Circular
February 2016
Th o m a s E s t l ey C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e
Comments from the Principal ...
As half term approaches the College is
looking forward to the year ahead and
beginning teaching GCSE. Staff have
worked incredibly hard, liaising with the
very best Key Stage 4 providers in
Leicestershire and beyond and everyone is
thoroughly prepared for this exciting next
stage in Thomas Estley’s development. In
return, a number of Upper Schools who
are beginning to teach Key Stage 3 have
been to look at our practice as they, too,
seek to learn from excellent practitioners.
message is very clear: by the end of this
parliament schools are all expected to be
in Multi Academy Trusts. Outstanding
schools are expected to support or
sponsor schools in difficulty. Teaching
Schools Alliances are expected to provide
School to School Support, helping those
schools experiencing difficult times. As
ever Thomas Estley will be at the forefront
of these changes, taking a lead and
continuing to contribute to raising the
achievements of Thomas Estley students
and those in all Leicestershire Schools.
Change nationally continues to move at a
fast pace. Both the Secretary of State,
Nicky Morgan, and the Regional Schools
Commissioner, Jenny Bexon-Smith, have
been to Leicestershire this term. Their
Our topic was focussed on Christmas and
by the end of the lesson they all knew
some Christmas nouns. We included
games such as true or false, multiple
choice and catch the globe to engage
February
8th-12th
Modules Week
15th-19th Half Term Break
24th
Inclusion Coffee Morning
March
4th
23rd
24th
Targeted Yr 8 STEM D&T
Day
Science Fair Evening
Yr 8 Examination Week
Modules Week
Working Together
Celebration Evening
Yr 9 Progress Report home
Yr 7 Progress Report home
Yr 8 & 9 Ski Trip Leave
24th
Last Day of Term
8th
14th-18th
21st-24th
21st
April
11th
Pupils Back
12th
Family of Schools Orchestra
Day
14th
Arts Award Trip
22nd
Year 8 Written Report home
26th-28th College Production
28th
National Math’s Challenge
Language Leadership Award
On the 1st and 8th December, the
Language Leaders visited Hallbrook
Primary School and Old Mill Primary
School to teach Years 3-6 French.
Dates for your diary:
children and make the session more
enjoyable. We taught them about
masculine, feminine and plural words all
about Christmas and we also taught them
about Christmas traditions in France.
We are now planning to visit again before
Easter to teach new topics.
Inside this issue:
Belgian Partners
2
Asdan Creativity
3
Computing - Not just sitting
at a desk
4
Girls Sport
5
Year 7 Trip to the Curve
5
Ahoy there mateys!
6
Year 9 Urban Art Course
6
Resources Request!
7
Art Department News
7
Congratulations
8
Circular
Page 2
Belgian Partners from Collège Saint Michel Visit to
Thomas Estley on 28th October 2015
Our Belgian partners arrived at 11am
from London where they had spent
two days visiting all the tourists
attractions. They spent the day here
with their Year 8 penpals, going in
Science and Humanities lessons in
the morning. They had prepared and
rehearsed an assembly in English for
all our Year 8 students where they
told us about Belgium traditions.
They were very nervous about the
assembly but did really well! In the
afternoon they went to Year 7 MFL
classes, where they introduced
themselves and listened to what Year
7 students have learnt so far in
French. Teaching Group 7C in
particular were excited as they also
have Belgian penpals, so they were
able to talk to the older Belgian
students about their peers back in
Belgium.
Lounge and having a tour of our
school. It was soon time to say Au
Finally we spent the rest of the
Revoir. We are looking forward to
afternoon partying in the Community meeting Nadège again and her Year
7 students in Brussells in May. And
we hope they can come back next
year to visit us again!
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Year 7 MFL Spelling Bee Competition - Stage 1 Winners
Congratulations to Katy Coe,
Caitlin Crowley, Keira Hampson,
Ellie-Mae Newman, Molly Pentony,
Sophie Wright and Tillie Yeomans for
successfully completing Stage 1 of
the French spelling competition!
Students had to learn 50 French
words and how to spell them using
the French alphabet. The girls are
currently preparing for the Stage 2
School Competition by learning
another 50 words. Four students will
then go through to the Stage 3
Regional competition in the Spring
term. Well done to all who took part.
