1 Issue No 24/2015-2016

Thetford Grammar School

The small, friendly school that gets results for individuals.

15th April 2016

Dear Pupils and Parents,

A very warm welcome back to school. On behalf of all the staff at Thetford Grammar School,

I do hope that you thoroughly enjoyed the Easter holidays and are refreshed and ready to

embark upon the final term for this academic year. I extend a particularly warm welcome to

our newest pupils and their families who join us this term. I am certain they will quickly

settle into their new school (and for one new pupil from overseas into the UK).

For many of our older pupils and students, these are the final few weeks before the all-

important examinations, either GCSE, AS or A2. I do hope that you are ready and prepared

for this final stretch. Please remember to try to be focussed; try to stay positive; eat and sleep

well, and organise your studies and your time. I know that all the teachers are here to help

should you have any last-minute questions or concerns. Make sure that you ask a teacher if

you have any issues at all. I shall wish you well over the coming weeks ahead.

I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the many members of staff who gave up so

many days of their holidays to arrange and deliver revision sessions to assist pupils and

students across the subjects. Moreover, the Maintenance Team, led by Mr Theo Bailey, have

worked very well and hard on a number of projects around the school. I am sure that we all

appreciate the improvements. At times, the school seemed busier throughout the holidays

than during a normal school day!

A final reminder that on Friday 29th April at 7.00pm in

Old School is the official launch of the book ‘Thetford

Grammar School, Fourteen Centuries of Education’

written by David Seymour, former Head of History at

TGS. This wonderful book explores the many years of

educational heritage on this site and marks the 450th

anniversary since Sir Richard Fulmerston’s Will

refounded the school in 1566. Mr Seymour will also

present the inaugural Sir Richard Fulmerston annual

lecture on this special occasion. The book is available for

purchase from the school should you wish to have your

own signed copy.

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Please do speak with the School Office to reserve a seat should you wish to attend or enquire

about the book. Do be advised that the seating capacity of Old School is limited.

This morning’s whole school assembly in Williamson Hall welcomes the French Exchange

pupils and their teachers from Collège Monod in Compiègne. I shall wish Mr Raphael

Maringue, Head of French and the French Exchange Organiser, and all the pupils a very

pleasurable time here at TGS and in this beautiful part of England. Let’s hope the weather is

kind for them for the next few days.

Our final Open Day for this academic year takes place tomorrow, Saturday 16th April, from

10.00am until 1.00pm. We shall be welcoming and providing guided tours for many

prospective pupils and their families. My thanks to the pupils, students, parents, teachers,

staff and governors who will be helping to present our TGS (totally great school) experience

to the many visitors!

I do hope you have a lovely and restful weekend.

Mr Mark S. Bedford

Headmaster

Welcome back to all of our children and their families at the start of our final term of this

academic year. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to both Eryn

and Flynn who have joined us in the Prep School this week. We are looking forward to a

very busy term with lots of exciting trips planned; please do refer to the calendar that was

e-mailed home during the Easter break.

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

TGS NEWSLETTER SURVEY

During the Easter holidays we emailed parents asking if you would be kind enough to

answer a short survey about the new look newsletter. It is always helpful for us to have your

feedback and these surveys are a simple way to collate all the information. If you haven’t

had the chance to look at the survey I have included the link below which should take you

straight there. Please take the time to fill in the survey – it is only a few questions and we

really value your thoughts and input to try and improve the way we disseminate

information to you.

Click here to fill in the Newsletter Survey.

3 Issue No 24/2015-2016

DUKE OF EDINBURGH SILVER

16 pupils from Y11 completed their Silver Duke of

Edinburgh Award practice expedition during the Easter

holidays in the North Yorkshire Moors. It was a very mixed

bag weather-wise, it seemed like we experienced all 4

seasons in one day going from warm sunshine to a hail

storm!

After arrival, the first night was spent at Rosedale Abbey

campsite where the pupils

put up their tents and ensured that they had everything

ready for the expedition. The next morning the expedition

started with their route taking them over the top of the

moors to Goathland, otherwise known as Aidensfield from

the classic TV series Heartbeat. It was a very wet day and

recent rain meant a muddy campsite!

