On Wednesday February 8th Year 11 students will be having their whole year group photograph taken. This will be during form time which will run into period 1. Students are expected to be in full uniform that is compliant with the policy. Any student that does not meet uniform requirements will not be included in the photograph.
If students have any concerns about this please speak to their PWO or Head of House before the day of the photograph.
We have the opportunity to support a small number of students with a superb resource called uplearn https://uplearn.co.uk/
If you are interested please see Mrs Dodd or Mrs Young.
PUTTING EDUCATION FIRST
Forward-thinking teachers and schools use Up Learn to support their students in delivering optimal learning outcomes and achieving table-topping academic results. Up Learn helps students to learn independently at home, and enables teachers to support their students outside of school hours
I appreciate this was shared earlier in the week but with the safety of our young people being so important I will keep reminding. Please read, share and get in touch if you need any support.
Safeguarding: “A Game” – Warning to Parents
It has come to our attention that there is “A game” being circulated via Facebook to children which contains several different actions for them to complete, including the encouragement of self-harm and hurting others.
Whilst many of our children will, I am sure, be confident in ignoring these messages, we are conscious that around the country there have been several incidents where dares via social media have led to child fatalities.
Please be vigilant around your child’s use of social media and if you have concerns, advice can be sought from the following platforms or contact the safeguarding team and school.
Social media guides – UK Safer Internet Centre
For all students who attended the Inner Drive sessions this week – please remember how to get the best for yourself and improve your study habits with the following key tips:
Other round up news this week that you may have missed:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Extra curricular and more sports results
Saturday
Sixth form and Future intentions
Sunday
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
BTEC exam
Please see the UPDATED PROVISIONAL timetable below. There are three contingency days that have been planned by JCQ, to allow for a national incident/s which may necessitate a co-ordinated change of date for some exams.We advise that all students are available to attend on the following days:
Please see also the information on subjects and subject codes for exam entries this year.
Date: 28th January 2023
Dear Parent / Carer,
Please see below information on apprenticeships, careers, courses and degrees.
Stress can be a normal part of job seeking, more often than not, it’s the result of over-thinking a situation. This article is full of advice on how to prepare for an interview:
For students aged 14-18 considering careers in medicine, please see below work experience projects to get involved with. Each one can help you decide if a career in medicine is the right choice and provide some stand out work experience opportunities.
Medicine Work Experience Week In London – February 12th – 18th 2023. 1 week in person course including accommodation, meals and teacher supervision. Students visit different hospitals in London for work experience.
Virtual Medicine Work Experience Week – February 20th – 24th 2023. 1 week online course where hundreds of students take part, gaining work experience through different activities each day, hosted by our team of practising UK NHS doctors.
Online Radiology Work Experience – Saturday March 4th 2023 – Another free session we are running for all budding medics. Interactive day where students can get involved in diagnosing patients with our NHS doctors. Simply join through the link, we’ve 1,500 places available.
Applications open now for Advanced and Higher Engineering Apprenticeships with Rolls-Royce
Whether you’re still studying or looking for a change of career direction, an Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship or a Higher Apprenticeship will give you the chance to gain valuable skills and qualifications and learn at the same time as you earn. As well as the outstanding career support you’ll enjoy, and the debt-free qualifications you’ll gain, you’ll get to work alongside and share ideas with trainees from lots of different backgrounds – in an environment where you can be yourself and be your best.
Start your career, your way with Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce is solving some of the world’s biggest technological challenges – and addressing some of society’s most pressing issues – through the delivery of clean, sustainable power.
On: 2nd February 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
Energy sector apprenticeships at EDF Energy
If you’re passionate about tackling climate change, our Apprenticeship programme offers you the opportunity to develop an exciting career whilst helping progress the UK towards a Net Zero future.
On: 21st February 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
Accountancy apprenticeships with the National Audit Office
Find out about their successful Chartered Accountancy training scheme open to school leavers and gain a professional qualification combined with real work experience.
On: 31st January 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
Real Estate apprenticeships with CBRE
CBRE has opportunities for everyone and so come and find out what is available at the world’s largest Commercial Real Estate firm and help shape the future of the real estate.
On: 24th January 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
Apprenticeships at Jaguar Land Rover –
Become the Future of Movement
The evolution of vehicles has never been more exciting. Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities, get hints & tips for your applications, and hear from current apprentices about why they think Jaguar Land Rover is the perfect place to start your career.
On: 8th February 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
Zurich Insurance Apprenticeships Insight Webinar
Insurance is so much more than you think! Zurich apprenticeships cover not only claims and underwriting but also opportunities such as Data Science, Operations & IT and Marketing, plus more. These range from Level 3 apprenticeships right up to Level 6-degree apprenticeships.
On: 28th February 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
Google Apprenticeships Insight Webinar
Google is an American multinational technology company focusing on search engine technology, online advertising, cloud computing, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and consumer electronics.
On: 23rd February 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
All About Deloitte Apprenticeships webinar
Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services. Their culture and purpose – to make an impact that matters – is shared by their member firms all over the world.