Page 3
Asdan Creativity
Asdan students worked furiously
before Christmas; Year 9 completed
their charity challenge by creating an
array of fabulous Christmas
decorations and Year 8 designed and
produced amazing polystyrene prints
and frames.
Year 9 Asdan students took part in
the Broughton Astley Christmas Tree
Festival at St Mary’s and worked
tirelessly to produce decorations with
a jingle bell theme. It was pleasing to
note how much they enjoyed working
together, even if they did end up
covered in glitter! Students created a
rota to sell the decorations at school
and raised funds for St Mary’s – well
done!
Year 8 Asdan students created
designs for their polystyrene prints
and worked with precision and
creativity. All students should be very
proud of the work they produced –
well done!
Follow Asdan on twitter:
#TECC_Asdan
Emergency Closure as a Result of Adverse Weather Conditions
In the event of heavy snow that
may cause closure of the College,
information and updates will be
available on:
Radio Leicester on 104.9FM
Circular
Page 4
Mercury Sports Awards
It was a fantastic night at the
Leicester Mercury Sports Awards this
year and a bumper number of
nominations for Thomas Estley
pupils, ex pupils and Staff.
Ex pupils Libby Smith, Grace Garner
and Lucy Garner were also
nominated.
Our National Cup winning Girls got
the award for U19 team of the year
and Mrs Kavanagh was runner up for
Coach of the Year.
Basketball News
Basketball in the College is becoming
very popular and we have had some
great results from our Year 9 team
who were runners up in their league
and had a hard fought semi final
match against Brockington narrowly
losing out. The Year 8 team were
also runners up in their league and
beat Manor High in the semi final.
They will now face Leysland High
School in the final.
Computing: Not just sitting at a desk - Mr. Nicholson
We all like new toys, so when I
offered the chance to have a play
with one of the computing
department’s latest acquisitions (a set
of Sphero Ollies), my Year 9
computing specialism group leapt at
the chance. A Sphero Ollie is a small
robot with lights, motors, and, as we
found out, a very basic sense of
direction. The small group of
volunteers recently undertook the
challenge to see what could be done
with these little robots for a
computing-themed assembly. What
started off as a bit of a play around
with a new piece of gadgetry soon
became all about seeing what the
Ollies could do. The students put
themselves to the task of trying to
create a light and movement show
put to music. Our first suggestion of
a song was “Daft Punk” by Pentatonix
(an a cappella group covering
synthesised music) which seemed to
fit very well with what we wanted to
achieve. Time constraints meant that
the students had to put in time during
specialism lessons, lunchtimes and
after school which they were willing to
do.
A big thank you to students involved:
Daniel Collins
Martin Corby
Angus Edwards
Luke Gutteridge
Jack Halst
Charlie Harris
Jarvis Heathcote
Ben Pick
Tom Powell
Beth Topping
Charlie Turnbull
Thomas Watson
The technical bit:
We created the programs for each
individual Ollie robot by connecting
each to an iPad through Bluetooth,
using the “Macrolab” app from
Sphero we were able to give
instructions to the robots which were
then run at the same time. We were
able to change the colours and
operate the motors independently, as
well as create looping instructions
and stop commands. By combining
all the instructions the students had
learnt through trying them out and
experimenting, they were able to
create something really quite
effective.
A huge amount of time, effort and
teamwork went into creating
something that was very well
received by students and staff alike,
even prompting one of the science
teachers to buy one of the robots for
her son. A very good set of
performances throughout the week in
assemblies were made. The video of
the show can be seen on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/k36et2n3B5Y
Page 5
Girls Sport
Last Seasons U14 Girls Team were
crowned Leicester Mercury U19 team
of the Year for the second year
running. A great night out at
Leicester Tigers for the Girls to collect
their award. The school can now use
this logo to advertise the win.
quarter final of the County Cup, which Cross Country
is their target this season.
Lots of success for our teams this
The U12 Girls are doing well in the
season. All 4 of them getting medals
Blaby/Harborough League, they have in the league. We hosted the relays at
won 1 lost 1 and also have Leysland Thomas Estley again with success for
to play, they will now be relying on
our teams. Huge thanks to Michelle
other results to see if they qualify for Watkiss for her help with the
the County Quarter Finals. Their
Saturday Mornings.
