July 2003
July 2003
| FROM THE HEADTEACHER
As Headteacher of one of the top three hundred schools in the country I attended the ‘High Value Celebration’ arranged by the Department of Education and Skills last week. It was hosted by David Miliband, Minister of State for Schools Standards. Invitations went out based on last year’s examination results for Value Added at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 – Therfield was one of only two schools in Surrey to be included. Mr Miliband outlined three key areas of development for education – excellence to drive equality, creating a universal service that caters for the individual and the spreading of good practice. Not surprisingly, however, when it came to question time, two thirds of the questions concerned the under-funding of schools! More good news comes with publication of this year’s National Curriculum Test results. Congratulations to students in Year 9 – over 80% achieved Level 5 or above in Maths, Science and English. Some students have good reason to be particularly pleased with their individual successes and to see their hard work and progress over the last three years being reflected in these results. In these days of Target Setting it is pleasing to note that all three core subjects exceeded their targets. Well done to all staff and students – individual results will be sent home to parents. Congratulations too to the English Faculty on being awarded Open Door Faculty status by the Local Education Authority which means that they will be called upon to work with other schools to share good practice. Also congratulations to Ms Hall and Ms Wade who have been recognised as Leading Practitoners for English. The conclusion of the School Year also has its sadder and more reflective moments as we say goodbye to a number of staff, some of whom are taking well-earned retirement, others go on to promotion in other schools, move from the area for family reasons, decide it is time to go home or else seek a change of scene. Mrs Newstead is retiring after 28 years at the school, 26 of them as a very successful and caring Head of Art. Mr Digby, who has been with us for 12 years teaching Religious Studies, is also retiring and found his tutor group had organised a farewell party, complete with bouncy castle! After 30 years teaching Science – “I have taught everything except Advanced level Physics”, Miss Wood, who was also a student at Therfield, is leaving to become Head of Biology at Dunottar School. Mrs Penfold, after 18 years, first as a part-time teacher of English, then Head of English and latterly as Literacy Co-ordinator, is going to Reigate Grammar School to teach English. Miss Jefford, PE teacher here for 16 years, is moving to St Bede’s School at Redhill. Ms English, who came to Therfield eight years ago as an NQT and was appointed Head of English two years ago moves to a similar post at George Abbot School. Mrs Leeming, Head of Geography for the past eight years, also moves for a similar post nearer her home. Mr Langford, Head of Music, who came here intending to stay not much more than one term is returning home to Australia after three years and Mr Jordan, Head of Chemistry, having returned from his travels round the world, is going to Montsaye College in Northamptonshire as Head of Science. We also says goodbye to Ms Baty, Miss Boxall, Miss Cadle, Mrs Collins, Miss Crooks, Miss Doonar, Mr Fuller, Miss Hunter, Miss Jackson, Ms Kiryakidus, Mr Kufandirori, Ms Linwood, Mrs McKinney, Ms Shariff, Miss Szotyori and Miss Taylor. The school will miss all of these colleagues, many of whom have been at Therfield for a long time and so contributed greatly to the many successes enjoyed by the school and we wish them well for the future. I am pleased to report that, despite budget constraints, the school will be fully staffed next year. I welcome back Ms Ryan as Head of Social Studies and congratulate Miss Wooding on her promotion to be Head of Geography. The new Head of English Faculty will be Mrs Smith, who joins us from Coulsdon Sixth Form College, Mr Casselton comes from Heathside as Head of Music, Mr Cox from Australia via Berkhamstead Collegiate College is the new Head of Art and Mr Popplestone from Sunbury Manor takes over as Head of Chemistry. Ms Kiehne, who joined us this term will be staying on to teach History, English and Citizenship. Ms O’Neill, Ms Percival Ms Sunderland and Mr Oswick will be teaching English, Mr Steventon (Technology), Ms Honnor (Maths), Mr Knowles (Religious Studies and Philosphy), Ms Fontanals (Music), Dr Thomassen, Ms Wedmore, Ms Homewood (Science), Mr Evans, Ms Parish (Modern Foreign Languages), Ms Rennie (PE), Ms Barrow (Psychology, General Studies), Ms Anderson (Social Studies, General Studies), Ms Starling, Mr Johnson (Geography), Ms Wheeler (History), Ms Westerman (Geography), Mr Tytko (Business Studies), Mr Forword (ICT). End of Term – School closes at 1.00 pm on Thursday at the end of the Summer term. All students will be given an Information Booklet which gives times and dates for return to school in September, holiday dates for 2003-04, information about uniform, school rules and other important items. Please ‘rescue’ this from school bags, blazer pockets etc as the information is essential. An Important Date – The Governors annual meeting with Parents will take place on Wednesday, October 8th. It will, once again, be held in conjunction with the Friends Meeting and so provide an opportunity for parents to meet and mingle and also ask questions. Prayer Group – Meetings for next term have been arranged on Monday evenings, 29th September and 17th November at 8 pm. Cashless Catering – Many thanks for your consideration whilst the new system has been installed. Please send in your cheques for the Autumn Term so that cards can be updated during the holiday. Cheques will not be banked until September. Please remember to make cheques payable to Surrey County Council. Animal Farm – Both cast and audience clearly enjoyed a highly entertaining piece of drama when the Key Stage Three Drama Club presented Animal Farm last week. George Orwell’s famous satirical play lent itself perfectly to this intimate presentation which took place in the Drama Studio. A young cast entered enthusiastically into the spirit of the show with a special mention for Jonathan Lloyd (Napoleon), Mark Richardson (Snowball), Kathryn Scott (Squealer) and Oliver Marriage (Old Major) as they sang and declaimed their political beliefs with conviction. The battle of the cowshed, the exploding windmill and all the manoeuvres for occupation of the farmhouse provided plenty of action and some humour. A twist at the end of the tale left the farmers back in the farmhouse sharing drinks with the pigs so everyone went home happy! Thinking about Reading – The
