Weekly Information - Friday 14th Feb 2025

The following students celebrated their achievements with Mr Blanchenot this week, congratulations to them all!

This morning, our Dance Ambassadors looked a bit different than usual! Typically found in the Sports Hall, twisting, turning and leaping as they practice their routines, today they were in full uniform while joining Mr. Blanchenot for a delightful Hot Chocolate.

The group of Dance Ambassadors had been nominated by Miss Senior for leading two fantastic dance workshops for local primary schools. Well done to Emma, Jessica, Georgie, Evie, Mollie, Ava, Jasmine, Elsie, Esme, Isabella, Alice, Lucy, Mila, Lexie, Madeleine, Mia, Annie, Isabelle, Alice, Erin, Charlotte, Connie, Emily, Alice and Sophia.

Hot Chocolate with the Head was a great opportunity for the pupils to share their experiences and celebrate their hard work in a more formal setting, reminding everyone that being part of the dance ambassador group is not just about the performances, but also about building friendships and community.

Miss Senior praised the students for demonstrating our school values highlighting their kindness, respect, perseverance and integrity. She emphasised that the pupils not only represented JTHS well but also embodied the principles that make our school a great place to learn as one community striving for personal excellence. Their positive attitudes and collaborative spirit made the workshops a huge success. Well done to all those involved.

The first dance workshop was on Thursday 30^th January, read more about it here: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

The second dance workshop was on Thursday 6^th January, read more about it here: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

There has been some minor adjustments to the Y7-11 Uniform Policy and Guidance and the Sixth Form Dress Code.  These changes do not represent anything new, but aim to offer clarification on some areas including smart watches, shoes, hoodies/coats. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Please be aware that there will be amended times from Monday 24^th Feb for the 808 & 807 Service. 

Please click on the PDFs below 

808

Well done to Luca in Sixth Form for his recent football achievements. Over the past two seasons, he has played for Staffordshire County FA, demonstrating his talent and hard work on the field. His dedication paid off when he was selected to attend trials with other talented players from different counties from up and down the Country. After competing in three sets of trials, Luca was successfully chosen to be part of the England Schoolboys squad, joining 18 other boys who share his passion & talent in football.

So far, Luca has already played a friendly match against Australia, showcasing his skills on an international level. This experience has been invaluable for his growth as a player and he has an exciting schedule of fixtures lined up. Each game presents a new opportunity for him to shine and further develop his abilities. The support from his family, friends, and coaches has played a crucial role in his journey so far.

Luca truly deserves all the success that comes his way as he pursues his future football career. He has consistently shown passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport, all while balancing his schoolwork. In addition to his football endeavours, Luca is actively involved in various sporting activities at John Taylor High School and takes on the role of Sports Leader for several events throughout the year. His hard work and determination serve as an inspiration to his peers and highlight the importance of pursuing your passion!

On Thursday 27^th February we will be holding Year 13 Parents’ Evening. This will be a face to face event with all appointments taking place in school between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. 

Appointments will be set at 6 minutes which will give enough time for a brief discussion around progress for each subject. If you feel that you need a longer discussion with either the sixth form team or a subject teacher, this should be arranged by contacting school directly. 

To allow for you to move between appointments we have set the system so you are required to have a 6 minute gap between appointments, please allow for this when making your bookings. We believe that this will support the evening running to schedule and prevent delayed/missed appointments. 

Car parking will be available on the school site from 4.15pm, please drive under the bridge on arrival to park on the tennis courts. Please avoid driving onto the school site before this time as we may still have school buses on site. You will be asked to sign in at reception where you will be given details of where the appointments are taking place. 

To book your appointments you will need to log in to SchoolCloud - John Taylor High School. Please use the e-mail address that you have provided to school, otherwise the system will not recognise you when you login. 

Instructions on how to use the system are included on the following link: Parent guide to booking appointments 

The system will be open for parental bookings on Tuesday 11^th February at 7pm until Tuesday 25^th February at 12pm. 

Whilst we do not envisage you having any problems making appointments, if you do experience difficulties, please contact the sixth form team on the following email [email protected].

