HeadteacherDear Parents/Carers,

It’s great to be able to reflect on the events of the last term and indeed the whole year as wereach our final week. We’ve continued to provide students with a rich diet of extra-curricularopportunities, whilst also placing great importance on being focused in lessons andappropriately prepared for the examination season. The success of our enrichmentprogramme hinges on the breadth and depth of the opportunities available and on how wellthe students engage. We’ve had a successful year across the range of sports, as well as indebating and quizzing, and enjoyed some fantastic musical and dramatic performances.

I spent a very memorable morning at the Madejski stadium, Reading, back in May, where I, along with some veryproud parents, witnessed an incredible performance by our Yr10 football team in the English Schools FA Cup final,which saw them lift the cup for the first time in the School’s history. Huge credit and thanks must go to Mr Harrisand Mr Sadler for giving the whole squad the preparation and guidance they needed to be so successful.

In what has been a turbulent few months on the political stage, our students were able to engage in discussionand debate to gain a clearer understanding of the processes and impact of the EU referendum. Students in Years11 to 13 cast their vote in our mock referendum at the start of this term, following balanced assemblies led byA-Level Politics students, with 66% of them opting to remain in the EU.

Mental health and well-being is always a high priority for us and to help us better support students in this areawe have employed a qualified counsellor for one day a week, to whom students can be referred by a member ofour pastoral team. We want to ensure we are best placed to help students deal with any pressure or anxiety theyface as they move through the school, so they can face life’s challenges with confidence.

I would like to thank the various strands of the parent body whom have helped raise valuable funds for the schoolin the last year. The PTFA have supplied ‘wish list’ items for several subject departments and are looking torefurnish the Year 11 reading garden to improve the learning environment and enrichment experience for manystudents. The new display cabinet in reception was funded by the Mitre Team and provides a great new way forus to showcase the high-quality products created by our Design Technology students. Support for school sportby the PSA has created a welcoming atmosphere at Jobbers Wood throughout the year; provided new kit andequipment; funded scholarships for talented athletes and provided transport to fixtures throughout the year forhundreds of young sportsmen and women. Raising money that has helped elite performers gain internationalrecognition in their chosen sport, whilst also taking Year 7 boys to fixtures to play for the A to F teams at rugby,underlines our commitment to both dimensions of school sport, elite performance and mass participation.

When we return in September we will have a new canopy providing suitable shelter at the bottom end of theplayground, which should improve the break and lunchtime experience for boys in Year 7 to 10 and increaseaccess to food at those times when the weather is inclement.

This week, sadly, we bid farewell to those colleagues moving on to either develop their careers, relocate or begina well-earned retirement. The following members of staff will be leaving us:

Mr R Meredith (Maths); Mr Appasamy (Maths); Mrs Pickering (MFL); Mr Johnson (Music); Mr Abedin(RS/Media/Film); Miss Pyke (History); Mrs Hodgson (Music); Miss Ranjan (RS); Mr L Meredith (PE/Cover); Ms Vigo(Cover/LSA); Mr Bruce-Jones (LSA); Mr Johnston (LSA); Mr Hayes (Technician).

I must make special mention of Mr Richard Meredith, who retires after 36 years of continuous service anddedication to TBSHS, having joined the school in September 1980 as a newly qualified teacher. His teaching, inboth PE and maths, his work as Head of Careers and as a Head of Year, combined with a sustained commitmentto extra-curricular sport, have all made a huge impact on the lives of many thousands of students, and on theschool in general, during that time. We wish him a very long and happy retirement.

Each of the departing colleagues has made a valuable contribution to the school and I wish each of them the verybest of luck for the future. As these staff move on, we look forward to welcoming the new staff replacing themnext term:

Mr Cosadinos (Music); Mrs McIntyre (MFL); Ms Mertz (MFL); Mr Blake (Science); Miss Davies (English); Mr Glenn(Geography); Mr Hobbs (Maths); Mr Loney (Maths) and Ms Simpson (Music); Mr Conquest (Cover); Mrs Harris(LSA); Mrs Coulson (LSA); Miss Martin (LSA); Mr Turone (Technician).

In addition, we have some existing members of staff taking on new roles as Mr Alexander becomes the new Headof MFL and Dr Fisher replaces him as Head of Year 9 (the current Yr8). We have a mixture of new and experiencedcolleagues joining us and I am confident that each of our new arrivals will quickly adapt to life at TBSHS and I lookforward to working with each of them. Similarly, I have no doubts that those taking on new roles within the schoolwill bring a fresh perspective and rise to the challenges ahead. I wish them every success.

As in previous years, I was really impressed with the attitudes and commitment shown by our Year 7 studentsduring their stay on the Bushcraft camp last month. Their willingness to take on the challenges placed beforethem was very encouraging. It was refreshing to see how well they coped outside of their comfort zones, in wet,muddy conditions, without the creature comforts of home or their mobile phones.

We continue to meet with the local authority to explore the potential relocation of the school to the Bishop’sStortford South development site, as this would provide a great opportunity for us to deliver first-class facilitiesfor our students in the future. The very positive alternative option is a large-scale refurbishment of our existingsite, funded the Priority School Building Programme (phase 2), which would also see a huge improvement in ourlearning environment. I will keep you updated on both of these exciting options as we hear more.

I have been exploring, with the other Headteachers of the Bishop’s Stortford Educational Trust (BSET), ways inwhich we can collaborate practically to maintain a high standard of education throughout Bishop’s Stortford andthe surrounding villages. For more information on the broad aims of BSET do please take a moment to visitwww.bishopsstortfordeducationaltrust.org.uk and use the feedback form to post any comments or questions.I would just like to remind parents that no student is allowed to use their mobile phone in school unless theyhave been given specific permission by a member of staff to do so. If students fail to follow this rule they canexpect to have their phone confiscated and I very much appreciate parental support on this, should such a situationarise.

Despite a busy end of term, we have already begun our preparations for the new academic year, as we continueto develop teaching & learning, especially with new syllabi to deliver, and hope that all our students and staff willcome back after their break, feeling refreshed and reinvigorated, ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Thestart of next term is as follows:

Thursday 1st September 2016 – INSET day, staff onlyFriday 2ⁿd September 2016 – Year 7 & 12 students only in schoolMonday 5th September 2016 – All students in school

We will again be setting out our high expectations for students in a series of Standards Evenings in September,to ensure we develop focused, responsible learners ready to engage in lessons every day. I hope you enjoy therest of this edition of The Mitre newsletter and may I wish you all a pleasant, enjoyable summer.Yours sincerely,

Mr Dale ReeveHeadteacher

Football

TBSHS U15 are ESFA National Football ChampionsFrom 650 teams to one - TBSHS U15!