On day 2 the pupils packed up their muddy tents and set off

for Hutton-Le-Hole on a much brighter day. The campsite

was lovely and spirits were high after a demanding but

rewarding hike.

The weather remained dry

for the start of the final day and the pupils were able to

pack up and set off on their routes back to Rosedale Abbey.

Navigation was difficult on the final day and one group in

particular had to use all their skills to get back on track after

a slight detour.

The pupils made it back to Rosedale to complete their

expedition and enjoyed a well-earned dinner to finish it all off.

Well done to all students that took part and good luck for your qualifying expedition to the

Peak District in the summer.

Mr Michael Hill

Expedition Teacher

DENMARK WORK EXPERIENCE

This year, eleven of our Y12 students have been fortunate in

joining the “Brit Week” programme of work experience in

Northern Denmark. Over the Easter holiday Group 2 travelled out

independently, coping admirably with disrupted flights, to be met

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by host families. They enjoyed their experience and we were very pleased to have feedback

that Charlie, Esmé, Rachel and Will were “perfect”, as we think so too!

Group 3 travelled out on Sunday and are currently enjoying a seasonal 8° at the coastal

resort of Løkken.

Mr Stephen Spencer

Head of Sixth Form

PREP SCHOOL MUSICAL 2016

Rehearsals are well underway for our annual Musical, The Keymaster,

which will be taking place on Tuesday 26th April for the Matinee

performance and Wednesday 27th April in the evening. Letters have

been sent home this week with full details of the event. Requested

tickets will be sent home in addressed envelopes via pupils next week.

Also if any parents are able to offer help with serving refreshments at

either performances please let Mrs Cracknell know. Thank you.

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Prep School

PRE-PREP VISIT TO UNITED REFORM CHURCH

IN THETFORD

On the final day of the Spring Term Pre-Prep took a

walk to The United Reformed Church in Thetford for

a biblical activity morning. The pupils listened

carefully to the story of Noah’s Ark and participated

in some wonderful craft activities. After a much

needed snack the pupils joined in with learning

songs and their actions. The morning finished with

kind words from Rev. Sanders.

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We would like to thank Rev. and Mrs Sanders for a wonderful morning.

Mrs Julie Blakemore

Pre- Prep Teacher

SKI TRIP EASTER 2016

Day 1

After a long coach journey through France we knew we were close to arriving when we

went through the 11km long Mont Blanc Tunnel. After 45 minutes we emerged through the

other side of the tunnel, arriving in Aosta, Italy. The scenery was stunning with blue skies

and white snow-capped mountains all around.

We went straight to the Interski boot room where we met

Dan, our rep for the week

and the children were

sized up for their ski

boots, skis and poles as

well as collecting helmets

and any other ski gear

that had been hired. We

then continued to our hotel called ‘The Lodge’ for dinner

and a Karaoke competition! We were lucky enough to have

the hotel to ourselves and the hotel staff were very friendly

and welcoming.

Day 2-6

The children were up every day for breakfast at 7.30am;

we left the hotel at 8.15am to get to the boot room, collect

all our equipment and take the 20 minute gondola ride

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from the valley floor up to 1900m to the base of the ski resort of Pila before meeting our ski

instructors at 9.30am.

The students were divided into 6 small groups based on

their skiing experience and ability so that they could get

the most from the trip. Abilities ranged from complete

beginners with no previous experience to the more

advanced who have been skiing more than 10 times. The

students had 2 hour ski lessons in the morning followed by

lunch at 11.30am-12.30pm then 2 more hours of lessons

until 2.30pm. The children then had the option of

practising their skills on the slopes they had been working

on during the day for a further 2 hours with members of TGS staff or having a rest in a café

with a member of staff. At 4.30pm we headed back onto the gondola for the ride back down

to Aosta on the valley floor and back to the hotel for

showers and dinner.

Before dinner each day, the whole group got together to

share their ‘Doughnut of the Day’ nominations where they

could tell everyone what funny stories they have from the

days skiing. The teachers then decided who were the

‘Doughnuts’ and they had to wear a silly hat for dinner and

evening activities.

On Thursday we had our fancy dress ski day where all

children and staff were in fancy dress for the day! Some

great thought had gone into many of the excellent outfits

on show and the locals certainly enjoyed seeing everyone

in unusual ski attire!

