TOR BRIDGE HIGH NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2014

A message from the Principal Dear Families With just a few days of our school year 2013/14 to go, I would like on behalf of everyone at Tor Bridge High to thank you for your continued support. There is so much to be proud of in the progress and achievements of our young people every day. This week so many new challenges have been experienced as staff and students participate in activities around our whole school themes of Enterprises, Internationalism and Outdoor Challenge. For once the weather has been kind to us too! Our older students have either been on Work Experience or participating in activites to plan their future careers. We have received a number of compliments on our students’ attitude and behaviour from a variety of organisations across the South West this week which is fantastic. My thanks also go to all our staff for their planning and participation in Challenge Experience, Work Experience visiting and of course for their hard work and efforts all year. Our exam season seemed long and particularly challenging this year but once again students worked hard with their revision and we hope the summer results enable them to take the next step towards achieving their chosen career. Once again staff and students have been able to celebrate the end of year together at the Year 11 Prom, this year at the Elfordleigh Hotel, and the 6th Form Party at The New Continental (see photos inside). Record numbers of students have applied to our 6th Form and we look forward to continuing to work with them next year. Many have completed their induction and have holiday work to help them prepare for next term. We are again full for Year 7 from September with a number of families who have appealed and there is a waiting list too. It been an absolute pleasure meeting all our new very excited students and their parents. Finally a thank you to our Partner Primary School colleagues and children who have enthusiastically joined in special events with Year 4 and 5 in recent months. Macbeth, The Witches was brilliantly performed by Year 5 children from Bickleigh Down, Leigham, Thornbury, Tor Bridge and Widewell schools here at Tor Bridge High. Finally my best wishes to you all for a relaxing and happy summer break. Liz Dunstan Principal

Tor Bridge High Baby Boom! You may have noticed recently that we have a number of colleagues who are expecting! We have recently welcomed back from maternity leave Mrs Davison, Ms Clarke and Mrs Ford. Congratulations also go to Ms Keith whose daughter was born in June, and to Mrs Hunt whose son was born last week! Mrs Flaxton’s baby is due this month, Mrs Meech, Mrs Whiteway and Mrs Cartwright are all due in September and Mrs Williams in October. Our very best wishes go to them all and we look forward to meeting their babies next term and to welcoming our mums back after their maternity leave. You will be pleased to know that we are fully staffed for September, further details in our next newsletter.

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Students’ September Start Dates

Post 16 students focused on revision

Years 7 and 12: Wed September 3rd, 8:30am Years 8, 9, 10, 11, 13: Thurs September 4th, 8:30am

Term Dates:

Term 1 Term 2 Term3 Term 4 Term5 Term 6

Start Date 1st September 2014 3rd November 2014 5th January 2015 23rd February 2015 13th April 2015 1st June 2015

On challenge day a number of our 6th form students spent the day refining their study skills in preparation for university life. In the build up to their end of year examinations it was time for our students to develop their revision skills. Plymouth University visited Tor Bridge High to help and support our students to focus on exam technique.

End Date 24th October 2014 19th December 2014 13th February 2015 27th March 2015 22nd May 2015 20th July 2015

Students finish 17th July 2015 Staff Only Days: Mon 1st September 2014 Tue 2nd September 2014 Fri 24th October 2014 Mon 5th January 2015 Mon 20th July 2015

Students were given a range of highly effective individual, paired and group revision strategies to prepare for their assessments. We know that our students have worked very hard and been incredibly focused throughout their exam period and wish them the best of luck with their upcoming results and future plans!

Bank Holidays: Thursday 25th December 2014 Friday 26th December 2014 Thursday 1st January 2015 Friday 3rd April 2015 Monday 6th April 2015 Monday 4th May 2015 Monday 25th May 2015 Monday 31st August 2015

Exam Dates: 04/11/14: WJEC English/English Language – AM exam. 05/11/14: Edexcel Maths Linear Paper 1MAO – AM exam. 07/11/14: Edexcel Maths Linear Paper 2MAO – AM exam 11/05/15: First GCE and GCSE written exams commence. 24/06/15: Last GCE and GCSE written exams finish. 13/08/15: GCE results published available from college from 9.00am to 11.00am 20/08/15: GCSE results published available from college from 9.00am to 11.00am.

Exams, exams, exams! We have had a busy exam season this year with changes to qualifications meaning most students taking linear exams at the end of their GCSE, AS or A Level studies. This is always an anxious time for students who hope to do their very best on the day. The students’ behaviour has been exemplary thoughout. We are very grateful for the excellent organisation by Mrs Starr who has been very well supported by her team of invigilators once again this year. Paul Mapstone Jackie Hazell Angela Chandler [Left] Mrs Starr, Exams Officer. [Right] Our team of invigilators

John Lewis

Jacqueline LeeHansen

Carole Brett

Annie Hortop Rosemary Lyddon

Graham Barnes Valerie Amos

Gary Watson Martin Hazell

EXAM RESULTS DAY KEY STAGE 5: Thursday 14th August 2013, available from 9.00am – 11.00am. KEY STAGE 4: Thursday 21st August 2013, available from 9.00am - 11.00am.

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Life in Austen, Faraday and Tenzing As the end of another fantastic year draws near it is a great time to look back over our students’ achievements whilst, at the same time, looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. There is certainly a competitive spirit in the air as the students are preparing for the newly structured sports day. This looks like it will be an amazing opportunity for all students to contribute to the success of their school through  a range of activities. We look forward to lots of cheering and support on 16th July! The past few weeks have also seen a lot of new faces around Tor Bridge High as the current year 6 students are in for uniform fittings, induction days and tutor meetings. They have certainly been getting involved in all aspects of school life and it is at this time that the vertical tutoring and small school structure we have really comes into its own. The support offered in the tutor groups by older students is lovely to see and serves as an excellent source of information and guidance to those who may find starting a new school somewhat daunting. Students in Year 7 to 9 are waiting

in anticipation for their Challenge Experience and we hope that they all have a fun, exciting and most of all challenging time. The experiences they have will be remembered forever and we look forward to all their exciting stories when they return. For Year 10 students the focus is on work experience, new skills to be gained which in many cases will shape the future career plans for these students.

and skirts (which must be of an appropriate knee length). If you are in any doubt please contact the school office as soon as possible and they will be only too willing to help.

May we take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for their support with the revised School Absence policy and in particular the regulation surrounding holiday absence. School attendance is at a record high and although we have certainly noticed a corresponding increase in student attainment the downside is that it has  cost a fair amount in Vivos!

Thank you again for all of your support this year. As always it has been extremely busy but equally productive and rewarding.

As we near the end of term we also ask parents/ carers and students to study the uniform expectations in the planner and prepare for the new year in September. In particular we will be closely monitoring the appropriateness of school trousers (no leggings, skinny jeans/trousers)

Goodbye to Year 13!... On 27th June, it was time to say a final goodbye to our year 13 students. Students were given an opportunity to attend a final assembly, celebrating their time in the 6th form and then progressing on to cake and drinks at our Garden Party. There were some fantastic performances given by Sam Castlehouse, Megan Fellows and Sian Hoskins which even got our students dancing in the aisles! It was a wonderful way to round off the time that students had spent in the 6th form, celebrating achievements and sharing some fond memories. We wish every student success in the future and we know that each of you will go on to shine in the career pathway of your choice. A final celebration at the 6th form party on the 4th July this year was held at the New Continental and was a great end to the year. Good luck Year 13. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you! The exam result day is as follows: KEY STAGE 5 exam results day: Thursday 14th August 2013, available from 9.00am – 11.00am.

