1 Issue No 25/2015-2016

Thetford Grammar School

The small, friendly school that gets results for individuals.

22nd April 2016

Dear Pupils and Parents,

This morning’s whole school assembly

marked Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s

90th birthday celebration. She has

served on our nation’s throne with

immense dignity and grace for the past

64 years. In that time, Her Majesty has

devoted herself to her country and her

people. Over the 64 years of her reign,

the Queen has earned great respect,

affection and admiration of people

from all over the world. Thetford

Grammar School wishes Her Majesty

many happy returns.

We bade a very fond adieu to our French Exchange visitors, who departed for their home

town on Wednesday morning. Our visitors seemed to enjoy their visit to Thetford Grammar

School, for many of them their first time in the UK, and our whole-school hospitality. I am

hopeful that many of the children from both schools will try to remain in contact and look

forward to the return visit in May.

The Year 11 pupils will have the opportunity to sample the TGS Sixth Form on Thursday 28th

April from Periods 5 to 8. This is a specially designed day so that our prospective A Level

students have the opportunity to participate in lessons and listen to advice and thoughts

from many of our older students. This is all designed to help inform and guide youngsters

for the final stage of their secondary education. My thanks to all the A Level teachers and

Mrs Pearson, prospective Head of Sixth Form and Miss Sherring, Head of Key Stage 4, for

planning and preparing a range of informative events and activities.

I am greatly looking forward to the Pre-Prep and Preparatory School performances of The

Keymaster next week on Tuesday 26th April at 2.30pm and Wednesday 27th April at 6.30pm

from our very talented pupils. Based on the previous theatrical performances, this will prove

to be a wonderful event for younger and older spectators. Tickets are available from the

School Office. I do hope that you can find the time to support the school, the Prep School

staff and many excited young performers.

I do hope you have a happy and restful weekend.

Mr Mark S. Bedford

Headmaster

2 Issue No 25/2015-2016

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS LETTER HOME

A letter to all Parents, Staff and Governors has been emailed out this morning outlining the

plans for the restructuring of TGS in light of the drop in numbers on roll. A copy of the letter

has been attached with this newsletter.

REGIONAL JUNIOR MATHS CHALLENGE

On Wednesday 20th April, 4 students from Years 8 and 9, Liam Dargen,

Will Pollard, Elizabeth Wright and Shas Sanjeevvijay travelled to the

Nicholas Hamond Academy to take part in the Regional Junior Maths

Challenge.

18 schools from the area took part in 4 hours of individual and team challenges culminating

in a relay race (yes they ran!) where questions had to be answered correctly in order for the

next question of 30, to be issued. As teams were the length of a gymnasium away from their

inquisitors, the potential for collision was high.

Our team did well coming 10th; the joint winners were Norwich School and Ixworth Free

School.

Mr Steve Braden

Maths Teacher

Y12 GEOGRAPHY TRIP

Y12 Geographers visited Blakeney village on the North

Norfolk Coast to study the positive and negative

impacts of tourism on the local community.

They then took the ferry to Blakeney Point to assess the

National Trust’s management policies with regard to

ensuring that tourism remains sustainable with the

needs of visitors and wildlife both being met.

Mr John Law

A Level Geography Teacher

3 Issue No 25/2015-2016

DENMARK WORK EXPERIENCE GP3

The final Y12 work experience group of Alfie, Clemency,

Kirishoban and Megan has now returned from the North Jutland

seaside resort of Løkken. "An unforgettable experience" by all

accounts, and a wonderful opportunity to get to know a part of

Europe off the beaten track.

Once again our students proved to be popular with the locals and

their hard work was rewarded with a wide range of social activities.

Mr Stephen Spencer

Head of Sixth Form

BRONZE PRACTICE DUKE OF EDINBURGH EXPEDITION

Last weekend the Y10s had their first

experience of a Duke of Edinburgh

expedition. The groups set off early on

Saturday morning in the rain but the

weather did improve as the day went on

and all groups navigated the first day

successfully and made it to the camp site

at Two Mile Bottom in good time.

The groups cooked their first meals using

the trangia cooking stoves; some were more successful than others!

The skies cleared and a cold night lay ahead. The staff got a camp

fire going and everyone huddled around to keep warm before

heading to their tents and straight into their sleeping bags. A bright but frosty morning

followed and the conditions were perfect for the rest of the day. The pupils were soon

experiencing the D of E aches and pains that come with walking long distances with a full

back pack but they did well and kept to their task.

The group are now planning for

their qualifying expedition on

the weekend of 14th -15th May in

South Suffolk.

