THERFIELD NEWS Issue No.154, July 2007
'The Best for All'

Dear Parents

As we come to the end of the school year we have been reflecting on some of the highlights of the past year:

• Achieving examination results which place Therfield in the top 25% of schools nationally
• The opening of  new Music and Mathematics facilities
• Developing community links through Sports College work
• Creating productive links with local businesses to support student learning
• Widening our curriculum offer to include new subjects such as  Media Studies , Spanish, Triple Science and AS critical thinking,  BTEC Sport, NVQ MFL and introducing more vocational and college courses.
• Developing Leadership programmes throughout the school, for staff and students.
• Completing the first year of the Therfield Academy Programme with Chelsea FC
• Winning numerous awards such as The Leatherhead Drama festival (again), The U18 All England Girls Football,  East Surrey Young Enterprise, places in the finals of the European Kangaroo Competition Maths challenge (amongst other Mathematics competition successes)
• The continued commitment of staff and students in all areas of the life of the school such as: Over 90 students in the school production of Grease, a Sixth Form Rag Week which raised £6,500 for charity, 130 students involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – the largest in Surrey, 44 year 9 peer mentors working with younger students.

Thank you to all the staff, students and parents at Therfield who made these, and the many other things that we do, possible.

We have had a number of evenings recently – the new Yr 6 parents induction evening, the launch of the House system, Prizegiving, the Cabaret Evening,  where the feedback from parents has been very warm and positive. Thank you for supporting these events and for letting us know you enjoyed them.

At the Full Governing Body meeting on Wednesday, Tim Reeder resigned as Chairman of Governors. Tim joined the school as Governor in November 2005 and became Chairman of Governors last year. During that time Tim has worked hard to develop the skills of the Governing Body and has taken a real interest in the life of the school, often providing support based on his extensive business experience. We would like to thank Tim for his contribution to Therfield and wish him well for the future.

Clare Curran has been elected as Chairman of the Governing Body. Clare has been a Governor at the school for two years. She was also Chairman of Governors at Eastwick Infants School so she has a great deal of experience to bring to her new role at Therfield.

Paula Scriven who has been a Governor at Therfield for eight years also resigned on Wednesday. Paula has worked very hard for the school spending a significant amount of time on school issues and quite rightly feels she should devote some time to her family now. I would like to thank Paula for her contributions to the development of the school over recent years.

I would like to wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break – lets hope the sun starts to shine a little.

YEAR 12 PHYSICS VISIT
Year 12 Physics students had a busy two days in the first week of July – visiting a Royal Institute Exhibition entitled Expand Your Mind and a one day Institute of Physics Summer school, held at Charterhouse School.

The Royal Institute show gave our students the chance to speak to research and industrial scientists and find out how the subjects they are studying are used everyday across the globe.

Students commented:
‘It was good to see Physics being used for real life stuff, such as the Forestry stand’
‘The day was a good chance to understand the Physics behind everyday objects and how they work’

The second day at Charterhouse was more hands-on, designed to make them think "How Science (really) Works"

The first session involved developing a scientific model to predict how an experiment with bubbles would work. In pairs they had to present their model, discuss it and deal with constructive criticism; then after experimenting compare their predictions with the real thing. This led to a discussion of why scientific models have to be modified in the light of experimental evidence. 

Steve Hearn the teacher who ran the course was very impressed with the standard of our students;
‘They were using maths and coming up with ideas that were rare to hear from A Level students’.

He was also impressed with their practical skills, as they ‘just got on with the experiment and successfully took lots of readings with very little guidance’. Their confident use of ICT to process their data was also commented on.

The trip organiser Mrs Lawton said:
‘I thought it was a very successful day. By the end of the day all the students had contributed to the discussions; some got really involved! It was obvious that Therfield has some able students with excellent thinking skills studying Physics!’

More comments from the students – this time on the Institute of Physics day:
‘The day was not only a good insight into Physics, but also an insight into how to cope when pitching ideas in the business world.’
‘An awesome lunch!’
‘I would definitely recommend it, a good day and a fun way to learn’
‘Puts into perspective how challenging and interesting Physics can be.’

The final word goes to Simon Morris – who said – straight from the heart….
‘Everything I love about Physics was compounded into a neutron star of fun over two fabulous days!’

MANDARIN CHINESE
For the second year running we have been able to offer Mandarin Chinese as an after-school club for interested pupils from all years. Classes run on Wednesdays from 3.30. We are extremely lucky to have found an excellent native speaker to teach our students who have made excellent progress, rising to the challenge offered by what will surely prove to be a very useful language. Partly supported by a generous donation from Therfield Friends, I am delighted to report that we will be able to continue offering the lessons next year. We are considering opening up the classes to parents. If you may be interested in taking part in this exciting project, please contact Ms Ensum here at school.

