Weekly Information - Friday 28th Feb 2025

Dear Parents/Carers and Teachers,

It is with great pleasure to announce that the nominations for the prestigious JTMAT Exceptional Achievement Award is now open. This award gives all John Taylor Multi Academy Trust (JT MAT) pupils the chance to be recognised for their extraordinary achievements both inside and outside of school. We are extremely proud of our students at John Taylor High School and hope that parents and teachers will nominate a pupil should they meet the criteria.

If the nomination is successful, winners will receive a special gold pin badge presented by Mr Donoghue OBE, CEO JTMAT via an online celebration. This is a wonderful way for students to share their achievements with the school community and gain recognition for their dedication and success.

The deadline to nominate a pupil is at 4pm on Friday 13^th June 2025 and the online celebration will take place on Friday 11^th July 2025 in Mr Blanchenot’s office.

We look forward to receiving the nominations and celebrating those pupils who strive for personal excellence!

Click here to make a nomination: Exceptional Achievement Nomination Letter

• KS3: Exploring ‘What is Self-Awareness?’ – helping students reflect on their skills, emotions, and actions to better understand themselves.
• KS4: Aligning strengths with future goals – encouraging students to consider how their skills and interests can shape their future careers and aspirations.

To support this learning at home, here are some discussion ideas to help improve oracy and self-reflection:

1. What makes you, YOU? – Ask your child what qualities, skills, or traits they think define them. Encourage them to think about what makes them unique and how this could help them in the future.
2. Strengths & Growth Areas – Discuss what they feel they are good at and what they might want to improve. Share how self-awareness has helped you in your own life or career.
3. Linking skills to the future – Talk about how strengths can align with different careers or life goals. Encourage them to think about jobs or opportunities that match their skills and interests.

We're excited to be celebrating World Book Day 2025 on Thursday 6th March. 

We'd love to get as many pupils involved as possible. Here's how:

• Year 7 pupils (and staff) may attend school on Thursday 6th March in costume as book character (be sure to visit the library on the day at break or lunch!) – Y7 pupils ONLY.
• Enter our ‘BEHIND THE BOOK COVER’ competition by identifying the staff by their favourite book for a chance to win a library goodie bag.
• Exchange your £1 WBD token for one of the limited-edition books in the library (while stocks last).
• The Big Book Swap bring your own unwanted books and trade them with other pupils – All week (Mon 3rd – Fri 7th March) in the Library at Breaktime.
• An exclusive Accelerated Reader quiz challenge for all Year 7 pupils – visit the library to obtain the secret quiz codes!

Whilst many of us were relaxing over half-term, Amelia in Year 7 dedicated her time to training and competing, ultimately winning the West Midlands Gymnastics competition. Her hard work and perseverance paid off as she achieved first place in her category, showcasing her impressive skills. Amelia's standout performance on the vault also earned her a gold medal!

Mr Markwell, Head of Year 7, was thrilled to meet with Amelia this week to find out more about her achievement. He said 'Amelia spoke proudly and passionately about gymnastics, it was clear to see to see she has a natural talent in her sport. Well done Amelia, we are really proud to have you in our Year 7 cohort!' 

The Sports Hall was filled with fun and fitness on Thursday evening as the JTHS Sports Leaders & Sporting Young Ambassadors welcomed Year 3 & 4 pupils to the Primary School Athletics Festival.

The session began with a warm-up which Olivia in Year 12 led, along with the other Sports Leaders. The role of the leaders also included setting up the activities, welcoming the groups, refereeing races and being a friendly face for the primary school pupils.

 It was brilliant to see the JTHS pupils taking on this leadership role and fully engaging the younger pupils in the activity. Throughout the session they led with integrity, perseverance, kindness and respect.

As the primary pupils took on the relay races and various sporting activities it was apparent there was a high-level of friendly competition between the groups as they supported each-other showing great communication and teamwork skills.

Mrs Berry, the SSCO, expressed her admiration for the enthusiasm shown by primary school pupils and the impressive leadership displayed by the JTHS Sports Leaders. She emphasised that these events provide a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with the local community. Mrs Berry congratulated everyone involved for their efforts in making the event successful.

Thank you to our talented canteen team for treating pupils to a delicious Mexican feast on Wednesday! There were many empty plates and the nachos and enchiladas were a real hit. The staff brought an extra touch of fun by wearing sombreros and decorating the canteen to showcase different cultures through food. We look forward to the next themed day!

Message from the Bowls Club on Dunstall Road.

Please can we remind parents that they should avoid using the Bowls Club car park on Dunstall Road as a turning point. There are essential works currently being undertaken with scaffolding in the car park making this area unsafe.

Thank you for your co-operation. 

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

As we begin a new half-term, we are asking parents/carers to be vigilent with their child's WhatsApp usage.

Are you a Year 11 or Year 12 female student interested in business, finance, or professional services? Our upcoming PwC Females of the Future – East Midlands event is a unique opportunity to gain insight into one of the world’s leading professional services firms, explore career pathways, and learn about PwC’s degree apprenticeship programmes. 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 13th March
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: PwC, East Midlands Office (Derby / near East Midlands Airport)
Who Can Attend? Year 11 & Year 12 female students 

What to Expect

• Learn about PwC’s degree apprenticeship opportunities, an alternative route into professional services
• Gain insight into business, finance, and accounting careers at PwC
• Take part in interactive workshops designed to develop key skills for future success
• Hear from senior female professionals and apprentices about their experiences and career journeys

  Why Attend? 

  PwC is one of the Big Four professional services firms, supporting businesses across audit, tax, consulting, and technology. Their apprenticeship programmes offer a fully funded pathway into the industry, allowing you to earn while you learn and gain real-world experience at a globally recognised firm. 

  This event is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female professionals by providing valuable career insights, networking opportunities, and practical guidance on the next steps in your career journey.

• Spaces are limited – apply now to secure your place!

   

  Apply Here:

  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PT26MSP

Lloyds Banking Group Business and Entrepreneurship Event!  

Tuesday, 4th March 2025, 5:00pm - 6:00pm 

Hello, 

Have you ever thought about setting up your own business and being your own boss? Perhaps you have a side hustle whilst in school / university and want to take it to the next level. If you have alway had a passion for business and like the idea of making your own money whilst creating an exceptional product or service, then this event is for you!   

This month we have teamed up with Lloyds Banking Group to deliver one of our most exciting events yet, how to become an entrepreneur. During this one hour session we will do a deep dive into what it take to become and entrepreneur and how to set up your own business. 

You will hear from some very successful entrepreneurs from across the bank and how they have grown their side hustles whilst at work as well as our very own Dan Miller, CEO and Founder of the Young Professionals brand.

Event Details:

• Event: Lloyds Banking Group and Young Professionals: Business and Entrepreneurship Event
• Date: Tuesday, 4th March 2025
• Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
• Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration) 

Why Attend? 

Lloyds Banking Group is at the forefront of the banking and financial services sector, committed to innovation and diversity all whilst helping businesses grow. This event is perfect for students interested in setting up their own business and offering a glimpse into the opportunities and pathways available as an entrepreneur. 

Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Top skills of an entrepreneur
• How to grow, scale and set up a business
• The importance coming up with an idea and a business plan
• How to access business funding when stating out  
• Open Q&A with Dan Miller and business leaders from across the bank 

Register Here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D5BLG2B