1. education
2. school

Head’s Newsletter
March 2015
‘A Culture of Excellence’
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the second and final newsletter of the Spring Term!
At Tadcaster Grammar School we believe that success at school is more likely if our students
have the opportunity to take part in stimulating and exciting experiences beyond as well as
within the classroom.
Over three nights last week we were treated to a fantastic production of ‘Zombie Prom’. I
couldn’t help feeling incredibly proud of our students and it was so great to see so many of
them involved both on stage, in the band and behind the scenes. I know that the many
parents in the audience will have felt exactly the same. They have such talent, but more
importantly, they put in such a lot of hard work and demonstrated huge commitment over
many weeks to get a wonderful show ‘on the road’.
Recently, I have been reviewing all the other extra-curricular opportunities which have been
made available during this academic year. I counted 25 visits, trips and activities already,
including, amongst others: Duke of Edinburgh’s award, Skiing visits to both Italy and the USA,
two recent visits to Berlin, Geography visits to Barcelona and Iceland, theatre visits, and trips
to the Clothes Show at the NEC, the National Holocaust Centre and skills and careers events in
Leeds. The list goes on!
This, of course, does not include the substantial range of weekly clubs, sporting, music and
drama activities, as well as our upcoming water sports week in Spain this summer.
I would like to pay tribute to all my colleagues who, like me, believe these experiences are so
important and give freely of their own time to make them a reality. It is their commitment
which is so crucial in making TGS the special place that it is.
We hear regular references in the news about the need to improve national levels of literacy.
At TGS we have always known that secure literacy skills are incredibly important in
determining a person’s life chances. For some time we have been working on our own plans
to develop reading and other key literacy skills for all students across the whole curriculum.
Of the many facts and figures recently placed before us I was shocked to see that only 17% of
15-17 year olds read daily. I would like to take this opportunity to ask all parents to actively
encourage their children to read regularly. It will make a difference to their chances in school
and beyond!
To conclude, I was delighted to discover earlier this month about the students who will be
transferring from primary school to TGS in the next academic year. I am absolutely delighted
in the continuing confidence shown by parents in us and am really looking forward to
welcoming the next generation of students when we meet them for transition events and
when they eventually join the TGS ‘family’ proper in September!
Have a great Easter holiday,
Toulston
Tadcaster
North Yorkshire
LS24 9NB
Tel: 01937 833466
Fax: 01937 836082
Martyn Sibley
Headteacher
HOUSE NEWS
Time certainly flies when you’re having fun or, of course, when you are working very hard! This term has most
definitely been short and sweet, with lots going on for many members of the House. We have the Year 11s
productively working towards their GCSE examinations and the Sixth Form preparing for their AS or final A levels – to
these students I encourage you to keep on working; and to parents I thank you for your patience and support.
Remember revision only really works if you are thinking about the content and not simply reading or making notes; please
listen to the advice of all of the subject teachers. The Year 11 students have had a little glimpse into the potential future by
receiving their mock English results – hopefully this will act to spur them on to ensure a positive outcome in the Summer. Year
12 and 13 also had a taste of a mock results day; this will hopefully focus their efforts as we move forward to the examination
period.
This half term we have also seen the fabulous ‘Zombie Prom’ which was great to see from all of those involved. A number of
the House have also been involved in various sporting events, a Year 7 visit to Ipswich Town Football club and various Football
and Rugby finals – well done to those Calcarians involved, it’s good to see us continuing with our sporting heritage.
It’s not only the students; this term saw the return of the Inter-House Staff Volleyball tournament. We fielded a strong team
and performed admirably, eventually finishing a strong third.
We continue to fly high at the top of the house points table and this reflects the great efforts being put into all aspects of their
day to day school life by all members of the House. The challenge is, as I’ve said before, that we need to maintain it!! Forms
C2SMI and C7ACR leading the way in recent weeks—well done!!
Can I take this opportunity to thank Mrs Lindsay and the Calcarian student leadership for organising our fund raising for Comic
relief, Red Nose Day – With the help of some very keen bakers and a wet sponge or two we raise £222 for Comic Relief.
Up and coming events may see some keen Calcarian spellers enter the annual TGS Spelling Bee; the crowned King or Queen
Bee will win a visit to Harry Potter world!
Year 11 post 16 interviews will be taking place in the last few days of term, and with the support of Mr Sykes, I look forward to
having some positive conversations and supporting the students in their post 16 options.
