What a busy week! Year 7 enjoyed lots of different activities during Extended Study and it has been great to see so many students trying new sessions. This week we continued our focus on poetry in English as well as building on our knowledge of pie charts in Maths. It has been great to pop into a variety of lessons and to see students engaged in topical discussions, asking inquisitive questions and really testing their understanding.
This week a special mention needs to go to Reece C in 7.12 who took part in a golf tournament. Mr Mordue took students to compete in this tournament, and he was so impressed with both their sporting talents but also in their sportsmanship. Reece was the youngest representative from Toot Hill and we're so proud that he felt confident and proud to compete alongside students in Year 8, Year 9 and Year 13. What a star!
As mentioned last week, we continue to be so impressed to see lots of Year 7 with their bronze, silver and gold badges. It is incredible to share that two more badges have been designed because so many of our year group had already reached the gold target. We now have the platinum badge which is achieved at 1100 positive points and the headteacher at 1500 – it is so exciting to know that some Year 7s will be collecting these badges before we know it too! If your child has not yet received a badge, and thinks they have enough credits, please encourage them to pop to the Year Office to collect their badge.
We hope you enjoy the lovely bank holiday weekend!
Head of Year 7: Miss B Marshall
Assistant Head of Year 7: Miss H Barker
Last week Year 8 had an amazing performance from the Smashed Production team. Three actors from the company put on a performance centred around the underage use of alcohol and the dangers involved for all. Parts of the show were interactive and Year 8 students responded to scenarios and questions in an exceptionally mature way.
This week Year 8 had an assembly on Tuesday from Mr Mordue who used the London Marathon as a theme to inspire the students to be nice and kind towards each other. The inspirational event in the capital is attended by tens of thousands of people who all contribute to an amazing environment and students should be responsible for their own contributions towards an amazing school community.
Year 8 students have taken time during tutor time to complete a survey giving feedback on the school as part of a student voice activity, it has led to some interesting discussions and we really want students to feel part of the running of the school.
Bryn in Year 8 took part in the Nottinghamshire School Golf Competition this week along with three other students. The event took place at Worksop Golf Club and all students performed exceptionally well as well as showing high levels of sportsmanship and golfing etiquette. We can only imagine the nerves on the first tee! Well done to all competitors.
Head of Year 8: Mr D Mordue
Assistant Head of Year 8: Miss L Jordan
Well done Year 9, another 2343 positive points achieved this week. In English this week students have been studying ‘An Inspector Calls’. It was great to see students confidently reading aloud in English lessons and they have made a good start to annotate key quotes and unpicking key themes. All students have been encouraged to buy a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’, students can speak to their English teacher if they need any help with this.
In languages students have been completing work focused on sport and the Olympics. Students created an ideal mascot for the Paris 2024 Olympics and used their writing skills to describe the physical appearance of the mascot. We’ve also been pleased with the Home Learning in Technology this week. Students researched a designer and created a mood board showing examples of their work.
During unstructured times, students have enjoyed spending times with peers and playing football on the field. Our Assembly this week focused on looking after our school community and we’ve been pleased to see students taking responsibility for picking up litter and taking care of our school environment.
It has been good to see Year 9 students attending Extended Study sessions this week. We are encouraging students to attend sessions this half term and there are lots of sessions for them to be involved in.
Finally well done to Oscar (9.6) who represented school in a Golf Fixture this week!
We enjoyed celebrating the year groups achievements on Fab Friday. It is fantastic to see Year 9 students continuing to achieve awards each week and we are pleased that the following students have been recognised this week.
100% attendance winners:
Top 3 behaviour points:
Bronze winners:
Silver:
Gold:
Platinum:
Head of Year 9: Miss I Sheldon
Assistant Head of Year 9: Miss A Lloyd
Another week, another Careers trip for Year 10! Another 15 students had the opportunity to visit Nottingham College on Wednesday and visited the Mechanics department. As you can see, they had their opportunity to get their hands dirty and get hands on with the equipment and cars in the workshop. The students represented themselves extremely well and we hope it had given them food for thought for their post-16 options. There is another trip available on the 4th May to complete a taster session in Construction. Please email Mrs Farmer for further details at ffarmer@toothillschool.co.uk.
With the deadline for work experience looming (16th June!) please support your child in arranging their work experience for the final week of Year 10. Mrs Farmer has emailed useful documentation to all Year 10 parents to support them with the process, but please contact your tutor in the first instance for further support.
We had another well-attended Parents Evening this week and thank our parents and careers for engaging with their child's studies and conducting useful conversations with teachers. If you were unable to attend the evening, please contact your child's tutor or their teacher's directly for feedback.
Head of Year 10: Mrs L Munro
Assistant Head of Year 10: Miss C Thomas
This week, many of our Year 11 students have been involved with their speaking language examinations. We have been incredibly proud of the way in which they have approached these and wish anyone still take these the best of luck. Alongside this, we have also had our drama students doing their final performance, business and enterprise pitches and the geography exam on Thursday. All students involved have been excellent and have shown great commitment in all of these areas.
Extended Study took place this week and the year group have spent some time picking what subjects they would like to attend. We hope to see many more students attending next week as well.
Alongside preparation for the current exams, Year 11 have also been informed that the College induction day will be held on Wednesday 28th June so this is a date for your diaries.
Head of Year 11: Miss L Hughes
Year 11 Achievement Leader: Mr R Wickens
News this Week
Thanks to our DofE ambassadors Ella L, Niamh O and Oliver C from Year 10 for designing and creating the content for our new DofE notice board. Situated outside English in a location with good footfall, as identified by our student voice, the notice board will become a hub of information for current and prospective DofE participants alike.
Having successfully completed their training activities, the Year 10 Silver DofE participants are busy preparing for their practice expedition to North Notts on 9-10th May. Best wishes to everyone involved.
It is also a pertinent time to remind all DofE participants and their parents that assessors of skill, physical and volunteering activities should be asked to provide a written assessor's report as soon the required timescale has been completed. The easiest way to do this is to email https://www.dofe.org/assessor/ to your assessor along with your eDofE number.
Photos of the Week - Volunteering
For their volunteering section, lots of our DofE participants have opted to help improve the natural environment in their local area. Josh L and Emily G have made a considerable impact and helped to improve the local area for the community to enjoy - well done!
In other news, Lillie B, one of our Gold DofE participants, is volunteering at Millwood Cat Rescue Centre in West Bridgford and Sophie E is supporting the work of other volunteers at Barnardo's in Bingham.
Useful DofE Links
Click on the relevant link for Skill, Physical & Volunteering ideas, a DofE Activity Log or a DofE Assessor Report.
Upcoming Dates for Your Diary
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