No.155, October 2007'The Best for All'
A Specialist Sports College
October 2007 (Autumn Term)
No.155, October 2007October 2007 (Autumn Term)
| Exam Success 2007
GCSE This year’s GCSE results are some of the best that students at Therfield have ever achieved. 71% of students gained 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE and 25% of all the results were at either grade A* or A – an outstanding achievement. Several students achieved A* or A in all subjects. A particularly outstanding achievement is that of Matthew Walsh who scored one of the top 5 marks in the country in Business Studies – out of over 17000 entries. We are also very proud that 100% of the year group achieved at least one qualification and that 99% gained at least 5 GCSEs Post 16 Post 16 results were equally pleasing with the 100% pass rate achieved at A level, and 48% of grades at A and B. All students have gained places at Universities of their choice with our Head Boy, Stuart Cork, gaining a place at Queen’s College, Cambridge, to read Mathematics (and achieving 599 out of a possible 600 marks in his Mathematics papers.) We are delighted that the hard work of the students has been rewarded with these results, which also reflect the excellent teaching provided by the staff and the support offered by parents. The initial information we have on ‘value added’, that is the progress made by students during their time at Therfield is very encouraging. It indicates that students make significantly better progress at Therfield than the national average, which is another reason to say well done to staff, Students and parents. Your Views As part of our continuing drive to
improve our provision and ensure we are providing the best
education we can for our students we are intending to take part in
the Kirkland Rowell Survey next half term. This involves asking
students, parents and staff for their views on a range of school
issues. On Friday 16th November your son or daughter will complete a questionnaire in tutor time and will bring a parents questionnaire home for you to complete. We would be very grateful if you would do so and return it to school on Academic Tutoring day the following Monday. We do want to take account of your views and this will help us to do it. MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER Mrs Susan Willman We are now well into the new school year and the students have settled into their new classes and lessons. The House system is becoming established and there has already been some healthy competition amongst the four Houses. Polesden currently has the highest number of merits and the highest level of attendance. Each Head of House can be contacted through their PA, Mrs Caroline Peacock, on Ext. 270 or via email. Juniper House Mr T Hostler (thostler AT
lhead.therfield.surrey.sch.uk)* * to minimise spamming email addresses are shown differently - you will need to replace AT with @ before sending As we continue with the term we want to maintain the very positive start we have had and one particular issue which I would ask for your support in is that of uniform. As you are aware students in years 7 to 11 at Therfield wear school uniform, most students look smart and there is a strong degree of parental support for this. However, it is not unusual for students at times to test the boundaries and try to incorporate non-school uniform items or to “adapt” the way they wear their uniform. This can bring students into conflict with staff and have a negative impact on the very positive relationship that students and staff generally enjoy at Therfield. We also understand that as a parent it is sometimes difficult to counter the “but everyone else” argument that your son or daughter may use. We will be speaking to students about the importance of wearing uniform correctly and reminding them that non-uniform items may be confiscated. We would be grateful if you would reinforce this message with your son or daughter and ensure that they come to school in full school uniform. Should there be a problem please contact his or her tutor or Head of House. We appreciate your continued support in this matter. The Prospective Parents Open Evening was extremely well attended. We have had many people saying how impressed they were with the school, the students guides and helpers and the staff they met. You may be aware that the government has said that Local Authorities must take 5% of all surplus school balances and redistribute the funds raised across schools in the authority. This means that any school in credit is effectively “fined” – and they have said that it is retrospective ie they are going to do implement it for the March 2007 balance as well as March 2008. As a result of prudent financial management Therfield had a small surplus at the end of 2007. Clearly recovering 5% of this is of concern and penalises sound financial planning. Surrey is making representations to the government about the proposal. SCHOOL MEALS WEB LINK www.therfieldschool.org.uk/
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. Mrs. C. Stedman, Catering Manager: Email: csteadman AT lhead.therfield.surrey.sch.uk Parenting Classes Parenting classes are held in
W2 and will run depending on numbers. Classes are free and will
run for six more weeks. For further details contact L Noble on 01372 814431 or visit the Therfield website : www.therfield.surrey.sch.uk STUDENT REMINDERS Therfield School Trust Our record is: This year we are at the point of providing approximately £15,000
for more Interactive Whiteboards in English and Science, plus more
computers for Science. We are however keen to add to our small team to generate new ideas for fundraising. The posts of Treasurer and Chairperson are due to come vacant, too, all of which is invaluable help in getting funds into the School. If you would like to find out more please contact Robin Eddleston on 01372 818123 or email robineddleston AT gmail.com Homework Timetable Please check that your son(s)/daughter(s) have done this. Copies of the homework timetable will be put on the school website in order that you can monitor the homework set (if you are unable to access these then please contact your child’s tutor or Mr Foster at the school for a hardcopy). Below is a summary of the amount of homework students should have from different subjects across the two week cycle.
Thank you for your continued support in helping students make the
most of learning opportunities outside of the classroom. www.yourvoiceyourchoice.co.uk
This is an online youth directory for young people which brings together localised information on things to do, places to go, up and coming events, helplines, services and information on Youth Voice and Junior Youth Voice. Hopefully this will aid young people when looking for information
relevant to Mole Valley.
The U18 girls are back!!!!
