Thamesview School
Summer Term 5
May 2015
T HAMES V IEWS
Inside this Issue:
Headteacher’s
Letter
2
Exam Revision
Timetable
2
Thamesview School
Alumni
Duke of Edinburgh
Parent Views
7 After a day working hard on their creations the students were then given the pride of place as the Thamesview
students were given pole position in the parade and proudly held their knights aloft in the parade which
included 18 local schools.
7/8
The students were a real credit to their communities and
to the school throughout the process and their knights
8 absolutely rocked Gravesend!
Dates to Remember
Special points of
interest:Chocolate Raindrops
Trip
Tate Britain
Lexia Club
Community
Name
Points
Challenger
48
Discovery
48
Endeavour
67
Enterprise
77
The Knights of Thamesview
Rock Gravesend at
St. George's Day Parade!
Twelve lucky Year 7 students were treated to a reward for their
attendance and excellent behaviour at Thamesview by being invited to represent the school in the St George’s
4 Day Parade in Gravesend. Jack Bundock, Apsie King, Alice Rule, Peter Hutchins, Sean Wills, Sophie Wells,
Kieran Henderson, Aimee Lucking, George Wells, Daniel Greenway, Erika Sims and Alex Baynton all took part
5 in a model making day which enabled the students to get creative and make their very own St George’s knight
heads.
Science and
Technology
Thamesview School
Council
Business & Enterprise
8 Mr Ferguson - Assistant Headteacher
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Page 2
Welcome to the Term 5 newsletter. I hope that you have been enjoying the good weather and are looking forward
to the summer term. This term has been packed again with great opportunities for students and teachers. The St
George's Day parade was one of the highlights of last term for several of our Year 7 students. You may have seen
the report in the local newspaper. Our students were a credit to the school and their preparation for the event was
brilliant as you can see from the pictures on the cover.
It was great to see parents at the GCSE Drama performance earlier this month and I want to say a massive well done to all the Year 11s
who were involved in that performance. There were some great performances and some very thought provoking scripts. The Drama
students performed with confidence in acting out various sketches involving important social issues. The student monologues at the
end were particularly impressive and included moving viewpoints on the subjects of casual racism and bullying. All the students
contributed and those that weren’t acting explained how they were integral parts of the performance. The examiner clapped heartily at
the end with the rest of the audience and the whole event was inspiring! I hope the examiner was as impressed as I was.
The exam season is now upon us and I would ask parents with children sitting exams to encourage as much revision as possible at
home over the next few weeks. The May half term revision schedule is featured below and I hope it will be as well attended as the
Easter revision classes were. The amount of classes that we offer says a lot about the commitment and hard work of our staff and I'd
like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their continued hard work.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents for supporting our clear uniform rules and allowing our students to come to
school regularly and on time. Good attendance is hugely important to every individual student and it is very important that students are
at school on time, every day in order to get the most out of their education.
I look forward to the summer newsletter and to be able to report on the final term of the year.
Mr Ingham
Headteacher
May Half Term Exam Revision Timetable
Day
Subject/Times
Staff
Monday 25th May
BANK HOLIDAY
BANK HOLIDAY
Tuesday 26th May
History 9am – 1pm
Geography 9am – 12pm
I Coetzee
M Mushekwa
ICT 10am – 1pm
Health & Social Care 10am – 3pm
R Davis
C Lima
Thursday 28th May
Maths 10am – 1pm
M Sesay/A Manktelow/E Lowe/
Z Donegan
Friday 29th May
Science 9am – 3pm
J Fletcher Dyer/S Cox
Wednesday 27th May
Page 3
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Years 8 and 9 visit to Tate Britain
Year 8 and 9 students visited Tate Britain in London to see examples of British art
including works by J. M. W. Turner, The Pre-Raphaelites and more modern works
by Henry Moore.
Shakespeare really
did go Live!
