Weekly Information - Friday 4th April 2025

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

Our stars of the week enjoyed ‘Hot Chocolate with the Head’ with Mr Blanchenot today as they celebrated their achievements and well-earned chocolate goodies!

Emilia, Evie, Ralph, Eva, Adele, Daisy, Sophie, Sadie, Lauren, Daniella, Amelia, Dakota, Sophie, Sophie, Junior, Scarlett, Halchi, Maddie and Rabia had all been nominated by Mr Weighall, LRC Manager, for their inspiring creativeness and story-telling efforts.

Whilst the group enjoyed their hot chocolate, Mr Weighall had showcased their artwork in the LRC for everyone to see. Not only did this add lots of colour and interest into the LRC, but the pupils felt a real sense of pride to have their work displayed especially for Mr Blanchenot to see. Some pupils are in fact still working on their artwork!

The work was set by Mrs Clayton during her Art Club in collaboration with the activities for World Book Day. The group of Year 8 pupils created a map based on their favourite work of fiction and included popular titles such as The Memory Thieves, The Secret Garden, The Boy The Mole The Fox and The Horse, The Wilds, The Lion Witch and The Wardrobe and more. The group then explored the idea of using their maps as a storytelling device which really impressed Mr Weighall.

Mr Blanchenot said ‘the group had shown an incredible amount of perseverance and produced fantastic pieces of work at Art Club and in their own time. Well done to everyone for demonstrating one of our schools core values’.  

Thank you to those parents that took the time to complete the Year 7 Spring 2 Parental Feedback questions. Please see below some of the key highlights. 

To view the full report, click here: Year 7 Parental Feedback - Spring 2

We understand the importance of providing suitable dining spaces for all pupils during lunch period. Following the Year 7 parental feedback, we want to clarify the various locations available for pupils who bring packed lunches to school.

Our pupils have multiple options for enjoying their packed lunch. During pleasant weather, many students take advantage of our general outdoor spaces and picnic benches. For those who prefer covered areas and in the colder months, we have two dedicated undercover seating areas. Additionally, our school hall is open daily for students bringing packed lunches. In the event that the hall is being used for other activities, we open two alternative classrooms to ensure students always have a place to eat.

We want to assure you that we have made accommodations to provide adequate space for all students, regardless of whether they choose to purchase lunch from our school canteen or bring their own. These various locations ensure that every student has a comfortable space to enjoy their meal.

Thank you to those who took the time to complete the Year 7 parental feedback. If you have any additional questions about our lunch facilities, please don't hesitate to contact us.

History trip to Belgium

On Friday 28^th March at 1.00am, forty Year 9 pupils embarked on the highly anticipated trip to Ypres in Belgium, with Mr Knight, Mr Hulley, Miss Archer and Mrs Bates to deepen their understanding of WW1.

Day One:

The trip began with a visit to the Menin Gate where the group had to act out what the Ypres Salient looked like using the students as the trenches. Pupils also saw the 44,000 names of the missing which gave them a real understanding of the scope of the atrocities that took place.

The group thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Menin Gate and built up an appetite, so a stop in Ypres centre for a taste of the local delicacy was a must before heading to Bayernwald to discover the German trenches, which was a highlight of the trip for many. The German trenches at Bayernwald sit on a high ridge overlooking the South of the city to show students the importance of Ypres to both Allied and German commanders.

After what can only be described a busy first day, the pupils and teachers checked into the Peace Village Hotel for a well-earned rest!

Day Two:

The pupils had another jam-packed itinerary on day two which comprised of visits to several memorials.

Firstly, they visited Essex Farm cemetery where John McCrae wrote ‘In Flanders Field’ and houses the grave of Private Strudwick, the youngest British soldier to die in Belgium at 15 years of age. They also visited Langemark German cemetery to see the contrast in how the two sides commemorate their dead. Another memorial that was a must was Tyne Cott War memorial. This is the world’s largest British CWGC site with nearly 12,000 gravestones of which 8,000 are known unto God. Passchendaele memorial museum was next on the itinerary where the group saw the site of the third battle of Ypres known as the Battle of Ypres. Students got the chance to explore a WW1  bunker that has been restored along with German and British trenches.

To finish day two, the group headed back to the Menin Gate but this time they got the opportunity to see the Last Post, which was an incredible experience for everyone.

Day Three:

Day three was departure day! However, not before the group visited Talbot House in Poperinge which was a club for soldiers to rest and recuperate behind their own lines away from the fighting. It was a club with no military rules and was remembered fondly by the last British Soldier alive at the turn of the 21st Century, Harry Patch. Students had a good look round the museum, drank tea where 'Tommys' drank over a hundred years ago and listened to a student from our group, play songs on the piano used by soldiers in WW1.

We’d like to thank each student for their interest, enthusiasm and impeccable behaviour throughout the entire trip. It was a pleasure to share these experiences and hope that we can bring some teachings back to the classroom!

Today, the JTHS Spring Community Afternoon Tea brought together pupils and local elderly residents in a heartwarming display of community spirit where everyone enjoyed an afternoon of refreshments and entertainment.  

