1 Issue No 22/2015-2016

Thetford Grammar School

The small, friendly school that gets results for individuals.

11th March 2016

Dear Parents and Pupils,

Another very busy and exciting week here at Thetford Grammar School has blurred by. We

are marking Sport Relief with a non-uniform day and a sponsored Conga on Fulmerston Site

later on this afternoon. I am certain that all members of the school will have a particularly

enjoyable day supporting an exceptionally worthwhile cause.

We held our Parent Focus Group meeting on Tuesday morning. Mrs Peace, Head of Prep

and Pre-Prep, Mrs Elders, Deputy Head and I focussed on a number of initiatives and events

that are being considered. These include:

1. Technological provision for teaching and learning, including new behaviour

management software being trialled in Prep School and laptops/notebooks and their

future usage in the school from Year 7 onwards.

2. New bus routes are being considered by the school to assist with transporting children

to school and home. The consideration is to start with, perhaps, two routes and then

gauge how positively they are received by parents and children.

3. Feedback and comments were provided from the recent TGS Parent Survey (conducted

in January). I do thank the 58 respondents for their time. There were many positives

from the questionnaire e.g.

“a small school with excellent pastoral care as well as an outstanding academic

record”;

“children are polite and all respect school values”;

“…impressed by the rapport between boys and girls of all ages”

and many items that we are considering and reviewing for school improvement

purposes.

We also mentioned two important forthcoming dates for next

term:

Friday 29th April, 7.00pm in Old School – the official

launch of David Seymour’s, a former Head of History

at TGS, book ‘Thetford Grammar School’. This

wonderful book explores the fourteen centuries of

educational heritage on this site. More information

and invitations will be sent out in due course. Please

contact the school for further details.

Saturday 2nd July – TGS Summer Fete, starting in the

morning with OTA vs TGS cricket, then moving to

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the school for an afternoon of refreshments, games, fun and special events. We shall

be delighted to welcome all members, friends and families of the TGS community

Yesterday, we had the distinct privilege of welcoming the Mayor and Mayoress of Thetford

to the school. Mayor Robert Kybird, an Old Thetfordian himself, provided a very interesting

account of his role and civic responsibilities. He also fielded some excellent and probing

questions posed by many members of the school.

Our German Exchange left yesterday morning led by Mr Andy Durling and Miss Karen

Humphrey. I shall wish them a very happy and safe time with lots of exciting learning

opportunities. We shall look forward to hearing about their adventures upon their return

next week.

I do wish you all a very happy and healthy weekend.

Mr Mark S. Bedford

Headmaster

Y10 TRIP TO THE SKILLS EAST FAIR

Last week, Y10 spent the morning travelling through the

delightful Essex countryside to visit the annual East of England

Careers Fair, which this year was held in Colchester. The aim of

the event is to promote all the opportunities that are available for

students once they have completed their GCSE courses.

At the event the pupils could sample penalty shoot outs with

Essex F.A., flight simulators with the R.A.F and work on a

scenario in a real ambulance supplied by the East of England

Ambulance Trust. There were also many other stands for pupils

to visit and find information to help guide them in their future careers. One of the highlights

of the trip to Writtle College, was the cycling simulator which saw Toby Culling and Henry

Bittleston go head-to-head in a battle to see who would become the school’s version of Sir

Bradley Wiggins.

Henry also won the Worlds’ Biggest Easter Egg when he

correctly organised the Periodic Table on another stand.

Mrs Pearson who organised the trip said the she was ‘delighted

with the success of the Fair.’

Mr Bradley Young

Head of English

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TASTY BOOK COMPETITION

An array of fantastic looking and tasting cakes gave the

judges much food for thought! Thank you to the

judges, our Governor Mrs Brenda Canham and Head of

Art, Miss Sherring, who spent their time deliberating

over the inspiration behind the entries, the fabulous

decoration and, of course, the sumptuous flavour of the

cakes in the competition. Congratulations to all who

took part - the judges were impressed by all the entries!

Also thank you to everyone who helped to raise £48.50 towards books for the TGS libraries.

Madeleine Trussell Sam Bercovici Zoe Kendall Louise Macrow

1st Prize Senior School 1st Prize Prep School 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Joseph Ramsbottom Adrian Jenkinson

Merit Adult Winner

Mrs Julie Settle

Librarian

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SKI TRIP

We are fast approaching the departure date for the ski

trip next week. Could I remind all pupils that we need

their passports, EHICs, Euros and consent forms in to

the office as soon as possible.

Mrs Alison Alecock

Trip Organiser

PREP SCHOOL BOOK CHARACTER DAY

Pupils in Prep School were invited to come in to school on World

Book Day dressed as a book character of their choice. Pupils

came dressed in a wide range of costumes including Grandpa

from David Walliams’ ‘Grandpa’s Great

Escape’; characters from Harry Potter,

Horrid Henry and James Bond were

also seen in school. All pupils who took

part looked spectacular and a super day

was had by all.