National Apprenticeship Week: Mon 10^th Feb -  Fri 14^th Feb

This week marked National Apprenticeship Week which highlights the benefits that this choice can make to career development. Apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields while also earning a wage.

Apprenticeships are beneficial for both students and employers too. For students, they offer a chance to explore different career paths and make informed decisions about their futures. They can build valuable connections in the industry and develop skills that are highly sought after by employers. For businesses, apprenticeships create a skilled team specific to their business demands positively impacting the wider company.

This week, we welcomed Hannah Ahmed, Sebastian Knight, Robert Goodwin, Peggy Mcleod & Shaz Kasir to deliver a presentation to our pupils in assembly. It was great to hear about their apprenticeship route and learn about their experiences and skills they have developed. Thank you to Mrs Ball, ‘Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance’ Subject Leader for organising this.

Our pupils felt inspired by the stories shared in the assembly. The former students talked about their diverse experiences, from pursuing higher education to entering the workforce. They emphasised the importance of following their passion and being open to new opportunities. By sharing their successes and challenges, our pupils felt encouraged to think about their own futures and consider the various paths they might take after completing their GCSEs or A-Levels.

Sebastian & Robert's Story – Civil Engineering Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

Peggy McLeod – Law Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

Shaz Kasir – Chartered Surveyor & Real Estate Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

Hannah’s Story – Solicitor Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, pupils had the opportunity to learn about degree apprenticeships from Sebastian Knight and Robert Goodwin. Both are currently completing their civil engineering apprenticeship with JBA Consulting, a part of the JBA Bentley Design and Engineering Group. JBA Consulting is recognized as one of Europe’s leading specialists in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Management. This assembly gave our Year 11 pupils valuable insights into how apprenticeships work and the importance of choosing the right qualifications for their future careers.

Sebastian and Robert explained that JBA offers apprenticeships starting at Level 3, which is equivalent to A-Level qualifications, and goes up to Level 7, which is comparable to a degree. They emphasised that the grades achieved in school play a crucial role in determining which level they can enter for an apprenticeship. Sebastian shared his thoughts on how discovering personal passions can help students choose the right subjects. Maths, Science, Design Technology and other subjects that involve critical thinking can significantly enhance students' chances of success in the civil engineering field.

The assembly highlighted both the benefits and challenges of pursuing an apprenticeship. Sebastian and Robert described a typical day in the life of an apprentice, detailing how they balance their university studies and work responsibilities. This discussion inspired students to think carefully about their career pathways and the decisions they will need to make in the future. If students are interested in learning more about apprenticeships, they can reach out for further information to Mrs Ball, [email protected].

Here is Sebastian & Robert’s presentation which our pupils watched.

On Thursday, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Peggy, who left Sixth Form last year to pursue her career in Law through the Nelsons Solicitors Trust apprenticeship.

In line with National Apprenticeships Week, Peggy delivered an exceptional presentation to our Year 9 cohort sharing her insights. She emphasised the importance of working hard in school and choosing subjects that spark passion and interest, highlighting how these choices can shape future career paths.

Peggy spoke about the pros and cons of apprenticeships compared to the traditional university route. She explained that while both paths offer valuable experiences, apprenticeships provide hands-on learning which can be appealing to some students. Being able to immediately apply skills in a real-world environment from day one is something Peggy has enjoyed. This firsthand perspective was invaluable for our students as they consider their own future options.

It was inspiring to see Peggy motivate the next generation at JTHS. She shared how supported she felt by her peers and mentors in the legal field, which reinforced the idea that collaboration and guidance are crucial in any career. As Peggy continues her apprenticeship, we are confident that her talent and passion for law will lead her to great success.

To round off National Apprenticeship Week, our Sixth Formers had the exciting opportunity to hear from Shahz about his degree apprenticeship journey as a Chartered Surveyor. Shahz shared valuable insights into his career path, highlighting the benefits of combining work experience with education.

