I would like to begin by congratulating the whole of year 7 on their excellent start to their first year at Sir Thomas Boughey. For the vast majority it has been a smooth transition into a new school which is an extremely testing time with many changes to deal with along the way.

Pupils have settled into the new routine and are now expert at navigating their way around the school and following their new timetables; something that many suggested was their biggest fear before starting in September.

This first term is always a challenging time with illness, coughs and colds and I am especially delighted with those pupils who have reached this far without a day off. At the time of writing there were 43 pupils who have 100% attendance which shows outstanding resilience and commitment, qualities that will serve them well in the future.

There is a range of opportunities available to pupils outside the normal curriculum and I am pleased to see that many of our Year 7s are taking full advantage. Each tutor group has been involved in the Tutor Challenge, run by our Young Sports Leaders, which encourages pupils to take part in team activities as a group. There are also a large number of pupils taking part in the netball and football teams which will take their respective leagues after Christmas. I would like to send special congratulations to Emma Hancock who was recently awarded the PE departments Sports Personality of the Month award and who also plays for the Stoke youth team.

(continued on page 7)

Our Awards Evening celebrated the success of last year’s Year 11 and their excellent GCSE results as well the successes of our current pupils across the curriculum. The evening was extremely enjoyable and a number of our guests commented on the well rounded young people that were in evidence that night. Years 7 and 8 have participated in some workshops as part of anti-bullying week which they found both enjoyable and useful. Equally informative was the Year 11 Crash course - encouraging safety on the roads for our soon to be drivers. Also, rehearsals for our production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” are well underway and, by the look of some of the assembly trailers, it will be well worth attending. These are just some of the events that have taken place this term, reminding us that school is about much more than five lessons a day! There is much more to look forward to in the build up to Christmas too.

Mrs T Robbins Head of Pastoral

Another busy and exciting start to the new school year! The whole school has participated in a wide range of events over the last few weeks. Probably most importantly, our Year 7 have made a successful transition from primary school to high school and settled in extremely well. So well, in fact, that a few of them have been elected to our school council and have also helped to deliver our Harvest assembly. Speaking to 800 people from the stage in a whole school assembly is no mean feat at any age, but in the first term at high school it is especially noteworthy. Our Head Boy, Head Girl and their deputies have represented the school in the local community at the Remembrance Day service where they laid wreaths on behalf of the school. They also delivered speeches at the open evening for next year’s prospective pupils and their parents who could not have failed to be impressed by these superb role models.

Issue 8 December 2012

THE TERM TIMESTHE TERM TIMESTHE TERM TIMESTHE TERM TIMES

Termly updates, information and dates for your diary, stories, and pupil achievements

Sir Thomas Boughey High School

Our newest pupils make a great start to Year 7

MMMMMMMMEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYY CCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAASSSSSSSS

TTTTTTTTOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE AAAAAAAANNNNNNNNDDDDDDDD AAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Breakfast Club

As part of our provision, we are offering a breakfast club which started on Monday the 22nd of November. A simple selection of fruit juices tea, toast and cereal will be available at non-profit making prices. The facility will be open from 7.30am to 8.00am in the food room. All are welcome. If you wish to attend please contact Mrs. Bailey in the school office to register.

Sports News

Well done to Athena Heavey and Thomas Jones who have been selected as Young Ambassadors for STB. They attended a Leadership Conference at Burton Albion and also went to Keele University to be trained to officiate in Sportshall Athletics and Volleyball. Carl Inskip, who organises the Leadership Academy commented on their impeccable behaviour and that they were a credit to the school. Athena and Tom are now looking forward to setting up a Sports Council in school as part of their leadership role.

Parents as Partners

At this seasonal time of year, our Year 10 and Year 11 pupils will be looking forwards to the exams in January, 2013. These exams are not internal exams but external GCSE modules that will count towards final GCSE grades. Therefore, it is vital that pupils prepare properly for them. These will be the final year groups who will be able to spread their assessments over such a wide period so they need to make the most of it. The changes made by the Government mean that, in future, all exams will be terminal: your child will sit their exams in one go, in the summer, with no opportunity to re-sit components or exams. It will be a case of get it right first time. So if you do not know what to buy for your son or daughter, a last minute present that keeps on giving is a revision guide for GCSE subjects. These are widely available in shops such as W. H. Smiths and only cost a few pounds. Remember that during the festivities they will need to find time to revise in a quiet environment to ensure that they achieve their true potential.