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Finally we look forward to celebrating, in August, the exam successes of our Year 11 students who have behaved so responsibly throughout our summer exam season.

Mr Winstone, Miss Harling and Mr Biddle. EXAM RESULTS DAY: KEY STAGE 4: Thursday 21st August 2013, available from 9.00am - 11.00am.

...Welcome Year 12! As the saying goes - out with the old and in with the new! We would like to extend a huge welcome to our new year 12 students who have attended an enhanced induction to Cade School at Tor Bridge High. On Monday 30th June, students were welcomed to the 6th form and given the opportunity to find out key information about their study programmes. As the week progressed, those students who were attending PLE courses, visited our partner schools and 6th form lessons started. Our students are keen to engage and are already showing the key skills required to thrive within their post 16 studies, collecting their summer tasks and preparing for their next steps in September. Remember that there are a few key dates for your diary; Thursday 21st August is GCSE results day and Wednesday 3rd September is course registration day for all Year 12 students. Staff will be on hand throughout both days to help manage any queries or concerns. We wish you all luck with your GCSE results.

Flying the flag for Tor Bridge High To celebrate international events around the world, Tor Bridge High has installed our own flag pole! We will be using this to fly many different flags to celebrate other countries, other cultures and national and international events. Each week there will be a different flag to help us remember there’s a whole world out there. Our official flag raising will be at Sports Day, where we continue to build on the youth legacy for sport from the Olympics.

Year 6 Transition It’s that time of year again, where does the time go? Over the last few weeks around 40 Year 6 students have visited us to sample life here at Tor Bridge High. Lots of activities were planned to help them find their way around the school and see what they have to look forward to in September. Some amazing collages were made featuring pictures of our staff and lots of areas around the school. This was done over three weekly visits giving them a chance to familiarise a bit at a time. A visit to the science garden was a definite favourite. Here they took cuttings and sowed vegetable seeds and hopefully they will see the results of their work in September. The pond fish certainly enjoyed their visit as they were being fed lots of food. On their final visit we asked them what they were most looking forward to. Drama, PE, new teachers and making new friends were popular comments and of course the food! To finish with, we played some parachute games and visited the restaurant. Here we had some well-deserved food and drink

giving the students the chance to experience lunchtime at Tor Bridge High. On 25th June, a record number of parents and Year 6 students attended our Year 6 Parents Evening where they had a chance to meet their new tutors for the first time. In September all our Year 7 spaces are full. We have, in fact, taken three extra children and have many more on a waiting list. On 1st and 3rd of July, all of our new year group 213 students - came and took part in Year 6 induction days. On the first day, they experienced their new timetables as if they were in Year 7 and on the second day, they had an arts induction day where they got the chance to experience all of the wonderful facilities available for art and design here at Tor Bridge. Many of our new students will have an opportunity to take part in our Summer School to ensure they are ready for secondary school work when the new term begins. We are really looking forward to seeing them all again in September!

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Accelerated Reader (AR) Key Stage 3 students have taken over 3,100 AR quizzes and read a whopping 79,655,833 words since September 2013. Each week students scoring 100% in a quiz on a book within their ZPD range or above are displayed on the Literacy Notice Board (located downstairs between Austen and Faraday). Names are entered into a draw, the first prize being 15 vivos. The more 100% quizzes in a week the more entries into the draw! In addition to the weekly draw, and following the success of the Christmas Competition, top readers per tutor group are rewarded termly. Vivo prizes and certificates are awarded for the most words read and most quizzes passed each term. There is every reason to pick up a good book and read with so many incentives on offer! The library has a selection of over 2,400 AR books to choose from, so there should be something to suit everyone’s taste. However, if students wish to read a book from home, they can check to see if there is an AR quiz available for their book on the following webpage www.arbookfind.co.uk. Parents/carers can also access the site when looking to purchase new books for their son/daughter. Key Stage 3 Enjoy Reading (ER) Time ER Time continues to be an important part of the KS3 students school day. AR Top Tips Read books from within the ZPD range given. Always have at least one book with you in school for KS3 ER Time and make sure you concentrate. Read independently or with/to a family member at home if you can. Make sure you complete AR book quizzes on books that you have read within 24 hours of completing a book if at all possible. Only complete AR book quizzes when you feel confident that you have read and understood your book well. You can re-read a book before quizzing. Record your AR password in your planner and see Mrs Lawry if you forget it. Alternatively, frogmail Mrs Lawry at: [email protected]. Aim to complete at least one quiz per half term. The ZPD level is the book level students are recommended to read based on reading age. The ZPD level ensures students read books that are considered neither too easy nor too complex, therefore, students will be able to access the books and gain the necessary reading practice in order to improve their reading abilities.

Students read for the first half of their designated ER lesson which can be any lesson across the curriculum and is organised on a rolling programme (please see timetable below). The scheme runs alongside the Accelerated Reader enabling students to complete books within their ZPD range. This allows students to read books within their ability. The library holds a variety of books for students to take out. Books can be exchanged tutorial, during break, lunch and after school. The library staff are happy to help students with selection of books. The period in which a 30 minute KS3 ER Time session will take place: Week

Period:

6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36.

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2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37.

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3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, 38.

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4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39.

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5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40.

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SCHOOL SUMMARY TENZING - 32,668,314 words AUSTEN

- 25,324,859 words

FARADAY - 21,619,488 words

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Kindle Competition Students reaching 1,000,000 words are entered into a prize draw, held at the end of the year, the first prize being a Kindle.

Library News The library joined in the World Cup fever by running a number of football/Brazil related quizzes. The main quiz was entered by 43 students across Years 7 to 11. Thirty-five students correctly answered all 11 questions and were entered into a draw for a World Cup football team. The student with the winning World Cup team will get a £10 sports shop voucher. All correct entries also received 2 VIVOs. Other activities included football word searches and an ‘Identify the player and nation’ quiz. Also this term the library has displayed materials to commemorate both the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the World War I centenary. There is a vast selection of books, both fiction and non-fiction on both of these topics.

Accelerated Reader and end of term arrangements

Non-Fiction Move Around The staff have now completed a thorough reorganisation of our non-fiction sections of the library; removing old stock and rearranging the shelves to ensure titles are easy to find. The Accelerated Reader non-fiction books are now more spread out and labelled so students are able to see clearly the availability of titles. We are continuing to post regularly on FROG to inform students the books they have ordered are available. FROG is also being used to notify students of new stock which arrives on at least a monthly basis.

ER time will continue right up until the end of term so please ensure you have the correct ZPD level book. To ensure that books are returned before the summer holidays students will note that the loan period has been reduced. Please can you all ensure you return your books before starting your holidays. Anyone wishing to borrow books can still take books out on their public library cards.

