Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
Issue Date: 3rd March 2017
Headteacher’s
Blog
STAFF AT PLANTSBROOK SCHOOL
We welcome the following staff
Miss Wosket – Teaching Assistant
Welcome back from maternity leave Mrs Elia – Academic Coach
Ms T Campbell, Headteacher
#Proudtobeplantsbrook
We say goodbye to
Mrs Copplestone-Jones - Senior Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs Morris - Receptionist
POST OFSTED ACTIONS
As reported in the last newsletter, we recently had a Pupil Premium Review. Two Headteachers tasked
by the National College of Teaching and Learning came and looked at how we are supporting our Pupil
Premium students. The following are the main findings from the report:
PUPIL PREMIUM REVIEW - PLANTSBROOK
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It is very clear that the school have put in place a number of measures to address the gap between
Pupil Premium students and non-Pupil Premium students. Added to this there is a strong focus
from all staff to ensure PP students achieve their best grades.
There is a strong SLT lead on Pupil Premium who knows who the pupils are and has implemented
strategies to support them. This obviously comes from the top as the Headteacher is also very
aware of the Pupil Premium pupils and individual vulnerabilities. Since their inspection swift action
has been taken to ensure that initiatives introduced are effective and are having an impact on this
group of pupils. The SLT are effectively held to account for their Pupil Premium spend, the actions
taken and the impact of these actions by the Governing Body, and in particular the passionate and
enthusiastic Chair of Governors.
The Local Governing Body have completed the NGA skills audit and are in the process of plugging
gaps.
The use of Academic Coaches have always been valued by the pupils. Increased strategic focus
on exactly what pupils need to improve upon and the greater testing that has been recently
introduced will ensure that this strategy is more effective. Pupils articulated this, however they
would appreciate this level of support in other subjects.
The introduction of Pupil Premium Study Sessions on Wednesday are appreciated, however again
students feel that this could be improved if subject specialists attend as and when possible.
Pupil Premium Champions were found to be a clear strength, they know the pupils and also what
their barriers are. They came across as very passionate and obviously care about ensuring that
pupil premium students get the best deal. These PP Champions do share good practice, however
they feel that they could have even more impact if they were given more department time to do
this.
The introduction of classroom profiles has helped to raise the PP students’ profiles, however the
quality of these profiles varies.
There is a strong pastoral system within the school which means that the pupils feel valued and
cared for.
We are pleased that the reviewers recognised the progress that we have made since the OFSTED
inspection.
As you are aware, one of the action points from OFSTED was to ensure that pupils improve the quality,
accuracy and presentations of their work. Have you noticed a difference in their activities towards their
work since we introduced ‘Plantsbrook Expectations’ in January? There is a short questionnaire where
we would like to collect your opinions. Thank you to those parents who have already completed it. If
not, please complete the SurveyMonkey survey to let us know: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/
CQLWK6X
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
PAGE 2
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
It is great to be able to offer you some feedback on the launch of the ‘Show My
Homework’ online homework tool.
As of 9th February, we had 65% of all students logged in and regularly using
SMHW and 64% of parents.
This is a great start and, with your support, we will be helping the rest of the
community to log in too.
If you need further support with logging in, please use these FAQ to help.
Frequently asked questions and Answers
As a student, I don’t know my personal SMHW login details?
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Login using your school google account.
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User name = your 4 digit RM [email protected].
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Password = your school password.
If this doesn’t work, you are putting in the wrong password
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Try to change your own password in school on a PC, then try logging in to SMHW again.
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If this doesn’t work, please see school IT helpdesk.
As a student, I have logged in but I can’t submit my homework or the teacher can’t see my quiz/test
results?
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Check your account details, does SMHW think you are the parent? – have you logged in using your
parent’s log in details. If you did you need to log out and log back in using the information above.
As a parent, I don’t know my personal SMHW login details?
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Please ask your child for the letter given to them during tutorial or if they made a note of the PIN in
their planner.
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Or, go to showmyhomework.co.uk/login/recover.
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Or, email [email protected] or call 0207 197 9550.
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Or contact school via the contact us page on our website.
As a student I am logged in but I can’t view a document clearly
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Make sure the device you are opening the document on, supports Microsoft office.
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Try opening SMHW and the document using google chrome.
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email [email protected] or call 0207 197 9550.
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Or contact school via the contact us page on our website.
Or any other questions…
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email [email protected] or call 0207 197 9550.
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Or contact school via the contact us page on our website.
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
PAGE 3
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
YEAR 8 BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY TRIP
We are very lucky to have been chosen to visit Birmingham City University. I speak for everyone when I
say we had a great day and learnt loads. We got the opportunity to explore the thousands of courses they
have to offer. We also took part in many activities such as a quiz, designing a new course and we got a tour
around. So many stairs! My favourite part of the day was designing a new degree course. My group
designed a Disney degree!