On: 15th February 2023 at 6.30 – 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. Career leaders and teachers are encouraged to join.
And here are new apprenticeship opportunities with leading companies:
Explore opportunities with National Audit Office
Location: Newcastle and Greater London
Deadline: 27th March 2023
Latest opportunities: Apprentice Accountancy Scheme 2023
Explore opportunities with EDF Energy
Location: Bridgewater, Gloucester
Latest opportunities: Radiation Protection, Maintenance and Operations, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Project Controls, DevOps and Business apprenticeships
Click here to register for the event
Location: Online
Date: Tuesday, 7th of February 2023, 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Event: In conversation with: our apprentices
Explore apprenticeships with PwC
Location: Nationwide
Latest opportunities: Multiple School Leaver and Apprenticeship opportunities
Explore opportunities with CBRE
Location: Nationwide
Latest opportunities: Building Surveying, Human Resources, Quantity Surveying and Project Management, Environmental Consultancy, Real Estate, Marketing apprenticeships
JLR Technical Apprenticeships
Location: West Midlands and North West England
Latest opportunities: Level 3 and Level 6 apprenticeships across Digital, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Applied Engineering and Automotive
JLR Retailer Apprenticeships
Location: Nationwide
Latest opportunities: Customer Service, Service Technician, Parts Assistant apprenticeships
VWG Apprenticeships
Location: Nationwide
Latest opportunities: Customer Service, Parts Sales Executive, Service Technician, Parts Assistant apprenticeships
Explore opportunities with Rolls-Royce
Location: Nationwide
Latest opportunities: Engineering, Manufacturing, Software Engineering, Digital & IT, Electrical & Electronics, Supply Chain, Nuclear Engineering, Finance, Project Management, Commercial, Materials Engineering, Non-Destructive Testing, Nuclear Business, Aerospace Services, Marketing, Quality Management apprenticeships
If you have missed the application deadline of 13th January, please get in touch with Mrs Walton via sixthform@tahs.org.uk ASAP.
We will be offering a limited number of lockers to Year 12 students on a first come, first served, basis. There will be a £5 refundable deposit payable via Parent Pay.
Please can students bring a copy of their Parent Pay receipt to the Sixth Form Office where they will be issued with their key.
Refunds will be issued via Parent Pay when the key is returned. This must be before the end of Year 13 whilst still on roll.
Any students who haven’t returned their data collection sheet, please can you drop it into the Sixth form office.
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
Y12 – Thomas Character: Mindful, Self-Fulfilled
Monday: What sort of questions would you ask at a university visit? Write/discuss a list then watch this video from Brighton university and check out the Bright Knowledge website suggestions: Bright Knowledge, What questions should I ask at an open day? – Bing video
Tuesday: TAP talk
Weds: wider reading, wellbeing and revision
Thurs: future intentions planning
Friday: assembly
Y13 – Thomas Character: Healthy & Happy
Monday: Revision and/or end of the month file/folder/notes tidy up.
Tuesday: TAP talk
Weds: wider reading, wellbeing and revision
Thurs: future intentions planning Friday: assembly
Y12: Parents Evening Thursday 2nd February 4-7pm – bookings via Talaxy are now open – please get in touch if you need help with booking.
Our U16 netballers prepared for the regional netball finals with a trip to Denstone on Wednesday.
The fixture really worked on the girls fitness with TAHS travelling with the bare minimum of 7 players, the game was divided into
sixths each lasting 7 minutes.
This had been the first competitive game since before Christmas and the first segment of the game
saw us go behind but towards the end of the 7 minutes the girls had really started to gel and self belief was high for the rest of the game.
The second and third quarter Bella and Louie were much more commanding in the D and were scoring many of their chances
and the lead was down to two goals, still in Denstone’s favour. Jess C and Martha covered a lot of court and kept the tempo high
with lots of composure and great decision making when in possession of the ball. Poppy worked tirelessly as WA for the majority of the game
and provided great feeds into the D for our shooters. Aimee and Jess W did a great job defensively and were able to win many interceptions
and effectively start attacking moves.
At the end of the fourth period we had taken the lead but going into the last segment
TAHS trailed by 2. Denstone’s large squad and fresh legs were the difference with them winning the final segment but the performance was
really high from our girls who showed great tenacity throughout.
Badminton
Badminton club runs on a Friday after school is open to all years 3.15-4pm. All students taking part require a PE kit and trainers.
Girls indoor football
Girls indoor football will be on every Wednesday in the sports hall. All years welcome. For more information, please see Miss Arrowsmith.
Fitness Suite club
All year groups welcome. Friday evenings after school in our fitness suite – see Mr Scott to sign up.
Boys Football- all years
Flexible due to fixtures- see Mr Barrow.
Boys Rugby- all years
Flexible due to fixtures- see Mr Barrow.
Netball – all years
Thursday- see Miss Jones
*NEW* Girls Rugby Club
Friday after school 3:15 – 4:30. All years are welcome
*NEW* Girls Cricket Club
Thursday after school 3:15-4:30
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 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.