Mr Michael Hill

Expedition Supervisor

4 Issue No 25/2015-2016

FRENCH EXCHANGE : THE INBOUND VISIT

Our visitors from the Collège Monod in Compiègne arrived on Thursday 14th April, to be

met by host families and their customary warm welcome.

Despite some typically British weather, Friday morning was spent

exploring Thetford. The Ancient House museum proved very

popular, not only because it was warm and dry, but because students

could try on traditional 19th century clothes. The rest of the morning

was more studious as the French pupils gathered in Old School to sit

the TGS entrance exam.

In the afternoon, both French and British

pupils were assembled in the rifle range, where Mr Spencer

introduced them to the art of marksmanship. Some fierce

competition followed, and a more experienced British team

prevailed in the end.

The weekend was spent with host families who entertained their visitors with a range of

activities and visits including trips to Southwold, London and Norwich.

On Monday, the group enjoyed a minibus ride to Cambridge

for some punting on the river

Cam. It was a cold grey day,

but the atmosphere was soon

warmed up by the punt

chauffeurs, who entertained the

group with some impressive

acrobatics over the bridges! In the afternoon pupils enjoyed

free time in the city centre and a visit to the beautiful King’s

College Chapel.

On their last day, which ironically was the sunniest, the

French visitors enjoyed … lessons with their hosts!

The party left on Wednesday in glorious morning sunshine.

However, this was an “au revoir” and not an “adieu” as TGS

pupils will be heading for Compiègne on the 17th of May.

Bonne route!

Mr Raphael Maringue

French Exchange Co-ordinator

5 Issue No 25/2015-2016

PREP SCHOOL MUSICAL

Tickets have been sent home with pupils this week for our annual Musical

taking place on Tuesday 26th April at 2.30pm and Wednesday 27th April at

6.30pm. If you would still like to attend please speak to Mrs Cracknell in the

School Office.

Mrs Issy Cracknell

Preparatory School Secretary

YEAR 2/3 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY LESSON

In Design Technology Y2/3 have been

making houses. After looking at different

aspects of houses and making miniature

models the pupils planned and designed

their own house.

They were all very impressive.

Mrs Renate Dimminger

Year 2/3 DT Teacher

Y11 TGS SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE DAY

We are pleased to announce that we are introducing a TGS Sixth Form Experience for all

current Y11 pupils, to be held on Thursday 28th April 2016. The aim of the day is to give

your child a chance to find out more about what it is like to be a Sixth Former at TGS. They

will be able to attend sample lessons of the subjects that they have opted for or are interested

in taking as part of their programme in our Sixth Form from September. Y11 pupils have

been given a letter to bring home and the information has also been emailed home.

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

6 Issue No 25/2015-2016

ROCKET SCIENCE PROJECT

As part of our involvement with the Rocket Science Project,

Years 2-10 have been involved in a national project called

Rocket Science. This is a joint collaboration between the UK

Space Agency and the RHS. Its aims are to increase

awareness of the problems faced by humans of getting the

food we would need if we were to colonise another planet or

the moon. It is a very timely project with strong links to

Major Tim Peake, the first British Astronaut on the

International Space Station. The children will be seeing a video message from Tim in

assembly in a few weeks’ time.

Years 4 & 5 had great fun planting their very own Astro Garden. This has helped the

children to learn about which sort of plants they could grow for astronauts to eat. We will be

keeping a close watch on the plants as they grow over the coming weeks.

Year 2 will be designing and making a structure that would allow astronauts to grow food

on the moon.

Y10 Triple Scientists are also heavily involved in the

project. They have received 2 packets of colour coded

rocket seeds. One packet spent 6 months on the ISS and

the other stayed here on Earth.

10,000 schools across the

country are also taking part.

The pupils have planted the

seeds following a strict

standardised protocol and will

be monitoring and recording their growth over the next 35 days to

find out if being in space makes any difference to how they grow.

At the end of the trial they will enter their data into a national

database and it will be analysed. Tim Peake will then reveal which

coloured packet was which.

7 Issue No 25/2015-2016

Y9 investigated how mutation by ionising radiation might affect plant growth using a model

plant made of sweets!

Y7 will investigate how soil types affect germination of

rocket seeds. Look out for more photographs on what

happens during our investigations!

Mrs Nicki Peace Mrs Tracy Granger

Head of Preparatory School Head of Science

TGS BOOK LAUNCH

Friday 29th April marks the launch of the book ‘Thetford Grammar

School, Fourteen Centuries of Education’ written by our ex Head of

History, Mr David Seymour. Parents and pupils are welcome to attend

the launch in Old School at 7.30pm. Please let the office know if you

would like to attend. If you want to order a copy of the book I have

attached a copy of the book order form for you. This will also be on

the website for you to download as a pdf.