National Cup competition starts in
February.
Curriculum
Netball
The U13 Girls Football Teams
season is over, going out in Round 4
of the National Cup.
All 3 teams reached the Semi Finals
of the League this year. 8’s & 9’s
losing to Welland Park, Year 7’s then
The U14 Girls Team have also gone lost to Welland Park in the final.
out of the National Cup losing 1-0 to a Parents Michelle Davies and Hazel
Derbyshire Team despite dominating Butler are running the Year 8 Team
the whole game. They did reach the this year which has been a huge help.
last 16 of the competition though, so Thanks to them.
we’re really pleased with them. They
All 3 teams plus B teams in all age
are top of the Blaby/Harborough
groups have been entered in the
League with only Leysland left to
Tournaments for this term.
play, so look certain to reach the
Having Debbie Skene teaching Girls
PE this year has been a massive plus
both in terms of taking pressure off
SK but also for the Girls.
Participation continues to be more
than 95% with those not taking part
having long term injuries or illness.
Kit generally is very good. Girls
particularly like the PE hoodies with
more than half of the Girls in the
school now owning one.
Inter Team Competitions
All 3 year groups have now completed the Netball Tournaments
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Thomas
Estley
Thorp
Sutton
Thorp/Estley
Thomas
Sutton
Thomas
Estley
Thorp
Sutton
7 A side Girls Football Tournaments will be run this term and Rounders after Easter.
Year 7 Trip to The Curve
On 11th December forty Year 7 pupils
embarked upon a trip to The Curve
Theatre in Leicester to see a new
production of ‘The Witches’ by Roald
Dahl. For many students this was
their first ever visit to the theatre, so
the experience was extremely
exciting for all involved. We arrived
at the theatre in time to be able to see
the wing space of the theatre which
had been opened out at the side of
the auditorium. Many pupils were
really intrigued by the vast amount of
organisation that was evident on the
props table and costume area.
As the production began pupils were
mesmerised - the witches were really
convincing, and I couldn’t help but
notice that even some of our bravest
Year 7 pupils retorted in disgust at
their gruesome antics. Pupils took
part in a quiz following the production
and it was evident that they really had
absorbed every moment of the
experience, even being able to recall
tiny details such as the colour of
character’s shoelaces!
It was an absolute pleasure to take
this trip thanks to the outstanding
behaviour and enthusiasm from all
pupils - well done!
Circular
Page 6
Ahoy there mateys!
nineteenth century texts unit studied
by Year 7s in the spring term, using
inspiration from Treasure Island in
particular. To really have some
fun, some classes scripted and
performed their own puppet show in
groups to bring their bashful
buccaneers to life. This was
entertaining and engaging for
everyone involved, informing ideas
for students' individual adventure
Year 7 classes showcased their
stories later in the term. Students
impressive pirate puppets this term
then carefully crafted a descriptive
which they made at home. The
piece of writing on their pirate
designs came in all shapes, sizes and characters to exercise their creative
fabrics... not forgetting the trusty loo
writing talents. Overall, it was
roll! This project ties in with the prefantastic to see this level of creativity
and enthusiasm from students at
Thomas Estley and how they employ
their transferable skills so effectively.
Well, shiver me timbers!
Year 9 Urban Art Course - Mrs Strudwick
Year 9 are relishing the
opportunity of extended courses
in ADT based on their GCSE
options this year. As part of the
Urban Art project they have
used Keith Haring to inspire
their clay work. Pupils were
given the opportunity to develop
ideas in 2D or 3D form. Some
students produced tiles, others
photo frames, whilst some
challenged themselves to create
3D sculptures.
Well done to those students who
have completed their Art
coursework in rotation 1, I look
forward to seeing what is
achieved during rotation 2!!
Page 7
Resources Request !
The ADT Department are in need of some resources and would be thrilled if any parent could help with the following:




newspapers
bubble wrap
unwanted sample pots of emulsion paint for Woodchop Club
unwanted Polycotton sheets / duvet covers to make baggy pants for children in Malawi in the Year 9 Textiles
project.
If you are in a position to donate any of the above please leave with Reception explaining they are for ADT.