Former student of Tor Bridge High has her work published

Summer Reading Challenge 2014

We are delighted that former student, Lisa Glass has just secured a three-book publishing deal. Lisa’s novel, ‘Blue’, is set in Newquay and will shortly be available in our library. Lisa has kindly agreed to come in and talk to our students in the next school year. (See article on page 16 for more information.)

Mythical Maze is this year’s Summer Reading Challenge open to children aged 4-11. They can join in the adventures of lots of mythical creatures including a dragon, a mermaid, a minotaur, a unicorn and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster! The target is to read six books and collect a mythical maze poster, stickers, glow in the dark wristband, a puzzle and a medal. The fun starts on July 12th and continues to September 13th. There will also be competitions and story and craft activities throughout the summer holidays. For more information telephone Estover Library on 01752 312502 or email the library: [email protected]

Public Library Opening Times Monday 9.30-5.00 Tuesday 9.30-5.00 Wednesday Closed Thursday 9.30 -5.00 Friday 9.30 -5.00 Saturday 10.00 -1.00

Remember the library will be open throughout the summer holidays!

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STUDENT UNIFORM The correct uniform should be worn at all times. If an item of uniform is missing, the student is to spend the day with the tutor/co-tutor, having collected work from their teachers. The student should spend break time in the relevant school office and lunch time in Reflection. The student risks further consequences if the situation happens frequently.

• School sports top.

If the matter can be solved by a quick phone call home and the item can be brought in, the tutor should write a note in the student’s planner to that effect.

• It is advised that items such as, gum shields, shin pads and appropriate foot wear to be used during sports such as rugby, hockey and football etc, students will be advised when these are likely to be required.

If the student brings a note from home, the office will need to confirm this during tutorial and a stamp/ signature will show staff that the circumstance is genuine. All students Years 7-11 (Compulsory elements are in bold). • Black fitted jacket with individual school colour linings. • School tie, to be worn at all times. • Plain white shirt or blouse with long or short sleeves and a stiff collar with a top button (polo / casual shirts are not acceptable). • Straight legged black trousers or black skirt of a reasonable length, not jeans, cords, flares, cropped trousers or ‘skinny jeans’. • Smart, plain black sensible shoes- low or no heel only. No striped soles or logos permitted. No extreme styles, open toe or open backs. • Where worn, socks should be plain black or plain black tights. • Suitable outdoor jacket. • School jumper (in school colours this item of clothing must be worn with the school jacket not instead of it).

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PE

• Black jogging bottoms or shorts (any brand – for PE). • Other optional items for PE: Rugby shirt, micro fleece, jumper (black) and sports socks. • Hairband to be worn to keep hair up during PE.

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories • The only acceptable forms of jewellery are a single stud in each ear (to be worn in the ear lobe) and a wrist-watch. • No other form of piercings – piercings in the nose, tongue or eyebrows – are not acceptable and students will be asked to remove items for collection by parents. • Tattoos are not acceptable.

• Only a plain narrow black belt should be worn. • Any confiscated items of jewellery may be kept until the end of each term. • Bracelets or wristbands are not allowed. Make-up & Hairstyles • No excessive make-up. • Hair colour should be variations of natural colours only and no shorter than grade 2. No ‘tramlines’, ‘Mohican’ or other extreme style cuts allowed. Any elastic bands, hair bands and scrunchies must be a plain, dark colour. • Nail varnish or false nails should not be worn to school, only natural looking nails. Equipment Students must have the following equipment: • Student planner. • Pen, pencil, rubber, sharpener, ruler, protractor, pair of compasses. • Coloured pencils or felts, appropriate pencil case. • Calculator. • An English dictionary & French/Spanish dictionary as appropriate. • An apron or old shirt should be brought in for art. • Students need a bag large enough to carry all this equipment and books i.e. a rucksack. • Personal valuables are brought in at students own risk. Tor Bridge High accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items. Examinations

School Uniform Purchases As you are aware, from January 2013 we changed the way we supply our uniform items. All uniform is now available to buy from Trutex, a long standing uniform supplier based at Sugar Mill Retail Park, Billicombe Road (near The Range). They have stock of all items bearing the new Tor Bridge High logo as well as school trousers and other items including Brownies, Guides, Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts clothing. There is ample free parking and you can also order online and collect or arrange to have a postal delivery. New uniform is available from Trutex’s website (www.plymouth.trutex. com), by telephone (01752 491353), email ([email protected]) and their address is 3-4 Sugarmill Retail Park, Billacombe Road, Plymouth, PL9 7HT. Full details of prices will be on their website. Their opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10.00am until 5.00pm.

For examinations all students must have a clear plastic bag or pencil case with: • At least one black pen. • A pencil. • A rubber. • A ruler.. Additional equipment needed for exams will be explained by the subject teacher or tutor.

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Tor Bridge’s Touring Troupe! The school touring band has just completed another successful trip around our local primary schools. Music from our brass and woodwind instrumentalists was enjoyed by infants and juniors alike at Leigham Primary, Thornbury Primary and Oakwood Primary. We delighted our audience with many songs they recognised with a theme of music from the movies, favourites included ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Mission Impossible.’ Mr Andy Cox also joined the band for the tour. The group’s next tour will be at Christmas visiting the elderly in the community spreading festive cheer. If you would like to join the band or find out about instrumental lessons please see Mr. Perrett or Mr Faro in school or leave a message at reception. Left: Aidan Osbourne on trumpet. Below, from left to right - Mr Cox (trumpet), Sophie England (clarinet), Aidan Osbourne (trumpet), Kieran Pratt (clarinet), Bradley Davis (clarinet), Hannah Smith (clarinet), Molly Hearne (clarinet), Lewis Horsfield (tuba), and Christopher Easby (saxophone).

Science/Business Studies/Art Cross curricular Workshops at Plymouth University As part of La Solitaire du Figaro festivities the University hosted a range of workshops with a Maritime theme and led by undergraduates. 24 Year 8 students learnt – among other things - why plankton eating plastics floating in the oceans can be so harmful to humans and how rubbish can be taken all over the globe on the tides.

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Amazing Art Show! Probably the best yet! The exhibition contained a very diverse and colourful range of work from Foundation, Sixth Form and GCSE students. Sculpture, installations, paintings, textiles, graphics, illustration and more filled the gallery spaces. The private view opening attracted a record number of parents, staff and friends with proud students showing off their work.

Artist workshops screen-printing for restaurant banners Tor Bridge Primary children worked with artist Tony Minnion to create images for the three banners. Previously, Tony had run workshops with students from Cann Bridge and Year 8 and 9 Tor Bridge students in this whole partnership project. A mix of drawing, computer and screen printing imagery will be transformed into colourful artwork for the Restaurant.

Lord Mayor’s Day Parade Once again, Tor Bridge students worked with Stiltskin Creative Arts Theatre Company to produce giant Kings and Queens for the Parade on Saturday 14th June. 20 Year 8 students assisted in the making with 8 taking part in the Parade.

