Newsletter

Message from The Nova Education Trust.

We are raising money this winter to help families in our school communities struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Working with our local suppliers to provide donations via a Just Giving page fundraising is going well so far and we have already raised almost £22,000 of our £25,000 target. 

The money raised will be used for care packages and gift vouchers to help those that need it most this winter.

We know there are huge financial pressures on families with higher energy costs, the increasing cost of the weekly shop and, for many, higher mortgage payments following the rise in interest rates.

The donations will make the world of difference to a family at a very difficult time of year, particularly to those who are the least likely to ask for help and support.

Firms that participate will be acknowledged in the care package and their details will be display on the Nova Education Trust website and social media profiles. 

If everyone who can, gives just a little amount it all adds up!  Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at:

Just Giving

Dear Parents and Carers,

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support to help The Suthers School become a transformational academy for our young people.

It has been a very busy half term and we are all ready for a well-deserved break. Dark mornings and nights along with the cold weather certainly impacts on us all.

But what a positive term it has been. I am so proud of our staff and students. They have been working incredibly hard this term and within the newsletter we have provided you with an overview of some of the curriculum work studied and various events that have taken place.

Our teaching and learning strategy has seen a particular focus from staff on ‘connect’ activities to address prior knowledge students have learnt from KS2 right through to KS4, if they are at this point in their academic journey. This is to ensure students know and remember more. Our teaching and learning strategy is researched informed and anything we introduce will be to benefit all students.  In addition, during Continuous Professional Learning on a Monday evening, staff have been collaboratively planning to develop sophisticated thinking around our Practice Learning strategy. After receiving feedback from Family Forum and the Edurio survey sharing your constructive views, this strategy aims to develop consistency across all subjects. It will also allow you as parents and carers to understand the work being set to be completed at home and how you can support your child with their independent learning. This strategy is in its infancy and will be launched after the Christmas break so we appreciate your support in some of the logistical issues which may initially be present. We hope this will eradicate some of your concerns around the setting of homework and the varied approach seen across the school.

Student voice has shared the positive impact of our new behaviour system and the majority of students have shared that they understand the expectation and behaviour in the classroom has improved. We continue to ensure all students are working in disruption free classrooms and continue to listen to all stakeholders to continue the positive impact it is having on learning.

Our Family Forum this half term has seen an increase in attendance of parents and carers for students in all year groups. We continue to listen to feedback to determine changes to help support our key priorities for school improvement. The next single item agenda will be Practice Learning after its launch in January. The meeting will take place on Monday 30th January. Please email lwallbank@suthersschool.co.uk if you do wish to join us for the meeting. Refreshments are provided and we really value the contributions of all parents and carers.

We continue to listen to your views on communication and it is pleasing to hear that many of you have seen a noticeable difference this year. Our half-termly newsletter has received positive feedback and the bulletin linked to this sharing upcoming events and important dates for the calendar has also proved to be beneficial for parents and carers. We are working with other Trust leaders within Nova to develop further use of MCAS so we can use this more effectively. We hope in the new year this will be something we can launch with you and provide methods of communication which is suitable to the majority of our parents and carers. We continue to share successes of all student achievements through our Twitter and Instagram social media pages. We are pleased to have over 800 followers on Instagram and hope to increase numbers in the new year. We would like to continue to celebrate the achievements of all of our students in and outside of school. If you would like your child to be recognised for their achievement outside of school, please send a description of the event with a photograph (if possible) so we can share this in our half-termly newsletter.

We currently have a Parent Governor vacancy. If you are interested in this role then please contact lwallbank@suthersschool.co.uk Details will follow via email in the new year.

As we approach the start of a new term, I would like to remind you of the school’s uniform expectations. Please can you support our school by ensuring your child arrives on their first day in full uniform. If there is any reason as to why your child cannot attend in full school uniform, can I please remind you to contact school and write a note in your child’s planner in advance to help support your child when they arrive to school and uniform checks are taking place. We have purchased spare items which are available. Students will be asked to change into them if appropriate so we can continue with our high expectations and standards.

See uniform policy in the Newsletter. Follow this link to the website. Uniform

On behalf of all staff, I wish you all a fantastic break with family and friends and look forward to welcoming all students back on January 9th at 8.25am.

Best wishes to you all,

Nic Watkin

Head Teacher

To keep up to date with all events happening in the third half term of 2022/23 please click this Link

Mr Griffiths and Miss Watkin met with Councillor Johno Lee and toured the school. He was very impressed with our facilities and also the learning he observed. They spoke with him about the planned developments for highways in our vicinity and the problems this could generate. They will be arranging a meeting next half term to meet with the council to ensure they have health and safety secure for all of our students traveling to and from school. The issue raised already is the new service station and not having a path for students to walk safely on and having to cross over at the busy roundabout near Tawny Owl pub. They will raise this concern in our meeting.

