May 2016 Newsletter Issue...

www.tolworthgirlsschool.co.uk // email: [email protected] // Tel: 020 8397 3854 // Fax: 020 8974 2600

May 2016 Newsletter – Issue 5

Year 10 Battlefields Trip to Belgium and France

Over three days in April, seventy-four Year 10s embarked on the annual trip to the First World War Battlefields in Belgium and France. Having studied the war in Year 9, the students had the chance to see first-hand the sites of the conflict that took place one hundred years ago. On the first and last day, the students visited the Battlefields around the city of Ypres. They ran through the muddy trenches and underground tunnels of Sanctuary Wood and had the stark contrast with the huge cemetery at Tyne Cot, the largest British cemetery in the world. Year 10 were also able to visit the Passchendaele Experience Museum, an amazing museum with hundreds of replicas and genuine antiques. They have recreated trench systems from both the German and British side, giving the students a real feel of what it was like living in a trench. At the museum, the students were also able to immerse themselves in a re-enactment fayre, with hundreds of ‘soldiers’ from all around Europe. On the second day, they travelled down to visit the Battlefield of the Somme, where Britain suffered its worst military casualties in one day. Here they visited the Ulster Memorial Tower, the Lochnagar Crater and Delville Wood, named ‘Devil’s Wood’ at the time. They saw a huge monument to the South African soldiers who fought in the wood, and saw a tree that was the only one in the entire wood to survive the battle. Around the wood were thousands of bluebells, quite the contrast from the horror of what unfolded there one hundred years ago. For further information please see page 10

In this issue:

Letter from the Headteacher 2

Year 7 3

Year 8 4

Year 9 6

Year 10 9

Year 11 11

Year 12 11

Year 12 and 13 Combined News 13

Year 13 14

Events for all Year Groups 14

Career News 16

House Points 17

Library News 18

PTA News 21

General Information 21

Dates for your Diary 23

and much more


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Dear Parents/Carers and Students As you can see from the Newsletter, we are continuing with our trips, visits, visitors and all things exciting to enhance the educational experience of all of our students. In the meantime ‘back at the ranch’ the A Levels, AS and GCSEs are underway, a really stressful time of year not only for our students but parents as well. We are offering a great deal to support our exam classes and are running revision sessions and additional sessions right up until the exams take place. I am aware that there have also been sessions on Saturdays during Saturday School as well as during the half term holiday. Staff should be thanked for their care and support of our students. We have now appointed our builders for the first phase of our ‘build’, this will start on 24 June with an access road at the back of school. The noisy piling work and steel work will take place during the holidays, hopefully limiting disruption to our learning. The number of parents who have been allocated a place at Tolworth Girls’ School next year is 240 with a great number still anxiously sitting on the waiting list - I am delighted that so many parents want to choose our school for their daughters. We are a growing school! Reminders The summer is here and it is getting hot - we do have a uniform and neon bras and very short skirts are not acceptable. Mobile phones are still not allowed onto the school site and parents should only contact us if they have issues. Unfortunately, some parents have been contacting their child during lesson time - this is most disruptive. If you have any concerns please contact the Form Tutor initially and/or the Head of Year. Thank you. Yours sincerely

Siobhán Lowe Headteacher


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Year 7 News From the Head of Year, Mrs Cooke

Trips and Activities - Year 7

Thank you to all parents who came to the Year 7 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 19 April. It was an extremely positive evening and I hope you enjoyed hearing about the fantastic work your daughter has been completing over the year. If for any reason you were unable to attend, then please do contact your daughter’s teachers to ask for details on how she is performing in her subjects and if there is any more support you can be offering her at home. We believe a collaborative approach between school and home is the best way of ensuring your daughter reaches her full potential. I would like to extend all our congratulations to Miss Green, 7 Garnet’s tutor, who completed the London Marathon on Sunday 24 April. She was raising money for Guide Dogs for the Blind and on Thursday 5 May the Year 7s had the pleasure of meeting Revi, a retired guide dog, and her owner in assembly. The students were introduced to the excellent work the charity do and the difference these amazing dogs make to the lives of their owners. Next half term, ninety-three Year 7s will be embarking on an action-packed two days to Penshurst Place to learn and developed their ‘bush craft’ skills. It is set to be a fantastic fun packed few days which we are all looking forward to taking part in. If you haven’t already done so, please ensure that the parental consent form is returned to me in the Head of Year office as soon as possible.