Above: Tor Bridge Primary children working on screen-printing banners with artist Tony Minnion. (L-R): Melanie Pollard, Jack Launder, Riley Colwill, Alanah Morrison, and Kimberly Pritchard.

[Front cover artists; top left, clockwise: Jasmine Ellery, Christie Wills, Jess Parnell, Natasha Sigsworth, Clive Skelton, Kaitlin Johns, Alice Douglas, Alicia Garlick, and Jess Parnell]

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GCSE Geography Fieldwork Late June in sunny Sidmouth was the perfect time for Year 10 geographers to collect their data to help them with their Controlled Assessment, which is worth 25% of their whole GCSE geography course. Thirty-five students, accompanied by Mr Goldsmith, Mr Perry, Mrs Hughes and Miss Walrond, arrived in Sidmouth on a scorching day to assess the impact of coastal erosion on the town and some of its residents. The group was also there to identify what coastal management strategies have been used and to understand why. The day comprised of interviewing some local residents who are being severely affected - to such an extent that some have lost up to 20m of their property to the sea! It also involved collecting data by assessing wave features, measuring beach profiles and determining the presence and impact of a coastal process called longshore drift – which is where material is transported from one section of a beach to another, through wave action. The students had a thoroughly absorbing day and were able to understand how geography affects people in real life.

(L-R) Connor Devlin, Sophie Higley, Abi Crowley, Jack Rice and Nathan Gee

Staff vs Students in Sport This year we have seen two epic sporting battles, between Tor Bridge High 6th Form and Tor Bridge High staff. Volleyball

Football

This was the first activity that saw students versus teachers in a fairly close first game that saw the TBH staff come out on top. This was followed by a second game that saw the faster, quicker, but certainly not fitter staff team win the best of three match. It was a great sporting occasion for all those involved and kick started what will be a regular occasion between the staff and 6th Form students.

The second clash was held on the school’s 3G pitch and saw the staff team utilise their experience in controlling the pace of the match. Passing the ball with all the flare of the 1970’s Brazil team (some of the staff were in their prime during that particular World Cup), created plenty of scoring opportunities. Some excellent defending by both teams coupled with great attacking play ensured the staff went on to score 7 goals. There should have been a few more although both Mr Cox and Mr Williams missed absolute tap ins!! Final score: TBH 6th Form 0 – TBH staff 7. The occasion was also an opportunity to raise funds for Mr Richard Bunt, totalling just over £180. Thank you to all the 6th Form and staff who took part in both fixtures and we look forward to more next year where maybe the 6th Form might gain a victory, or two!

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Year 7 Football - A Fantastic Cup Run After many weeks of practising and trials we finally had to select a team of players, that had not only shown their talent but also their commitment and positive attitude, for our first game of the season. Preliminary Round Plymouth Cup - TBH 5 Eggbuckland 2! What a fantastic way to finish the term and start the Christmas holidays! That victory took us into the quarter finals but it wasn’t until Friday 7th March that  saw us travel to Ivybridge to play . The boys had continued to train well under the coaching of Josh Jackson and Ryan Davis, two Year 11 students, who were able to evidence these coaching sessions for part of their GCSE in PE. They obviously did a fine job because we put in a really good performance against a talented Ivybridge side to end the game 2-2! It was a shame that one team had to lose this game after a thoroughly entertaining contest between two very good teams but so to the dreaded penalty shoot out! I’m pleased to say our boys showed nerves of steel to gain a memorable victory and progress to the semi-finals.

possible, who had trained over the months, a chance to represent the school and experience playing 7v7 games in a mini competition format. Throughout these games it was great to witness players working hard for each other and showing a good team spirit win, lose or draw. Well done to all! Mr Myatt, assisted by Mr Distin (Corey’s dad), took charge of the semi-final game against Lipson CC and this too proved to be an extremely difficult game. After falling behind 1-3 we were able to claw our way back into the game to draw level and take the tie into yet another penalty shoot out! After practising the routine at Ivybridge we knew how to win these contests and duly came away with another superb victory! And so to the final, played against and at the home of Devonport High School for Boys.  Unfortunately this was where our fantastic cup run came to an end against a

very talented and well drilled DHSB who boasted a couple of boys linked with Argyle. After finding ourselves 2-0 down early in the game it needed the boys to show their real character and determination to stay in the game and as expected they dug deep and made a real game of it. Although we eventually lost 4-1 the boys can take a lot of  positives from their individual performances and that of the team knowing that this experience will prepare them well for the future. Well done boys, we are proud of your achievements! Thanks to Mr Turner, Mr Ruse, Mr Myatt, Tom Blackmore, Josh and Ryan for their help and assistance over the season and playing a big part in making this a really enjoyable season for all the boys! Thanks also go to Mr Stearnes (Team Manager) from all of the team!

Before we could play this fixture we were able to play a series of games at Ivybridge in the Central Venue League. This offered the opportunity to include as many boys as (Back row, L-R): Ryan Davis (Year 11 Coach), Aaron Wells, Dylan Marchant, Kyle Northcott, Mr Stearnes (PE Teacher), Matt Evans, Tom Cavanagh, Corey McDonald, Isaac Philips (injured), Josh Jackson (Year 11 Coach). (Front row, L-R): George Allen, Sammy Wright, Corey Distin, Lewis Legrice, Owen Evel, Luke Hetherington, Sam Kingston

Sports Day 2014 This year will see the inaugural Tor Bridge High sports day. Students from all three schools, Tenzing, Austen and Faraday will compete in a variety of sports, all the time earning points for their school to ultimately win the Tor Bridge High Governor’s Trophy. This new Trophy has been kindly donated by our school Governors for our students to compete for on a yearly basis. The day will consist of a morning session that will see students compete in team events ranging from volleyball, rounders, softball and archery to name a few. The afternoon session will see the more traditional athletics events such as 100m, 800m, javelin and 4 X 100m. The students will not only compete against their rival schools in the afternoon but also aim to set school records which will be displayed in the sports centre. Alongside the sporting competition students will enjoy a lunchtime concert as well as a BBQ. Who will be crowned the 2014 Tor Bridge High winners…..??

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Work Experience Evening for July 2015, new Year 10’s    It is that time of year again when we look ahead to next year’s work experience. We held an information evening on Tuesday 8th July at 6-7pm. This year’s talk brought about a lot of change and some extremely important information for next year, deadline dates, cost, employer opportunities and a general update. Anyone who was unable to attend the presentation can find the relevant information on the school website.

Work Experience 2014 – 7th to 11th July 2014 During the week of Monday 7th – Friday 11th July our Year 10 students went out into the world of work to complete a week’s worth of experience. These placements were of a very high quality this year and we know from speaking to lots of them they were very excited, albeit a little nervous too, to be going and tasting what the ‘real world’ could be like. Congratulations to all those who organised, took part and faced this challenge, it really will be a memorable experience and a great accolade for your personal curriculum vitae (CV). Thank you to all those employers who have offered our students a placement, we really do value and appreciate the opportunity and time you give up to allow our students this invaluable experience. More to follow in the next newsletter!

