I cannot believe it has only been a week since we returned to school following, what I hope, was a restful time for your children. This week has flown by due to events such as in-class assessments for our Year 12's, our 6th form open evening for our Yr11s and an all-day photography workshop for our Year 10s. This was a wonderful event that concluded with a Holi style activity, a powder colour paint run that the students loved and were able to capture some magical shots. Thanks to all the staff who supported and contributed to all of these events and ensured they ran smoothly.
You may be aware that a number of representatives from the schools based on Wingfield road, the council, parking enforcement and the police were present yesterday. The aim of this was to highlight the issue of increased traffic and inappropriate parking that occurs at the end of school days. We all want our children to be safe around the roads and around our car parks. Can I again ask drivers, that if there are double yellow lines, or cones stating no parking that they adhere to this and do not park next to or over them, so that we can ensure a good flow of cars entering and exiting our site and that our students can leave the school as safely as they can. What will be even better is that you arrange to meet your child away from the immediate vicinity. Thank you.
In the following weeks, I look forward to seeing our students involved in art textiles workshops, sports fixtures, music and choir practices building towards our Christmas concert and many other activities. Please do encourage your child(ren) to be involved in the various programmes we offer. They are fantastic.
Finally, if you are unaware, Ms Marshall, our SENDCo, will be leaving us at the end of the term. Firstly, congratulations. JoG, our students and their families have been fortunate to have Ms Marshall for a number of years, but it is time for new professional opportunities for Ms Marshall and our local authority will be gaining an excellent practitioner. Hopefully, this will mean we will be able to continue to work with Ms Marshall at times in the future. We have a SENDCo advert out at present, and I look forward to the process of appointing a new member of staff to continue the great work that is embedded here.
Please enjoy the rest of the newsletter and keep up to date with all our announcements and celebrations through our website and social media pages:
Near the end of last term, the school production took place and what an extraordinary two-night extravaganza it was! If you came to see the show, you will already know how amazing every person that took part was but if you were unable to attend, we’re sorry to tell you, you really missed out on something special (we are still finding glitter in the carpet).
Every single person who was involved in the show from start to finish has embodied the school values throughout – it was so great to see the coming together of students from all across the school with the sole aim of entertaining the audience for two nights. Congratulations to the whole team (including our incredibly talented teachers who put the show together). Roll on next time!
Year 7 students:
Don't forget to bring in your Ovid in the West Country entries!
If you haven't competed, please still go and have a look at the brilliant entries in the library (you can go during your usual library time at break and lunch or before/after school), and vote for your favourite.
KS3 Students:
Take part in our Shakespeare ESU competition - perform a three minute piece from any of Shakespeare's plays. This can be a monologue or a duologue (two students). If you would like more information, come to L2 in Lancaster.
A Possible Extra Activity:
The Roman Baths are currently running a 'Solve the Medusa Mystery!' The trail is in partnership with the new book 'Auntie Medusa and Me' by Marie Basting published by Chicken House Books. The trail is included in the cost of a day ticket to visit The Roman Baths. It is running until 1st December 2024.
Horrible History JOG Style
At the end of last term Year 9 pupils participated in the annual John of Gaunt School “Living History Day”.
The students learnt about the recruitment process and handled artefacts including a Lee-Enfield rifle, hand grenades (not live!), a bayonet, a helmet and pistol and then started on some battle training. A few students were even fully kitted out as a British Tommy!
After being sworn in and forming a JOG “Pals Battalion”, the new recruits to the British Expeditionary Force learnt how to fire a rifle and use a bayonet for hand-to-hand fighting. They then proceeded to “go over the top” and cross “No-man’s land” whilst being fired at by the enemy (using a nerf gun!)
The event was organised in conjunction with Oxenwood Outdoor Education centre, who provided the professional re-enactor and all the weaponry.
The day provided an enrichment opportunity for Year 9 students who have been studying the events of the First World War and how these shaped our island’s history. An event like this really brings history alive, as the students don’t just learn about events but experience them.
It’s the next best thing to having a time machine!
Looking forward to next year,
Ms Davison
The John of Gaunt School, along with many schools in the area, have been contacted by the organisation Rehab 4 Addiction with the aim of raising awareness of services available in the local area.
As Mr Rhodes mentioned above, this week the Year 10 students had the opportunity to complete a photography workshop for the day. This included a coloured powder paint run – you can see some of the images captured from that below and we’ll be sure to share more of these when we have them.
Why did the magician bring a broom to the show? He wanted to sweep the audience off their feet!
And that is exactly what student Oliver Clark has been doing. Oli has been performing his magic throughout the summer fundraising for Alzheimer’s Support. You may have seen him doing some of his best tricks on our opening evening.
Huge congratulations to Oli for all his efforts and his amazing total of £268.41 for Alzheimer’s support.
Interception to Intelligence
Year 9’s look out for a trip to Bletchley Park, 10th December 2024, where you will get a greater understanding of cryptography and enhance your knowledge of one of the first computer scientists Alan Turing. You will have a guided tour of Bletchley Park, learn about the enigma and bombe machines and take part in a learning session: Interception to Intelligence: D Day
REMINDER RE FLU VACCINATIONS
The School Immunisation Team are in on Tuesday 12th and Friday 15th November to give the Nasal Flu Immunisation to all Year 7-11 students if parents have consented to this. We will be starting with Year 7s on Tuesday and working our way through the year groups across Tuesday and Friday.
If you have not already consented/withdrawn consent you are still able to do this on the link/using the school code below;