Libby Goulden 8N
TOWN JUNIOR SCHOOL WORLD OF WORK WEEK
During the week before Half Term, our three Year 7 Careers
Ambassadors, helped with a presentation to Year 5 and Year 6
children at Town Junior School, as part of the Town Junior School
World of Work Week. The children were encouraged to think about
how to match their skills and attributes to the wide variety of available
jobs, and the Ambassadors also shared their own future career
aspirations with them. They also helped the children to complete a
Job Application and enjoyed hearing about their career ideas, ranging from professional footballers to
physicists!
A very big ‘thank you’ to staff and students for inviting us to be a part of such an enjoyable and
worthwhile event!
Mrs Cook, Student Advisor Post 16
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
PAGE 4
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES
It has been noticed that a number of students have overspent their school lunch accounts. This has been
caused by students who either ask for credit, as they have no money in school to top up their account or
by students informing the Catering Staff that their parents have recently topped up their Parent Pay
account.
It has been decided that, with effect from Monday 6th March 2017, students will only be able to have a
total of £1.00 credit on their lunch accounts. If a student already has a negative balance of £1.00, it will
not be possible for the Catering Staff to provide any food. If you are experiencing difficulties, it might be
worth applying for free school meals (as per the information below) or sending your child in with a packed
lunch in order they have something to eat during the day. Please also ensure that Parent Pay is topped
up before the balance on your account falls below £1.00.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
Mrs Smith, Director of Finance and Support Services
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Changes have been made as
to how we collect information
for Free School Meals. You
no longer have to complete
paper work and bring in
evidence but it is all done by
simply registering online at www.link2ict.org/FSM. You
only ever need to register once and then school will
automatically be updated of eligibility or any changes. This
information is data protected as per the terms shown on
the website. If you are unable to access the system to
register, we can do this for you, please provide the
following details - National Insurance Number, Date of
Birth and Parent Full Name to
[email protected]
Please check your entitlement, if you have any
queries, please ring Sue Ellis in Finance on 362 7310
Ext: 205.
APPLYING FOR FREE BUS PASS
If you would also like to enquire about eligibility for Free
Bus Pass you can go to the following website for details.
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/travelassist
FINANCE
Paris July 2017
Third instalment was
due 27th February
2017. Please process
payment if you
haven’t already done
so. Any queries
please contact
Finance Dept. on
[email protected]
Ski America 2018
Next instalment was due 27th February
2017, please can you ensure that the
monthly payments are made promptly. Any
queries please contact Finance Dept. on
[email protected]
YEAR 9
‘Well done’ to Oriel Powel who took part in The Magical
Classic Gymnastic Competition in Florida, USA. Oriel was
one of thirteen gymnasts from City of Birmingham
Gymnastics Club who had been selected to attend and
together they have managed to raise £20k in six months.
Mr Rackham, Achievement Co-ordinator Y9
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
PAGE 5
1.Read the word and what it means- write it in your planner.
2.Use it in a sentence during a lesson this week.
3.Get a green card!
Week beginning 27th February 2017
Word of
the week
Connotations
Word type
Noun
Definition
The alternative ideas or meanings of a word in
addition to its primary meaning.
In a
sentence
The word, ‘discipline’ has unhappy connotations
of punishment and control.
The word, ‘home’ has connotations of warmth,
comfort and affection.
synonyms
Subtexts
Implications
Meanings
N/A
antonyms
Connotations
Expostulate
(Verb) To express strong disapproval or
Disagreement
(Noun) The alternative ideas or meanings of a
word in addition to its primary meaning.
In a sentence:
Although Kurt expostulated, in the end he had to
pay the parking fine.You must expostulate with
the judge to win the case.“This is ridiculous and I
won’t stand for it!” Vicky expostulates, whilst
thumping the table.
In a sentence:
The word, ‘discipline’ has unhappy connotations of
punishment and control.
The word, ‘home’ has connotations of warmth,
comfort and affection.
PLANTSBROOK MUSICIANS PERFORM AT
MUSIC SERVICE CONCERTS
Several Plantsbrook pupils took part in the
Birmingham Schools Music Service Brass and
Woodwind concerts prior to half term. The
Plantsbrook Brass Ensemble performed two
pieces, conducted by Mr Foster, and the Flute
Ensemble, conducted by Miss Farrell, performed
an arrangement of Chasing Cars. Two
Plantsbrook clarinettists, Rhys Miles and
Charlotte Newis were also featured in the
woodwind concert, playing an arrangement of
Delibes' Flower Duet. All pupils performed to a
very high standard and the school has received praise from the Heads of Brass and Woodwind at
the Music Service for the level of performance from our pupils. Well done!
