2014/15
Term 2 Issue 6
Vision statement:
Ter
‘Creating an irresistible climate for achievement’
We challenge, support and encourage every student to
achieve their potential.
We believe effort and dedication lead to success and we
raise aspirations.
We personalise our provision to meet the needs of
individuals.
We enable our students to flourish as confident learners
and leaders of our community.
We create a culture where all stakeholders feel valued,
supported and proud.
Dates For Your Diary:
Tuesday 20th January 7pm
6th Form “Not Going to Uni” Presentation
Wednesday 21st January 6:30pm
Year 8 Options Evening
Notification of Absence
Should your child be unwell please either phone Miss Sawyer on 01225 711160 or email
absence@jogschool.org
Wingfield Car Park
We have been experiencing some difficulties with congestion in Wingfield car park at the end of the school
day. We are discussing a longer term solution but in the meantime please avoid parking on the double yellow
lines in front of the school gate.
Many Thanks for your co-operation.
Congratulations
I would like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding research projects. All psychology students
Congratulations
Students were asked to investigate an aspect of human behaviour using any
methodology. They individually read around their subject, designed a study, collected
and analysed their data. Each student then produced a journal report written in APA
style and an academic poster. There some very interesting and novel projects, but these
three students stood out. Well done!
First Place: Jemma Bottomley (Year 13)
Second Place: Sophie Shepherd (Year 13)
Third Place: Abena Biney (Year 12)
Miss Bloomfield
Proposed trip to Cardiff
Mrs Pyper is hoping to build on the successful trip to London and organise a trip to Cardiff in
the next term. If you would be interested in this trip please look out for messages via
Parentmail or on the school website.
Parentmail
Several of our families are still not signed up for this service; it allows instant communication
from the school to parents and avoids "the lost letter in bag" scenario!
In order to ensure you get vital messages from us please let us know the name of your child
and your email address.
A moving story from a Holocaust Survivor
As part of the Holocaust memorial and commemorating 70 years since the start of it, our
school had the privilege of working with one of the youngest Holocaust survivors in the
world. Eva Clarke was born in Mauthausen death camp in Austria. Her mother, Anka, had
survived three years in Terezin concentration camp before being moved to Auschwitz. She
hid her pregnancy from the Nazi's and gave birth to Eva as she arrived at Mauthausen, just
one day after the gas chambers had been dismantled. Eva's fascinating talk tells Anka and
her families story throughout the Holocaust.
Year nine and some sixth form students listened to her story and had the chance to ask some
questions. A very emotional and thought provoking experience. Thank you to everyone
involved.
The following Year 10 students have successfully completed their Peer Mentor training and many
of them have already started supporting younger students throughout the school;
Harry Rutty
Jake Donaldson
Charlotte Fortune
Emily Harrison
Imogen Hitch
Sophie Jesson
Harry Phelps
Lauren Stainer
Kira Baker
Annie Robins
Katie Alford
Seb Dyer
Chris Moore
Ruby Hawker
Richie Hogarth
Olivia Lambdin
Shania Powell
Imogen Tadman
Deanna Muffet-Dunnings
Selena Thomas
These students are valued and respected by staff and students and all of their commitment to this
role is really appreciated. Fabulous!
Mrs Baker.
Over the last half term, many students have been taking part in the brand new,
exciting Erasmus+ project, “MOVIEin g through art into the future”. JOG has
been lucky enough to be paired with five other schools in countries all over
the world; Germany, Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Martinique! Over the next three
years we will keep in regular contact with these schools, looking at how different schools function
around the world and will eventually create a film describing our ideal European school.
Over the next three years, small groups of students will have the opportunity
to visit each partner school to look at the differences between school life
abroad and at JOG, before reporting back to the group. We will then work
together to create our film, giving students the opportunity to use a range of
multimedia equipment which they may not have come across yet in lessons.
So far this term we have been creating Christmas and New Year greeting cards
to introduce JOG to our partner schools, as well as designing a logo for the
project.
After Christmas, we look forward to exchanging e-mails with the students around the world,
comparing hobbies and favourite films, before we begin writing our script for the film.