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

TOWN CRIER ASSEMBLY

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez! On Friday 4th March, Mr Mike Wabe

Thetford Town Crier, visited our whole school assembly

to speak about the history of Town Criers; why they

carried out the job that they do and their importance

especially in the past.

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He went on to explain why he wears a particular set of

regalia and then the pupils were treated to a

demonstration of a Town Crier in action!

Iris in Pre-Prep said ‘He had a bell’ and Holly declared ‘It

was very loud!’ Tom, from Y5 told us that he would

definitely like to enter the competition (below) as he

would also like to be a Town Crier!

Pupils have got the chance to participate in the Junior Thetford Town Crier competition

which takes place in August and is open to children aged between 6 and 14. Please see the

attached entry form for information.

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

MARY ANNING

On Thursday 3rd March the Prep School from Y4-Y6

went into the school hall ready to hear the life story of

Mary Anning told by Mandy Hartley. Mandy asked for

some volunteers to play the lead characters. Cassidy

played Mary Anning, Hamish was the Dad, Ethan as her

brother Joe and Freddie as Professor Charles Darwin.

Mandy re-told the story of Mary and how her family were poor and spent most of their days

digging for fossils along the beach which Mary sold at

night. The story developed into how Mary and her brother

Joe found the first skeleton of a dinosaur measuring 10

metres. It took Mary months and months to uncover.

Mandy was extremely impressed by the questions that the

pupils asked and told Mrs Peace that their behaviour was

impeccable!

Miss Kim Fitch

Teaching Assistant

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CONQUERING THETFORD’S CASTLE HILL

On Monday 7th March 2016, Y7 went to visit Castle Hill. In History

we have been studying early Norman castles like the Motte and

Bailey castle in Thetford. We have been learning about their

layout and their strengths and weaknesses. Lucky for us Thetford

has the second largest Motte and Bailey castle in England.

Mrs Kathrin Elders

Deputy Head

So, for the trip we were given the opportunity to visit the place

where the real Motte and Bailey castle would have been. Before

we studied this topic I had no idea what a Motte and Bailey castle was or that Castle Hill

was in fact a Motte and Bailey castle built in the 11th

century.

After Mrs Elders explained the layout we were asked to

imagine that we were the attackers trying to get into the

castle. We had to think about the fact that we would have

carried heavy armour and weapons whilst trying to get

through the moat, climb up the ditch and then get past

the two meter high palisades which would be well

protected by archers.

After having conquered the Bailey where all the people including the Lord lived, we were

encouraged to climb up the Motte to see what it would be like trying to storm the last

defence when the bridge would have been destroyed. I

learnt much about attacking and defending a Motte and

Bailey castle. Miranda 7H

This trip had been organised to explore the experience of

how hard it would be to attack and take over a Motte and

Bailey castle, especially in bad weather conditions. It was

easier for us than it would have been for the rebellious

English because there are now no palisades anymore and

no one was shooting arrows at us. Tom 7H

I really loved climbing up Castle Hill. It made me notice

how hard it must have been to attack it. I think its only

weakness was that it had been made from wood as it

could be destroyed by fire or siege engines. Franzi 7S

Our trip to Castle Hill was one of the best trips I have ever

had – even though it was also one of the shortest trips I

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have had. The reason I really liked it was the fact we could

climb up the Motte and the mounds of earth after running

down into one of the ditches. We had this trip as we were

exploring the experience of how hard it would be to attack

and take a Motte and Bailey castle, especially in the rain. It

was easier for us than it would have been for the English as

we didn’t have any palisades blocking our way into the

Bailey nor to the top of the Motte. We also didn’t have

archers shooting at us whilst we were climbing the Motte.

Sam 7H

I enjoyed climbing the Motte and Bailey castle. It was exhilarating to think that maybe our

ancestors had tried it too. Will 7S

I thought it was a good trip because we saw how tall a

Motte and Bailey castle is and it seemed even more

impressive when you take into account that it was man

made. The Motte was very steep and it was challenging

enough getting up the hill but getting down the hill turned

out to be even harder and most of the class got really

muddy. If you were in the battle then you would want to

be in the castle and not

trying to get into it. You

would have had to carry a lot of armour and your weapons

whilst trying to climb up a steep ditch and avoid being shot

by lots of arrows. Luca 7H

I really enjoyed climbing up the hill. It gave you a real sense

of how hard it would have been to attack the castle and how

strong its defences were. It was great to be on top of the

Motte and able to see for such a long way. Madeleine 7S

HALLO AUS DEUTSCHLAND

The TGS German Exchange pupils arrived

safely at Dortmund airport on Thursday

afternoon. They then travelled on to Brakel

to meet their German Exchange partners and

their families. During their visit they will be

enjoying a day in Hamelin with the Pied

Piper and much more.

