Newsletters

Dear all

I hope your children have a restful week after a full and busy term.  You will have seen through our regular social media posts and newsletters all the fantastic events and activities our students are engaged with, along with our day-to-day lessons full of interaction and challenge.  We will also continue to post updates on our exciting new building as it progresses.

Please do subscribe to our social media sites: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063904941052

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/jogschool24/?hl=en

As stated in my previous newsletter, we appreciate families who are dropping off, and picking up their children outside The John of Gaunt grounds.  Parking is now restricted to staff due to the construction site taking a significant area of the car park.  I would like all families to find alternative arrangements for drop off and pick for the foreseeable future.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Finally, I would like to wish our Year 11 students the best as they start their mock exams after the break.  I do not say 'Good luck' as you make your own luck in exams by working hard and seeking support whenever you need it.  I know our students who have worked hard in lessons, planned their revision and have attended all our after-school sessions will do themselves proud.  

Have a wonderful week.

Year 12 Physicists - Celebration Assembly

The year 12 Physicists (Lewis A, Christina C, Nick W, Tavis R, Antonio F, Joe Cl, Joe Co, Hannah H, Leela P, Theo M) sat the first round of the British Physics Olympiad. This is a nationally recognised competition for Physics students, sat by 7187 students this year, across two tests. Students are then awarded based on their average results compared to their peers.

It is important to note that this competition is not easy, and is made to be challenging. The majority of schools that take part are private schools (327 schools in total took part this year).

I am very proud to say that EVERY SINGLE PERSON won an award! They got Commendation (below the 50^th percentile), Bronze (above the 50^th percentile), Silver (above the 25th percentile), and Gold (above the 10^th percentile). 

Three students received the Silver award, meaning that they outperformed 5390 of their peers nationally - Hannah H, Lewis A, and Nick W.

The rest of the students received the Bronze award, meaning that they outperformed 3593 of their peers nationally - Christina C, Tavis R, Antonio F, Joe Cl, Joe Co, Leela P, Theo M.

A special shout out goes to Lewis A, who in the second test achieved 70%, placing him in the top 5% of students nationally for that test!

Last week, one of our students, Bartosz L represented the Wiltshire Youth Council, and spoke to all the secondary Headteachers of West Wiltshire. He spoke eloquently informing them of the work the Council was doing, and challenged the Headteachers to ensure all the schools engage and have representatives at this forum.

Mr Rhodes, Headteacher, said he was proud of Bartosz, and for the progress he had made over the years. 

Year 11 parents/carers:

A reminder that after half-term year 11 begin their second set of GCSE mock exams. They have been working really hard for them, so we are looking forward to seeing how they get on. Our revision incentive scheme, passport to the prom, continues from half-term through to the final exams with the revision programme previously sent out. We really encourage students to make the most of the revision sessions on offer to maximise their progress in these final few months. There will also be revision on offer during the Easter and May half-term holiday - more information to follow on this.

As you are aware, there is building work happening on the school site during the mock exam period as we progress with our exciting new teaching block. This may cause some noise at times. However, we have intentionally planned the timing of the construction so that it will be completed before the real exams start in the summer.  During the mocks, we have ensured our students with access arrangements are roomed away from the Pitman building (where they usually are) as it is located near the building work, so to minimise the impact and the work will be suspended during MFL speaking, listening and reading exams. 

Finally, a 'save the date' for your diary. On Wednesday 26^th March, we will be holding a parent and carer drop in session in the community room in Tescos from 11am-1.30pm. This will be an opportunity for you to pop in with any questions regarding exams, revision, support available, etc. More information to follow after half-term. 

CULTURE VULTURES

I am delighted to announce a new club at JOG!

“Culture Vultures” is a theatre club open to staff and students in years 11-13. The club is purely for enjoyment and to take advantage of the amazing performances at our local world-class theatre.

Members of the club will have the opportunity to watch a variety of plays and shows at the Theatre Royal in Bath at significantly reduced prices - usually approximately £12-15 per show.

Students will need to make their own way to the theatre (either by public transport or with parents - maybe groups of friends could lift-share?).  We will meet students at the theatre, and they will be released from there at the end of the show.

I will soon be writing home with details of the upcoming shows and asking for expressions of interest.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next show!

Ms R Davison

Upcoming Family and Community Learning courses.

 We have specific funding criteria set by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). I've outlined the eligibility requirements.

• Learners must be aged 19+ by 31 August 2024 to enrol this academic year.  
• Learners must have a Wiltshire postcode (or a child at school in Wiltshire) and they must have lived in the UK/EU for three years prior to the course (certain immigration statuses exempt).
• Learners must also be either on a lower income, or in receipt of benefits (other than child benefit).

We can also sign learners up if they meet one of the following:

• Have school-aged children who qualify for Free School Meals (on low income - earning less than £25,000pa)

• Currently, unemployed and would like to work in the future
• Have refugee status
• Foster Carer/Care Leaver/Carer
• Military Family/ Ex-Armed Forces Personnel
• Have a Learning Difficulty or Disability (including severe anxiety)

Please get in touch if you have any questions

Kindest Regards

Helen Edwards-Matheou

Family and Community Learning Training Advisor

Education and Skills

Wiltshire Council

T:01225 770478 | M: 07880 482807|

Email: familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire.gov.uk

Website: https://workwiltshire.co.uk/family-and-community-learning/