Visiting school during the day Can all parents or visitors to the school to report to reception on arrival. This is clearly signposted at the front of school. Reception is staffed all day and is the best place for you to get help with forgotten lunch money, sandwiches, PE kit, homework and house keys. To facilitate your visit in the school day there are visitor car parking spaces at the front of school. For security reasons the side gates and all other entrances to the school are locked.

Snow Closures As we approach the Winter season and, potentially, snow may fall, we may need to close the school. This is not a decision we enter into lightly and it is done to ensure the safety of the pupils and staff. If snow has fallen and the management and governors of the school have decided to close the school before the school day starts, this decision will be posted on the school website and the Staffordshire County Council website. The County website will be monitored by the local radio stations which will broadcast the list of schools that are closed. Our switch board will be open, but please be patient, it could be very busy. If you have not heard the school is closed on the radio or seen it on the websites, then assume we are open as usual.

If, due to extreme conditions, we do take the decision to close the school during the school day, we will use the system above. If due to your personal circumstances you need to collect your child early from school please report to reception and we will collect your child from class for you. If you wish your child to start walking home early then again please contact reception with exact details of what you wish your child to do; this should include where you wish them to go, as a relative’s or friend’s house may be closer. Be assured that if you are unable to collect your child or your child is unable to walk home, the school will remain open, warm and safe for your child.

Awards Evening

The evening of Thursday 22nd November 2012 was a very special occasion for Sir Thomas Boughey as many of our 2012 leavers returned to collect their GCSE certificates and other awards. From a stage resplendent with plants and flowers, the Chair of Governors, Mr. J. Hopkins, began proceedings by welcoming everyone.

Also present at the awards evening were The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and the Lady Mayoress, who both have our thanks for attending this awards evening. We are especially grateful to The Mayor who stepped in at short notice as our original guest of honour withdrew due to personal circumstances.

The distribution of awards began with recognising excellent attendance; an astounding seventy-two pupils were awarded certificates for 100% attendance for the whole year. A special award went to five pupils: Samuel Cadman, Robert Davies, Joshua Rhodes, Alex Warren and Jack Roberts for the outstanding achievement of 100% attendance throughout their whole five year high school career - a fantastic example of dedication.

Recognition of achievements across the curriculum followed. Pupils in Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four collected awards and prizes in each subject. In total there were thirty Subject Awards handed out to students for outstanding achievements across the curriculum. An additional seven Cross Curricular Awards were given to pupils for extraordinary achievements within the school.

Sporting achievements were recognised with the presentation of several cups, trophies and medals. There were a number of awards for team captains for their team's achievements in District and County competitions as well as individual effort in Athletics.

The final round of presentations was for achievement in external examinations with a total of sixteen awards to pupils for their progress and achievements in external examinations.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a success.

Recognising Achievement

The following pupils have

been nominated this term by their subject teachers for

excellent effort in their work.

Congratulations to the following:

Year 7 Year 10

Rebecca Smith Ben Green Witold Malkowski Charlotte Prince Bradley Heath Aaron Tideswell Hannah Hannon Jake Colclough Kane Callaghan Beth Williams Charlotte Roberts Ryan Bailey

Rebecca Colley Joshua Allen Harry Patrick Megan Johnson Katie Chadwick Joshua Wright Tobias Booth Evie Shaw Denver Gilmore Samuel Harrison Megan Jones

Year 8 Year 11 Peter Royall Lauren Myatt Justin Miller Naomi Bayley Rebecca Wilkinson Heidi Condliffe

Sarah Mainwaring Katie Dunn Jasmine Smith Ben Longstaff Sam James Peter Clarkson Max Jeffries Chelsea Ford Chloe James Michael Hand Bethany Law Lauren Cicatello Max Hough Heidi Condliffe Courtney Bridgwood Jack Norcup

Sam Thorley Elinor Fox Year 9

Lauren Cotterill Megan Clarke Emma Hammersley

Daniel Scothern Ben Jones Emma Chell Jack Brookes Beth Gilbert Bradley Blairs Issy Tutty Kurtis Sims Gregory Edwards

Pupil Sam Harrison was

nominated by the Geography Department for his hard work

and dedication to his work within the subject.