Mr Andy Durling

Head of MFL

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YEAR 6 CRUCIAL CREW

On Wednesday 9th March Year 6 attended a Crucial Crew event at

Letton Hall, Shipdham. This is an interactive safety programme

which recreates situations of crime and danger. The pupils

experienced and participated in a range of realistic situations

which are potentially life-threatening. This was to raise their

awareness of what they can do to increase their own and others

safety.

Activities they took part in included:

The pupils found this to be a very

exciting day and learnt a great deal

about how to be safe themselves and

how to keep others safe.

Miss Kim Fitch

Teaching Assistant

ARTS AWARD SUCCESS

On Wednesday 2nd March the Arts Award moderator visited school to view pupils’ and

students’ work, with entrants from Y9 to Y13. Ten students from Y9 produced excellent

portfolios based on their visit to Perry Green, the home of sculptor Henry Moore. Eight

students from Y10 and Y11 worked independently on Silver portfolios studying textiles,

fashion, decoupage and painting as well as developing their leadership skills through

projects ranging from staging exhibitions to teaching craft workshops. This was the first

year we had a Gold student entered for moderation - Megan Gallacher took on the role of

Graphic Designer for the Fulmerstonian Magazine to develop her leadership skills then

First Aid Electrical Safety Home Preparedness Personal Safety

Fire Safety Street Safety Seaside Safety

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successfully extended her own arts practice into film making. A super achievement for

which she gains UCAS points, as well as the coveted gold badge!

BRONZE awards were gained by:

Hattie Long Sophie Gornall Ben Trowell Alana Wilson James Blackman

Andrew Forbes Megan Sidery Isabel Curley Eleanor Pringle

SILVER Awards were gained by:

Clarissa Katsikides Eleanor Dickens Emily Tomkins Ellie Vinton

Isobel Tod Sophie Rose-Land Charlotte Long Alex Ackerman

GOLD award gained by:

Megan Gallacher

Congratulations to all the pupils involved for their dedication and hard work. Please note,

Trinity College who issue the certificates for Arts Award will take up to 6 weeks to do so.

They will then be awarded in School assembly during the Summer term.

Mrs Lucy Perry

Arts Award Co-ordinator

EASTER ‘EGGS’TRAVGANZA – 9TH MARCH 2016

On Wednesday 9th March pupils and staff in Pre-Prep welcomed visitors

to join them in an Easter ‘Eggs’travaganza activity morning. Easter

cookies were decorated ready to eat and plants were potted ready to

take home to admire them growing. The Pre-Prep department was a

hive of activity with some very busy little fingers being ‘eggs’tremely

creative!

Noah, ‘I liked making the biscuits’

Holly, ‘I loved making rabbit bags to put my things in, I love

ggstravaganza’

Miss Julie Blakemore

Pre-Prep Teacher

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SCHOOLBLAZER

As the summer period gets particularly busy, Schoolblazer are

offering free delivery on all orders placed during the 3rd – 17th July

2016.

SPORTS RELIEF FRIDAY 11th MARCH

Pupils in the Prep and Pre-Prep School, as well as volunteer Senior

School pupils, took part in a sponsored Kilometre-Conga at lunch time

today. This was to raise money for Sports Relief on 18th March. We are

aiming to raise as much money through pupil sponsorship as we do

through the £1 donation for non-uniform.

Also, a reminder to all pupils who took part that all sponsorship forms and money are to

be collected by the end of Wednesday 16th March. Thank you!

Miss Daniella Dunsmore

Charities Co-ordinator

PREP SCHOOL EASTER BONNET COMPETITION

Our annual Easter Bonnet Competition will take place

during lunchtime next Thursday 17th March. All Prep

School pupils are invited to take part and designs can be

as creative and artistic as you like. Prizes will be awarded

to the best entries!

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

Just a reminder if you have any Active Kids vouchers from any Sainsbury’s stores please

bring them into the school office or place in the Prep School foyer in the special box

provided. Last year we received some new sports equipment, games and cooking

equipment for the children to use during their break, lunchtimes and cookery lessons. Thank

you for your support in this venture.

Mrs Issy Cracknell

Prep School Secretary

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CONGRATULATIONS

Well done to the U13 Netball team who won their Area

Netball Tournament recently. The winning team are

pictured although Grace Tod and Elizabeth Wright are

missing from the picture.

Congratulations to the following pupils that received certificates from Mrs Peace in the Prep

School’s Monday morning assembly this week.