Challenge Week! By the time you read this over 600 of our students will have completed another exciting Challenge Experience. This is just one occasion when our whole school themes of enterprise, internationalism and outdoor challenge provide a focus for the planned events. Our students had a choice of over 20 activities. The exciting opportunities included completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, learning to cook Asian food, paintballing, zip wire and high rope courses, sporting activities, horse riding, surfing, snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling and working with professional artists. Our 6th formers have also participated in the Challenge Experience by completing activities which are preparing them for their futures. They will have visited universities, found out what they can do in the future when they leave school and worked with staff to provide activities for the younger students. In the Autumn edition of the newsletter we will print the photos of students completing these amazing activities.

Scary Skydive raises hundreds! Congratulations to Mrs Parkinson (HLTA English), who raised an amazing £954 for the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity. What a brave lady!

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Former Student Gets Published! A former Plymouth student has signed a book deal which will see her work published around the world. Lisa Glass’ debut novel, ‘Blue’, is about a summer romance set in Newquay. Mother-of-two Lisa, aged 33, grew up in Estover and attended our school when it was formerly Estover Community College.

also loss, with an intensity she never dreamed of.” Blue will be released in the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, and will be available in eBook format. “It’s a really exciting time,” Lisa said. “I’ve definitely got my hands full at the moment with the book launch and a newborn baby.” Although Lisa has been published before, ‘Blue’ is her first major project.

‘Blue’ is described as “the perfect summer read”, a coming-ofage story set against a world of sun, surf and glittering beaches. Lisa travelled to London last spring to meet all the publishers interested in the novel. After a bidding war, she sold it for a five-figure sum to Quercus, who published ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’, and accepted a three-book deal. “The book centres around 16-year-old surfing crazy Iris, and when the ultra-talented Zeke walks into her life, it soon becomes her passion,” Lisa said. “Over one amazing summer she is drawn into his sphere and experiences love, new friendships, but

“I’ve been writing for a long time. I had an adult novel published in 2007, but only 1,000 copies were printed, so this is definitely my first big project,” she said. “I wrote the first draft in three months, and the whole process probably took about a year and a half, including editing and things like that.” Lisa has almost finished writing her second book, which will be out in June 2015. The third book is due to be published in June 2016. “With the newborn I won’t be able to do a really big launch for this one, although I will be visiting schools and doing some things online,” she said.

A Great Celebration! Congratulations goes to Harrison Dixon, 9MJA, who was selected to take part in a parade with the guard horses in Buckingham Palace on July 8th. Harrison attends one of the local Marine Cadet Units in Plymouth and his outstanding work ethic has earned him this privilege. He had training for two days prior to the Parade and on the day Harrison also met Prince Phillip and other royals. Well done, Harrison, what an honour and so well deserved!

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Students win engineering and environmental challenge at first attempt Six very young, enthusiastic engineers from Year 9 and one not so young teacher were very happy with their recent ‘Overall Winner Award’ at the Plymouth Go4SET engineering Challenge at Plymouth University recently. The Go4SET scheme partners teams of six Year 9 students and their teacher with local companies for a 10 school week real engineering project. The Tor Bridge Team was ably supported by engineers from Babcock International in their challenge of producing an environmentally friendly classroom. In keeping with Plymouth’s proud maritime history and the role Babcock International play in the dockyard, the team came up with the very innovative idea of converting an old dockyard barge into a classroom, the ultimate in recycling! The barge was converted to work off tidal, wind and solar power and was aimed at providing science and outdoor pursuit lessons. Their engineer, Mr Tom Parrish, was extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication to the task shown by such young engineers. The students during the project learn how to research, develop, design, build a model, cost, write and present a report to a very high level. The project judges (senior figures from local industry, business and education) were particularly impressed by the teamwork and presentation skills of the Tor Bridge students. 

L-R: Lewis O’Prey, Josh Hard, Robert Selley, Dan Farrell, Zac Godley-Mcavoy, Charlotte Allen, Georgia Miller (Team Leader), with Project Teacher Mr M Barraclough and Principal Mrs Dunstan.

Sexualisation and young men On 4th July, Dom Andrews, George Hopkins, Matt Foster, Sam Jones and Matt Essery and I attended a conference, led by MP Alison Seabeck, about how sexualisation affects young men in our society. When we arrived we were put into groups. Every group had to decide on a topic about sexualisation and explore the effects this had on young men. Our group decided to focus on the impact of social media, one of our main points included the persona people are able to create online which often does not reflect the reality. This can place added pressure on young men to strive to achieve “perfection”- mainly resembling male models which in turn can cause low self-esteem. There was also a guest speaker who is a professor at the university, he provided us with a more in-depth knowledge of the adverse effects of social media on us as young men. Overall this was a positive experience that enabled us to gain an insight into how sexualisation affects us personally. By Marc Dalley, Year 12

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Duke of Edinburgh Award Update This has been a great term for students doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The number of students participating and completing the Award is increasing, which is fantastic news. Year 10 students have completed their practice Bronze expedition along the South Devon coast whilst Year 11s passed their qualifying expedition on Dartmoor. The Year 11’s (Denver Adams, Chloe Chapman, Jess Owen and Courtney Roberts) had to cope with lots of rain as they walked round Lydford Gorge. Despite the weather, they looked great in their bobble hats and stayed cheerful throughout the expedition. They continued to sing and tell jokes during all the weekend making the experience both memorable and fun.

11 and 12 students have already started their Silver expedition training and aim to complete their qualifying assessment on Exmoor, shortly. In addition to their expedition students are working towards other sections of the award by volunteering at a variety of places including Cann Bridge, the local Brownie pack and local charity shops. They also raised money by bag packing at Asda (see below), where all the customers were really friendly. Thank you to those of you who supported us there and a massive thank you to staff and families for the ongoing support of our DofE students.

Some of these Year

Packing a different kind of bag Duke of Edinburgh participants from Tor Bridge High School recently undertook a different kind of bag packing, raising £400! The ten young people who are more accustomed to packing their rucksacks ready for their expeditions, took part in a bag pack at their local Asda store. The bag pack was undertaken to help raise money to help purchase much needed outdoor equipment and also to help subsidise the cost of their expeditions; The students will soon be heading off to Exmoor for their expedition this year. However they are planning to venture further afield next year with an expedition to Spain planned. “Shoppers were very complementary about the students and how carefully they packed the bags” said Mrs Collman, Duke of Edinburgh Award Manager, “especially as these students were giving up their Sunday to take part”. Mrs Collman also thanked all the staff at the Estover branch of Asda for all their support. It’s hoped that a similar event can be arranged again in the future.

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Science Garden Update - Thanks to our Band of Garden Helpers for another year of hard work! This year has been a really successful year in the Faraday Garden. We have been fortunate to have had a flourishing garden pond full of many different types of invertebrates as well as an influx of tadpoles and newts. Students have thoroughly enjoyed pond dipping throughout the summer term to investigate the diversity of species. The Working Futures group have made rustic signs for the various crops, fruit and herbs that are grown and have been involved with extensive weeding to help keep things under control. Cann Bridge students make regular visits to explore the garden whilst photography students have discovered how photogenic our chickens are; in particular the very handsome cockerel.

