Therfield School Newsletter February 2008 (157)

THERFIELD AGREES WITH OFSTED

Dear Parents

Last term the judgement from Ofsted was that Therfield is a good school. This term students, staff and parents have confirmed that they agree.

You may remember that in November Therfield took part in the Kirkland Rowell school satisfaction survey. This is the first time that we have taken part in the survey and is part of our ongoing self-evaluation to help us identify what is going well and where we could improve as a school.

We were keen to involve, and include the views, of the whole school community so staff, students, and parents were asked to complete the questionnaire. We received responses from 112 staff, 1189 students and 408 parents.

All three groups were asked to comment on the performance and importance of a number of parent priority areas, for example exam performance, how happy students are, school security. The staff was also asked to comment on areas such as curriculum organisation and job satisfaction. Parents and students were asked to give perceptions of performance of subject areas.

We have just received the results of the survey and they are very positive. The overall performance response from parents and staff put Therfield in the very good category. There is not an overall response figure given in the students’ survey but their responses were very positive.

Although there are clearly differences in priorities, and variance in perceptions of performance in different areas from the three surveys, there are some common themes that come through:

Parents and students rated levels of happiness at school and success in examination results highly.
Staff were very positive about staff morale and job satisfaction.
The choice of subjects for study and the caring approach of the staff were praised in all three surveys.

We are not complacent however and we will be looking closely at areas where the levels were relatively lower to see how we can improve them. For example, 80% of students said they had not been bullied recently, but we would aim to make that as near to 100% as possible.

One of the aims of our new House system has been to develop community spirit. The Heads of House will be reviewing the impact of the House system and working with staff, students and parents to ensure that students continue to work as positively as possible with each other and contribute to the school and the wider community. Our behaviour for learning policy, including the Code of Conduct, has promoted good attitudes to leaning and we will continue to review this to ensure that our systems are as effective as possible in maintaining the most positive environment for learning.

Communicating effectively with parents is a priority for the school and for parents. We are hoping shortly to introduce an email system for issuing information updates, newsletters and general parental contact which we believe, with the launch of our new website, will greatly improve the effectiveness of our links and communication with parents.

Susan Willman
Headteacher

UNIFORM
Thank you for your support in ensuring your son or daughter comes to school in correct uniform. I know that this is an area for which there is a high level of support from parents. At this time of year students do bring coats to school and it is important that they follow the school rules by removing outdoor wear when in the school buildings to avoid having the items confiscated.

Students have been reminded that outdoor wear should not be worn in school and also that hoodies should not be brought to school. Acceptable outdoor wear is listed in the information for parents booklet as plain anoraks', raincoats, overcoats, jackets and school fleece. Please consider this when reviewing your son or daughters uniform.

Thank you for your continued support in this matter.

LOST PROPERTY
We will clearout the unclaimed lost property before the 2 week break in April. Please remind students to check for lost items. A large number of items come to the Main Office having not been named. If these items had been clearly marked it is easy for us to return them directly to the students. Please make sure that any personal items brought to school are clearly named.
Many thanks.

National Curriculum Tests ( SATS) – dates for the diary.
Parents of Year 9 students should be aware that the Year 9 national curriculum tests take place on 6th-9th May 2008.

These are important tests and will help inform setting and teaching as students join Year 10 and begin GCSEs. Please ensure that your son or daughter attends school on these days.

IMPROVING SCHOOL/HOME COMMUNICATIONS
One of the key areas in our School Development Plan is to improve communication between school and home and we are delighted to announce two exciting new developments that we hope will assist us in reaching our goal.

School Website
We have been redeveloping the school website since October and it is due for re-launch this term ( www.therfieldschool.org.uk ). We are hoping that the new design and content will be more functional and useful to you as parents/guardians and also a lot easier to navigate. As always we would be grateful of any comments you may have that would help us to improve our service to you ( webmaster@lhead.therfield.surrey.sch.uk )

SchoolComms
In addition we will soon be trialling a new system called SchoolComms that will enable us to directly email all parents (as long as we have a valid email address) with school information including newsletters, information, event invites, important dates etc. In the past we have not been able to do this due to mass communications being seen as spam by our email providers.

Another function of SchoolComms is its ability to assist us in the administration of student attendance. We are investigating the possibility of contacting you via text and email as well as by phone, for those of you who prefer the traditional method, to find out why your son or daughter is absent if you have not managed to contact us yourselves. You would also be able to respond using text or email if using the phone is not convenient for you throughout the day.

Your Help
We are constantly updating our school records and we would really appreciate your support with future requests for updates to email addresses, mobile numbers and home/work phone numbers to ensure that we can contact you as quickly as possible in the way that best suits you.

Should you have any questions regarding these new initiatives please feel free to contact me ladams@lhead.therfield.surrey.sch.uk
Leigh Adams
Assistant Headteacher

CITIZENSHIP STUDENTS RAISE THEIR CONCERNS
In Year 8 Citizenship lessons this term, students have been studying democracy in the UK. As part of this unit, students from 8NWL and 8PWN wrote letters to
their local MP, highlighting concerns they have about their local area. They highlighted issues ranging from litter to graffiti to the lack of local youth centres.

The aim of this was to show them how representative democracy works within the UK. Much to their surprise, the students received letters back from their MP. He has passed on these concerns to the relevant people in local government and action is being taken to improve the local area. This has encouraged many of the students to become more involved in local issues.

