TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE www.trinity.worcs.sch.uk

CONTENTS OPEN EVENING

VEHICLE & PEDESTRIAN GATES YEAR 8 MATHEMATICS RELAY ATTENDANCE HOMEWORK TIMETABLES FACULTY NEWS SPORTS NEWS STUDENT WELLBEING UNIFORM CAREER INFORMATION EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

REVISION/ COURSEWORK SESSIONS SCHOOL TRIPS NOTICES DATES FOR THE DIARY

Newsletter No 3

19th September 2014

OPEN EVENING A very big thank you to all the students who have volunteered to help on Open Evening. School will close at 1.25pm on Thursday 25th September in order to prepare. Free School Meals will be provided for students at break time. VEHICLE & PEDESTRIAN GATES In order to improve the safety and security of all school users, electronic gates have been installed at the Grove Street entrance. The vehicle gates will be open in the mornings until 8.45am, after which time visitors to the school will need to use the intercom facility and speak to the Receptionist to be allowed into the car park. All visitors are asked to park on the Visitors’ Car Park (down the ramp) and not block the area around the gates. The gates will open automatically to let vehicles out. The pedestrian gate will be open from 8.00am – 9.00am, after which time the intercom will need to be used to gain access. We would ask all drivers to observe the speed limit (10mph) and drive carefully when on the school site for the safety of our students. Thank you for your co-operation. YEAR 9 MATHEMATICS RELAY Last week Year 9 students competed in a mathematics relay race. Students had to work as a team to succeed, answering as many questions as possible. They were not able to move on until they were correct – and there was a few tricky questions in there! All students got involved and did incredibly well, but special mention goes to the two winning teams: Chloe Walmsley-Worrall, Kieron Hicks, Mikolaj Bukowski, IIsaam Ahmed, Calvin Tyrell, Liam Hay, Josh Churchill and Megan King.

SCHOOL INFORMATION ATTENDANCE Attendance is very important to ensure students reach their full potential, and at Trinity we monitor attendance very closely. Parents and students are reminded that school starts promptly at 8.45am each morning. All students arriving after this time without a valid reason will be subject to a lunchtime detention. The Easemore Road gates are locked at 9.00am each morning and students will only be able to access school through the Grove Street entrance. Please note: From 1st September 2013, the Pupil Registration (2006) Regulations were amended in regards to family holidays. The change makes it clear that schools are NOT to authorise any leave of absence during term time and that applications must still be completed for safeguarding purposes. Attendance figures w/e 12.09.14: Overall: 96.4% Year 9: 98.13%, Year 10: 95.58%, Year 11: 95.54% Best Tutor Group: 9ACA 100%, 9LFR 100%, 11AJM 100% YTD: 96.7% HOMEWORK TIMETABLES The homework timetable is given as a guide only. Some subjects may choose to set homework on different days, and some subjects may wish to set it in a different way, for example as a longer project. Year 9 Monday English Science

Tuesday Maths Humanities MFL

Wednesday Humanities MFL Maths

Thursday Art/Tech ICT Science

Friday Art/Tech ICT Humanities MFL

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Option A

English

Maths

IT/RE

Option B

IT/RE

Science (X)

EBACC (X)

Science

Maths

EBACC (Y)

Science (Y)

English

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Option A

English

Maths

IT/RE

Option B

IT/RE

Science (X)

EBACC (X)

Science

Maths

EBACC (Y)

Science (Y)