We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our small team of dedicated students who help maintain the Faraday garden, including looking after our brood of hens and ducks. The Garden Gang continue to show immense commitment to maintaining the garden during their lunch breaks by feeding the poultry, watering the green-house plants and helping us maintain a healthy supply of eggs, fruit and vegetables. The students give their own time to help out before school or during their lunch break and are there whatever the weather. They have become experts on the animals and different plants we are growing, and we are always very proud when they speak so knowledgeably about the garden at our Open Evenings. The students have just visited Dartmoor Zoological Park as a reward trip for their continued help, where we were lucky enough to see the big cats and wolves up close, however the biggest hit of the day were the tiny baby Meer cats - Awww! Money from the sale of garden produce gets recycled into animal feed and bedding or seeds for next year. Any student wishing to help either lunchtime or after school until 4 o’clock, please come to the prep room and speak to the technicians.

Harry Macdonald, Charlotte Warden, Kenzie Dawe, Elisha Graetrix, Emily Dawe, Hannah Dorrell and Cara Laing have helped with the maintaining the Faraday garden!

Salad onions and nasturtiums [below left], thyme, a curry plant, mint, nasturtiums and chives [below, right] all feature in the Science Garden

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You made a difference! Meriam Ibrahim is freed Meriam Ibrahim, a doctor and mother of two from Sudan, has had her death sentence for being a Christian quashed and has walked free from prison. This result was partly because of the fantastic efforts of students at Tor Bridge High who campaigned for her release. Meriam was given a death sentence in May this year when the authorities realised that she had been raised as a Christian after her father left the family when Meriam was six. Meriam was raised by her Christian mother and under a new Sudanese penal code based on Islamic Sharia Law this “crime” carries the death sentence. For two months Meriam languished in a Sudanese jail. Heavily pregnant when she was sentenced, Meriam had to give birth in the hospital with prison staff refusing to remove her shackles. When the death sentence was passed on Meriam, the TBH Amnesty group rapidly mobilised and collected around 700 signatures on a petition denouncing the decision. A number of students and staff also wrote letters to the President of Sudan, Omar al Bashir, to voice their concerns. A copy of the petition and letters was sent to the Ministry of Justice in Khartoum and an additional copy to the Sudanese embassy in London. The Sudanese government have clearly been feeling the pressure. Subsequently TBH Amnesty Group received a reply from the Sudanese embassy in early June which attempted to reassure us of Sudan’s commitment to freedom of religion and multiculturalism. The efforts of the students and the reply from the embassy [Above] Meriam Ibrahim and her family after her release made the local press, with the Plymouth Herald running an article on 18 June about our efforts under the headline, “Plymouth Students Campaign Against Sudanese Mother’s Death Sentence”. Just one week later Meriam was released from her cell in a Khartoum jail to join her family as a free woman. The effectiveness of the campaigns and the dedication of the students at Tor Bridge High were recognised when the TBH Amnesty Group was shortlisted for a national Amnesty award for the “best new group” in the category of “campaigns” earlier this spring. Well done to the staff and students who got involved; together we really did make a difference.

Philippines Typhoon Appeal In December 2013 we organised a mufti day in aid of the Philippines Typhoon Appeal which raised £855.34. We also donated 50% of the Big Give fundraising which added another £229.69 making a grand total of £1085.03. Our gift helped the plight of the millions devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. We recently received a thank you letter from the appeal organisers together with this photo which shows fisherman Jose Piloton and his family who survived the first few days after the typhoon thanks to blankets, food and emergency shelter provided by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Our donation is now helping Jose to build a house for his family. We feel very privileged to have been able to support this cause.

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Rookie Racers Scoop Best Newcomer Trophy at Newquay! The Tor Bridge High Engineering team returned triumphant on Thursday 19th June, having successfully taken the chequered flag at the end of two gruelling endurance races at the South West round of the Greenpower Racing Formula 24 Challenge, and being awarded ‘Best Newcomers’ for 2014 having completed over 26 miles. You may have seen the team recently in local press coverage! The event at Newquay Airport is the biggest regional round of this superb national engineering green energy project and the team have made a fantastic effort to build a car in time for the race as newcomers in 2014. This is the start of a long term STEM project which aims to inspire our future engineers and support recruitment into technical and scientific careers. Race day was an eventful affair with many cars suffering breakdowns despite perfect weather conditions, but we are pleased to say that our car performed faultlessly despite some low bodywork being torn off at speed by the large ‘cats eyes’ on the airport runways! We were personally praised by the event organiser Jeremy Way for our fantastic result reaching the finish in our first event. The team showed their driving prowess recently at our year 6 Parents’ Evening. Well done to Team Tor Bridge! A big thanks to all our supporters and sponsors! Anyone able to support or sponsor the team’s on-going developments, please contact Mr Mintoft in the Technology Department.

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Plymbridge Miniature Post Box ! Several members of Tor Bridge engineering team got stuck into a design project recently, to make a miniature post box for Plym Bridge Nursery. The post box has been a welcome addition to help the youngsters at Plym Bridge learn about mail and sending letters. Team leader Rob Selley said “We have been very happy to be involved in helping out the Nursery, its great to see the post box being put to good use.” Plym Bridge Nursery children get a taste of engineering with the Greenpower Team! Plym Bridge Nursery children got some first hand experience of what it is like to be in the cockpit of the TBR (Tor Bridge Racing) Greenpower racing car recently. The visit included a tour of the workshops where the car was built and a look at some of the advanced machinery that was used. The children were also keen to say thanks to the team for making their Plym Bridge postbox. Pictured receiving a special painting from the nursery children are Tor Bridge engineers from left Zac Godley Mcavoy, Tom Trace, Rob Selley, Ethan Brimacombe, Ryan Winnall.

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Cooking Club! Just after Easter saw the start of a new after school cooking club. We started with a cupcake work shop and made Red Velvet and Peach Cupcakes among others. It was a challenge to make and ice cakes in a short amount of time but the club members managed it well with their piping skills improving all the time! We then moved on to biscuits and have so far made White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies and Gingerbread Cookies. Look out for more from cooking club after the summer holidays. Thanks to regular members: Nicole Couch, Jess Royal, Emily Dawe, Sasha Walmsley and Chloe Sowden. If you’re interested in joining, see Mrs Stokes.

Catering Students Prepare for “Tea for Two” During the week starting 16th June, 32 Year 9 catering students carried out their Task 1 Controlled Assessment Practical Exams. They had been researching and planning to make afternoon teas as well as recipe trialling and testing since Easter. The students had two and a half hours to prepare and cook four items from scratch suitable for an afternoon tea; the items had to be dainty, delicious, attentively served and luxurious. All the students rose to the challenge and as you can see from the photos managed to produce some fantastic results in the time they were allowed. We are looking forward to next year which sees them tackling international cuisine. Students included; Chloe Goodman, Melissa Sigsworth, Ben Yeoman, Nicole Couch, Reece Bartlett, James Barnes, Connor Brown, Jessica Dare, Hannah Dorrall, Jack Gilliam, Chloe Taylor, Liam Williams, Alisha Mooney, Chloe Stapleton, Melissa Furner, Harry Walter, James McIndoe, CJ Crossfield, Liam Hansford, Chloe Hodge, Izzy Jackman, Lewis Vidler, Lauren Walter, Kieron Wotton, Libby Wilson, Chloe Keast, Charlie Waterhouse, Jamie Leigh Jackson, Harry Macdonald, Declan Perry, Camara Stephens, Ben Symons and Kirsten Tunisan.