And finally, the holiday is here, time to reset, relax and return for the Summer Term ready to achieve those targets we have set
as we’ve moved through this year. Don’t forget we will be celebrating all of this as a House in our Celebration Evening later in
the year—Mr Punt
Wow.....another half term passes us by. Once again I reflect and ask myself: 'How do students manage to do so
much on top of their compulsory lessons?'. It staggers me!
I would like to give a special mention to our Y11 students who are at full stretch now with coursework
deadlines, controlled assessments - oh...and revision! Year 11 is a short, intense year; however the best
summer holiday of their entire lives is only round the corner!
On our return after Easter the Year 11 students will have 18 compulsory school days until the exam season
starts. Mr Bradshaw's top tip - ‘Revise, But Revise Smart’. If you do not know how, then please ask any of your teachers.
Away from the Y11s, I would like to give a special mention to Ruby Barker who has been selling donuts in the main foyer.
Ruby was raising funds for Progressio as part of her ICS placement.
The Dawson Benchball competition is currently in full flow and great to see the students having a good old laugh!!!
Have a great Easter break—Mr Bradshaw
HOUSE NEWS
Well we are rapidly approaching the Easter holidays and it has been a very short half term, but packed for our
students, particularly our older ones.
Year 11 students have had a mock exam result day to receive their English results, giving them a clear indication of
the grade they may achieve in the summer. Many of them have reflected on how close they are to achieving their
target grades and recognise the work that needs to be done over the Easter holidays to make sure they are ready for the exams.
After the holidays they will have 19 days of lessons before their first written exam and practical exams start before this. Before
the holidays, all Year 11 students will also be meeting myself or Mr Woodward to discuss their choices for post 16 education,
which gives us an opportunity to offer support and wish them well in their exams. Our Sixth Form students will be receiving the
results of their mock exams before the end of term and are anxiously watching the countdown clock in the Sixth Form centre.
Many Fairfax students have received offers for Universities in anticipation of their results.
We are currently looking for our best spellers in each form to take part in the school Spelling Bee. I am confident that we have
the ability to win this and gain more house points and, more importantly, for the winning team, there is a visit to the Harry
Potter Studios.
Recently, we had a staff volleyball tournament and this time we let down the House as we were unable to compete with a full
team. However we did win the friendly competition! (I have to say definitely not my strong point).
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Easter and also to remind you that the Fairfax Celebration evening
will take place on Monday 29 June at 6.30pm and I look forward to seeing you all there to help celebrate the achievements of all
our students.—Mrs Weatherill
Short and sweet! This half term has definitely been that.
So what has been happening in Oglethorpe? Well the first round of the Interform countdown competition has begun and we are also looking for our
strongest spellers in each form to take part in the school Spelling Bee. Last
year the ultimate prize was a trip to the Harry Potter Studio in London, so
definitely a prize worth
fighting for.
Year 11 students have had a mock exam result day to
giving thEm a clear indication of the grade they may
Year 11 student will also be meeting myself or Mr Benoit
discuss their choices for post 16 education which gives us
in making these often huge choices.
receive their English results,
achieve in the summer. Each
before the end of term to
an opportunity to offer support
Our Sixth Form students have undertaken mock exams and they are also waiting for their
results which will be handed out during a mock exam result session during the final week
of term.
The forms have also been busy during VT including 012MWO making pizzas.
013SBU are coming up with new team sports games
which can be played outside as the weather gets nicer
and the tutors not wanting to be left out won the Inter-House staff volleyball competition
( the winning team also included Mr Benoit, but he had gone to get changed when the
photo was taken!) - Mrs Solk
HOUSE NEWS
Although very short, this half term has still been packed full of challenges and success for Toulston House.
We are currently midway through our Inter-House Dodge Ball tournament. It has been great to the see the way in
which our students have enjoyed this experience and the friendly rivalries that developed amongst Tutors during
the competition! The final will be played on the 22nd April.
Our Year 11 students have had a mock exam result day to receive their English results. This provided the opportunity to mimic
the summer results day and subsequently gave them a clear indication of the grade that they may achieve in the summer. Each
individual Year 11 student will also be meeting with myself, Miss Hussein and Mr Wren to reflect on their current attainment and
also discuss their post-16 choices. Our Sixth Form students have recently been sitting their mock examinations and are currently
waiting for their results. This will once again take the form of a mock results day to replicate the experience in the summer. I
look forward with real anticipation to see how well they have performed.