There is great excitement today, as earlier this term as the TBSHS U15 (Year10) won the English Schools NationalFootball Cup in Reading.

It was a very tense final which saw the team go from a 3-0 lead at the end of half time - to 3-4 down within sixminutes, during the first part of the second half. Could the team come back from there? Well we did, with anamazing, long goal from Bradley Taylor, and a free kick taking TBSHS to 5-4, and the cup.

“Two very good teams - John Scales, England & Liverpool, commentating”

Goals:Bradley Taylor (1 &4)

Freddie Oakman (2)

OG (3)

Jack Walker (5)

To view the full article and a selection of photographs visit:

http://www.tbshs.org/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=457

Biology Department

I promise you that there is more to Biology than drunk rats and teenage drinking. Questions on these topicsappeared in our year 10 exam this summer and caused quite a stir across the country! For more information youcan access http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-36326734.

This term we have had external exams across all year groups from 10 to 13. It is always a shame to wave goodbyeto our Year 13 students, but it is always hoped that they will be successful and keep in touch. Obviously we wantto see as many Year 11 students back here as possible in September, studying A level and becoming our futureScientists.

Within lessons there has been excitement in the 9 set 1 group, who have been diligently working on a ‘Pandemic’problem. Each group had a different disease to research and then they had to make posters, leaflets and atelevision infomercial about it, to educate the public about the disease should it go pandemic. A huge amount ofeffort went into this, and there were some spectacular resources made. Well done to all of you.

Looking ahead to next year we are busy planning more and more exciting opportunities for students to engagewith their studies of Biology. Look out for the Spring Edition where we will be sharing our experiences of theAMGEN Project. This is a resource that enables students to access and try ‘proper’ genetic experiments, usingindustry grade equipment and materials to isolate DNA, amplify it and then make genetically modified bacteriawho glow… In addition we will be finding out about some of our genes too. Exciting times!

If you are a scientist, or someone who can offer your experience please let us know if you would be willing tohelp in some way. We are always looking for new innovative ways to deliver content, and maybe you could providethe next inspiration for another outstanding lesson. Offers of equipment, even old stuff are also welcome, so Iwould like to thank you in advance.

TBSHS Zoo

Lastly the TBSHS Zoo. The numbers have remained constant, but sadly we did lose Artemis the Orchid Mantis thisterm. We do have a chameleon now though! ‘Titan’ the Giant Spiny Madagascan Chameleon, has been warmlyreceived, he is still only a baby but will grow so watch this space!

Business Education Summer Term 2016This term the team have been focused on supporting students prepare for their GCSE and A level examinationsin Business Studies, Business and Communication Systems and Economics. Year 10 BCS students are carrying outresearch into and creating an appropriate design and flyer as part of a simulation promotional campaign topromote a set of white pottery commemorative mugs associated with the end of World War 1 for the 1918anniversary. Year 10 BS students are researching in to local social needs and how a new social enterprise businessmight help address these local needs best. If anyone has any knowledge of either sector (pottery, social enterprise)or the promotion process and they are willing to come in to talk to students and share their experience withthem, please contact Frank Beran at school email: frank.beran@tbshs.org.

GCSE BS students in year 11 will be visiting Hayter’s on the 28th September 2016. This is a local business whichproduces the highest quality lawnmowers for sale around the world. http://www.hayter.co.uk/. The visit allowsstudents to see high quality batch production taking place and the promotion of the items made here inSpellbrook!

11 BCS students will be visiting PMS another successful wholesalers business in Essex, on 19th September 2016.

Year 9 induction year Business students spent this term working on a local business problem or researching in tothe potential profitability of their own dream business. This has drawn on important skills including drawing onand recording both secondary and primary data as well as the importance of writing business like projects.Feedback from the businesses and teachers should help these projects reach the highest quality. A big thank youto the parents and friends of families who have supported this process it really is appreciated.

Frank BeranBusiness Education Subject Leader

English Literature

A Trip to Cambridge

On Wednesday 6th July English Literature sixth form students from The Bishop’s Stortford High School travelled to theUniversity of Cambridge to make use of The Faculty of English Library. The trip’s main aim was for students to researchdeeper into their chosen novels, but the trip also provided a brief insight into the self-directed learning and resourcesthat are a feature of degree level study.

On arrival the Sixth Formers were greeted by welcoming staff members and tours were given around the impressivethree floor library. Geoff Shipp guided students around the library basement and ground floor where their selectedauthors and texts relating to their novels were held. Library staff member David Rushmer led an IT session on the secondfloor of the library, teaching how to filter the internet efficiently to pinpoint specific relevant web pages, articles andjournals.

After the tours were completed, students settled in to the bright and airy working spaces at desks or in bean bag chairsas they read through sections of novels, essays and papers with support from librarians on every occasion required.Knowing everyone was carrying out their own research independently, yet still alongside others, created a very comfortingand relaxed atmosphere to the study area. Further reading into authors and genres contributed to not just anunderstanding of the texts, but new alternative approaches to literary analysis.

Sixth form students have countless post-school opportunities ranging from work and apprenticeships to studying atuniversity, so the trip gave those facing all these career routes with an awareness of what independent study is like forEnglish Literature. It was a unique and eye-opening experience for all and for those who relished the hours of study, andit worked as a motivator to work hard in order to attain a place English Literature at a prestigious university.

Marie Quinlan

Year 12

Film Studies

Film Studies trip to the British Film Institute

On Tuesday 5th July, the Film Studies AS class went to London to visit the BFI Ruben Library.

We arrived to the Library early and met the Reader Services Librarian who introduced us to resource resources whichthe Ruben Library holds that we can research from. This includes electronic journals, books, magazines, bound periodicals,and even old film artefacts like posters and leaflets. We looked around the library to get a grasp of what we wanted tolook at. This included some of us speaking to the librarians to request books from the downstairs storage which is closedto the public as the collection is too vast to fit into the reading room. Most of us went onto the computers to find whatbooks we needed on their massive database of texts. We found lots of books and articles which have helped us inprogressing through our studies. We were also able to photocopy these thanks to the Ruben Library and their flatbedscanning machines. On the way back to the station, our class got some McDonalds for much-needed sustenance afterspending the day reading, scanning and note-taking.

Overall, the trip was helpful for our Film Studies class as we took lots of information away and we felt it has helped ourpreparation for the A2 course.