Sam said: “Having this

recognition made me feel proud of myself. I think I will be motivated to continue to work hard and achieve the

best results I can.”

Poetry Poetry Poetry Poetry

CornerCornerCornerCorner

Year 8 pupils have produced some fantastic sonnets as part of the ‘Introduction to

Shakespeare’ module.

Autism: Life Through My

Eyes

I didn’t choose the path I

am walking,

The journey I take is

different from yours.

If you would just listen to

me talking,

You will see my life has

taken a detour.

If you lived in my world for

just one day,

You’d feel the confusion

that’s part of me.

I’m not complaining, I like it

this way;

I’m different, not wrong and

this is just me.

So walk with me slowly as

the day ends,

Walk alongside me, holding

my hand,

Then perhaps we could

become good friends

And maybe you could start

to understand.

If you walk in my shoes for

one single day,

You might just accept that I

was made this way.

By Mollie Connolly – 8HB

European Day of Languages

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school. Being convinced that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent, the Council of Europe promotes plurilingualism in the whole of Europe. http://edl.ecml.at/

On Wednesday 26th September, the Modern Languages Department celebrated European day of Languages once again. The day provides an opportunity for everybody to celebrate the immense diversity of language within Europe and the rest of the world.

To commemorate the event, Mr Rigby organised several language taster sessions for pupils in Years 7 and 8. They were given one hour lessons by a volunteer from the RBS in the local area. Volunteers taught one of five languages: Italian, Greek, Polish, Czech and Sinhalese. Basic phrases such as how to introduce yourself, how to count to ten and how to order some simple food items were taught. Some of the words and phrases were long and very complicated - but all of the pupils enjoyed having a go at saying them. The lessons culminated with two-person role-plays between pupils, allowing them to show off their new skills. This was a 'once in a lifetime' experience for pupils to have a taste of a more exotic and less well-known language. A great afternoon was had by all involved.

'On the European Day of Languages day, I did Italian. It was very interesting as we learnt greetings, numbers and names. The Italian language is very similar to French. Ciao!' - Lewis Franks 'I really enjoyed the language day because we learnt Polish, which was really interesting. Also, Anna, our teacher, was really happy and nice which meant we could remember the language.' - Megan Jones 'I did Sinhalese! I really enjoyed it because I got to have a chance with a language I didn't know I was ever going to learn! We did fun quizzes and I had lots of fun.' - Olivia Kelly 'I really enjoyed learning things about Czech. The acting out the restaurant part was really fun and I would definitely do this again' - Leah Carvell

Where are they now ?

When I first caught a glimpse of the huge cruise liners all lined up along the docks of Southampton, I was in awe. Looking up at just under 160 000 tonnes of cruise ship towering above me, when I was next to Royal Caribbean’s ‘Independence of the Seas’, was especially interesting. The fact that it was floating completely baffled me and stepping onboard to realise these things are practically floating cities, was the point when I realised the fears that I had before were pointless and so here began my passion for the cruise liners. I am now looking forward to a Deck Officer cadetship and dream career with Carnival UK (Cunard and P and O cruises) starting in January 2013. I am taking an HND in Nautical Science along with many short courses, including advanced fire fighting and personal survival to name a couple, at either Fleetwood Nautical Campus or Warsash Maritime Academy. The course to become a qualified Deck Officer will take me three and a half years to complete, during which I will have three sea phases where I go on ship to train and put theory learnt at college to the test. Winter months mean I’m headed to the Caribbean and world cruises. Summer means the Mediterranean or anywhere where the cruises are. Qualifying out at just 20 years old, I’ll have a career with Carnival UK to look forward to, as this isn’t just for the cadetship; they employ you as a fully qualified officer afterwards too, and I will be well on my way to achieving my dream of becoming the captain of a cruise ship. With Britain’s first super cruise ship being built by P and O, at 141 000 tonnes, for launch in 2015 and the launch of the ‘Titanic Two’ in 2016, I couldn’t be joining at a better time. If anyone is now interested, after reading this, in a career as an Officer in the Merchant Navy or just a more adventurous career than an office job, then my best advice is to study hard at school and college if you decide to go, get good grades, especially in science and maths, and get all the experience you can via extra activities such as the ones I have done, as jobs like this need you to have more than just academic ability. The employers want to know you have done a lot more than just study; they want to know that you have put yourself out there, and done as much as you possibly can, taking every opportunity to expand your talents and abilities, instead of just playing Xbox and hanging around the streets.