The forthcoming Easter holidays are a critical period for our students sitting their examinations and I trust that their revision is
now fully underway. Revision timetables have been distributed to our Year 11 students and the feedback that I am receiving is
very positive with regard to their approach to the summer examination period.
The annual Spelling Bee competition will be taking place early next half term. The winning team will once again win a visit to the
Harry Potter Studios in London. I am sure that you will agree that such a fantastic prize is certainly worth brushing up on our
spelling over Easter!
The Toulston Tutor team also took part in and Inter-House Staff games and finished in second place. A special mention must go
to Miss Brydon for her superb performance. She certainly did Toulston proud!
Have a fantastic Easter and I look forward to seeing you in the Summer Term—Mr Kumar
This term has seen final rounds of the Bench ball competition. organised by our Sports Captain Callum McHenery.
The matches have been fiercely competitive and our first semi-final went to sudden death, with W1 succeeding in
the last second. Our second semi final was won by W12 in convincing style - the practice paid off. The final W1 v
W12 was a very close match again going to sudden death. Every student tried their best, but in the end the
winning form was W1. The involvement of all the students and the team spirit was evident in all the forms. It was
lovely to see the older students encouraging the younger ones to take part. A true example of VT in action. I have really enjoyed
every match. As good as “Super Saturday”!
We raised £80 by selling Valentines hearts organised by W3 and have been selling raffle
tickets for our Easter Draw, as well as sweets at Zombie prom. Thanks to Millie Nicholls,
James Tucker, Eliza Clapham, Joseph Watkinson, Lily Clint, Hannah Woodall, Jess Render,
Emily Baylis, Ben Crolla, Miss Thomas, Mr Sharratt and Mrs Murphy for their help.
Congratulations to all the people involved in Zombie Prom for such an amazing production.
I stayed behind all three nights it was so good. Wharfe students in the cast were Isobel
Maloney, Megan Baines, Abigail Huddlestone, Emily Tinker, Jasmine Tucker, Georgina
Thompson and Olivia Wilson. Obviously huge praise to Ms Duckworth, one of our tutors who directed, but also to Erin Karn and
Laura McCarthy who helped with the props.
Before the holidays all Year 11 students will be meeting myself or Mr Sibley to discuss their choices for post 16 education, which
gives us an opportunity to offer support and wish them well in their exams. The Easter break is crucial for all those Year 10, 11,
12 and 13 students who start their exams soon and I hope that they will all use the time productively.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Easter —Mrs Harrison
Motivational Speaker Sets the Scene to
Collaborate 4 Success
A motivational speaker addressed and impressed more than 300 delegates from four North Yorkshire schools, who had joined
forces to ‘Collaborate 4 Success’.
So powerful and moving was Sir John Jones’ presentation that on occasions teachers were actually moved to tears.
This is the second ‘Collaborate 4 Success’
teaching and learning conference to be
hosted at Tadcaster Grammar School, this
year’s event being co-ordinated by Steve
Wren, Carole Walton from King James’s
School in Knaresborough, Jane Summers
from Sherburn High School and George
Hollis, representing Thirsk School.
“The feedback from the whole day’s
programme was phenomenal, but
especially the feedback from Sir John’s
presentation,” said Ms Walton. Comments
included: “An amazingly motivational
speaker, which reminded me why we do
our job” and “Great practical ideas to take
back to school”.
Sixteen workshops were held throughout the day highlighting numerous topics, including ‘How to create a winning team’,
‘How to successfully secure a leadership’, ‘Outstanding marking and feedback’, ‘Embedding revision’ and ‘How pastoral
intervention can have an impact’. Most of the workshops were delivered by staff from the four schools; thus strengthening
the model of peer learning the schools wish to embed.
“I am delighted that our second ‘Collaborate 4
Success’ conference was such a powerful and
uplifting experience,” said Tadcaster Grammar
School Headteacher Martyn Sibley. “The
combination of an inspirational key note
speaker and 'by teachers for teachers'
workshops provided superb professional
development for more than 300 colleagues.
Most importantly, opportunities to open
dialogue with teachers from partner schools
will really improve what we can all provide for
our students,” he stressed.
SPORTING NEWS
Year 7 Boys Commended On Their Efforts And Achievements on the Way To County Cup Finals
Sadly, wins in both the League and Union Rugby Cup Finals eluded our Year 7 boys, but they need to be congratulated and
commended on a sterling effort in both codes of rugby.
The boys missed out on the
they were narrowly defeated 26in the Rugby League Cup.
opportunity of a double final when
22 on 3 March at home to Brigshaw
Victory for the Year 7 Rugby Union
place in the final was confirmed
St John Fisher School. However,
Pontefract, held on Saturday 21
School’s Sports Ground saw them
tried!
boys was within their grasp, as their
with a 10-5 win against Harrogate’s
the match against The Kings School,
March at Queen Elizabeth Grammar
defeated, 35-5, but oh how they
“The boys had played both codes
of rugby from September and
hadn’t lost a single match until their defeat in the Rugby League Cup which
is most commendable,” said Coach and PE teacher, Craig Whish. “They had
worked extremely hard to adapt their skills set to both codes of rugby and
reach both semifinals,” said Mr
Whish.
It’s a Try!
“In the Rugby
Union final, The
King’s School had
an extremely
organised and
strong side.
However,
Tadcaster played some excellent pieces of rugby, especially in the second
half. I am incredibly proud of my boys’ achievement, attitude and
commitment and wish them every success in the future,” added Mr Whish.
MORE SPORTING NEWS
Year 7 Football
We Are The Champions!
Tadcaster Grammar School Swimming Squad competed in the
Grammar School at Leeds heats gala on Tuesday 3 March and
won 28 races out of 33, coming second in three races and third in
two.
Thirty-three students
then competed in the
Leeds & District Swimming Finals on Tuesday
24 March, once again
at GSAL and won! Out
of the 40 races TGS
won 26 and came second in 11.
The Year 7 boys football team have had a fantastic
season! They won the York & District West Football
League, going undefeated. They then played in the
League Final Play-off at Wigginton Grasshoppers FC
against Huntington School. Unfortunately, despite
their hard work they lost 3-0. There were some
fantastic performances, including Captain Oli Field,
MacKenzie Bowes and Ben Jennison.
The previous night, the Year 7 boys football team
played in the York & District Cup Final. In an even
game, the score ended 0-0 at full time. Despite some
close attempts and every boy giving their best,
Huntington School scored two goals to win the game.
Again there were some impressive performances,
notably Harley Plummer.
“The boys have been a credit to themselves and their
work ethic, commitment and efforts are something
they should be proud of,” said Mr Solk, Head of the
PE Faculty. “Bring on next season!”
Year 9 Girls Area Hockey Tournament
Results:
Drew 0-0 with The Mount
Drew 0-0 with All Saints
Drew 0-0 with Manor
Beat Archbishop’s 1-0
Although unbeaten in the Tournament, the girls unfortunately did not make the Final. However, they all enjoyed it, despite it
being absolutely freezing! Well Done!
YET MORE SPORTING NEWS
The Year 8 Football Team Has Won The York Cup Final With An Impressive 5-0 Victory!
The Year 8 football team played in the York Cup Final on
Tuesday 24 March and beat Fulford 5-0.
This means that the Year 8 football team have achieved a
double top, winning the League and Cup in the same
season. After Easter they will try for the treble as they
compete in the County Cup final.
“The boys have been fantastic all season and have not lost a
game in nearly a year,” said PE teacher and coach Craig
Whish. “They have worked extremely hard and fully deserve
the success they are experiencing,” he added.
"We have worked very well as a team and produced some excellent football this season," said student Harry Clark.
all
BBC School Report
Researching, scripting, filming and interviewing were all in a day’s radio reporting for Year 8 students at Tadcaster Grammar
School, as they made their own preparations to take part in the
BBC School Report.
The ten students showed considerable maturity as they brought
all the elements together. Interviews included student Oliver
Swaby with Headteacher Martyn Sibley on current affairs and
school related stories and Joe Newton with Cover Supervisor
Chris Jones about his new book ‘The Tale of Two Great Cities’; a
footballing journey as a player for both Manchester City in the
1960s and York City.
Izzy Hartley and Lucy Green did a sterling job as they banished
their initial nerves and interviewed BBC Radio York presenter
Georgey Spanswick live on air about her ‘big’ birthday. Jules Bellerby did the honours, bringing the Radio York van into school
and former student Liam Connolly, who is on placement with the station at the moment, was also on site.
“Once again our Year 8 students have taken part in the BBC’s annual School Report, a national initiative, through which students
get to write and broadcast their own news and they should be very proud of the way they acquitted themselves,” said English
Teacher James Watson. The students are to be commended for their professionalism and for the way they embraced the whole
day,” he added.