Kellen Kingsbury

Year 12

ART

Summer TermAnother year has flown by and the department is continuing to strive its best to deliver the most enrichingexperiences for our learners.

We have continued to evolve and change projects across Key Stages to suit the interests and appeal to students,and the extra curricular side of things has continued to be strong. There is a growing for enthusiasm for Artamongst the younger students and I look forward to the uptake at GCSE and A Level getting ever more popular.

A recent illustration of that can be seen in the sizable group we had for the Year 12 taster session. We had over20 on the list which bodes well for September. Both internal and external students who attended respondedvery well to the session and the activities they were confronted with. Once again, there was a pleasing turn outfrom internal students.

Before I look too far forward, now is a period of time when we can reflect and celebrate the efforts and hardwork done by all our students, not least our GCSE and A Level artists. This year we decided to spread out theGCSE and A Level exams so they did not take place on the same day, and as a result of that we did not have aninsane rush to get all the work mounted and assessed ready for the moderation. GCSE went first, and I was soimpressed with how they prepared for and executed their examination. The boys handled the 10 hour exam withconfidence and maturity, and I hope in the summer they will be rewarded with a pleasing set of results. It wasa struggle to squeeze all their work in to one room which just showed how much they had actually done over theGCSE period!

The AS and A2 exam followed shortly afterwards, and again the students impressed with the variety and risktaking involved in the pieces they executed. The private view was held on the evening of Wednesday 29th June.It is always a nice occasion to speak with parents of students after everything is done and celebrate their efforts.Many thanks to the Headmaster and Senior Management Team who attended, it was much appreciated.

Some photos from the exhibition can be found in the Gallery section at the end of this article.

Our most recent trip was with the Year 9s. Once again we set off on a Friday after school and this time we wentto the National Portrait Gallery to see the BP Portrait Awards and also the Russian Portraits exhibition. Manythanks to Mr Pearson-Phillips for doing the organising, and here is his account of the evening.

Art Trip to the National Portrait Gallery Friday evening, June 23rd

It isn't very often that you take a group of students up to a London gallery to view two exhibitions and feelthroughout that you aren't in the company of schoolboys who need the occasional correcting but nice young menwho are engaging, grown up and witty. These Year 9's were great fun and made for a most enjoyable evening.

Our first port of call within the National Portrait Gallery was to the Russia and the Arts exhibition; a compilationof portraits of Russian greats: Chekhov and Tchaikovsky amongst them. I admit I’d not heard of the artists butthat is entirely down to my ignorance. These pictures were a master class in detailed brushwork, subtle colourand command of all of the elements required to lovingly render a likeness. Thus each sitter scrutinized you asmuch as you scrutinized them, which is something I love in great portraiture. The boys then interrogated individualimages they liked and Mr Withyman and I went around the room encouraging each in his efforts.

Afterwards we visited the BP portrait award and this was a different kettle of fish altogether. The range of ideasimpressed, the scale of individual pieces went from tiny to huge, artists played with perspective and the capabilityof contemporary artists is certainly on a par with anything from the past which is pleasing. Painting aluminiumfoil in oils so it looks real, or a beard so it looks real, or a foot so it looks real and all within a genre that tells astory was an incredible thing to see. In my opinion this was the best BP show in recent years because of thevirtuosity shown.

This picture, taken by a visitor shows all of us inside a gallery in the BP exhibition.

The image above shows the boys immediately outside of the National Portrait Gallery looking as keen andenthusiastic as ever.

All in all, the boys had a great trip and this was the final one in the academic year. Going to galleries in Londonon a Friday evening is great fun: the galleries are not full and there is plenty of space for the students to reallysee the work. We are now known to the education departments in major London galleries as I think one of theonly schools, if not the only school to take students to art galleries during a Thursday or Friday evening.

We hope you all have a great summer,

Mr Pearson-Phillips.

This trip did impact in many ways on the boys and we have no doubt they will be able to apply the things theyhave learnt into their own work. It has been another packed and enjoyable year, and while Mr Pearson-Phillipsand myself are definitely ready for the summer break, we are also very much looking forward to and planningthe next round of schemes, initiatives, projects and extra curricular activities for September.

Mr Withyman

Subject Leader Art and Design

Art - A Level Gallery

Art - GCSE Gallery

History

Year 10 Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA) Archaeological trip:13th — 15th July 2016

In July, I was one of 9 Year 10 History students lucky enough to participate in an archaeological dig organised bythe University of Cambridge in Clavering. The aim of the trip was to enable us to have a go at archaeology,contribute to genuine university research, and promote Cambridge as the university of choice post-18. If thisweren’t enough, there was also an additional incentive — if we performed well in the practical assessment, andproduced a good essay setting out findings and conclusions, we would gain a qualification equivalent to a GCSE.So well worth missing a few days school and getting our hands dirty.

The trip, led by Dr Coke-Woods, was open to other local schools and we were joined by pupils from Herts & Essex,Passmores, Burnt Mill (Harlow) and Forest Hall (Stansted) — a total of around 50 students in all.

The trip consisted of two days fieldwork in Clavering, and one day at the University of Cambridge. Clavering is ofinterest to archaeologists because of its medieval roots and as the potential site of a Roman settlement. Overthe two days our findings included lots and lots of pottery, bricks, glass, a Roman coin, sheep jaws, and a deaddog wrapped in a plastic bag! The latter, although sadly not necessarily of archaeological interest, was our favouritefind.

The third day was spent at the University, learning more about archaeology, how to write up our findings and,most importantly, being shown around Corpus Christi College and talking to students about living and studyingat Cambridge.

My summary of the experience – the digging was great fun, though hard work, Cambridge was amazing and reallyinspired us to want to go there, but perhaps the best thing about the whole experience was meeting and socialisingwith pupils from other schools with similar interests.

George Hobart 10R

CAREERS ROUND UP - SUMMER TERMThe summer term is by far the busiest for the Careers Department with the mainfocus being the Year 10 Work Experience Programme. However, for the firsttime, our Year 12 students also had a taste of life in the work place as they too,completed a week of work based learning which was undertaken at the sametime in the school calendar.

It could’ve proved quite a challenge to source placements for up to 330 students but I’m delighted that everyonesucceeded in finding an employer either in the locality of Bishop’s Stortford or further afield. In particular, theemphasis for our Year 12s was to source placements in an area of employment relating to the student’s futurearea of study or employment in order to enhance a personal statement or CV. A spell of relevant work experiencereally helps a candidate to stand out and Sixth Form work experience is an excellent way for our students to startbuilding their portfolio. There are additional hidden advantages; studies have shown that a period of work relatedlearning also provides focus and motivation when returning to the classroom which can only help and supportthe students as they head towards their crucial final year of school.

