Toot Hill Contact February 2006 From the Head This is a of significant change in the world of education. Although the government is experiencing difficulties in getting Party support for its new Education Bill, I am sure that eventually it will become statute. The key thrust of the White Paper is to give successful schools increasing autonomy, and in many ways this will be welcomed. Local Authorities are now very much seen as partners in delivering a quality education service rather than as the dominant ‘mover and shaker’. Our relationship with Nottinghamshire LA has always been a positive one. The relationship is that of ‘critical friend’. Much talk has been made of moving to ‘Foundation Status’ and Toot Hill School’s governing body has considered this option. The crux of the debate is: what difference would it make to the quality of education received by our children? The short answer is: very little. No additional resourcing would be forthcoming. Indeed, it would increase our workload as the school would need to manage its own admissions. The Governors will continue to monitor the situation to see if it is worthwhile moving to Foundation Status at some future date. Currently the school’s Leadership Team and Governors are examining ways in which we can improve the ‘value added’ to the learning of our students. Evidently we have made much progress over the last 4+ years, but we know we can do much more in the future. We want to ensure that every learner achieves to their full potential and that the learning partnership between home and school becomes even stronger. This is a challenging agenda and is core to all that we do in school. In order to ensure that each and every child at Toot ...to ensure that every learner Hill School reaches adulthood with a set of qualifications that will enable them to make their own valid life choices, we will need to achieves to their full potential re-examine all that we do, how we do it and the structure through which it all happens on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis. On the one hand we have to relentlessly pursue high achievement whilst on the other hand preserving our core values and sustaining the right feel to the school. When we have firm proposals we will consult with you and with all other key stakeholders. We look forward to your valued and continued support.

John Tomasevic - Headteacher Job Vacancy Examination Possible uses of Geography coursework Invigilator It is not very often that a student makes an appearance in a newspaper because of what they investigated as part of their coursework. However, that Monday to Friday throughout is just what happened to Year 13 student, Sarah Burnham. Some of you may May and June. have seen an article in a recent edition of the Newark Advertiser that focused on Sarah and her Geography coursework. Flexible work, morning and As part of the course in A level Geography, students have to complete a afternoon sessions, personal investigation into a theme of their choice. Sarah chose to look at the £7 per hour. proposed dualling scheme for the A 46 in our local area. She considered its likely environmental, social and economic impacts and asked a sample of Duties include – Invigilating local people for their opinions about it. candidates during exams, She also contacted local authorities such as Newark Town Council who helping staff set up exam were very interested and helpful. Out of courtesy, she sent them a copy of venues and assisting the the finished report, and like the Geography department, they were very exams officer. impressed with what she had achieved. Although she produced an unbiased report, the conclusion suggests that For more information please local people/organisations are in favour of the road scheme going ahead and contact Newark Council have asked to use her report in lobbying to have the scheme Stephen Scott, Exams Officer re-instated. on 01949 875550. Will radio and even TV appearances follow? Well done, Sarah PROFILE OF THE MONTH ... Maths Department 2005-2006

Members of staff and their responsibilities

• Mrs D Clarke (Head of Maths) • Dr E O’Connor (Second in Maths Department; KS5 Co-ordinator for Mathematics, NQT mentor) • Mr P Armann (KS3 Co-ordinator for • Mr A Rahman (Assistant Head; Pupil Mathematics; Website Design) Achievement) • Mrs J Brown (Head of PSHE) • Mr C Ritzmann (KS3 Co-ordinator for ICT, • Mr D Burrows (Assistant ITT mentor) ITT Mentor) • Miss R Lewis (KS4 Co-ordinator for Maths) • Miss R Smith (Assistant Head of Year 8) • Mrs L Nagle • Mr A Williams (Head of Year 8)