Shahz currently works for Sure Surveyors, where he is gaining hands-on experience with their sister company, Sure Sales & Lettings. The opportunity to gain connections from day one and work in a real estate environment has given him a broader understanding of how the business operates.

One of the key messages Shahz conveyed to the students was about the importance of transferrable skills he developed during his A-level studies. He explained that while the specific subjects he took were important, the skills he learned were even more valuable:

• Business: This subject helped him understand property markets, finance, and management strategies.
• IT: He learned to use technology for tasks like data analysis and property valuation, which are crucial in today's digital world.
• Sociology: This subject provided him with insights into social trends, urban planning, and how to build good relationships with clients.

Shahz also discussed the application process for his apprenticeship. He advised students to be prepared for rejection, as it is a common part of job applications. However, he stressed that with continuous improvement, taking feedback seriously and remaining persistent, the right opportunity will eventually come along. Shahz was thrilled to learn that he would be completing his degree apprenticeship in Chartered Surveying at Nottingham University. He highlighted that this opportunity would allow him to gain valuable industry experience, earn a degree, and work towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor.

Pupils were particularly interested in learning about what a typical week looks like for Shahz. Balancing a work schedule with university studies can be challenging, but he explained that he always preferred a practical approach over being a full-time university student. This hands-on experience not only enriches his learning but also prepares him for real-world challenges.

We wish Shahz all the best as he continues on his path to becoming a qualified Chartered Surveyor. Our pupils felt inspired and felt they can make informed choices about their own future careers.

Please continue to share this event with family, friends and the local community so we can support our wonderful Creative Arts Faculty.

A selection of non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to purchase to support in the 6^th form students’ fundraising attempts for their upcoming visit to Borneo with Outlook Expeditions. So please do bring some cash if you wish to purchase any refreshments.

Tickets are on sale on ParentPay for our upcoming school show; Back to the 80s. See poster below for more details.

(Please note, for those who do not have ParentPay, tickets are available at Reception)

If you wish to report an absence due to illness, please ring the dedicated absence line on 01283 376751 each day of the absence. 

If you wish to inform us of a Planned Absence (less than one day for an appointment), please click the link below and complete the Sixth Form Planned Absence Form.

If you wish to apply for a Leave of Absence (more than one day), please click the link below and complete the Sixth Form Leave of Absence Request Form.

Please upload evidence of ALL appointments.

Sixth Form Attendance - John Taylor High School

Thank you!

The Sixth Form Team

Are you a former pupil of John Taylor High School? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

As a school we pride ourselves upon our 'One Community' vision and ensure that our pupils have the best possible learning experience during their time with us so they can choose a pathway where personal excellence is achieved Post-16 and Post-18.  

We are extremely proud of the achievements of our past students and many underestimate the impact that they can have when they return to speak with our current students to share their experiences with them. Many former pupils have progressed to prestigious universities, completed incredible apprenticeships and pursued diverse professions which not only do we love hearing about, but our current pupils love hearing about too! It gives them the inspiration to think, 'if they can do it, so can I'. 

Over the years we have welcomed back former students to give talks to KS4 & KS5. We've been delighted to hear from journalists, doctors, teachers, pharmacists, law students, finance directors, communications specialists and many more, who shared their pathway with our current pupils in assemblies, workshops and at careers days. 

Our ongoing outreach with Alumni is very important to us as part of our Careers provision at John Taylor High School. If you think you would like to part of inspiring the next generation and re-engaging with the school please contact us. We have a number of opportunities for you to become involved in.

Please email [email protected] or connect with @careersjths on X if you would like to support a school event or deliver an assembly or workshop to our students. Alternatively, if you would simply like to send us a written summary of your career pathway, we would love to hear from you too.

Thank you for your support! Take a look below at some images of our most recent Alumni who we have welcomed back and events you could get involved in!

Do you see yourself advising businesses on strategy, growth, and financial success? Would you like to learn more about the professional services giant operating in more than 100 countries worldwide? 

Join Forvis Mazars for an exclusive virtual insight evening to explore career opportunities across the UK. 