IRIS project
Year 12 Science: IRIS project runs on Tuesdays in C3 between 3:05-4:00 pm
DUOLINGO CLUB
We will be running a Duolingo club for students who want to practice any foreign language.
Sessions will take place in C9.
Drama, dance and theatre design.
All year groups welcome.
Wednesdays 3.15-4.15pm
Y10 Reading Champions
Tuesday lunchtimes, A15
Staff and Sixth Form Reading Group
Once per half term. Please see English round up for more details
Tuesday lunch: Year 9 Band
Thursday lunch: Choir
Friday lunch: Whole school Band
Tuesday after school rehearsals for the Music Winter Showcase:
Tuesday 17th January: 3.15 to 4.15pm
Tuesday 24th January: 3.15 to 4.15pm
Tuesday 31st January: 3.15 until 5pm
After all the bad weather it was great to finally get some football played. Our U14’s hosted Madeley on Monday afternoon. With 2 evenly matched teams the game was of high quality, with Alleyne’s having the bulk of the chances. The Madeley goal keeper pulled off a number of good saves and that coupled with an effective offside trap kept us scoreless. Against the run of play Madeley scored after a rare defensive lapse, we equalised rather fortuitously when Alfie’s cross looped over the keeper into the far corner. Madeley then took the lead just before half time with a quick counter attack from a corner.
In the 2nd half we dominated from the kick off and Alfie scored a hatrick including an amazing goal that saw him cut inside from the right touchline and curl a shot left footed from 25 yards into the top corner. Filip then got a deserved goal to make it 4-2. A late Madeley header meant a nervy last few minutes but we held to to a deserved win.
Captain Freddie was instrumental throughout with a terrific range of passing. Theo at centre back was man of the match with a great display. Full backs Kieran and Jayden were composed and disciplined. Jack had a very good game after being out injured for much of last term. Will and Ben protected the back 4 superbly and allowed Adam to attack their full back.
Year 9 – Our Day Out and Matched Guise
We’ve had a lot of positive comments from our Year 9 students about their new unit, “Our Day Out” and their introduction to linguistics in the form of the “matched guise” test. If you’re interested in learning more, or having a go for yourself, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=956pPCaMxZg or check out Accent Bias Britain’s work (https://accentbiasbritain.org/)
Revision
Getting your adjectives and adverbs in a tangle? Keep getting stuck on “interpreting” and not yet “analysing”? Mrs Hunt is leading revision this week, focusing on language analysis and “writing a lot about a little.” Room A15, 3:10-4:00.
Words of the Month
This month’s words have been *prevalent* all over school, and they’re really beginning to show through in students’ writing. Moreover, when teachers ask for *clarity,* they’re no longer having to explain what the word means! There is one more week with these words, and we’ll start new ones in February. Remember, if you see one of our words “out in the wild,” you can still send us the evidence!
Bedrock Shoutouts
Shoutouts to Megan R (US) and Lewis M (HS) who have made the most progress in between pre- and post- learning tests. They have really challenging words, including “pernicious” and “rapturous,” which may go some way to explain their huge progress, but what amazing words to be working with!
Rotary Club Competition
Our competition for this half term is external, with a deadline of 17th February. This is being run by the Rotary Club, and offers some exciting prizes!
The competition is open to all youngsters aged 14- 18 – ages as at 31st August 2022 and the theme this year is ‘Peace’.
Competition Guidelines and Task
– To produce a written or typed story in prose entitled, ‘Peace’. The written entry could be fiction or non-fiction, prose, or a poem, as long as the piece relates to the theme. Up to maximum of 550 words for prose entries, up to a maximum of 40 lines for poetry entries. No pictures/drawings to be part of the entry.
We’re hoping to support this competition as part of our curriculum this term, but welcome students’ contributions from outside of lessons, too.
Power & Conflict Poetry Revision
Pick two quotations at random using your anthology.
If you can, find a technical term or device that is in those quotes. If you are struggling, identify either “description” or “imagery” (these are just as good as ANY other terms… it is your explanation of the meaning or emotion that they create (and why) will decide your grade.
Then write short exam style answers using these sentence stems:
The poet writes the quotation “_________________”. We can see the technique of ____ being used in the words “____”. This makes the reader think/ feel _____________________
because__________
Collect a bank of these – build this up over time.
Memorise these sentence stems for further revision.
A Level Drama and Theatre Studies student Heather Leech has been accepted onto the BA (Hons) Drama and Contemporary Performance course at The Manchester School of Theatre.
Heather (pictured as Miss Lynch in Grease last year at TAHS) has been offered a place after a successful audition for this prestigious course, which receives a very high amount of applicants each year.
Alumni for The Manchester School of Theatre include
Amanda Burton, Steve Coogan, Richard Griffiths, Bernard Hill, David Threlfall, John Thomson and Julie Walters CBE.
Congratulations to Heather, and to all of our students who have received offers so far including Evolution College and Derby and Staffordshire University. We wish all of our Drama students the best of luck in their upcoming auditions and interviews.
Mrs Mood,
Drama Department.
Thomas Alleyne's high school 