Celebrating _(Pi) 3.14 On March 14 (3/14 in the USA) the Maths department will celebrate the number _ (3.14…………..) with pupils and staff alike. What is Pi and how is it used in Maths? Pi is the ratio found when you divide the circumference of a circle by its diameter. Its presence has been known for a long time. However, its accuracy has troubled mathematicians, because pi is an irrational number and cannot be stated accurately. Your calculator holds the value of pi to as accurate a level as you will need and you are advised to use the calculator value of pi in your calculator papers. However, examiners will accept the rounded off value of pi: 3.14. What is interesting is that pi was mentioned in the Bible (Kings 7, 23; Chronicles 4, 2) as ‘approximately 3’. _ (Pi) is particularly used in the following formulae: • Circumference of a circle= 3.14 x diameter of the circle • Area of the circle = 3.14x radius2 How will we celebrate Pi? We will bring in pies, cakes, biscuits decorated with circles and _ and cards with ‘Happy Pi day!’ We will share some historical pi ‘facts and figures’ with all pupils. Year 7 and 8 will make posters illustrating the formulae for the circumference and area of the circle. They will hang the posters around the school. Year 10 and 11 will practise their construction skills and construct inscribed and circumscribed circles in a triangle. Year 12 and 13 can work on radians, trigonometric functions and prove identities. Unfortunately, we do not teach year 9 on Tuesday 3/14! All pupils will be able to earn a biscuit if they can accurately recite the formulae for circumference and area of the circle. We hope that we will all have fun on Pi day! The Maths Department This month's book reviews Whose Side Are You On? Author – Gibbons Alan Review by Harry Hunter (8.8) "Whose Side Are You On?” is a good book and is easy to read for all ages. The plot is about a boy called Mattie who goes back in time to a slave plantation and he has to free the slaves. The book would best suit a more imaginative reader as it is written in a very Big Is Beautiful! descriptive text. I would give this book a 9/10. This year will see our 4th Scholastic Book Fair & will be our biggest Daily Telegraph Chronicle of Football, fair to-date; we will be offering a wider selection of books than ever Author – Barrett Norman before & are hoping to sell over £1000 worth of books during the Review by Iain Langford (10.5) event. I highly recommend this book to football th The fair will open on Tuesday 28 February & run through to fanatics who are extremely interested in the Thursday 9th March, 2006. past and present game. This book offers a year by year guide. I found the pages on There will be lots of “must-have” books, funky stationary & ex-stars such as Maradona, George Best, amazing posters available to buy at the fair. All year 7 & year 8 John Cruyyf and Pele very interesting. I also students will have a designated time to visit the fair during an scanned through the pages on Nottingham English lesson, all other students will be able to visit the fair during Forest’s European Cup winning teams and morning break or lunch (during the fair dates!). Manchester United’s horrific plane crash We have chosen to host our book fair this term to coincide with in Munich, 1958. The main pages I have read thoroughly are the pages on stadium World Book Day – this year it is on Thursday 2nd March & this accidents such as Hillsborough.I give this year’s theme is Celebration. More information can be found on the book an exceptional 8-1/2 out of 10. school website.

Since September 2005 the LRC & the English department have Cricket been raising student awareness of books & the enjoyment of Author – Smith Andy reading through timetabled LRC lessons. Students have responded Review by Joseph McLaughlin (7.4) positively to this drive for reading & we hope that parents & carers will build on this momentum by supporting this event. If you’re looking for a short snappy picture filled cricket book this is it! Whether it be batting, Please look out for reminders in your child’s planner indicating wicket keeping or spin bowling, this book has it their allotted date & time at the fair. There will be some leaflets all. Don’t know how to play cricket? You will for students to take home to show you the type of books on offer after reading this book. Even if you want to be an as well as a pre order form & a Scholastic competition for an iPod umpire you’ll find everything you need to know. nano too. This book is a great way to compliment a brilliant All students visiting the fair will receive a £1 World Book Day sport. voucher to redeem at the fair or at participating book shops. Fantastic 10 out of 10 – a great book. There will be some smashing competitions throughout the event as well as a raffle – one entry for every order placed. Sabriel Author – Nix Garth Review by Joseph McNeil (7.4) Sabriel. A compelling and exciting story that could frighten the wits out of a man 10ft tall grisly bear with 30cm teeth. But don’t let that put you off it! Set in modern times, but with magic and , Sabriel should satisfy all the fantasy hungry readers out there! Please help us to reach our target of £1000; we can Sabriel lives in Ancelstierre, in a land where nothing is as it seems. This country not do it without your support & encouragement. borders another, but its neighbour is The commission for the fair will go into the Learning far more sinister. In the Old Kingdom, Resource Centre to widen the choice of reading books Ancelstierre’s neighbour, there is one main problem. THE DEAD WON’T STAY DEAD! for your children & hopefully encourage them to read 9 out of 10. even more! Jacqueline Wilson is the Learning Resource Centres most borrowed author, See what the Children’s Laureate has to say about our Book reviews continued forthcoming Book Fair! George’s Marvellous Author – Dahl Roald Review by Jack Crawford (8.6) Dear Parent, This story is a funny fantasy where a boy called I’m very pleased and proud George makes a new medicine for his wicked to be the current Children’s grandma. He adds all kinds of things such as Laureate. People keep asking sheep pills, aerosols, shaving cream, varnish and me what I hope to achieve brown paint! He gives lots of the new medicine over the next two years. It’s to his grandma and it makes her grow as tall as very simple. I want to get as many children as possible to a house. When his father got home he wasn’t angry he was excited because he was trying to enjoy reading. We all know that reading is good for a child. get bigger ! So he gave the medicine to It stimulates their imagination, enlarges their vocabulary, his animals and they al grew bigger! He tried 4 increases their understanding. It’s also fun. If you’re a keen more times to make new medicine but he couldn’t reader you need never feel lonely or bored, you can lead many different lives, you can learn an enormous amount, you can I gave this book a 7 out of 10. travel the world without getting out of your armchair. If you want the very best for your children I’m sure you’ll want to encourage them to read. Suitcase Kid Author – Wilson Jacqueline I think the best way to get children hooked on books is to read Review by Bethany Gleave (7.8) aloud to them. I don’t just I think this book is one for all to read, especially mean reading little word-a-page books to babies, picture Jacqueline Wilson fans! This book is about a girl books to toddlers. It’s great to carry on reading long after your called Andy whose mum and dad split up and she children can read for themselves. This way you can share has to travel from one house to another living with books together, maybe try out your old childhood favourites, and two different families. The story is a very touching, discover exciting new authors simultaneously. You can tackle lovely story. I could read it over and over again. I give this book a rating of 9 out of 10. It’s probably books a little too demanding for your child to battle through one of the best books I’ve read. Hoppe you read it alone. You can take it in turns to read. You can share the joy of and enjoy it too!! stories together in a warm delightful relaxed way.