KS3 students were invited to participate within a
live performance of selected Shakespeare plays
including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and A
The students enjoyed wandering around the gallery spaces looking at the artwork
and were inspired to produce drawings based on the works they saw. The intricate Midsummer Night’s Dream with the theatre
detail of some of the paintings amazed the students and the more modern pieces company ‘Shakespeare Live.’
challenged their critical thinking. The behaviour of the students was
It was a great opportunity for students to learn
outstanding; they were truly great ambassadors for Thamesview School!
more about Shakespeare’s plays, seeing them be
brought to life. After all, plays are to be seen as
Mrs J Chester
well as read!
Creative Arts
Miss Wray
English Teacher
Tonal drawing of a Henry Moore sculpture by Ellie White
Keep connected with the school by checking out
our new Mobile app!
Scan the
QR code to
go straight
to the
download
page!
Keep connected with the school by liking us on
Facebook and following us on Twitter
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Page 4
On Tuesday 31st March, students from Thamesview School travelled to Christchurch University in Canterbury
to be involved in an annual Science and Technology Challenge. The challenge is normally open to Year 8
and Year 9 students, so TVS sent 5 girls and 8 boys from Year 8 to represent the school in the mixed events.
The events lasted all day but TVS students were mixed in with students from other schools to complete as
many of the Science and Technology tasks in teams, while being judged on success, teamwork and
creativity.
The students also had the chance to discuss with representatives from the University about their courses,
how to get financial support, lifestyle, employment opportunities and extra-curricular activities.
Robotics, Structural Engineering, Police Facial
Identification Software and Racing Car Designs.
The challenges set by the organisers were based upon 4 areas;
1) Robotics based upon the Lego Mindstorms ™ format
2) Engineering a bridge which supported as much mass as possible
3) Facial recognition software used by Police forces to identify those involved
in crimes
4) Building racing cars which only have a rotating motor and simple resources
The students from Thamesview School worked collaboratively with other
students from North Kent schools.
The overall winners were entered into a regional final to be held in London.
Teamwork pays
Brogan Lee and Braden Fenlon worked with 2
other students from another school to become
winners of an award during the challenges.
The awards were presented by the High Sheriff
of Kent who expressed how proud and
impressed he was with the contributions from
all the schools involved.
Well done to Challenger and Enterprise!
Page 5
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Lexia Club - Thursday Water Bottles!
We all know that water is good for us, but often the reasons
Lunchtimes in D15
are a little fuzzy. And even if we know why we should drink
Students enjoy improving their literacy skills and
read to their peers in a small, supportive group.
Year 9 students mentor younger students and
guide them
through the
online Lexia
programme or
listen to them
reading. All
welcome !
water, it's not a habit that many people form.
With the warmer weather approaching us —fingers crossed— it
is important we all stay hydrated. Therefore, please
encourage your child to bring to school a water bottle. A lot of
people find it useful to buy a
large bottle, fill it with water
and carry it around with
them all day.
Adequate hydration is
important for proper
functioning of the brain.
When we are well hydrated,
brain cells are better
supplied with fresh,
oxygen-laden blood, and
the brain remains alert.
Miss L Fackrell
Science
Teacher
Salon Services Enrichment
Community Project
On Friday 15th May the Year 11 students who have been studying
for their Salon Services qualification took part in an enrichment
activity. As all students have completed and submitted their
course work, they were set the challenge of creating a ‘new look’ by
styling hair, using make up and dressing in their own clothes.
Once again Thamesview Vocational Centre has been asked to help
with a Community project. This summer we are working with
Gravesham Borough Council to build a greenhouse, made from
empty 2 litre plastic bottles, for the annual Gravesham in Bloom
competition.
In first place was Shannon Loveridge who created a really current
look using a variety of make up techniques, curling her long hair in
soft large curls and a very casual
look for a day shopping. Second
place was taken by Holly Bowyer
who themed her look for
Valentine and wore a stunning
red dress which she matched her
lipstick to. In third place was
Jodie Spinks who has styled her
own short bob into a more edgier
style.
