Newsletters

Dear Parents and Carers

It has been a fantastic fortnight for so many of our students and pupils from our partner schools.  Last week, 60 of our students competed in the area athletics championships at Bath University where, not only did our students put their skills learnt in lessons to the test, but we had so many successes.  Please see below for more information! 

Meanwhile, on the same day, we had a number of Year 12 students visit Oxford University for their open day.  These events were followed by a number of our Year 9 & 10 students successfully completing their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition. What opportunities our students have at JoG, and they also demonstrate the high aspirations our students hold for themselves and our drive for 'Excellence Every Day'.

They just can't keep away!  We enjoyed welcoming so many of our Year 11s and our largest number of external Year 11 young people to our 6^th form induction day.  The day was packed full of opportunities to experience Post 16 life at JoG and what it is like to study level 3 subjects.  Now we wait for the GCSE results with anticipation...

What a pleasure it was last week to welcome hundreds of Year 5 pupils to JoG.  They had the chance to experience a range of engaging activities to challenge and excite them about how we learn and how we approach our everyday life at The John of Gaunt.  Our new Year 7s enjoyed a wonderful 'Step-up' day with us as well.  We cannot wait to greet them all in September!

The week ended with a wonderful and emotional Year 11 prom.  The evening was superb.  The various forms of transport our young adults arrived in were just brilliant; from super cars to tractors to a wheelbarrow!  And how they all looked so amazing, a real coming of age event with the staff at Trowbridge Rugby Club stating we were the best prom they have had this year for atmosphere and behaviour.  These comments are always pleasing to hear as they cement our belief that our students really do live by our values of 'Kindness, Positivity and Belonging'.

All of the above would not be possible without the commitment and efforts put in by my staff.  Our students are so lucky to have them.  We truly are a community academy!

 

 

Year 11 Prom 2024

To view lots of amazing photos from Thursday's Year 11 Prom, please click here.

Thank you to those parents and carers who were able to attend the first Affordable Schools free uniform event. It was a huge success with over one hundred families benefitting from the preloved uniform. This is something we plan to run regularly throughout the academic year to support all members of our school community. If you feel able to donate, we are in need of the following items:

• Skirts

  

• PE Kit
• Large jumpers

Should you require further information, details can be found on your website: The John Of Gaunt School - Affordable Schools Information

Many thanks,

E Jeffries

Raising Standards Leader for Pupil Premium

An amazing day at Bath University Sports Park in the Area Athletics competition. All the students gave it their absolute best in some very warm conditions. The Year 7 girls won their competition, and the team managed an excellent third place overall!

Some brilliant individual results too-students who won their events were:

Hollie- Year 8 300m

Ava - Year 9 1500m

Darcy - Year 9 100m

Maci- Year 7 shot

Tarla- Year 7 200m

Sophie - Year 8 200m

Ben - year 10 long jump

Seb- year 8 triple jump

Tarla, Isabella, Alice and Emily - Year 7 girls relay.

Thank you to Mr Walker, Mr Smith and Ms Stainer and Lucy and Megan in Year 12 for coming with us to help out.

Students Take Centre Stage in John of Gaunt School's Mock General Election

The John of Gaunt School buzzed with political enthusiasm this week as they held a captivating mock General Election, spearheaded by Mrs Addecott & Mr Stallworthy. This event wasn't just about learning – it was about our JOG students actively participating in the democratic process!

Fresh from lessons delving into the process of a General Election, voters from Years 7 to 10 were primed for action. Student representatives from KS3 and KS4, brimming with passion, presented the policies and platforms of the five main political parties - Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservative, Green Party, and Reform UK - to all tutor groups.

The commitment to a realistic experience was commendable. Cardboard booths and ballot boxes materialised, courtesy of student volunteers, while sixth form helpers and volunteers, acting as polling station staff, distributed election slips and will count the results. Polling stations, strategically set up in the Assembly Halls, The Turtle, The Gym, and The Sports Hall, added an air of authenticity.

Excitement and discussion filled the hallways as students showed their preferences. They weren't simply absorbing information; they were actively debating ideas, weighing options, and ultimately, casting their votes. This immersive experience proved to be a valuable lesson in civil engagement, creating a deeper understanding of the democratic process in our young minds! The results will be announced once the counting has finished!

We had the pleasure of welcoming Colin Kay from Trowbridge Child and Young People’s Wellbeing partnership this week, to meet and gain views on the development of the social opportunities for our town.

It was a pleasure to see our young people articulate their strong opinions on the renovation of the town hall, the development of the new leisure centre and the civic developments for youth entertainment and opportunities.

Mr Kay stated “You have a very impressive group of young leaders and I think you are doing a great job facilitating them. It isn’t easy, but it can be so rewarding.” This is such a positive step for us and as a council, as we have already implemented changes within schools for recycling and the house system and are now excited about the impact we can have on the town’s services.

 

 

Laura Rossiter

Assistant Headteacher for Character Curriculum and Attendance

Activities Week

Students in years 7, 8 or 9, who have opted to go to the cinema during activities week, were asked to choose the 2 films they would prefer to watch.

Voting has closed, and the films (by year) will be:

Year 7 - Godzilla & Kong and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Year 8 - Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4

Year 9 - Godzilla & Kong and Despicable Me 4

Duke of Edinburgh Final Expedition

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone for all participants. The journey, which tested the students' navigation and endurance skills, saw most teams efficiently finding their way to the designated checkpoints on time. Those who initially lost their way demonstrated resilience and determination by eventually reaching their destinations.

