This week it has been a joy to see Year 7 thoroughly enjoying the sunshine during break and lunch. At lunch time particularly, we have a huge number of students that take part in mini football tournaments as well as lots of students who use the time to have a chat with their friends in the sun. Both Miss Gale and I enjoy speaking to different students during this time and we have noticed that it is a great opportunity for new friendships to blossom. It has to be mentioned that Year 7 have also thoroughly enjoyed not wearing their blazer this week, but they are all still looking smart and always leave the field promptly to be on time to the next lesson.
Over the last few weeks students have completed many end of year assessments and we know that this has caused some stress amongst the year group. We wanted to say a huge well done for all of your efforts as these assessments draw to an end. The next few weeks will be focused on assessment feedback as we begin to draw topics to a close before the summer holiday. Many students are excited for the upcoming sports day and have started taking part in the extra opportunities on the athletics track during Extended Study. If anyone needs a paper copy of the Extended Study timetable, then these are available in the year office.
Finally, next week we will be launching a Year 7 STEM trip which till go to the National Space Centre in Leicester on Wednesday 19th July. There are only 57 student places available, and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. As you can see below, Year 7 are very keen to take part in science experiments so we think this trip will be very popular. Students will hear more about this during tutor set on Monday and they will be able to collect a letter from their DT or Maths teacher. It is a fantastic opportunity and we really hope lots of Year 7s get involved!
Another exceptional week in Team Year 7
Head of Year 7: Miss B Marshall
Assistant Head of Year 7: Miss O Gale
Year 8 started off their week with Motivational Monday where they received their final Year 8 Extended Study timetable, which includes a wide range of extra-curricular activities for students to engage in for example Archery Club, Graphic Novel Study, KS3 Enterprise and Drama club where the school production preparation continues for 'We Will Rock You'. On Tuesday, Mrs Munroe delivered an assembly over Teams on PRIDE Month where some of our Year 8 students helped decorate the main reception with PRIDE flags. On Well-being Wednesday, discussions were centred around healthy eating and having a health and balanced diet can help with well-being. Wednesday evening was also the second of the Year 8 Parent Evenings which was great to see so many students attend with their parents and engage in meaningful conversations with their teachers about their progress in lesson. On Thursday, students continued to read out their reading pack and then celebrate achievements in tutor for Fab Friday where Mr Adams led the celebrations via Teams.
Students have also been working hard in lessons. In Music, students are beginning to use the technology that we have available in the department. We are using music software to arrange and 80s classic, It Must Be Love. Students are exploring the sounds of different instruments and combining these sounds together in a new and modern way. We are using a software called Sibelius that we use at GCSE and A Level, giving students a flavour of what they could use later in their education but also to explore a different side of music education.
In MFL students have been working hard to complete their end of year assessments and have been very focused and sensible in their approach to this. Outside of the classroom, students involved in the teaching in the primaries are busy preparing their lessons and visits start next week. Students are excited to visit Robert Miles, Carnarvon, Bingham Primary, Archbishop Cramner and St Peters East Bridgford to deliver lessons in French or Spanish that they have planned themselves, we wish them the very best of luck and will be keeping a look out for our Toot Hill teachers of the future!
In DT students have been cooking cheese straws - not the best recipe in the heat! They were making the very complex skills of puff pastry- most of the students' food exceeded that of the teachers! In Miss Beattie's lessons, students have been soldering and making USB lamps. We are very much looking forward to the final products.
Finally, a massive well done to the cricketers who played amazingly well and a special shout out goes to Charlie who received the 'shot of the day' as he hit a massive six over onto the netball courts.
Have a great weekend from the Year 8 Team!
Head of Year 8: Mr D Mordue
Assistant Head of Year 8: Miss L Jordan
Well done Year 9, a fantastic week. This week, as a year group, we have achieved 2,766 Positive Points. In Science this week, 9T1 have completed a practical lesson where they learnt about how amylase breaks down starch. In English, students have used purple pen to develop their work before completing their assessment. In geography, students have also completed tasks where they have used their knowledge to identify which direction photos were taken from. Students have continued to work hard during their assessments and we are pleased with the determination they have shown during the assessment period.
