-3.05pm | |
| Thursday 17th Nov | English Language Paper 1 1hrs 45 | ||
| Friday 18th Nov | English Literature 2hrs 15 | ||
| Monday 21st Nov | Computer Science 1hr 15 | Food & Nutrition 1hr 15 ICT Cambridge Nationals 1hr 45 BTEC Sport 1hr 30 | |
| Tuesday 22nd Nov | RE – Themes 1hr 45 | ||
| Weds 23rd Nov | Maths Paper 1 1hr 30 | ||
| Thursday 24th Nov | Biology (Triple) 1hr 45 | ||
| Combined (Chemistry) 1hr 15 | |||
| Friday 25th Nov | English Language Paper 2 1hr 45 | Further Maths paper 1 45mins | |
| Mon 28th Nov | BTEC Animal Health 1hr | History Western Front/Medicine 1hr 15 | |
| Tues 29th Nov | Geography P1 1hr | Maths Paper 2 1hr 30 | |
| Weds 30th Nov | Child Dev 1hr | Chemistry (Triple) 1hr 45 | |
| Combined (Physics) 1hr 15 | |||
| Thurs 1st Dec | Drama 1hr 45 Business 1hr 30 | ||
| Fri 2nd Dec | Music 1hr 30 D&T 1hr 15 | ||
| Mon 5th Dec | Maths paper 3 1hr 30mins | ||
| Tues 6th Dec | French Listening 35mins | History Anglo-Saxon 1hr 45 | Further Maths paper 2 45mins |
| Weds 7th Dec | Physics (Triple) 1hr 45 | ||
| Combined (Biology) 1hr 15 | |||
| Thurs 8th Dec | French Reading 1hr | Geography Paper 2 1hr 15mins | |
| Fri 9th Dec | Computer Science Paper 2 1hr 15 | History Nazi Germany 1hr 20 |
Exam Reminders
Year 13 November 2022 Mock Exams
| Period 1 8.50am-10.15am | Period 2 /3 10.35am-1.10pm | Period 4 1.50pm-3.05pm | |
| Monday 21st Nov | BTEC H&S Anatomy & Physiology 1hr | BTEC Sport Fitness 2hrs 30 Physics 2hrs 15 | |
| Tuesday 22nd Nov | History – Tudor 2hrs 30 | ||
| Weds 23rd Nov | D&T 1hr 15 | ||
| Thursday 24th Nov | Maths Pure 2hrs | ||
| Friday 25th Nov | Geography P1 80mins | ||
| Mon 28th Nov | Music 2hrs 5 French L/R/W 2hrs 30 | Psychology P1 1hr 30 | |
| Tues 29th Nov | Biology 2hrs BTEC Forensic Science 2hrs | ||
| Weds 30th Nov | Working In H&S 1hr Human Lifespan 1hr | History – Russia 2hrs 30 Further Maths – Pure 2hrs | |
| Thurs 1st Dec | Business P1 2hrs French Writing 2hrs | ||
| Fri 2nd Dec | English Lit 3hrs English Lang 2hrs 30 Further Maths – Decision 2hrs | ||
| Mon 5th Dec | Geography P2 1hr 15 | ||
| Tues 6th Dec | Chemistry 1hr 30 Drama 2hrs 30 App Science – Investigation 2hrs 15 | ||
| Weds 7th Dec | Psychology P2 1hr 30 | ||
| Thurs 8th Dec | Business P2 2hrs | ||
| Fri 9th Dec |
Exam Reminders
PFTA
We are a small group of parents and staff that meet every term to discuss how we can raise funds to donate to departments. Recently we have supported the Art, Music and PE Departments. We are looking for new members to help out with refreshments and events such as Prize Giving, Christmas Concert and the Careers Fair. If you would like to be part of the PTA and join our friendly meetings or just help out at these events please email Mrs Young and she will pass your details on. younge@tahs.net
Request for donation of prizes
Please be aware that it is Junior Prize Giving next Thursday 10th November. The PTA will be serving refreshments after the event and would like to hold a raffle to help raise funds. If you would like to donate a gift for the raffle please hand your donated item into the office for Mrs Young to collect.
