1 Issue No 26/2015-2016

Thetford Grammar School

The small, friendly school that gets results for individuals.

29th April 2016

Dear Pupils and Parents,

It has been a very eventful and busy week in many ways. We have thoroughly enjoyed

many of the events and activities here at Thetford Grammar School.

I would like to thank all the pupils and the teachers, coordinated by Mrs Nicki Peace, Head

of Preparatory School, who provided two excellent performances this week of the musical

The Keymaster. Wednesday’s evening performance, particularly, was very well attended

and supported by many friends of the school, family members and staff. My special thanks

are extended to the PSA and Mrs Clare Sutton for their generous support; the Mayor and

Mayoress of Thetford, and our Chair of Governors, Mrs Maureen Eade, for their attendance

at the performances. The children were all delightful and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the

result of their hard work and effort. Well done to all.

The school has been celebrating the life and works of William Shakespeare and the 400 years

since his death in 1616. We have all thoroughly enjoyed reading the many famous quotes

from his plays and poems that are dotted around the school and taking part in the quiz

arranged and organised by Mrs Julie Settle, TGS Librarian.

Our prospective Sixth Formers appeared to be enthused by their ‘TGS VI Experience’

yesterday. There were many informative lessons, lectures and activities all designed to

provide more information about the next step for the Year 11s. Many members of staff

helped to provide a very positive and useful day with particular thanks to Mrs Linda

Pearson, prospective Head of Sixth Form, for coordinating the entire day.

We have held two PSA meetings in quick succession over the past week or so. Discussions

yesterday were focussed on the final plans for the TGS Summer Fayre on Saturday 2nd July.

My thanks to the staff members and many parents from across the school phases who

attended and contributed to the meetings’ success. Do please be reminded that all parents

are cordially invited to attend all PSA Meetings. New members are especially welcome.

Last week TGS pupils had a very special delivery of seeds, some of which have been in outer

space aboard the International Space Station. Thetford Grammar School is one of a number

of schools taking part in growing the seeds and monitoring their development, coordinated

by Mrs Tracy Granger, Head of Science. Tim Peake, British astronaut, currently aboard the

ISS said: “This is a really exciting week for the hundreds of thousands of young people

across the country who will begin their Rocket Science experiments. I’d like to wish

everyone taking part the best of luck with their investigations and I look forward to seeing

some of the results.”

On that very positive note, I shall wish you all a happy and restful weekend.

Mr Mark S. Bedford Headmaster

2 Issue No 26/2015-2016

OVERVIEW

Pre-Prep Moon Rock PE lesson Book Order Form

Y8 Visit to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art Nearly New Uniform Shop Opening Times

Pre-Prep Maths Tomorrow’s Achievers

Prep School Musical – The Keymaster The Great British Dog Walk

Sixth Form Experience Day Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers

MEP (Model European Parliament) Match Results

Denmark Visit Group 3 Next Week’s Fixtures

7H Marathon in a Month Lost Property

Cricket Masterclass Attachments

Thetford Parkrun Forthcoming letters/Letters sent home

PRE-PREP MOON ROCK PE LESSON

After exploring the Moon in P.E, Pre-Prep pupils have

continued their journey in Space and have been investigating

Moon rocks in Science.

Weighing, feeling and describing the

rocks helped the pupils to predict

which will be the heaviest. Further

thinking enabled the pupils to

discover that it was not necessarily the larger rock that was the

heaviest.

Max said “the Moon rocks felt crumbly, rocky and very hard”.

Miss Francesca Atkins

Teaching Assistant

Y8 VISIT TO THE SAINSBURY CENTRE FOR VISUAL ART

On Wednesday 27th April the whole of Y8 visited the Sainsbury

Centre for Visual Art, Norwich to explore World Art and its

influence on Modern Artists.

The day started with a tour by the museum guides who brought

the intriguing objects and world renowned works of art to life

with stories and facts about their makers and how they were

made. Pupils took notes and then chose artworks to draw in the gallery. They worked like

seasoned art students, looking, sketching and exploring the often wondrous objects before

them.

3 Issue No 26/2015-2016

They will be using their findings to inspire their own personal

investigations in class but were able to start this practical

process off in the afternoon with a workshop led by one of the

museum artists.

A mini lecture and slideshow began the afternoon as

pupils simultaneously handled African artefacts. The

creative activity used feathers, clay and plaster of paris

with each pupil producing a cast of a mask/face to

bring back to school.

We had a busy and intensive day which was highly

engaging and will start the pupils off on their Bronze

Arts Awards which they will develop in class

exploring more work by Modern Artists, in particular sculpture.

Mrs Lucy Perry

Art & Photography Teacher

PRE-PREP MATHS

Pupils in Pre-Prep have been mastering their number

recognition from 0 –10 in Maths

this week. Pupils sang number

songs, matched numbers to a

puzzle and took turns in saying

which number was next. They

continued their learning through

number games, followed by

developing their fine motor skills

in number formation. Pupils were engaged in their experiences

which we all know are crucial building blocks to children’s later

success in Mathematics.

Miss Julie Blakemore

Pre-Prep Class Teacher

4 Issue No 26/2015-2016

PREP SCHOOL MUSICAL – THE KEYMASTER

Pupils in Years 4 to 6 have

been extremely busy over the

last fortnight preparing for the

Prep School Musical 'The

Keymaster'. Telling the story of

four children who are

expecting a very boring History lesson with a supply teacher,

they are surprised to find that their teacher actually holds the keys to several historical

events.

Travelling through time on their magical

journey the children learnt about the events of

1066, Tudor times, 18th Century smugglers, the

Industrial Revolution, the Suffragettes and

World War 2. Finally the children visited the

future and decided that they must make

changes to the way we live today!

All of the pupils involved sang and acted brilliantly and have worked incredibly hard

alongside staff and helpers. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

5 Issue No 26/2015-2016

SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE DAY

On the 28th April 2016, Y11 experienced a day in the life of a

Sixth Former. This included tasters of ‘A’ level courses and

enjoying the privilege of going into town for lunch.

We also came dressed for the

occasion in smart business wear.

This is the first time that the

Y11s have had the opportunity to experience a Transition Day

and it was met with a positive

reception. We all enjoyed testing

for chemicals in Chemistry and

debating on the subject of Plato’s

Cave in Religious Studies.

On behalf of everyone we would like to say it was a very

enjoyable and informative day and we are looking forward to

joining the Sixth Form as full time members in September.

11B

MODEL EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BUDAPEST 9TH –

16TH APRIL 2016

What is MEP? This is a question I asked myself many times

as I sat in the Országgyűlés (The Hungarian National

Assembly) during the General Assembly of the 44th

International Model European Parliament session in

Budapest 2016.

MEP is the gathering of young adults from across twenty

eight member states of the European Union, and four candidate countries, where current

issues ranging from the refugee crisis to the conflict in Syria are discussed and debated. MEP

is a fantastic experience and the friendships I have made in just one week will span a

6 Issue No 26/2015-2016

lifetime; it was truly an honour to experience the fantastic

city of Budapest, a city which is, in my opinion, underrated.

Meeting young people from Europe is fascinating as it

allows you to hear other people’s views on not just the

challenge facing Europe but us as a generation. I can safely

say that the future is in safe hands, as while many young

people in our society show a lack of interest in democracy

and politics, MEP allows me to still have faith in the future

as it represents young Europeans showing a passion for

politics and us as a continent.

By participating in MEP, it has allowed me as a person to

develop and become more confident socially and I would

hope that George Hammond and George Rupp would agree

with me when I say that it is a worthwhile experience, not for

just seeing beautiful cities all across Europe (in this case

Budapest) but for experiencing life and culture too.

Regardless of the outcome of the referendum on June 23rd, I

sincerely hope that TGS and the UK are still allowed to participate in the MEP programme

as it is truly a fantastic experience for both the delegates and teachers who take part. To all

those pupils who are considering applying for the MEP programme, in the words of Shia

LeBeouf “Do it, just do it. Nothing is impossible don’t let your dreams be dreams, just do

it!”

I would personally like to thank my fellow delegates,

George and George along with Mrs Elders who

accompanied the delegation on the trip. I would also

like to extend my gratitude to Wymondham College,

who organised the trip. MEP was a truly wonderful

experience and I am sad it is over; however it has

allowed me to develop and potentially pursue a career

in teaching or politics.

Click here to view more photos on the MEP Facebook page.

Jacob Dunn Y13

MEP Delegate

7 Issue No 26/2015-2016

DENMARK GROUP 3 10TH – 15TH APRIL

We met our host families at the airport on Sunday afternoon and

had our first taster of Danish cuisine that evening.

The following morning we went

straight to the local school in Løkken

and spent the day as English teaching

assistants. This continued over the course of the week; however

the afternoons were free to explore the local area. Highlights of

the week included: visiting the abandoned lighthouse, the

beautiful city of Aalborg, watching the seaside sunsets in Løkken,

go-karting and laser tag at ‘Action House’ and enjoying Danish

culture with our host families. We highly recommend this trip to

any future Y12s.

Alfie Bloomfield, Megan Curley, Kirishoban Sanjeevvijay and

Clemency Wood

Work Experience Participants Y12/13

7H MARATHON IN A MONTH

On the 18th April 7H started their Form Charity event which is to complete a marathon over

the next 31 days in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

So far the form is doing well and has done brilliantly to collect sponsors for the event. Pupils

are working hard to fit the extra miles into their daily weekly routine. One member of the

form is really pushing themselves and is aiming to complete 4 marathons during this time.

“I have completed 6 miles and I’m on target to finish by my birthday in May” – Ella 7H

“The marathon is going well. I have run 13.5 miles and I have got my whole family involved”

Tom 7H

“I’m enjoying the Marathon in a Month because it inspires you to help people with a disability! –

Beth 7H

Well done 7H – I am so proud of you all and I look forward to completing the last 218

metres on the 18th May in school.

Miss Karen Humphrey

7H Tutor

8 Issue No 26/2015-2016

CRICKET MASTERCLASS

As many of you are aware, Thetford Grammar School has

close links with Garboldisham Cricket Club. The club

currently has Dan Constable working with them for the

summer. Dan is from the

Sydney area in Australia and

has agreed to come into TGS

to take some coaching

sessions with Years 4, 5 and 6

on a Thursday and Y10 on a

Tuesday.

The Prep School pupils met

Dan yesterday and

thoroughly enjoyed their first

session with him; they particularly liked his unusual accent!

The first session focused on fielding skills including

throwing, catching and using the long barrier technique to

stop the ball.

Mr Michael Hill

PE Teacher

THETFORD PARKRUN

Following on from the success of the October visit to Brandon

Country Park for their 5k park run, the Sixth Form are planning to

repeat the experience at Thetford on Saturday 30th April. If you wish

to join them, please register with parkrun online, print off your

barcode and meet them there at 8.30am for a warm up.

Mr Stephen Spencer

Head of Sixth Form

BOOK ORDER FORM

For those who are unable to come to the Book Launch tonight I have attached the book order

form for Mr Seymour’s book ‘Thetford Grammar School, Fourteen Centuries of Education’

Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

9 Issue No 26/2015-2016

NEARLY NEW UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES

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

shop ranging from Blazers to PE kit being sold for up to half the

recommended selling price. If there is any uniform you need to replace then

come in and have a look. The shop will be open on Monday and Wednesday

afternoons from 3.45pm – 4.15pm manned by volunteers. If you feel you

could spare some time to help in the shop it would be very much appreciated.

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

Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

TOMORROW’S ACHIEVERS

Tomorrow’s Achievers are holding another day of exciting classes here at Thetford

Grammar School on Sunday 26th June from 10.30am – 3.30pm. There are three classes to

choose from:

Animal World Learn more about the world of animals, different species and

habitats. Compare animal and human behaviour. Do you agree

with Darwin’s Theory of Evolution? Also there will be lots of

other exciting and interesting games and quizzes.

Year

Groups

1 -3

Botanical Dissection

& Illustration

Discover how plants flourish by dissecting stems, leaves and

flowers, working with a magnifying glass. Learn about plant life

cycles and then learn how to illustrate your own findings from

dissection. All drawings will be available to be taken home.

Year

Groups

4 - 6

Exciting Egyptians,

Groovy Greeks and

Roving Romans

An amazing day of language discovery and fun. Starting with the

Egyptians, exploring their culture and system of writing; then

moving on to the Greeks to practise recognising and writing

Greek letters; then a Latin taster session honing your English and

literacy skills by identifying and explaining the origins of words

from Latin. Finally you can become a Roman soldier and compete

to become the Soldier Superstar.

Year

Groups

7 - 8

All classes cost £38 and bookings can be made online at www.tomorrowsachievers.org

Please see the information sheet giving more details attached to this newsletter.

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

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10 Issue No 26/2015-2016

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

SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

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

bring 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

CONGRATULATIONS

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

School’s Monday morning assembly this week.

Noah Sanders Harry Lyes

All pupils in Year 4 – 6 were awarded class certificates for their super preparation for the

School Musical this week.

MATCH RESULTS

None

11 Issue No 26/2015-2016

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES

Tuesday 3rd May U18 Rounders v Finborough (H) 4.00pm. Pick up 5.15pm.

Wednesday 4th May U13 Rounders v Sacred Heart (A) 4.00pm. 5.30pm.

Thursday 5th May U16 Rounders v Sacred Heart (H) 4.30pm. Pick up 5.45pm.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

TUESDAY 3rd MAY IS MONDAY TIMETABLE

Due to the Bank Holiday on Monday 2nd May it has been arranged that pupils throughout

the school will follow Monday’s timetable on Tuesday.

Monday 2nd May May Bank Holiday

Tuesday 3rd May Monday timetable

Y2 – Y6 Art Trip to Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge

Thursday 19th May Prep School Open Morning

LOST PROPERTY

Aria MacFarlane-Kubota Y8 V neck school jumper - named

ATTACHMENTS

Tomorrow’s Achievers letter click here to view

Book Order Form

FORTHCOMING LETTERS/LETTERS SENT HOME

Y6 Norwich Cathedral Visit

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