Most children learn to read for themselves in school. They go Lottie Project on to study various books in the classroom. Maybe you could Author – Wilson Jacqueline reinforce activities that take place in the school environment and Review by Lucy Draycott (7.6) read aloud to your children at home? Sometimes adults worry I really enjoyed reading this book. I have about their reading aloud skills, fussing that they can’t make read it once before but because I liked it dramatic enough, or do different voices for each character. it so much I have read it again. I would As long as you read slowly and clearly most children will listen recommend it to people around my age absorbed. They’ll often join in with a special catch-phrase, they’ll group (11-12). suck their thumbs in a scary part, they’ll roar with laughter at It is an incredibly funny book, as you start something funny. You don’t need to be a brilliant performer. Just to read it pulls you in and you can’t stop read – and the words will do the work. reading. It makes time pass which is good when you go on a long journey. So I really It will be World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March. This is an enjoyed this book and I would give it a 9 annual celebration to remind everyone that reading is wonderful. out of 10, only because sometimes it was Lots of schools and bookshops and libraries plan special events s bit strange and you got lost, but other with visiting authors. Get involved with your schools Scholastic than that I really enjoyed it. Book Fair or Book Club, which benefits both the children and the school. Every schoolchild in the UK receives a free £1 book token so World Book Day is an ideal time to have a good , Stars and Slimy Aliens browse and find a brand new favourite book. Author - Arnold, Nick Review by Shaun Kerrigan (7.8) Why not try reading to your child for ten minutes tonight? If it This book is funny and educational, it tells you works for both of you – and I’m sure it will – then try another about the sun, moon and lots more about space. ten minutes the next day, and the next. You’ll find it becomes This book is part of the Horrible Series as much a part of your happy family routine as supper time and there is also Horrible History and Horrible bath time and bed time. Geography. Happy Reading! So if you want a laugh and at the same time get some facts look; at this book. I would give it 9 out of 10. Inaugural Varsity Competition Learning Support Department The Learning Support Department hold regular monthly Toot Hill v The Grove meetings for parents to come along and discuss concerns On Tuesday 13 December over 100 pupils they may have about their children. They are held on the last from Years 7 – 11, took part in Badminton, Wednesday of each month from 3.30 until 5 p.m. Table Tennis, Indoor Rowing and Hockey. If you are worried about some aspect of your child’s learning, This bi annual contest has been introduced to development, behaviour or progress or if you have a child our sporting calendar with the aim of further with special educational needs and want to know more about increasing participation in sport. Pictured below the support they are getting, then please ring the school office is Tom Lambourne, captain of the Toot Hill Team, and make an appointment to see Wendy Nelson, the Special who won the competition convincingly (Toot Hill Educational Needs Coordinator. 1000pts, The Grove 1000 pts). We look forward to th the return leg of this year’s competition in March. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 15 February Attention Year 9 ..... Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme All those interested in participating in this Award Scheme are invited to a meeting on Tuesday 21 March at 5.45 p.m. in the Bingham Youth Centre Please bring a parent. For any enquiries phone Barbara Green on 01949 875960 or email: [email protected] Key Dates

Yr 7 Yr 8 Yr 9 Yr 10 Yr 11 Yr 12 Yr 13 Reports Wed 14th Wed 5th July Mon 26th June Thu 6th July Issued to June Parents Internal Assessment SAT Mocks: Assessment Week Assess- Week Mon 13th Feb 3rd - 7th April ment 6 - 10th - Wed 15th Feb March Foundation Dates Subjects: Mon 22nd May - 26th May