BBC Children in Need 2022 donations
If you would like to donate to this worthy cause you can do so via the following link:
https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=8203
Parentpay are collecting Donations for BBC Children in Need 2022. 99.25% will benefit BBC Children in Need (charity number 802052 in England & Wales and SC039557 in Scotland). Parentpay does not profit from this.
Data Collection Sheets
If you have yet to do so, please return your checked and signed data collection sheet to the School Office providing at least two emergency contacts as this information helps us to contact you in an emergency.
Thank you to those parents who have already returned data collection sheets.
Opportunities in Sport
Rugby
Uttoxeter Rugby Club still require more players at all age groups Sunday Mornings- see club facebook page.
Football
Girl’s football
On Tuesday 8th November we have a 7 a side tournament for both year 9 and year 10. Good luck to all of the girls representing the school.
Girls football club will be on Wednesday this week with Miss Arrowsmith also.
Netball
County Netball Success
Our U16 teams competed in the County Tournament held at Denstone on Thursday. They finished runners up in the group stages beating St John Fisher and Madeley and losing to St Joseph’s by one goal.
The semi- finals had us drawn against the group B winners, Painsley. A side containing several players who our team are used to playing with outside of school, to stoke up the competition even higher. A really competitive game was played and Painsley led at half time 5-3. The second period we clawed a goal back and by full time the score was level 9-9. Two minutes of extra time was to played, things were getting nervy and again, scores were level 11-11.
During Another period of extra time, the ball did not want to go in for either side but just before the end of the next 2 minutes we scored and the final whistle blew. Through to the final, bragging rights over teammates and most importantly qualified for the regional competition.
The final saw TAHS face St Joseph’s again. The game was equally as tense as the semi final and earlier group game. Most goals were scored off centre passes with relatively few turnovers but St Joseph’s held on to win the final 7-6
Squad – Ainsworth, Bettany, Clay, Smith, Randles, Ratcliffe, Weatherer, Whitfield
Our Year 9 team had their first experience of a county netball tournament playing 8 games. They developed a lot throughout the 8 fixtures improving their tactical decisions and the range of passes.
Squad – Brookes, Broomhead, Hancox, Morrison, Nash, Read, Wheildon, Wilson,
what’s on this week coming…
Monday – Year 11 netball Vs John Taylor (h)
Wednesday – Year 11 tournament @ Deferrers
Thursday – Year 9 netball club
Badminton Club
Extra-curricular: Badminton club will be starting up again on Friday afterschool after half term and is open to all years 3.15-4pm. All students taking part require a PE kit and trainers.
School Newspaper
If you are interested in the school newspaper or would like to have your writing or art published, please come along to A6 on Friday lunchtimes. Feel free to bring your lunch.
Allies Club
Allies club is a place to come and explore issues around equality. If you are interested in making the school and wider community more inclusive and want to help celebrate our diverse communities, please come along to A6 on Tuesdays after school.
Mental Health Club
Our school Mental health club will now be running every Thursday until Christmas. For more information, please speak to Mrs Brooks.
Department News
English
English Revision
Revision next week will be looking at the language analysis question (Paper 1, Q2 and Paper 2, Q3). This will also support other questions where language analysis is required, e.g. the 2 Q4s / Literature, as well as giving you ideas for the 2 Q5s.
Thursday 10th November, in A15. 3:10-4:00
Work of the Week
Landon F in Y10 produced some lovely Romeo and Juliet inspired art work for Mrs Bell as part of his Shakespeare unit.
Mrs Bowler’s 9HA and 9HL English groups have been learning about conflict poetry. Students have written their own poems or diary entries from the perspective of WW1 soldiers. I think you will agree that they look and sound fantastic!
Revision
With mocks around the corner, we can recommend the following links as well as using GCSE Pod. Students often enjoy the Mr Bruff and Mr Salles YouTube channels:
🚀 Free AQA English Lit GCSE Revision | Seneca (senecalearning.com)
Power and Conflict Poetry – GCSE English Revision (weebly.com)
AQA-Power-Conflict-revision-booklet.pdf (bishopfoxs.co.uk)
AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 1 (updated & animated) – Bing video
AQA English Language Paper 2 Question 1 (updated and animated) – Bing video
What Examiners Want AQA Question 4 paper 1 – Bing video
JULIET Grade 9 Analysis in TOP 10 QUOTES – Bing video
Book Recommendation
Book Trust (www.booktrust.org.uk) is a great site to visit for reading recommendations, such as this one:
Bedrock – Half Term Challenge
Well done to Year 9 who really took the Half Term Bedrock Challenge on board – your usage increased by a massive 25%. We promised winners from a range of categories, and these have been rewarded this week with credits and a little treat.
