THERFIELD NEWS No.156, December 2007
'The Best for All"
A Specialist Sports College

THERFIELD—OUTSTANDING CARE AND HIGH ACHIEVEMENT
Therfield was recently inspected by OfSTED as part of the regular cycle of school inspections. The report is now available and I am writing to let you know the key points and where you can see the full report.

I am very pleased to tell you that the report is a highly positive one. The overall judgement is that Therfield is a good school which “provides outstanding care, support and guidance for its students”. Students make good progress and standards are high with examination results “consistently above local and national averages.”
“Students’ attitudes to learning are good” and they participate well in lessons.

The inspection was carried out by 5 inspectors over two days, the 28th and 29th of November. Before visiting the school the inspectors reviewed the previous inspection report, analysed data about the school and read the school’s Self Evaluation Form. During their time in school a mixture of staff and students interviews, coupled with lesson observations and information from parents led the team to come to the very positive conclusion that Therfield is a good school with outstanding features.

One of the most positive aspects of the report came under the section entitled Care, Guidance and Support which was deemed to be outstanding across the school. The Sixth Form was also graded as outstanding in relation to the Personal Development and Well-Being of Learners and the Speech, Language and Communication Unit was described as ‘a centre of excellence’. Other aspects which were praised included Extra Curricular Provision – described as ‘first class’, the marvellous opportunities provided by Sports Specialism and the good behaviour of students.

Teaching and learning is good with some outstanding qualities and the curriculum is good, increasingly innovative, and well matched to the needs of learners. The high academic standards were also noted with attainment “significantly above average on most measures for the last few years”.

In conclusion the report comments very positively on the future developments of the school. ‘The new Headteacher and her large cohesive leadership team, supported by a new chair of governors, have an exciting vision to enable it to continue serving its community effectively’.

The inspectors highlighted 3 issues for the school to work on in the coming year. These are:

• Improve the rigour of procedures for monitoring the quality of teaching and learning in the school, thereby providing a clearer strategic overview.
• Continue working on attendance to sustain the improvements made this year.
• Enhance links with parents and carers so that they can take a more active part in shaping future developments in the school.

These areas are identified as priorities in the current school development plan. Progress has been made and we intend to make further progress in the next two terms.

We are delighted that the inspection report acknowledges the excellent work of the staff and students at Therfield. We are rightly proud of the very high academic standards that are achieved by the students. We are also very pleased that the report notes the outstanding care and support students receive and the marvellous opportunities that are open to them here.

We would also like to thank parents for their part in maintaining these high standards by ensuring that their children come to school ready to learn with correct uniform and equipment. The progress made in attendance this year has been achieved through the support of parents and continuing this joint effort on creating excellent attendance and punctuality will help to ensure the students’ success.

The full report is available on our web site www.therfield.surrey.sch.uk or on the OfSTED website www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/ Should you wish to receive a hard copy please contact the Main Office at school.

YEAR 9 BELGIUM BATTLEFIELDS REPORT
In year 9 we have been studying the First World War in History. To tie in with what we have been doing in class, we went to Ypres(Ieper) in Belgium; Ypres was a town that had been severely destroyed during the war. The trip was on the 11th and 12th October and we had to get up really early on the 11th to be at the school by 5.00am to get the coach to Dover, for the ferry to Calais.

When we got to Ypres (about 12:00pm) we got off the coach and walked to Rampart cemetery right on the outskirts of the town. This cemetery had bodies buried in the exact places where the men died. We then walked to the Menin Gate, which is a massive gate that has thousands of names of people who died, but who were never found, on. After lunch we got back on the coach to go to Sanctuary Memorial Museum in Passchendaele. This was where we saw what it would have been like in a bunker in a trench.

Attached to this was a guided tour around some reconstructed trenches, but no guide turned up so we did the tour ourselves! We then travelled to our hotel: Hotel Munchenhof.

