welcome back newsnews · welcome back to everyone and a warm welcome to all our new year 7 pupils...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome back
Welcome back to everyone and a warm welcome to all our new Year
7 pupils and their families.
We were all very proud of the results in the summer. We asked Year
11 to ‘Aim High’ and they did, smashing their initial target of 49% A* -
C including Maths and English. This really was an outstanding
achievement by all the pupils and the staff. Yet again it shows what
teamwork and effort can do. The current Year 11 have quite a
challenge on their hands. We believe they are up for it.
Streetz go from strength to strength. Competing in the World
Championships they gained an amazing 12th place out of 28
countries. Danny Witney and Tate Rowtcliff then gained 2nd place in the UDO World
Under-14 Newcomer Duos. GTS has without doubt become a centre for excellence in
Street Dance. Who knows what they will achieve next?
There have been a number of changes at GTS since July:
The school attained Academy status on the 1st August 2011.
A new pupil support centre has been opened.
We have appointed four Pupil Coaches who are there to support all pupils and the work of the Heads of Year.
We have a new reporting system in place which will ensure parents/carers and pupils will be getting a progress review four times a year.
Heads of Year will now focus even more on the academic progress of their year group ensuring pupils do not ‘fall behind’. They will be in contact with parents where there is a concern and place pupils on a Back-on-Track programme. The new focus has also seen their title change from Heads of Year to Heads of Learning.
Room Sc4 and Reception have both had a long-overdue facelift. Many thanks go to all the staff who put so much time and effort into ensuring all of these
changes happened.
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Pam Hargreaves, our Vice Chair of
Governors, passed away at the beginning of October after a short illness. Pam had been
Chair of Governors at GTS since around 1998 stepping back to Vice Chair in October
2010. She worked tirelessly for the school always wanting the very best education for the
pupils that attended. She will be a huge loss to us and the community.
Tracey Amos Headteacher
Inside this issue:
NEWS NEWS
NEWS
Dream Believe Achieve
The schools new mission statement was formally launched in the recent whole school assembly
Richard Cheetham delivered the key note address telling us of his amazing adventure, running an
ultra-marathon across Atacama, 155 miles in 6 days
across the driest desert on earth. Inspired to do so
because he had dreamt about doing something
extraordinary which would push him to challenge what
his mind and body could achieve to overcome his fears
of failure because he was unable to reach the summit
of Kilimanjaro due to altitude sickness on a previous
challenge. This disappointment was his drive and
determination to complete his ultra-marathon. The
stories of the race and the blisters (the pictures
weren’t a pretty sight!) that occurred didn’t stop
Richard. Richard answered lots of questions and was
truly inspirational and if you have a dream all you need
to do is to start your life story.
Welcome to GTS
We would like to welcome to GTS the following
members of staff who have joined us this Autumn
Term. From L to R, back row; Sean Freeman,
Mark Carter, Jo Phipps, Lisa Buss and Roger
Bicheno. Front L to R; Laura Bunyard and Harriet
Chambers. We also welcome Wendy Frost who
works alternative days to Laura.
Exam Results
The class of 2011 achieved a record breaking Year of results with 71% achieving 5 A*-C and 60%
of students achieved 5 A*-C (including English and maths) which is the National benchmark for
pupils attainment. 17.5% of pupils achieved 5 or more A* and A. The most pleasing statistic was
the fact that the cohort smashed its target of 49% - a target that would have placed us in the top
25% of schools Nationally by 11%. This indicates the outstanding progress made by pupils during
their time at GTS. As Ellie Wonnacott, the schools top achieving girl with 7A* and 3As said, “It has
been really good here at Torrington and the teachers are great”.
Senior School Leaders with Richard Cheetham
The Macbeth Experience Trip
In the second week of term, the English department
took forty eight KS4 pupils to Stratford-Upon-Avon,
to see a Royal Shakespeare Company Production of
Macbeth, in their brand new purpose built theatre.
The aim of the trip was to give pupils a high quality
theatre experience with the best in the world, the
RSC, which will hopefully remain fresh in their
memories when they sit their Shakespeare exam in
the spring!