We are always looking for students to join in with the project and love to see new faces each
week, so keep a look out for the next meeting date after Christmas!
Mrs Gibbs and Miss Morgan.
Year 7 Ice Skating
Franklin and Hawking House would like to say a
big thank you to Mrs Gibbs and Mrs Powell for
organising a fantastic Year 7 Ice Skating trip to
Whitehall Garden Centre. The students threw
themselves into it (some quite literally!) and a
thoroughly good time was had by all. A special
mention goes to Mr Gallally and Mr Mockett,
our very own Torvil and Dean, for coming along
and supporting the students on the Ice. The
students were wonderfully behaved and we
were happy to return with all fingers fully
intact and no broken limbs!
Merry Christmas!
Mrs Brown (Head of Franklin House) and Miss
Gaskin (Head of Hawking House)
Christmas Events in the Music Department
On Thursday 11th December the Music department held its annual Christmas Carol Service at Holy
Trinity Church. Once again the Church was full with an audience of over 325 people
coming to see 150 students across all of the years, and staff, perform. A variety of
music was performed by the different ensembles and also included the traditional
carols. One new highlight this year was the folk group. Everyone left the service
feeling festive after having joined in with some of the traditional carols! The Music
department would like to thank all of the students who were involved and all of the parents and
relatives who have supported the Christmas events. The Carol Service was recorded so if you
would like a CD of the music please see either Mrs Moore or Mr Jones. We would like to wish you
all a very merry Christmas!
Carol Singing
The Music department took a group of
students to Staverton House care home
to sing carols to the residents. Those at
the home enjoyed singing along with
our students and afterwards said how
well they sang. They were a real credit to themselves and the school. Well done and thank you!
The Christmas Celebration Concert
On Wednesday 17th December the Music department hosted its
annual Christmas Celebration Concert in Gloucester Hall. This concert
is slightly different to the Carol Service, particularly in the second half
when all the Santa hats and reindeer ears come out! There was a great
mix of Christmas music during the evening with a mix of different
ensembles, duets and soloists.
Once again we had the audience joining at the end of the evening singing We Wish You a Merry
Christmas! We would like to thank all of the students involved as well as for the support from the
parents and staff. A special mention goes to all of the soloists whose performances were of such a
high calibre. The evening was really entertaining and enjoyed by all, with everyone leaving feeling
‘Christmassy’!
London Visit
On Saturday nearly 100 staff and John of Gaunt families travelled to London for the school's annual
visit. The weather was fantastic and families made the most of their trip to visit famous landmarks
such as Buckingham palace and The Tower of London. Others enjoyed activities such as visiting
Harrods and Hamleys and seeing the Christmas lights in Oxford and Regent Street. Next year I am
hoping to run a shopping day to Cardiff at the request of a couple of parents and will let you know
next term when this will be. Have a lovely and peaceful Christmas.
Mrs Pyper
Exam Invigilators Required
We are currently looking to recruit a number of reliable and responsible invigilators to supervise exams.
These are ad-hoc positions without fixed working days, hours worked would be on a
demand basis. You will be expected to be flexible in the days and times that you are
available to work.
The roles carry a high level of responsibility without the need for formal training
or experience, the main aspect of this role is to ensure that strict exam
conditions are adhered to. Your duties would include preparing the rooms,
distribution of scripts and supervision of students during examinations.
You must have an approachable personality, the ability to be flexible and work as part of a team.
If you are looking for an ad-hoc role and feel that you meet the criteria required then we are keen to hear from you.
