Newsletter October 2015

Parents’ Newsletter
'Non Nobis Solum'
Dear Parents
September is of course all about
welcoming new students and staff and
I am delighted to say that everyone
seems to have settled in really well.
October 2015
Jemima Pilgrim-Morris 10 A* and 1 B
grades
Katie Butler 9 A* and 1 A grades
Alexander Robinson 7 A* and 3 A
grades
Stephanie Croft 7 A* and 2 A grades
Matthew Gavin 7 A* and 2 A grades
Luke Heppenstall 7 A* and 2 A grades
welcome to contact us to discuss the
possibilities further.
We have been working very hard this
term to make sure students are well
equipped for lessons. Inevitably items
do get worn out or lost over the
We are also now in the process of
term so it would really support us if,
analysing the summer’s exam results
over the holiday, you could check
in detail. We are delighted to have
Over recent years, we have seen a
your child’s bag and make sure s/he
another set of outstanding
marked improvement in results at
has the following:
results. For the fourth consecutive
Gillotts and we are delighted that this
 Pen
year, our results are above the key
year’s results have confirmed us as
 Pencil
70% barrier. This year, 74% of
one of the consistently best
 Ruler
students have achieved the
performing schools in Oxfordshire, as
 Rubber
benchmark of five or more passes at
a consequence of the commitment
 Coloured pencils
grade C and above, including English
and hard work of the students and
 Glue
and mathematics – our second best
staff. I am very proud of all that the
 Calculator
set of results ever.
students have achieved and would
 Protractor
also like to recognise all the support
 Compasses
Achievement in the subjects that
that students have received from their
Exercise
books should also be
make up the English Baccalaureate
families. These results come about
brought
to
school in a file – many
was outstanding, with 44% of students through successful collaboration
student
find
a concertina file works
gaining passes at C or better in all of
between student, teachers and
well.
Thank
you
for your support in
English, mathematics, two sciences, a parents.
this.
language and a humanity. The national
average for this measure in 2014 was One important focus this term has
An important date for your diaries is
only 24%, so students are leaving
been our Open Evening and Open
Tuesday 8 December, the Governors’
Gillotts exceptionally well prepared in Day. The school was very busy on
Annual Meeting for Parents. The
the ‘facilitating subjects’ that are highly both occasions and it was great to
Governors’ Annual Report to Parents
valued by the Russell Group
welcome visitors both from our
universities. 20% of students gained
partner primary schools in Henley and will be available on our website a
an A* or A in English Language and
Shiplake and also from schools further week in advance and there will be an
22% in mathematics. 77% of students afield. The Year 5 and 6 pupils, along opportunity to ask questions about
this, or indeed any aspect of school
achieved A*-C in English Language,
with their parents, seemed very
life. The event begins at 7pm in A1
83% in English Literature and 83% in
impressed by both the displays and
mathematics. In each of biology,
the lessons. As ever, it was our own (next to Reception) and we do urge
you to attend – it really is a good
chemistry, physics, over 50% of grades students who were our best
were A* or A. Across the board, our ambassadors, talking with confidence opportunity to be engaged in the way
the school is moving forward.
most able students achieved
to the visitors and providing
exceptionally well – 24% of all GCSE
comprehensive guided tours. It is
With best wishes for a well deserved
grades were A* or A. 10% of students always great to see how proud
achieved eight or more passes at
students are of our school and how break over the half term.
grades A* or A and almost a quarter
they convey the strength of our
achieved five or more A* and A
community ethos, as well as our
grades.
commitment to learning. We also
this year sought to welcome visitors
Amongst many excellent individual
whose children might be wishing to
performances, those of the following
transfer to Gillotts other than in Year
Catharine Darnton
students stand out:
7. Vacancies do from time to time
Headteacher
Jordan Poulos 10 A* and 1 A grades
arise and interested parents are
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Parent View
Parent View is an online questionnaire for parents and carers to feed back to Ofsted on their child’s
school. It is now the main mechanism that Ofsted use to gather parents’ views at the time of an inspection.
There are just 12 questions to answer. The questions look at the key areas such as happiness, safety,
progress, quality of teaching, behaviour and school leadership. The final question asks if you would
recommend the school to another parent. Everyone’s responses are put together and are available to view
on the Parent View website. In order to minimise the risk of abuse, you are required to register and create
a password. We would be very pleased to have your ongoing feedback of what you think of the school –
please visit http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/
Holidays in term time
You should be aware that amendments have been made by the Government to the regulations concerning
pupil attendance at school. These amendments came into force on 1 September 2013. Headteachers do
have the discretion to grant leave, but they should only do so in exceptional circumstances. If a
headteacher grants a leave request, it is for them to determine the length of time that the child can be away
from school. This leave is unlikely, however, to be granted for the purposes of a family holiday. Parents can
be fined for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school.