To ensure this is a whole centre project we have set this as a
project for students from Nick Hornby Centre at Meopham school,
who visit the centre once a week to gain some practical skills and
experience. This term students have
begun the construction of the greenhouse.
Mrs N Sandy
Mrs N Sandy
Thamesview Alumni Programme
We are interested in connecting with ex Thamesview
students who would be happy to be used as role models and
inspiration for current students to help encourage them to
achieve and fulfil their true potential. Input can be as little as
writing a brief summary of their education and/or career to
coming into school and giving a talk about their progression
pathway.
If you have any older children or other relatives who
attended Thamesview and who would be interested in
joining our Alumni can you please ask
them to contact:
Nerys Sandy
Business & Enterprise Coordinator
Thamesview School
Thong Lane
Gravesend
Kent DA12 4LF
01474 566552 ext 1213
[email protected]
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Page 6
Chocolate Raindrops Trip
Thanks to the support of Gravesham CAN funding we were able to take
10 young people to Chocolate Raindrops where they were able to make
their own chocolates for Easter and this was a greatly enjoyed event with
some young people creating some amazing treats.
Go Swim and Smile
Swimming Sponsorship Awarded to Thamesview
One very fortunate young person from Thamesview, Daniel, a Year 7 student, has been lucky enough to be sponsored for a ten week
course of swimming lessons at Larkfield Leisure Centre with Strokes Swim School.
Go Resource Group Limited have been exceptionally kind and paid for the full 10 week course; supplied a swim bag, hat, goggles,
swimming trunks and towel for the young person. Daniel has been an exceptional student and completed this course and shown real
improvement and tenacity to work hard and listen to the instructor with a very positive approach to learning how to swim. Daniel has
achieved a great sense of achievement and grown in self-confidence through this. He is now able to swim 20 metres unaided and has
been so impressive that the company owner, John Counsell has offered to continue sponsorship further. Well done Daniel!
John Counsell company owner wrote the following :The Go Resource Group would like to offer support
to your excellent work with young children. We
would like to offer a 10 lesson course to the child of
your choice in the hope that it benefits their
personal development. We are a family owned
business established in 2005. We live and work in
Kent and actively support local sportsmen and
women, this includes a MMA fighter from Lordswood, Doddington Village Football Club and a Kent
School’s Footballer Lewis Whiteoak. Lewis also
played for Charlton under 16’s and was Captain.
Our main focus in 2015 is supporting the charity
work of Hayley’s Heroes and Fighters for a Fighter
which I founded to support Hayley Martin, a young
girl with terminal cancer. As you know we are
entering a few swims and putting on a charity
boxing show.
Our group has grown since 2005 and our business
interests include: Go Produce Ltd, Go Logistics UK
Ltd, Go Personnel Ltd, Acer Clarus Ltd, HRSS Ltd
and Hart & Co Ltd
It’s our pleasure and privilege to help people across
Kent and look forward to seeing a positive impact
on the child’s development.
John Counsell
They have also offered to
repeat this offer to a second
young person and I’m looking
to get more sponsorship from
local businesses to support
and sponsor 4 young people a
year.
I would like to say a very big
thank you to their generosity
and support.
Penny Stotesbury
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Page 7
Duke Of Edinburgh Award News BRONZE
Well done to all young people who have completed their practice expedition on
the 24th and 25th April. They have shown that they are able to work really well as
a team and put into practice their training in Navigation, camp craft, compass
skills, cooking and teamwork! These young people will be doing their Qualifying
event on the 4th and 5th July– so we wish them well!
SILVERS Practice Expedition
5 young people from Thamesview School joined 2 other young people to participate in their Silver Practice
Expedition. This was quite a challenge and they had 3 days of walking and 2 nights camping. They walked
from Thamesview School to Knole House in Sevenoaks. A huge challenge but, I must say that they managed
to complete this and still had a smile on their faces. They will be back out in September for their Qualifying
assessed walking in the Ashdown Forest. Sadly 2 young people were unable to complete the practice.