thoughts of Therfield students on reading for teenagers and the
Carnegie Children’s Literature Award in particular were recorded
for the BBC ‘The World Tonight’ programme. The broadcast
programme was something of a disappointment as they managed to
squeeze several hours recording time into what seemed like a few
seconds but Therfield did get a mention! Australian Challenge – Laden down with rucksacks, water bottles and all the paraphernalia necessary for an adventure ‘down under’, 25 students and three staff set off on their World Challenge on July 9th. They will be spending their time in the Northern Territory engaged mainly in conservation work but also testing themselves by trekking through the region’s spectacular and isolated countryside. Much of the challenge was for each student to raise £3000 so as to take part. Many individual and joint enterprises and sponsorship challenges have been held so as to reach their targets. To make sure they would also meet the physical demands, the Challengers have lugged their rucksacks on hikes in Surrey, been away on training weekends and followed a fitness programme. Enjoying the Dance – A Dance Workshop led by a professional dance company gave an energetic workout to thirty students from Years 7 to 10. They experienced ‘Street Dance’, an exciting and challenging form of dance which appeals to young people and gets them involved whilst they develop a range of skills. This Workshop could be a taster for activities to come with the start of GCSE Dance at Therfield in September. If your son or daughter is interested and would like to be involved, please contact Miss Mulroy in the PE Department in September. Materials Wanted – The Food and
Textiles Department would be grateful for the donation of any
felt, plain fabric and knitting needles that are no longer
needed at home. Cabaret Evening – Once again this popular event provided a fitting end-of-year celebration as it highlighted the hard work and many talents of students from all the music ensembles, orchestras, choirs and groups. Over 200 parents attended, clearly enjoyed themselves and were full of praise for all involved. Sailing News – Sixteen members of the Sailing Club enjoyed a three day regatta at Hayling Island at the beginning of the month. The use of the new multi-million pound Clubhouse, which was funded partly by lottery money and opened by the Princess Royal earlier in the season, greatly added to the sense of occasion. A pleasant cruise around Chichester Harbour made for a gentle introduction to a very full programme while the next two days were dominated by racing and friendly rivalry. We were delighted to come away with four trophies – Alex Stypulkowski was adjudged Seaman of the Year and Freddie Cardew-Smith gained Helm of the Year. Alex and Freddie then combined to win the Enterprise Class and Alex Crawford and Sarah Morris won the Mirror Trophy. Therfield Sailing Club is open to all students and has introduced many to a sport which provides an absorbing, skilful and healthy pastime whilst at school and beyond. Representing the School – Congratulations to Gauri Chauhan and John Crozier on being elected Senior Students for the coming year. Enjoying Science – “A brilliant trip, everyone a credit to the school” was how the Year 10 Science visit to Swansea was described by a member of staff and praise for the trip, where the 48 students plus staff were accommodated in Swansea University, was echoed by the students. They packed a lot into their time away, including studying sea shells on the beach, attending a Cosmology lecture on the expanding universe, visiting an old coal mine and going down in the cage and seeing where the pit ponies were kept. At Corus headquarters they viewed the process where iron is converted to steel plus the hot rolling mill which produces 1km of sheet steel – the highlight of the visit for many. The huge satellite dishes at the BT Communications Centre were impressive as was the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. On the lighter side, a bowling evening in Swansea will be remembered for Mr Rolaston beating Mr Geary on the disco dance machine! Africa Evening – A power point presentation added to the success of this year’s programme in which the costumes, background artefacts, music and cleverly choreographed dancing were particularly dazzling. As an example of cross curricular teaching this is a superb demonstration. The storms that day meant the audience were able to enjoy the refreshments without, for once, stifling in a July heatwave! Prizes for the most attractive folder covers went to Sarah Cannon, Oliver Cloutte, Kayleigh Jenkins, Rachael O’Leary, Emma Thomas and Matthew Walsh. Lost Property – A reminder please
to make sure that all items of uniform and equipment are clearly
labelled. A large amount of property gets handed in each day and