WWI Tea Dance! There is a World War One Centenary Tea Dance for residents of older people’s residential homes taking place on Thursday 17th July at 2.00pm – 4.00pm. To prepare for the event students have written their own war poetry to be displayed at the event. The guests will have entertainment in the form of songs from the wars; Lez Penaluna is creating an afternoon tea similar to those at the time, this will be served by student leaders. Finally, cadets will lay a wreath to commemorate all the losses in wars over the last hundred years.

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A selection of food from Hannah Dorrall [above] and Chloe Hodge [below]

Auction of Promises On Thursday 22nd May TBH held an ‘Auction of Promises’ for our friend and esteemed colleague Richard Bunt, who retired 2 years ago but who has since been diagnosed with renal cancer. He was too ill to attend the evening, but his wife Kay and his 3 daughters were able to come along. They were absolutely overwhelmed by the event which has raised, along with other events and donations, a staggering £4,200. This money is going towards Richard and Kay’s GARDEN FUND, where the aim is to design a garden that is almost maintenance free. Huge thanks go to Mrs Hagan and the Auction Focus Group who were very happy to organise the event, which included over 80 ‘Promises’, with bidding fierce throughout the evening. The construction of the website was down to the hard work of Nina and Paul Elliot – great work! Special thanks go to the Auctioneers – Harriet Davis and Scott Williams, who made the evening very special with their own brand of humour. During the evening members of the Student Leadership Group were most attentive to the needs of the bidding audience and they were a credit to TBH. Entertainment on the night was provided by the 6th Form, Geoff Blake-Lobb and Stephanie Underwood, whilst refreshments were provided by Les Penaluna and Harriet Davis’ Working Futures group.

In Remembrance I am sad to announce that Mr Richard Bunt has passed away. Staff and students will attend a Thanksgiving Service in his memory in the last week of term. All who knew Richard will remember him always for his kindness and support. Our thoughts are with all of his family at this time.

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The Lord Mayor’s Choosing Ceremony Tor Bridge High was delighted to receive an invitation to such an important event for Plymouth and we jumped at the chance to take some of our Student Leadership Team in order to reward them for their efforts in leadership and to also allow them to see leadership on a larger scale within their city. We were the only secondary school to attend and this was a real privilege. A very regal event - gowns, mace bearers and a military band who played as the dignitaries entered. The students stood and looked on silently as the ceremony took place,

wondering who was who, and what their position was in local government for Plymouth. As former council leader Vivien Pengelly stepped down Mr Michael Robert Fox was chosen to be this year’s Lord Mayor of Plymouth. Mr Fox has been a councillor for the Moorview area for some time and it was very fitting that we were able to see him become the Lord Mayor of Plymouth. Lots of questions were asked by the students and with politics having such a high profile at the moment they were really keen to find out about the process and the different elements to our local government and how this impacts on us and the national picture. We are hoping to have a follow up event to allow the students to ask more questions and for them to fully understand what went on in this ceremony in order for their enthusiasm and inquisitive minds to develop. Thank you to Plymouth City Council for inviting us, we really did enjoy it.

[Photo, above] Tyler Sidney, Daisy Quick, Caitlin Hitt, Taylor Barton, Georgia Roberts, Ryan Billington, Georgia Miller, Reece Bartlett, Harry Higley, Robert Selley and Jake McLean

Student leadership inspired by Parliament! Our student leadership team across the school had the fantastic opportunity to meet with Rosamonde Birch an ambassador for parliament on 13th May. They were given an inspirational talk about the how politics within the UK work, with a focus on the the importance of voting in the run up to the European and Local elections. Students were also given the opportunity to learn how a law is made and how laws are passed in England and Wales. Students were able to ask a range of questions about life in parliament and were given tips on how to represent others and ensure that each person has a voice that can be heard. Our student team are now ready to embrace the challenges of leadership so look out for important events and opportunities from September.

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Tor Bridge High Student Leadership Team and Miss C Harling

Four sixth form students scoop senior Engineering Education Scheme engineering awards The Engineering Education Scheme in England & Scotland is an EDT Programme which links teams of four Year 12 students and their teacher with local companies to work on real, scientific, engineering and technological problems. The scheme provides students with an in-depth experience in science, engineering and technology that will enable them to make an informed decision about their future studies and career. Our team of four students working with Mr Barraclough and engineers from the Royal Navy for six months, researched, designed, built, produced a project report, stand and presentation on a Helicopter Handling System for RN Frigates. During the project the team spent a day at sea, two days in RN Establishments and three days at Plymouth University. The team were particularly praised for the depth of their research and their final idea which will be taken up by the MOD for further work. The team received the accolade of the best fifteen minute presentation on the celebration day (28/4/14).

Their engineer Lt Tom Rooney RN was particulary impressed by the depth and breadth of the team’s research.  In addition to their incredible experiences each team member has been awarded the prestigous Gold Crest Award for engineering. 

Above: Dan MaCallister (Team Leader), Holly Robbs, Adam Yeo, Marc Dalley, Mr Barraclough and Mrs Dunstan with Engineer Lt Roney RN, and Mr G Duffy (Mentor)

Year 11’s Leavers Assembly Friday 23rd May was the Year 11’s last official day as a year group at Tor Bridge High! Students brought in books for their friends and teachers to sign, as well as different coloured pens for the traditional signing of each other’s shirts. There was a buzz of excitement throughout the day as staff and students prepared to say goodbye to the class of 2014 and embark on a new journey - some continuing onto Sixth Form and others pursuing courses away from Tor Bridge High. Staff and students gathered in the Assembly Hall for the ‘Leavers Assembly’ where they were shown a photo slideshow including pictures from when they were in Year 7. Needless to say there was a lot of laughter and some red faces! The assembly ended with a video performed by Tor Bridge High staff to Katy Perry’s song ‘Firework!’ It was the first time staff had done this and the students really enjoyed it! We would like to wish all of our Year 11’s the best of luck in their GCSE’s and for the future.

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Left (L-R): Georgia Holloway, Chloe Higman, Hannah Snook, Chantelle Jones, Emily Aquilina, Ashleigh Benson, Jordan Giles, Jacqui Shoreman, Chloe Martin and Rachel Wright.