Religious Studies – Festive Fun Club

This half term students in Year 7 have had the opportunity to take part in Festive Fun Club on Thursday lunchtimes in the Religious Studies department. Each week students have learnt about a religious festival and then taken part in an activity to do with that festival. So far, students have found out about the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and made dreidels which they then used to play a traditional Jewish game – which included winning sweets! They learnt about the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan – making rakhis (bracelets) which are used in the festival as a symbol of love and protection. They also found out about the festival of Diwali, taking part in a role play and making diva lamps to take home. The aim of the club is to have fun and be creative whilst learning about the traditions and practices of other faiths. Year 7 certainly seem to have enjoyed it:

“I had an amazing time.” - Tashleen Madhan “It was fun because we did lots of different activities.” - Isha Ahmed “I really enjoyed making the diva lights.” - Ellie Petit “I loved acting out of the story of Rama and Sita when we learnt about Diwali – it was fun!” - Isabella Rocha


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Year 7 Day Trip to France

A reminder to the Year 7 students who are coming to France for the day on Friday 17 June that you must bring your passport and EHIC card to Mrs Porter on Monday 6 June. If you have a passport issued from a country which is not part of the EU, this should have been brought in to Mrs Porter on Wednesday 25 May. We are very much looking forward to our day trip but a passport and EHIC card are necessary documents required for our students to travel to France. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Porter if you require any further details.

Year 7 Spanish Cultural Day Trip

We are very much looking forward to our fun day of flamenco and tapas on Friday 17 June. A reminder to students to bring in your reply slip confirming that you are coming on the trip – please hand this in to your teacher as soon as possible. More information will follow regarding the schedule for the day. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Pond if you require any further details.

Thank you to all parents, family, friends and staff for their attendance at the Year 8 Celebration of Learning on Wednesday 27 April. It was incredibly humbling to see so many of you sharing in their achievements, taking an active interest in school life and celebrating their successes with them. The students worked extremely hard and spent many hours researching, preparing, planning and practicing for their performances. Even those students who were unable to attend on the night were involved heavily in the build-up and behind the scenes to ensure it was a success. Their efforts paid off, it was thoroughly enjoyable and memorable for staff, students and guests. Year 8 showcased a variety of their subjects, skills, talents and enrichment experiences in fun, thought-provoking and interactive ways. I am extremely proud, and they should be too!

Year 8 News From the Head of Year, Miss Kelly


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The Tutorial Programme for the final half term of Year 8 will focus on ‘Emotional Intelligence’. Students will be encouraged to face their difficulties and to work through them positively, rather than turning their back on them. They will develop strategies for problem solving and they will further develop their ‘sense of self’ and their awareness of others. Year 7 and 8 Exam Week will be taking place between Monday 6 June and Friday 10 June. During this week, Year 8 students will attend school and all of their lessons as normal, and during their lesson time they will be completing an ‘End of Year’ written test in their subjects. Where there are subjects with multiple lessons in one week, the students will be informed directly by their teachers as to which lesson they will be sitting the test in. The aim of these assessments is to give the students practice at sitting tests under exam conditions and to inform teachers of student progress. I wish you all a relaxing break and I look forward to the final half term with Year 8.


Religious Studies News

This Spring Term saw our Year 8s begin a unit entitled Prejudice and Discrimination. It began with examples of discrimination throughout history and the world today. From this, we looked at forms of religious discrimination, specifically spending time on the persecution of the Jews during the Second World War. This coincided with our annual trip to Kingston Liberal Synagogue where they were to hear from a Holocaust survivor and engage in workshops promoting tolerance and understanding. The unit of work ended with a study of Martin Luther King and the racial discrimination of black people in 1950s/60s America. We reflected much on discrimination in our own society: our trip to the synagogue reinforced awareness that standing up to and challenging prejudice in its early stages can make a considerable difference in the prevention of discrimination. Our students have thoroughly enjoyed engaging in these ideas. Below are some examples of their evaluations on Martin Luther King’s actions in combatting discrimination:

“I think that Martin Luther King was a real inspiration for many people. He really has changed my opinion on equality and justice and I think he has changed other’s opinions as well. King is admirable because he stood up against what he thought was wrong and has made a great impact in the world and to how many people are treated right now”.

Aparna Mathivathanan

“I think Martin Luther King was a truly inspirational person and that all of his achievements were well deserved. He taught us that standing up to prejudice will stop discrimination and we must all be brave enough to do it. There may be many obstacles but you’ll get there in the end”.