Whilst we have always refused requests for leave in term time if we felt the reason for the request for not
sufficiently strong, this change means that granting leave in term time will really on be in exceptional cases.
Introducing SAM Learning
At Gillotts School, we are always looking for ways to support student progress. We provide access to a
wide range of revision materials, including online ones such as ‘SAM Learning’ and ‘My Maths’. SAM
Learning is an online tool which covers all subjects in both Key Stage 3 and 4.
This tool provides access to a wide range of revision resources, including revision tutorials and exam
style questions. One of the real advantages of SAM Learning is that it marks the answers for the students
and provides instant feedback to them on their performance. It also allows them to track how their performance is improving over time.
How do students access SAM Learning?
As SAM Learning is web-based, students are able to access it anytime and anywhere. All they need to do
is visit the website and enter their unique login details.
Website address: www.samlearning.com
Centre ID:
RG9GS
User ID:
Date of birth followed by two initials: first name then last name
Example: 010896DJ is the User ID for David Jones born 1 st Aug 1996
Password:
Initially the same as the User ID
Students should change their password after they have logged in for the first time
We hope that your child is able to take full advantage of SAM Learning.
Dr E Newbold
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IT developments at Gillotts School - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
I would like to update you on the progress which we have made over the past few months on rolling out
the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ scheme to all year groups.
We are very keen to provide all our students with the opportunity to bring in their own devices (e.g.
laptops, tablets) and connect them to our school wireless network – to support teaching and learning
within the classroom. We have now extended the trial to include three year groups (Years 9, 10 and 11)
and we are planning to add the remaining two years after half-term. The planned schedule for this is
shown below:
Year
Planned Roll-out Dates
7
Week beginning 9th November
8
Week beginning 23rd November
We will send out further details about the scheme to parents at the start of next term so that parents/
students in Years 7 and 8 are clear about what it will involve. This will also include details of when the
students will be allowed to use their devices; how they will be used in class and the consequences for
misuse.
We believe that this is a really good opportunity to harness the power of technology in the classroom.
This will also help to support the move to a more collaborative approach to work which has been supported by the roll-out of Google Drive over the past 12 months.
How have students been using the devices so far?
Subject
How have devices been used?
Art & Design
Students have been taking photos of still life compositions, researching artists and
their artworks and studying primary and secondary sources when drawing/painting.
We will continue to expand this area as students begin working on advertising and
generating digital art of their own using these devices.
Business Studies
BYOD has been particularly useful in research e.g. the students have used it to find
definitions of key terms or information about businesses and products. Over the past
2 weeks, BYOD has been priceless in helping them make investment decisions and
buy/sell shares in their on-line Share Investment Game.
Creative
Technologies
Students have used BYOD to carry out product analysis and research for design ideas.
Students have taken pictures of the different stages of practical work and used them
when creating blogs about their work within Google Classroom.
Languages
Students have been recording themselves preparing for their speaking controlled assessments and then listening back to the recordings
Maths
Students have used Google Forms to record their test results on individual questions
– which are then collated on a spreadsheet for teachers to review performance
Music
In Music students have been able to use their devices in KS4 for listening to the Set
Works at GCSE. In Year 9 they are starting to use them for self-help with group work
ensemble pieces (which requires a lot of own initiative and peer learning).
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PE
We have used them in PE for internet research, recording data and timing circuits. They
have also been used in lessons to work on their training schedule write ups on Google
Drive.
Science
Taking photos of experimental observations and models which they have made in class;
researching topics and completing revision quizzes. Using the Kahoot multiple response
quiz platform (plenaries, topic revision) – teachers have been able to download student
performance information and use this to target further support. Extension activities- super stretch activities during extended tasks which enable students to use their device to
research extension materials. Use of QR codes for homework setting/extension information. Taking pictures/ recording practicals (video) to get them interested in the subject
content/engagement – and to provide a revision resource.
When will students be required to have a device in school?
Students will be encouraged to bring their device into school during Term 2 (following their connection
date) but will not be required to do so. However, after Christmas it is likely that we will require all
students to bring a device into school every day. We will be providing more details about this requirement
after half-term including:
 details of a scheme to support the purchase of a device (where you will be able to purchase a
device through the school without paying VAT)
 details of how we will be providing financial support to assist with the purchase of a device for
students who are currently receiving Free School Meals
What sort of device should students bring in?
The results of the BYOD trial so far have confirmed our view that screen size really does matter.