We had a delicious meal at the hotel, then we went on the coach again, to the Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony where Therfield had the chance to lay a wreath: I had the honour, with Claire Roulston, of laying the wreath. It was not just our school who was represented; there was also another school, and some soldiers who were also present. The place was packed with lots of people especially New Zealanders who had come over to support the New Zealand rugby team in the World Cup. We were privileged to see some of them do the Haka because that night it was the New Zealanders who fought in the war who were being particularly remembered. There was also a Bagpiper who played the national anthems, and a Brass Band played the Last Post. “It was an amazing experience being at the ceremony and laying the wreath.”

Afterwards at the hotel, we went to the hotel bowling aisle, which was brilliant!

On the Friday after breakfast we went to Flanders Field Museum; a museum in Ypres. In it there were lots of facts about what the conditions were like in the trenches, and accounts from soldiers who fought in the Great War. After this we had a little bit of free time before going to a small cemetery called Lone Tree Cemetery, and a pond called Pool of Peace (caused by a bomb that exploded). It was a different sort of cemetery because it reminds you that the men gave their lives for the freedom that we enjoy
today.

A few minutes later we went to Tyne Cot cemetery; the biggest cemetery so far. Here we found the soldiers that we had researched before the trip. This cemetery was built where there use to be three pillboxes that were fought for during the war. Tyne Cot had about 12,000 men buried there.

The final cemetery that we visited before travelling to the ferry was Langemarke cemetery; the only German cemetery in Belgium. This one was very different to the English cemeteries because the gravestones were flat, there wasn’t a big cross (only little ones dotted around the place) and it wasn’t as colourful; which symbolised defeat for the Germans. Also on the gravestones there were about eight names on each one. This was because the bodies were buried vertically as there was more room that way.
“Overall, the whole trip was a brilliant one. It was interesting but fun at the same time and is recommended to go on. It was an extraordinary experience!” By Andrew Miller

HOCKEY FEVER HITS THERFIELD
Things have never looked so good for the Girls Hockey Teams, as they have this week!... The Squads of players have had a FANTASTIC week, recording the most significant set of results for many a year!...

A Year 9/10 squad played against a Manor House Year 10 team on Tuesday 4th December, with lots of high quality play being demonstrated across the pitch. The winning goal was scored by Katie Knight, early in the first half and the girls displayed excellent resolve to maintain their lead until the final whistle. Georgina Bland was voted player of the match, after a tremendous effort in the centre of midfield!

On Wednesday 5th December, a Year 8/9 squad played against a Year 9 team from Boxhill School. Buoyed from their recent success, the Year 9 girls were keen to maintain their winning streak, and this they did, with style! After a very close first half, with both teams matched very closely, the girls began the second half with some confidence. Early in the second half, Zoe Goddard opened the scoring, after finishing off a great team effort. Midway through the second half, Beth Lloyd ensured the win, after a great piece of individual skill. The match finished 2-0, and the girls felt their hard work had paid off!

The Year 7/8 squad, who played a Manor House Year 8 team on Thursday 6th December, then had a lot to live up to, could they maintain the great play from the previous two games? After an extremely close game, of few real open chances, the game ended in a 0-0 draw, a result which was probably fair on both teams. Throughout the match, many played at a level which even surpassed their own expectations, and Beth Lloyd was unlucky not to steal a late winner. Due to this and many moments of individual skill,
Beth was unanimously voted as player of the match!

Well done on an EXCELLENT week, two victories and a draw. We hope this heralds the start of some great results for the Hockey Squads! If you are interested in coming along to join in the play, Girls Hockey Club is held on a Tuesday Lunchtime, ALL ARE WELCOME!...

TESCO SPORT VOUCHERS
The offer has now closed and we have 17,737 vouchers. Please search your wallets and purses for any stray vouchers. It would be great to get up to 20,000. The PE department are grateful for all the extra things they are able to get this way.

2007 INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The PE & Sport Faculty recently staged the Annual Inter-House Cross Country Championships on and around the Therfield School Field. Each year group and gender was asked to complete their race against their peers, across an increasingly more difficult distance. Race distances ranged from 1 Lap for the Year 7 Girls (~1km), through to 2.5 Laps for the Senior Boys (~2.5km).