UKMT SENIOR MATHS CHALLENGE.
Congratulations to all the Year 12 students who took part. John Bull, Michael Page, Simon Rankmore, Alan Fennelly and Gareth Thomas achieved Bronze Certificates. Daniel Elcome, Tom Line, Matt Major and Sarah Cannon Achieved Silver Certificates. Special mention to Dan Lawless who achieved a Gold Certificate and also the 'Best in School' Award.
Well done to everyone who took part.

A REQUEST FROM THE FOOD AND TEXTILES DEPARTMENT
We are looking for any haberdashery, materials or textiles that anyone is willing to donate. Please bring any kind offerings Mrs Gale in N7 or Mrs Elcome in N5.
Many thanks.

12TH FEBRUARY TERRIBLE TUDORS THEATRE TRIP
Miss Cortizo, Miss Jackson, Mr Mitchelmore and Miss Wheeler took 50 Year 7s and 8s to the New Wimbledon Theatre to see the TERRIBLE TUDORS!!!! At 5:30 we were back at school and at 6:00 we left school. We travelled by coach and arrived at Wimbledon around 7:15. Everyone got their drinks, sweets, popcorn and chocolate and went into the big theatre. We had good seats 3 rows from the front and started to watch the show. We had a good laugh with Dr Dee, Drab, Dross and Ms Tree then half way through the show they introduced the bogglevision glasses (3D glasses) and the show became twice as good!!!! We had rocks blown up in our faces and blood splattered at the screen.; we saw the The Armada boats sailed across the sea . We learnt a very catchy song about how Henry VIII’s wives died or got killed. The show was a great success and highly recommended!!!!!
By Matthew Fenton Jones and Catherine Egles (7LJA)

YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO KEW GARDENS
On Monday 28th January 70 Year 10 students went to Kew Gardens to investigate plant adaptations, the uses of plants and to experience first hand desert and equatorial climates. Students had the opportunity to study different species of plants close up and trial the use of new technology to help students visiting the Gardens collect and save information on the internet.

Kew Gardens has recently introduced mobile phones they have connected to their website which enables students to take photographs, store notes and verbally record information. This is then available via a password on the specially designed website.

The students were a credit to the school and an enjoyable day was had by all.

POLITE NOTICE
Please can all visitors give way when leaving the school site. Priority is for Dilston Road and Albany Park Road. Many thanks for your cooperation in this matter

GIFTED AND TALENTED NEWS
Bridge Club is back! Enthusiastic Bridge novices in Therfield can at last continue their forays into the wonderful world of Bridge thanks to the kindness and interest of Frank Marshallsay, a local Bridge teacher. The club meets every Thursday lunchtime in S5.

Mandarin Chinese lessons return on Wednesdays after school in S5. These popular lessons are open to both pupils and parents and are suitable for all levels, from complete beginner upwards. Contact Ms Ensum if you are interested.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
New this year -an exciting opportunity to spend a week immersed in French in beautiful Normandy for Year 11 and 12 students interested in continuing their progress in French. The trip will take place 13-19 July. Letters available from your French teacher.

In addition to this sessions have also started for students who are borderline C/D candidates. German is on Tuesday lunchtimes and French on Wednesday lunchtimes. Any further information can be obtained from Mrs Bushby – MFL.

EXAM INVIGILATORS
We are looking for ‘mature, responsible and calm’ individuals to join a very successful team of invigilators to help supervise internal and public examinations. This is a paid position and the hours are flexible. There will be a training session in April which you will be expected to attend. Please contact Mrs Harvey, Examinations Officer on 01372 818123 ext 223 for further information.

ADDITIONAL INSET DAY
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, has granted an additional INSET day in order that schools may plan for the new specifications for Curriculum 2008. Our additional INSET day has been scheduled for Thursday, 20th March.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please do not allow your child to open the car door when sitting in traffic along Dilston Road, cyclists are on the road and are unaware that a door is about to open in front of them!

FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Please may I remind parents whose children are in receipt of free school meals, the application form and proof of the current Benefit received by the parent must be submitted at the beginning of each term. Failure to do so will result in free meals being withdrawn until the correct paperwork is received.

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, on 01372 818123 x234
8.30am to 3.25pm daily (45 minutes unpaid lunch break)
£10,145pa pro rata (FTE £13,974)
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.
Closing date: Monday 10th March

Therfield’s Bugsy Malone makes a Big Splurge!
Therfield School’s production of Bugsy Malone played to packed houses totalling over a thousand people during their four night run. There was also a matinee attended by The Beeches Nursing Home and The Dawnay, Oakfield and West Ashtead Junior Schools. The show was double cast with Bugsy, Tallulah and Blousey played by year 8 to 10 students. The School hall was transformed into a cabaret style ‘Speakeasy’ with the audience sitting at round tables. A special ‘Splurge Zone’ was constructed where the audience were part of the action. They were in the crossfire of custard pies and pump action splurge guns!

The sponsors of the show Jones Creative Services Ltd and The Leatherhead Theatre Management attended the Saturday Gala Night safely out of range of the splurge guns!

DATES FOR THE DIARY

G&M SPORT & LEISURE LTD
Your Local Sport, Ski and School Shop 232 COBHAM ROAD, FETCHAM, SURREY KT22 9JQ
Tel :01372-378303 Email: gm_sport@btinternet.com
NOW A STOCKIST OF THERFIELD SCHOOL UNIFORMS, FREE & EASY PARKING

FLOWERS BY JACKIE
Thank you to Flowers by Jackie for producing the bouquets for Therfield's production of Bugsy Malone.
43–45 TheStreet, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1AA Tel: 01372270314 Fax: 01372270314