Sara Ahmed

“King’s achievements are impeccably jaw dropping when we try to think about how he lost so much in his long dreary journey. Martin Luther King used his misfortune and cruelty from others to gain strength and be stronger - we could all use kindness, love and passion to communicate more effectively and get better results for all life on this planet”.

Rhiannon Watson


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Rocket Seeds

On Wednesday 27 April Year 8 students planted two packets of seeds. One red packet and one blue packet – students have no idea what packet has been in space. Over the past couple of weeks students have been taking great care growing, watering and recording data on their seed development and so far all seeds are still growing! For some students this is the first time that they have been introduced into the fascinating science of horticulture. By measuring and recording data students can then identify any similarities or differences in plant growth between the two seed packets. All information is collected and recorded on a measurement chart and in June, students will enter their data onto a national database. A very exciting specially recorded video by Tim Peake will be released before the end of term and it will reveal the true identity of the space seeds.

Year 9 News From the Head of Year, Mr Mirshemirani

This month in tutorial was May Challenge Month. Each week in assembly I presented the form groups with a challenge to compete in on the Thursday. Week One saw the students competing in the Paper Tower Challenge, the first of four challenges which took place this month. Congratulations to 9 Emerald for their valiant effort which earned them first place with a height of 245 centimetres (pictured). We hope this will be a great opportunity to develop team ethic in the form groups but also to facilitate individual resilience in students. Students also did presentations in tutorial, the theme being ‘What living in Britain means to me’. We talked a lot about British values in Education and at Tolworth Girls' School we like our students to contribute to our consensus of values and principles. This also presented an opportunity for the students to develop their presentation skills which will be so valuable to them whatever paths they take in the future.


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Now that options have been finalised, I know that students are excited about beginning their GCSEs but I also know that with excitement often comes nerves. It’s perfectly natural for students to feel a bit wobbly at this stage. I remember when they began with us in Year 7 that some students adapted quicker than others, and as with that transition, we will aim to support each of the students appropriately. The pastoral team are working hard at the moment to plan interventions and support programmes for a range of issues that may arise. For three years the students have spent the greater part of lessons in their form groups. This will change now and I would encourage all students to use this as an opportunity to branch out and make new friends. Mr Kuczewski recently invited a couple of members of the Fulham Ladies’ Football Club to come in and speak to Years 8 and 9. It was a nice reminder to us all of how much value we should place on our own enrichment and how important it is to follow our passions, even in the face of discouragement and adversity. I hope that all the students take heed and remember that it is important to carve out your own path in life and not just follow the herd.


Year 9 Madrid Exchange

The partnership between Tolworth Girls' School, Southborough High School and Colegios El Valle is going from strength to strength! We are delighted that a group of Year 9s have taken the fantastic opportunity to become involved in the Exchange Programme. The Spanish students arrive on Saturday 18 June and will spend a week with their new Tolworth friends. They will enjoy a fun packed week including a summer barbecue, day trips to London, Hampton Court and bowling. They will also come in to our school to see what lessons are like in an English school. I am sure they will all have a fantastic time and our students will make some lovely new friends. We look forward to the return trip to Madrid when we will visit them in October.

“What I most enjoyed about seeing Faye Bird was the way that she talks so passionately about writing, like she said ‘it’s magic’. The way you can go into a world that is completely your own and how she was deter-mined to succeed – because success is the stepping stones of bravery and everyday life.”

“What I most enjoyed about seeing Faye Bird was listening to her story of how she became an author and learning all about Selective Mutism.”

Author Event - Fay Bird

On Thursday 12 May we were delighted to play host to Faye Bird, author of the critically acclaimed My Second Life. Faye’s second novel, What I Couldn’t Tell You, offers an intriguing look at Selective Mutism and is a chilling depiction of the destructive nature of love, jealousy and rage told with the gripping tension of Alan Gibbons and the revelatory twists of E Lockhart’s We Were Liars.

Faye began her fascinating and inspirational talk to Year 9 students by speaking about her journey to becoming a professional writer. Faye talked passionately about her love for reading and writing stories, which began when she was very young and described the ‘magical’ feeling of being able to create and enter different worlds. She also discussed the difficulties she faced when trying to become a writer and how rejection was ‘all part of the process!’ Students were extremely keen to learn all about Selective Mutism and were all eager to ask sensitive and thoughtful questions about Faye’s novel and inspiration.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the event and some students have said:

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj6oru379PMAhVCthoKHSQnAM4QjRwIBw&url=http://www.pop-up-hub.com/books/what-i-couldn-t-tell-you&bvm=bv.121926005,d.d2s&psig=AFQjCNETAsfWNKchka5tfhsGFPl67EC9Aw&ust=14631