Contact Details: Mrs Cottle – Examinations Officer Email: exams@jogschool.org Salary: £6.67 per hour
Exam dates January 2015 to July 2015
Wingfield & Mackereth
Monday 12th – Friday 16th January
Monday 26th January
Friday 30th January
Monday 02nd March
Tuesday 03rd March
Monday 09th – Friday 13th March
Monday 16th – Friday 20th March
Monday 11th May - Friday 26th June
Monday 22nd June - Morning (Period 1 & 2)
Monday 22nd June - Mid Morning (Period 3 & 4)
Monday 22nd June - Afternoon (Period 5)
Tuesday 23rd June - Morning (Period 1 & 2)
Tuesday 23rd June -Mid Morning (Period 3 & 4)
Tuesday 23rd June - Afternoon (Period 5)
Wednesday 24th June - Morning (Period 1 & 2)
Wednesday 24th June -Mid Morning (Period 3 & 4)
Thursday 25th June - Morning (Period 1 & 2)
Thursday 25th June - Morning (Period 3 & 4)
Monday 29th June –Tuesday 07th July
Thursday 13th August
Thursday 20th August
Year 12 & 13 Mock Exam Week 1
Year 11 Eng Lang Mock
Year 8 English Internal Exam
End of KS3 Maths Paper 1 - Year 9 (all in Wingfield over
two sessions)
End of KS3 Maths Paper 2 - Year 9 (all in Wingfield over
two sessions)
Year 11 Mock Exam Week
Year 12 & 13 Mock Exam Week 2
Summer Exam window
Year 7 English Internal (SPAG) Exam
Year 8 Science Internal Exam
Year 9 Science Internal Exam
Year 7 Maths Paper 1 Internal Exam
Year 8 Maths Paper 1 Internal Exam
Year 9 Maths Internal Exam
Year 7 Maths Paper 2 Internal Exam
Year 8 Maths Paper 2 Internal Exam
Year 9 English Internal (SPAG) Exam
Year 8 English Internal (SPAG) Exam
Year 10 Mock Exam Week
GCE A2/AS Summer RESULTS
GCSE Summer RESULTS
Library and Learning Resources Centre
Our Patron of Reading – Kate Maryon
Kate Maryon, visited the school on 2nd December to speak to the whole of Year 7 in Wingfield Hall. Kate’s
talk was honest and filled with hope, recalling her troubled childhood and how, despite this, she was
compelled to become a writer. Kate is in the early stages of writing her next novel but, for now, here is a
selection of Kate’s books available to borrow in the Library:
Kate will be visiting us again next term to present workshops in the Library for groups of students
in Year 7 and Year 8. She will also be joining the after-school reading group on a Monday early in
January. The reading group have been busy writing a selection of short stories and Kate will be
giving them advice on creative writing. These short stories will eventually be ‘published’ in-house
and available for everyone to read in the Library.
I would like to thank Kate for her continued commitment to the school.
After-school Reading Group & After-school Manga Reading Group
The groups meet on a Monday and Thursday, respectively. This term, both groups have been demonstrating
their imagination and wit by creating their own stories. The Monday group choose a different reading activity
each week and the final activity of each term is writing their own short story. The Wednesday group have
been engrossed with writing their own graphic novel which is a huge undertaking as they are including their
own illustrations alongside the text. So far it is a very entertaining read and next term we hope to publish the
graphic novel (again, in-house) and make it available for everyone to read in the Library.
Well done to both reading groups. They all received a special reward on the last Monday of term – a joint
Christmas Party. Needless to say, storytelling was the highlight of the gathering!
A Merry Christmas to you all,
A Carter - Librarian & Learning Resources Manager
Library Clubs (All Year Groups welcome)
Monday – Thursday 3:00-4:00pm & Friday 3:00-3:30pm
After-school Homework Club
A quiet place to study, conduct research or just browse for information. There are
many, many books to support you with your subject/topic research as well as
networked computers. Mrs. Carter is available during Homework Club for information and advice.
Every Lunchtime 1:05-1:35pm
Puzzle Club
These educational puzzles support the development and co-ordination of a wealth
of skills, such as lateral thinking, numeracy and literacy, spatial awareness, visual
perception, fine motor skills, problem solving and much more. The club also helps new
students to integrate with others during their free time.
Every Lunchtime 1:05-1:35pm
Manga Drawing Club
Improve your drawing skills using the Manga ‘starter’ books. Stretch yourself
to the artwork of Manga graphic novels such as Bleach, Naruto, Fruits Basket,
One Piece, Vampire Knight and many, many more.