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On the last night, all the ski instructors joined us for dinner

at our hotel and for the presentation evening. The children

were all awarded certificates and badges from their

instructors depending on what skills they had learnt over

the week and the instructors shared some funny stories of

their own!

The instructors

commented that the

children had made

superb progress throughout the week and that they

were all very polite and listened extremely well to

instructions.

Day 7

On the last day the children still had 4 hours of ski

school but no free ski due to having to pack up the coach, have dinner and leave by 6.00pm.

The coach was certainly very quiet on the way back with lots of sleepy, tired children on

board! We caught the 7.30am ferry from Calais where we all had a cooked breakfast before

arriving back in Thetford at 11.00am, all very tired after a busy but fantastic week!

Mr Michael Hill

Ski Trip Staff Member

BBC INTRODUCING LOCAL TALENT

Last Saturday 26th March, not one but 2 TGS pupils from the same year group, were played

on BBC Radio Norfolk’s Introducing Show with Sophie Little.

Luke Peter Foster, (pictured left) a current Y13 student had a song from his

first EP played; called ‘Untitled 240’, it is 50 minutes

into the show.

Ex-pupil Callum Granger, (pictured right) from the

same year group, had a song from his first album

played called 'Waiting.' His band ‘Dog Fight’ are the second song on

the show.

If you would like to listen to the boys’ music then please follow the

link below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03mmd3p

Well done boys on your achievements

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

8 Issue No 24/2015-2016

PEER LISTENING SERVICE

We would like to say a big thank you to the following Y13 students for

all their hard work in the Peer Listening scheme.

Louise Wigglesworth Emma Ruddy Emily Bell Trina Sengupta

Holly Simpson Luke Foster Megan Gallacher Suzie Hayden

Ed Briars Finn Humphris Tom Dennis Ross Gallacher

Robbie Heighton

They have finished this role to allow them to focus on their exams; however, the service will

be continuing with a new team of Y12 students from Monday 18th April.

The Peer Listening Service is available every Monday and Thursday lunchtime from 1.20pm

in the Edith Cavell Room in School House.

Mrs Caroline Salt

Peer Listening Coordinator

THE GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK

On Sunday 22nd May Ickworth Park, Bury St Edmunds, is hosting The

Great British Dog Walk to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf

People. For an online entry fee of £10 per adult (children go free) you

can choose to take part in a 3km or 8km walk with your canine

companion. Dogs can be sponsored to help raise extra funds if you

choose and there will be a variety of stalls there on the day including

a BBQ.

Pre-registered walkers will receive a limited edition bandana for their dog and there is a free

souvenir for the owners. There will also be the opportunity to meet some trained hearing

dogs and the adorable in-training puppies.

For more information visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org or contact Rachel Clarke at

rachel.clarke@hearingdogs.org.uk 07769901291.

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

PRE-PREP COOKERY LESSONS

On Wednesday morning Pre-Prep pupils put on their aprons

and took part in their first summer term cookery lesson. This

week saw pupils create and take home a Salad Niçoise. The

children were eager to explore all the different vegetables and

bright colours that went into the salad and enjoyed becoming

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familiar with the range of food by

handling, smelling, cooking, cutting,

shaking and rolling the ingredients.

Miss Franchesca Atkins

Teaching Assistant

NEWS UPDATE: BUMPER HOUSE BOOK QUIZ

We have received an update from World Book Day about our

participation in the Guinness World Records attempt:

“Because of the volume of submissions received it took a while to

authenticate all the evidence, but we’re very excited to announce that a

whopping 11,828 of you successfully took part. That’s nearly FOUR AND

A HALF TIMES the record we needed to beat!

Over 115 schools, libraries, bookshops and publishing houses took the quiz simultaneously and

we were able to announce that we’d successfully set a new world record

on World Book Day itself, Thursday 3rdMarch 2016. We are hugely

proud and honoured to share our certificate and to THANK everyone for

your support and fantastic quizzing skills!”

I have been asked if TGS is now a record holder – it’s World Book

Day who holds the Guinness World Record but TGS Y4 – Y9 can

be very proud of being a part of it!!