While we have said that students are allowed to connect up a smart phone, the screen size on such
devices does tend to be too small for tasks such as watching videos, viewing Google Slides, working
with spreadsheets or other documents. This has also limited the extent to which a student working on
a smart phone can create and collaborate on documents with other students. We would therefore
really like to encourage students to bring in a device such as a Chromebook, laptop or tablet.
What will be the minimum specification for a BYOD device?
Your device should meet the following criteria:


battery length should be at least 6.5 hours
screen size should ideally be 7 inches or larger, i.e. the size of a tablet such as an iPad mini (however, we will
allow students to make use of smart phones - the screen size just reduces opportunities for collaboration)
 it should be durable enough for a school environment, or at least protected by a durable case
 the ability to take photographs and record video is essential
Android version 4.0 or above; iOS 6 or above
Apple iPads are thoroughly supported as are any Windows based products. Android devices will work if they have
been updated to at least Android 4.0+ operating system.
Chromebooks are another type of device which work well with our new network (including Google Apps for Education).These are similar to laptops (they have keyboards) but are generally cheaper and have the following advantages:
they automatically update themselves
they ‘boot up’ very quickly (4-6 seconds)
they are a ‘Google’-based product which work well with Google Drive
Page 5
Are there any types of device which students will not be able to use?
Our wireless and/or internet policies and setup mean that we cannot support all devices. Please see the list of unsupported devices and systems below:
·
Barnes and Noble Nook tablet - any version
Android operating system version 3.2 (Gingerbread) and older will not work. You must be using Android version
4.0.x (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above
Apple IOS version 5 and older will not work. You must be using Apple IOS version 6 and above.
Any Linux / Unix based operating systems which have not been tested with our system.
Who should I contact for further advice?
If you would like further guidance on types of device, please contact Mr Jones, our IT Services Manager.
Key Contact Details
Google Apps for Education
Dr Newbold, Deputy Headteacher: [email protected]
BYOD device questions:
Mr Jones, IT Services Manager: [email protected]
Dr Newbold
Curriculum and Assessment Changes
As I outlined in the July newsletter we have spent a considerable amount of time over the past 12 months
reviewing the implications of the major curriculum changes which the government has been making. These
changes include the introduction of a new National Curriculum in Years 7-9 (from September 2014) and
the launch of a new GCSE grading scale (9-1) and specifications over the next couple of years.
Some of the information below was included in July but I think it is very worthwhile to repeat it again
owing to the scale and pace of change:
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
A new Key Stage 3 National Curriculum was introduced in September 2014. According to the government
the main aims of these changes were to slim down the content of the curriculum in almost all subjects
(though not in primary English, maths or science) and to concentrate teaching & learning on ‘the essential
knowledge and skills every child should have’. The summary below of some of the key changes affecting
subjects has been provided by the Department for Education:
 In maths, children will be expected to learn more at an earlier age - for example to know their 12
times table by the age of nine
 History will take a more chronological approach than under the old curriculum
 In English, pupils will learn more Shakespeare and there will be more importance placed on
spelling
 The new computing curriculum will require pupils to learn how to write code
 In science, there will be a shift towards hard facts and "scientific knowledge”
If you would like more details of the changes please follow the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum
Page 6
The Department of Education also announced in June 2013 that schools would no longer be required to
use level descriptors to assess and track student progress. However, it has not replaced this with a new
form of assessment and has left it to schools to develop their own systems.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
The Coalition government also decided that the current GCSE qualifications needed reforming. As a result, new GCSEs will be introduced in almost all subjects over the next few years. The table below
summarises when the new GCSEs will be first taught:
Start Date of New Qualification
Subjects
September 2015
English Language, English Literature, Mathematics
September 2016
Art & Design, Computer Science, Dance, Drama, Food Preparation
& Nutrition, French, Geography, German, History, Music, PE, Religious Studies, Spanish, Science (including Separate Sciences)
September 2017
Resistant Materials
To be confirmed by the government
Business Studies, Sociology
The main changes which will be introduced with each of these new qualifications are:
 The end of controlled assessment/ coursework in almost all subjects with almost all assessment
being through final exams at the end of year 11
 Changes in the type and volume of course content – with more content in some subjects and
more challenging content also being introduced
 The replacement of the grading system based on A*-G grades with a numerical grading system (1
-9, with 9 being the highest achievable grade)
How are these changes impacted on our students this year?
Years 7-9
Since the start of this term (September 2015) we have no longer been using the ‘language of levels’ to
assess and report on student progress in Years 7-9. We are, instead, using GCSE assessment criteria and
grades (1-9) to assess how well students are progressing and to report home to parents. The current
grades and targets which will be included on the Term 2 reports (which you will receive just before
Christmas) will be based on these new grades. I will do my best to explain what each of these grades
mean, and what this tells you about your child’s progress, when we send the reports out.