Buses

As Enrichment is now opt-in for all students on Tuesday to Friday buses will leave daily at 3:05pm. In addition, for any student who wishes to attend Enrichment there will be a 4:05pm bus on Tuesday to Friday. There will not be a 4:05pm bus on Mondays. 

We would be grateful for your support in reminding all students who use the bus to be polite and respectful at all times and be aware of others who need to be seated. Bags should be placed on the floor so other students can be seated safely.

Cars

If you collect your child from school, please support our school community by not parking on the double yellow lines outside of school. Due to our growing numbers of students on roll, we have additional staffing in hi-vis on the school gates. 

Next term our enrichment offer will be optional on Tuesday-Friday. Our compulsory period 7 on a Tuesday has been removed from the timetable. Emma Wallace has worked hard to provide a bespoke timetable throughout the week and at lunch time for students to book on to. Please ensure you read the letter sent about how to book your child on to the activity of choice. Marshalls’ bus service will now depart school at 3.05pm on a Tuesday evening. The buses will continue to depart at 3.05 pm and 4.05 pm for those students who wish to join us for enrichment. Please check the bus timetable within this newsletter for more information.  In addition, we have increased the number of sports fixtures and I thank all staff for supporting fixtures away from school and providing our students to compete against other local schools.

We say goodbye to Sarah Halls Dally our SENDCo. We wish Sarah the best of luck for her new venture. Kelly Bentley, Assistant SENDco, will be continuing to develop our SEND provision after Christmas supported by our Trust lead Leah Miller. I would like to congratulate Kelly Bentley on gaining her Access Arrangement qualification. This has allowed her to assess our Year 11 students for any additional requirements they might need for their examinations. We will be assessing more students over the year in preparation for their examinations to determine their provision. Further information will be provided later in the year.

I would like to wish a warm welcome to Heather Parkin who will be teaching drama from January. Heather has already planned a trip in March for Year 10 and 11 drama students to visit a theatre performance of Noughts and Crosses. Further information will follow about this event.

Matt Ridyard will be joining us as Site Manager. Matt has a wealth of experience in this role and we look forward to his start date in January.

We take pride in our appearance at The Suthers School and whilst wearing our uniform students are always representing our high standards and expectations. To identify your uniform, we recommend you label it accordingly. 

School Blazer – Regulation grey, with official school badge. 

School Tie – Regulation clip on ties from September 2022 and any replacement ties which are purchased. Ties must be worn with the top button of the shirt done up. 

Skirt or Trousers – Formal, plain black, knee-length pleated skirt. No stretch-fit, pencil style or skater skirts permitted. The rolling of skirts is not permitted. Plain black, school regulation formal cut trousers. No jeans, chinos or stretch material or skinny-fit trousers are permitted. Skirts must not be rolled up.

Shirt – formal white, long sleeves or short sleeves with stiff collar which must always be clean and tucked into the waistband. The rolling of shirt sleeves is not permitted. Coloured t-shirts or vest tops are not permitted underneath shirts. 

Pullover/Cardigan – Grey V-neck cardigan (optional). 

Black tights only – Socks are not permitted when wearing a skirt. A lighter denier may be worn in warmer weather. 

Shoes – Plain black lace-up or slip-on formal leather/leather-effect shoes with low heels (no more than two inches in height). Please note that boots, trainers, fabric/pump-style or sling back shoes are not permitted. Alternative footwear for medical reasons must be communicated with school via a note or email. If non-regulation shoes are worn for any other reason communicated by parents or carers, a suitable pair of shoes will be issued on loan. 

Trainers - Trainers must only be worn for PE lessons and sporting recreation. During break time, students may change their footwear to play sport on the field or MUGA. They should not be worn at any other times. 

Coats are to be placed in lockers at the start of the day.  

Sports clothing Dress Code:  

PE kit –Compulsory: TSS Polo Shirt, TSS plain black branded leggings/joggers, TSS branded black crew neck sweater, trainers

Optional: Rugby Shirt, PE Socks 

Please follow the LINK to the Uniform Shop 

If you feel you need financial assistance with purchasing school uniform or equipment, please contact the school and ask to speak to our Senior Pastoral Leader Mrs Redmond. 

A note from Mr Jennings, Head of Science.

