NEWSLINES More Records GCSE, A Level and IB The GCSE and A Level results were once again well beyond even our high expectations. Mrs Brook and her Year 11 team were instrumental in producing the best results at GCSE the School has ever experienced. 91% of our students achieved 5A* - C and 78% including English and Mathematics. This is way beyond the national and Dorset averages and placed the school once again near the very top of the league tables. These simple statistics hide a remarkable level of progress for our students in what is called CVA (Contextual Value Added). Put simply this is an indicator of the progress made by our students in terms of their levels of ability and other indicators. By this measure over 90% of our students made the expected progress of 3 levels in English and Mathematics. This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the over- all results in these two departments and the exceptional quality of teaching. At the same time this must not detract from superb results in Design, History and Geography, Modern Lan- guages, Science, Dance – the list goes on and on. If a school intends to achieve the level of achievement we always aspire towards it is vital that all departments perform well. Of course our statistics become even more impressive when one considers the number of students we en- ter for GCSE examinations (465) and that on average our students undertake 12.9 GCSE’s, three more than the average across Dorset. This is accomplished without any reduction in the levels of achievement, with A* and A grades well above all averages. The School entered 405 students for A Level examinations and once again the results were exceptional. Statistics in this aspect of our work are even more complicated but the average point score of 847.7 is our best ever and a wonderful result far above that of other schools both locally and nationally, independent and state funded. Once again the CVA was exceptionally high and the independent measure used to judge achievement describes the results as ‘consistently outstanding’. The level of A-C grades (83%) with the top A grades of 33% (6% above 2008) is a stunning and well- deserved result. Once again English and Mathematics lead the way with 33 and 75 A grades respectively. Once again this should not detract from the remarkable consistency of achievement across all subjects. The same applies to the Internal Baccalaureate were students all passed this prestigious qualification and progressed to some of the top universities. Every year the School is in the privileged position of being able to report wonderful results for nearly all stu- dents. This is obviously linked to hard work, commitment, continuity and staff believing in their students. No school can continue on a constantly upward trajectory but that must be our goal – to achieve the very best for all! Printed copies of Newslines are available on request. Copies will be available in School from www.thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk Page 2 Newslines Year 9 Firstly I would like to comment on how well and quickly the Year 9 students have settled in their new school. The Year group has an upbeat ‘feel’ and staff feedback has been very positive to date. We have given information about opportunities outside the classroom and are en- couraging all students to try and take part in at least one new club or activity. The English trip to Woman in Black was ‘sold out’ within days and further trips and ex- change opportunities have been offered in History and Modern Foreign Languages. The Year Council has been established with one student representative elected from each of the twenty tutor groups. From this body, students went through an involved process to be selected, by the students, to represent Year 9 on the School’s ‘Student Voice’. Our nominated students are Lucy Beer, Matt Williams, Ed Uden, Robin Hollis and Jasmine Cottrell. The Year Council have initiated a shoe box collection of educational materials to be sent to Afghanistan. This has been well supported by the tutor groups and the boxes are now in transit. Lunchtime ‘Sport for All’ is underway with an inter-tutor group Basketball competi- tion. Hockey, Rugby and Football fixtures have also commenced (results can be viewed in the Sports section). I would also like to remind you of some important notes for your diary. The first student Reviews will be commencing shortly and will be ready for collection from your son/daughter’s Tutor at the Tutor Consultation Evening on Tuesday 24th November. The Year 9 Team Year 10 We would like to thank the students for the excellent start they have made to the year. Student’s Reviews are currently being written and will provide an informative view of your child’s progress so far this year. You will be able to discuss this at the Tutor Consultation Evening on 24th November and I would encourage all parents to attend. The Year Team will also be available should you wish to discuss any issues further. As I’m sure you are aware, Maths no longer has coursework so it is more important than ever that students take advantage of Maths Club. It takes place every day after school with the exception of Tuesdays. There is no bet- ter preparation for exams and with a GCSE mod- ule in March, it would be great to see your son or daughter there. The Year 10 Team www.thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk Newslines Page 3 Year 11 This term Year 11s have started to contemplate life after GCSEs by both focussing on their futures as young adults by attending the Sixth Form Convention. They were able to discuss courses and opportunities and used the Connexions service to investigate ca- reer pathways. With exams looming it has been good to see the increased intensity and urgency in their studies that many students are showing. It has been noticeable that many students have adopted a more mature and systematic approach to school life. In terms of the home-school link, as a Year Team we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those parents who attended the recent Tutor Consultation Evening; dia- logue between tutors and parents is extremely important and we value the support im- mensely. It has also been good to see the increased levels of attendance at after-school clubs as students aim to improve coursework or simply learn new skills. If your son/ daughter needs help with their studies they must seek help—teachers are ready and will- ing to help at clubs after school. Outside of the academic realm, nine Year 11 students will soon be taking part in the Somerset and Dorset Schools Overseas Expedition—students will either be going to Nepal or South Africa and we look forward to their reports on this fantastic experience. On the sports field the Year 11 Rugby Team have had considerable success which reached its pinnacle with an epic win over the formidable Canford School. Years 11s have also been busy planning and thinking about the End of Year 11 Prom and the Year Book. Both of these projects are well under way. Of more immediate importance is the forthcoming Maths Exam on 13th November. All students must bring a calculator. The Year 11 Team Sixth Form The new Year 12 have settled in well and have made an excellent start to their Sixth Form Studies. The Sixth Form Union organised a very successful BBQ at the start of term that helped new students settle in and make new friends. The Year 13 have been organising their applications for Higher Education and already 60 forms have been sent to UCAS. Students considering training and employment for Year 13 have had interviews and are now seen by the Connexions Service for further advice. The Sixth Form Convention on October 8th was extremely successful and all visitors seemed to enjoy and value the events to help them make decisions about next year. It was exceptionally well attended. Important events in the near future: • Wednesday 4th November – Year 13 Tutor Consultation Evening • Friday 20th November to Sunday 22nd November – Sixth Form Trip to Paris • Wednesday 25th November – Year 12 Tutor Consultation Evening (please note this is a change of date from the School Calendar) • Monday 14th December – Year 12 and 13 Practice Exams begin this week • Friday 18th December – Sixth Form Trip to Oxford The Sixth Form Team www.thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk Page 4 Newslines Fashion Show in Time for Christmas A group of students in Years 12 and 13 are busy organising a fashion extrava- ganza to help raise funds for their expedition to Kenya next summer. In asso- ciation with Travelling Trends, an evening of entertainment and an excellent range of high street clothes will be on offer at approximately 50% of its original in-store price. Most garments available will be between £8-£18—great value as we ap- proach the Christmas season. The show is for women from 14 years upwards with most sizes catered for. It will be held in the School Theatre on Wednesday 9th December— doors open at 7pm with the Fashion Show starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3.50 and “…the team have are available from the School Reception and Dorchester Tourist Information Centre. raised over Proceeds will go towards the expedition with 5% being donated to the team's chosen charity. There will be a raffle featuring a wide variety of prizes as well as refreshments £70,000 with a before and after the show.