THAMESVIEW 2010

The Government has begun a plan to ensure that all secondary schools in the country will have the facilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This requires a radi-cal review of the curriculum and buildings that will enable the changes to take place. This programme is called Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Gravesham will be the first place in Kent where this will take place. Thamesview, along with St. Johns and the two schools in Northfleet, now have our designs and we are working with the contracting company – Land Securities Trillium (LST) – to complete the details so that building will begin in June. The new school is planned to be ready in March 2010. As Thamesview will be completely rebuilt, with the exception of the Vocational Centre, lessons will continue in our present building until the new one is ready. On 6th March 2008, the date of our Parents’ Forum, there will be an opportunity to see the designs and talk to the architects and builders, as well as the Thamesview staff, about this historic enterprise. We will send out more details, once the programme for the evening has been finalised. Mr I Wallis Deputy Head

An impression of the new front entrance – we have already changed the colour since this design!

Continued on back page Win, win,

win...see our competition on page 8!

NEW YEAR—NEW LEARNING Spr ing Term 3

February 2008

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

New ‘Bike Barn’ 2

Year 11 Art School 4

Eco News 5

Diggerland 6

Ullswater Trip 7

Year 7 Trip to France 10

News for Parents 12

THAMES VIEWS

Dear Parents, Carers, Governors, Teachers, Students and Friends, It is with sadness that I write this Term’s Head-teacher’s Letter to our Thamesview community. As you know we lost one of our Year 7 family members, Luke Squires, who tragically died in a road traffic accident in January. His death has been a reminder to us all about road safety, but also about how much we need to treasure all life’s opportunities placed before us regardless of our age. I have been very proud of our student community, who have rallied around each other, but in particular of Luke’s Year 7 friends, and his Form Group, 7H, who have shown such maturity in coming to terms with this tragedy. All Luke’s friends, close or distant, have contributed to a Book of Remembrance that we will give as a gift to Luke’s family. Our thoughts and prayers have been with Luke’s family, who know that the school would like at some future date to discuss a more lasting memorial to their son.

CYCLE TO SCHOOL CONTRACT (DRAFT) (STUDENT EDITION)

Dear Student Thamesview School is aiming to reduce the number of car journeys each day. This is good for the environment (less pollution), good for local traffic (less congestion), and good for improved health and well-being. If you wish to be part of this scheme and have a space in our bike barn you must read the following conditions and agree to them. They are all designed for your personal safety. • All bicycles must be roadworthy. • All cyclists must wear an approved cycle helmet on their journey. • An easily visible jacket or tabard is advisable especially when light conditions are poor. • A cycling proficiency qualification is required. • Cyclists must push their cycles when inside school grounds. • Cyclists must always have and use a lock for their cycle in the barn. • Any dangerous or inconsiderate behaviour will mean that permission to cycle to school will be withdrawn. I have read and understood the above guidelines of the ‘Cycle to School Contract’. Name …………………………………………………………. Signed by Rider ………………………………………………

New ‘Bike Barn’ at TVS This coming March sees the arrival of a fantastic new ‘Bike Barn’ at Thamesview School. This facility can securely house up to 48 bicycles. As a school, we are very keen to promote the use of this facility to students, parents and all other relevant stakeholders. The mode of travel chosen for a child's journey to school is recognised as having an impact not only on their safety but their health and personal development and of course the environment in which they live. As part of Thamesview School Travel Plan, a new Bicycle Barn will be installed on site. We believe that cycling brings many benefits, for students and also for the wider community. We hope that you will support the school in its attempt to increase the awareness and use of this great facility. Jo Ryan

A number of parents have contacted us at school con-cerned about the general road safety of students, as this loss puts into sharper focus the dangers on our roads. We are currently in communication with the Police for them to assist in extending our existing road safety programme, which will be put into practice next Term. However, in the meantime, please can I ask every parent and carer to help us, by observing our own on-school speed limit of 5 mph, and to avoid using our entrance as a turning point as this compromises the safety of all trying to enter our School. Thank you for your assistance in making our School a safe one. Regards, Rhiannon Hughes Headteacher

GRAFTY GREEN Here are Metin and Peter two members of the year 19 BTEC Skills for Working Life group at Grafty Green Garden Centre, near Leeds Castle. The group went to choose seeds from an enormous range which they plan to grow at school. The group were amazed by the wide range of products available and had a great lesson in a different environment. Mrs F Lewis

STUDENTS TRIUMPH AT OCNW LEVEL 2 MUSIC COURSE

At the beginning of the autumn term of this academic year, a group of Year 10 and 11 students took part in a ten week OCNW music course. The course consisted of the students being split into two groups, with the intention of creating an CD by the end of the ten week period and gaining an OCNW Level 2 Qualification. Both groups created their own track, gaining skills in the use of two types of music software:

Cub-base and Logic Pro 7. Both music technology as well as a range of students’ instrumental recordings were used to create the tracks. As well as creating the track itself, the students also had to carry out research into Home Studio Equipment and also endure a theory test of the software that they had used, in order to pass and gain the qualification. The students, as listed below, would like to thank Clive and Antonio for assisting them in passing the course and gaining the OCHN Qualification, and Tammy Foley for organising the course. All the participating students found the course extremely enjoyable and gained much knowledge into music technology. Saheed Abdul 11M Jack Bridger 11H Colin Crowhurst 11H Oliver Farnes 11S Josh Frost 11A Lloyd Walters 11M Rebecca Liqorish 11M Harjit Maan 11S Elliott Nelson 11A Ellis Ramsey 11M Carrie Anne Tree 11S Daniel Grant 10E

Danielle Hollingum 11T by Ellis Ramsey and Rebecca Liquorish “The music course was a great opportunity for myself and others interested in taking music technology further. We learnt new skills and lots of tricks and tips involved with the software we used, along with learning what is involved with producing a music track using music technology.”

Excellent ICT Results Well done to the Year 11 ICT students who had their coursework moderated at the end of last term. The Moderator was very impressed with the very high quality of work produced. She said “The Centre should be commended on excellent practice.” “Candidate work is at a high standard”. OCR Moderator, December 2007 Mr E Temiz

YEAR 11 STUDENTS VISIT ART SCHOOL Twelve Year 11 students had some experience of what it is like at Art School when they attended Canterbury Christchurch University’s Folkstone Campus. Whilst there, they produced some large scale drawings, based on enlarging some textile designs in charcoal and drawing small everyday objects on large paper. They were taught by lecturers from the university and although three schools attended, particular attention was given to how Thamesview students had produced impressive results. Well done to all the students involved and thanks should be given to “Aimhigher” who organised the event. May I take this opportunity to remind all GCSE Art students that the Art Club is now on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Year 10 and 11 students.

“COME IN ON A SATURDAY”?

When looking for students to give up a precious Saturday morning to do some school work where, else would you look other than to the Thamesview Year 10 BTEC first Diploma course for likely volunteers. But worse than that, the lucky candidates had to be selected to be allowed to give up their free time……..Doesn’t sound too attractive does it?! Step forward Elle Carter and James May. They were chosen to represent the school at a real life community planning meeting held at Marling Way Library. The Council had decided to consult all local residents to decide how some underused waste land should be developed and used for the good of all. The group consisted of council members, the police, architects and planners and of course the residents. With a 95 year old gentleman named Jim representing the senior residents, and James and Elle the other end of the age scale. After some heated debates and a site visit, everybody had the opportunity to put their ideas across to the group. The points that both James and Elle put in were well received and were in fact ideas that nobody else had thought about. So if you get a visiting Fair or a new dance centre in the area you might have to thank James and Elle. Both students really enjoyed themselves and witnessed first-hand live planning in action and contributed in some style. So much so, both Thamesview students have been invited to attend a weekly steering group on local planning which is good news. The bad news is it starts after school finishes! Mr S Hargest

Mr R Curtis

A huge thank you to Mrs Linda Clarke and the the 2nd Cliffe Scouts for kindly donating over 100 ink cartridges to our recycling campaign. These filled over two large cartons and have been sent off in support of the Born Free Organisation.

Thamesview Celebrates After months of hard work from the students and your-selves, we have finally met the criteria required to allow us to apply for one of the prestigious Eco Schools’ Award. Left is four of our hardworking ‘Eco Warriors,’ proudly displaying our newly acquired Bronze Certificate; need-less to say we are now striving towards the Silver.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a huge thank you to Joe and Sam who work industriously behind the scenes in their role as ‘Eco Warriors.’ Joe and Sam collect paper not only from their Form but the Main Office, Office Three, Vocational Block, Learning Mentors’ Office and Inclusion Room. Mrs J Dean

Thamesview were lucky enough to be offered 10 places on the Forest Schools’ Programme at Shorne Wood Country Park. In this the students have been learning about the environment and how to create items from natural materials. So far the students have made pencils and whistles and are looking forward to creating tent pegs, mallets and an eco shelter. This programme will be running at several times in the year after school and I would like all interested students to look out for posters advertising the next intake of students. So far all of the students have enjoyed ‘getting back to nature’ even if it has meant some muddy expeditions! Mr P Belsey

Thames Views Page 5

Joe Degnin Year 9, Sam Bannister Year 9 Ben Cawood Year 7 and Connor Murphy Year 7

Recycling of ink cartridges and mobile phones is an on-going project. Please keep supporting the students in their endeavours with your donations.

Forest Schools’ Programme

Page 6 Spring Term 3

They were also instructed how to drive the 5 m long Telehander Loader and learned how to operate the fork lift attachment to pick up loads and place them accurately. Super-cool Josh Jarvis, Mark Dallimore, Jack Ryan and Nathan Dallimore discovered they were skilled at manoeuvring the 7 ton vehicle and Nathan observed that ‘This is much better than school!’ No contest!! The afternoon brought yet a further technical talk on how hydraulics work and the students gathered information towards their Health and Safety unit so that they would be able to risk assess construction site machinery, known as ‘plant’. They enjoyed the Centre all to them-selves and were treated to a high rise view from the top of the larger

One of Vocational Construction’s favourite days out at Diggerland was the best yet. On Tuesday 5 February the Apprentices were privileged to be the very first group to experience a day out to remember! The forecast of rain held off long enough for the students to learn and experience what it is like to drive and use heavy plant machines, as hired out by the owners of Digger-land, H&E Hire. Our obliging hosts Andy and Simon gave the 7 students experience and training on driving a new JCB 3CX worth £50,000. Their comprehen-sive presentations included a Health and Safety induction, technical talk on the vehicles followed by learning to drive across rough terrain and earth moving. Georgia Bradford is from Northfleet Girls School and demonstrated skills to impress her instructor Andy. He should know talent when he sees it as he does stunts in these mega machines! George Wade from North-fleet Technical College is currently working one day a week at Provian’s site at Greenwich University, has gained considerable site experience already and took it all in his stride. Blake Mochrie Cox also discovered he was a talented driver operator as he casually shifted over a ton of earth in one easy manoeuvre with one scoop of the bucket shovel fixed to the front.

Telehander, which has a tele-scopic lifting arm that rises up to 17m. Unphased by this they also had a ‘ride’ on the specially adapted JCB………. ‘Dizzy Spinner’ which spun them around in theme park ride seating fitted into the ‘bucket’ of the machine. Despite screams of “Go Faster!!!”, from thrill seeker Nathan. Andy only spun them so fast that they experienced an acceleration of 2G, which meant they felt they weighed twice as much! This contrasted with the weightlessness they experienced as the bucket suddenly dropped 4m. Their teachers Anne Schuster and Adrian Wilkinson looked on in awe and marvelled at the ability of the students to keep their lunch down! Considering for most of the team it was their first experience of driving any vehicle, the students certainly proved that the Apprentices are a talented bunch and showed their potential for learning quickly and behaving safely. Miss P Blayney

One of Construction’s Favourite Days Out Just Got Even Better!!

Thames Views Page 7

Year 10 Tackle Ullswater

Just imagine, eight students and two staff braving the skill of ‘Jog and Dip’, over-night camp in a log cabin with no electricity and having to carry your food bedding and fuel up a mountain for 11km. However, the best bit was walking down the mountain in the morning realising that the minibus which was waiting for us was really not for us but delivering the Canada canoes for a 7km paddle back to base camp. Did we enjoy it? “YES!” Would we do it again? “YES!”

Congratulations to all who took part: Kirsty Drynan Natasha Clare Ellie Turner Victoria Bainbridge Naomi Paternoster Daniel Grant Jake High Jamie Rayner Mr Frame

Aimhigher Roadshow The Aimhigher Roadshow has been on the road throughout the country and on the 29th of January the trailer finally arrived at Thamesview School. Ninety students from Year 9 took part throughout the day and experienced what life is like at University and the endless options available after college. Sitting on the comfiest beanbags known to man, we watched DVDs, listened to a presentation, surfed our way through the Aimhigher Website and asked as many questions as we could think of! The day was great fun and thanks to everyone involved. Andy Burgess Aimhigher Learning Mentor

Tear Off Slip—Competition— Win £10 CD/Book Token (all correct entries will go into a prize draw)

Your Name:…………………………………………………………………………..……. Form: …………….

‘Tear-off Slip’ and answers to: Mrs McGregor by Friday 7th March Parent/Guardian Signature: ………………………………………………

Term Dates 4 26th February—4th April 2008

Holiday 21st, 24th March Easter—students return Wednesday 26th March 2008

5 21st April—23rd May 2008

6 2nd June—12.35pm 23rd July 2008

Page 8 Spring Term 3

Question Answers

When will the new school be ready?

Which Art School did the Year 11 students visit?

Where was the Construction students’ favourite place to visit?

When did the Aimhigher Roadshow visit Thamesview?

Which stadium in France did Year 7 students visit?

Which House team is leading?

Thamesview School

Thong Lane Gravesend Kent DA12 4LF

Phone: 01474 566552 Headteacher Miss R Hughes

Other Important Dates 5th + 10th March GCSE Science Module Tests for Year 10, 11 and 9A1 (parents please ensure students are in school) 6th March 7.00pm Parents Forum—Details of the new School 13th March 4.00pm Year 8 Parents Evening 28th March 6.30pm PTFA Quiz Night 12th June 7.00pm Parents Forum 20th June 6.30pm PTFA Race Night

*FREE*FREE*FREE* Maths & English

Qualifications L1/2 IT Courses

Certificate in ICT Word Processing

CLAIT ECDL

ESOL Classes

NEW YEAR—NEW LEARNING

Above The Pembroke 23-25 King Street

Gravesend Kent DA12 2DU

Phone 01474 566588

ATTENTION ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES

Thamesview are offering a unique opportunity to local businesses to support our school and

our newsletter publications. Thames Views is expensive to produce and we have there-

fore decided to offer advertising space. Call Mrs McGregor on 01474 538112 to discuss.

Only £50 + VAT!

Christmas Concert It was wonderful to see a huge audience at the school Christmas Concert (well over 200), which turned out to be a great success. We had students from all year groups taking part in this event; singing, dancing, musical solos and for the first time a dedicated Christmas performance of ‘ A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. It was a spectacular event that was made even better as it was run and supported by a group of Year 10 Performing Arts students. They took responsibility for the set design, marketing and stage management of the whole show. They Also wrote the script for Santa to perform. It seems the talent at Thamesview is endless and of an extremely high quality and I look forward to the next event……The X Factor Talent Show!!!!! Paul Belsey Head of Creative Arts

Page 10 Spring Term 3

On 7th December 2007 50 Year 7 students had the opportunity to go on a trip to France, organised by Mrs Edwards. The journey started quite early—we were to meet at 5 o’clock outside the school, where we travelled by coach to the Eurotunnel. The first part of the trip was the visit to Lens Stadium; we had the chance to go into the changing rooms and then went on the pitch, and finally to the gift shop. We then headed towards College Michelet where the students enjoyed a French Meal and had a tour of the school. They really appreciated talking

to French students and comparing a French school to their own. We left Lens around 2.30pm and on our way to Lille we stopped at Vimy to have a look at the war memorial and the trenches. The last part of our trip was the Christmas market in Lille. The students enjoyed walking round the small market, bought some presents and some of them even got on the Big Wheel. Then, on the way back they played some games with Mr Frame on the shuttle.

On the whole, it was a really good day for everybody. As for me, it was the first time I had been on a trip with an English school and also the first time I had been to Lens and Lille! It was really strange to be in France with English people and I got a bit confused when I had to change from one language to the other. I really enjoyed it! Laetitia Calvayrac French Assistant

The best parts about this trip was on the train and on the coach. The best place was the stadium and the school. Although we had to get up early at 5am we still had a fun day. I took lots of pictures and I think we should go again. In my opinion it was a brilliant day and there was always something to do; it was a fun filled day! Jack Tomkinson

The French trip was great although the coach was a bit bumpy. We had to get there at 5am. We went to a football club in Lens, a school in Lille and then we went to a market. My favourite part was the market as I could get some nice presents. Matthew Raff

I liked the French trip. The best part of it was when we went to the market. Even though there wasn’t much there to buy we had fun walking around. Georgia Stewart

I really enjoyed the trip to France. I enjoyed meeting the French students and looking around the French school. I would like to go back to France again one day. Bethany Caller

The French trip was very good. Danny Verge I liked all the sites and sounds. I was very happy; it was a good day and I wish I could go again. Josh Blackwell

THAMESVIEW ’S TEAM SPIRIT!

KEEP FIT FOR PARENTS

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year and hope you are all making healthy New Year resolutions! As the Head of PE and Physical Activity Coordinator, I would like to offer you the chance to become healthier in 2008. Thamesview School is currently applying for Healthy School Status. I am sure you are aware that any physical activity you do improves your health. Benefits include keeping fit and socialising with new friends. I would therefore like to offer you the chance to attend some adult only physical activity clubs that I will be running this year. If you would like to attend please contact the school. Clubs will run from 3.30pm until 4.30pm every other Friday beginning on Friday 29th February. Please note this is for parents and carers only. Clubs on offer this term are: Yoga, Aerobics and Table Tennis. Mr G Robinson

House Name Points

Cambria 34

Vigilant 40

Centaur 28

Mirosa 42

Thames Views Page 11

Come on Centaur!

Due to the popularity of last year’s events, Thamesview PTFA are holding a Quiz Night on Friday 28th March from 6:30-10:00pm. The PTFA are also planning another Race Night on Friday 20th June from 6:30-10:00pm. Tickets for both events will be available from the Finance Office or the PTFA Committee Members. The next PTFA meeting takes place on the 10th March at 6:30pm. Mr A Aibangbee

Part of the new Heart Space (the

centre of the school).

The Heart Space being used for a

performance

Plan of the site showing the location of the new building