Ms Stamoulis, Music Teacher
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
PAGE 6
YEAR 12 PARENTS’ EVENING
Thursday 16th March 2017 - 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Our on-line booking system will be open for parents/guardians to book appointments from Monday 6th
March 2017 up until midday on Tuesday 14th March. To book an appointment please visit: https://
plantsbrooks.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/ or click on the relevant button found on school website.
Guidelines on how to add appointments will be given to students week commencing: 27th February
2017.
If you do not have access to the internet or are unable to book appointments online for your son/daughter
please contact the Sixth Form Office, who will be happy to book them on your behalf. Telephone Number
0121 362 7310 extension 208.
Please note that due to the new build there will be no car parking spaces on site for parents/guardians.
All visitors will need to park on the pay and display car park opposite the school.
We look forward to seeing you.
REVISING
Does your son/daughter need help with revising techniques? Are they struggling with revision
timetables? A really useful tool to support students through their revision commitments is available from
https://getrevising.co.uk. Students can create their own unique revision timetable and also find revision
resources, past papers, at the push of a button. They can also share revision tips/resources with other
students and set up private study groups to work with friends from home.
Revision tips and an example of a Revision Timetable are available on the Sixth Form area of the School
Website.
SUTTON COLDFIELD SCHOOL’S SIXTH FORM PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING COMPETITION
This year’s Debating Competition will be hosted by Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls on
Thursday 9th March 2017. Andrew Mitchell, M.P., will chair the evening and representatives from 8
Sutton Coldfield Sixth Forms, including Plantsbrook School, will take part in an evening of lively debates.
All contestants will be offered the opportunity to visit the House of Commons in the summer for a full tour
of the Houses of Parliaments and lunch with Mr Mitchell. Representing Plantsbrook Sixth Form this year
will be Jack Purcell-Burrows and Marshall Tisdale.
COUNTDOWN TO EXAMS
Year 12 – 9 school weeks left (minus training days and Holidays)
Year 13 – 10 school weeks left (minus training days and Holidays)
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
PAGE 7
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
YEAR 13
STUDENT FINANCE
Has your son/daughter applied to university? If they have, now is the time to start thinking about applying
for Student Finance. Applications for full-time student finance will open shortly and we would advise
students to apply as soon as possible.
For further information on student finance and applications go to: www.gov.uk/studentfinance
For a range of helpful tools and guidance, visit the student finance zone using the following link:
www.thestudentroom.co.uk/studentfinance
SIXTH FORM PROM
Tickets are now on sale for the Sixth Form Prom from the Finance Office. Students wishing to take
“guests” who are not currently in Year 13 will need a Guest Slip approved by the Head of Sixth Form.
These are available from Mrs Dodd.
Location: Ramada Hotel, Penns Lane.
Date: 29/6/17
Cost: £26.00
YEAR 12
WORK EXPERIENCE JULY 17TH – JULY 21ST 2017
Have you found your work experience placement yet? Unsure where to apply?
Work experience drop-in sessions are now running on a Thursday 3:00pm – 4:00pm in the LRC. Students
struggling to find a placement or with any queries are invited to come and speak to us so we can help find
them a placement that will suit their personal interests and enhance their C.V.’s.
Placement Contact Forms should be returned to the Sixth Form Office by Friday, April 7 th 2017. Students
who do not find placements will be allocated “jobs” in school during the placement week.
We will be celebrating National Careers Week across
school with tutorial and News Day activities, and
apprenticeship assemblies throughout March.
National Careers Week…
Making Every Week Careers Week!!!!
First rehearsal: Wednesday
1st March
3.15pm Cromwell Hall
ALL WELCOME
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB
Tel:0121 362 7310 Fax: 0121 362 7311 Email:[email protected]
PAGE 8
Newsletter also available on School website www.plantsbrookschool.co.uk
FRIENDS OF PLANTSBROOK NEWS
FEBRUARY DRAW WINNERS
1st - 11, 2nd - 35 and 3rd – 27
Funding from the 100 Club will be used to fund ‘THE SCHOOL WALL OF EXCELLENCE’.
Please join the 100 Club to allow us to continue this funding. Download the link below and
return to the PTA via the school office.
http://web.plantsbrookschool.co.uk/images/pdf/parents/plantsbrook%20100%20club.pdf
PTA MEMBERS NEEDED
For the PTA to continue, new members are required to join us. Did you know there are less than 10 current
PTA members!! Meetings are once a month in term time. If you can help or wish to join contact the PTA
Secretary [email protected].
THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED AND ORGANISED
THIS FABULOUS NIGHT AND HELPED US RAISE
£265.00
SUTTON FUN RUN
This year’s PTA chosen charity for the Great Midlands Fun Run will be:
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Day Ward.
Please help us support this cause.
Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1RB