The afternoon began with our team of pupil volunteers welcoming guests from the moment they entered the school gates. Not only was it great to see familiar faces, but it was wonderful to welcome some new faces too. Including our local vicar, Revd Andy and members of Barton Parish Council and School Governors. In fact, this year’s Spring Community Afternoon Tea was one the highest attendance we’ve had.

Once the guests had settled in the hall, the Sporting Young Ambassadors and Sixth Form volunteers served delicious cake and hot drinks. Mrs Berry who organised the event, had also ensured that the tables had been decorated and asked our Sixth Form pianists to create a nice atmosphere by playing some background songs. The guests also got the opportunity to play some games and take part in a raffle.

To leave a lasting memory for the local residents, they were presented with handmade crafts, flowers, chocolates, seeds, coffee vouchers and a letter written by our Young Sporting Ambassadors. It’s safe to say the residents were completely blown away with the kindness they received at the event.

Mrs Berry would like to give a sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Community Afternoon Tea. Firstly, Byrkley Park Garden Centre for the free coffee vouchers & seeds, the Co-op in Barton for the flowers, the art department for helping with the crafts, the Staff volunteers for being a friendly face and helping behind the scenes, all staff who donated a delicious cake and to the pupils who demonstrated our core values of respect, kindness and integrity throughout and represented the school wonderfully.

We look forward to our third and final Community Afternoon Tea of the academic year on Wednesday 25^th June. See below for details.

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) stands as one of the world's leading professional services firms, offering exciting career paths for students looking to enter the business world. It was a pleasure to welcome Helen Gardner, Business Support Lead from PwC and parent to one of our Sixth Formers, who delivered an exceptional and inspiring presentation to our Year 12 pupils in assembly this morning.

Helen began by impressing our pupils with some stats such as; PwC have over 28,000 employees globally across 150+ countries, 19 office locations in the UK and that they serve over 25,000 clients. For the pupils, it gave them the opportunity to see the scope of what they could be involved in should they want to take a career path with PwC.

PwC offers several pathways for students to begin their careers. These include the Virtual Insight Programme, the School Leaver Programme, the Flying Start Degree Programmes and the Undergraduate Programmes whilst at University.

Whilst all these options require a rigorous application process PwC are there to support every step of the way. Mrs Ball, who organised the session has circulated the presentation to all Year 12 students which includes more details.

We would like to thank Helen and would love to welcome her back to deliver assemblies in the future to give our pupils a better understanding of routes into business, accounting, and consulting careers. Their various programs accommodate different educational preferences and career goals, allowing pupils to choose the path that best suits their aspirations.

For more information about the careers provision at JTHS, please email Mrs Ball (CEIAG) [email protected]

Dear Parent, Carers & Pupils,

As previously communicated, the 004 bus is now being operated by LA Travel Midlands. 

Please make yourself familiar with the times/routes below:

Dear Parents/Carers,

RE: 011 new bus for Edingale and Croxall, from Monday 28^th April 2025

Please find the new bus times for Edingale and Croxall pupils on the new 011 service (formerly the 081), which will operate from Monday 28^th April 2025.

All current passes for Service 081 will end on Friday 11 April 2025, and new passes for Service 011 will be posted to pupil’s home address in time for commencement of the Summer Term. All parents of eligible pupils have been emailed by Staffordshire County Council.

We are aware that there are a small number of pupils who are not eligible for free transport and board and pay a fare to travel. Therefore, they have not been contacted directly by Staffs County Council.

Here are the new times for the 011:

Route description: Edingale, Mary Howard School bus shelter, Croxall Road, Walton Road, A513, Chetwynd Bridge (7.5t restriction), A513, Rykneld Street, A38, Burton Road, A38, Dogshead Lane, Efflinch Lane, Barton-under-Needwood, Efflinch Lane, Main Street, Dunstall Road, John Taylor High School.

Please be reminded that pupils from Coton/Rosliston/Drakelow/Walton/Catton will now use the 248 service from Monday 28^th April. Times for the 248 can be found here.

Sixth Form Absences

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

We have two fantastic Virtual Work Experience programmes taking place with Lloyds Banking Group for students in school, college and university looking to up-skill, learn new things about the industry and get a real understanding to what it’s like working within the industry.   

These are two exciting 2-day events where you will get to spend time with professionals from the Banking & Finance sector, take part in workshops, engage in real world projects and networking with representatives from across the bank. We have two different work experiences for you to choose from, you can of course apply to both. We have Business and Tech / Data. 

Please see the key details below for each one and we hope to see you with us for these events.

Lloyds Banking Group Business WEX

• Tuesday 8th April & Wednesday 9th April 2025| 10am - 2pm
• Learn practical business skills, take part in projects and learn the art of mastering the corporate application process with a mock assessment centre!
• Application Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LBG-Sim-8th

Lloyds Banking Group Technology and Data WEX

• Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th April 2025 |10am - 2pm
• Learn the basics of data, how to use it and why it’s so important, lots of activities using Excel or Google Sheets to manipulate data and present results as well as getting to grips with analysing complex data sets and case scenarios
• Application Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LBG-2day-Data-Tech

By attending these Work Experience Days, you will gain invaluable knowledge from the industry, be able to put something meaningful on your CVs from an internationally recognised business as well as getting a certificate you can use on your LinkedIn profiles and future job / university applications.