The Stratford experience began with the aid of our
knowledgeable coach driver, who pointed out
interesting landmarks such as Shakespeare’s birthplace and the nearest public toilets! We then
traipsed through the beautiful sunny Stratford town centre, to arrive at the RSC’s education
venue. Pupils were put through their paces by professional RSC actors, focusing on the text and
themes of Macbeth. Pupils already knew the plot of the play and represented the school
confidently in their knowledge and understanding. Even though many of us were not natural
actors/actresses, every single person played their part.
We then drove to a beautiful youth hostel nearby called Hemmingford House, an old Georgian
mansion, of which we had booked the whole top floor. Then came the main event! The new Swan
Theatre is a dramatic modern building from the exterior, impressive and, when we arrived,
buzzing with people. We quickly found our seats, a mere arms length from the action! We found
ourselves struck dumb by the splendour of the enormous three-tiered auditorium, the stage
surrounded on three sides by the audience.
When we emerged, two hours later, reeling from the intensity of the experience, many pupils
were amazed; they hadn’t expected it to be so powerful, thrilling and emotional. “That was the
best thing I’ve ever seen in my life!” exclaimed one. “It was so much better than the cinema,” said
another. The coach ride home (and a significant few hours into the night) rang to the sound of
excited voices, discussing the characters, the fireworks, the numerous murder scenes (so much
blood!); the incredibly creepy opening of the play when three seven year old children descended
from the heavens, hanging on wires - as if dead, before twitchingly coming to life as the three
witches.
We compared our reactions: “Did you cry when...?”; “I was really scared when...”; “Did you see
the bit when Lady Macbeth looked straight at me?”; “What about the bit when hundreds of dolls
fell down from the rafters?”
The experience far exceeded all our expectations and, although the pragmatic aim of helping
pupils to pass their GCSE exam will hopefully prove very valuable, the most important outcome
will be the magnificent memory in years to come of this incredible performance.
Sincere thanks to Mrs Ayton, Mrs Tillier, Mr Willats and Mrs Simpson for their support in running
the trip, as well as Taw & Torridge coaches – for getting us there and back!
Well Done to Year 11 raising money for
Shelterbox The Year 11 Society Health and Development
diploma pupils visited Shelterbox on 5th
September as part of their ASDAN qualification.
They presented a cheque for £116.13, which they
had raised through fundraising activities, such as a
sponsored silence and cake sales.
JUDO
World Challenge
Twenty six pupils from GTS School plan to tackle an adventurous challenge this year which will
change the way they will see the world. They are going to be tackling the Morocco expedition
where they will trek across the breath-taking scenery and experience a mixture of cultures whilst
weaving through Berber villages and participating in rewarding volunteer work. They are currently
busy fundraising the full amount of £1049 to take them on the unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Part of the criteria is that they have to raise the money themselves. Pupils taking part have all
sorts of activities to raise the money from
making and selling cards, car washing and
odd jobs to help fund themselves on the trip
of a lifetime. If you have any ideas that
pupils could do please let Miss McCarthy
know.
A fun Judo taster session was
put on after school by Simon
Ward on Tuesday 18th October.
If you are interested in
participating in the near future
please see Mr Avery in PE
Office.
Outdoor Education Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
This year we have nineteen
pupils in Year 10 going for
their Bronze award. The
group have just completed
their bronze qualifying expedition covering over 20
miles along the North Devon Coast Path with an
overnight camp in Appledore. The assessors were
really impressed with the pupils, how they worked
as a team, their camp craft and planning. Here are
some of the comments that the assessors made
“Their teamwork was good, helping each
other when necessary and the whole team
appeared to have had fun and thoroughly
enjoyed themselves”
“The team got on really well together,
helping each other and sorting things out
quietly and efficiently”.
“A small girl coped remarkably well with the walking with a big bag. Although she was
very tired she didn’t let that stop her finishing with the girls or holding them up. She
was a very determined young lady”.
Many of the group have started their volunteering section by helping out in local youth
groups, people in their community or afterschool clubs in and around the surrounding
Torrington area. We hope that they will be inspired that they are making a difference to their
community or to an individual’s life by developing compassion by giving service to others.