Mrs Julie Settle

Librarian

SPORT RELIEF UPDATE

Staff, students and parents should be delighted with the final funds raised

for Sports Relief following our 'Conga-K' last half-term. Our aim was to

equal the amount raised through the one pound non-uniform money

donation. We are delighted to have exceeded this target with a grand total of

£689.09.

A big thank you to everyone who supported in whatever way they could.

Thank you!

Miss Daniella Dunsmore

Head of Charities

Thetford Grammar

School

10 Issue No 24/2015-2016

TOWEL APPEAL

East Winch Wildlife Centre are desperately seeking towels for

seals and we thought Spring could be a good time to rummage

through cupboards to see if you have a spare towel or two to help.

The Centre is renowned for its care of orphaned, sick or injured

seals and providing towels is one way in which we could support.

If you do find a towel or two, please hand them into the office for

now and we will update you with how the support goes!

Miss Daniella Dunsmore

Head of Charities

NEARLY NEW UNIFORM SHOP

We now have a fairly extensive range of uniform in the Nearly New

Uniform shop ranging from Blazers to PE kit. If there is any uniform you

need to replace why not call in to the office and see if we have anything

suitable for you; we can then arrange a mutually convenient time for you to

come in and have a look in the shop. Also if you have any unwanted

uniform in good condition that you would like to sell on a 50/50 basis then

please hand it in to me in the office and I will put it up for sale in the shop.

You can contact me on 01842 752840 or by email scsec@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

Just a reminder that 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

11 Issue No 24/2015-2016

PSA MEETING

The PSA are holding a meeting on Thursday 21st April at 4.15pm to discuss further events

this year. The Summer Fayre will be one of the items on the agenda and your input and help

will be invaluable. Please do come along and have a cuppa with us if you can and find out

more about how you can help and make a difference.

Mrs Clare Sutton

PSA Chair

CONGRATULATIONS

The following Arts Award pupils and students were presented with their certificates in our

whole school assembly this morning.

Bronze Award Level 1

James Blackman Sophie Gornall Megan Sidery

Isobel Curley Harriet Long Ben Trowell

Andrew Forbes Eleanor Pringle Alana Wilson

Silver Award Level 2

Alexandra Ackerman Charlotte Long Emily Tomkins

Eleanor Dickens Sophie Rose-Land Eleanor Vinton

Clarissa Katsikides Isobel Tod

Gold Award Level 3

Megan Gallacher

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MATCH RESULTS

None this week

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES

None next week

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

9th – 16th April MEP – Budapest

Saturday 16th April WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING 10am – 1.00pm

D of E Bronze Practice

Sunday 17th April D of E Bronze Practice

Monday 18th April A Level PE Moderation Day

Wednesday 20th April French Exchange Departs

Y8 & Y9 Team Maths Challenge

GCSE Drama Exam Performance

Thursday 21st April PSA Meeting 4.15pm H5

Friday 22nd April Morocco Training Weekend, Peak District

Saturday 23rd April Morocco Training Weekend, Peak District

East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Norfolk Showground

Sunday 24th April Morocco Training Weekend, Peak District

East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Norfolk Showground

Monday 25th April Y11 GCSE PE Moderation Day

Tuesday 26th April Prep School Musical in Williamson Hall 2.30pm

Wednesday 27th April Prep School Musical in Williamson Hall 6.30pm

Y8 Sainsbury Centre For Visual Arts, Norwich

Thursday 28th April Sixth Form Transition Day

Junior UKMT Maths Challenge, Williamson Hall

Friday 29th April Book Launch, Old School 7.00pm - 9.30pm

Monday 2nd May May Bank Holiday

Tuesday 3rd May Y2 – Y6 Art Trip to Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge

Thursday 19th May Prep School Open Morning

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

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Ben Trowell Nike size 9 orange football boots

Ben Mason Black PE sweatshirt and also his TGS school black jumper. Both items

are named

ATTACHMENTS

East Anglian Game & Country Fair Poster. Click here to view the attachment.

FORTHCOMING LETTERS/LETTERS SENT HOME

Pre-Prep – Y6 Prep-School Department Musical letters

Y8 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts trip 27th April

Y8 Houses of Parliament trip 6th May

Y12 Higher Education Convention 26th April 2016

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