“We are very grateful to BBC Radio York for allowing Tadcaster Grammar School to take part once again and I would like to
thank all those involved, including Georgey Spanswick, Jules Bellerby and also Jonathan Cowap, who also broadcast something for
us on his programme later in the morning.”
Those taking part in the BBC School Report were as follows:
Joe Newton (reporter)
Joe Condon (reporter)
Isobel Hartley (camera and live on Radio York)
Lucy Green
(presenter and live
on Radio York)
Josh Dale
(presenter)
Oliver Swaby
(reporter)
Milo Ryan (reporter
and camera)
Allanah Booth
(reporter)
Aleks Rytwinski (reporter)
Sophie Shooter (camera/script)
Touring Rugby Trophy At Tadcaster
The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy, currently touring the country, made its way to Tadcaster.
Carefully transported, courtesy of Kris Stafford, Community Rugby Coach with the RFU Development Team for
Central Yorkshire (Leeds and Wakefield), the trophy came to Tadcaster Grammar School for two days, in order to
help promote
women’s
rugby.
The tour will
finish in May
2015, having
visited
hundreds of
clubs,
schools,
colleges and
universities,
including
Tadcaster
Grammar
School,
where Year 7
and 8 girls
were able to
see the
trophy firsthand.
Year 7 Students with the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy
“We targetted Tadcaster Grammar to act as a feeder school, in order to encourage more U13 girls to join and
participate in club rugby at Wetherby,” said Mr Stafford. “We have seen a massive growth of schools playing girls’
rugby and now we just need to get the transition out from school to club,” he stressed. “Following on from this, we
are hoping to transport Year 7 and 8 girls from Tadcaster Grammar School for a training day at Wetherby RUFC at
Grange Park in April, but any girls who are interested in training can attend on Wednesday evenings at 6.30,” he
stated.
Students at Tadcaster Grammar have really benefitted from the information given about the potential for women as
rugby players. “We wanted to highlight the different avenues that this sport offers to girls to progress, not only as
world champions, but potentially as Olympic medallists,” said Mr Stafford.
“This is the second year that the RFU has worked in partnership with TGS to deliver girls’ rugby in both curriculum
time and as an extra-curricular club,” said Kerry McGeechan, Head of Girls PE. “The girls have received fantastic
coaching and thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and we are looking forward to creating further links with Wetherby
Rugby Club. The girls have also had the opportunity to take part in rugby festivals with other schools who are
trying to develop girls’ rugby.”
Stepping Into Sport At Tadcaster With Family Of Schools
Keith Aspden, Family of Schools Co-ordinator for Tadcaster and Sherburn hailed Step Into Sport as a resounding success.
With new brightly-coloured t-shirts and a fun-packed schedule, which included swimming, dodge ball, basketball, football,
dance fitness and rugby with Castleford Tigers’ coaches, children embraced the opportunity to get involved during the February half-term holiday and are looking forward to the next schedule of events.
“Across the Tadcaster and Sherburn schools we were really pleased to offer popular holiday activities for children and young
people during February half-term,” said Mr Aspden. For the Step Into Sport we introduced new t-shirts with a different colour for each school holiday,” he added.
The next Step Into Sport series hosted by Tadcaster Grammar School will take place during the Easter holidays from 1-2 April
and 8-10 April between 10am and 3pm. Open to boys and girls aged seven years and up, the two schemes will offer football,
dodge ball and a visit to Tadcaster Swimming Pool.
“Each participant will also receive a free Step Into Sport t-shirt,” emphasised Mr Aspden. The cost is £24 for two days and £36
for three days and places can be reserved by telephoning 01937 837614.
The Tale of Two Great Cities by Chris Jones
Our very own Cover Supervisor Chris Jones has published an
autobiography entitled ‘The Tale of Two Great Cities’.
Mr Jones tells the story of his varied and exciting journey from
grass roots football to one lucky muddy Saturday afternoon in
Urmston, then onwards into the Football League and playing for
his two great City Clubs, Manchester City and York.
Tune into our BBC School Report and hear Mr Jones being
interviewed.
To purchase a signed copy, please contact the School.
Charity Begins at Tadcaster Grammar School
Update on 5-Hour Football Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK
Following on from the story reported in the February Newsletter, Tadcaster Grammar School Sixth Form students
completed their five-hour football marathon, and raised more than £800 for Prostate Cancer UK’s Men United, which is
£500 more than their original target.