if we have a name we can return it. French Exchange – Once again the visit to Collège Jean Monnet near Nantes took place in brilliant weather so everyone was able to enjoy the picturesque scenery and the many activities arranged by their hosts. During the week they visited the local town, the medieval theme park ‘Le Puy due Fou’ plus the sight and vision park ‘Futuroscope’ as well as spending time in the collège. We all hope that the re-arranged return visit in October will return the compliment with some good weather. Students now in Years 8 and 9 who are interested in joining next year’s Exchange should see Mr Hostler. Writers’ Workshop – The opportunity to spend a Saturday writing and discussing English would not appeal to all students but five Year 10 students found it valuable and enjoyable. John Andrews, Rob Leay, Hannah Lynch, Joe Newman and Ben Thomas having been identified as being among the top one per cent of English students in Surrey were invited to attend the Workshop which gave tips on how to write, how to think about English and involved them in role plays. One of the leaders was Alan Gibbons, whose book ‘The Edge’ was on the Carnegie short list. “I wasn’t really looking forward to it”, said Joe, “but I got a lot of benefit out of it”. Working towards Bronze – This year’s Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award has attracted a splendid number of Year 9 students. On what was a very hot weekend they all took part in a practice expedition over the North Downs and demonstrated their stamina by completing the 24 km trek over the two days. Map reading, camping and cooking skills were all added to and they are now ready for the next step – the qualifying expedition at the end of September. Led by Miss Kendrick the campers were also accompanied by six members of staff. First Name on the Trophy – Therfield Year 10 cricketers became the first winners of the Dorking Cup when they defeated City of London Freemen’s School by 45 runs in the final. Their victory was even more praiseworthy because they were without three of their leading players who were on the Science visit to Swansea University. However, the squad system proved a strong one and Andrew Fidler played a real captain’s part by scoring 57 not out and taking five wickets. This new cup competition was set up by Dorking CC to encourage interest in cricket among boys aged 11 – 15 and attracted a strong entry. In an earlier round, Therfield defeated Reigate Grammar School and beat St Bede’s by 123 runs in the semi-final. Golfing Success – The Therfield team of Alex Christie, David Urry (both Sixth Formers) and Anthony Staples from Year 10 came second in the Surrey Schools Golf Championship held at the Burhill Club recently. This is a competition that attracts a strong entry from all schools throughout the county so additional congratulations should go to Alex Christie who won the individual trophy with a round of 69. Alex is in the ‘elite group’ of the Surrey Junior Squad and recently came third in the Surrey Colts championship, which has an age range up to 21. He has recently reduced his handicap to two and successfully defended his scratch title at Tyrrells Wood Golf Club. We wish Alex every success as he plays in the annual Nick Faldo Champion of Champions event at the Welwyn Garden City Club. Help with Learning – The Learning Disability Helpline is a free service for children, parents and carers who would like information and advice on a variety of topics such as respite care, holiday help or just a chat with someone who understands. The telephone number is 0808 808 1111 It is run by Mencap and supported by the Department of Health. Friends of Therfield (from Frank Haslam)– Another school year comes to an end and the Friends have again worked hard to provide extras for school life – and had some fun doing it. The Hundreds Club is thriving and still offers the best odds for winning prizes and helping the school at the same time. At our next AGM we shall be saying goodbye to Catriona Head who has done a tremendous job as Treasurer over many years and has been a key link between the Friends and Therfield School Trust. Robin Eddleston has kindly offered to take over from Catriona. The Friends would welcome other new members to the Committee. The school website address is displayed on one of the two school Minibuses provided by the Friends and we hope the other one may shortly be ‘on line’. We would very much like to hear from those of you who were at Therfield – both students and staff – to include on our alumni pages on the website and which make such fascinating reading. We shall also be working over the Summer to add to the History pages. Friends Dates for your Diary – Jumble Sale 4th October (volunteers please contact 01372 373128), Craft Fair on Sunday, 9th November (enquiries – 01372 814432).Details about The Ball will be given next term. A Busy Time – At the end of the Summer term, so many events take place that it is impossible to include all reports in this Newsletter. In September we hope to report on the Showcase Evening presented by the Creative and Performing Arts Faculty, Year 10 Geography Fieldwork visits, Year 10 and Thorpe Park, the GCSE Poetry Day, the language workshops, Year Seven’s visit to Boppard in Germany and, of course, the adventures of the World Challenge party in Australia. Studying Codes – Eight mathematicians from Year 9 spent a fascinating day on code breaking exercises during a special Mathematics Day for gifted students held at St Bede’s School last month. The students used computers to examine and break codes and it was a special thrill to see the Enigma code breaking machine in action – this machine was used extensively and most successfully to crack the German codes in the Second World War. Throughout the day the students were kept busy and interested as they pitted their wits against the cleverly devised and disguised coding exercises. Results Days – Thursday, 14th August will see the publication of Advanced level results and Thursday, 21st August is the date for GCSE and GNVQ results. |