Congratulations to Lewis M (most progress), Elias F (biggest time commitment), Kara F (most points) and Isabelle W (lucky login). 9HS were the winners of the whole class competition, with more students from this group logging on than from any other.
The monthly challenges and weekly credits with shout outs will continue – so keep logging on and learning those words!
Bedrock – this week’s words
A *meticulous* analysis of the words we’re studying this week has revealed a *pernicious* fact… some of our words are being repeated! However, we remain *impartial* and bid a *cordial* welcome to words old and new. There’s always one word we struggle to embed into this format – for this week it’s *conform.*
Computing
Bebras Competition 7th – 18th November
It’s that exciting time of year where students get to show their Computational Thinking skills to compete both within the school and nationally.
Over the next two weeks all year 9 students and those that opted for Computer Science at GCSE will take part in the Bebras Computational Thinking competition. This is a national event run by the Oxford University Computing team to put our students through their paces with a variety of increasing complex logical challenges. The top 10% of participants nationally will be invited to compete in the Oxford University Computing Challenge.
If any student in Years 12 or 13 would like to join please see Mrs Hadfield.
If any students would like to practice there are some previous challenges here: https://www.bebras.uk/index.php?action=user_competitions. Parents and guardians – why not make it into a family game by challenging each other to a high score?
GCSE Computer Science
All students have now received guidance on revising for the upcoming trial examinations. Please do remind them to use their list to focus their time and check Talaxy for this weeks guided revision.
Cambridge Nationals in IT
All these students have also now received guidance on revising for the upcoming trial examinations. Guided revision tasks on Talaxy.
Code club – Coming soon!
We are in the motions of finalising plans for our very first code club on Monday lunchtimes. Open to all students, watch this space for more information shortly.
History
Year 11 History
After school revision session reminders:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after school – see Mrs Johnson / Mrs Young for details
American-West end of unit exam
All groups need to be revising for this exam which will be in the first week back after half-term. Ask your teacher for help if you feel you need it.
Geography
All year 11 students are encouraged to join us for the following revision sessions which will be held from 3:05 – 4pm Wednesday in the Geography classrooms.
9th November – Rivers
16th November – Coasts
23rd November – Economic World
MFL
MFL MUSINGS
REVISION SESSIONS
Grade 7 – 9, Wednesday after school in room A5
Grade 3 – 6, Thursday after school in room A4
A Level conversation practice, Thursday lunchtime in A4
DUOLINGO CLUB
We will be running a Duolingo club for students who want to practice any foreign language. Full details to follow ASAP.
Science
Year 11 Chemistry revision
Start next weeks. Will take place Wednesdays after school 3.10pm-4.15pm. Sessions will be split between triple science and combined science to take place fortnightly. Week 1 sessions will be Triple Science (Chemistry) and Week 2 Session will be Combined Science (Chemistry). Sessions will take place in C9.
Head of House updates
Whitmore – Miss Jones
This week it was great to deliver assembly and celebrate the successful milestones Whitmore students have reached. With over 50 students having 100% attendance and over 90 students achieving their bronze badge. In terms of the House trophy competition we can celebrate not being bottom.
Elkes – Mrs Brooks
As the darker mornings and evenings draw in it Is getting more and more challenging getting up and motivated. Make sure you look after your emotional well-being by trying to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is bright.
As we approach mocks, I want to remind year 11’s that they can visit the Elkes office for any issues surrounding exams, revision sessions and revision timetabling.
Torrance – Miss Arrowsmith
Assemblies this week were delivered by Mrs Young to talk about student’s Aspirations. It was pleasing to see all students engaging and thinking about targets they could set to challenge their self either physically or academically.
Well done to all students who have achieved credits or Thomas Character points this week. Keep working hard and keep up the hard good work!
Orme – Mr Brassington
Just a quick message from me this week to thank all the Orme students for their hard work engagement and conduct so far this half term. I am watching the credits accrue and positive feedback from a number of staff members. It has also been commented on that the way you arrive for assembly each week is a credit to you all. I have been happy with your focus, conduct and uniform so far this year. You are an example to the rest of the school on how to conduct yourselves. Take note Elkes!
The Orme stars for this week are Scarlett R and Elli M (9O3) who both represented the school in the County Netball tournament
I look forward to seeing you all in assemblies next week as we discuss the importance of attendance.
Overall house points for this week
Sixth Form updates
Sixth Form entry September 2023 – online application
All Year 11 students have been given access to a Year 11 Sixth Form Applications Team. This is to support them in making their Post 16 choices. Access to the online application form for Sixth Form entry September 2023 is available in this team or by clicking the following link:
Sixth Form Application September 2023
Any questions please email Mrs Walton via sixthform@tahs.org.uk
Year 12 Work Experience week – Monday 28th November to Friday 2nd December
All Year 12 students are to undertake a week’s work experience. You need to be actively looking for a placement. You will need to register your placement via your Unifrog account. Mrs Young will be going into more detail regarding this during a Year 12 assembly. If you are having trouble accessing your Unifrog account, please contact Mrs Walton on walton@tahs.net
Sixth Form Finance:
The school has been allocated a Discretional Bursary Fund (DBF) which students are able bid into throughout the academic year providing they meet the financial criteria set by the school and outlined in our DBF policy.
For the academic year 2022-2023 students are eligible for funding of up to £400 if their parental income is below £27,000 (proof required) or if they were designated as pupil premium. If a student is a looked after child (LAC) they may be entitled to up to £1,200 of financial support. Students must use this funding to support their Post-16 education. For example, Sixth Form uniform, transport costs to and from school, textbooks, revision guides, course materials, IT equipment (up to £150), educational visits, UCAS application Fee, University entrance tests etc.
More detailed information will be available in the DBF booklet which students can be obtain from Mrs Walton in the Sixth Form office or by emailing sixthform@tahs.org.uk
TUTOR TIME ACTIVITIES W/C 7th November 2022
Y12: Thomas character – ambition, self-fulfilled, tenacity
Monday: read the Which guide to higher level apprenticeships and consider if they are for you.
Tuesday: Watch this Derby University webinar about Student Finance. Finances can put some students off university so this information is designed to help them make informed choices.
Wednesday: wider reading, well-being or revision.
Thursday: future intentions – work experience organisation.
Y13: Thomas character – ambition and tenacity
Monday: Personal statement writing with tutor support. Or CV writing/apprenticeship research. Or finalising UCAS applications.
Tuesday: debate or TED talk.
Wednesday: wider reading, revision or wellbeing.
Thursday: Personal statement writing with tutor support. Or CV writing/apprenticeship research. Or finalising UCAS applications.
PAT Testing Tuesday 8th November Room 74.
Drop in session for 6th form students to bring in items for PAT testing such as laptop chargers.
Poppies on sale
Senior prefects will be selling poppies in school all week during form time
Sixth Form updates
Future Intentions
Cambridge Sixth Form Law Conference 27-30th March 2022
A four-day residential trip to Cambridge University, which aims to give students an insight into the study of Law and life as an undergraduate at Cambridge. It is organised and run by seven current Law undergraduates, many of whom attended the Law Conference themselves and are passionate about giving other students the opportunity to have this experience.
During the residential aspect of the conference, delegates will attend Cambridge style lectures, have the chance to meet current students and explore the city and colleges of Cambridge. Delegates will stay in college undergraduate accommodation, under the supervision of the Committee and college Porters. All meals are provided. Whilst under appropriate supervision, delegates are given the time and the freedom to explore the city on their own and live life as if they were an undergraduate student.
There are 200 spaces available with a combination of funded and non-funded places. The conference will cost £155, which covers both accommodation and food, but not travel. Two non-funded places can be allocated to each school. This is on a first come-first-serve basis. (Eligibility for funding is for accommodation only and can be found on the below link)
For more information visit: www.cambridgesixthformlawconference.com
Applications for the Conference are open from November 1st until December 31st.