English

Year 10

Year 11

FACULTY NEWS HUMANITIES & COMMUNICATION NEWS MFL Next week is the European Day of Languages and here in the Humanities and Communication Faculty we will be putting on various activities to celebrate! These will include:  European language related activities in Humanities and Communications lessons  European inspired meals in the cantine  Lunchtime activities (sign up sheets outside room 36)  A form quiz for a chance to win a French breakfast  Tuesday 23rd September – students will be allowed to bring in a prop to represent a European language (eg. a hat) and all staff will be taking part too! This will be an exciting week to get involved in so make sure you sign up to different lunchtime activities and get your props ready! MFL SLANG OF THE WEEK Aber – but (literal) catch (slang) Example: Die Sache hat ein Aber. But there's a catch/a hitch. (Literal: The matter has a but.) PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS BRAIN CAN CLASSIFY WORDS DURING SLEEP Our brain is still active while we are asleep, say scientists, who found people were able to classify words whilst sleeping. Participants were asked to press a button in their right hand for animals and in their left hand for objects. Once asleep, a new list of words was tested on participants to ensure that the brain had to work out the meaning of the words before classifying them using the buttons. Their brain activity showed they continued to respond accurately, the researchers said, although it happened more slowly. At the time, the participants were completely motionless and unaware. This research could explain why when you are sleeping you wake up to the sound of someone saying your name or to the specific sound of your alarm clock, even though you may sleep through equally loud but less relevant noises. RE On Thursday 25th September, Jewish people around the world will celebrate the two day festival of Rosh Hashanah, otherwise known as the Jewish New Year. It commemorates the creation of the world, but is also a judgement day, when Jews believe that God balances a person’s good deeds over the last year against their bad deeds, and decides what the next year will be like for them. A lot of time is spent in the synagogue (the Jewish place of worship) during Rosh Hashanah, where one of the rituals is the blowing of the Shofar, a ram’s horn trumpet. This sound symbolises a ten-day period known as the ‘Days of Awe’, which ends with the solemn festival of Yom Kippur. After the service, a special meal is eaten at home, including apples dipped in honey, a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead, and Challah, a round loaf to symbolise the circle of life, and a pomegranate, as the seeds symbolise the 613 commandments that Jewish people are obliged to keep. Rosh Hashanah is a time for people to think about what has been achieved in the past year and asking for forgiveness. Some of the questions considered during Rosh Hashanah are listed below, and whether you are religious or not, try answering them for yourselves and reflect upon the good and the bad in your own lives. What’s the most meaningful thing in my life? Who in my life means the most to me? How often do I let them know? What are the most significant things I’ve achieved in the past year? What do I hope to achieve next year?

FACULTY NEWS GENERAL STUDIES & POLITICS NEWS The eyes of the whole country, and millions around the world will be focussed on Scotland this week, as the country prepares itself for the independence referendum. People living in Scotland will be asked the question, ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ Should those living in Scotland chose independence, it will be the end of the 307 year old union between Scotland and England, and will inevitably have a huge impact on all of us living within the United Kingdom. What is your opinion of the referendum? Do you think the Scots should go it alone, or are we all ‘better together?’ HISTORY IN THE HEADLINES Secrets underneath Stonehenge Built between 3,000 and 1,500 B.C., the haunting stone circle known as Stonehenge has retained its air of mystery for some 5,000 years. Over the centuries, people have questioned its purpose, suggesting everything from prehistoric solar clock to ancient healing center. Many believe it to be a temple of some kind, but no one can say for sure who built it and whom it might be dedicated to. Researchers, using state of the art equipment, have now discovered an underground complex to the site which involves hundreds of features including 17 new monuments. It remains to be seen whether these new discoveries will help us in revealing the true purpose of Stonehenge. GEOGRAPHY IN THE NEWS Scores of African migrants trying to reach Europe were feared dead last week after their boat sank off the Libyan coast. Only 36 of approximately 250 passengers had been rescued after a boat sunk near Tajoura, east of the capital, Tripoli.

Libya is a major departure point for migrants leaving Africa, often for Italy, but the use of rickety wooden boats has resulted in hundreds of deaths. Human traffickers are exploiting the political chaos and lack of security that has blighted Libya since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown as leader in an uprising in 2011. There has been a surge in the number of migrants attempting to make the hazardous journey from north Africa and the Middle East to Europe. More than 100,000 have reached Italy since the start of the year and nearly 2,000 have died in the attempt. What do you think the push and pull factors are which make people want to move from Libya to Italy?