ACCOMMODATION NEEDED
We are looking for accommodation for a student from our German partner school in Munich. Nicole Kerstein is hoping to come to Therfield from January 2008 to May 2008 and would be attending lessons in Year 12. She is 16 years old and took part in the German Exchange last year. If you have a spare room and would be keen to have a paying guest for this period please contact Ms Buckell at school.

ART EXHIBITION – LEATHERHEAD LIFE
As part of the Leatherhead Life festival, Therfield yet again contributed some impressive art work.

Students from Year 7-10 took part in an exhibition celebrating the creative talents of youngsters in the Mole Valley area. The work was on display at Leatherhead theatre for two weeks culminating in an awards ceremony where Joe Sexton in year 10 won some fantastic art equipment.

Students who had their work on display were:
Katie Hannam, Nicole Davis, Nicolle Chambers, George Quinnell-Harcombe, Robert Smith, Martin Fuller, Joe Sexton, Amy Martin, Emma Farr, Mehali Patel and Nick Bakovjiev.

RISING STARS
The summer term has witnessed the launch of an exciting and coordinated programme, “Therfield Rising Stars” which is aimed at developing the Sporting Potential of our most Gifted and Talented athletes, from Year 4 through to Year 13.

The Year 5 students from the Therfield Family of schools, have enjoyed a programme of weekly athletics coaching, while Year 6 and our own Year 7 students enjoyed a two day training camp during half term, and the older students have been working on a period of Strength and Conditioning work, based on “Speed, Agility and Quickness.” We are all looking forward to an equally exciting year next term with the launch of our Junior Athlete Education Programme.

INTER FORM ROUNDERS
Well done to the 200+ students who have taken part in the Inter-Form Rounders Tournaments, held over the last week. Winners saw a Jubilant 7JRE team who won by only one Rounder, a Magnificent 8PMA side, and an Absolutely delighted Year 9 All-Stars Team! ... Well Done all round! ...

TENNIS COACHING
Over 20 students enjoyed a morning of specialist Tennis Coaching, paid for from last years Tesco Sports Vouchers! We are hoping this will instil the “Wimbledon Bug” and maybe form the basis of a Mini-Tennis Academy Squad for the future… Who Knows!...

TENNIS & BADMINTON ACADEMY
From September we are launching Therfield‘s first Tennis and Badminton Academies that will be run by specialist coaches. There will be fourteen places available on each programme across the school. More information on trial dates will be released in September.

GO GREEN COMPETITION
Ellie Davis 8LCA was a runner up in the ‘Go Green’ competition at the Merrist Wood Summer Show 2007. She won a £25 HMV voucher and £50 for the school. Congratulations.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS SPEAK TO YEAR10
Ella Simms and Colette Williams from Year 10 write:
On July 9th, ninety year 10 students crammed into the W block to hear testimonies from two holocaust survivors. Otto Deutsch and Marcel Ladenheim told the students about their experiences in World War Two. Some pupils were brought to tears hearing what the gentlemen had gone through, and were touched at their positive attitudes despite their experiences.

Otto Deutsch told us how he was persecuted for being Jewish at a young age, how he was split from his family and how he came to England along with 10000 evacuees on the kindertransport. He told us how he felt it was important for his story to be told, so that such happenings could not be repeated. He described how accepted he felt by the English family who fostered him, and was able to mimic a very good geordie accent!

Not only has this visit helped us academically, but the students who witnessed the strength and the both forgiving and positive attitudes of these men, will have learnt lessons that will stay with them forever.

Thank you to all who entered.

Winning Dish – Victory for Vegetables (Oliver Kent 7LMC)

Runner-up: (Rory Hogan 7NWL) Rogan’s 5 a Day Supreme Chicken

Runner-up: Daniel Hill 7PWN) Vegetable hot pot

THERFIELD YOUNG ENTERPRISE DONATES PROFITS TO CHARITY
Therfield’s Young Enterprise team Kreate has, over the last two terms, been selling cards and small gifts whilst working extremely hard to maintain a high level of supplier and consumer satisfaction which has enabled them to make the profits which they now boast. These profits are now being generously donated to Rhianna’s fund, one of our 6th form charities. Rhianna’s fund was set up locally after a tragic accident and now helps to build schools in Kenya for disadvantaged children.

Toby Edwards, Managing Director, said ‘I am very proud of what this company has been able to achieve and the profits could not have gone to a better place.’