The Year 10s also soared through their work experience with a tremendous number of private placementsproviding ultimate job satisfaction. As always, there was a wide cross section of placements from MTV to Marksand Spencers and some discerning students going to the races (Ascot) and Coutts. Two students spent a weekwith the British army in Devon and had a taste of life as a trainee soldier – hard graft but thrilling was the finalverdict. Some of our students have secured part time work as well as apprenticeship offers, both of which couldonly have come about if they had made the right impression, were conscientious and worked hard. Two luckylads placed in Operations at a private aviation company were in turn impressed as they managed more than aglimpse of Taylor Swift as she landed in the UK.

The survey returns have shown an overwhelmingly positive response to the programme and students appearedto have really enjoyed their week out of school.

Summer School – Student SuccessWe learnt at the beginning of term that once again, a TBSHS student has been successful withtheir application to attend Summer School at Imperial College, London. Having spotted thelink via the student Daily Notices, Year 10 Kaiya Hales will be spending a week of his summerholidays exploring the many disciplines of engineering such as Biological, Chemical, Electrical,Materials and Aeronautical. Kaiya will be introduced to some core concepts in engineeringand witness first hand some state-of-the-art technology that is currently being developed inthe research labs. All of this takes place within the prestigious environs of one of the finestUniversities in the world. Places on the residential week are highly competitive and extremelyoversubscribed; the school congratulates Kaiya on his achievement.

Assembly PresentationsWe have, during the last year, welcomed some excellent guest speakers to TBSHS and a paper written by theOrganisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has reported the benefits associated withemployer involvement in education that links earnings to career talks. Statistical analysis demonstrated a clearassociation between the number of career talks attended by young people and their relative earnings at agetwenty-six (the full report can be found at http://www.educationandemployers.org/research/career-education-that-works-an-economic-analysis-using-the-british-cohort-study/).

With our Careers Forum on the horizon for Years 10-13 (November 2nd 2016), our students are well informedand exposed to the many pathways and careers open to them. We already have some careers talks scheduledfor the autumn term when representatives of the Royal Navy and Marines will be making a visit to TBSHS andspeaking to Years 10 and 11 and Sporting Futures will explain their apprenticeship PE teaching programme.

April 28th & May 18th Years 9 & 10 Assemblies - Hertfordshire Air Ambulance

The students listened intently as Air Ambulance AmbassadorNigel Giles presented a thought provoking assembly describingthe vital service the Air Ambulance Service provides in thecommunity and the roles of the supporting crew. Unlike theNHS, this unique emergency service is a charity providing freelife-saving medical service. The crews reach a patient and halt or even reverse the effects of injury before airliftingthem back to hospital maximising the advantage of speed and versatility when minutes make the differencebetween life and death. Trauma is a leading cause of death among children and young adults and a major causeof disability; the crews play a vital role in reducing Trauma victims at a cost of £500,000 per month.

It was fairly evident that the students were moved by Nigel’s effective presentation whilst observing the Service’svaluable and important work.

May 25th & 26th Years 9 & 10 Assemblies - Banking & Personal Finances

During May, Years 9 and 10 received separate presentationsfrom local Barclays Business Banking Manager, DeborahHoffman who kindly visited on consecutive days to explainsome banking basics that we can all perhaps learn from – ourcredit rating! Deborah informed us of the consequences of‘bad debt’ and how it can affect one’s financial position and

impact on our daily lives for some time to come. Hopefully, TBSHS students are now fully informed and won’tsuccumb or drawn into overspending, over committing or overdrafts.

June 30th Year 10 Assembly Work PermitsFollowing the Year 10 Work Experience, Martin Cooke, School Age Employment Officerfor Hertfordshire County Council, visited TBSHS and spoke about employment law forstudents in the age category 15-16 years. There are many rules and regulations forstudents that employers must adhere to; for example, students can only work for amaximum of two hours per day with only one hour before school – to a maximum oftwelve hours per week. There are maximum hours that can be worked on Saturdays,Sundays and during the school holidays, consecutive holiday week entitlement plus legal rest breaks – not toodissimilar from the adult employment workplace.

A leaflet was handed out at the end of the session detailing all of the rules for employment of students aged13-16 years and is available by email (claire.jonas@tbshs.org) or see the web page here for more informationhttp://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/edlearn/schlife/employ/

Year 10 Scholars GroupThis term saw the launch of the Year 10 Scholars Group with an Information Evening held in the Library. MissMaher, Mr MacNeill and I highlighted the benefits of a scholars cohort which we hope, together with the sessionsplanned, will inspire the students to think about applications to the very top universities. There will be plenty ofmeetings during the next academic year with themes such as subject sessions and Summer Schools. It wasn’tlong before they attended their first event along with some of our students from Years 11 and 12 when they wereinvited during June to attend a Bishop’s Stortford Education Trust (BSET) session hosted by Hockerill Anglo-European School. The guest speakers were Ms Sam Lucy, Admissions at Newnham College, Cambridge and MrSam Bumby Admissions and Outreach Assistant, Balliol College, Oxford who blew away some of the mythssurrounding Oxbridge applications whilst reaffirming some of the realities.

Two weeks later, it was our own ex-TBSHS students who inspired and we hope impressed the scholars whenWilliam Ashley-Fenn (Medicine, St Catherine’s College Cambridge), Robin Franklin (History, Christ’s CollegeCambridge) and Charlie Jonas (Natural Sciences, Fitzwilliam College Cambridge) presented a lunchtime session.All spoke frankly and candidly about university life and the message was clear; hard work and intense terms butthere are huge benefits to be had and incredible opportunities open to those who study there.

The group have recently returned from a day at our link Cambridge College, Gonville & Caius. It’s one of theoldest and most beautiful of the Cambridge Colleges and we are very fortunate that the Schools LiaisonDepartment welcome us so warmly each summer. Here is an account of the day from Year 10 student LucasGillesphey:

On Wednesday, 6th July our group left school at 8am to catch a train to Cambridgewhere we arrived after a 25 minute long train ride. We then made our way to Gonville& Caius College, once arrived we stayed in a lecture hall and listened to a presentationabout the history of the college and the university as a whole. We also found out aboutthe requirements for becoming a member of the College.

During the day we completed activities that involved analytical thinking such ascomparing different forms of currency and drawing conclusions about their history,value, and what their appearance says about where the banknotes originated from.

Lunchtime was spent in the impressive dining hall, where we were served by waitersand had everything refilled. After lunch we had a tour around the College, this includedvisiting Gonville & Caius College Llibrary and the Gates of Honour, Virtue and Humility.

After the tour we made our way back to station and returned home shortly afterwards. I think I can speak for allof us when I say that we had a very interesting day, enjoying the challenges and information about Gonville &Caius College. We all thank Ms Maher and Mrs Jonas for accompanying us and giving us the opportunity to visitsuch a beautiful College.

Lucas Gillesphey, Year 10

July 15th Students visit Futures Day, Farnborough International Airshow

At the time of writing, three of our Year 10 students, Dylan Canty, JuliusField & Lewis Mandel are looking forward to attending Futures Day atFarnborough. Having spotted the information via the student DailyNotices, they are now heading off to a day dedicated to showing youngpeople the many career opportunities in the Aerospace and Defence sectors. The day should provide the perfectopportunity for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students to meet and speak to Universitiesand businesses who are on–hand with activities and specialist careers advice. I look forward to their report nextterm!

Next Step Interviews

Whilst Year 11 await their examination results, Year 10 have stepped into theirshoes and have begun their one-to-one careers advisory interviews. It’swonderful to hear some of their dreams, ambitions and aspirations and havingonce received some rather flakey advice myself at the same age, I hope that wecan support and help them to achieve their goals. Once Year 11 are in the thickof mock exams during December, it will soon be the turn of our current Year9-10s to receive a guidance interview.

Pic Careers Forum

November 2nd – Careers ForumAs previously mentioned, students from Years 10-13 will be warmly welcomed to the biennial Careers Forumwhere we will have up to fifty guest exhibitor and stands from all sectors of the work place including a numberof high profile apprenticeship recruitment employers. Accompanied by parents/carers, it’s hoped that as manystudents as possible will attend and take full advantage of the advice on offer and be as enthusiastic and animatedas in 2014. If you are a potential and willing exhibitor and would consider attending the Forum as an employer,do please get in touch. In addition, if you are able to offer work experience placements, I would be delighted tohear from you claire.jonas@tbshs.org

Have a wonderful summer.

Claire Jonas

Careers Advisor, Years 7-11

My Work Experience at The Army,Okehampton Camp, Dartmoor, Devon

I spent my Work Experience week at an Army base at Okehampton in Devon. As it was so far away, I travelledthe night before so that I was able to get to the camp on time. I did not know what to expect or what the otherstudents would be like and was a bit nervous as my bags and I were dropped off on Monday morning.

There were 29 other students attending and as we arrived, we were ticked off the list and waited to be collectedby the Corporal in charge. We were shown our dormitories and the Cook House where we were to eat. In notime at all we were having out first talk about life in the Army, what we would expect to experience during ourweek and other important information. I did not need to be worried at all, we soon started drills and exercises,a strong bond was soon made with all the other students and I was having a fabulous time. Okehampton Campis a working Army training base and there were many Army personnel working on training exercises as well asthe 30 Work Experience school students.

All through the week, I was stretched both physically and mentally as we all completed exercises, drills and assaultcourses and it was very important to work as a team, this was particularly important when we completed ashooting exercise with firearms. We trekked in Dartmoor National Park wearing combat body armour and campedovernight. Each night as we slept in our dormitory (20 boys together and 10 girls - who slept in a separate dorm),lights out was at 10pm and we were up at 6am except the night we camped out when we were up at 5am to packup camp and trek back to the base.

I had the most amazing time and gained valuable knowledge from the Army personnel who instructed us. I learntwhat it was like to be on tour as many of the instructors had been to Afghanistan and other places. I met so manygreat friends and also got to know the other TBSHS student really well. I was so sad to be leaving on Friday andhave kept in touch with all my new mates. I had had so much exercise and fresh air and enjoyed every minuteof the experience.

The experience was fantastic and I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity. I know that if I still wantto go into the Army as a career, I want to achieve the best GCSE and A levels so that I can make the best entrythat I can.

Sam Curran Year 10

Careers

Year 12 Post-18 Planning

With their AS examinations finished, Year 12s get down to serious work on their post-18 plans. Preparatory workstarted in the Spring Term with their Post-18 Information Evening, introduction to Post-18 Planning tool Unifrog(which, despite the name, covers apprenticeships as well as universities) and a visit to the UCAS (Universities andColleges Admissions Service) Exhibition at London ExCel featuring hundreds of universities and employers.Students are also encouraged to broaden their study and career horizons through open days, wider reading,workshops, taster events, and exhibitions, which are advertised through a regular Post-18 Bulletin issuedelectronically to all Sixth Form students and their parents.

Year 12 Post-18 DayFollowing their Work Experience week, all Year 12s were off timetable for their Post-18 Day on Monday 27th Junewhich is designed to really focus their minds and kick start the process to ensure that they leave with theirappropriate next steps into Higher Education or worthwhile employment in place. They attended a variety ofsessions on a carousel basis with over 20 different representatives from a range of companies and educationalestablishments, including Tata Steel, GSK, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, M&S, Lloyd’s of London, Weston Homes,Project Trust, Rayleigh International, KCL, UCL and Cambridge University. It was delightful to welcome back anumber of ex-TBSHS pupils (Harrison Costi, Steve Green, Sophie Beck, Charlie Jonas, Robin Franklin and WillAshley-Fenn) amongst the speakers. The afternoon focused on identifying and evidencing personal skills andstrengths for the art of Personal Statement and CV writing, and students also started their university applicationson the UCAS on-line application system. First draft Personal Statements or CVs are now submitted to tutors forfeedback and redrafting on a timeline that will see all university applications submitted by October half term.

Year 12 Rotary InterviewsDuring June and July, every Year 12 student had the benefit of a practice interview with anexperienced business professional thanks to the Rotarians of Bishop’s Stortford who have provided30 interviewers on each of four afternoons. Students all had to write a CV, following guidance giventhrough the tutorial programme, which was then used as the basis for their interview, giving themvaluable practise in talking about themselves and identifying the many transferable skills they have

developed at school that will be key to their future employability. Feedback on the experience is always verypositive from both interviewers and interviewees and we are extremely grateful to the Rotary Club for thisinvestment of time.