Public SATS Maths Modular GCSE Examinations occur Exam Dates 2nd - 5th May Exam GCSE throughout the Spring and (INCLUSIVE) 17th November / Summer Term. (Geog DME 28th June 19/01/06)

Science Modular Key Dates: Exam GCSE French/German Oral Exams 24th November / start Wed 5th April Early March /Mid/ Late June

General Geography Enterprise Enterprise Week Geography Trips Coursework Blaster Exam Leaving Dates Trips Week 8th - 12 May 15th - 18th May Session 3 Leave Date 12th - 16th 27th Feb -3rd 28th March 3.15 - 6.00pm. (Provi- Fri 19th June (prov.) March History Trips sional) May 5th - 9th June Leaving Date 11th May (prov.) 19th May - Hagg Farm 16th June 15th - 27th Maths Conference Prom 23rd June (prov.) May(prov.) 14th June Clearance Day 22nd June

College Induction 22nd - 23rd June

Parents’ THU 16th THU 16th February Evenings March 4.00 - 6.30pm. (Subjects) 4.00 - 6.30pm. Vacancies - MIDDAY SUPERVISORS Year 7 & 8 Pupils Monday to Friday – term time only Watch out for 11.00am – 1.05pm. - £5.60 per hour Duties include Break and Lunch time supervision of pupils further details For an application form or further information, please contact about the Mrs J Boulton, Pupil Welfare Officer on 01949 875550 forthcoming

Toot Hill Reprographics Dept. for all your printing needs M why not ring us on March 01949 863012 A and speak to Marion or Leslie Disco for a competitive quote D to Next meeting of Friends of Toot Hill is to take place on take place on 7 March 2005 Thursday in ‘The Beach Hut’ at School – commencing at 7.30 p.m. 23 March 2006 (organised by It would be lovely to have some more support – so if Friends of Toot Hill) you are able to – please do come along and join us!

200 CLUB ... FRIENDS OF TOOTHILL This is your opportunity to have fun as well as support your child’s school. It's just a win win situation. All the proceeds raised from this event are awarded to different departments in the school who need it. You have better odds of being a winner than playing the lottery! Its also cheaper for the cost of just £10 per number, you can play the the remaining part of the school year. Two draws are made each month, the first prize being £15, and second £10, except for Christmas when we have a grand prize draw of £100! It could be you! It will cost you £4 to join in for the rest of this school year. You have to be in it to win it so just fill out the application form and send it to school early to avoid disappointment. Remember, all the money raised goes towards your child’s benefit at school, so go on, have a go. Good luck! Winners for January 2006 – 1st Prize of £15 to L Hibberd - 2nd Prize of £10 to S Rose Winners for February 2006 – 1st Prize of £15 to E Carrington - 2nd Prize of £10 to G Crawford

PLEASE COMPLETE THE SLIP BELOW AND RETURN IT TO SCHOOL IN AN ENVELOPE – TOGETHER WITH YOUR PAYMENT – MARKED ‘FOR THE ATTENTION OF FRIENDS OF TOOT HILL SCHOOL – 200 CLUB’

NAME:…………………………...... ………………………………… ADDRESS:………………………………………...... ……………… ………………………………...... ………...... …………………………… ………………………...... …...... POSTAL CODE:………...... ………... PUPIL NAME:………………………………………………...... …. TUTOR SET:…………...... …….

AMOUNT PAID:……………………...... …... HOW MANY NUMBERS:………...... ……...... ONCE YOUR MONEY HAS BEEN RECEIVED, A RECEIPT AND A NUMBER(S) WILL BE ISSUED. h Pamper Evening h Thursday, 30 March 2006 7.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. at Toot Hill School

Have fun and enjoy a night out being pampered by professional therapists, mini taster treatments at an extra cost of approximately £5 per treatment!

2 Hopi ear candles 2 Makeovers 2 Reiki 2 Nail art and manicures 2Indian head massage 2 Aromatherapy 2 Crafts and all sorts of retail therapy

Tickets £3.00 (raffle and refreshments available) This will appeal to girls of all ages!

Further details available via The Beauty Clinic, Bingham – tel: 01949 837764

To purchase your ticket now please complete and return the reply slip below – together with your payment in an envelope marked ‘FAO FRIENDS OF TOOT HILL’, c/o Toot Hill School. h Pamper Evening – Thursday, 30 March 2006

I would like to receive ………...... … (please specify number of tickets) for this event at a cost of £3 each.

Please forward my ticket(s) to me via my child, who is:

…………………………………...... (name of child) and is in tutor set …………...... …. (please state)

My telephone number is ………………………...... ………….. (just in case there is a need for us to contact you.)