This session will introduce you to one of the world’s leading audit, tax, and business advisory firms, helping you understand different career pathways, apprenticeships, and real-world experiences that can shape your future. 

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 19th February
• Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
• Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

• • Entry Routes & Apprenticeships – Learn how you can kickstart your career while earning a salary that grows as you progress.
  • Real Trainee Insights – Hear from current apprentices about their experiences.
  • Application Guidance – Learn what Forvis Mazars looks for in candidates.
  • Exclusive Work Experience –Exclusive Work Experience – Discover the 4-day Year 13 Work Experience Programme in October
  • Who Can Attend? Year 12 & 13 students

    Discover Careers in Accounting & Professional Services 

    Forvis Mazars is a global leader in audit, tax, and advisory services, operating in over 100 countries with a team of 40,000+ professionals. The firm provides innovative financial solutions while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for young talent. 

    What You’ll Learn: 

  Why Attend?

  • Gain insider insights into careers in audit, tax, and professional services.
  • Get expert tips to improve your apprenticeship applications.
  • Explore career opportunities across regional UK offices.
  • Learn how work experience can lead to a full-time apprenticeship.

Join Us & Explore Your Future in Business & Finance! 

This is an excellent opportunity to gain real-world insights and take the first step towards a successful career in business or finance. 

Register here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Mazars-Insight 

Invite your future business partners to the event with you!

Are you an aspiring legal professional in Year 11 or 12 searching for some much-needed work experience to add to your CV? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you! 

Whether you’re considering a solicitor apprenticeship or exploring the traditional university route, this exclusive Clifford Chance Virtual Work Experience Day is your chance to gain first-hand exposure to the legal world during February half term. 

This one-day virtual programme is designed to help ambitious students like you develop key legal skills, learn from leading solicitors, and understand the different pathways into the legal profession. 

Event Details

Date: Friday, 21st February
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Virtual)
For: Year 11 and 12 students

Why You Should Attend:

• Law work experience is rare – secure this now to strengthen your future applications
• Explore Clifford Chance’s practice areas and take part in interactive legal case studies.
• Practical workshops to develop your legal skills
• Learn about the ACCESS & SPARK Programmes on offer– a direct route into law with Clifford Chance
• Advice from professionals on securing top legal opportunities
• Boost your applications for law programmes and university with real experience 

Why This Matters for Your Future: 

Law firms are highly competitive, and work experience like this makes your application stand out. If you’re serious about a legal career, this is your chance to connect with a Magic Circle firm, learn from the best, and take your first step towards a successful career.

Law work experience is incredibly rare—don’t miss this opportunity to gain hands-on insight at one of the world’s top law firms!

Know friends who are interested in law? Share this with them! 

Register now to secure your place before it’s too late. 

Register Here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CliffordChance-WEx-Day

Are you in Year 12 or Year 13 and considering a career in law? Join us for the Bird & Bird Solicitor Apprenticeship Insight Evening, an exclusive opportunity to learn more about the solicitor apprenticeship route at a leading international law firm.

This evening insight event will give you a first-hand look at Bird & Bird’s Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, which offers an alternative path to qualifying as a solicitor while gaining hands-on experience in a top-tier law firm. 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 20th February
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Who Can Attend? Year 12 and Y13 students interested in a legal career through the apprenticeship route

What to Expect?

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the solicitor apprenticeship programme, including how it works and what to expect
• Experience interactive workshops covering key legal skills and real-world case studies
• Hear from current solicitor apprentices and lawyers about their experiences and career journeys
• Receive application advice and guidance on securing a place in a competitive apprenticeship programme
• Get an exclusive look at what life is like working in a global law firm 

Why Attend?

Bird & Bird is a highly respected international law firm, known for its expertise in technology, media, intellectual property, and corporate law. The Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme provides an opportunity to gain a fully funded law degree, while earning a salary and gaining valuable legal experience. 

If you are looking for an alternative to university and want to start your legal career straight after school, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore whether a solicitor apprenticeship is right for you.

Spaces are limited – apply now to secure your place!

Apply Here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2Birds-Virtual