Year 12 Degree Study Guidance SessionsIn addition to these major events, our Year 12 Oxbridge interest group were also able to benefit from getting thelow down from our current Cambridge students to compare and contrast with an earlier information session withDr Mike Sewell, recently retired Director of Admissions for Cambridge. Dr Matt Williams of the Department ofPolitics and International Relations at Oxford University has also visited to talk to students interested in studyingSocial Science subjects at university.

With a busy summer and academic year ahead, I look forward to seeing the careers this cohort of students enterinto and to welcoming them back into school to inspire future generations.

Fiona Price

Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Post-18 Guidance)

PSA

TBSHS has always prided itself in its commitment to sport. The school PSA (Parent SportsAssociation) work tirelessly to support staff in the provision of top quality sporting opportunities, transport andequipment for the pupils and this year has been no exception. 2016 is the 15th year of sporting excellence at JobbersWood and a busy academic year as usual in order to raise the approximate £25,000 per annum that is required to maintainthe level of sport that everyone has become accustomed to at TBSHS.

As well as the regular Saturday support at the rugby and football matches provided by the PSA in delivering high qualitybacon & sausage sandwiches and hot drinks throughout the winter for spectators, players and match officials, for whichwe are now well known, the PSA has organised other fund raising activities that have included an Italian Night, a QuizNight, a two-weekend Plant Sale, a Year 7/8 Presentation Evening and the grand finalé Black and Gold Summer Ball. Allof these have been well attended and have allowed a fantastic sum of money to be raised. This has enabled us to supportthe PE Department by making donations of £18,370 towards transport costs and over £10,000 towards the running costsof the PE Department. This has included items like team kits, replacement tops for the cricket covers, new corner flagsat Jobbers & £850 has gone on supplying Physio Cover and running the First Aid Course. Unfortunately, we were beatenby the weather for the Inter House football and rugby competitions this year, only the year’s 10-13 year football gotplayed. We will look forward to them again next year and pray that the biting wind, rain and snow will remain absentfrom Jobbers Wood!

This year has seen the introduction of our official, formal First Aid Team. Training was provided by Critical ResponseTraining and a rota was put in place to provide that all important support on football and rugby match days. Many thanksto those that have given up their time to support this vital service, both this year and as we move forward.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors that have supported us this year, in particular ourmain sponsors Perkins, Lattey & Dawe Solicitors, To Tuscany, Bridal Path, Sykes Anderson Perry Ltd and Power Construction.

There have been numerous TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) awards this year. These are awards that canbe applied for by any TBSHS pupil to support the funding of a sport they compete in at an exceptional level. The awardsgranted this year were as follows, with a total amount awarded of £2,000.00.

• Harry Wright (Year 13) for freestyle skiing. He is the current British freestyle slopestyle champion for hisage group.

• Georgina Prior (Year 13) for swimming & canoeing. She is on the England talent programme for bothswimming (National level swimmer 50m long course Fly, currently 4th in UK (open) and Canoeing (Competingin British National Championships).

• Matthew Travers (Year 12/13) for Wheelchair Basketball. He is a member of Essex Outlaws Team and partof the British Wheelchair Basketball Premier Division 15/16 & he has just been selected for the Great BritainJunior Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team.

• Matthew Clements (Year 13) for cycling. He rides for Catford CC U23 team with Elite Status.

In order to continue into the future, the committee are always looking for various forms of help:

• The PSA committee welcomes any help that you can give, no matter how big or small.

• If any businesses wish to offer support in ways of sponsorship, either TASS, an event, a team kit deal, specificequipment or general donations, please do let the PSA know by contacting peter.harris@tbshs.org

• A brick/ plaque can be purchased that can be seen on the wall as you walk upstairs in Jobbers Wood. Theseare at a cost of £50 and it is a great way of leaving your family legacy at our fantastic facility. If you would liketo purchase a plaque, please let us know by emailing peter.harris@tbshs.org

The PSA Committee would like to thank you all for your support throughout this academic year and look forward toseeing you next year, during match days and for more fun and fundraising!

PSA website: http://www.tbshspsa.org

PTFA2015/2016

The PTFA would like to say a big “Thank you” to all of the parents, families, teachers, staff, students and volunteers atTBSHS. The PTFA run and support many events throughout the year, all of which could not be done without the supportand help of everyone. During the 2015/16 academic year we have raised in excess of £13,500. This money has beenraised through events including our yearly Candlelit Supper, Black & Gold Quiz and Family Bingo. For the first time wealso held a successful Summer Fayre in conjunction with Grove Cottage’s 50th Anniversary.

Our fundraising has helped us to purchase items for the school that cannot be afforded from the school budget such asthe ever popular outdoor table tennis tables, specialist equipment and books. We also contributed to the canopy whichgives shelter to students during wet breaktimes.

As well as fund raising the PTFA also support the school by providing refreshments during school events. Our secondhand uniform scheme provides for many students and donations are always welcome.

Next year we will be continuing to run events all of which will be advertised on the weekly school parental bulletin, withfurther information found on the school website. There is also a PTFA notice board in the school reception.

If you would like to take a more active role in any of our programs, please let us know! Are you interested in helpingwith a specific event or activity? Cake bakers are especially appreciated! Would you like to hold a position, Chair an eventor join a committee? We appreciate any level of commitment! Joining us is a great way to make new friends, whilstsupporting our great school.

Contact us anytime at pfta.tbshs1@gmail.com

Thank you.

DRAMA

Another busy term in the Drama Department…….

It was another busy term in the Drama Department rich with extra-curricular clubs, rehearsals, theatre trips, GCSEExam performances, AS Unit 2 performance evening and Children’s Theatre performances by our Year 12s to Year1 /2 at Thorley Hill Primary School. In July Fusion Theatre a drama club for Year 10 and 11 with some selectedYear 9s run by ex-pupil Drew Gregg performed Lord Of The Flies. Please read about what the students in ourdepartment have been getting up to. I would like to thank my colleagues Hayley Bart- Williams and Andy Hayesfor all their hard work and dedication to the students, the department and the extra-curricular activities that werun. Sadly we have said farewell to Andy Hayes who has left us for pastures new. A big thank you to those staffand students who have helped us with clubs, events and productions.

Congratulations to the following ex- TBSHS students who have won places as prestigious London Drama Schools● Harry Ward E15● Tom Dickerson Mountview/ Arts Educational

I would like to say a fond farewell to the Drama Class of 2016. Fingers crossed for your examination results inAugust.

Wall of Fame

Congratulations to all our TBSHS students who have auditioned for and performed in local shows this academicyear. We are very proud of all their achievements.