The weather during the expedition was notably hot, posing an additional challenge. However, the students were well-prepared, carrying ample water supplies to stay hydrated throughout their trek. This foresight and preparedness were crucial in ensuring their safety and well-being under the sweltering conditions.

Upon reaching the campsite, the students received glowing comments from the other campers regarding their behaviour and conduct. Their respectful and cooperative demeanour was highly praised, reflecting the positive values instilled in them throughout the Duke of Edinburgh program. The participants’ ability to work effectively as a team, support each other, and maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges was commendable.

Overall, the expedition not only achieved its objective but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and personal growth amongst the students. Their successful completion of the Bronze expedition stands as a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the invaluable experiences gained along the way.

Think before you share - Keeping Our Children Safe Online

Dear Parents and Carers,

In today's digital age, our young people are more connected than ever before. While the internet offers many wonderful opportunities for learning and socialising, it also brings certain risks that we need to be aware of. One such risk is the sharing of inappropriate images online, something that is becoming increasingly common amongst teenagers.

Many young people may not fully understand the potential consequences of sharing these images. What might seem like a harmless or private exchange can quickly become public, leading to embarrassment, bullying, or even more serious legal issues. It's important for us, as parents and educators, to help them navigate these challenges safely.

Here at The John of Gaunt School, we want to support you and your children in making safe and positive choices online. Our pastoral teams are always available to provide guidance and support to students and their families who might be struggling with these issues. We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any concerns or if your child needs someone to talk to.

Talking openly with your children about the risks of sharing inappropriate images is a crucial step in helping them understand and manage these dangers. It might be an uncomfortable topic, but it's one that can make a significant difference in keeping them safe. Let them know that it's okay to talk about these things and that they can always come to you or to us for support.

For more detailed advice and resources on how to address this topic, we highly recommend visiting the following website: Think Before You Share. It provides excellent guidance for parents and carers on how to help young people stay safe online.

As a school, we are committed to working with parents to keep children safe online. If you have any questions relating to staying safe online, please contact Helen Kerr, Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead or John Roberts, Director of Learning for Computing and Business and strategic lead for the use of ICT in school.

The Peru Trek Expedition mentioned above is open to our current year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students who intend joining the Sixth Form next year.

Instrumental Tuition

Interested in having instrumental or vocal lessons next academic year? Music lessons are an excellent way for students to develop their skills and understanding of music, as well as give them the potential for a lifelong passion and opportunity for social development. Lessons are open to all students at all levels, including complete beginners. We currently have lessons for the following instruments: singing, drum kit, percussion, trumpet, cornet, trombone, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and ukulele.

Lessons are generally taught in blocks of 10 lessons and are available for 15, 20 or 30 minute slots.  The costs vary according to the teacher involved but are in the region of £32-£40 per hour.  We are also able to apply for funding towards some lessons through Wiltshire Music Connect. For students who are Pupil Premium or have a Special Educational Need, then we can apply to fund 70% of a 15-minute lesson through Wiltshire Music Connect, leaving the remaining 30% to be paid by the parent/carer. For children that are Looked After, we can apply to fund 100% of a 15-minute lesson through Wiltshire Music Connect.

Lessons take place in a music practising room within school and may be before, after or during school, depending on the teacher involved. Lessons are on a rotating timetable so that students don’t continually keep missing the same lesson.

If your child is interested in learning an instrument or having singing lessons, please drop me an email and I will get back to you with further information: nmaguire@jogschool.org     

Hello,

We hope this email finds you well. We are thrilled to extend a special invitation to your students and their families for an enchanting outdoor cinema experience at Trowbridge on Sunday, 28th July. 

Get ready to be captivated by three of the most beloved family classics: Frozen, Jurassic Park, and The Greatest Showman.

Let the magic of these iconic films transport you to extraordinary worlds filled with unforgettable characters. 

Embark on a heartwarming journey with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf as they discover the true meaning of love and sisterhood. Brace yourself for an adventure of prehistoric proportions in Jurassic Park, where you'll encounter the awe-inspiring dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth. And in The Greatest Showman, be inspired by the incredible story of P.T. Barnum and his extraordinary circus, featuring unforgettable performances and a sensational soundtrack.

We would be absolutely delighted if you could help us spread the word about this extraordinary event by featuring it in your esteemed school newsletter and displaying it on your noticeboard. By doing so, you will be giving your students and their families the chance to partake in a truly magical movie experience.

Please purchase your tickets from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/foodfeastival/1183241

Here are the exciting details of the event:

- Date: Sunday, 28th July

- Venue: Trowbridge

- Movies: Frozen, Jurassic Park, and The Greatest Showman

- Food: Mouthwatering burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and a small bar will be available

- Seating: Bring your own chair or blanket for maximum comfort

We kindly request that you share this invitation with your students and their families, emphasising that everyone is welcome to attend this electrifying event. Should anyone require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Join us in creating unforgettable memories and a thrilling day of entertainment that will be talked about for years to come. Your support means the world to us, and we cannot wait to welcome your students and their families.

Warm regards,

Rafika Boutarfas 

Event Producer 

07759932738