What an incredible first week back for all of our Year 7s!
It has been great to see students after the half term break and to hear all about their exciting time off. We have had stories of sunny beach trips, spending all their pocket money in McDonalds, cinema trips, family days out to the zoo plus a huge number of students enjoying the new Little Mermaid film.
Year 7 have started their FINAL half term in Year 7 with enthusiasm and it has been great to see them enjoying their lessons again. It is hard to believe that we are so close to the summer holiday now, especially when I think this time last year, I was busy visiting Primary schools. I cannot put into words how proud and impressed we continue to be with their hard work and positive attitudes. We are definitely all looking forward to a great summer term!
We continue to see students build relationships with teachers and see lots of new friendships and support systems blossom. The transition from primary to secondary can be very daunting but we have been so pleased to see that all Year 7 students have taken this adventure on with kindness, excitement and dedication.
This half term we will enjoy lots of exciting summer activities including inter-tutor set sport and the much-anticipated sports day too. This week we had both our Headteacher and Head of Year address, which focused on expectations and making every second count. A theme that we will continue to reinforce over the coming weeks in preparation for Year 8.
A special mention must go to the Year 7 students that have now achieved their platinum badge, which marks 1100 credits over the year. A huge achievement, which we are very much looking forward to presenting in our upcoming FAB Friday assembly.
Keep it up Year 7 - you're doing a great job.
Head of Year 7: Miss B Marshall
Assistant Head of Year 7: Miss O Gale
A whirlwind of a first week back! Could we please request that parents check that students have all of their equipment for school and don't leave home without a tie or blazer. Such little things can really help us to have a smooth start in the morning and help students to be in good habits.
Motivational Monday saw tutor sets reflecting on last half term and beginning to think about goals for this half term. During period 1 there was an assembly from Dr Eardley that clearly outlined our behaviour expectations and students should all know what type of behaviours they need to avoid. Tuesday's assembly from Mr Mordue included some challenges from ‘The 1% Club’ gameshow that he converted into a message about thinking within the classroom and asking for help when needed as we all learn in different ways. On Thursday tutors continued to read either the class reading book or a short story extract and answer questions, the extracts range from Harry Potter to The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe with a few others in between. The range of reading is such a good discussion point and we hope students find a book that they love. Fab Friday was led by Mr Adams this week as Miss Jordan was busy with Year 13 exams.
The Boys A Team football cup final will be held at South Notts Academy at 4pm on Thursday 22nd June and we are really looking forward to the game.
More details on the Walesby trip will hopefully be released soon.
Head of Year 8: Mr D Mordue
Assistant Head of Year 8: Miss L Jordan
It has been great to welcome our Year 9 students back to school this week. We have been pleased with the positive start Year 9 students have made to Half Term 6. Well done Year 9 for achieving 2,666 Positive Points this week. A fantastic start to the half term.
Students have made a positive start to their lessons and in particular we have been impressed with the determination students have shown when completing assessments this week. We spent time on Wednesday morning, during tutor set, sharing ‘top tips’ for assessments. This included, reading questions carefully, being prepared with revision and the correct equipment and giving 100% effort.
On Monday students attended their first Personal Development lesson of the half term. This half terms focus is on finance and students spent time discussing debit and credit cards this week.
During tutor set this week, students spent time listening to important information about our whole school expectations, including uniform, punctuality and attitude to learning. We have also spent time discussing what is meant by a ‘Young Carer’ and the support available to students if they are a ‘Young Carer’. Students read as a tutor group on Thursday morning.
We enjoyed our first Fab Friday of the half term on Friday morning. Well done to the following students who were recognised this week:
100% Attendance prize draw:
Bronze Award (400 Points)
Silver Award (600 Points)
Gold Award (800 Points)
Platinum Award (1100 Points)
1500 Points are needed to achieve the Head Teachers Award. We have a few students are close to achieving this award and hope they will be able to reach this award by the end of this half term!
Extended Study starts next week and we encourage students to attend sessions and make the most of our enrichment opportunities. We also see our first Duke of Edinburgh expedition on Friday 16th June. Good luck to all students who are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award!
Well done Year 9, a great start to the half term!
Head of Year 9: Miss I Sheldon
Assistant Head of Year 9: Miss A Lloyd
It has been lovely to welcome Year 10 back after the half term holiday and settle back into school life with an excellent attitude to learning and focus to perform as well as possible in their final half term of this academic year.
On Monday, we had an assembly from Dr Eardley on Monday reminding students of our high standards and expectations in lesson and within our school community which I followed up today with my Head of Year Fab Friday assembly. Using the concept of the gameshow 'The 1% Club', we had great fun working out the logical problems as tutor sets as the questions got harder and harder. Eventually I linked it to the idea that we can all get stuck in lessons sometimes and it can feel especially difficult if it feels that all others around us understand the learning. This feeling of 'being stuck' can then be amplified if the teacher is not available to help if they are having to deal with silly or disruptive behaviour. I emphasised the importance of mutual respect and ensuring that our conduct in lesson isn't preventing others from being able to make progress with their learning. I look forward to seeing this in practice in my lesson walks next week.
Thank you for your continued support with securing work experience placements for your child; please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are struggling as we can support and signpost as appropriate.
Head of Year 10: Mrs L Munro
Assistant Head of Year 10: Miss C Thomas
Year 10 Achievement Coordinator: Miss A Burman
Year 11 continue to work incredibly hard throughout the examination period and we have been very pleased to see the high levels of engagement and attendance with the warm ups both before and during the school day.
We cannot wait to join in with our Year 11s at Celebration Day on Friday 23rd June and look forward to seeing their fancy dress!
Just a reminder that we still have a few forms outstanding for Year 11 students with information for prom. Please can you ensure that these are completed and returned as soon as possible.
Head of Year 11: Miss L Hughes
Year 11 Achievement Leader: Mr R Wickens
Toot Hill School
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