The progress of students will continue to be assessed using a variety of means including classwork,
homework and periodic (generally termly) assessments. In Year 9 these periodic assessments largely involve tests using GCSE style questions. The students will also sit end of year progress tests in Years 7
and 8 in all subjects (which will be marked as a %) and these marks will be reported home at the end of
the year. Students will also sit end of year exams in English, mathematics and science in Year 9, the results of which (%) will also be reported home.
As these students move up into Years 10 and 11 we will continue with this system of assessment and
reporting.
Page 7
Year 10
Year 10 students have started the new GCSE qualifications in English Language, English Literature and
mathematics. These will be graded on the new 1-9 scale and the ‘currently working at’ grade in these subjects will be reported home in this form. Their progress in their other GCSE subjects (which are following
the existing specifications) will be reported home at the end of Term 2 in the more familiar A*-G format as
this is how these qualifications will be graded at the end of Year 11 by the examination boards.
Year 11
Year 11 students will continue with their current GCSE qualifications, all of which follow the existing specifications. Their progress will be assessed using the A*-G scale as these are the type of grades which they
will receive for all their GCSEs next summer.
As I am sure that you can imagine, change on this scale does have its challenges. However, staff and
students have begun to adapt to the new system very well. However, if you have any questions about these
changes, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s tutor at school.
Dr Newbold
Gillotts School revised House structure
This academic year has seen Gillotts School revise the existing house structure to move from 6 houses to
3 houses, a transition that students have dealt with seamlessly.
Within the new structure, the three houses are now Darwin (Ms Stepney as Head of House), Orwell (Mr
Jansen) and Pankhurst (Mr Burnett). New house names were chosen by students at the end of last year,
and this year students got the opportunity during tutor time to start designing the new house shields, colours and logos. Students from each house then chose the winning design from a shortlist. As I write, the
final designs are being made into reality by our Head of Art, Mr Swainson.
This has been a fantastic process for the students to be involved to support the development of the house
system over the coming years. At Gillotts, the sense of community is something that is very important to
the school, and the house system plays a vital part in this. This year, students will get opportunities to support their house through sport, performing arts and English among other things through competition and
challenges. I would urge all parents to encourage their child to contribute to house activities as much as
possible as it can make valuable contributions to their overall personal development.
If you have any questions about the change in the house structure, please do not hesitate to contact me at
school.
Mr Druce
Assistant Headteacher
Page 8
DARWIN NEWS
House shield - Chloe Agnew's design based on HMS Beagle won
the house shield competition. Chloe will be working with Mr
Swainson and the design team to create the final design. Chloe
gained 107 votes with Georgia Holliday's design of the evolution of
man and the tortoise in second place with 73 votes.
Tutees of the term
DCHA – Ben Hudson – always polite, hard working and generally
fab, but more importantly, he is always striving to help others
learn.
DFD – Freddie Davies – For always wanting to lend a helping hand,
always being cheerful and making sure any jobs that need doing get
done.
DFMW – Daisy Weiser – for being a positive role model
DHJR – Bianka Tarbay – for her excellent effort this year in all her
GCSEs to make sure she is achieving to the best of her ability
DHS – Scott Carey – for making a positive start to year 11, and
taking the challenge of doing his absolute best. Keep going and focus on the end goal.
DJLG – Eleanor Whittle – she is a good role model, always has her
equipment and planner signed and takes parts in all activities.
DKMD – Kiri Cheesman – for continual effort in her homework
DLUN – Jack Eagle for being helpful in tutor time
DMGJ – Taminah Brown for making an excellent start to her GCSEs and being friendly and supportive to
the year 7 students on her table during tutor time
DPJY – Bruce Turnell – for being an excellent role model
DROM – Olivia West – for her commitment and helpfulness to Darwin House both as a tutee and as
sports captain.
DYF – Ben Morgan – always makes a fantastic effort in tutor (and lessons – lots of achievement points)
plus he always has the required equipment for school.
Attendance - the winning tutor group with an attendance
figure of 98.8% over the term was DFD.
House points - the student with the most house points
this term was James Urwin with 35 points.
ORWELL NEWS
House Shield—Georg Gudjohnsen-Mitchell design of the
Orwell house scroll won the competition with 150 votes
and he will be working with Mr Swainson to create the final
design.
Tutees of the term
OTWN - James Rechner—For his sustained energy and enthusiasm. Being actively present in the moment at all times
and for prolonged effort and engagement in all his subjects.