Mathematics—INVOLVING PARENTS REVISION After the year 10 revision classes finish in November, we will use this time to offer general GCSE revision to year 11, and we continue to run a mathematics clinic for 6th form on Thursday after school. CLUBS OPEN TO ALL 2 Chess Club is open to all pupils in Key Stage 3. It takes place on Tuesday lunchtimes in B3 with Mr Stiddard. 3 Debating Society for Years 9, 10 and 11 is on Thursdays in C1 with Mr Panayiotou. This gives pupils the opportunity to debate a wide range of controversial issues, air their many views and argue with each other (in a controlled environment!) It also helps pupils improve their public speaking skills. 4 Philosophy Café is now on Thursday lunchtimes in W3 with Mr Warrington. It is open to all pupils in Key Stage 3. Here pupils can take the time to consider many questions such as ‘Do Daleks have rights?’ or ‘How do you know you exist?’ 5 Bridge Club WANTED We have a group of very keen pupils who would like to improve their bridge playing skills. If you or anyone you know may be able to help out one lunchtime a week, please contact Ms Ensum. Gifted and Talented News Years 8+9 withdrawal sessions – If your child is to be invited to these sessions, you will receive a letter after half term. Please encourage your more able child to get involved in any of
the wide range of extension clubs and activities available here at
Therfield, for example Mandarin Chinese, Philosophy, Debating or
Chess. 2007 CHRISTMAS TREE VOUCHER Super Sleuths at Therfield School Upper School Ski Trip to Austria Yr10, 11, 12, 13. There are still a few places left on this trip. If you would like to secure a place please pay a deposit of £50 into the admin office as soon as possible. Year 12 Geography field trip to Brighton: Students worked really hard and a rewarding two days were had by all. Your Support Please. We are looking for parents
to assist the Learning Support Department. Year Seven maths homework trial Following the
setting of our year Seven students we will be embarking on an
exciting trial, we need your help! Congratulations Duncan Stuart successfully auditioned for a place in the Surrey County Youth Orchestra on the French Horn. Congratulations! Polite Notice Please be considerate to our neighbours in Cleeve Road, Dilston Road and Albany Park Road when dropping and collecting your children at School. Many thanks for your consideration in this matter. PARENTS' PRAYER GROUP The group meets twice a term at the school. The next meeting is on Monday 12 November at 8pm. A warm welcome is extended to all, particularly to any new parents who might like to join us. For more information, ring J Poole on 01932 865476. Therfield Yr 7 & 8 Hockey vs Reeds School Thursday
11th October In the second half very early on I scored our first goal from
within the box managing to curve the ball round the keeper – much
to his disgust. So we were 1 – 1, all to play for! Only a minute
or so afterwards, I scored again, the keeper ran out at me and I
managed to flick the ball over his stick – Therfield one up!!
Reeds retaliated later in the half with a goal very like my first.
Closer to the end of the game, during a great attacking move from
Therfield, I scored our 3rd and final goal by nutmegging the
keeper! The match finished 3 – 2 to Therfield. Malawi 2007 World Challenge Therfield School By
Hannah Potter In a team, we spent ten hardworking days in Ntichisi Forest based in North Malawi renovating two classrooms in a school for 50 children aged between 3 and 5 who hoped to join the school in September. The first task faced was to clean the mud stained walls and fill in the holes in the floor. Using paint brought from Lilongwe we painted educational and colourful murals on the walls. Whilst many spent hours cleaning and painting, the less artistic members entertained the children who were up to the age of 18 using a variety of equipment the team brought from home. After playing English games such as British Bulldog and teaching them songs, the students and teachers showed us their traditional dances which, in the end, we all took part in, much to the amusement of all the spectators! Taking part in their culture was something none of us will forget. Regular trips to Lilongwe’s market were an eye opening experience and defiantly a change from Leatherhead high street! One team member, Katie Deacon commented that ‘it was very daunting at first as the smells and crowds were very overwhelming but I’m glad I had the experience’. Towards the end of our stay at Nitichisi Forest Lodge we were given the opportunity for a Witch Doctor to come and visit us. The beating of the drums and several hundred singing voices could be heard as people from several villages also came to watch. After this amazing experience we were asked to visit a ‘nearby’ local school. Toby Edwards said that ‘To think that many children made that journey to school every day amazed us as it took us a good three sweaty uphill hours to make it there was truly extraordinary’ Whilst on the way home we were joined by the skipping children that attended our school who remarkably managed to sing all the way. Kathryn Scott managed to just about keep up with them and taught them English songs all the way home whilst Connie Deans got chatted up by a few of the local boys. A 7 day trek followed where the team really pulled together.
Unfortunately seven of the team and a staff member had to stay
behind at the camp but after an emotional reunion between the two
groups we realised how much stronger we had become as a group.  Malawi Trip 2007 images  VACANCY FOR LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT There is a full-time position available for a Learning Support Assistant in the SEN Faculty at Therfield Secondary School, to start as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be required to support students in mainstream lessons and possibly run small withdrawal groups. You will need to be patient, adaptable and confident and have a sense of humour! You will be working as part of a highly rated and supportive team. You do not need to have done this type of work before as full training will be given. To find out more about the position or to receive a job specification and application form, please ring Mrs Pike, from 29th October, on 01372 818123 x234 8.30am to 3.25pm daily (45 minutes unpaid lunch break) £10,145pa pro rata (FTE £13,974) Closing date: 9th November 2007 Therfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Therfield School ‘The Best for All’ |