Year 11 Prom 2014 The annual Year 11 Prom was held on 27th June at a new venue this year - the Elfordleigh Golf and Country Club in Plympton. It was a fantastic evening and the sun even came out for the students after a day of on and off torrential rain! Students arrived in stretch limousines, Hummers, Mercedes, and one student even arrived on a horse! They all looked amazing and there were lots of photos being taken by proud parents and staff. The students had previously voted for awards for each other which were presented by Miss Tuxford and Miss Harling on the evening. Staff had also identified one student from each school to give an award to for consistent hard work, excellent behaviour and for being great representatives of Tor Bridge High. These students were Chloe Tonkin (Faraday), Hannah Snook (Tenzing) and Sam Underwood (Austen).  The prom is always a momentous occasion and allows an opportunity for the students to consolidate years of friendships with one another. All our staff wish students the very best in the future, in whatever they choose to do. Below (L-R): Sam Ridholls, Billy Northcott, Luke Wilcox, Callum Robinson, Ryan Davis, Nick Smale, Kye Bradley, Jamie Fellows, Sam Burns, Matthew Ambrose and Nathan Lewington.

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Oh what a night! On Friday 4th July our 6th form students celebrated the end of their exams with a spectacular party held at the New Continental. The theme was Casino Royale and the students were dressed in their best James Bond attire. There was music provided by The Vibes (including ex-Estover students) who played a range of Indie themed tunes and a disco following this where our students truly danced the night away! Students were nominated for a range of awards throughout the night, which were presented by our Student Leadership team. Congratulations goes to our best dressed candidates who were Hannah Trott, Sam Jones, Sam Driscall and Keeley Marie Pinhey. Other awards included most likely to travel the world (Wade Hammett), most likely to be Prime Minister (Sam Castlehouse) and most creative (Tasha Sigsworth). A great time was had by all, and our Year 13 students were sent off to University and other destinations in style! A huge thank you goes out from our student body to the student leadership team for putting together such a spectacular event!

Left: Hannah Bray, Sam Driscoll, Ellie Simpson. Above, top: George O’Rouke and Mrs Norrish. Above: Georgia Sibley, Sophie Baber, Dominic Andrews, Mark Dalley, Courtney Chance Georgia Cox and Leah Burnard. Below, left: Sam Castlehouse and Mrs Flaxton. Below, right: The Vibes.

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Vivo News We have now reached the end of our second year with Vivo as our primary rewards platform and the system has now become truly embedded in lessons and school life. In recent months the Vivo shop has been flooded with orders from Year 11 students keen to buy exam equipment packs and the reality of being able to exchange their hard earned points for items of high value has really been apparent. Again we have been relentless in our drive to reward those students who are consistently putting in a high effort across their subjects and we awarded six students who all achieved a perfect 6 average. Well done to Emily Askew,Lia Marshall, Isobel Morrish, Kane Mortimore, Alice Rickard and Tegan Small (below).

League tables of the highest achieving students this term:

AUSTEN To finish the year off we thought it would be good to share some of the Vivo statistics so far:

FARADAY

• 616,000 Vivos have now been awarded • 147,000 Vivos have been spent in the Vivo shop • The highest student Vivo balance stands at 2,700

TENZING

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We can now look forward to making next year the highest rewarding year yet!

NEW STAFF "I am a newly quali fied teacher and wi ll be teaching maths at Tor Br idge High. I comple ted my teacher training at TBH from January 2014 and am very happy to be working here. I studie d mathematics at Plym outh University and look forward to working in a supportive departm ent and school." - Amy War mington

“For the la st 5 years I fortunate to be a s have been very tay at ho caring for me Mum my two lo vely child that my c re n. Now hild it’s time fo ren have started School r me to re turn too! my caree r break I u Before sed to wo Tor Bridge rk here at . I feel e xtremely privileged lu cky and to be bac k working a fantasti in such c Sciences.” School, teaching Social - Claire Yo ung

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St a post in d took up n ol a o 0 h 8 c 9 s 1 in The a teacher Park site. s n a o s c a d a w e e I fi . B li 2 a 198 e old ”I qu Crownhill in ollege at th s C in l a o ’s n o e e c h c a th s if hn and Bon h teacher ishop Vaug s B li r g h a n it e E w y d n e e a n o for merg rs as retirement for 32 yea y l . rl o e a o v e h a c k le s o y e to it at th atern appily m h r I e r. v e o d c a e to L d e d dedicate Curriculum ontacted m vibrant an dge High c a ri ll B h a r c o u r T s e f th re o o befo a part each e b rt o to p p d u s te h t my family, I am delig chers tha being with nglish tea y E of jo f n o e I p l u gro and flora schoo re f o tu a t n u O e . th e ble!” ng of the tim ing Scrab or, explori y o la m p rt a d n D a n g walking o ve readin side. I lo y tr n u o c the mes - Wally Go Sorry

aving You’re Le nds, our thanks and

ers. ool year e taff memb s g in As the sch w o ll o to the fo ugh, Miss farewells g tt, Mr Barraclo , g n o tr vis, Mr Ellio s a D rs M Mr Arm t, rris, Miss r Cartwrigh cke, Mr Mo Bensaid, M o L s is M , aves Young. Mr Hargre ley and Mrs nd staff ib S rs M r, Pinnega students a t for missed by e b l il w e very bes u th ll Yo a u o y we wish alike, and the future!

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New information regarding ParentPay As you are already aware we introduced ParentPay in September 2013 as our preferred method of payment to school. We have made the decision to become totally cashless from September 4th 2014. We are asking all families to only use our e-payment method to pay for school meals, trips etc. This can be done on line using a very secure website called ParentPay or by cash at local stores where you see the PayPoint logo. From 1 September 2014 this will be the only means of making payments to us although your son/daughter will be able to use the account loaders in school to pay for school meals. Around 20% of our parents already use ParentPay. We are able to identify those parents who haven’t, as yet, accessed the system and if you haven’t used ParentPay this year, you should have already received a letter from us with a reminder of your username, password and other useful information. We look forward to your support in using ParentPay as it will help us further enhance teaching and learning by reducing the burden of income collection in the classroom and finance office whilst also improving home-school communication. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Anstis via reception on 01752 207907 or email aanstis@ torbridge.net.

Internet Safety Matters Keeping our children and young people safe is vitally important to us all. We hope the following information will be helpful for our families. •

The lower age limit for most social networking sites is 13 years

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You can set privacy settings on most social networking sites so that only close friends can search for your child, tag them in a photograph or share what they’ve posted

can become your child’s friend on Facebook or follower on Twitter’.

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Explain that friends should be people they know - people they meet online may not be who they say they are.

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Stress that meeting up with people they know online can be dangerous and that they should only do so with your permission and if you are present

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Facebook has a setting that allows your child to approve or dismiss tags that people add to their posts

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Information shared between friends can be easily copied and may spread widely.

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Set rules about what they should and shouldn’t post

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Agree with your child when they can join a social networking site and create their profile with them

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Talk to your child about the fact that what they post can’t always be taken back, and even if it can, it may already have been shared. 

Help them set privacy settings at the strongest level. Sites can change privacy settings so make sure you stay up to date with them.

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•

•

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Set boundaries about which sites they can use and for how long. Try to do this when they first start using social networking sites, so they get used to it from a young age. Teach your child never to share any personal details - this includes their password, real name, address and school.

Useful Links: www.internetmatters.org www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot -topics/social-networking www.ceop.police.uk www.facebook.com/safety www.iwf.org.uk https://support.twitter.com

Use the site yourself - ‘you or another trusted adult