Every Lunchtime 1:05-1:35pm
The Origami Society
Are you creative? Do you have a vivid imagination? Put your skills to the test and join us.
Paper and scissors are provided. All creations will be displayed around the Library each term.
HAPPY FOLDING!
Monday – Thursday 3:00-4:00pm
The ‘All Stars’ Reading Group
Come along and have first pick of the new books and meet new people. We
have lively discussions, book reviews and debates. Students also take part
in a variety of reading challenges and activities. Carnegie/Greenaway Shadowing runs from April to June
each year when we read and discuss the shortlisted books over a Literary Tea. (See www.ckg.org.uk).
We celebrate the winning books at our annual ‘Carnegie Party’.
Wednesday 3:00-3:45pm
The Otaku Club
If you are a Manga fan, whether it is the art form or the Manga Graphic Novels, then this is the club for
you. We meet to discuss all things Manga or you can just sit and read from the large collection
of novels or sketch your favourite Manga character. We usually enjoy Japanese sweets and
biscuits (and the odd Sushi) at the end of every half term. Members are currently writing
their very own graphic novel and we hope to see it ‘published’ and available for everyone to read
in the Library next term.
Not the best place to do your homework.
We have a solution……
The English Department Homework Club
We recognise that sometimes there just isn’t space, quiet or technology at home,
so why not do your English homework here?
Join Ms P-C from 3-4pm in L4.
Tuesday KS3
Thursday KS4
Take advantage of assistance, resources and a quiet space.
Contact your English Teacher NOW!!! (NO EXCUSES)
English Intervention 'Preparing for the Mock'.
After School 3 - 4pm in L12
Monday/Wednesday Foundation Tier with Ms Plues-Clark
Monday/Wednesday Higher Tier with Mrs Wood
English Homework help
KS3 Tuesday 3-4 L4
KS4 Thursday 3-4 L4
Purchase of Spanish and French dictionaries
Year 7 students have all been given a letter about buying a Collins Easy Learning Spanish dictionary
from the Modern Languages Faculty.
If students in other year groups would like to buy one, we have them for £6 (the RRP is £9.99 so this is a
significant saving.) Parents can pay through Parent Pay (our preferred method of payment), or hand in
cash (exact change please) or cheques to Wingfield Reception. Students will be issued with their
dictionary by their Spanish or French teacher.
Ms Lopez - Director of Learning - Modern Languages Faculty - vlopez@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Lunch Times 1:05-1:35pm
After School 3.15pm-4.15pm
Monday
Clarinet Ensemble - NMO in G1
Vocal Group – LJO in G9
Open House – music practise rooms
Monday
GCSE and A Level Computer Access – in G5
School Show Rehearsals – NMO, GBR, LRO, LJO
Open House – music practise rooms
Tuesday
Samba Group – LJO in G9
String Orchestra – NMO in G5
Year 7 Drama Club – LRO in Drama Studio
Open House – music practise rooms
Tuesday
Wednesday
Flute Group – NMO in G5
Guitar Group – in G9
Open House – music practise rooms
Wednesday
Wind Band - LJO in G1
School Show Rehearsals – NMO, GBR, LRO, LJO
Open House – music practise rooms
Thursday
Hand Chimes – NMO in G5
Open House – music practise rooms
Thursday
Choral Group – LJO in G9
School Show Rehearsals – NMO, GBR, LRO, LJO
Open House – music practise rooms
Friday
GCSE and A Level Computer Access – in G5
School Show Rehearsals
Folk Group – LJO in G9
Open House – music practise rooms
Friday
No Clubs
GCSE/A Level Music Coursework Sessions – LJO & NMO
GCSE Drama Coursework Sessions – GBR/LRO
School Show Rehearsals – NMO, GBR, LRO, LJO
Open House – music practise rooms
Please note that rehearsal schedules for the school show will be handed out in more detail to the cast and crew
Extra Curricular Time Table Term 3 & 4
After School 3.15pm – 4.15pm
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Activity
Badminton
Football (Field)
Netball
Boys Basketball (SH)
Wednesday
Hockey (Astro)
Boys Basketball (SH)
Fitness (Gym)
Touch Rugby
Girls Football (Astro)
Thursday
Friday
DofE
Trampolining (SH)
Netball
Table Tennis
Football
Basketball
Who For?
