I know there was a newsletter last week, but we already have a number of features, plus if we have one this week, then it falls neatly to send the final newsletter out on the last day of term. But sorry if receiving it this week causes confusion.
This morning I met with the Student Council for Headteacher’s Question Time. I must say, having had many a meeting with a student council, they had the best set of questions ever. They raised some issues that I have also started to question. Whilst for some there is no immediate fix, such as the number of double lessons, it is something Mr Rhodes and I have been considering how we reduce these next year. We will also be consulting students and parents in the new year regarding the school uniform policy, considering how we can timetable supervised PE lessons for Sixth Form students who want to do them and reviewing the use of planner homework in Year 10 and 11.
The last day of term is rapidly approaching! On the last day of term, Friday 16th December the school will close early to students at 12.25pm. If this presents a particular problem to parents and carers because of public transport, please contact your child’s tutor. It will also be a non-school uniform day, as this is customary for JoG. Ideally we would like students to wear Christmas themed or even a Christmas jumper – but that is not essential if (like me) you don’t actually own a Christmas Jumper. I’m not Ebenezer Scrooge when it comes to Christmas, but I just get too hot and never, ever, wear a jumper!
Finally, whilst I am disappointed that due to logistics we are unable to offer all students a Christmas lunch on Thursday 15th December, all students will be offered a free Christmas panini together with an edible festive sweet treat.
And I have just this second heard that our boys’ team have come second in the badminton tournament today – so well-done boys, great to take part, but lovely to bring home some medals!
Have a lovely weekend, let’s hope this freezing fog lifts!
We are delighted to announce that The John of Gaunt School has been awarded the Music Mark. They have recognised the value that our school places on music and that we offer our pupils accessible and high-quality musical learning in, and out of, the classroom which inspires and enriches their lives.
We are excited about the new partnership we have with Music Mark as we continue to develop the musical opportunities in our school.
Key Stage 4 Options
This week the Yr9 students have had an introductory assembly regarding the options process they will be participating in this year. Although the process does not start until after Christmas, students and parents will be reflecting on their future studies following their subject evening last Wednesday.
Below you will note a timeline of events and deadlines. Two key dates are:
12th January when students will participate in a carousel of sessions delivered by staff who teach subjects unfamiliar to students as they are KS4 examined subjects only. This event precedes the options evening where students, with their parents/carers, can find out more about the content and demands of subjects they are potentially interested in.
2nd February - the deadline for options. I would like to stress there is no first come, first served policy up until the deadline date. This should put all students' minds at rest and ensure they understand they have the time and can take time to reflect on their options, speak to various people, including our careers team and then make considered choices.
For now, all students need to do is work hard in all their subjects to make the best progress they can. This will support their decision-making in the new year.
Mr Rhodes
Horrible History JOG Style
Last Thursday 100 Year 9 pupils participated in the annual John of Gaunt School “Living History Day”.
The students learned 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 learned 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
Mr Little has not been the only fun-guy at Forest School sessions over the last fortnight. The students have been doing some basic mycology, searching for various mushrooms and fungi.
The warm damp weather has provided perfect conditions for fungi to form. One year 8 group were amazed to find over 20 different species. The students were tasked with drawing each one, trying to identify it and then using their imagination to come up with a suitable alternative name!
We certainly had some interesting ideas!
Modern Languages - Cultural information of the month
Each month, we are going to share recipes, tongue twisters and other interesting facts so that our students and parents can get to know a little bit about the culture of French- and Spanish-speaking countries. In lessons, we are going to play songs by our Spanish or French Artist of the Month.
We would love to see the results if you try out the recipes at home!
Horrible History JOG Style
The event was organised in conjunction with Oxenwood Outdoor Education centre who provided the professional re-enactor and all the weaponry.
