Issue No.35 July 1996
Issue No.35 July 1996
| FROM THE HEADTEACHER
As another school year draws to a close, I want to express my thanks for the huge commitment of all the staff who work here, much of it way beyond what could be asked by contract. It is that willingness by overworked teachers to offer that extra 'voluntary' contribution which makes Therfield the special place it is. Sadly the end of the Summer Term is a time when we
have to say farewell to teaching colleagues who are
moving on. Those leaving are: My thanks to all of them for the very special contribution that they have made, all will be missed in their own way by colleagues and pupils alike. It is always invidious to mention any one in particular but I must say how much we have valued the work of Mr. Wood in the Music Dept. His infectious grin, impish sense of humour and unbounded enthusiasm for helping young people make and enjoy music has been exceptional. This, coupled with his ability as a most gifted pianist, has helped take music-making to a new level at the school. We shall miss him very much and wish him every success as he takes up his new post as Head of Music at St. Bede's School at Reigate. Details of all the new staff joining us will be published in September. I do wish you a very safe, happy and relaxing Summer. NATIONAL CURRICULUM TESTS : Parents of pupils in Year 9 have received the results of the NC Tests taken by the whole of the year at the end of Key Stage 3. These show an ongoing improvement from last year and a striking achievement of significantly higher grades in all subject areas when compared with the national figures available to us. AFRICA EVENING in which all of
Year 7 took part was, once again, a sell out and provided an
evening of vibrant and colourful entertainment. It was pleasing
to have such good support from parents and to see all of the
pupils taking the opportunity to get SIXTH FORM CHARITY VENTURE - using a combination of ingenuity, forward planning, enterprise and just plain cheek, 19 students rose to the challenge of 'Break Out' to see how far they could get in 12 hours with only £5 to spend. Lanzarote proved to be the destination for Tim Jarrett, Naomi Lake and Louise Carter while other groups ended up in Calais, Peterborough and Scunthorpe. On returning to School, the intrepid travellers joined with 20 fellow students in an organised 'Sleep In' to raise money for Leatherhead Night Hostel. LINKS WEEK provided a busy programme for Year 12 pupils. It is designed to enrich their experience as students and enable them to taste work outside the stricter confines of academic study. Some used it to enhance their A Level work - the Geographers went to Switzerland and experienced glaciers at close hand and Biology students took part in fieldwork at Nower Wood. Some did work shadowing or attended an Understanding Industry course and others competed in the Sailing Regatta at Hayling Island. The Drama department were grateful for the help of Sixth Formers who opted to spend their time rehearsing, building scenery, making costumes or rigging up the complex lighting system for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. A popular choice was the English department's trip to Wessex to bolster knowledge of Thomas Hardy and his works. 38 students and 5 staff had Hooke Court, a 17th century manor house at Beaminster now a conference centre, as their headquarters Visits took in the 'Hardy Trail', including Stinsford Church where Hardy's heart is buried and they were able to dress up in period costume and act out scenes from his life and novels. SCHOOL UNIFORM : Uniform can be obtained by collecting an order form from the School Office or contacting the outfitters direct - Graham Andrews, 4, High Street, Cheam Village. Mrs. Hodgson is always pleased to receive items of second hand uniform. A special plea for ALL school clothes to be labelled - there are more than 1000 green jumpers in school and without names it is impossible for them to be returned to owners!! PRAYER GROUP - a group of Christian parents meets to pray for the school at the school twice a term. The dates for next term are Monday, 30th September and Monday, 18th November both at 8 pm. You would be most welcome to join in - for more information please ring Jill Poole. SUMMER CABARET SCIENCE TRIP TO SWANSEA UNIVERSITY - 44 Year 10 students found that the refurbished hall of residence with en-suite facilities provided an ideal 'hotel' to come back to after a strenuous time of study and play. High level Science experience was gained from visits to Port Talbot Iron & Steel Works, 'Big Pit' coal mine, the Earth Science exhibition at Cardiff Museum and, as a contrast, the Bulmer Cider Factory. University lecturers gave up their time to demonstrate Hubble's Law of the Expanding Universe and the necessity of making and testing the properties of new substance in the 'Materials Chemistry' department. In the evenings, the students had time to write up the day's notes before releasing some energy at the university's sports centre, Swansea's flume pool and 10 pin bowling. Staff were pleased to note that the Iron & Steel Works and Cosmology lecture successfully lifted spirits after the penalty shoot out in a certain football match!! Therfield sailors did well at the Hayling Island Regatta and won the Ken Grace trophy for most RYA proficiency certificates. Ian Mackie won the David Graham Wood Trophy as Seaman of the Year, Andrew Bowen the Austin Trophy as Crew of the Year and James Angus the Commodore's Trophy as Helm of the Year. Ian Mackie and Andrew Bowen combined in the Enterprise Class to win the St. George's Trophy, Lawrence McMorrow and Simon Matthews the Shene trophy for the Mirror Class, Matthew Strickland the Laser Centre Trophy. James Hardwick won the cup for Novice Helms and Simon Matthews the President's trophy for the best slow fleet crew. Starting in September, the Canteen will be offering set meals for £1.20. On the 'traditional' menu will be a hot meat or vegetarian dish plus pudding. The fast food counter will offer a different bill of fare each day of "something with chips", drink and a cookie. FRENCH EXCHANGE: Would parents please check that they have returned letters concerning a refund to Mr. Boucry. Koblenz on the Rhine proved to be a popular destination for 40 Year 7 pupils who were able to practise their German and enjoy a full programme of sightseeing and activities. An extensive museum of self-playing instruments was enjoyed, particularly when Mr. Wood was called upon to demonstrate his own piano playing skills. It has been a busy programme in the closing weeks of term. The Drama department excelled with a thoughtful and imaginative production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Olympic Fun Day was well supported and there was a good turn out for the Marathon relay in which 21 teams took part and all beat the 1896 time of 2 hrs 58 mins 50 secs. The Year 10 and Year 12 teams beat the current marathon time. The Librarian is most grateful for the wonderful response to the appeal for Tesco computer vouchers. We collected over 3,500 and have now sent in an order for a colour printer and several CD Roms. Therfield's cricketers deserve congratulations as we have had an outstanding year in the district leagues. We have run teams in the four age groups, with the Year 8, 9 and 10 teams finishing top in their respective leagues and Year 7 second. The Year 10 side reached the quarter finals of the County Cup, losing to Charterhouse and finding the facilities available there definitely to their liking!! SPORTS DAY saw a win for Leith House, Top athletes in each year were Year 7 : Nicola Bailey, James Churchman; Y8 Claire King, Terry Lyszyk; Y9 Rebecca Jenkins, James Silk; Y10 Emily Nelson, Neal Churchill. START OF TERM: |