Charlie Gregory and James Fowler were inspired to organise the marathon for Prostate Cancer UK following on from a
similar event last year. They felt that it is a cancer not many men are willing to acknowledge, believing it to be an awkward
subject.
“We are delighted that we
took on this challenge to
raise awareness and much
needed money to help beat
prostate cancer and the fact
that we smashed our original
target of £300 is great,” said
Charlie. “We all found the
going quite tough, especially
the last hour when our legs
felt like jelly, but we were
determined to play on. We
would like to thank all those
people who supported us and
have donated to this cause
and by doing so, we all hope
we have managed to get the
message across that men are
not immune from cancer,” he
stressed.
Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We would like to thank Tadcaster Grammar School
students for raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK. By doing this they have joined Men United, and are helping to make a
real difference in furthering the fight against prostate cancer.
“Whatever you do together, big or small, you’ll be helping us push for real change, from more effective testing to better
treatments.”
Since it was launched 12 months ago, Men United has caught the imagination, and a new zeal for change in men’s health with more than 200,000 people signing up to pledge support. Men from all walks of life, from footballers to lawyers and
politicians to plumbers, have formed a growing army, raising funds to find the answers for the future through research and
supporting men now. The new movement also lent its backing to a successful campaign to make drugs available to the
men with prostate cancer who need them.
People are being urged to search Men United, and sign up.
To help Charlie and James and all those young men at Tadcaster Grammar School continue to raise money please visit
https://www.justgiving.com/5hourfootball and give generously.
More Charity Events at TGS
Wear Red Day Update
Thank you to all those who helped raise money on Wear Red Day in aid of the
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary, especially Tyler and
Josh, Year 10 students in Fairfax House.
The magnificent sum of £1,090.45 was raised and the School has received a
massive thank you from the LGI. The school will also be featured in their next
edition of Brave Heart to be published in April, a copy of which will be placed in
the School scrapbook in Reception.
Raising money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is vital to support the
continuing work of the Congenital Heart Unit in Leeds.”
‘Sponge’ Cake for Comic Relief
Tadcaster Grammar School joined in the
fundraising frenzy for Comic Relief Red Nose
Day with a cake raffle, cake stall and sponge
the teacher.
Students in Calcaria House raised £222
through their joint efforts, headed by their
House Leader Adam Punt. Mr Punt and
fellow teachers Andy Sykes, John Bellwood
and Elizabeth Lindsay got very wet and cold
as they braved the onslaught of sponges
from
students who had paid for the privilege of throwing them. Local business
Happy Tiers Yorkshire kindly donated a cake for the occasion and there were
plenty of cakes and buns for sale on the cake stall. A massive thank you to
everyone
involved,”
said Mr Punt.
“To all
Calcarian
student
leaders,
bakers and to
those
members of staff who ‘offered’ to be sponged,
your efforts were very much appreciated.”
SCHOOL VISITS BROADENING HORIZONS AND KNOWLEDGE FOR STUDENTS
Barcelona
Ski Italy
A weekend in Barcelona was all part of Geography AS Level
work for Year 12 students from Tadcaster Grammar School.
The 29 Sixth Form students spent time looking at the coastal
management used in Sitges, as well as the re-branding of
Barcelona following on from the Olympic Games in 1992.
“Our young people worked really hard across the weekend to
fully understand the issues, successes and processes in the
two areas visited,” said Lucy Aylmer, Subject Leader for Geography. “They developed their fieldwork skills, which will
hopefully lead to excellent results in this element of the
course in the Summer,” she added. “
Thirty-seven students took part in the annual Year 8 ski
visit to the Aosta Valley in Italy during February halfterm. Having arrived in Courmayeur after a 22 hour
coach journey and been welcomed by so much snow,
the students had their skis and boots fitted on the
mountain. It was then onto the hotel, check-in, lunch
and a chance to refresh! During the visit the students
skied four hours per day (with a ‘restbite’ for lunch) and
each day there was an après-ski activity. These included
a pizza night (eat as much as you can), quiz,
bumboarding, ice cream and a fancy dress presentation
evening. The visit was action-packed and with some
high quality skiing and instruction and some new
friendships along the way, the students returned with
plenty of positive experiences and memories to share
with their family and friends.