OSEL - Luke Boughey—Positive start, working hard, minimal
detentions compared to last year. Changed behaviour at
home and at school to help learning e.g eating breakfast,
making use of catch up sessions etc.
Page 9
OACM - Jasmine Atherton—For managing the move to Gillotts so calmly and for being such a reliable
member of the tutor group.
OLUH - Jess Cattanch—Hard working, organised and participates in everything that is on offer to her.
OELD - Megan Lynch—Excellent role model - excellent organisation and positive attitude during tutor
time.
OLKA – Kate Brooker—More independent this year and trying hard across the board. Helpful to the
younger tutees too.
OJAW – Jack Earl—For raising his game and taking on more responsibility now he is in key stage 4.
OCH – Ethan Hancock—Had a great start to the year - regularly attending revision sessions and taking
responsibility in tutor group.
OGMO – Skye Fisher—Skye has the most housepoints in the tutor group and has settled in well to the
tutor group and to Gillotts.
OJWZ – Felix Grant—For courage in saying he wants to be a better student, for helping others improve
by sharing his experiences and for taking responsibility on trying to improve.
OAJT – Flora Macdonald—For resilience and massive focus on her studying since September.
OJDG - Connor Mackenzie—Equipment always good, planner always signed and always eager to get involved in team building.
Attendance -The winning tutor group with an attendance figure of 98.6% over the term was OSEL.
Housepoints -The student with the most housepoints this term was Lucas Pestana with 33 housepoints.
PANKHURST NEWS
House Shield—Ellie Grant’s design based on the
scales of equality and Emily Pankhurst’s hat won the
house shield competition with a total of 147 votes.
Tutees of the Term
PCR/SR - Klaudia Moskaluk: Actively revising and
working hard. Manages her time very well.
PCAD - Zara Hawkins: Polite with a positive attitude
towards tutor time and learning in general. Great attitude towards SOPS.
PCD – Ben Hamilton: Always kind and a great mentor to Year 7.
PFOA - Alex Trust: Actively made a huge effort to
support the year 7's and their transition to Gillotts
school.
PGDM – Emma Dodd: Actively revising and focusing
in the progress she is making. She is well organised in
tutor time.
PLOS – Anna Husser: Has settled in really well and has quickly engaged with tutor time, and
makes excellent cookies!
PJAS – Jamie Butler: Improvements to his motivation towards improving in his studies.
PKJS – Milly Hargreaves: Massive improvement with SOPS and sets a good example to her tutor group.
PAJB – Elise Russell: Fantastic start at Gillotts - 20 achievements and no behaviours. Also for taking up
dance.
PRJR – Alexandra Turner: Positive attitude towards her learning, fellow tutees and the school.
PSJW – Lauren Sidgwick: Great start to the year and lots of achievement points as a result.
Attendance - The best tutor group attendance is PHRW with 98.1%.
House points - The student with the most house points this term is Ben Few with 45 house points.
Page 10
Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities
Creative Technologies
Fashion Icon Competition Club– Monday Lunchtimes (until January 2016), open to Years 8 to 11.
Students have the opportunity to have their designs showcased or can model them on the catwalk at
Excel in London March 2016.
Textiles/DIY Couture Club—Tuesday
Lunchtimes, open to Years 7 to 11. Students
can try out different textile techniques and
learn how to make their own clothes.
James Dyson Foundation Design ClubThursday Lunchtimes, open to Years 7 to11.
Students have the opportunity to explore
the Dyson design process to create new
products and disassemble existing products.
First League Lego Robotics Club
(pictured left and below)—Friday
Lunchtimes (running until December 2015),
selected students only. Please see Mrs
Wakefield if you are interested in any of the
above clubs.
Music
Jazz Band– Tuesday Lunchtimes, open to
Years 7 to 11. All abilities and instruments
welcome.
Ukulele Club– Wednesday Lunchtimes, open to Years 7 to 11. For students who have their own
ukulele and would like to learn skills and songs.
Orchestra– Wednesday
Afterschool, open to Years
7 to 11. All abilities,
orchestral instruments only.
Acapella- Thursday
Lunchtime, open to Years 7
to 11. For higher ability
singers– audition required.
Students are required to
read from music and sing in
up to 4 parts.
Sing– Friday Lunchtime,
open to Years 7 to 11. All
abilities welcome, for any
students who enjoy to sing
repertoire chosen by the
students, pop based genre.
For the singing clubs,
contact Mrs David. For Jazz
Band and Orchestra contact Mr Bull. For Ukulele Club, contact Mr Hillier.
MFL
The 5 Languages Award Club–
Monday 12.40 A Week only, open to Year 7 and 8. The aim is to open up students to language learning
as an interesting and useful thing, going beyond the scope of the official curriculum languages (Spanish
French and German). Special certificates will be awarded after attending 5, 10 and 15 sessions. Please see
Mme Robson if interested.