Photography

Thanks to Tony Hepworth for photography of Drama events this year.

Have a great Summer!

Natalie Maher, Head of Drama.

EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS REPORT

Drama Scholars (Year 7-8) Friday lunchtimes. Studio 26 HXBThe drama department would like to say a massive thank you to their scholars this term who have workedextremely hard. Their contribution is invaluable and their commitment to the department is exemplary.

Duncan King and Nicholas Wood, are very excited to be taking on the role as the Drama Leaders of Drama Scholarsstarting in September of the next school year. They will be teaching them three main topics, including: practitionerstheory, devising from a stimulus and physical theatre. They hope they will learn a lot and enjoy this year of drama.

Hayley Bart-Williams

Technical Theatre Crew- (Year 7-13) Monday after school Studio 70Technical Theatre Club has made great progress this year, some students have carried on from last year alongwith a couple of new recruits. They are all eager to learn and their creativity is starting to show.

“Technical Theatre Club has been a huge success this term and we’ve been able to explore different technicaldisciplines in more detail. The students are very keen to learn more and participate. They were a great help atthe summer concert and I look forward to seeing them next year.”

Andy Hayes

Lower School Drama Club- (Year 7/8) Thursday lunchtime Studio 70

“This term, Lower School Drama Club have worked on developing their improvisation skills. Students led by MillieCornwell and Liam Demmon have devised short pieces based around different themes, including updatingtraditional children's stories. They have also explored using a range of starting points and developing improvisationfrom this. For example, being given a prop, a line of dialogue to begin their scene or each member of the groupbeing given a different physical starting position. The results have been interesting!”

Natalie Maher

Fusion Theatre CompanyThis term Fusion Theatre Company have worked on creating a production of Lord Of The Flies directed by DrewGregg. The company ran on a Friday after school and allowed those with a particular passion and talent in thesubject to develop as actors. They performed on the 6/07/2016. The director Drew Gregg said he was very proudof them all and it had been a pleasure to work with boys. As a member of the audience I can to state that theirwas some outstanding elements especially the physical sequences. Congratulations Fusion.

Upcoming Drama Productions

Whole School Production● Our House!● The Madness Musical● Wednesday 23rd November 7pm● Thursday 24th November 7pm

Auditions

Wednesday 7th September 3.30pm-5.30pmWHOLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION

AUDITIONS YEARS 7-13STUDIO 70

All students are expected to stayfor the duration of the 2 hour audition

Please do not hesitate to contact the drama department for further information natalie.maher@tbshs.orghayley.bartwilliams@tbshs.org

DRAMA

PRODUCTION REPORT

6th Form Productions

AS Monologue & Duologue Performance Evening

“The performances were of an incredibly high standard. The performances took place just days before the EasterHoliday on Tuesday 21st March from 6pm-9pm where our AS Edexcel examiner was in attendance in Studio 70.Performances spanned several theatrical styles from comedy to naturalism to stylised pieces to physical theatrewith beautiful movement sequences. We picked works from Steven Berkoff, Bryony Lavery, Abi Morgan, EdwardBond, Polly Stenham and Martin McDonagh.”

Here are a selection of photos from the dress rehearsals:

Natalie Maher / Hayley Bart-Williams

DRAMA

Drama 6th Form Productions

AS Performance Evening“Studio 70 was once again packed full of students, staff, parents and friends. There was a buzz in the auditoriumas our year 12s took to the stage. The standard of work was once again incredibly high and this was testamentto hours of work inside and outside of lessons that they had put into rehearsing the pieces. Road and Two by JimCartwright and Red Lion by Patrick Marber.”

Natalie Maher/ Hayley Bart-Williams

RoadRed Lion

Two

Wednesday 4th May 2016

5:30 pm

Studio 70

AS Unit 2 Section B Play: Directors Interpretation (Cast of 5)ROAD, Jim Cartwright

Road is the first play written by Jim Cartwright, and was first produced in 1986. The play explores the livesof the people in a deprived, working class area of Lancashire during the government of Margaret Thatcher,a time of high unemployment in the north of England. Despite its explicit nature, it was consideredextremely effective in portraying the desperation of people's lives at this time, as well as containing a greatdeal of humour. Under the guidance of our narrator Scullery, the audience is taken on an evening’s tour ofa road in contemporary Britain. Moving from street corner to living room, from bedroom to kitchen, theinhabitants, young and middle-aged are presented, showing their socially and emotionally wretched livesin this sharp and often funny play. The original production in 1986 captured with bawdy and sometimesobscene precision what it was to be a living reject in an industrial town ravaged by the economic policies ofMargaret Thatcher.

In a non-linear fashion, Cartwright starts a story, finishes it or doesn’t, has characters crash in and out ofeach other’s stories and shows humanity as most people never wish to see it. The audience alwaysremains part of the action.

This could be any town- anywhere. Consequently our interpretation of the play "ROAD" takes place on aroad which we have chosen to set in London in 1986. The play in its entirety has 17 main characters.However, in my interpretation I have FIVE actors playing half of these characters in a shortened version ofthe play. Road is a tale of lost souls, repressed dreams and the desire to escape and provides young peopleof today with an exciting and challenging presentation of Britain.

Throughout the play the audience is highly involved, and witnesses a range of different characters whichchange the pace of the play to a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. We morph from one character to the

next with the change of a jacket or a ruffle of the hair, my five actors plunge in and out of their variouslives.

The characters of our Road:

Scullery- Is the narrator of the play as he is seen to be in and out of every scene, telling the story of "his"road. Scullery is a ‘chav’ who has lived on ‘road’ his whole life and knows everyone and everything thathappens there. He is a very open character who says the first thing that comes to mind. – Older than helooks, takes ownership of the road. Played by Nick Wood.

Eddie - Is a much laid back and relaxed character who just wants’ to have a good time and stick by hisfriend Brink. He is in his early twenties and is very vain about the way he looks and acts towards women. -‘jack-the-lad’, thinks he’s a charmer, more successful than brink. This is played by Nick Wood.

Brenda- She is thin wizened scruffy woman, smoking, mother of Carol late 30s. This is played by Sian Kirby.

Clare- She is about 17, supportive, naive and in love with Joey. This is played by Sian Kirby.

Louise- about 18, lives in the shadow of Carol, quiet and reserved. This is played by Sian Kirby.

Carol- She is the daughter of Brenda, about 18 loud mouth, aggressive and likes to be the centre ofattention. This is played by Millie Cornwell.

