THERFIELD NEWS Issue No.137, 30 Nov 2005

As I am sure you are aware schools and communities can become a focus for unfounded rumour and speculation. I am pleased therefore to have this opportunity to provide you with the facts regarding recent incidents which I trust will allay any concerns that you might have.

• there was an incident at Howard of Effmgham School that was reported in the local media. However, the perpetrator of this incident was not a Therfield student

• given persistent rumours, I asked for the police to be present at school at lunchtimes and at the end of the school day on Friday of last week and Monday of this. There were no further incidents.

Last week we held the first of two Academic Tutoring days for this school year. This is a valuable time for each student to spend with their tutor discussing any subject problems they may have as well as setting and reviewing targets. This day is compulsory and non attendance is counted as an unauthorised absence

The Open Evening for our Sixth Form was extremely well attended by both current students and students from other schools. Parents and students were informed about the options available by members of the Leadership Team, followed by details of what life is like in the Sixth Form from the Senior Students, Rob Leay and Amy Chandler.

There was then the opportunity to discuss, on a one to one basis, any questions about the subjects offered with the teachers directly. Application forms for the Sixth Form will be available in the new year.

UK Team Maths Challenge On Monday 14th November, about sixty Year 8 and 9 students competed in teams of four for a place in the Regional Final of the UK Team Maths Challenge 2005. The questions were stimulating and the competition intense. By the end, three teams were equal in points after a general round and a relay. A tense tie-breaker had to be taken three times before a winning team was declared. All the teams behaved impeccably, and we look forward to the results of the next round to be held in London next term.

The winning teams were, in third place, Alison Beech, Duncan Stuart, Kerry Knight and Georgina Bland; in second place, James Finch, George Moody, Jamie Gale and Matt Davison; and in first place, Mirren Patel, Michael Smith, Chris Knight and Jesse Lloyd.

Roman Election In History lessons, Year 7 have been learning about the Roman Republic and preparing for an election. Hustings were held in lesson time and every student wrote a speech and ran a campaign. W Block was filled with posters, rosettes, badges and some Year 7s even wore togas! Well done to all those who took part.

Rambert Dance Workshop Seventeen girls from Years 9 and 10 were selected to take part in a three hour contemporary dance workshop led by Lincoln from Rambert Dance Company. The Rambert Dance Company aspires to be one of the world's most versatile and exciting dance companies and provides an extensive education programme, which engages thousands of young people each year. The Company tours throughout Britain annually, accompanied by its Associate Orchestra, London Musici. It also tours internationally, and has recently performed in Italy, China, Russia and Hungary.
The Workshop took place on Friday 4thNovember 2005.

This was an opportunity for more able dancers and GCSE Dance students to develop and enhance their dance technique whilst learning how to choreograph dance phrases. The ultimate aim is for the group to perform the finished dance piece at Surrey Youth Dance Fusion 2006. The selected students are now required to attend additional dance sessions to develop and refine the dance piece.

Therfield School Netball and Hockey Tour to Holland 2005 Committed members of Therfield hockey and netball squads were invited to attend a week long intensive coaching programme in Holland from October 24th to October 28th 2005.

The aim of the tour was to bring about an improvement in the technique and ability of all the students. They followed a tailored and intensive coaching programme which also met the requirements of the National Curriculum for Physical Education at Therfield School. Through a careful assessment process the coaches identified key areas for the students' individual development in the sport. Newly acquired and enhanced skills were put to the ultimate test during tournaments against Dutch opposition and matches throughout the week. Leisure time involved swimming, bowling, crazy golf, shopping and a visit to a pancake house.

The trip itself was based in Noordwijk on the Dutch coast with 15km of sandy beaches and a host of attractions to enjoy.

The boys Hockey Team won two of their three matches against the Dutch opposition, whilst the U14 Netball Team won the tournament and the U17 Netball Team came second. The progress that the students made throughout the week was phenomenal and the increase in their confidence as team players was boosted tenfold. Every student thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we are now organising next year's trip.For further information on this new exciting opportunity please contact Miss Mulroy.

Our experiences in Belgium, 20-21 October 2005 We arrived in Calais excited about the trip. Before lunch we visited a cemetery called Ramparts. After a short walk we arrived at the Menin Gate memorial in Ypres, which made us realize how many people died in the First World War. The 55,000 names on the wall were of those soldiers who were never found. Our next stop was Sanctuary Wood where the trenches, Hill 62 and the museum are situated. After a visit to our hotel to unpack we returned to the Menin Gate where we attended the Last Post ceremony, which we all found very moving.

During the day we had some free time to go and buy some delicious Belgian chocolate! In the evening we returned to our hotel for a well deserved sleep ready for a busy day ahead.

The next morning, we visited the Cloth Hall Museum, where we learnt more about World War 1. This was followed by a visit to the Pool of Peace, a crater formed by a British mine. Apparently the explosion could be heard in London! The crater was 27 meters deep and 30 meters across and was a peaceful place to be. We then moved on to the Tyne Cot Cemetery (the Allies Cemetery) where the Therfield students watched Daisy and Chloe lay flowers under the memorial. There are 11,871 graves which made us realize how many soldiers were lost in battle.

We then carried on along the road to our last destination, Langemarck Cemetery, (the German Cemetery).The cemetery was certainly smaller than Tyne Cot, but there were 44,292 soldiers buried here. There was a big mass grave which held 25,000 soldiers. We noticed a big difference between the Allied and German cemeteries.

At each site we visited on the trip, the teachers told us an event that happened at that place. It was a fantastic and interesting school trip and we would recommend you go as it's a once in a lifetime experience.
Written by Peter Marlow and Daisy Nolan

Cycling Safety If you cycle to school please remember the following points.