Page 11
Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities (Continued)
Art
Art Club (pictured)- Tuesday Afterschool, open to Years 7 to 11. Students from across all Key Stages
joining together to create a range of artworks. They are working on individual and group work, with display projects for the Art Department and
around the school. In the next term, students will be focusing on key areas around
the school to decorate, add to, and inspire
students. The Art Department is also open
every lunchtime for students to complete
coursework (GCSE or KS3).
Drama
Performers Group– Tuesday 12.40,
open to Year 9. Working on GCSE texts,
new styles and developing pieces for performance.
Drama Club (pictured)– Wednesday
12.40, open to Year 7 and 8. The Performers Group and the Drama Club will be
working on pieces for the December Carol
Concert and the March Showcase Evening.
See Mrs Alder.
PE
Year 8 Rugby– Monday 12.45. See Mr
Harding.
GCSE Dance– Monday 12.45. See Miss
Stallwood.
Year 10 Rugby– Tuesday 12.45. See Mr
Harding.
Year 11 Rugby– Tuesday 12.45. See Mr
Jansen.
Year 8 & 9 Hockey– Wednesday
12.45. See Miss Rogers.
Year 7 Hockey– Wednesday
12.45. See Miss Jenkins.
Year 10 & 11 Hockey– Thursday
12.45. See Miss Rogers.
Year 7 Dance– Thursday 12.45.
See Miss Stallwood
Year 9 Rugby– Thursday 12.45.
See Mr Burnett
The Leisure Centre
The Hub– Monday to Thursday
3.30 to 6pm, Friday 2.30 to 6pm,
open to Years 7 to 11. Gym,
chillout zone, football, swimming
etc. Quiet place to read or great
for socializing, films to watch and
Xbox. Costs £22 per month or £5
per session.
Page 12
Gillotts Skiers win
Silver at the
Nationals
Gillotts Skiers have achieved
National success winning Silver
medals at the Schools National
Team Ski Championships. Held at
Snowsport England's flagship
venue near Norwich, the
Championships are the 'Blue
Ribbon' event on the schools ski
calendar in its 36th year. With
280 skiers in 70 schools teams from the 6 Regional Qualifiers the racing was thrilling and hard fought.
After run 1 Gillotts and Surbiton looked set to "battle it out" for the the Girls U16 title and the final race
brought the best out of both teams in a thrilling climax. All the Gillotts Skiers improved on their first run
times with Danielle Hawkins posting the 2nd fastest run of the day for the U16s. Sadly, the Surbiton Girls
held off the Gillotts challenge and Emma Trust, Lily, Danielle and Zara Hawkins settled for a well
deserved Silver.
Berlin Trip 2015
A group of 24 students from Year 11 in Gillotts School went to Berlin for four days at the beginning of
September. Staying in a hotel just next to the main station, they were ideally placed to visit all the main
sights of Berlin including a very moving tour of Sachsenhausen, the concentration camp and Hohenschoenhausen, the prison used by the Stasi during the Cold war and featured in the film 'The Lives of
Others'.
They also saw what remained of the Berlin Wall in the East Side Gallery and also at the memorial to the
Wall. It was an amazing few days and an unforgettable experience.
Mrs Davidson
Page 13
Front of Gillotts Gets a Makeover
An exciting prospect for the ultimate
in recycling is due to take place in the
next few weeks when the front of the
school is brightened up by timber
cladding. The timber is sourced from
our own tree stock after a Wellingtonia sequoia (giant redwood) was
felled in October last year after a survey found it in decline and considered
a health and safety hazard.
The tree was part of the group of four
Wellingtonia standing upto 100ft tall
at the front of the school. The timber
is widely used in USA for wooden
roof shingles. It will change colour
from a subtle pink to a light grey over
time. During the summer, a mobile sawmill company Chilterns Green Timber came and milled the huge
lengths of tree trunk into 20mm planks for cladding the school. (see pictures) Everything in the vicinity
turned pink as the pile of sawdust grew and the planks were
stacked ready for cladding in the autumn.
The tree’s timber will be a stones throw from where it had
grown– the ultimate in recycling!
Bus from Marlow/ High Wycombe area
In the past, a group of parents used to make a joint arrangement for a coach/minibus to bring students direct
to Gillotts. The arrangement lapsed because the number of students wanting to use the service dropped so it
was not economic. Students now use two public buses,
changing in Henley town centre. If any parents would
like to explore commissioning a service again, please
contact Rachel Langham by email
at [email protected].