Valerie- She is late 20s, smoker, (scruffy dressing gown, sad nightie,) young mother of 3 unhappy in herabusive relationship and with her lot, suggestion of domestic violence. This is played by Millie Cornwell.

Joey’s mum and Joey’s Dad – They are concerned, softly spoken and caring. These are played by MillieCornwell and Ben Hoare.

Brink- flat owner, young man, strong silent type, tries to be a success with the ladies. This is played by BenHoare

Professor- His scientific career went down the drain so decided to experiment outside the box and study‘Road’. This is played by Ben Hoare

Bisto- A pub DJ who thinks he’s way better than he really is. His vulgar language creates a very comedicatmosphere even at the most tragic of times. This is played by Ben Hoare

Joey- He is about 17, delusional, isolated, weak and feeble. This is played by Alexander Barnardo

Brother – Louise’s childish brother who sees no point to going out and spends most of his day working onengines. This is played by Alexander Barnardo

AS Unit 2 Section B Play: Director’s Interpretation (Cast of 3)

Red Lion, Patrick Marber

Passion. Loyalty. Salvation.

Small-time semi-pro football, the non-league. A world away from the wealth and the television cameras. Ayoung player touched with brilliance arrives from nowhere. An ambitious manager determines to makehim his own. And the old soul of the club still has dreams of glory.

A haunting and humorous new play about the dying romance of the great English game – and the tender,savage love that powers it.

Patrick Marber’s play originally 2 hours 30 minutes we have cut and adapted to meet the confines of thisUnit 2 examination. A beautiful, delicate, tender and very touching play about hope, and above all, talent.

My actors are: Jack Barker, Josh Howlett and Owen Widdowson

The play broken down:

Act One –• Before the match and Kidd and Yates discuss the professional stability of the club• Jordan enters and Kidd tries to get Jordan to be loyal to the club• Yates reminisces his past as a player in the club with Jordan

Act Two –• After the match has finished Yates and Kidd argue about the future of Jordan• Jordan and Kidd discuss possibly transferring Jordan to a new club for a price• Jordan wants to talk to the offer with Yates but Kidd doesn’t let him

Act Three –• Kidd and Yates talk about how Jordan has betrayed them both• Jordan comes back from the board and argues with Kidd• When Kidd goes to the board, Yates and Jordan have an emotional talk.

The characters in the club:

Yates – A loyal patron of the club who does everything he can to make the club succeedKidd – Overly passionate and aggressive manager who only thinks about benefiting himselfJordan – New, upcoming rising star who doesn’t recognise his own talent. The only thing holding him backfrom his professional career is his injured leg.

AS Unit 2 Section B Play: Directors Interpretation (Cast of 5)TWO, Jim Cartwright

Our play "Two" takes place in a pub which we have chosen to set in London. The pub is owned by abickering husband and wife who are essentially the main characters of the play. The play in its entirety hasfourteen characters portrayed by just "Two" actors.However, in my interpretation I have FIVE actors playing half of these characters in a shortened version of the play.Essentially it is about a night in the pub, the different customers and the fragile relationship between the Landlordand Landlady (LD/KA). They open the play taking orders from the patrons and serving them. Throughout theseorders the audience gets to see the sub-text underlining the couple's relationship.

The audience is highly involved and witnesses a range of different characters which change the pace of the play to aroller coaster ride of highs and lows. The entire play is set up for the ending in which the Landlord and Landladyreveal their dark unspoken tragedy. Switching from bawdy humour to heart wrenching tragedy in the change of ajacket or a ruffle of the hair, my four actors plunge in and out of their various lives, inhabiting each one completelybefore morphing into the next.

My actors are: Katy Adams (KA), Liam Demmon (LD), Oliver Godfrey (OG), Duncan King (DK) and Katie Miles (KM)

The other characters in the pub:

Landlord- a closed book, busies himself in pub work, avoids dealing with the death of his son LMLandlady- bubbly hostess on the surface, lives with the guilt of her son’s death KA

Mrs Iger- buttoned up headmistress type who reveals her secret lust for 'big men'. OGMr Iger- hen-pecked ‘compact little man’. Shy and retiring. Lives in the shadow of his over- bearing wife. DK

Moth-cheeky chap, arrogant, thinks he has a way with the ladies. LDMaudie- easily led, desperate for attention from Moth, working class. KA

Lesley- pregnant girlfriend, trapped in her unloving, controlling relationship with Roy. KMRoy- emotionally manipulative, insecure and physically abusive to Lesley. OG

Fred- old man, traditional and relaxed. He has playful long term relationship with his wife Alice. DKAlice-old lady, sense of humour and a day dreamer, married to Fred. KM

Visual/ Aural and Spatial Elements

My interpretation is set in London in the late 1980s offering a seriously entertaining look at the misery andhigh jinks of average people in Jim Cartwright’s public house. There are usually only ever two members ofthe cast on stage at once to give them more scope for characterisation, movement and communicationwith the audience and to build on their experiences and learning from Unit 1.Minimal props and staging requires much skill from my actors to communicate with their audience.This is a richly woven play which is engaging, hilarious, heart-achingly sad and above all, honest. Theaudience is allowed to catch snapshots of this community through these self-contained nuggets of life.Sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, yet always incredibly human, each character or couple actslike a fragment of shattered glass reflecting back at us as the play mines the depths of the humanexperience. (Natalie Maher)

DRAMA

GCSE Productions

“Studio 70 was once again packed full of students, staff, parents and friends. Year 11 Drama students have studiedfor Unit 3 of their Drama course which involved adapting a published script and working as a theatre companyresponsible for direction, set and costume. With the two class split into 6 groups, 6 scripts were assigned. Theplays chosen were Blue/ Orange, Bouncers, Lord of the Flies, The Pillowman, The Machine Gunners and BeautifulBurnout, they were all very different and the work was performed to a high standard. This was testament to theworking ethic instilled in them from Year 9, as they were often to be found in both studios late into the eveningsrehearsing. The feedback from students, staff, teachers and parents who came to watch the performances wasfull of praise. Fingers crossed that the marks awarded by visiting examiner are reflected in the student’sexamination results in August. Thanks to Andy for his technical support and working with our lighting candidate.”

Natalie Maher

Community

6th Form Productions

Children’s Theatre

Year 12 have been working on their Theatre in Education project culminating in a Chlidren’s Theatre Performance. We invitedYear 1 and 2 students from Thorley to come to TBSHS and watch devised performances of Frozen and The Jungle Book.

Natalie Maher/ Hayley Bart-Williams