Ipswich Town FC
Year 7 students had the opportunity to have an insight into the professional world of a footballer and football club, with a
pro-matchday experience at Ipswich Town FC. The school has continued to build on its positive relationships with this club,
having been invited back for a third time. On arrival at Portman Road, the students were given a tour of the stadium. This
included a visit to the dressing rooms (already set up for the match the following day), the board room, the press room and
the dugouts on pitch side. After lunch, the students had a two hour coaching session next to the stadium led by the Ipswich
Town FC Academy coaching staff. This was a well planned and
challenging session that the students enjoyed thoroughly.
Next morning the students took part in a football tournament
arranged by the teachers at a local football complex. After lunch it
was off to the stadium to watch the SkyBet Championship game –
Ipswich Town v Brentford, which ended 1-1. The group then travelled
back to school to reflect on their positive experiences gained over
the two days.
MORE SCHOOL VISITS
Humanities students visit The National Holocaust Centre
Year 9 Humanities students visited the National Holocaust Centre over two days at the
start of March this year. During the visit students were encouraged to focus on the role
of the individual and the choices they made between 1933 and 1945. Students then had
the unique opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor and ask them questions which
further deepened their knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust.
James Griffiths (Director of Learning) at the National Holocaust Centre, said: “The
learning programmes at The National Holocaust Centre encourage students to focus on
the importance of the ‘choices’ individuals make. They also teach students about the consequences of not challenging
discrimination and propaganda and failing to value diversity.”
Mr Crease, Subject Leader for History, said: “We consider the Holocaust to be one of the most important things that we teach
in the Humanities Faculty. Visiting the centre offers students a very special opportunity to hear from, and ask questions of, a
Holocaust survivor about their experiences and how that has affected their world view. The benefits of hearing about
something like this first hand to students learning is immense.”
Jacob Cockeram a student in Year 9 said: “I think it is worthwhile going to the Holocaust Memorial Centre as we as a society
need to understand what happened and learn from people’s mistakes to help advance our culture.”
‘Full House’ at Popple Well Springs
Residents at Tadcaster’s Popple Well Springs have been enjoying bingo
sessions, thanks to students at Tadcaster Grammar School. Year 9
students, Jemima Browning , Verity Kaiper-Holmes and Grace CoxRawnsley, had a wonderful time interacting with the residents and will be
leading monthly sessions until the end of the
Summer term. Furthermore, the residents really
enjoyed themselves too and are really looking
forward to next month!
Berlin Exchange
Students from Tadcaster Grammar
School spent two days during half term at
Melanchthon-Gymnasium in Berlin, as
part of an exchange visit, and were
treated to the many sights and sounds of
the bustling city by their German
counterparts.
It was an action-packed week for the 14
students who stayed with host families in
East Berlin, spending two days in the
school and accompanying their hosts to
all lessons. A walking tour of Berlin was
enjoyed by all, with visits to many
historical sites and to Deutscher
Bundestag, the German Parliament.
“Our new German friends showed us around Berlin explaining to us, in German, all the main sights and we had a
fascinating visit around the German Parliament,” said Amanda Crossley, Partnership Development Manager, who
accompanied the students, along with German teacher Mrs Baker.
“The first morning we met at the School we were treated to breakfast with all their students and the Deputy Headteacher
and this was a lovely introduction. At the end of those two days in the school our students felt that Tadcaster Grammar
School is much stricter and the school day over there is much shorter,” she added.
German Students Enjoy Yorkshire Hospitality
Tadcaster Grammar School then played host to students from
Germany as the second phase of an exchange visit.
Following the recent visit by 14 TGS students to MelanchthonGymnasium in Berlin, 15 of their students enjoyed reciprocal hospitality
taking in the sights and sounds of York, Leeds and, of course,
Tadcaster.
Spending time in lessons and an evening performance of the school
musical Zombie Prom was all on the busy schedule and further afield
walking the walls in York, and visiting Cliffords Tower, the Shambles,
the Minster, York Museum and the National Railway Museum were
also on the agenda. Tadcaster Grammar School students were given
the task of researching various historical sites and delivered their
speeches in both German and English.
“Our guests from Berlin spent the day with us in York and said what a
beautiful city it is, especially at this time of year with the daffodils and
tulips on display,” said Ms Crossley. “We had a wonderful day
sightseeing, which included a fascinating guided tour of the Minster
and our German friends also enjoyed the shops in the Shambles and
fudge tasting,” she added.
Zombie Prom
Tadcaster Grammar School’s musical production for 2015 was Zombie Prom and what a showstopper! A little known
production, but with plenty of laughs and catchy tunes in this ‘girl loves ghoul’ rock and roll musical set in a 1950s comic
book sci-fi world, the cast of more than 50 students had a ball and won their audience over every night.