Three year 11 pupils have recently completed their bronze award – Congratulations to Jessie
Shere, Jessica Heywood and Tim Isaac.
Faiths Beliefs
and Ideas
9Y4 built an amazing sukkah in their Faiths Beliefs and Ideas lesson last week. A sukkah is a temporary structure built by Jewish families to celebrate the festival of Sukkoth, which takes place this week. It is an ancient tradition to build a shelter outside and to decorate it with fruit and leaves as a reminder of the 40 years spent by Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. It is the
forerunner of our Harvest Festival. Ms A Sparrow
GTS Sports Personality of the Year 2011
The GTS Annual Sports Awards 2011 celebrate the talents of Great Torrington's talented
sports men, women and Sports Leaders were recognised and short listed for these
prestigious Sports Awards. Hosted at Langtree Village hall at the end of July 2011. The
evening recognised pupils achievement and contribution through a wide range of
prestigious awards. Seth Hodorowski was the overall crowned winner of the Sports Personality of the Year
for his superb contribution to school sport and performance, demonstrating an excellent attitude and being an
outstanding role-model to pupils.
Streetz Crew were named as the winners of the Team of
the Year. Morgan New was awarded the Leadership Award
for her netballing commitment and dedication to
volunteering her time to help promote practical activities for
others. Huge congratulations and a big well done goes to
all the students who were short listed in categories for their
outstanding achievements and efforts during the course of
last year.
Shore Thing Project
Great Torrington and other schools in the South West are
part of this National project run partly by the Marine
Biological Association, Plymouth. With the help of marine
laboratories and field study centres, schools from Cornwall to
the Highlands will be contributing to the Shore Thing
database.
The students record seaweeds and animals in quadrats as
they walk down the shore from high to low tide, along a
transect line. They then spend 20 minutes looking for a
number of marine species that scientists have selected as
being indicators of climate change. Once the data has been
checked it will be made available to the wider community
including scientists and decision makers via the internet.
A class of Year 11 pupils studying for their Biology GCSE went
to survey the shore at Abbotsham on September 27th with
Dr Phillips, Mr Dorrell, marine expert Dr Jollands from
Hallsannery centre and Ms Crouch who organises the „Shore
Thing‟ project, nationally. It was a beautiful, hot, sunny day
and we enjoyed seeing how varied life is on the shore,
particularly in our local Biosphere Reserve. Pupils had the
opportunity to learn about species surveying techniques and
some used an underwater camera in the rock-pools. The visit
seemed all the more worthwhile as it was contributing to a
National study. This is the fifth annual survey Great
Torrington school has taken part in. Already it is showing an
increase in top shell numbers as they extend their range
northwards as sea temperatures rise.
NORTH DEVON HOSPICE FUNDRAISER
VISITS GTS Emma Lowe from the North Devon Hospice came in to
talk to the pupils about their upcoming fundraising
evening. She started with the opening question, “Have
any of you ever thought about doing fundraising as a
career choice?” A lot of thoughtful faces looked up and
started taking notes as she talked about her role and
event planning tips. Topics covered were legal aspects of
selling raffle or lottery tickets, obtaining prizes,
advertising, risk assessments, layout and her most
important advice to everybody was to SMILE. See page
10 of the newsletter for more details.
On Tuesday 4th
October, the staff and pupils of GTS took part in a sponsored
circular walk of the school grounds to raise money for the North Devon
Hospice as part of the Devon Walks appeal, their latest fundraising campaign.
We were approached by the ND Hospice to take part and held a non-school
uniform day in the theme of dress as a twin and sponsored walk.
Gerard Fawcitt from ND Hospice came into each of the year school assemblies
prior to the event and gave an interesting and thought provoking talk about
what the hospice does and why sponsorship money is so important to them.
Although the day started out wet, the rain clouds were soon gone. All the
pupils in the school tackled the walk in their hour slot with several members of
staff joining them.
The route set was a half mile long circuit and approx. 3000+ laps were
recorded equating to 1500 miles being walked or run, others did it in a group
all tied together and some even did it in a three-legged style race.
Sponsorship money has reached a staggering £2285.87; if any pupils haven’t
returned their sponsorship money please return so we can do a final cheque
presentation.
Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored staff and pupils for the walk.
The day went really well as you can see from the pictures.
GTS & Appledore Book Festival
Great Torrington School students were lucky to meet three authors in a week. The library
was kept even busier than usual with a performance poet, Ash Dickinson, working with Year 11
students too.
Ruth Ward from the school library said, “We have developed a great relationship with
Appledore Book Festival and I requested the writer Nicola Morgan a couple of years ago. Her
historical adventures had been highly recommended to me and the students love them.” The
Nicola Morgan event answered many questions from Torrington‟s Year 7, 8 and 9 aspiring
writers and fans of her work. Internationally known playwright Terence Frisby asked
students to act in scenes together. “They are developing a story with a beginning, middle and
ending at the scene of some type of accident,” said Terence. Many students are seeing the
musical play in Barnstaple, „Kisses on a Postcard‟ and Terence gave a heartfelt account of his
own wartime experiences. Library campaigner and acclaimed writer Alan Gibbons completed
the trio of authors. Alan‟s work is taking him all over the world now and the largely male
audience were very appreciative of a very lively talk. “We challenged some less confident
readers that have benefitted from our daily Reading Club to read Alan‟s books before the
visit and the results have been really worthwhile. Alan started with face pulling, humour and
encouragement. The audience were putty in his hands and delighted to stay for photos and
autographs.”
The visits coincided with Year 5 and 6 student and parent visits as part of our Open School
morning tours so there were extra audience members stopping by each day, adding to the
enjoyment. “The children are already asking for more author visits and suggesting authors.
Enjoyment from reading is alive and well at Great Torrington School.” Mrs Ward Library
Congratulations to Yr 9
Netball team who came second
in the North Devon tournament on
10th October 2011. They lost in the
last 90 seconds of the final. It was 4-4
until the end of the game when in the
last 90 seconds they then lost 7-4!
They are through to the Devon
Tournament being held on the 15th
November. Good luck girls.
Multi Skill
Festival Year 11 OCR
Sport group ran a multi skill festival
for 160 year 5/6 pupils from the GTS
learning community at GTS on the
fields. The festival was a great
success with all 160 pupils being
involved in various activities including
running, jumping, javelin throwing,
rugby passing and kicking, long distance
running, tennis ball throws and speed
agility and quickness type activities. All
young leaders were a credit to
themselves and the school showing
fantastic leadership skills and
encouraging all visiting pupils on each
activity. Teachers from visiting primary
schools commented on our pupils being
brilliant motivators and very clear in what
they were expecting the pupils to
achieve. Mrs Frickleton
Year 10 Work Experience
2011/12 The dates for the Year 10 block work
experience weeks are 16th - 20th April 2012 for
students who are taught in Band X and 23rd –
27th April for students taught in Band Y.
Students will be given further information and
support later in the term as part of the
preparation programme. The responsibility
for finding a work placement lies with the
student and their parents although help will
always be provided by the school. There can
be strong competition for places, especially
within certain employment sectors, which is
why I wanted to inform you of the dates at
the earliest opportunity. It is never too early
to arrange a placement!
Sandra Peters – Personalised Learning
Manager
Breakfast Club
8.30am – 8.50am Monday to Friday
Toast, cereals, fruit, bacon rolls, coffee, tea
Fruit Juices
GOOD LUCK
EliteZ StreetZ (yrs 9-11) in
orange below and our fantastic
new younger crew SneakerZ
(yrs 7-9) in pink will be
representing GTS in the
National High Schools
Streetdance Competition.
Making the news
Many congratulations to Phoebe Baker and Annabel Halstead who have beaten tough competition to win places in the Devon FA Centre of Excellence. The girls train at Ivybridge Community College and Phoebe was selected for trials for the FA’s Elite Performance Camp.
Morgan New has been making the news in her netballing locally and in a national
magazine, England Netball. Morgan has been awarded the Young Netball Volunteer
Award for the South West Area. A stunning achievement and a lot of dedication
have been given to her local Netballing clubs and schools.