During tutor time we have discussed the benefits of healthy eating and also completed reading in tutor groups. Our assembly this week included information about our pride celebrations this month. We have also spent time sharing students’ positive points and attendance percentage with them. We are continuing to encourage students to achieve of whole school awards. On Friday morning we celebrated student achievements this week. Well done to the following students who were recognised this week:
100% attendance prize draw:
Positive Points:
Bronze Award (400 points)
Silver Award (600 points)
Gold Award (800 points)
Platinum Award (1100 points)
Good luck to the students who are completing their Duke of Edinburgh Assessment this weekend. We look forward to updating you on our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions next week!
Finally, well done to Joshua (9.9) for his triathlon success this weekend! Keep up the fantastic work!
Well done Year 9, keep up the fantastic work!
Head of Year 9: Miss I Sheldon
Assistant Head of Year 9: Miss A Lloyd
Year 10 have been incredibly focused in their lessons this week in anticipation of their end of year assessments next week. All students should have received a paper copy of the assessment timetable with spares available at Student Services and Reception if needed. Parents and carers have received a copy via email but any queries, please direct to your child's tutor or subject teacher. Miss Burman kindly delivered an assembly on Thursday morning informing students of assessment procedures, so students know what to expect in terms of expected equipment, entering assessment venues and conduct during assessments themselves. Any examination clashes or assessments missed due to absence will be 'mopped up' during the week following the assessment fortnight.
Many students have been working hard to meet our work experience deadline this week; please ensure any outstanding forms and paperwork are shared with Mrs Farmer as soon as possible so we can secure their placement.
Thank you for returning the consent forms for Alton Towers and settling the payment on Scopay; any problems with this please contact myself directly at lmunro@toothillschool.co.uk.
Finally, a huge well done to the following students for crossing the threshold of 600 pride points this week and achieving the Silver Award: Mia H, Harry J and Logan E-W and to Emma P for accruing 800 pride points to achieve the Gold Award.
Head of Year 10: Mrs L Munro
Assistant Head of Year 10: Miss C Thomas
Year 10 Achievement Coordinator: Miss A Burman
In what is our final week of exams for the majority of our year group, we want to say a huge thank you for all of the support you have offered to the students and staff throughout this very intense period. We continue to be so proud of our year group and the way in which they have grown throughout the last five years. We cannot wait to celebrate with them next Friday 23rd June and see their costumes on the day!
We always try to support all students within school and this includes with uniform for those not always able to afford this. If you would like to donate any uniform that you would otherwise be getting rid of, school would gladly take this to distribute it to those that need it.
Head of Year 11: Miss L Hughes
Year 11 Achievement Leader: Mr R Wickens
News this Week - Bronze DofE Qualifying Expeditions
We would like to wish all Year 9 Bronze DofE participants every luck with their qualifying expedition which takes places either this week (expo 1) or next (expo 2). The aim of the qualifying expedition is for pupils to demonstrate their ability to survive and thrive when out working independently in the field. A team of independent assessors will monitor and evaluate pupils' ability to perform a range of skills from map reading and navigation to camp craft and teamwork. Best of luck to everyone involved!
The first graduation will take place towards the end of the summer term. All DofE pupils should therefore be asking their assessors to complete an assessor report as soon as possible using www.dofe.org/assessor/
What's been going on this week? - Skill: Cooking
Lots of cooking activities are taking place this week which is great to see! Pictured this week is work from Joshua L, Corey J, Niamh H and Lewis H. Also featured is a montage of cooking creations from Ben B, which includes focaccia, Bakewell tart, carrot cake, carbonara, sticky toffee pudding, bacon omelette, American pancakes, cupcakes, BLT sandwich, egg soldier and eggs on toast. Well done everyone!
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