Weekly Information - Thursday 24th October 2024

On Monday 21st October, our Year 7 cohort walked over to St. James’ Church in Barton-Under Needwood for the annual Service of Welcome. Not only is this a John Taylor tradition, but it is a great way for our students to learn more about our wider community and the part they play as JTHS students.

The service included a warm welcome from Rev Andy Simpson who told us after ‘how lovely it was having Year 7 in Church.’ The first hymn was ‘One More Step’ which left the pupils feeling uplifted and inspired followed by a reading by a student called ‘Life is’ by Mother Teresa. A group of pupils then gathered at the front of church to perform a sketch which showed how the church is at the heart of the community. Well done to you all, you portrayed your message in a brilliant and poignant way.

Miss Crutchley, Assistant Head and Head of Lower School, led the Reflection part of the service and said ‘I am really proud of how our Year 7 represented the school during the service. There was a high level of engagement and it was great to have our pupils, teachers, parents and key contacts from the local community all under one roof. Events like this are the epitome of our ‘One Community’ ethos. I would also like to thank Mr Roxburgh for playing the piano during the service, Rev Andy for hosting us, and to these specific students for their participation; Isaac L, Belle B, William O, Evie R, Jamie R, Freya C, Daisy C, Adam G.’

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Prayer for John Taylor High School

We thank you God for our School and all that it means to us.

For the opportunities of learning and for all the books and equipment we use.

For our teachers and teaching assistants who make our work interesting and enjoyable and who help us to learn.

For the caretakers and cleaners, the catering staff and lunchtime supervisors, the office staff and for all who attend to our needs.

For all the pupils with whom we share our work and play, and especially for our friends.

For these and every blessing we have received

Thank you, O God. Amen.

Congratulations to our Year 7,8 & 9 students who were invited to a Celebration Breakfast for demonstrating our core value of Kindness this half-term.

It was great for the Heads of Year to catch up with them in a relaxed environment as they enjoyed some delicious food.

Mr Markwell, Head of Year 7 said ‘"it was lovely to host the celebration breakfast. Each form tutor was asked to nominate two students from their forms who had demonstrated the school value of kindness consistently through the half term. It was great to be able to offer them breakfast as a thank you for their efforts. We spoke about how their kindness is contagious, and the fact that they may not even know the positive impact of that their actions have had on others.  We are really proud of the fact that we value kindness so highly as a school and I am delighted to see this every single day.  As head of year I know that our year is full of kind people who are also worthy of praise and recognition. At the end of a long first half term I would like to congratulate every member of year 7 on how they have started at JTHS and hope that you all have a happy and restful half term. I would also like to thank you, for the support that you have offered at home. We are truly one community, and we really appreciate the support you offer your children to help them be their best everyday." 

Year 7

Isaac: Always the first pupil to offer help to me and other students in form. Is a true role model to his peers.

Isabelle: Offers support, friendship and kindness regularly to other students. Really embodies the John Taylor High School Values

Sahaan: Always generous and supportive of others during form activities and discussion.

Zahra: Always the first to offer help and support to other form members.

William: Participates well in form, always offering to help and is thoughtful

Mya: Always a wave and a smile for everyone. She's a good friend

Dexter: For always getting on with tasks and being friendly

Alice: For always getting on with tasks and being friendly

Year 8:

Year 9

Due to the celebration of Diwali taking place during half-term, our canteen have celebrated the event this week by cooking a delicious selection of traditional food for pupils at lunchtime.

There was a real aroma from the mouth-watering food as you entered the vibrantly decorated canteen. Here's what was on the menu; Bombay Potatoes, Chicken Biriyani, Veg & Chickpea Curry, Naan Bread, Pilau Rice and Coconut Ice, which is a traditional indian sweet treat. We hope everyone enjoyed it and Happy Diwali to those who will be celebrating.

We caught up with a few pupils in 7T to get the highlights and best moments of their first term. This is what the following had to say!

Isaac L

“The first term of school was brilliant. I am council rep I was part of the skit in the church, and I am doing a speech on open evening. This term was brilliant because we got to go to bonding day and we did climbing, archery etc.. We have had loads of fun with teachers and what we are learning after the past few weeks.”