Letting the School Know about Absences
Please note that absences are no longer dealt with by the house base. Any attendance related issues (ie:
medical appointments, absence requests, sickness) are now dealt with by Mrs Taylor, the attendance
administrator. You can let her know of any issues via [email protected] or by leaving her an
answer phone message on 01491 636 812.
Gillotts School PE is now on twitter. Please follow @gillottsPE for
fixtures/results and achievements
Page 14
INSERT
BRAIN!
It’s the Parents
Association Annual
QUIZ
NIGHT!
Bar! Prizes! Lucky Dip! Silent Auction!
Win House Points!
Tables of 8-10 people
£10 per person including nibbles
Bring a team or join a table of parent’s from your
child’s Year Group or House!
Book now! Tickets are available from [email protected] or the Gillotts PA Facebook page
Saturday 14th November
Gillotts School Hall
7 for 7.30pm
Page 15
National Personal Safety Day
7th October 2015
National Personal Safety Day is organised by Suzy Lamplugh Trust, it’s an annual
event aimed at highlighting some of the simple, practical solutions that everyone
can use to help avoid violence and aggression in today’s society. It’s about helping people live safer, more confident lives. www.nationalpersonalsafetyday.co.uk
This year’s campaign is “KeepItREAL”
This year, Suzy Lamplugh Trust is urging young men throughout the
UK to ‘Keep It REAL’, by making themselves aware of the dangers
and taking steps to ensure their own safety.
Keep it :
R is for READY
E is for EDUCATE
A is for ALERT
L is for LEGAL
Young men are encouraged to be READY in case an incident occurs. EDUCATE yourselves
about the dangers you could come into contact with. Be ALERT to danger – it may happen
when you least expect it. Above all – stay LEGAL. Carrying a knife for self defence not only
endangers yourself and others, but carries with it a sentence of up to 4 years in prison.
I am often asked various questions on personal safety for children and young people. Such as, where to
find further information in order to help make my child safer while travelling to school, playing or socialising after school, and even make them more safety conscious? Some suggestions to these can be found
below and on the below website links.
For most of us the streets are relatively safe and we can walk around without fear of becoming a victim of crime. The risk of suffering a violent or aggressive incident is generally
very low, however it does exist so it’s advisable to take a few precautions to reduce the risk
even further, whether you are in an unknown area or your own neighbourhood.
This may be very relevant at this time of year as autumn approaches and longer, darker evenings. Many
young people will also be attending local street fairs and firework displays etc in the coming weeks or
months.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has created a ‘Parents Handbook’. The Handbook has 26 pages full of useful
information, offers some interesting statistics, very good practical advice and activities for parents to do
and discuss with their children of all ages. Among others, the handbook covers the following topics:
Challenging Complacency,
Safety on the Street,
Tracing Systems for Young People,
Appearance and Attitude,
Internet and mobile phone safety,
Personal Safety on Foot Quiz,
What are Thieves Looking For in Their Victims,
How To Say ‘NO’,
Using Public Transport ,
And much more as well as where to go for further help & advice.
The address to the handbook is http://www.suzylamplugh.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/
Parents-Handbook.pdf
Page 16
The link to the main Suzy Lamplugh site is www.suzylamplugh.org
Where you will again find lots of very useful advice and guidance on personal safety for all ages, such as








Personal Alarms
Safety on a Night Out
Internet Safety
Safety When walking the Dog
Festival Safety
Halloween Safety
Horse and Stable Safety
Keeping Fit Safety
The following link will take you to the Multimedia/interactive section of the site where you will find interactive games for children called ‘Be Streetwise’ and ‘Smart Kids’. As well as Quizes, Video’s and presentations, all on the topic of Personal safety. http://www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety-tips/
multimediainteractive-resources
There are two multiple choice quizzes, one for primary age children and one for Secondary School age
Children. Both have been updated for this year, perhaps you could discuss the questions with your child
and see how they get on (the answers can be found at the end of the quiz), are they as street wise as
they think!? The address to the quizzes are;
http://www.suzylamplugh.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/General-Primary-School-Quiz.pdf
http://www.suzylamplugh.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/General-Secondary-School-Quiz.pdf
You can also find lots of practical Crime Prevention advice on the TVP Website, the following address
will take you to the Crime Prevention page: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crime-prevention.htm
You will find lots of useful safety information via the above address such as;
 Home and Garden
 Rural Security
 Keeping Safe
 Business Security
 Vehicle Security
 Identity Fraud
 Seasonal Events
 Watch Schemes
 Fire Safety
 Advisors
 Child Sexual Exploitation
Ever wondered what crime is really like in your area? The following link will take you to the
Crime and Policing in England, Wales and N.Ireland site. Follow the ‘Crime Map’ link and you will see
reported crimes for your area.