All Years (SH)
Year 10 & 11
Year 8 & 9
KS3
Mixed, All years
KS4
All Years
All Years
All Years
In the CLC
All Years
Year 7
Mixed, All Years
Years 7, 8 & 9
All Years
Who With?
Coach
JDU/IWA
SLO/MGA
SOT
HML
SCA
JMO
VMA
JDU
DGA
SOT
SLO/MGA
Coach
IWA/BRH/JMO/JMU
Sixth Formers
Also Wednesday Lunchtimes Walking Football with MLI
Hockey Club
Hockey Club (Wednesday after school 3-4pm) this term has been extremely well subscribed with students
from every house and every year group attending regularly. The focus, match wise, has been on KS3 but the
KS4 students have maintained their positive approach AND been very supportive, working
with the younger members of the club with their skills and movement off the ball.
Their hard work and encouragement have paid off with the Year 7 team coming 3rd in
their tournament held at Kingdown School on November 6th and the Years 8/9 team
coming joint 1st in their tournament held at home on November 23rd.
Hockey Club will continue next term with the match focus on KS4. I hope to see more of you from ALL years
developing your skills and love of the game.
Uniform – A reminder:
This September has started well with the vast majority of students arriving in school with excellent uniform and
appearance. It was a real pleasure to see Year 7’s arriving dressed smartly and ready to start learning. Smart
uniform sets a positive tone for the learning day.
As a school we know that there occasions when uniform can be lost or damaged at the last minute. On these
occasions please could you write a note in your child’s planner and ask them to report to the Head of House
office (G109) where they can be issued with a uniform slip allowing up to 5 working days for uniform to be
corrected.
There are still a few issues with hair style which have been cut extremely short with a razor. The guidelines for
school are that hair should be no shorter than a number 3 cut. We also subscribe the same health and safety
rules as all other Wiltshire Schools which allow no piercings other than one pair of stud earrings, one earing per
ear. All other piercings must be removed.
As always, if you have problems in purchasing uniform please contact the member of the Pastoral Team for your
child’s House for confidential support.
Welfare Concerns
If you have any concerns about your child, from the very small to more significant ones, The John of Gaunt
School has someone in place to help and support you and your child. For most minor issues the first person to
contact is your child’s tutor. They see your child every day and can deal will issues that arise from time to time
such as minor friendship issues or worries about school work or homework. The email for your child’s tutor and
house leader is in their planner.
For more serious welfare concerns we have a very experienced pastoral team including a Student Liaison Officer
and a Pastoral Support Manager linked to each House. If your concern is medical, Our Pastoral Support Manager
For Vulnerable Students, Mrs Jones is a trained paramedic and is your first point of contact. Helen Kerr is the
Assistant head Teacher who has overall responsibility for Welfare and child protection and she heads up these
teams and works with the House leaders and their teams to ensure that all students are supported and cared for
during their time at The John of Gaunt School. All of these people are available to be contacted via the telephone
or via email – see below. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything you are concerned about.
Helen Kerr: Assistant Head Teacher Tel: 01225 762637 Ext 203
Email: hkerr@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Mel Baker: Student Liaison Officer Tel: 01225 762637 Ext 209
Email: mbaker@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Kerry Jones: Assistant Pastoral Support manager for Vulnerable Students
Tel: 01225 762637 Ext 227
Email: kjones@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Franklin House: Sarah Hill
Tel: 01225 72637 Ext 255
Email: sjhill@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Greenfield House: Katie Galbraith
Tel: 01225 762637 Ext 254
Email: kgalbraith@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Hawking House: Sarah Stewart
Tel: 01225 762637 Ext 258
Email: sstewart@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk
Newton House: Claire Caulfield-Smith Tel: 01225 762637 Ext 256
Email: ccaulfield-smith@johnofgaunt.wilts.sch.uk