• Wear light coloured or reflective clothing and protective headwear

• Ensure that you have lights on the front and rear of your cycle and that these work well, give enough light for you to see obstacles or potholes ahead of you and that you are clearly visible to vehicles approaching from behind.

• Be aware that pedestrians are more difficult to see in the dark so travel slower in areas where pedestrians may be

• Be even more careful than usual to ensure you have been seen by drivers before changing direction on the road

• Be wary of skidding on wet leaves

• Be careful when wearing hoods as these can affect your ability to see clearly

Medicines in School We have just received an updated copy of Surrey County Council's Administration of Medicines guidelines and it states that the only over the counter medicine students are allowed at school is Paracetemol, supplied by the parent.

All other medicines have to be prescribed for the student by their GP/hospital consultant.
All medicines, including paracetemol, can only be given if the parent/guardian has completed a medication request form available from the Welfare Office.
When a student has been given medication they will be provided with a note detailing what they were given, why they were given it and when they were given it. This note is for them to show to their parent/guardian.

Sports Celebration Children from across Mole Valley Valley celebrated a £1million investment in improving School Sport during a Multi Sports activity day held at Therfield on Friday 18th November. More than 200 children from schools across the District took part in activities such as hockey, tag rugby, football, dance and orienteering in a dual celebration of Therfield attaining Specialist Sports College status, and the launch of the Mid Surrey School Sports Partnership.

The children also had the opportunity to be coached by Great Britain Hockey captain and double Olympian Brett Garrard. Brett then answered questions from the children on his Olympic experiences.

Christmas Carol Service The Christmas Carol Service will take place this year in Leatherhead Parish Church on Monday 12th December, beginning at 7.30pm. The service will include seasonal readings and carols, with music provided by the school's orchestra and brass ensemble. Admission is free but will be by ticket only (available from the school Office). Refreshments will be served after the service.

Protect The Human Week A big thank you to everyone who supported the Protect the Human Week campaign by buying a badge. The total amount raised was £241.85 which went to support the work of Amnesty International. Keep a look out for future Amnesty International campaigns around school. Kathryn Greenwood 13CE

Puppet Theatre Year 8 students held a puppet show in the Food Technology department, for a small group of children aged one to four as part of their Textile Technology course. Students were responsible for creating their puppets, writing scripts and arranging their individual performances. Mrs Rogers was delighted by the enthusiasm shown and the professionalism of the production. The children who attended the performance really enjoyed it.

News From the Friends
LAST CHANCE to reserve your table/tickets for the CHRISTMAS BALL on a Winter Wonderland Theme. Fill in the slip on the last Newsletter, or call 818123 ext 219 and leave a message for Robin Eddleston with number of tickets required. Christmas Ball Saturday 10th December ticket application form

JUMBLE SALE A big thank you to everyone who both helped or attended the Jumble Sale earlier in the month. Well over £600 was raised for school funds.

THERFIELD TRUST Thanks to all parents who have generously donated to the Trust this term; every pound raised will be used for the benefit of students at Therfield.

We will be sending a polite reminder to parents who haven't yet responded in the hope that you can support the school in providing the `extras' which make school life better for all.

News from the Governors The recent ballot to fill the three vacancies for Parent Governors has resulted in the appointment of David Kennard, Sally Verity Smith and David Kearey. Thank you to those who kindly nominated themselves and the parents who voted. These governors will now serve for a period of four years.

As part of the School's recent award for Sports Specialism, the Governing Body is required to appoint a Business Governor, who will have a special interest in the Specialism. It is hoped the person will be from a local business with a sporting or management and leadership development background. More information can be provided about the role, which will have benefits for both Therfield and the business involved. You do not have to be a parent of a student at the school. If you feel that you or someone from your company may be able to contribute in this way, please contact the Clerk to the Governing Body by leaving a message on 01372 814462.

News in Brief....
Lost Property We have three boxes of shoes and trainers and a number of 'mufti' items collected since the beginning of term. Those items not claimed by the end of term will be sent for recycling. We do not have any items of school uniform in the Lost Property. Unnamed PE items are passed to the PE department.

Medical Appointments Please can parents remind their children that they have a doctor/dentist appointment before they come to school. Interrupting lessons to pass on this information is very disruptive to the class.

Year 10 Parents' Evening Forms will be sent out on Monday 5th December. If you do not receive one please ring the school office. Please return to school before 16th December (end of term)

For Sale Mr Andrews has an electric guitar for sale (nice Christmas present). It is a two year old CORT G250. It has a green woodstain gloss finish, new strings, 5 way pickup selector, humbucking pickups, a flating tremolo and 22 frets. Excellent condition with soft carrying case. Cost £250 new, will accept £150 ono. See Mr Andrews at school.

Family Links Parenting Course The next ten-session course will be starting in the new year from 12.30pm to 3pm. For further details please call Liz Noble on 01372 814431 or see the Therfield Website.

Tesco Sport Vouchers Please send in any vouchers you have before the end of term as the closing date is looming.

... More News
RUSH update Money from the Africa Evening built a house for Andonina in September. The next instalment has gone to build a house for Nipher and the extra will set Jonathan up in a dairying project to make yogurt.

Therfield Alumni clock 5000 visits The Therfield Alumni website continues to grow and attract visits - there have now been 5000 since it was set up in October 2003. If someone in your family was at Therfield or Leatherhead County Secondary School, please show them the Alumni pages via the home page of the School website. We also host the on-line archive of School Newsletters back to October 1979. Please contact Frank Haslam 01372 379341 if you have material we could use or people to add to our Register.

Mufti Day £1224.90 was raised to help Jeremy Weeks raise money for the Marsden Cancer Campaign. Jeremy is now cycling across Vietnam!

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