You can also access the Thames Valley Police Website www.thamesvalley.police.uk, for information on
your local Police Team, Crime Prevention advice and other useful information.
You can also find us on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/ThamesVP
Register for Thames Valley Alert! https://www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ThamesVP
Page 17
Advice and Guidance
If students are interested in apprenticeships they should also be using the websites below:
Oxcentric
www.oxme.info/opportunities
This website is regularly updated with opportunities around Oxfordshire. It is suitable for young people
looking for work, apprenticeships, training, volunteering and much more.
Webchat: you can contact The Opportunities Team on 01865 328460, by email
[email protected] or online. You can chat to the team about jobs, opportunities and
other issues go to the Oxcentric homepage and find the icon on the right of the page.
Resources and tips: download worksheet on interview techniques, CV writing and much more from your
first job (put into search bar) section of Oxcentric.
Other useful sources of information can be found at:
National Careers Service
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx - this offers information and professional
advice about education, training and work to people of all ages. The website, helpline and web chat offers
confidential and impartial advice supported by qualified careers advisers. The telephone number is 0800
100 900
National Apprenticeship Service
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ - this supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of
Apprenticeships throughout England.
Adviza
Adviza is offering a Parent Adviza service. Their careers advisers are able to work through a range of
concerns with parents to help them support their son or daughter. Appointments are for one hour and
are delivered one-to-one with a qualified and experienced Careers Adviser at a convenient time and
location. The cost is £49-00 per session. For further information and to book go to www.adviza.org.uk/
shop
Adviza is also offering a Graduate Adviza service which is designed to help those students who have
graduated in the last five years, and those about to graduate, to take their next step. Sessions are for one
hour and are delivered one-to-one with a qualified and experienced Careers Adviser at a convenient
time and location. The cost is £49-00 per session. For further information and to book go to
www.adviza.org.uk/shop
Page 18
Term Dates 2015 — 2016
The dates set out below are the confirmed school term and holiday dates from
September 2015
Term
Dates
Number of days
Term 1
1 September 2015 – 23 October 2015
39
October holiday
26 October 2015 – 30 October 2015
Term 2
2 November 2015 – 18 December 2015
Christmas holiday
21 December 2015 – 1 January 2016
Term 3
4 January 2016 – 12 February 2016
February holiday
15 February 2016 – 19 February 2016
Term 4
22 February 2016 – 24 March 2016
April holiday
25 March 2016 – 8 April 2016
Term 5
11 April 2016 – 27 May 2016
Late Spring holiday
30 May 2016 - 3 June 2016
Term 6
6 June 2016 - 20 July 2016
Total
35
30
24
34
33
195
INSET days
The school will be closed to students on:
Tuesday 1 September 2015
Friday 2 October 2015
Monday 18 July 2016
Tuesday 19 July 2016
Wednesday 20 July 2016
Note that only Year 7 and Year 10 (and Year 11 Leaders) are required to attend on Wednesday 2
September 2015. The remainder of the school returns on Thursday 3 September 2015.
2 May 2016 is the May Day bank holiday
Early closures (12.30pm)
Thursday 1 October 2015
Friday 18 December 2015
Friday 15 July 2016
Staff and students preparation for Open Evening
Page 19
Term dates for 2016 - 2017
The dates set out below are the confirmed school term and holiday dates from September 2016.
Term
Dates
Number of days
Term 1
1 September 2016 – 21 October 2016
37
October holiday
24 October 2016 – 28 October 2016
Term 2
31 October 2016 – 16 December 2016
Christmas holiday
19 December 2016 – 2 January 2017
Term 3
3 January 2017 – 10 February 2017
February holiday
13 February 2017 – 17 February 2017
Term 4
20 February 2017 – 7 April 2017
April holiday
10 April 2017 – 21 April 2017
Term 5
24 April 2017 – 26 May 2017
Late Spring holiday
29 May 2017 - 2 June 2017
Term 6
5 June 2017 - 21 July 2017
Total
35
29
35
24
35
195
INSET days
The school will be closed to students on:
Thursday 1 September 2016
Friday 2 September 2016
Friday 30th September 18 July 2016
Friday 10th February 2017
Monday 24th April 2017
Note that only Year 7 and Year 10 (and Year 11 Leaders) are required to attend on Monday 5
September 2016. The remainder of the school returns on Tuesday 6 September 2016.
1 May 2017 is the May Day bank holiday.
Early closures (12.30pm)
Thursday 29 September 2016 Staff and students preparation for Open Evening
Friday 16 December 2016
Friday 21 July 2017