P & O’s Ventura

P & O’s Ventura

Music to our Ears

A big thank you from all staff and pupils goes to Josh Allen and Connor Wells. Both pupils have played their instruments brilliantly to the whole school on Thursdays and Fridays in assemblies.

Josh plays the piano and Connor accompanies Josh with his Guitar.

Connor Wells & Josh Allen

We need your

support Our current Year 10 pupils will be completing their work experience from 1st July - 12th July, 2013. If you have any contacts that would be willing to offer one of our pupils a varied and inspirational work experience placement in July, please contact Miss Wainwright on 01782 729436.

Had you asked me just over two years ago to even go on a cruise ship, let alone be a Deck Officer aboard one, I would have laughed, as, back then, the idea of being at sea on a cruise ship for any length of time frightened me. This fright being due to watching James Cameron’s impressively realistic interpretation of one sinking in the film ‘Titanic’, far too many times. So, naturally, when my parents said to me two years ago, “We are going on a cruise!” it took a lot of persuasion to get me to go.

Elliott Broad ex pupil,

2007-2012

This term, we have sent home ‘Digital Parenting’ guides with all year 7 pupils. You can view the magazine on line at:

www.vodafone.com/parents

We take e-safety very seriously at Sir Thomas Boughey. Pupils in year 7 are currently studying a unit of work in their ICT lessons about e-safety.

Our e-safety policy and links to websites that you may find useful can be found on our website:

www.stb.coop/esafety

Recipes & More!

Recipes for all food lessons, homework advice, GCSE course information and photos of work are available through the new subject area on school website. There is also a new section with recipes for food cooked at occasions in school, like the canapés made for New Intake evening. I’d like to include copies of family recipes, especially if we could include a bit about their origin.

Mrs Wilding Assistant Head

Year 11 News

It’s a busy time for our Year 11 pupils, as they to complete controlled assessments, finish coursework, and prepare for their imminent Mock Exams. We have provided lots of information for parents to help them encourage their youngsters during this strenuous time. Tracking data has been sent home so parents can see how their child is progressing and what their current standard is. Parents evening was busy and resulted in an 86% turnout - highlighting the interest our parents have in their children’s futures. Colleges have been in to see every tutor group and talk about their courses and facilities, all trying to entice our pupils to enrol with them. This is not always an easy decision for our Y11 pupils to make as there a number of factors that have to be considered. Some will go to a college purely on its location and ease of transport. Some will go to a specific college as it runs a specialist course, while others will follow their friends! Luckily there are a large number of open days to attend, not only for the pupils, but for parents too. Questions can be asked in terms of results, the support on offer, and links to the outside world including companies and universities. These are all elements that can ensure a successful time at college, but are often overlooked by the pupils themselves.

To help our pupils further we have provided some opportunities for them to gain additional insight into possible choices. Some pupils have experienced a ‘day in the life’ of a student at Reaseheath College. Others were able to try Army life for a few days and gain awareness into what this lifestyle entails. More recently, a number travelled to Birmingham to look at a variety of careers inside the LG Arena. There were hundreds of jobs on display, requiring vastly different skills. This gave the pupils an opportunity to speak to experts about qualifications, apprenticeships, promotions, and opportunities for possible career paths. This was the first time we have participated in this event and, as the feedback was positive, it won’t be the last.