Although Kreate has now liquidated as a company, the lessons learned from the experiences and time together as a team will be continuously used by all those involved.

A grand total of £256 has been donated and will help the fund to further expand their work in Kenya.

BOXING
Over the last half term, a small group of Year 10 boys has benefited from the expanding Sports College Programme, through a School Club Link with Sleeping Storm Martial Arts Club of Epsom and some additional Big Lottery Funding secured through Therfield’s Mid Surrey School Sports Partnership. The boys have been working to develop their self discipline, control and concentration, through a measured fitness programme, which has the overall aim of improving their attainment in across school and in all lessons!

FETCHAM INFANTS SPORTS LEADERSHIP
One culminating activity of a hugely popular Year 8 Leadership Programme, took place in the form of a Fetcham Village Infants School Sports Afternoon. 25 of the best Young Sports Leaders in Year 8, spent two afternoons on the Fetcham Village Infant School site, leading 180 Year Reception, 1 and 2 pupils. All our Year 8 Leaders worked in pairs and took responsibility for small groups of 10 pupils, working through activities such as Aiming Skills, Target Games, Orienteering, Multi-Skills, Ball Games and Dance Activities.

The Sports afternoons were hailed all round, by students and staff alike, as a phenomenal success! The pupils at Fetcham Village Infants were delighted with their fun and games; and the Year 8s are desperate for the chance to undertake their next Sports Leadership sessions as they enter Year 9!

YR13 LEADERSHIP CUP
Thursday 28th June saw the second Year 13 organised Leadership Cup Day, with a range of sporting activities planned across a wide variety of Athletic Events. The Year 3 pupils from Oakfield, worked in cross school groups, aiming to improve upon their own performance, while securing points towards a whole school total. The activities were organised by Year 13, lead by Year 12 and assisted by Year 8. An all round Leadership Success Story, and one in which Oakfield returned home as the jubilant victors!

MEND PROJECT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THERFIELD’S SPORTS COLLEGE PROGRAMME AND SAINSBURYS.
We have now completed the first programme for students from across the local area. The Mend project is a programme that supports youngsters and families who are worried that they are overweight become fitter, healthier and happier by a comprehensive package of nutrition education and physical activity. A new programme will begin in October and is open to students aged 7-13, for more information or to book a place please call 020 7168 7565.

COFFEE AND COMPUTERS
As part of our sports college community programme Christian Guy recently ran a pilot project for our more mature members of the local community to develop confidence in using computers to email and shop on-line. The project was very successful and led to increased confidence in using the internet and meeting new people.

CHANCE TO SHINE
As we come towards the end of the cricket season our chance to shine project which has been run in association with Ashtead Cricket Club culminates with a district cricket tournament at Ashtead on Thursday 19th July. Mike Waters the head coach for the programme has spent three hundred hours coaching cricket at Therfield and across our partner schools in the area.

Chairman of Ashtead CC, Richard Laudy said:  "We are absolutely delighted by the success of this programme which has exceeded our expectations.  Mike Waters is doing a cracking job and we are already seeing children who would not otherwise be involved with cricket approaching us or our friends at Stoke D'Abernon CC to join our junior sections.”

Special thanks go to local Estate Agents Michael Everrett & Company and project management organisation, Corla, for their sponsorship and the England and Wales Cricket foundation for supplying the core funding for the programme.

HOME STAY FAMILY WANTED.
Next year we welcome our first overseas player to join our football Academy programme which is run in partnership with Chelsea. We are currently looking for a homestay family for term times for the year 12 student from Germany. If you would be keen to help please contact Mr. Batchelor at school.

COMMUITY PROGRAMME CHANGES
Christian Guy who has led our Sports College Community programme over the last two years is taking up a new post with Ian Duncan Smith's think tank from September. We would like to thank Christian for his hard work and numerous successful projects that he has run, including Total Football and Basketball, Community Self Defence, Local mums High Ashurst Day and Coffee & Computers. From September Steve Franks who has been running our Mend project this term will take on the role of community development whilst Mark Taylor will join us our Cub Partnership Development Officer.

SPORTS COLLEGE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Congratulations to Miss Nicholls, Mr Cockerill, Mrs Woodroffe and Mr Hostler who have recently completed the National College for School Leadership Leading from the Middle programme. The course has been funded by the Sports College programme and is part of our on going programme of leadership develop for students and staff.

SCHOOL BUS
On Tuesday 4th September the school bus will not do an early run but will run exactly 2 hours later than usual in order to get years 8 to 11 to school for 10.30 am.