"It was a stressful start to this half term for some, with our Year 11 students completing their mock examinations, comprising of six examination papers across biology, chemistry and physics. Nevertheless, we are really proud of how they engaged with their revision and warm-up sessions prior to the examinations and are looking forward to seeing how much more progress they can make in the coming months. At the other end of the school, Year 7 students were recently tasked with producing a model cell, as part of their investigation into the structures of plant and animal cells. We had a number of fantastic models that were created, with the featured models here being produced by Harry of 7R and Lexie of 7C, which were both praised for their creativity and accuracy of labels. The Year 7 'Cells' topic is just one of a number of topics where students have been able to develop their microscopy skills. Year 8 students have been able to use microscopes to observe the structure of a leaf whilst learning about biological processes like photosynthesis, whilst Year 9 students have been furthering their understanding of cells by exploring the concepts of diffusion and respiration. These are all fundamental topics in biology that will help to prepare students for their future GCSE studies. The applications of science and development of practical skills are at the core of our science curriculum, and it has been great to see students this term also exploring electrical circuits (Year 8), forces and their effects (Year 9) and states of matter (Year 7). This approach is now paying dividends with students in Year 10, who have made fantastic progress in their completion of 'Required Practical' activities linked to their GCSEs. We look ahead now to 2023, with British Science Week taking place in March, for which this year's theme is 'Connections'. My challenge for all students is to think about how all of the concepts that they are learning about in the classroom link to the world around them."

The English Department are extremely proud of each year groups progress this half term. From the tenacity showcased in the Year 11 mock examination and feedback period to Year 7's ambitious reading of 'A Christmas Carol'. An overall highlight has been our visit from The Quantum Theatre Company as they performed a shortened stage version of 'A Christmas Carol' to Year 7 and 10.  Year 8 and 9 have mastered their non-fictional speech writing skills, honing their delivery in the classroom environment and setting a shining example across the school.

In our Fern lessons, Key Stage 3 have been enjoying our new and improved reading selection in the library thanks to Mrs Brown and Miss Cox canvassing for student book suggestions. This, combined with our 'Young Journalism' enrichment ran by Mrs Gardin, has enriched our wider school environment. Additionally, Year 10 and 11 have been studiously dedicated to their extra-English clubs both at lunchtime and after school. 

We enthusiastically anticipate the term ahead.

Performing Arts.

We've had a busy term in the Performing Arts faculty preparing for our forthcoming Christmas Cabaret, running rehearsals for next year's production of Grease, alongside lots of exciting and engaging classroom experiences. In Year 7 music, students have been developing their keyboard skills by playing Ode To Joy by Beethoven and showing real tenacity as they improve their understanding of musical notation and orchestral instruments. In Year 8, students have been analysing and rehearsing a Baroque keyboard piece in that is giving them the opportunity to develop their right and left hand independence. Year 9 however have been exploring the world of popular music by analgising and performing pieces from each decade from the 1950s to present day. So far, we have reached the 1970s and have looked at Rock n Roll, The Beatles, The Roling Stones, Stevie Wonder and Abba, giving students the opportunity to develop a plethora of performance techniques and styles.

Next door, Drama students in Year 7 have been working on devising freeze frames about bullying, developing proxemics and narrative. Year 8 have been focused on building tension in dramatic performance and developing a short piece around the haunted, Darkwood Manor! Year 9 are exploring the gritty drama and comedy of John Godber, focusing on his seminal play 'Bouncers'.   

Our GCSE students have been busiest of all this term, with Year 11 musicians studying their set works, deepening their knowledge of music theory and finalising their performance and composition coursework. Year 10 have been completing Ao4 - Popular Music focusing on different styles and using their elements in their composition and performance work. Out GCSE Drama students have also been engaged in analysis and performance, with Year 11 finalising their devised pieces ready for filming next term, and Y10 focusing on The Crucible by Arthur Millar and  Willy Russel's Blood Brothers. 

In Technology.

This week the KS3 students have been competing in a Technology STEM challenge as a conclusion to their Festive Project. They have drawn on their TORCH character strengths, and their previous knowledge and skills from their learning in DT, to succeed in this physics based competition. The challenge develops their skills through a careers lens by requiring them to work as a team to deliver a design brief, on time and in line with the resources available; embedding the learning outcomes from the Festive Project. It has been a delight to watch them battle it out against the clock and the other teams. Well done to all students who participated, you were fantastic!

Thank you to all parents and carers who donated resources to support this project. 

Our Year 11 students have taken their second set of mock examinations. They demonstrated fantastic tenacity and hard work in preparation for these exams. We have been reviewing their progress with all subject leads and setting targets of how we can improve specific subject results along with our progress 8 baskets. Year 11 have all taken part in the ‘Winning Leader’ coaching programme and we are very grateful to Gareth Morgan for supporting the character development of our students so they can reflect and develop the character strengths they will demonstrate over the next few months leading up to their GCSE examinations in the summer term.

"It has been a real pleasure to work with such a fantastic group of year 11 students on the Winning Leader Programme. Seventeen students completed the ‘leading self’ module and had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, what motivates them and how they can use negative emotion and experiences to create value for others. We explored how each person carries the potential to deliver something valuable and useful to the world and how this can inform choices around future careers or even setting up a business that solves a problem."