A recording on BBC Radio York with Martin Barrass was extra publicity for the show and Jordan, Erin and Lucy talked with
ease accompanied by Miss Duckworth..
WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED IN ZOMBIE PROM!
IT’S NO APRIL FOOL AS CHOCOHOLIC CHRISTINE
IS IN DECHOX
Christine Egan, Student Support for Key Stage 3, never thought
she would see the day when she gave up chocolate, but she has
and not only for one day, or even a week, but a whole month in
aid of the British Heart Foundation's first ever DECHOX
campaign.
In her own words she tells the reason why:
"I am very proud to be part of the British Heart Foundation’s first
ever DECHOX campaign. This is to raise money for lifesaving
research into heart and circulatory problems and involves giving
up chocolate for the month of March.
"I became aware of it when Angela Glister, our Transport
Manager, sent me a light-hearted e-mail in February to ask if I
thought this was something I could do. Within seconds I sent my answer ‘absolutely not’ but the more I thought about it, the
more I realised that I could and should show resilience, challenge myself in true Dawson House fashion and Rise to the Challenge.
"My family, friends, parents, colleagues and students were very worried about my decision as I am the world’s number one
Cadbury chocoholic (Cadbury World being one of my favourite places to visit) and they were concerned about how I would cope.
They asked how I would be able to face chocolate-free days as I am ‘addicted’ and ‘obsessed’ with it, particularly when the shops
have been full of Easter Eggs (yum!) and chocolates for Mothers’ Day. Brilliantly, they are supporting me both motivationally, by
reassuring me daily about how well I am doing and financially by sponsoring me. I have really appreciated their generosity and
kindness.
"The DECHOX is most definitely
the hardest thing I have ever
done, but I will continue to
follow the super example set by
Tadcaster Grammar School in
raising funds for charities and
good causes. I have raised more
than £100 so far, but would be
very grateful for more sponsor
money. If you would like to
sponsor me, please get in touch
as every penny makes a
positive difference. In the
meantime, I will be counting
down the days, hours, minutes
and seconds until the 1 April
and I can open the special bar of chocolate that is waiting for me at home and the box of chocolates promised by Mr Sibley!
“Who would have thought that March could last so long?!”
More Dates for the Diary
Dates for the Diary
HOUSE CELEBRATION EVENINGS
Oglethorpe…………………... 23 June - 6.30pm
Fairfax………………………….. 29 June - 6.30pm
Toulston………………………..
7 July - 6.30pm
Wharfe………………………….
9 July - 6.30pm
22 April…. Spring
Festival (Concert)
8 May…… Big
Band Pie and Pea
Supper
Calcaria………………………… 13 July - 6.30pm
Dawson………………………… 14 July - 6.30pm
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE EXAMS OFFICE
Examinations Equipment
Students must provide all their own equipment for Summer examinations. Ordinary
pencil cases or boxes are not allowed in the examinations room and students should
bring their equipment in a clear plastic bag or transparent pencil case.
Students must arrive at their allocated examination room no later than 10 minutes
before the published start time (8.55am/1.15pm), having with them the necessary
equipment needed to complete written examinations.
The following equipment should be brought to EVERY examination:
2 Pens—BLACK INK ONLY
2 HB pencils
Ruler (marked with millimetres)
Pencil sharpener (preferably one which catches the shavings)
Rubber
For certain examinations you will also need the following:
Compass
Protractor
Calculator (e.g. in Maths, Science)
Coloured pencils
Set texts (e.g. in English Literature)
PLEASE NOTE: It is students’ responsibility to ensure they have these
items with them at the start of the examination.
Mobile phones, MP3 players, etc. are NOT PERMITTED in examination
rooms and should be switched off and handed in to invigilation staff.
HAPPY EASTER FROM EVERYONE IN WHARFE HOUSE AND AT
TADCASTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL!
An Easter Egg hunt with students and members of staff from Wharfe House was a fitting end to this half
term and the winners of the Easter Raffle were:
Lindt-Lindor Egg—Paul c/o Jessica
Hutchinson O1JBW
Cadbury Mini Egg—Megan Baines W6
Choceur Bunny—Ros Knapton
Choceur Bunny—Dan Colling D1
5x Cream Eggs—Ben Greer C5
5x Cream Eggs—Alice Greensmith O9
5 x Cream Eggs—Lucy Allis O10