SAINSBURY’S TOKENS
Thank you to all of those contributors this year. As a school we have raised over 25,000 tokens which will be spent on sports equipment to support or PE & Sport programme at Therfield but also in our work with our partner primary schools.

ROWING
Well done to the key stage rowers for coming 21st in the English Concept 2 Indoor Rowing Championships this term. The athletes had to complete a series of challenges covering a range of different distances, in September we are setting up a partnership with the regional rowing development officer to take these rowers to develop their skills on the river Thames.

SPORTS DAY
This years Sports Day proved to be one of the most successful for years, and two days of fantastic competition from well over 600 students, resulted in the following Championship performances: Winners were 7PWN, 8LCA, 9PBU and 10JCO. Champion athletes were: Year 7 Misha Connelly and Ollie Baptiste-Wilson, Year 8 Ana Jessett and Jamie Cook, Year 9 Georgina Bland and Wilson Juma and Year 10 Lucy Bennett and Jordan Belgrave-Warner. Extremely well done to all who took part!..

The Highlights of the day were two new Sports Day Records, both by students in 7JRE! Tom Leppard equalled the Year 7 Shot Putt record, with a score of 8.40m and Beth Lloyd smashed the Year 7 300m by over 1.5 seconds, to record a New Year 7 300m time of 52.44 seconds! Both promising athletes for the future!

YEAR 8 LEADERSHIP CAMP
On the wettest weekend of the month of July, when the average monthly rainfall fell in the first 36 hours, 42 Year 8 Students and 6 members of staff spent 2.5 days on Leadership Camp in Cheshunt in Hertfordshire. They were asked to raise to the challenge of Raft Building, Caving, Climbing, Abseiling, Kayaking, Sailing and Dragon Boat Racing; all combined with Camping and Cooking their own food for the weekend on Trangia Stoves. All involved had a very enjoyable and extremely educational weekend, in which all our Leadership skills were highly developed! Including the staff! ...

DOFE
The last month has been a highly busy and action packed one for Miss Rennie and her intrepid dedicated staff team of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Leaders! The start of the month saw a Training Camp at High Ashurst where 80 Year 9 students learned a wide and varied array of camp craft skills, all put to good use last weekend when they undertook their Bronze Practise Expedition on the North Downs.

While the Year 9 Bronze participants were embarking upon the start of their Duke of Edinburgh’s adventures, a highly skilled and equally excited group 8 Year 12 and 13 students, were undertaking a gruelling Gold Qualifying Expedition in and around Borth, in Western Wales to finalise an extensive programme of activities which they themselves started back in their own Year 9!

Well done to all the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants who have been diligently conducting their Skill, Service, Physical, Expedition Sections, and for the Gold Group, also their Residential Section this year. A combined group of 80 Bronze, 43 Silver and 13 Gold, makes us one of the largest Units in Surrey and one which the Therfield School is very proud of! ...

MATHEMATICS REVISION GUIDES
These will be available early in the new term for year 9 and 10, and those students in year 11 who missed the boat last year.  Look out for an order form coming home.

JUNIOR MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD
This is open to only the best candidates from year 8 and below, and Josh Young in year 8 entered.  He had already received a gold certificate and best in school for year 8. He sat a gruelling 2 hour paper, and although he did not receive an award, he has a certificate of participation and detailed comments on his answers from a professional examiner.  Well done Josh.
Mrs Foley, Head of Mathematics Faculty

SCHOOL MEALS WEB LINK www.therfieldschool.org.uk/

Visit the area of our website to see how you can pay online via a secure link with Surrey County Council. Details of the three week menu can be viewed together with other important information regarding the catering facilities offered to the students.

Please also remember to bring in your lunch cards next term, there will not be enough time during the lunch break for the canteen staff to manually input card numbers as this holds up service.

If you require a replacement card this can be ordered through the Finance office and will cost £5.00.

Mrs C Stedman*
Catering Manager
Email: csteadman AT lhead.therfield.surrey.sch.uk

DRAMA
Therfield Theatre Company has been invited to perform at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We would like to ask you to support us in our fundraising either by making a financial contribution or by donating a raffle prize.

Therfield Theatre Company is a credit to both their school and Leatherhead as a whole. Throughout their team work and dedication these young actors demonstrate what may be achieved when hard work and talent come together. They deserve our encouragement!

The estimated cost of taking the cast of Grimm Tales to the Edinburgh Festival is £6,500.
We thank you for your consideration in supporting us in this venture.

If you would like to donate money or prizes please bring them to the Finance Office clearly marked Grimm Tales. The Raffle will take place in October so please bring in prizes before that date. Many thanks.