Sophia P

“My first term at John Taylor has been great. Everyone is so friendly; the staff are kind and helpful. Last week, we had bonding day, we did many activities in groups, for example archery, grass sledging, indoor caving, bush craft and climbing. I really enjoyed bonding day. At the service of welcome, Rev Andy read many prayers and Freya, Daisy, Adam, Jamie, will acted out all the body scenes. Belle and Evie read a speech from Mother Theresa. I really have enjoyed my first term at John Taylor.”

Maddy P

“I loved the bonding day as I made new friends, and I did lots of different activities. My favourite was the crate stacking. I also really enjoyed the service of welcome when they did the poem and the skit.”

James B

“My favourite moments of John Taylor are the school bonding day trip. I really enjoyed the climbing and axe throwing and got to know some new friends. I also really liked dissecting the chicken wings in science. I learnt a lot about the bones and joints. I have really enjoyed my first term at John Taylor High school and look forward to my next.”

On Wednesday 23^rd October, Mrs Bostock welcomed back a familiar face to talk to her Y12 students about various careers within the ICT industry.

Jo Griffiths, People Development Manager from Crimson, a Microsoft consultancy and IT recruitment company, covered topics such as personal development, people-focussed cultures, transferable skills, developing professional networks, CV writing and work experience that makes you stand out to an employer. Jo wanted to ensure that the pupils understood that every touchpoint with the company counts. From that first email, to a phone call and the way they greet the receptionist on arrival, every interaction within the company is important when making an impression.

Jo also explained the roles available on the Crimson Apprenticeship. These included Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Software Developers, Software Testers, Recruitment, Sales & Finance. It was great for our students to see that their skillsets and interests within IT could be applied to different areas of the business.

Joining Jo was Cameron, who started at Crimson as an apprentice 4 years ago in the Business Analysis team. Cameron explained that the benefit of the apprenticeship was that he could work in a number of specialist teams to gain a broad understanding of all areas of the Microsoft Product. Whilst Cameron had already completed his Mechanical Engineering degree prior to becoming an apprentice with Crimson, Crimson is also linked to Buckinghamshire New University and UCLAN who let apprentices convert there course into a degree should they want to further progress their qualifications. Thank you to Cameron for sharing his experience. It was invaluable for our pupils to receive first-hand information.

Mrs Bostock, Vocational Lead of ICT at John Taylor organised the sessions and said ‘the presentation was great for our students as they start to look into different pathways and career choices. Highlighting the benefits of an apprenticeship was useful as an alternative to the traditional university route. Well done to all our students for their engagement throughout the session and thank you to our visitors.’ 

For more information about Apprenticeships at Crimson, please click here: Microsoft IT Apprenticeships Birmingham (crimson.co.uk)   

On Thursday 24^th October, Monsieur Blanchenot, Mme Roe and our VIP guest Amelia who is a pupil at JTHS and finalist of Channel 4’s Junior Great British Bake-off, gathered for the much-anticipated MFL Biscuit Baking Challenge judging.

Students were tasked by Mme Roe to combine their French and baking skills to make the most delicieux biscuits in school.

The criteria from the judges included, creativity, technique and of course – goût incroyable. Mme Roe said ‘it was fantastic for our students to try something nouveau. The level of baking was commendable and it was really hard to chose the winner. Thank you to everyone who participated”

After much deliberation and biscuit eating, the winner was chosen scoring 9/10! Mme Roe will be announcing the winner soon!

Well done to everyone!

On Wednesday 23^rd October, Mr Robert’s form group,12X organised a Fancy Dress Fun Run after school to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

The form group, along with Mr Roberts and Mr Rostron, ran 6 laps of the school field as other students and staff spectated and supported! There were snacks and drinks all available to purchase.

Well done to everyone who participated, there was a great atmosphere throughout the entire event. As it stands £325 has been raised. If you would like to donate, please click here, we appreciate your kindness: https://www.justgiving.com/page/12x-172651451344?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2F12x-172651451344&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Our pupils kicked off this year’s Cross Country House Matches on Tuesday 21^st October as they took on the 3.5km around the school field and off site in the beautiful countryside around our school. 

Mr Hulley & Miss Senior said ‘Cross Country is probably one of the most challenging events out of all the House Matches that run across the year. This event not only showcases the physical ability of our students, but also helps our students to show respect towards each other,  perseverance when pushing themselves outside their comfort zone, integrity by having the common goal of getting House points, and kindness by supporting others in their personal excellence’.