FACULTY NEWS SPORT IN THE NEWS The campaign has official backing from the Premier League and high-profile support from Thomas Hitzlsperger, FA Cup winners Arsenal and champions Manchester City and aims to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in sport: homophobia in football. Footballers throughout the Premier League are wearing special rainbow coloured laces to support Stonewall’s anti-homophobia campaign, This was launched on 13th and 14th September. Trinity High School is a Stonewall Champion School and fully support the Premiership footballers in this. Arsenal already demonstrated their support for the issue in a television advert and now they, as well as players from around the Premier League, can be seen wearing the laces in fixtures. Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski are just some of the names involved. An FA statement on the campaign read: 'Like that of the Rainbow Laces campaign, The FA's message is simple: homophobia, like all forms of discrimination, is unacceptable.' Joey Barton is another advocate of the cause. The QPR midfielder told The Metro: 'The key is getting the message out to the public that us lads are supportive of fellow pros and supporters, no matter what their sexual orientation.' Speaking about the campaign to Arsenal.com, Arsene Wenger said: 'I believe that we have a responsibility because people look at our game and see what kind of values we support. The fight against homophobia and any discrimination is very important and we have that responsibility. It wasn't just in the Premier League either, Chris Gunter leads Reading out in his rainbow laces. It is heartening to see the FA, Paddy Power, the Premiership and individual footballers tackling the issue of homophobia and perhaps we can all learn something from their example.

SCIENCE FACT OF THE WEEK Janus and Epimetheus are two of Saturn’s moons. They orbit Saturn only 32 miles apart from each other. To avoid collisions they are able to switch their orbits every four years. This switching was first observed by the Voyager 1 space probe in 1997.

SPORTS NEWS YEAR 11 FOOTBALL The Year 11 Footballers got their season off to a dramatic start last week with a 3-3 draw against Arrow Vale. Trailing 3-0 at half term (in what was at some points an abject display) half time could not come soon enough. The lads responded positively to the challenge of getting back into the game and quickly began to dominate possession. By the time the score had reached 3-3 there only looked like one winner, unfortunately the full time whistle came to soon before Trinity could snatch a winner. Next up is Sandwell in the National Cup on Thursday 18th and then on Monday 22nd we welcome Waseley Hills for a County Cup fixture.

STUDENT WELLBEING By knowing the 5 common signs of cancer in young people, you could help save a life. These are PERSISTENT AND UNEXPLAINED:  Pain  Lump, bump or swelling  Significant weight loss  Extreme tiredness  Changes in a mole See your doctor if you’re worried and be persistent. Keep on going back if you feel your issues are not being solved. The chances of it being cancer are very small, but it’s better to get it checked. Teenage Cancer Action Week is from the 22-28 September this year.

UNIFORM

Yet again, we have been extremely impressed with the high standards of uniform maintained by the vast majority of our students this week. We appreciate that a small number of students may still have items of uniform on order from Clive Mark Schoolwear and, as such, will issue uniform passes. As from last week, any students arriving to school dressed inappropriately and not in possession of a pass will be expected to either: return home to change, borrow the item of uniform from school or, where this is not possible, be placed in isolation until their uniform, hairstyle or piercing has been rectified. We thank all parents, carers and students in ensuring that the correct uniform is worn.

CAREER INFORMATION Dear Parent, Carer and Student As the new Careers Advice and Guidance Counsellor I will be working very closely with all staff, tutors, and different agencies to ensure that all of our students here at Trinity High School receive relevant and appropriate advice and guidance not only for their particular stage of education but throughout their time at the school. There are various forms of careers information and guidance such as:          

A drop-in facility every break and lunchtime (Room 2a ) An individual interview on request Assemblies Tutor discussions Advanced Learning Days Careers Fairs HE Guidance Apprenticeship Guidance Parent and student evenings The latest information on display

There is obviously a key focus upon Year 11 choices beyond 16 and there will be a continual programme operating throughout the year. If any parent or carer would like to discuss any career issue they are very welcome to contact the school and speak to me. Mrs L Laxton