Thank you to all the staff that supported and encouraged them to get through this challenge!
Please make sure you attend Monday Training sessions in Discovery 3-4.30pm
Thamesview School Council
Thamesview School Council have been meeting regularly in form time on Mondays and young people
are planning their focus within their groups.
Seven young people attended a Big Conversation event that focused on young people’s health
issues with Lauraine Griffiths KIASS School Link Health Worker, Young Parent Coordinator and
HeadStart NW Kent Coordinator. This was a very valid and interesting event attend by young people.
Other workshops that students attended were Love and Relationships, Restorative approaches, How to Thrive resilience and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Students also had the opportunity to express their points of view in an open discussion session with professionals
from Health ; Early Help and Preventative Services; Education. They also had the chance to meet external agencies
and projects that support young people such as KCA.
They are now planning to run information sharing sessions to give other young people information on some of
these topics.
Thamesview’s School Council are also working on plans to run a community event READY STEADY COOK!!
Please keep a look out for information to enter.
The Literacy group in TVSC are working with NASA to support young people in
a programme to help them spell the most 100 commonly used words.
IF you are interested in becoming a School Council Member (TVS)
please come and see me in Room D16.
Penny Stotesbury—Community Youth Tutor, Thamesview School
S u m m e r T e rm 5
Page 8
Key Events:
 Mon 1st June - Staff Development Day
Diary Dates
 Tues 2nd June - First day of Term 6 for all students
 Tues 23rd June - GCSE Exams end
 Thurs 25th June - Year 11 Prom
 Tues 14th July - Summer Concert (starts at 7pm)
 Thurs 23rd July - Last day of Term 6 for all students
 Fri 24th July - Staff Development Day
Staff Development Days:
Monday 1st June 2015
Friday 24th July 2015
Please note that the school will be
closed on these days for students.
Reminder…….
Term 6 starts on Tuesday
2nd June 2015 for all students
Term
Dates
6
Monday 1st June to
Friday 24th July
1
Thursday 3rd September
to Friday 23rd October
2
Monday 2nd November to
Friday 18th December
3
(2016)
4
5
(2016)
Monday 4th January to
Friday 12th February
Monday 22nd February to
Monday 11th April to
Friday 27th May
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Presentation Evening
All young people who completed their Bronze or Silver Award within 2013/14 were invited to a presentation evening on Monday 23rd
March 2015 at St John’s School Gravesend. This was a lovely evening with over 400 people in the audience with special guest speaker
Nick Alford (who has swum the English Channel). He gave a fantastic inspirational talk and presented the certificates.
Bronze Award
Silver Award
Kaitlin Lovelock, Alice Sims, James Harden,
Emily Sparkes, Katie Ayres, Amie Harfield,
Connor Fenlon, Tanya Hills, Joel Garcia,
Gaby Hutchinson
Matthew Nourse, Fiona Brett, Hannah Cottenden, Hayleigh
Cutmore, Kelsey Hutchinson, Lewis Lancaster-Usher, Tony White
Young people who were unable to attend but also
completed were Ashley Cripps, Luke Cant,
Shannon Spinks
Well done to you all who have gained this fantastic achievement and thank
you to Mr. Ingham for his ongoing support. Many of these young people are
now going on to take their next challenge, with one person going for their
Gold!
Penny Stotesbury
For more information contact
Penny Stotesbury
Community Youth Tutor at
Thamesview school - Room D16
01474 566552 ext 1249
Mob 07920 526546
Email [email protected]
Parent Views
At Thamesview we value our parents’ opinions and
continued support. We offer parents the opportunity to tell
us your views at school events and have been very pleased
by the positive responses. You are invited to complete our
parent view questionnaire at the web address below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tvsparentview
We look forward to hearing your views.