Gareth Morgan

The goal of the programme is to help each young person discover a personal mission that focuses them on developing the character and skill to deliver their personal best. 

Each student was asked to reflect and mark how the programme helped them increase in self-belief, motivation, focus and commitment and they reported a 30% increase across the group as a result of their engagement from 4/10 to 7/10.

A number of the group have shown an interest in moving to level 2 where they can learn to lead others. 

Additional sessions for Engineering and Imedia over the Christmas break:

Monday 19th December

10-2pm Engineering (In school)

Tuesday 20th December

10-11.30am Imedia (Online)

12-1.30pm Business studies (Online)

Looking ahead. I am pleased to confirm the Year 11 Character and Academic success evening will take place on Wednesday 18th January (4-6pm).

Revision material websites:

GCSEPod – All pupils have access to this revision/homework website, and can be accessed using their school log in details. https://members.gcsepod.com/login

Seneca Learning – Available free of charge for all pupils by visiting https://app.senecalearning.com/login.

Maths- Students are encouraged to access the following websites to support them with their learning in maths. https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/ (username always first initial, surname@suthers e.g. jbloggs@suthers and password: suthers2022) Click on 'videos' and select clips from the drop-down menu. https://corbettmaths.com/5-a-day/gcse/- Website to support students in all aspects of maths curriculum.

Over one hundred year 8 and 9 students went to France this week. It was our first international trip for The Suthers School. Please see the newsletter and our social media sites for pictures. I would like to thank Emma Wallace for leading the trip and for all staff who volunteered to attend. Without the support of our staff body, these trips wouldn’t be able to go. We look forward to organising many more trips over the next year with a summer trip to France already booked in the calendar.

             The Suthers School would like to wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year       

Our Christmas dinner provided by Aspens was delicious. Karen our catering manager and her team put on a fantastic spread for our students. Mr Lynas and Miss Watkin joined the catering team and had the pleasure of serving this to over 150 students during the day. Staff also came together for a festive celebration over dinner as a thank you for their dedication and commitment to our students. It was great to see so many of our students wearing Christmas jumpers to support Save the Children.

Mr Case held our first Christmas cabaret this week raising the profile of the arts across the school. It was fantastic to see so many of our talented performers take part and perform. We would like to thank all parents and carers of our students who have now taken up additional music lessons. Over forty students are now having individual lessons in brass, woodwind, strings, piano and vocal; hopefully next year we will have more students who wish to perform in a solo, duet or group performance.

Students in KS3 took part in Design Technology challenges in the run up to Christmas. They have designed their own crackers and gift inside were made for each individual student on our brand new laser cutting machine. 

Congratulations to our Head Student, Colby on achieving the first ever Platinum star badge.

Mr Jennings and the Science team have been awarded £300 from the British Science Association (in conjunction with the UKRI) to fund activities during British Science Week (13-19th March 2023). The theme for the week is 'Connections' and we are in the process of planning engaging, practical activities for students during this week. As well as hands-on activities, there will be lots of opportunities to enter competitions linked to the theme.

Congratulations to our KS3 students who came in the top 10% nationally in the Bebras Computing Competition, organised by Oxford University.

Elliott ready, year 9 has played violin for the Light up a Life Services for Beaumont House and is playing at Bowbridge Road Care Home.

Lily Hart, Year 10  has represented Newark Rugby club since year 6 and has developed her game play over the years, last season she was selected from trials to represent the NLD U15s and won ‘Backs’ player of the tournament, she now captains the U16 Girls and was recently put forward to trail for the NLD DPP programme run by England RFU. She was successfully selected and continues to train and play alongside her commitment to Newark Rugby Club. She has her first match in the new year. We wish you lots of luck Lily.

Harry Wines year 11, is a member of Pro Martial Arts School in Newark. He recently came second in a light continues fight. 1 minute 30 second rounds. Harry hopes to go further with his hobby in the future. 

James Jordan, Year 9 has achieved 2 times East midlands champion in boxing, MTK Champion and is an England finalist. Next year his aim is to win England. 

Help for Heroes – Friday 4th November

Non-Uniform day raised - £184.55

Poppy Appeal - Friday 11th November

Sales of poppies and other Royal British Legion merchandise sold during the week leading to Remembrance Day raised £152.16

Led by our Cadets, Guides and Scouts, students and staff came together at 11am on Friday 11th November to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Children in Need – Friday 18th November

We raised a fantastic £489.00 with fundraising including:

Cake sales

Non-Uniform day for students and staff

Toad in the Hole, summer fete game

Penalty Shoot Out competition

Netball, how many baskets can you get in a minute?

Newark Food bank donations, 12 days of Christmas appeal - Thursday 1st December 

The SAVE team would like to thank everyone for their very generous donations. Please look out for the article in the Newark Advertiser next week.