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DUKE OF EDINBURGH All students that were involved in DofE last year (bronze, silver and gold) must have all their evidence loaded up onto e-DofE by Friday 3rd October. Friday sessions will be available from 2.30pm-3.30pm in Rooms 1 and 2 starting Friday 19th September to get sections signed off by your leaders. LIBRARY ACTIVITIES MANGA CLUB Manga Club, every Wednesday after school in the Library, ALL WELCOME! BOARD GAMES CLUB Board Games Club, every Thursday after school in the Library, ALL WELCOME! DRAMA CLUB Thursday after school in the Drama Studio with Mr Keady. Students from all year groups very welcome. BASKETBALL Year 9 basketball every Wednesday after school in the small Gym with Mr Keady.

STUDENT VOICE AT TRINITY Student Voice is a very important decision making vehicle within the school and we value the thoughts of our students. Form Reps and students who are interested in developing and maintaining high standards at Trinity attend meetings on a regular basis. We have a number of 6th Form students who are in charge of various projects from Teaching & Learning to the Canteen; these students listen to the views of Years 9, 10 and 11 and work together to help find solutions. Check our notice board (situated bottom of English corridor) for updates on projects and important information such as next meeting date.

Follow us: @THS_Voice

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EXTRA-CURRICULAR TIMETABLE Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Girls Fitness Club After School for all years

Girls Netball Matches

Girls Indoor Cricket After School for all Years

Badminton /Table Tennis After School

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Silver Gold

First XI Football (week 2)

Year 9 Boys Rugby (week 1)

Year 9 Boys Basketball Small Gym

Girls Football After School for all Years

Year 10 Boys Rugby (week 2) Girls Netball After School for alll Years

Year 9 Boys Football Training (week 2)

REVISION/COURSEWORK SESSIONS ART, DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY After school catch-up for Art, Photography and 3D is on Monday -Thursday from 3.10pm - 4pm. Various other revision and coursework sessions will be running throughout the year and in particular in the runup to exams. Please refer to this section of the newsletter in the future for full details.

UP AND COMING SCHOOL TRIPS The following school trips abroad will be taking place this year. VISIT TO AACHEN CHRISTMAS MARKET For Years 9, 10 and 11 from 11th - 13th December 2014, and the cost of visit will be £65. There are a few places remaining. Please see Mrs Weatherley for more details. BARCELONA TRIP The Barcelona trip is planned for summer term 2015. Further information will be available in assemblies shortly. SKI TRIP The proposed ski trip to Killington in the USA will take place in February 2016. Again, students will receive information on this in assemblies. NORMANDY TRIP We are planning to take our Year 9 students on a residential trip to Acorn Adventure’s centre at Hauteville-surMer, Normandy on the following dates: Sunday 28th June - Friday 3rd July, 2015. Please see Mr Delaney for further details.

NOTICES LOST PROPERTY If you have lost/mislaid anything from a pair of glasses - (many are expensive looking designer styles) keys/ uniform/PE Kit - please go along to Student Services to take a look through lost property. All unclaimed items will be sent to the charity shop at the end of term. ATTENDANCE If your child is going to be absent from School please call 01527 585859 and press 1 to leave a message for the Attendance Office. WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK Local Youth and Community Group RYCE who are based at the Redi Centre in South Street have organised a trip to the West Midlands Safari Park for Saturday 4th October 2014. This trip is open to any students that attend our school. The trip only costs £5 so hopefully most students will be able to afford to go on the trip if they wish to. For more information and to book a place, telephone 07982018952.

STOPTOBER

Pick-ups at:  THE REDI CENTRE  WOODROW BUS STATION

DATES FOR THE DIARY   

25th September 26th September 27th - 31st October

Open Evening 6.00pm — 8.30pm TED (school closed to students) Half Term

Excellence for All Trinity High School & Sixth Form Centre Headteacher: Mr A Ward Easemore Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 8HB Tel: 01527 585859 / Fax: 01527 65587 / [email protected]