Thank you
Art Department News - Ms Lee
This year sees a brand new
The Year 9 Students are making lots
opportunity for Year 9 students in art. of observational drawings of different
artists, past and present, who’s work
As part of the Identity Project where
is influenced by the urban landscape.
students investigate Graffiti
Including comic book graffiti, iconic
techniques and styles. Students can cityscapes and local urban scenes.
now develop their ideas using lino
They transfer their images onto a
print making techniques.
special vinyl. Which can then be
carefully cut out using lino cut tools,
We are very fortunate at Thomas
to create a monochromatic image.
Estley to have a Fine Art printing
Students carefully select the area to
press in our art room. Where
cut out and the correct tool to create
students in all years can experiment their piece.
with different print techniques like,
collagraph, mono and relief.
Using a roller and water based inks
their drawings and images are
transformed under the press. Its
great listening their oohs and arrrrhs!
As their prints emerge.
We have had real success as some
of the amazing Year 9 students have
created beautiful and detailed
images. I think you'll agree.
Huge Congratulations
Congratulations to ex students Libby
Smith and Sinead Samarczuk who
have been selected for the English
Schools U15 Football Squad this
season.
Libby has also been selected for the Well done girls, we’re all really proud
England U15 Squad for their
of you.
International against Germany during
half term.
100% Attendance
Congratulations to the 126 pupils named below, who have 100% attendance as of Friday, 5th February 2016.
Name
Laura
Joe
Jake
Rhea
Abigail
Erin
Aman
Holly
Joshua
Tom
Adam
Jack
Thomas
Jenson
Adam
Megan
Russell
Reece
Ethan
Emma
Isla
Olivia
Charlie
Nathan
Caitlin
Joshua
Ben
Libby
Chloe
Peter
Tom
Harry
Maisie
James
John
Juliana
Travis
Katie
Leo
Mollie
Harrison
Connor
Ellie
Adderley
Aston
Bailey
Bailey
Ballard
Bamber
Bandrapalli
Beesley-Vaux
Bell
Blankley
Booley
Bowen
Bramley
Brammer
Brotherhood
Bryan
Bryan
Cartwright
Clarke
Cleaver
Coleman
Colwell
Cooke
Cox
Crowley
Cullen
D'Araujo
Deacon
Dewick
Dickinson
Edwards
Elliott
Fletcher
Fraser
Fuller
Garcia
Goodwin
Gosling
Green
Green
Gundry
Hackett
Hall
Reg
Name
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Joel
Georgia
Nathan
Sophie
Aaron
Jessica
Hannah
Joshua
Grace
Lachlan
Lauren
Joseph
Alex
Alfie
Harry
Jack
Ben
Quynh
Connor
Charlotte
Nathan
Joseph
Alexander
Charlotte
Megg
Elliot
Natasha
Kyla
Hannah
Jamie
Will
Tyrone
Brook
Molly
Kyle
Harry
Kieran
Arianne
James
Shannon
Charlotte
David
James
Hallam
Hawkins
Hawksley
Haynes
Hayto
Hayward
Heanaghan
Herbert
Hobson
Hollis
Horn
Howard
Hughes
Hunter
Hurley
Hurley
Hutchinson
Huynh
Jeffery
Johnston
Joseph
Joyce
Keeling
Kirk
Kirk
Lawrence
Lee
Lee-Shield
Lines
Lord
Lowe
Marvin
Mason
McDowell
McVeigh
Mellowes
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Alexandra
Thomas
Chelsea
Beth
Harry
Mia
James
George
Oliver
Isabel
Niall
Liam
Sean
James
Tom
Ben
Adam
Emily
Abbie
Kai
Ellen
Owen
Ella
Millie
Jude
Emily
Harry
Alison
Karl
Charlie
Beth
Ellie
Holly
Mia
Harrison
Hannah
Luke
Zoe
Kieran
Tillie
Reg
Powell
Powell
Prentice
Quittenton
Read
Robbins
Roberts
Robotham
Row
Ruane
Sayers
Scott
Seaton-Guy
Simmons
Simons
Simpson
Sinfield
Sinfield
Smith
Smith
Stanfield
Starkey
Taylor
Tennant
Thoms
Tosh
Townsend
Turner
Turner
Urwin
Varley
Vesty
Wallace
Wapples-Budd
Watts
Whitefield
Woodford
Woodford
Woodward
Yeomans
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