YEAR 5 GIFTED AND TALENTED ENRICHMENT MORNING
On Tuesday 10th July, Therfield welcomed 40 Gifted and Talented pupils from local primary schools to spend the morning working on enrichment and extension activities. Sessions included Chess, Mandarin Chinese and Philosophy. There were also challenging puzzles created by our own Year 8&9 G&T pupils.

The Year 5s were supported by Therfield pupils from Year 7 to Year 10 and participated enthusiastically and very ably to the challenges offered to them. It was a hugely enjoyable and successful morning. A particular thank you to our helpers who made the whole morning run so smoothly.

OPENING
We have an opening in our Staff Room. The position requires a friendly individual to make tea and coffee and serve biscuits for the staff during break times. Loading of the dishwasher is also a requirement.

This position is for term time only for two sessions per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.45 and 11.30.

The pay is £11.00 per session. If you are interested or would like any more information please call 01372 814500.

NEW RECYCLING SCHEME
During the summer holidays, we will be having a container delivered for all our paper recycling.

Items for recycling will be: paper, newspapers, magazines, leaflets, telephone directories and even Yellow pages! So, if you would like to help Therfield recycle, please bring your yellow pages and telephone directories into the school and we will put them in our container for recycling. Abitibi will give Therfield a cheque for £25.00 for every time the container needs emptying. Thank you.

THERFIELD SCHOOL TRUST
Really IS making a difference! Through donations from parents and fundraising efforts by the Trustees the new Maths and Music blocks benefited to the extent of £25,000.

We have also pledged the funds to renew the computers in one of the main computer rooms.

We would very much welcome YOUR assistance in a number of ways: we need a Treasurer to keep very simple accounts and present updates to our meetings, and a Chairperson to steer the group’s fundraising priorities. If that sounds too much just contact us to see if you can add your talents to the group.

Contact Robin Eddleston on 818123 x 366, or, email* robineddleston AT gmail.com

COVER SUPERVISORS
Therfield has successfully introduced the role of Cover Supervisor this academic year and we are looking to add to the numbers for the new term, either full or part-time. The position would suit someone with a wish to support students in completing work set in a teacher’s absence; experience of a similar role working with students would be an advantage.

If this appeals to you then contact Robin Eddleston on 818123 x 366, or, email* robineddleston AT gmail.com in the first instance to find out more detail.

HOME OFFICE ANTI VANDALISM COMPETITION
Therfield entered the Anti Vandalism Competition for schools. There was an excellent response and the judges were impressed by the high quality of the work and the significant effort made by the young people who took part.

Out of over 250 entries the judges selected one winner and nine merit awards. The entry from Paige Van Leer at Therfield School, the poster ‘Don’t Vandalise Your Future’, was highlighted as deserving of a merit award.

Paige Van Leer was awarded a Certificate of Merit and won a book voucher for £100 for the school. Congratulations!

RETIRING
We would like to wish Mr Alun Thomas and Mrs Christine Thomas a happy retirement.

Mr Thomas as been with Therfield for 35 years and has taught many parents as well as current students. As a teacher and currently as Head of Year Mr Thomas has taught 1000s of students and was very involved in school activities such as High Ashurst. Mr Thomas will return in September and teach part-time.

Mrs Thomas has been with Therfield since 1980 and has been a valued Head of Year. She has also taught many students in her time here and was involved with the school pantomime.
We wish them a very happy retirement.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
School finishes for summer on Wednesday 25th July 2007 at 12.30.

Start of Term in September
4th September Years 7 & 12 - 8.30am, Years 8 to 11 - 10.30am
5th September Year 13 - 8.30am

REQUEST FROM THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
If anyone is looking to get rid of an old fridge that is in good working order we would be very pleased to receive it. Please contact Mr Cockerill on 01372 818123 ext: 218 or via email* at NCockerill AT lhead.therfield.surrey.sch.uk if you are able to help.

STUDENT REMINDERS
Please make sure that all school uniform is labelled—we are able to return named items if they are handed into the Main Office.

If you do bring valuables into school please ensure that they are not left unattended at any time.

Please remember money for the pay phone should you need to call home.

* to minimise spamming email addresses are shown differently - you will need to replace AT with @ before sending

Therfield School ‘The Best for All’
Dilston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7NZ
• Tel. No: 01372 818123 • Fax: 01372 818124
General Enquiries Email: hmsecATtherfield.surrey.sch.uk
Website: www.therfieldschool.org.uk
Headteacher: Mrs. Susan Willman BA Hons