Message from The NHS Immunisation Team
In line with national policy, BCG vaccination for TB has not routinely been given to children in schools since
2005. NHS Devon are now screening young people in Reception year, who are at risk of developing or have on
going risk of exposure to TB infection. This includes any child aged 5 – 18 years old who has not been
vaccinated against TB infection and:
Have a parent or grandparent born in a country with a high incidence of TB OR
Were born or lived for more than 3 months in any country with a high incidence of TB
Please contact The Immunisation Team on 01392 208469/ 208470 to arrange screening and vaccination.
The Immunisation Team, Franklyn House, Franklyn Drive, Exeter, EX2 9HS
Attendance
Our attendance target for the year
is 95%. It is our expectation that
all pupils attend school to enable
them to access the best possible
education. If pupils attendance
causes the school reasons for
concern then the Education
Welfare Service will be involved.
Persistent absences can involve
penalty notices/fines being issued
or even court proceedings.
Mrs A Hardy
NOTICES
Non Uniform day November 18th Children in Need Day
Year 11 will be organising some money raising events during break time and lunchtime, so bring
some extra loose change as well as £1.00 for non-school uniform on the day. There will be the
cake bakes, and some fun activities planned by Yr 11 including penalty shootout against staff and
someone did mention “Throw a sponge at a Teacher!”.
Over half of our parents have now signed up to our Parentmail. We are regularly sending messages home on Parentmail from trips to calendar reminders to afterschool clubs. There is an option to pay for trips and school uniform on the Parentmail +Pay section. If you are not yet a user of Parentmail, or need your password reset please contact Mrs Louise Leonard at school on [email protected].
ORGANISED BY Y11 DIPLOMA STUDENTS in aid of the ND Hospice
Wednesday 16th November
Drama Studio at GTS
6pm – 8.45pm
Body Shop, Refreshments, Hand Manicures
£1 entrance fee includes cake & drink
Please come along and support the event.
GTS Christmas
Concert
9th December
St Michael &
All Angels
Church 7pm.
We hope to see
you there
DJ/MC & Music Workshop
Wednesdays 3.10 -5.10
Ages 13 – 19
GTS Music Studio
. For more information please call Steve on 07977573706
Outside Group Hire
Great Torrington School possesses some excellent and wide-ranging facilities across many
subject areas. From Classrooms, meeting rooms, halls, Tennis and Netball courts, IT Suites,
and Art rooms available to hire.
Whilst these are put to good use within the school day, and in some cases during extra-
curricular activities outside of normal school hours, the opportunity presents itself for these
facilities to be utilised during evenings and weekends by groups or individuals either from
within the school or from the wider community. If you interested in hiring GTS facilities
please contact the Letting Officer, Mrs Leonard, on [email protected]
Day Location Timing Contact
Step n Tone Monday Gym 1815-1915 Amy Avery
Adult Streetz Monday Gym 1930-2030 Amy Avery
South American Style Dance Tuesday Gym 1800-1900 Amy Avery
Adult Streetz Tuesday Gym 1900-2000 Amy Avery
Gt Torrington Open D of E Tuesday J1 1830-1930 Nick Muir
Adult Streetz Class Wednesday Gym 1845-1945 Amy Avery
Torrington Athletics Club Wednesday Gym 1800 Start Marilyn Blair
North Devon Gym Thursday Gym 1700-2000 Tracey Davies
Table Tennis Thursday Dining Hall