Top performers will be considered for the district competition on 14^th November at Oldfield Middle School, with the potential to go to the County Cross Country Championships. Successful students then have the potential to compete in the English Schools Competitions.

Well done to everyone who participated, the conditions of the course were challenging and we are really proud of everyone who achieved their targets. It was great to see our students cross the finish line full of pride. A final thank you goes to those who volunteered on the day to marshal.

Here are the winners:

On Monday, pupils from year 7, 8 and 9 were selected to attend the County Cross Country Championships at Rowley Park, Stafford: Grace A, Reggie R, Isaac L, Clay T, Alexia P, JJ B, Nancy B, Freya C, Ferdynand A, Jack K, Niamh B, Jacob H , Monty C, Chimemekalum U, Megan C, Harry E, Emilia B, Oskar A, Jess G.

There was 10 other schools in attendance from over the County. The course was hard with soft ground and a few inclines but all pupils did really well. A number of students who finished in the top 10 managed to qualify for the inter-counties race that will happen on the 16^th November at Himley Hall and will represent Staffordshire. These pupils are; Jessica G, Jacob H, Ferdynand A, Clay T and Oskar A.

A huge congratulations to Oskar A who won his U15 race and the U15 boys team who placed first overall. 

Well done to all the pupils who competed, they were a credit to John Taylor. 

Miss Senior and Mrs O'Brien 

The Geography Department are excited to once again launch the Year 7 Antarctica Day Flag Competition. To help celebrate Antarctica Day on 1^st December 2024, students are being asked to help raise awareness of the threats facing Antarctica. In order to do this, students from around the world are being given the chance to design a flag that will be taken by scientists to Antarctica! The school will then receive images of the scientists with the winning design in Antarctica.

Please read this document for more information: Antarctica_Day_Competition.pdf

The competition rules are as follows:

• One side of A4
• One entry per student – please put their name and tutor group on the BACK of the flag
• The flags will be held against the white background of Antarctica so they need to be colourful so they can be seen.
• They can be hand drawn or made on the computer.
• Deadline is Friday 8^th November 2024 and should be returned to Miss Barker in U5 or the Geography office.

 Competition top tips for students:

• Make sure you spell Antarctica correctly if you are going to include it in your design
• Polar bears do not live in Antarctica – you might want to do some research before you start drawing your images.
• Make it bright and colourful

 If students have any questions, then please encourage them to come and see me or drop me an email [email protected]

Many thanks,

Miss Barker

Autumn 1 - Time Management

This half term students have been focusing on ‘Time Management’. This has been identified by local employers as one of the most important skills they look for when employing people from the local area. Students from years 7-11 have had a session each week during registration looking at the importance of this skill in several different contexts. Students have focused on what time management means and examples of this, such as setting and working towards goals, seeing the bigger picture and prioritising tasks. Students have also focused on why time management is important when in the workplace and how useful it is to have effective time management skills when in employment. Year 7 students have been given the opportunity to quiz about Time Management on Accelerated Reader which has allowed them to enhance their knowledge further. All students are beginning to build up their online profiles using Unifrog to upload real life examples of when they have used the Time Management skill effectively to prepare them for applications in the future.

Registration Time Management Highlights

· From 7O – Mr Brookes has stated that lots of the form do multiple extracurricular activities and that they have been using their time management skills effectively to manage this well with homework.

Autumn 2 - Communication

Students will be moving on to have a look at the skill of ‘Communication’. As well as being an important skill required by employers in the local area, the government have identified the need for communication and oracy to be a focus in schools following the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will be getting the opportunity to explore this skill through an example of an employer. They will also be learning about how time management and communication are linked together to allow an individual to become more successful.

You can explore more regarding communication and oracy through the links below:

- Study into oracy and communication Radio 4 link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0jwbj16

- Oracy education commission report: https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/We-need-to-talk-2024.pdf 

Students, please note we have our live Remembrance Day Assemblies on the following days in the main Hall:

• Y11 - 6th Nov
• Y9 - 7^th Nov
• Y12 and 13 - 8^th Nov
• Y8 - 11^th Nov
• Y10 - 13^th Nov
• Y7 - 14^th Nov

Please see the flyer below for details of the John Taylor MAT Exceptional Achievement Award. The deadline for nominations for this term's awards is Friday 29th November.

Please make yourself familiar with our School Calendar which includes key dates of Events, Parents Evenings, Trips, Reports, Exams, Holidays & Inset Days 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CALENDAR