Nottingham Trent University Taster Days
| Taster Day | Date |
| Politics & International Relations | 4/11/22 |
| Sociology/Sociology & Criminology | 9/11/22 |
| English Language & Linguistics | 9/11/22 |
| Sport | 11/11/22 |
| History | 17/11/22 |
| International Business | 17/11/22 |
| Animal & Wildlife Studies | 28/11/22 |
| Geography & Environmental Studies | 29/11/22 |
| Engineering | 30/11/22 |
These Experience Days will give you the opportunity to find out what it’s like to study at University, ask questions to academics and chat to current students. They will also help enhance your personal statement and make your University application stand out.
Medical Sciences society (BWAMS) at the University of Birmingham
In partnership with the University of Birmingham Medical School, this conference is aimed at Year 12 students selected to complement the University’s widening access selection criteria. We hope to reach as many young people as possible.
Moreover, due to the pandemic disproportionately affecting young people from widening participation backgrounds, this additional support is now more important than ever.
Our conference will contain a plethora of talks from medical students, doctors, and University of Birmingham staff. They will range from a crash course covering work experience, A-levels and a taster lecture session, to a day in the life of doctors and medical students – as well as other informative sessions. These are designed to provide medical applicants with a holistic overview and enable them to put forward their best application – making the event hugely beneficial for your students considering Medicine at University!
Please apply before Thursday 24th November 2022 at: https://tinyurl.com/dreamjunior22
Website: www.bwams.co.uk
Email: uobwams@gmail.com
Instagram: @bwamsbirmingham/@dreambwams
Higher Apprenticeship 101 – Free workshop with the Civil Service for Y13 students
In partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Y13 students are invited to attend two free online workshops introducing:
Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and
Regulatory Compliance Officer (RCO) Level 4 apprenticeship.
Hear from some of the team at the OPSS here.
Workshop 1 (Wednesday 7th Dec, 4.00-5.00pm) – Higher Apprenticeship 101
Workshop 2 (Wednesday 14th Dec, 4.00-5.30pm) – Who are OPSS and what do they do?
For any students keen to apply for the apprenticeship, following the online workshops there will be two further workshops at the OPSS in Birmingham in early 2023 where students will be provided with more specific application guidance:
Workshop 3 – Skills for success: How to gain and demonstrate key employability skills such as confidence and communication.
Workshop 4 – Playing to your strengths: How to recognise your personal attributes and shine in interviews.
Mentoring
Causeway and the OPSS will also be offering some additional Mentoring support for a small number of students who are facing the greatest barriers and want to progress to applying for the apprenticeship. These students will be assigned a member of staff from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as a mentor who will support them through particularly difficult parts of the application process.
Eligibility
We are looking to reach students from schools and colleges in the Midlands. The OPSS is particularly keen to hear from students from backgrounds which are under-represented in the Office.
How do students take part?
To take part, please complete this registration form by Wednesday 23rd November.
For more information, please contact: info@causeway.education
Free Green Careers Week Resources
The inaugural Green Careers Week runs from the 7th-12th of November 2022, and this week we are joining in the celebrations early by bringing you brand new resources to help you celebrate the first ever Green Careers Week! We’ve got everything you need, including a brand-new green apprenticeship film, a fun new sustainability quiz, a new Rapid Read, social media assets and more!
TERM DATES ACADEMIC YEAR 2022 – 2023
Term ends: Friday 16 December
Holiday: Monday 19 December – Monday 2 January
Spring Term 2023
Inset day: Tuesday 3 January
Inset day: Wednesday 4 January
Term starts: Thursday 5 January
Holiday: Monday 20 February – Friday 24 February
Term ends: Friday 31 March
Holiday: Monday 3 April – Friday 14 April
Easter Sunday: Sunday 9 April
Summer Term 2023
Inset day: Monday 17th April
Term starts: Tuesday 18 April
May Day: Monday 1 May
Holiday: Monday 29 May – Friday 2 June
Term ends: Tuesday 25 July
Holiday: Wednesday 26 July – Friday 1 September
Thomas Alleyne's high school 