Year 7 have recently been enjoying their topic of the War of the Roses in History with some battle re-enactments between the houses of Lancaster and York (I hope this is right!). It is great to visit lessons and see so much engagement and creativity, this enthusiasm for learning is such a positive and part of the reason Year 7 are flourishing this year.
This week Year 7 have also had an assembly on the subject of Gender/Transgender delivered by Miss Gibbs and all students were so respectful and mature of what can be a sensitive topic. Students have also been covering different religions and well-known people that are part of that religion on a Thursday as well as looking at topical issues in world news on a Friday.
The new Extended Study timetable has been published and started this week. From a PE perspective it was amazing to see so many students at Rounders and Cricket. Extended Study is a fantastic opportunity and we hope to see as many Year 7s attend clubs across the school during the Summer term
In RSHE lessons next week, Year 7 students will develop their understanding of trustworthy sources information.
Support link: https://nscp.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/resources/for-parents-and-carers/#preventingchildsexualabuse
Visit the NSPCC for support with talking about difficult topics: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/
Head of Year 7: Mr D Mordue Assistant Head of Year 7: Miss L Jordan
Well done Year 8, another fantastic week with 3757 positive points being awarded for hard work and engagement in lessons. This week we have seen high engagement levels in Learning Lounge English lesson where students have enjoyed spending time reading independently before reading an extract as a whole class. It is great to see students enjoying reading and also borrowing books from the Learning Lounge to read at home. In Geography students have completed a task where they decided if the 2020 Australian forest fires affected the people or the environment more. Students completed an extended piece of writing where they justified their response with evidence. Students completed this task in FIT time and it was great to see the work which was being produced in exercise books. On Thursday morning, some of our students competed in the Maths UKMT Challenge Competition. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to apply their problem-solving skills and challenge themselves at the highest level. Well done to all students who completed the competition.
This week, during tutor set, our Personal Development Curriculum focused on attendance on Monday. It was great to see so many students make a positive start to the term with 100% attendance last week and this was recognised on Monday morning. We also reminded students of our attendance expectations and how we can support students with this. Our Wellbeing Wednesday discussion this week was focused on ‘why is it important to check skin health’ with our Topical Thursday focus being on Islam and Ramadan. On Friday morning students enjoyed time to read independently.
It has been great to see so many of our Year 8 students involved in Extended Study this week. We have shared the Extended Study timetable, for this half term, in tutor sets this week and we will continue to remind students when sessions are on. This is a great opportunity for students to further develop their subject knowledge or try something new! Our Year 8 Girls competed in the semi-final of the South Notts Cup on Wednesday afternoon. The girls have faced tough competition to get to the semi-final and they played well as a team on Wednesday. The game ended 0-0 at full time and the score was decided through penalties. Unfortunately, the team lost on penalties but competed well in a very competitive match. Well done to all students who have been part of the Year 8 Girls Football team this year, we are very proud of how well all students have represented school.
Finally, well done to Charlotte (8.11) for her fantastic achievement. Charlotte recently entered the vocal section at the Shepshed Festival and was awarded a second-place medal after singing the song ‘Seventeen’ from the musical ‘Heathers’. A fantastic achievement, well done Charlotte!
Another great week Year 8, keep up the fantastic work!
Well done Year 8, a fantastic first week back. Keep up the excellent work!
In RSHE lessons next week, Year 8 students will develop their understanding of child criminal exploitation.
Support Link: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-abuse-and-neglect/county-lines
Visit the NSPCC for support with talking about difficult topics: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/
Head of Year 8: Miss I Sheldon
Firstly, we have to start this bulletin with a massive thank you to Mr Tinsley and his team who last week, took a staggering number of Year 9 on their Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition, practising their camping, map reading and tent building skills. It was undeniably a big success, all of our students represented us so well, and we're very proud of them. Current cold snap notwithstanding, we hope to hear about lots more adventuring as the scheme progresses.