The event was fantastically supported and saw many great performances in each race. The Tutor Groups from each House, were asked to enter a team of six runners for each gender, and together they would run to represent their House. In total, 256 athletes took part, representing almost one fifth of the whole school! As a Faculty, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all those who took part, and we hope this could be the start of some great success in the future!

Above, are the Top Athletes from each race, and each House has its representatives there. From the House results, Therfield will select the School teams to compete at the District Cross County Championships on Epsom Downs. A reminder to all, Mr Johnson leads “Running Club” before School every Tuesday and Thursday morning, from 8.00-8.30am. If you are interested in joining, please come along, all are welcome!...

2007 CENTRAL SURREY SCHOOLS SPORTS ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
After a highly successful Inter-House Cross Country Championships on the Therfield School Field, the PE & Sport Faculty once again organised and staged the CSSSA on the Epsom Downs on Monday 26th November, in the shadows of the Queens Stand. The School used the successful athletes from the Inter-House Cross Country, to select teams of six athletes in each year group, to compete at the District Championships.

The Day itself saw almost 50 athletes from Therfield, travel up to the Downs, to compete in a race held over longer distances and more difficult terrain than those experienced at School. Therfield invited 20 Secondary Schools from across the District, to compete at the event, in which Individual and Team competitions were raced for. A fantastic set of races were held, in which 210 athletes took part, again, the Therfield students made up almost a quarter of all those taking part!

Every athlete deserves individual praise; however a few are most notable. Georgina Bland (Yr10) took a fantastic Silver medal in the Girls Inter Race, when most of the athletes she competed against were actually a year older. And Emma Payne (Yr7) took a well deserved Bronze in the Year 7 Girls race.

Some other highlights from the Individual races were; Dan Hughes (8th Yr7 Boys), Beth Lloyd (7th Junior Girls), David Andrews (5th Junior Boys), Wilson Juma (10th Inter Boys), James Bland (5th Senior Boys) and Matt Spencer-Skeen (6th Senior Boys). The Team events proved to be a success also for those from Therfield, with both the Year 7 Girls and Boys achieving magnificent second places.

The Junior Events saw the Therfield Boys gain a third place and the Inter team gain a fourth place.

The District Championships also act as a selection race for the District Squads to complete at the Surrey Schools Championships in Spring 2008. Athletes, who achieved a Top Twelve place, should be expecting a “Call Up Letter” to compete at the Surrey Championships, early in the New Year. Therfield athletes far surpassed many of their own expectations and a total of 13 athletes will find themselves in the selection process!... By far the best result for a number of years!... To all who took part, very many congratulations!... The PE & Sport Faculty

Under 18 Girls Football
On Monday 24th November, 12 Under 18 Girls took part in the 3rd round English Football game against Helenswood School, Hastings. Jade Reynolds, Katrina Fidler, Shannon Cambridge, Jo Morris, Robyn McEvoy, Siobhan Ridout, Emily Wall, Emily Morphitus, Lyndsey Surgue-Murphy, Julia N, Amie Turner, Sam G played extremely well to win the game 8-1. This has led the girls to the 4th round playing South Wilts Grammer School for Girls before Christmas.

On the evening of the 24th November, last years Under 18 girl’s football team attended a sports award evening at Dorking Halls. They were nominated by the PE Department for their efforts and commitment to the school last year during the football and also for winning the English Schools Final. The girls won this award giving the school a big shield and a cup. The girls involved were Jade Dempster, Katrina Fidler, Shannon Cambridge, Jo Morris, Siobhan Ridout, Lyndsey Surgue-Murphy, Amie Turner, Georgie Giddings, Jenny Banfield, Vicky Vickery, Alisha Philips, Alice Wheeler and Daisy Smith. Well Done Girls, Thank you for your efforts last year.