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

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

8 Issue No 25/2015-2016

PRE-PREP PE SPACE LESSON

Pupils in Pre-Prep have been using their imagination and gross motor skills in PE this week.

Imagine going out onto the adventure playground and discovering you are on the moon;

well that’s exactly what happened to pupils in Pre-Prep. The space explorers investigated

the environment on the moon and even discovered some moon rocks to kick around. It was

very exciting.

Miss Julie Blakemore

Pre-Prep Class Teacher

ALBERT’S FIRST GUITAR LESSON

Albert (Y4) had his first lesson with our new guitar teacher Mr

Glynn Griffiths this week and treated his friends in Years 4 and 5

to a short performance of the chords that he learnt in his first

lesson. Well done Albert, a super start!

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

YEAR 4/5 TUDOR VISIT – ANCIENT HOUSE MUSEUM

On Friday 15th April, pupils in Years

4 and 5 visited the Ancient House

Museum in Thetford.

As part of their topic on the Tudors,

pupils spent the morning learning

about Tudor writing, pastimes,

9 Issue No 25/2015-2016

cooking and household objects from different parts of Tudor society.

Alexis (Year 4) said, 'I really enjoyed learning about the entertainment, I

enjoyed bowling!' Henry (Year 5) said 'I enjoyed finding out about and

holding the Tudor objects'.

Mrs Nicki Peace

Head of Preparatory School

NEARLY NEW UNIFORM SHOP

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

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

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

you; we can then arrange a mutually convenient time for you to come in and

have a look in the shop. Also if you have any unwanted uniform in good

condition that you would like to sell on a 50/50 basis then please hand it in to

me in the office and I will put it up for sale in the shop. You can contact me

on 01842 752840 or by email scsec@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk

Mrs Cathie Reynolds

School Secretary

SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

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

please bring them into the school office or place in the Prep School foyer in the special box

provided. Last year we received some new sports, 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

Preparatory School Secretary

10 Issue No 25/2015-2016

CONGRATULATIONS

U14 County Netball Championships

On Saturday the U14 Netball team played in the County Championships at the City

Academy, Norwich. The tournament was a Round Robin and the girls did fantastically well

drawing one game and winning all the rest making them County Champions.

TGS v Wymondham College won 7 - 5 TGS v Venture won 15 - 0

TGS v Norwich High drew 4 - 4 TGS v Reepham won 3 - 2

TGS v Aylsham won 5 - 3 TGS v Marshland won 8 - 2

This is an amazing achievement and well done to the entire squad who were presented with

certificates in this morning’s assembly:

Eleanor Pringle, Alana Wilson, Alice Christian, Isabel Curley, Sophie Gornall, Isabel

Bourne, Sophie Jacklin and Hattie Long.

Well done to the following pupils who received certificates from Mrs Peace in the Prep

School’s Monday morning assembly this week.

George Bullen Arthur Summers Max Ladell Connie Foreman Eryn Clinton

Maia Foreman Flynn Clinton Ryan Bourne Holly

Rifle Club Congratulations

19 shooters took part in the Frostbite and the Duke of Edinburgh League which ended at

Easter. The results are as follows:

The Tyro League:

First Place William Hartley 889 points

Second Place Christoph Prior 487 points

Third Place Sam White 424 points

Moving onwards to Olympic style targets – which are incredibly small – is Ben Jacob-Haigh

who achieved a commendable 651 points and the traditional prize of a Silver Spoon.

MATCH RESULTS

None

11 Issue No 25/2015-2016

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES

Tuesday 26th April U14 Rounders v Sacred Heart (H) 4.30pm. Pick up 5.45pm.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

No Sports Club for Prep School on Monday 25th April as Mr Hill is moderating GCSE PE

this week.

Friday 22nd April Morocco Training Weekend, Peak District

Saturday 23rd April Morocco Training Weekend, Peak District

East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Norfolk Showground

Sunday 24th April Morocco Training Weekend, Peak District

East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Norfolk Showground

Monday 25th April Y11 GCSE PE Moderation Day

No sports club for Prep School as Mr Hill is moderating GCSE PE this

week.

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

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

Y8 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich

Thursday 28th April Y11 Sixth Form Experience Day

Junior UKMT Maths Challenge

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

Monday 2nd May May Bank Holiday

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

Thursday 19th May Prep School Open Morning

ATTACHMENTS

David Seymour History of TGS book order form click here to view

FORTHCOMING LETTERS/LETTERS SENT HOME

Y6 Sugar Babies

Y6 Puberty and Growing Up

Y9 Ypres Battlefields trip

Y11 TGS Sixth Form Experience

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