Gareth Davies Adam Jones, Peter Clarkson and Colin Greatbach

I hope our effort to enlighten our students as to their possibilities and opportunities has given them that extra appetite to perform well in their mock exams. These are particularly crucial as they will be required for college and apprenticeship applications.

A Ponsford Head of Year 11

Teaching & Learning Coordinator

Attendance Heroes

This terms attendance heroes are 11NS

11NS have often had a disappointing attendance record as a tutor group, with them often ranking very low in the order of the tutor groups’ attendance each half term. This year they have made a fantastic group effort to improve their attendance and, due to their efforts, they were one of the most improved tutor groups last half term, having an attendance much greater than most of the other tutor groups.

Danielle Roberts from 11NS said: "It is really important in Year 11 to get high attendance. Colleges and future employers expect good attendance and punctuality. I am really proud of how our group has gone from last place to second in one term."

Mrs Steventon said: "I am extremely proud of the members of 11NS, they are preparing for the world beyond STB and this achievement is a fantastic step forward." Well done 11NS Miss L Wainwright

Our newest pupils make a great start to Year 7 (Continued from page 1)

I would like to send special congratulations to Emma Hancock who was recently awarded the PE departments Sports Personality of the Month award and who also plays for the Stoke youth team.

Outside of the sporting arena, there are more things to excite young minds: a large number have attended the Science Club afterschool, where pupils have been involved in making rockets and are currently designing Martian bases. We also have lots of budding musicians in Year 7: congratulations to Megan Jones on her recent solo performance at St James Church in Audley.

Finally I would like to invite parents of our Year 7s to the Christmas Concert on the 19th December. Each tutor group will perform an item which they have prepared themselves, along with carols for all to join. Refreshments will be available. This is a wonderful way to finish the year and our pupils are looking forward to the event and to the opportunity to take to the stage to display their talents.

Mr C O’Connor – Head of Year 7

Anti - Bullying Production

On Wednesday 21st November, all Year 7 and Year 8 pupil watched an anti-bullying production by Robert Higgs. The production covered many aspects of bullying, including why people bully, the effects of bullying and what can be done about it. The pupils also learned some effective practical advice on how to resolve conflict.

Coe! Coe! Coe! Merry Christmas

Our very own Mr Coe delivered some STB cheer when he stood in for Father Christmas at the Wood Lane Christmas Fayre. At this time of year, with the North Pole being so busy, the main man himself could not make it. Mr Coe said he thoroughly enjoyed his day and the Fayre was a resounding success.

School Council News! The school council has been very busy since September and has already been very successful. Their first task was to organise a ‘Music While You Munch’ event during lunch for Children in Need. There was a fantastic line up of performers including a special performance from Mr Leighton on drums. This event raised a grand total of £150.

Chelsey Howard School Council Representative – Year 10

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 24th December 2012 - 4th January 2013 - Christmas Holidays 17th January 2013 - Y8 Parents Evening 24th January 2013 - KS5 Evening 29th-31st January - School Production 7th February 2013 - Y10 Parents Evening 14th February 2013 - Y11 Mock Interview Evening 18th - 24th February - Half Term

School Production Rehearsals are now well under way for this year’s school production: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Pupils from all year groups are busy singing, dancing, acting and playing their way through the fantastic songs written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Performances take place at 7pm on Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st January, 2013.

Tickets for the show can be purchased from Mrs Griffin in the library or on the door on the evenings of the performances. Come along to support your friends and pupils of the school in what promises to be a spectacular production.

Parents are reminded that there is ample parking sp ace for

all after school events on our High Street yard.

The area is floodlit a nd safe. It also helps to prevent congestion and possible damage to vehicles parked o n Station Road or in Station Walks.

For further diary dates, why not visit the calendar page on the school website?

The Term Times is produced twice a term by Sir Thomas Boughey High School. Some copies are printed, but it is also available from our website www.stb.coop. If you have an active e-mail address and would like to be informed when a new issue is available, then please visit our website and sign up to our e-mail distribution list newsletter.stb.coop.

They are now working on the Salvation Army Toy Appeal. Each tutor group is encouraged to collect gifts of new toys to donate to the appeal. These toys are then collected by the Salvation Army representatives who visit the school and distribute them to less fortunate children at Christmas.