We also continue to be proud of our students in their lessons. I particularly enjoyed visiting the MFL department where students were busy putting together a bid (in French!) to host the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Students had to highlight the advantages of Paris being the host and how the city has improved over time. Additionally, students continued to show their creative side in their Fashion and Textiles lessons with a new topic focused on using slashing and burning tools. Students enjoyed manipulating different textiles under heat and analysed the results in terms of the aesthetic and functionality.
Keeping up the high standards we expect, Year 9 have been outstanding in coming back into in-person assemblies. This week's session was focused on trans awareness and informed students on the difference between sex and gender, what is meant by 'transgender' and 'cisgender' before considering ways that we can be a trans ally. We hope it has been very worthwhile and generated some positive conversations.
In RSHE lessons next week, Year 9 students will develop their understanding of child criminal exploitation.
Support Link: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-abuse-and-neglect/county-lines
Visit the NSPCC for support with talking about difficult topics: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/
Head of Year 9: Mrs L Munro Assistant Head of Year 9: Miss C Thomas
Today, is the deadline for students to submit their forms for guaranteeing Work Experience week commencing Monday 18 July 2022. Please contact your child's tutor or Mrs Farmer (ffarmer@toothillschool.co.uk) if they need support with sourcing a placement.
We are keen to work closely with you and your child to ensure they have a Work Experience placement for week beginning 18 July. With the deadline passing to guarantee a placement, we can still aim to secure a placement for your child.
This week, our 13 Scholar Programme students received the results from the University level project they have been working tirelessly on throughout the spring term. The hard work and determination have certainly paid off with a fantastic array of results - nine 2:1 and four 1st class. We are incredibly proud of them all, well done!
Head of Year 10: Mr R Wickens Achievement Coordinator: Mrs C Hallam
Well done Year 11 on another successful week. It has been fantastic to see so many students engaging in Extended Study and working hard in the run up to exams. Tutor set this week has focussed on creating and finalising revision timetables, selected which Extended Study to attend as well as students receiving their final progress report.
Congratulations to the Year 11 GCSE PE students who participated in moderation day for a range of sports, all students conducted themselves well and represented the school brilliantly.
Year 11 MFL cohort have all successfully completed their speaking exam this week, it is great that 25% of your GCSE is now complete as we move further into exam season.
We are incredibly proud of your continued hard work and resilience; please remember we are all here to support you through the next half term and if you need anything please let us know.
Year 11 Pastoral Lead: Miss B Marshall Year 11 Achievement Leader: Miss P Gordon
Last weekend the Bronze and Silver training activities took place. Students took part in map reading, navigation, and expedition fitness activities on the Friday, and then a carousel of challenges relating to camp craft, tent building, route planning, trangia use, bag packing and first aid on Saturday. These experiences aim to prepare all pupils to survive and thrive when they are independently out on expedition later this summer.
DofE Stars of the Week
Congratulations to James H, Felix K-M, Edward M, Erin M and Elizabeth R from the Bronze award who have now uploaded ALL of their activities to eDofE. Well done!
This Week's Target - Assessor Reports
Many students have now finished, or are soon to finish, their activity which lasts for 3 months. Accordingly, now is the time to ask your assessor to complete your assessor's report. You can use the 'assessor report cards' which are contained in your welcome pack. Digital copies can be downloaded https://www.dofe.org/run/welcomepacks/. Alternatively, you can ask your assessor to complete an electronic assessor report https://www.dofe.org/assessor/ . Either of these methods is fine – it is up to you.
Who's Been Up To What This Week?
Taylor S has been kickboxing at Red Knights Kickboxing Club, Bertie B has been undertaking environmental work at East Bridgford woods, Sophie L and Elizabeth R have created some works of art, Tom J has been coding with the code academy and Meghan G has been checking on the bees at Peacock Wood. Well done everyone - keep up the great work!
FAQ's – see www.toothillschool.co.uk/dofe
Mr Tinsley
mtinsley@toothillschool.co.uk
Toot Hill School
Train to teach with the Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT