2012-2013 Term 2

Thamesview School

THAMES VIEWS

Special points of interest:- Fashion Fix BT Rangers Literacy Enrichment

Inside this Issue:

Headteacher’s letter 2

Enterprise Community 4

Endeavour Community 5

Discovery Community 6

Challenger Community 7

Important Dates 15

Enrichment 16

Autumn Term 2

December 2012

Business & Enterprise

Community Name

Points

Challenger 46

Discovery 34

Endeavour 36

Enterprise 38

Remembrance Day Friday 9th November 2012 Every year it gives me great pleasure to see how our students stop to remember all the fallen soldiers since World War I. The students are always impeccably behaved and take great pride in the two minute silence the whole school observes. This year was no different as the whole school stood for two minutes in silence on Friday 9th November 2012. This year however I decided to add a different twist knowing that we have a number of dedicated cadets from the Army, Sea and Air based in Gravesend in school. The students took part in a full military parade as the Headteacher, Mr Ingham, laid a wreath in the Heartspace. It was a very proud moment to be part of Thamesview School as these fine youngsters paid their respects in front of peers, leading into the two minute silence. Congratulations must go to Ben Adams, Ben Lockwood, Kyle Hoben, Max Sullivan, Charlie Abrey, Cameron Lawson, Andrew Sargeant, Ceri Smyth-Robins and Rio Douglas.

B Chapman Learning Stage Leader of Discovery Community

Once again our Thamesview students have wowed audiences with their talents in various art forms. One month prior to the show 17 acts auditioned in front of a panel of 5 from the Option D Btec Dance class. 13 of these acts were successful and had a chance to perform in the live semi-final in November. The entries ranged from vocalist singing classics like ‘Eye of the Tiger’ through to street dancers to instrumentalists and composers. The competing acts were supported by a cast of over 50 Dancers from Years 9 to 11 and an exquisite Art display from all years at the main entrance, showcasing the great work going in class. On the night of the semi-final’s our judges were unable to decide on a final 3 acts so 4 were put through to the final during the Fashion Fix the following evening. All 4 acts performed again and we are pleased to announce 1st place went to Charlie Collier playing ‘Fur Elise’ on the piano closely followed by our runners up Laura Hobson (singer/song writer), Demi Watson (dancer) and Kelsey Hutchinson and Hayleigh Cutmore (vocal/guitar duo). Thank you to parents, students and staff for your support, all performers should be extremely proud of their achievements as the calibre of acts this year was outstanding! Creative Arts Department (More photos on the back page!)

Wanted - Parent Governor! We have a vacancy for a new Parent Governor. This is a

voluntary post and no experience is necessary, as training is provided. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the school, please contact Mrs Sheila

Thompson on 01474 538112 or email: [email protected] Nomination forms will be sent out to all parents in January.

Page 2 Autumn Term 2

Welcome to Thamesview’s Christmas edition of the Newsletter. You will get a good impression of the hard work and dedication shown by our staff and students at Thamesview. As Headteacher I am very proud of the achievements of students over the past two terms and am reassured that students are working harder than ever in their subjects in order to make sure they progress well and achieve good grades. Several events have shown us all what a strong, supportive community we have in Gravesend and at Thamesview. This year’s Thamesview’s Got Talent included some really memorable performances and the support for all the acts from the audience w a s f a n t a s t i c ! T h e F a s h i o n F i x m e a n t t h a t a winner from the Talent Show could be chosen and gave students a good opportunity to show off their entrepreneurial skills and business savvy. Well done to all the students and staff that helped put together these evenings. The Christmas Concert was also a highlight for me and it was great to see so many students performing and enjoying the limelight! Parents and carers were very welcome on the evening and the feedback I got from them was excellent. I would like to thank all the staff involved in making the evening possible and all the students who took the time to rehearse and perform on the evening. The evening gave everybody a festive feeling and was enjoyed by all. Students have worked very hard this year so far and have shown strong commitment to their studies. Over 20 students attended an English Revision session during the half term and many others attend revision sessions outside of school time. We will be extending the offer of out of hours learning as we approach the summer exam season. I would like to emphasise how important it is for parents/carers to encourage students to complete homework and revision at home. Even small amounts of home study/revision can make a huge difference to exam performance or achievement in lessons. Similarly, reading with your child can have huge educational benefits – there are simple tips from Mr Hodges on improving Literacy in this Newsletter. Home study is especially important for Year 11 students who will have English and Maths exams in the first week back after the holidays. Students – please make sure you complete some revision during the holidays, it can make a big difference! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, parents/carers and students for the incredible support I have had as the new Headteacher of Thamesview and for the warm welcome I have received. I look forward to driving the school forward and to making sure that every child succeeds at Thamesview. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Mr Ingham Headteacher

In term 6 of the last academic year we shared with you the number of mobile phones confiscated from Students. You may remember on the first day of the mobile phone ban 39 students had their phones confiscated. On the last week of Term 6, only 6 phones were confiscated. At the end of Terms 1 and 2 ,91 mobiles have been confiscated compared to 238 mobiles from May to July 2012!. We would like to thank all parents/carers and students for their support in making lessons more focused on learning and not being distracted by mobile phones in lesson time.

The Pupil Premium is allocated to children from low-income families who are currently known to be eligible for Free School Meals and children who have been looked after continuously for more than six months. Currently the Pupil Premium is £600 per student and it is used to provide

targeted resources for students in order to enable faster progress. If you receive any of the benefits listed below then your child will be eligible for Free School Meals:

Income Support

Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

the Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit, provided they are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. Please contact Thamesview if you need advice on how to claim Free School Meals and we will provide you with an application form.

More on the Mobile Phone Ban...

Olympic Bunting will brighten school...

As part of the Olympic Legacy, Gravesham Borough Council offered every school in the Borough the opportunity to be presented with one of the Olympic lamp post banners, which had recently been taken down. The Mayor of Gravesham, Councillor Lyn Milner came into the school during November and presented us with the banner, while watching a Year 8 PE class being put through their paces. We haven’t decided where this will be displayed as yet, but we’re very proud to be in possession of an item of Olympic history. Photo below taken by Steve Crispe, Gravesend Messenger


Once again our annual Fashion Fix competition generated a lot of interest from students and we had over thirty groups enter. Unfortunately, we could only put ten groups through to the final and the extremely difficult task of selecting the best 10 mood boards fell to Miss Ryan and myself. Once the top ten had been named each of these groups received a budget of £50 to buy three different outfits which would display their theme from their mood board. We ’dressed’ the heartspace complete with catwalk, red carpet and Miss Hudson’s amazing balloon arch. This year our judges were: Nicole Arthur and Jackie Bowles from Gravesham Borough Council and Tracy Randall, an Image Stylist known to her clients as ’Gok in a Frock’. While the audience was entertained by the top four finalists from the Thamesview Talent Show the judges discussed and deliberated the outfits, the modelling and also the relevance to the group’s theme. Tracy Randell announced the winning team: ‘Diner Girls’ whose 50’s theme was very obvious in each of their outfits lots of small finishing touches. The students in the team were: Kaitlin Lovelock, Louise Hughes, Emily Sparks, Alice Sims and Annie Locker and they were mentored by Miss Howe. The judges also nominated their top model: George Hillness from Blaze Boys. Nerys Sandy Business and Enterprise Co-ordinator

Gravesend Sea Cadets invite Thamesview Students to

‘Come Aboard’ Thamesview School is forging exciting links with our local Gravesend Sea Cadet Unit. The Sea Cadets offer students the opportunity to experience all sorts of water sports, from power boating to kayaking, plus sailing in small yachts, or as part of a

crew in historic barges or full-rigged sailing ships. Of course, there are wider benefits from joining the Unit: it develops leadership and team building skills as well as first aid, camping, music and navigating. Our co-operation with the Sea Cadets will also be very valuable for students undertaking Duke of Edinburgh awards. All of these opportunities will enhance students’ CVs, enabling them to stand out from the crowd when looking to impress future employers. Members of the local unit have attended a parents evening as well as given an assembly during PHSE this term. If students would like information on how to join the Sea Cadets please see Mr Chapman. Nerys Sandy Business and Enterprise Coordinator


Olympic Values Winner: In Enterprise, we have our own Olympic winner. Peter Jenkinson in Year 7 recently won a Gold medal for the Olympic Value Awards that were held around Kent in lots of schools. Students took part in a variety of lessons that focused on the Olympic values and Peter was nominated by his teachers as someone who displayed these values well. A great role model for his peers.

Thamesview’s Got Talent: Our annual talent show yet again proved why students at Thamesview are so amazing. Many of the acts included dancers and singers. Chloe Mcallister (Year 7 top) and Kelsey Hutchinson (Year 11 bottom) were from Enterprise and did us proud. Unfortunately Enterprise did not have the winning act. Other students from Enterprise who were not in the competition but performed as part of the evenings' entertainment were (top to bottom) Courtney Clare, Rhian Griffiths, Sophie Hart, Rebecca Selleck, Kelly Austin, Molly Woolven and Amelia Burgess.

Senior Students; Reflections: Keeley Gibbins: I have enjoyed being senior student for Enterprise as it has made me feel more confident around others and I have enjoyed attending Parents’ evenings and doing little jobs during form.

Kelsey Hutchinson: I have felt a sense of responsibility not just towards the school but the students too. I help younger children read on Tuesday's so that I can help them learn more from reading and am maturing more as a person because I need to be a good role model.

Courtney Clare: I have gained experience of leadership and also have improved on my communication skills. I have participated in many activities for the school including, the LEGO challenge and selling poppies. I also gave up my own time to come in and help the new Year 7 students settle in during Summer School.

Molly Higgs: I have completed various jobs such as Parents’ evenings. I have also handed out letters to forms and helped to show around parents from Year 6. I feel as if I have developed my confidence since becoming a senior student by completing these tasks.

Scientific Investigations: Charlie Wilson, Lucy Smith, Amber Webb and Chloe Sharp (all Year 8) have been lucky enough to have been selected to take part in a whole school project looking at Water. This project is also a competition against other schools. Students have been selected by Miss Skipsey and have already taken part in some workshops around the project. Good Luck!

Well done to Bradley Collins (right) and Daniel Sparks (left) for representing Enterprise in the Year 11 football squad. Even more impressive is that Daniel is only in Year 10 but is good enough to play up a year.

From all the staff in Enterprise, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It has been a very busy start to the term since we returned from our summer break; new Year 7s, Movember, Community competitions, School shows and lots more. The last time I wrote to you we were all quite sad due to losing our title as Community Champions but since then all the students have been very motivated to try to win the trophy back. We have seen more and more students giving up their time to help support others, which I am very proud of them for doing. We continue to have many achievements from individuals and groups; some of which you will read about below and as usual students in Enterprise have looked very smart in their uniform. I am very confident that Santa will have his work cut out this year due to lots of Enterprise boys and girls being on his ‘Nice’ list for all their excellent work this year. As a final thought, I would like to personally wish each and every Enterprise team member (staff, students, parents and carers) a safe and enjoyable Christmas Holiday and look forward to seeing everyone back in January. Mr G Robinson

Some excellent cooking skills saw two of our Year 7 students (Sadie Newson and Geogia Simpson) receive second place in the recent Christmas Cooking Competition. Well done girls and looking at the final product, well deserved; they look yummy.


Another year has passed and it’s once again time to hang up the Advent calendars, decorate the Christmas tree and brave the shops for the last minute gifts. Firstly I would like to welcome the following new members of staff into the Endeavour team: Ms Hameed LSA, Mr Palmer Aim Higher Mentor, Mr M Davis SEN teacher and Ms Wilkins LSA. A huge welcome is also extended to Mrs Bambridge who is the new Learning Director for Endeavour. Endeavour students have continued to shine and show what talented students they are. We are very proud of Laura Hobson and Connor Daines for taking part in the Talent Show. Laura wrote and sang her own song for her number. Laura blew the audience away with her music and has definitely showed us that Bruno Mars had better watch out! Well done Laura and Connor, we are very proud of you. Connor Daines has proved that not only is he quite happy to shine on the local stage but bigger and brighter things were calling. Connor has been chosen to audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Connor will be singing and we are holding thumbs that Simon Cowell thinks that he has talent and that no buzzers are heard. Good luck Connor! Whilst we may have talent on the creative arts scene we are also making a name for ourselves on the political scene. Congratulations must go to Cerys Knowles for being elected onto the KYCC. Cerys will be our voice for the young people in Gravesham. Endeavour students are currently doing their part for homeless people in the Gravesend area. We are currently on a YOU CAN HELP drive and are collecting tins of food for a local homeless charity. I would like to wish you all a very blessed Christmas with family and friends. Miss I. Arndt Head of Endeavour Community

Endeavour students have spent the last two terms demonstrating their Numeracy and Literacy throughout their Extended Learning Projects. Yet again, students did not fail to impress staff with their efforts of both projects. The Endeavour Community would like to recognise the following students for their exceptional efforts with their Extended Learning Projects: Georgia Brooker , Beth Hockey, Aimee Middleton, Billy Head and Louisa Haigh

Samantha Midgeley Lucy MacFarlane Jodie Bundock Joe Medhurst

Billy Saunders Alfie Ashby Jack Axon Steven Ellis Harry Winder Billy Mason

Johnny McFarlane Emma Addy Connor Daines Laura Hobson

Goldie Davis Hayley Cutmore Coral Ann Rogers Laura Edgar George Howlett

Thomas Bateman Hannah Limbert Luke Bainbridge

Achievos has continued to be a success in Endeavour this term. Many students are actively seeking Achievos from their teachers for improved effort and attain-ment within their lessons. Every Friday students are able to cash in their Achievo’s

for a variety of prizes. Competition is rife between the tutor groups as to who is earning the most.

Cerys Knowles new

elected KYCC member. Connor Daines—auditioning for Britain's Got Talent

Harriet Harrison for earning the most Achievos in Year 11

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We award Star of the Week to students who have excelled themselves during the week and have gone beyond the call of duty. They are nominated by staff and students. We also award staff members in Endeavour who have walked an extra mile for our students

Harry Cox Alex Ditchfield George Howlett

Simon Bardo Laura Hobson Cerys Knowles

Paige Mills Lee Rawlins Joel Garcia

Mia Attenborough Zack Carroll Ejemen Ebosele

Chris Gill Harry Martin Lisa Pullen

Ehiz Ebosele Thomas Gill Matilda Harrison

Tom Honeyman Joe Nightingale Megan Taylor

Lizzie Oladele Rhys Terry David Wells

Tonicha Gilbert Sarah Ingram Jordan Liquorish

Zaynab Bankole Danny Coyne Daniel Spurr

Jamie Gilbert Kieran Stoneham Bethany Daines

Connor Garcia Carter Smith Graham Hill

Jordan Stoneham Lauren Yates Andrew Bardo

Hannah Cottenden Matthew Douch Jason Haigh

Eleanor Lawry-Johns


This time of year is always a time for remembrance and celebration (and not just Christmas). This has been the theme of students’ extended learning work for this term. Students have produced some excellent work about Remembrance Day, Anti-Bullying Week, Diwali, Advent and Christmas. Their most recent task was to come up with an artistic interpretation of the famous Christmas song ‘Twelve Days of C h r i s t m a s ’ . B e l o w a r e s o m e pictures of o u r s t u d e n t s ’ c r e a t i v e work.

Everyone in Discovery Learning Community would like to wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas, and send our best wishes for a happy and successful new year.

Congratulations to the following students who all have 100% attendance for this school year so far: Stewart Atkin, Conor Balne, Camerun Birring, Daniel Brennan, Bronwyn Broad, Cara Broad, Alfie Chambers, Joe Clark, Tom Congram, Matthew Crowley, George Drynan, Kieran Edwards, Madeline Elliott, Zak Ford, Abbie Free-man, Rehanne Fuller, Demi Gibbons, Charlotte Hall, Libby Harwood, Tierney Hollamby, Brett Hutson, Yildiz Ibra-him, Daniel Large, Hannah Large, Victoria Ly, Hayley McGrath, Charlie Neal, Kayleigh Newson, Chloe Parfitt, Demi Pedro, Mason Philpott, Shannon Plumb, Anthony Rice, Harry Robertson, David Shenton-Phelps, Ben Smith, James Taylor, Megan Taylor, Nicola Thompson, Andrew Trimming, Connor Ward, Callum Watson, Ellie Watts, Ber-nice Wellard, Megan Williamson and George Wrench.

Following our victory at Sports Day for the fourth year running, a slow start to the community competitions in Term 2 left us trailing in last place. We were 18 points behind Challenger in first place. However, we have raised our game this term! First place in the Lego Competition; first place in the Christmas Cooking Chal-lenge; and third place in the Christmas Art Competition. We are back in the running! Our students have closed the gap and we are now only 6 points behind the community in second place; and 8 points behind the community in first place. Well done to all of our competitors! A special mention must go to Harry Rob-ertson DTS. He has taken part in every competition this term and is turning out to be our lucky mascot! He was even our only competitor in the Christmas Art Competition and still managed to come third.

Our budding chefs in action during the Christmas Cooking Challenge: Demi Watson, Rehanne Fuller, Conor Balne, Mason Philpott and Harry Robertson. They wowed the judges with filo mince-meat parcels and home made custard.

On the 7th November 2012, we received an email from Richard Thackery from Gravesend Sea Cadets to announce the promotion of Kyle Hoban from Sea Cadet to Able Sea Cadet. Kyle has spent the past couple of years enjoying life as a Sea Cadet, proving himself to be a leader and team player. He also recently took part in the school’s Military Parade to remember the fallen on Remembrance Day. Kyle has promoted the Sea Cadets in school, encouraging others to join. We would like to publically congratulate the hard work, commitment and determination that Kyle has shown to gain his promotion. Congratulations! Able Sea Cadet Kyle Hoban

This term has seen Challenger focus on Numeracy and the skills required to achieve national curriculum levels 2-7. Students have worked on a range of mathematical skills including: algebra, multiplication, decimals, percentages and sequences. Each student has worked on their current level booklet however a number of students also went on to complete the levels above their own.

Not only has this focus been crucial to support students in their learning but also covering skills needed for ‘everyday Maths’ including telling the time, addition and subtraction.

We also have an Extended Learning Club on a Wednesday from 3-4pm which is supported by our Learning Mentor Miss Berry, so if you need help or would like to complete your extend-ed learning with your friends come along. Refreshments are also available.

E x t e n d e d L e a r n i n g

100% Attendance

Challenger has made a great start in the community competitions this year. We are currently top of the leader board after a number of fantastic results in recent challenges, in particular the Art Competition in which there was another fabulous win!

As a community we have also seen a large number of students turning up and supporting the community in the challenges. Further-more a special mention is to go to Mark Davison and Hannah Collins who have taken part in nearly all of the fortnightly competi-tions. However we can only continue to be ‘GREAT’ if students work together as a team and take part. So look out for the competition advertisements and come along to help your fellow Smurfs and Smurfettes!

GO CHALLENGER!

Highest earning Achievos in each

Key Stage

It has been a long stint from September to Christmas, and plenty has been happening in Challenger! First of all, I would like to welcome the new Year 7 students to our community and say how impressed I am with the vast majority of the students. They have settled well into the routines and structures of Secondary School, and are developing friendships with new people and staff in a constructive way. There maybe ’blips’ on the way, but that is how we learn, and as long as those ’blips’ aren’t repeated we are making progress. It has also been a stressful time for Year 11 who have had a number of exams in these two terms. In the modern school exams are happening all the time, not just in the summer, and students have done well to revise and focus on these important milestones in their education. We have also been focusing on Literacy and Numeracy during extended learning these terms, and the school has a renewed focus on driving up standards in Literacy especially. Linked to this is the continued success of the reading on Tuesday (TROT) that has continued, and I would like to thank all the students who have been bringing in their own reading books. It is great to talk to students about books they are reading, and seeing what their interests are. I hope that you have a restful festive period and spend time with those that are dearest to you, and we will see you all back fresh and ready for school in the new year. Mr M Hodges Assistant Headteacher– Challenger

Autumn Term 2 Page 7

Community Challenge

Bonnie Morgan

KEY STAGE 4

Mercy Ackleton

KEY STAGE 3

“Mathematics is not a spectator sport!”

- Karl J Smith


BT INTERNET RANGERS Volunteering section Young people doing their Volunteering section for their Duke of Edinburgh Award have completed their first course for the members of the Gravesham U3A ( University of the 3rd Age). The 6 week programme has been a great success and young people and U3A members have gained new skills and experiences whilst having fun and breaking down the barriers that can exist between the different age groups. The young people were given a card and Roses’ chocolates from the group.

Young people are at present training in Photoshop with Mr Davis to ensure that they will be ready for the new course that will be on offer in 2013 and there will be a new Introductory course in IT starting on 10th January and I am sure that the young people will be

brilliant.

Below are some comments from the U3A Members :-

“To the wonderful helpers at our computer classes we can now surf the net; dive into the world web and even have face book . Without ‘you lot’ this would not have been possible”. “Thank you for all your help and expertise and patience”.

Thanks to Ms Sandy, (Business and Enterprise Co-ordinator) and Mr Davis (IT Teacher) for their help. Well done to all the young people involved. Penny Stotesbury

Youth Worker

EXPEDITION SECTION Expedition training will be starting on the 9th Jan 3-5.30pm every Wednesday in BE1

All young people will be learning a variety of skills including Orienteering, navigation, map reading ,nutrition, signs and symbols, how to set up and strike a tent, how to cook on an open stove, health and safety and what to do in an emergency.

FIRST AID TRAINING WITH THE BRITISH RED CROSS WILL BE HAPPENING ON THE 19TH FEB 2013

THIS IS REQUIRED BY ALL YOUNG PEOPLE GOING ON EXPEDITION IN 2013.

Please collect your consent letters from my office in EV 16

Penny Stotesbury CYT Thamesview


Are you 11-19 years ? Living in the Westcourt or Riverside area? If so we need you to answer the following questions. What do you want ? Youth Café? Trips? Information? Fun? Training ? Come along and let us know what you would like to happen for young people and YOU. I would like to ask young people living in or around the Westcourt or Riverside Area to meet up and let me know what you would like to happen there for young people. Come along to a meeting to share your thoughts on the community be proactive and have your say at the Young people meetings Riverside meeting in Riverside Community Centre On the 17th DEC 3.30-6pm or 15th Jan 3pm -4pm Thamesview school or 15th Jan 5-6pm Westcourt Power House. Come along and have your say Penny Stotesbury CYT Thamesview School

Community Youth Tutor News

Penny Stotesbury EV16 Mob 07920 526546

RESULTS KYCC ELECTIONS

Thank you for taking part in the KYCC Elections 2012 and supporting over

18,000 young people to vote during the Election fortnight!Total votes in

Gravesham = 1482

Total votes in Thamesview school

= 393

WELL DONE THAMESVIEW

The top 3 issues, which will become KYCC campaigns are:

1. Campaign Against Bullying

2. Employment Opportunities for

Young People

3. Improve buses in Kent

Gravesham Members Gravesham Deputies Michael Bruford Matthew Church

Michael Clarke Harry Davis

George Cork Amber Edgar

Rosa Erdogan Cerys Knowles

Janpreet Khabra Ethan Scollard

Olga Krokova

Thamesview wishes you all well in your

posts If you would like to find

out what Kent Youth County Council are up

to please go to :- www.kent.gov.uk/kycc


Skills London 2012 On Friday 23rd November a group of students from Year 10 and 11 attended this year’s Skills London Careers Event at the ExCel. This is the largest Careers Event in England and only held once every two years. The students had the opportunity to visit 100’s of stands run by educators, employers from both the public and private sectors. During the event the students could take advantage of many practical exercises and hands on experiences. Help and advice was on hand from different colleges and careers information services.

Health and Social Care Enterprise Day 2012

On Thursday 29th November we held an Enterprise Day for Health and Social Care students. The day focused on communication and during the day students had to produce a training guide for new members of staff to the Health and Social Care industry using any method they wanted to. Some teams designed posters and others used flip cameras to film themselves. The winning team was: Sophie Welch, Rebecca Davey, Holly Morriss and Jade Irving who produced a very interesting poster and informative presentation. Stacey Francis won most focused student and Harriet Finnigan best dressed student. Nerys Sandy, Business and Enterprise Coordinator

The Business of Baking

This term saw the beginning of a new after school club at Thamesview: The Business of Baking, sponsored by the

Business and Enterprise department and run by Mr Cooper and Mrs Smith. Following on from the amazing success of the television series, Great British Bake Off, we thought this would be a great idea for an after school club. So far the students have had the opportunity to make some biscuits and delicious jam buns and will be progressing on to other confectionery and cakes over the next few weeks. Hopefully to the point where they begin to design their own recipes instead of using the tried and tested favourites.

We are hoping that the students will also have the opportunity to provide biscuits and cakes for meetings held in school. Nerys Sandy Business and Enterprise Coordinator

On Wednesday 12th December, our school hosted yet another sell-out success. Family, friends, staff and students gathered together to enjoy Music, Dance and Drama acts from all year groups across the school. There was also an Art exhibition, showcasing the student’s Extended Learning efforts in a recent festive project. The evening was mostly planned and organised by the Year 9/10/11 BTec Music class. As part of their course work they were responsible for roles in advertising, scen-ery, front of house, performing or presenting for the Christmas Concert. The night itself, opened with members of the Year 11 GCSE Drama class, with a wonderfully seasonal “Cinderella” pantomime. There were plenty of talented group acts to follow such as the Year 7, 8 and 9 musicians, the Thamesview Singers and Year 9, Option D and Year 11 Dance groups. Solo acts and duets were also plentiful and ranged from Holly Bowyer and Kelsey Hutchinson’s duet of “A-Team” to Shannon Harvey’s creative dance routine to “All I Want for Christmas”. The first Christmas Concert for our Year 7 students saw them perform a variety of panto gags, a keyboard performance of “Silent Night” as well as singing “Fairytale of New York” and “Naïve” by The Kooks. It is safe to say that an excellent evening was had by all and if you missed it then you definitely missed out. It was a perfect way to show case the magnificent talent of stu-dents here at Thamesview, as well as coming together as a community at Christmas time. We look forward to seeing you there next year, but if you can’t wait till then, you don’t have to—there’s our “Evening of Drama and Dance” (February), “Window’s and Bars” (March) this year’s school show and hopefully another outdoor “Summer Concert” (July) all to look forward to.

Mrs J Francis, Creative Arts

Christmas Art Show

Students from years 7, 8 and 9 participated in a range of Christmas art activities that were on show at the Christmas Concert. Giant Christmas trees, advent calendars and work inspired by the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ formed an exciting display that added to the festive atmosphere. Prize winners for work from the 12 Days of Christmas art competition were Bernice Wellard, Darcie Hankinson and Abbey Niblett. Bernice Wellard’s design based on ‘Four Calling Birds’ was chosen for the Thamesview 2012 Christmas card. Congratulations to all of the prize winners. J. Chester (Creative Arts)


DESIGN MATTERS? THE EFFECTS OF NEW SCHOOLS

ON STUDENTS’, TEACHERS’ AND PARENTS’

ACTIONS AND PERCEPTIONS Thamesview School have agreed to work with researchers from Oxford University and The University of Bath who will be conducting a research project aimed at exploring the effects of schools designed under the Building Schools for the Future and Academies programme on pupils’, teachers’ and parents’ expectations and engagement with

school. The research team will begin trialling methods in the school in the New Year. Information sheets will be sent to Year 7 students and their parents, as well as to a number of school personnel, providing a detailed account of what will be involved in the trial. The main study will take place over a period of 18 months and will hopefully provide the school community with useful insights into the effects of your new school building at a number of levels. Should anyone have any questions regarding this project please contact: Dr. Sue Learoyd-Smith at [email protected]

Achievos has gone from strength to strength this term. The shop has had to be restocked twice in one term! Many students have now visited the shop, which is now open every Friday; before school, during form and in break time. The success of the shop is due to the support and hard work of the Year 11 students that volunteer each week to run and organise it. Some students have already earned over 100 Achievos, since September and have redeemed them for Bluewater vouchers, well done to you. If you haven’t visited the shop, come and see us. Everything that is being stocked in the shop has been requested by you. If you are earning Achievos for progress and effort made in lessons, why not come and redeem them for something to reward your hard work. See you soon Mrs Gordon

In January Achievos will be launching a new initiative where you will be able to save and redeem your points for things related to your Year 11 Prom. For example, a keepsake photo on the night or a ten minute playlist designed by you to be played on the night. Keep earning your Achievos in your lessons and watch this space!

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Community Totals for Term 3

Do you need help to help your child?

In January we will be re-doubling our focus on Literacy right across the school and will be running several new initiatives to help support students in their learning. These will include One 2 One reading with a local business person, some of our student going into local primary schools to support younger students and the continuation of the AR (Accelerated Reading) programme. We would also like to offer help and support to parents and families who may benefit from some support from school experts to give them the knowledge and confidence to work with their child at home. We can offer various levels of support including adult reading programmes. If you are interested and would like to discuss what support we can offer please contact: Nerys Sandy Business and Enterprise Coordinator 01474 566552 Ext 8081213

Challenger 6997

Discovery 6419

Endeavour 9208

Enterprise 5964


“Children need to learn to read

so that they can read to learn”

“Children who can read are building their vocabulary and

success builds success”

There are no more important skills in life than being able to read, write and communicate effectively. We are determined to develop these skills across all subjects at Thamesview, and are launching a number of strategies to help students improve their literacy skills. These include strategies for extended writing, checking and reviewing work as well as how to improve the quality of what is written. However, as the Ofsted report; Removing barriers to literacy (Jan 2011) says; ’….schools in the survey had forged strong links with parents, seeing parental engagement as central to removing a number of barriers to pupils’ progress in literacy. ’ It is clear from this report that parents engagement at home with their children is key to improving literacy skills. So what can you do? There are a number of things you can do; 1. Listen to your child reading. 2. Ask questions about their reading. 3. Give magazine subscriptions, or ebook reader vouchers as gifts. 4. Read the same book as your child and discuss characters/ plot. 5. Play word games. The main point is to try and get your child reading as much as possible whether that is a newspaper, magazine, instructions, articles online or books. Try to find something they like to read about, and build on that. For example I am not a fan of fiction, but have a shelf full of biographies and autobiographies. Who is their favourite celebrity, sports star or entrepreneur ? Find out and see if they have a book out! Any support would be greatly appreciated, and if you have any suggestions please contact me at [email protected] Have you seen our library? Ask your son/daughter what it’s like, and if they have taken a book out or not. And finally, remember that we all do reading on a Tuesday morning. Please support us by making sure your child has a book to read at school on a Tuesday. Mr M Hodges AHT Challenger

Business and Enterprise set the

Community Challenge

On Wednesday 21st November the B&E team asked teams from each Community to take part in our Lego Challenge. The teams had to select one communicator, who was

the only member of the team to see the model their team had to re-create. Their task was then to communicate back to their team the size, shape and colours of the model. The

team had to buy the bricks from the ’shop’ and if they wanted a second viewing of the

model they had to pay £50, but only the communicator could see it throughout the

challenge. The winning team was the one with the closed model and the most money. Mr

Spoerry was leading on this challenge and made sure the teams were following the

rules. We asked our on site IT technicians to judge and the winning team was Discovery,

who worked quietly but consistently together as a team, second came Endeavour, third Enterprise and trailing slightly behind was

Challenger. Nerys Sandy

Business & Enterprise Co-ordinator

Exploring the Earth’s early atmosphere with 10e/Sc1! Students have learnt that volcanos were responsible for the composition of gases in the early atmosphere. We will be mixing baking soda and vinegar in our volcanos to make them erupt in the next lesson. Miss Fackrell , Science Teacher

Volcano Fun!

Reminders... A reminder to all Parents/Carers and

students - no Hoodies are to be worn in School at anytime.

Also, chewing gum is not permitted on the

school site. Please be mindful our Cleaning Staff have to clean up after students who dispose of gum on the floors and carpets!

Quote from Ofsted

Presentation 2012

Quote from Ofsted

Presentation 2012

THAMES VIEWS Page 13

There is now a new PE kit available for Thamesview students. It is not compulsory for existing students, but will be phased in gradually, beginning with next year’s new Year 7. If your child should outgrow their current PE kit, then you could replace it with this. It is also much easier to buy, as all you need to do is order it on-line and it will turn up at the school! There are some extra items should your child wish to have them, such as a rain jacket, rugby shirt and a zip sweater for colder/wetter weather and a polo for our BTEC students. The new t-shirts are made of a special fabric that takes sweat away from the body, as well as staying whiter longer and keeping their shape better. Everything on there is really good value for money, and most of it is personalised with pupils’ initials to make it easier to keep hold of! Log on to www.ambitionsport.com and click on ‘Schools’ and then ‘Thamesview’ to see the full range. Remember to put your child’s initials in the ‘special comments’ box so they never lose their kit again!

PE DEPARTMENT

Zip Sweater

PE Kit

BTEC Polo

Calling All Young Carers!

Young Carers are students that help look after a parent, brother or sister, friend or neighbour. If you are a Young Carer come and

speak to Miss Weedon in NASA about a new support group that she is currently delivering! A time to relax, chat and share thoughts with other Young Carers at Thamesview. Miss Weedon Learning Mentor

Thamesview IT Training To some older members of the community there are certain

words and initials that inject fear and dread into their lives. Internet, web site and computers probably feature top of the list. The initials IT indicate that the vehicle

emanates from Italy. The membership of U3A (University of The Third Age) comprises people who have left full time employment and whilst some have had experience of comput-ers many were completely devoid of their mysteries. It was therefore most opportune when I had a call from Rob Davis offering us computer training at Thamesview School. Having discussed with Rob how we might proceed he agreed to make a presentation at our monthly meeting to explain what was on offer. The response was fantastic. Over 50 of our members signed up to participate in the courses. The first course got under way in September. It concentrated on those with no or limited knowledge of computing. The unanimous view of those who have attended the course is that it has given them confidence. If you press the wrong key you are not going to do irreparable damage. It has also opened up the wonders of what is stored on a computer and how they can be accessed That is one aspect of the course. The other aspect, equally important, is that it has provided us with an insight into a very modern school and its facilities. Possibly what has impressed us is the courtesy, politeness and enthusiasm of the pupils who have been involved in the project and the relationship they have with their teachers. They are a credit to the school and their teachers. Their willingness and patience in conveying their knowledge to our members is greatly appreciated. The training programme will continue and expanded to cater for those who are interested in extending their knowledge of computing. Our hope is that we are laying down foundations on which to build an association with Thamesview School thus providing a link between two groups of the community.

Arthur Saunders O.B.E.

Chairman Gravesend, Northfleet and District U3A

JANUARY 2013 GCSE EXAMS

THURSDAY 10TH JANUARY 9AM AQA ENG1F ENG/ENG LANGUAGE UNIT 1 – YEAR 11 (NOT ALL OF YEAR GROUP)

FRIDAY 11TH JANUARY 9AM AQA 4365/1F & 4365/1H LINEAR MATHS

PAPER 1 – NON CALCULATOR – YEAR 11

(NOT ALL OF YEAR GROUP)

TUESDAY 15TH JANUARY 9AM Edexcel 51T0101 ICT –

LIVING IN A DIGITAL WORLD – OPD IT1 & OPD IT2 CLASSES

TUESDAY 15TH JANUARY 1.30PM AQA 4365/2F & 4365/2H LINEAR

MATHS PAPER 2–CALCULATOR - YEAR 11

(NOT ALL OF YEAR GROUP) All students who have been entered for exams in January have been

issued with an individual exam timetable. Students to arrive outside the sports hall at least 10 minutes before

exam start time. If you are absent on the day of your exam please telephone your

Progress Manager or reception. If you need any further information as regards exams please call the

Exam Office.

Good luck in your forthcoming exams. Mrs J Reilly Exam Manager Extension 8081204


Enterprise Outreach Programme This term we took our Enterprise programme to Singlewell Primary School and spent the morning with a Year 5 class. We ran two workshops during the morning: Lego Challenge and Jewellery Jangle. Two Year 10 students, Molly Woolven and Jake Heather came with us on the day to help out. Thamesview students helped the younger students during the first part of the morning and then acted as Jewellery buyers for the second task. Both Molly and Jake are studying Business, so the experience will help them with their course. Our Enterprise programme encourages team work, communication and numeracy among other skills and Thamesview staff and students support the younger students throughout the morning. We have expanded this programme for 2012-13 and are offering the experience to six local Primary schools and also including a Grand Final when the winning team from each Primary school will be invited to take part in another day of challenges but this time here at Thamesview.

Nerys Sandy Business & Enter-prise Co-ordinator

Following the success of last year’s Septembeard 12 members of Thamesview staff decided this year to partake in Movember to raise money and awareness for male cancer charities. With the Thamesview Mo Bro's recruited, the rules were simple: start with a clean shaven face and then grow the best moustache possible for the 30 days of November. Truth be told some staff found this easier than others (we are still waiting for hair to appear on a few top lips!!) but everyone involved made a great effort to the cause. The itching, grooming and humiliation was all worth it when at the end of Movember, Thamesview's Mo Bro's had raised in excess of £1400. This was only possible with the help of friends, family, colleagues and proceeds from ticket sales of Thamesview's fashion fix. We would like to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated to the worthy cause. The Thamesview Mo Bro's Team.

Thamesview’s Dragon Slayers Year 8 has a wealth of entrepreneurial talent. Asked to rise to the ‘Cupcake Challenge’ 8i/Eb3 followed the EBL TASC Wheel model to form their own Cupcake team. Each new business began by cooking and decorating cupcake bases. They then surveyed a number of Thamesview students to discover the best design and flavours to take forward as a business proposition. Analysing results of the surveys led each team to begin advertising their product. From posters to jingles, mascots to sponsorship, the creativity was impressive. Then came the final challenge … To pitch to ‘The Dragon’ in a bid to secure a financial investment.

There was no overall winner because the quality of work from all teams was exceptional. Our budding Alan Sugars are now preparing for their next challenge … Adding value to string and beads. Watch this space for future investment opportunities! Mrs Z Curley EBL

Key Events: Friday 21st December - Last day of Term 2 Monday 7th January - First day of Term 3 Thursday 31st January - Yr 9 Parents’ Evening Wednesday 13th February - Evening of Dance and

Drama Friday 15th February - Last day of Term 3 Monday 25th February - First day of Term4 Thursday 7th March—Yr 9 Options Fayre Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd March - School

Show Tuesday 26th March - Yr 11 Parents’ Evening Thursday 28th March - Last day of Term 4 Monday 15th April - First day of Term 5 Thursday 25th April - Yr 7 Parents’ Evening

Diary Dates Staff Development Days:

Monday 14th January 2013 Wednesday 13th March 2013

Monday 1st July 2013

Bank Holidays: Monday 6th May 2013

Please note that the school will be closed on these days for students.

Term Dates

5 Monday 15th April to Friday 24th May

6 Monday 3rd June to Wednesday 24th July

1 Tuesday 3rd September to Friday 25th October

4 Monday 25th February to Thursday 28th March

3 Monday 7th January to Friday 15th February


Riverview Park Library Thamesview students have written book suggestions for the display board at Riverview Park library. This fantastic display is up until the new year so why not pop in this Christmas break and take a peek!

Accelerated Reader

I want to acknowledge the hard work that all Year 7 and Year 8 students have put into their reading last term. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements: Star Readers - these students read the most words last term. (see right) Remember parents, if you want to be kept up to date with your child’s reading progress, sign up to the AR Home Connect link on the school website.

The community poetry competition last term resulted in some amazing

poems being produced.

This was the winning poem written by Daniel Percy (Enterprise)

Life

Deep blue seas, singing trees. This is a miracle, we all can see. God is our witness, he is our key,

He opens the lock, so we can be free. Human beings, we live in place,

We all share his loving grace.

We live different lives, what will you choose?

How you do it is up to you. We live through the good, we live

through the bad. Thanking you, Mum and Dad.

For the good times that we share, Fighting through the hate and despair. We won’t forget, until the end of time, But please remember the pleasure is

mine.

Sadie Newson’s poem Midnight was second and Jonathon Brash’s poem Short Fuse came third. Well done to

everyone!

Have a safe and happy Christmas. Mrs. Fox Librarian

Poetry Winners What teens are reading

Parents, do you know what your child is reading at the moment? Do you know what kind of books they like? Why not sit down with them this Christmas break and share? You may be surprised at how far teen books have come. Reading for pleasure is making a comeback so don’t miss out!

Year 7 – Kim Van-Wattingen

(1 037 799 words)

Year 8 –

Caitlin Turner (626 779

words)

Don’t forget to continue to cut out your cereal box tokens and

bring them in!

Year 7 students who achieved the most 100% quizzes in their community. (see right top row). Orkun Terlemez (Discovery), Jay Brash (Challenger), Jack Axon (Endeavour), Peter Jenkinson (Enterprise), Sadie Crawford (Enterprise).

Year 8 students who achieved the most 100% quizzes in their community. (Bottom row from left to right). Paris George (Challenger), Cameron Edmonds (Discovery), Cara Broad (Discovery), Caitlin Turner (Discovery), Andrew Trimming (Discovery), George Ashby (Endeavour), Paris Wood (Enterprise), Kellie Homewood (Enterprise).


On a cold and wet Friday afternoon Year 11 students from Thamesview challenged the teachers to a game of football. With the odds of youth and energy highly stacked in their favour; the students started brightly and looked likely to win the game. However, experience and class oozed through the staff team and they finished victorious, winning 7-2 in the end! It was great to see so many staff and students supporting the match, creating for an electric atmosphere on the day.

P Ferguson Enrichment Co-ordinator

Challenger on course for cup glory!

The Enrichment Cup has really come to life in the Christmas term with students battling over The Lego Challenge, Christmas Delights Cook-Off and the Christmas Art Challenge. All the communities have been well supported in their quest for glory and Discovery have clawed their way back up the points table by winning two out of three events. Discovery started the term in style by winning both the Lego Challenge and The Christmas Delights Cook-Off. However, it is Challenger who are presently top of the pile after winning the Art competition with a stunning 3D Christmas design.

Mr Ferguson

Enrichment Coordinator

Chloe Mcleavey and Rebecca Hollowell danced their way to g l o r y t o b e c o m e t h i s y e a r s d a n c e C h a l l e n g e c h a m p i o n s a n d m a n a g e d t o secure 8 points for Challenger in the Enrichment Cup at the same time. All students had to create, rehearse and perform an original dance piece which was judged by the Subject Leader for Dance; Mrs Beaumont. After beating off all the competition, the two girls were delighted with their prize and will now have their names engraved on the shield and forever be in Thamesview history. Mrs Beaumont said the piece was “very creative, and it was clear how hard they had worked in order to master the timing, they deserved it”. Congratulations to both Chloe and Rebecca. P Ferguson Enrichment Co-ordinator

Dance Champions!

The Newviews Playwriting Club were treated to an exciting night out at the National Theatre to see the smash hit new play ’The Effect’ starring Billie Piper. As well as complimentary tickets to the sold out hit, students were also able to see the historic sights of London including the London Eye. A massive thanks must go to Mr Frame and Miss Hardy for making the trip such a success. P Ferguson Lead Teacher of Drama

The Effect

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Thamesview’s Got Talent

Photos!

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2012-2013 Term 2

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