YEAR 10 PARENT/STUDENT REVISION SESSION
It was first thing Monday morning, and there were 16 parents waiting in the main hall with anticipation/dread. Graphs were waiting to be paired with descriptions, followed by worked examples and a quick-fire question round. The session was received well, with some even wanting longer – parents AND students. There was one parent per table, so that students with parents unable to come benefited equally from the experience. Now that the ice has been broken, we look forward to repeating this with year 11 students and their parents after the mocks. This time I’ll remember the camera.

YEAR 7 OCEAN HOMEWORK TRIAL
Four classes of students have had their first piece of homework to share with their families – we look forward to getting the feedback as the homework is returned. Please make sure the laminated information sheet is sent back too – 50p if not!

YEAR 11 PARENTS REVISION SESSION
Following the success of the year 10 trail, we will be inviting parents of set 4 year 11 students to share a revision session based on the mock examination. We will probably aim for a week 2 Friday period 1 – WATCH THIS SPACE!

SILVER MEDAL
George Quinnell-Harcombe (10PPT) won a silver medal at the Great Britain Diving Federation National Championships in Bedford at the beginning of November. George, who is coached by Anastacia Szchzerbiuk at Merton School of Diving, missed out on the gold medal position by just 0.8 points. Diving in the 14-18 age group, George performed six different dives from the 1 metre and 3 metre springboards.

Tickets go on sale next term for our new production Bugsy Malone
being performed in the school hall from Wednesday 16th January - Saturday 19th.
The hall will be transformed into a “speakeasy” with round tables and chairs.

IF YOU ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE PART OF THE ACTION AND GET CAUGHT IN THE GANGSTER CROSS
FIRE 20 SPLURGE ZONE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EVERY NIGHT!!

WEDNESDAY 16TH JANUARY – FRIDAY 18TH JANUARY 7.30PM
ADULTS £6 STUDENTS £4
SPLURGE ZONE £10
SATURDAY 19TH JAN GALA NIGHT
ALL TICKETS £6 SPLURGE ZONE £10
For ticket information please contact reception or call 01372 818123
To be performed at Therfield School Dilston Rd Leatherhead
KT22 7NZ

MATHS AND SCIENCE TRIP
On Wednesday 5th December, we (Suzi Homer, Georgina Bland, Jackson Brocklesbury and Oscar Swindley) went to Brooklands College on an exciting maths and science trip. We did 3 different challenges, a science experiment, psychology murder mystery and a maths activity. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to any other student.

MATHS TRIP TO ATTEND LECTURE ON “NUMBERS AND RUMBERS”
Students from Year 10 went to University of Surrey in Guildford to attend a lecture by Rob Eastway on “Numbers and Rumbers.” Lots of themes were explored which connected the two topics. The students were invited to consider the science and maths behind popular tunes, and musical scales, eg, students learnt the connection between the sine wave and sound, and how piano keys are connected to powers of 2.

Here are some of the comments from the students who attended:

• ‘We learnt about maths behind music and how to write music in code.’

• ‘It was really fun and we learnt a lot of similarities between music and maths, very interesting.’

• ‘The maths trip was rather awesome, we learnt why notes clash, why they sound good together, and how to recognise tunes from their rhythms. Awesome.’

Come to the Vineries Garden Centre for your last minute Poinsettias and planted baskets.
In January Join for free membership to the Gardening Club
LOWER ROAD NURSERY, LOWER ROAD, EFFINGHAM, SURREY. KT24 5JP. 01372 458934

JOB VACANCY
Data Manager
Salary in the range of £20,541 to £28,566 FTE
The role is for 36 hours per week term time only, however, we would consider a full time post for the right candidate.
Key accountabilities of the role are:

• To work with Leadership team to ensure data is used to enable student progress across the school community
• To oversee administration of the school’s SIMS System.
• To manage student data for administrative and learning purposes.
• To develop suitable training programmes in SIMS applications for all staff and to carry out training with comprehensive student notes when applicable.
• To extract and provide management information on a regular basis
• To generate data returns and organise their electronic transfer
• To ensure accuracy and updating of school data on a regular basis.

For an information pack please contact headteacher@therfield.surrey.sch.uk or telephone 01372 818123