1845-2045 Kevin Taylor
Akidio Friday Gym 1830-2100 Geoff Murby
Streetz 6-9 year old Saturday Gym 0900-0945 Amy Avery
Streetz Age 10-16 Old Saturday Gym 0945-1030 Amy Avery
Elite Streetz Crew Saturday Gym 1030-1115 Amy Avery
Gym Sneekers Saturday Gym 1115-1200 Amy Avery
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM
THE LIBRARY
Revision Sessions & Clubs
Class Subject Revision Day Timings Teacher Place
Yr10-11 Graphics Tues, Thurs 3:10-5:00 PA Tec 6
Yr10-11 RM, Construction, Engineering Wed 3:10-4:30 AJF Tec 3
Yr10-11 RM, Construction, Engineering Thurs 3:10-4:10 JDA Tec 4/5
Yr 11 and 10 ART Coursework/Exam Preparation
WED 3.10-4.30 TK A2
Yr 10 & Yr 11 ART Coursework/Exam Preparation
Thurs 3.10-4.30 BI A1
Year 11 Dance Monday 1.20-2.00 CDF P1
Year 11 Drama Tues/Weds 3.10-4.00 AMP P1
Year 11 Music Tues/Weds/Thurs 3.10-4.20 HJC P3
Year 11 Geography - controlled Assessment catch-up
Tues & Thurs 3.10-4.30 EM S2
Year 11 Food and Nutrition GCSE Monday lunchtime SMC Tec 2
Year 11 Food and Nutrition GCSE Tues, Weds, Fri 3.10pm-5pm
HVW Tec 1
GCSE Dance Dance practical Mon lunch 13.30-14.00
CDF P1
Year 10 Food Tuesday 1.30- 2.00 SMC TEC2
Year 11 Food Monday 1.30- 2.00 SMC TEC2
11xPg1 PE Monday 1.30-2.00 JVA CR1
YR 11 Geography Tues & Weds 3.15-4.15 NGD S1
Year 11 Maths – Module 2 Tuesday After school
TC /MAL
M1
Yr 11 10x1 Maths – Module 2 Wednesday After school
CD M1
Yr 10 11 Maths – Module 1 Wednesday After school
AQ /AGB
M4
Yr 10 11 Maths – Module 1 Thursday After school
CTS /AGB
M1
Yr 11 PE GCSE Tuesday Lunchtime JC Tec 6
Lun
chti
me
s Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
ATP Yr 7 ATP Yr 8/9 ATP Yr 10/11 ATP Yr 8/9 ATP Yr 10 11
GYM Street Dance
Street Dance All
Street Dance All Years
Stages Rehearsals
Fitness Suite
Fitness Suite
(Yr 10 -11)
Fitness Suite (Yr 10 -11)
Sports Hall
Open Sports hall
Yr 11 Netball (JC)
Open Sports hall Every other week only
Open Sports Hall (SE)
Open Netball
P1 GCSE Dance
Yr10&11
Impro Club AMP
DJ and mixing Club
Watchers Film Club
Watchers Film Club
P2 Glee Be a Technician
Food Tech 2
Food&NutGCSE
Aft
erS
cho
ol
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday ATP Yr 11
Football Yr 7/8/9
Football Yr 10 Football
Sports Hall
Indoor Hockey All Years
Climbing Trampolining
Field Yr 7/9 Rugby Yr 10 Rugby Yr 8 Rugby
Gym Primary Gymnastics
Staff Circuits / Exercise
Gymnastics Street Dance (Crew)
Courts Tennis up
to half term Yr 9 / 10 Netball
Yr 7 / 8 Netball
Other Areas
Tennis Torrington Tennis Courts to half term
Table Tennis Dining Hall
J7 Homework Club
Homework Club
Homework Club & Cobra Learn to Touch Type
Homework Club & Cobra Learn to Touch Type
Tec 3 Technology (GCSE CDT) 3.10 - 4.30pm
Tec 6 Technology (GCSE CDT) 3.10 - 5pm
Technology (GCSE CDT) 3.10 - 5pm
Tec 4 Technology (GCSE CDT 3.10 - 4.10)
Art Rooms
Pottery (Oct Half)
Art and Design (TK)
Art & Design (BI)
P3 Cobra Film Animation
P2 Devon Youth Service DJ/MC & Lyric Workshop
P1 Wren Music (Yr 5 - 7)
Food Tech Tec 1
Food & Nutrition GCSE & COBRA 3.15 - 4.30 After
Oct Half Term
Food & Nutrition GCSE & COBRA 3.15 - 4.30 Up to Oct half Term
Food & Nutrition GCSE 3.15 - 4.30
SC3 Science Drop in Clinic
Tele: 01805 623 531 Fax: 01805 624 332
Website: www.gts.devon.sch.uk Email: [email protected]
GTS Academy Trust, known as Great Torrington School. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, number 7698197. An exempt charity. Registered Office: Great Torrington School, Calvesford Road, Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 7DJ