Max Hanspal Jiya Changela Matthew Kendall

Cathy Joshua Kriehn-Morris Arlo Greenwood

There were several presentations in whole school assembly this morning; congratulations to

the following pupils:

Oscar Foreman in Y6, was presented with his medal for coming in second place in the

Backstroke at last week’s Norfolk County Council Swimming Gala. Well done Oscar.

Jamie Robertson in Y9 received his participation certificate for taking part in ‘Raise your

Game’ an Organist’s Inspiration Day in Norwich. Well done Jamie!

Minnie Molyneux in Y8 was awarded a Sportsmanship Award for ‘her dedication to early

morning swim training’ from the Norfolk Schools Games.

A big well done too for the entrants to the Tasty Book Competition:

Madeleine Trussell Louise Macrow Zoe Kendall Joseph Ramsbottam

Sam Bercovici Andrew Forbes Grace Tod Mr Adrian Jenkinson

Tom Bercovici Jemimah Bedford Evangeline Bedford Miranda Patalidis-Thomas

Megan Gallacher Y13, Kudzi Garikayi Y10 and

Joseph Ramsbottom Y7 were presented with

their Certificates for their success in the

‘Thetford through a Lens’ competition. Hannah

Clark Y10, was absent today and will receive

hers in next week’s assembly.

Joseph, Hannah, Megan and Kudzi pictured

with their entries along with Mr Bedford and

Miss Sherring.

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MATCH RESULTS

Friday 4th March U11s Hockey Match v Downham Prep Won 1 – 0

U11s Hockey Match v Glebe House Drew 0 - 0

Tuesday 8th March U16 Netball Area Semi-final v

Wymondham College

Lost 33 - 13

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES

Monday 14th March U14 Hockey v OBHS (H) 4.00pm. Pick up 5.15pm

Tuesday 15th March U14 Area Netball Semi-final v OBHS (A) 3.30pm. Pick up 5.00pm

Y10 GCSE PE group Hockey v Eccles Hall (H) 2.45pm. Pick up

4.00pm

Wednesday 16th March U12 Area Netball Tournament @ OBHS (A) 4.00pm. Pick up 5.45pm

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Monday 14th March Commonwealth Observance in London

Tuesday 15th March GCSE & AS Art Exam

Prep School House Activities Morning

Wednesday 16th March German Exchange return

GCSE & AS Art Exam

Prep School Project Sharing Assembly at 9.00am in WH

Thursday 17th March Prep School Easter Bonnet Competition

Y10 Gielgud Theatre visit 11.30am

Friday 18th March Pre-Prep visit to United Reform Church at 10.30am

House Music Competition WH

Y4-13 Easter Service at St Cuthbert’s Church, Thetford

Last day of term

Saturday 19th March Ski Trip departs 6.45pm Bury Rd Car Park

Sunday 27th March Ski Trip returns 11.30am approximately

EASTER REVISION

If pupils would like to participate they will need to sign in at the School Office before going

to their revision classes. Please check which room you will be based in when you arrive.

Date Subject Time Staff

Thursday 24th March History Y11 10.00am – 3.00pm EJB

Tuesday 29th March Maths Y12 10.00am – 3.00pm TB

English Y11 10.00am – 3.00pm JAB

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Maths Y13 10.00am – 3.00pm MW

Wednesday 30th March Religious Studies Y12 9.00am – 3.00pm DD

ICT Y10 9.30am – 4.00pm MF

Biology Y12 9.00am – 1.00pm TG

Maths Y11 10.00am – 3.00pm TB

Maths Y11 10.00am – 3.00pm SW

Thursday 31st March Religious Studies Y13 9.00am - 3.00pm DD

ICT Y11 9.30am – 4.00pm MF

Friday 1st April Religious Studies Y11 9.00am – 3.00pm DD

Monday 4th April History Y12 10.00am – 1.00pm EJB

BAKE SALE

Thank you to everyone who sent in cakes for the bake sale – we still have some tubs here in

school which need to be collected. If you think one belongs to you please come into the

office and we will try and reunite you!

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School’s Secretary

LOST PROPERTY

A pair of JABRA Revos headphones have been lost in the music room – they are mostly grey

with some orange on them. If you come across them please hand them into the office.

Ethan Harris ‘Patrick’ Rugby sock – named

Hamish Russell Blue Sondico Shinpad

Ben Mason Black PE sweatshirt and TGS school black jumper. Both items are named

ATTACHMENTS

Town Crier competition entry form. Click here to view.

FORTHCOMING LETTERS

Pre-Prep-Y6 Project Sharing Homework Assembly

Pre-Prep Visit to United Reformed Church

Y4 – 6 Easter Service at St Cuthbert’s Church

If you would like a printed copy of this newsletter please contact the office.