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjS8KDJ79PMAhXD6xoKHfCfD1sQjRwIBw&url=http://www.amazon.com/My-Second-Life-Faye-Bird/dp/1409578607&bvm=bv.121926005,d.d2s&psig=AFQjCNH4JRXbRO7Tsrv47kv7SIx8IntZMA&ust=1


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Year 9 Inter-house Netball Competition – Tuesday 19 April 2016

Congratulations to all those who were involved in the Year 9 Inter-house Netball competition at Tolworth Girls' School. The students played really well and the support for each other was fantastic to see. Thank you to Mrs Greig, Miss Griffin and the PE department for all their help and support. Also, a special thank you to the Year 12s who are undertaking the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership. All their help and support in being Team Managers and Umpires and in running the score table was invaluable – you did a great job! The results were as follows: 1st Place - 9J 2nd Place - 9E 3rd Place - 9T

4th Place - 9P

5th Place - 9S

6th Place - 9O

7th Place - 9A

8th Place - 9G

Year 9 Dance Performance at The BRIT School

Fourteen Year 9 students were selected to be involved in the Jack Petchey ‘Step Into Dance’ project, led by the Royal Academy of Dance. This has involved students participating in dance workshops every Wednesday after school. In these workshops the dancers learnt a contemporary dance piece taught by the fantastic Lisa Mildner from RAD. During the evening of Tuesday 10 May, the dancers performed the piece at the BRIT School, in front of parents, teachers and friends. We are very proud of our students; they were extremely professional on and off stage. A splendid evening of stunning performances. Well done to Niamh, Emily, Jenna, Melissa, Elsie, Elsie, Olaya, Georgia, Isabella, Tessa, Chantelle, Ella, Jenna, Laura and Briony.


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Year 10 News From the Head of Year, Mrs Powling and Mr Pollard


It has been great starting work with Year 10 this term and the more students I get to know, the clearer it becomes how wonderful a year group they are. This was borne out by both the number and quality of the applications that were handed in for prefect jobs next year. It was also a real privilege to go on the Trenches trip which was one of the most memorable that I have ever been on. The behaviour and attitude of all the students who attended was amazing but I am sure that the History department will tell you more about this in the current newsletter. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Rosethorne, for organising such a wonderful trip for Year 10. The same goes out to the other members of staff who has also given their time and efforts to further enrich the lives of Year 10 at Tolworth Girls’ School. Parents’ Evening was very well attended and had a positive feel to it. With just two and a half terms left before starting their GCSEs, it was an important time for staff, parents and students to discuss their progress. By the time that you read this, Year 11 will be in the middle of their GCSEs, whilst Year 10 will be preparing for their end of year assessments. Mrs Powling and myself would like to wish them every success during their exam period and remind them that the hard work they put in now will reap dividends next June.

In September 2015, Year 10 across the country began to prepare for their new GCSEs in English Language and Literature. Now, almost a year into the course, our Year 10s have been working hard, learning complex texts and demonstrating real resilience and independence. Year 10 students have reflected on their experiences and we hope you will find their ideas on the new courses interesting and informative:

Millie in Year 10 writes:

“I have really enjoyed the new English GCSE, particularly when studying and exploring ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J B Priestley. Although the course is very demanding, it has also been rewarding and I feel I have made a lot of progress in my knowledge of the subject as a whole. I found the study of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ challenging, but also learnt a lot about the context of 19th Century England. We do a lot of deep marked tasks, which honestly help me to feel more comfortable and confident in preparing for the real exams. Overall, I have really enjoyed studying English this year and am confident that I can do well.” Isabella in Year 10 writes:

“The new English GCSE has been both challenging and demanding. I have found myself expanding my knowledge and analysing complex tests. I have broadened my evaluation skills and pushed myself through independent learning. I enjoyed ‘An Inspector Calls’ the most, because it gave me a chance to discuss issues within our society and society at the time of the play. Overall, the new course has given new opportunities to our year group and given us a chance to prove our abilities.”


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Year 10 Battlefields Trip to Belgium and France

Continued from Page 1

Whilst at the Somme, one of our students, Mollie, was offered a unique opportunity. Her great, great grandfather played for Manchester United and sadly died on 8 July 1916, in the Battle of the Somme. In memory of all of the Manchester United players who died in the war, the former Premier League and European Champions donated a wreath that they asked Mollie to lay at the Footballers’ Memorial at Longueval in France. The students held a short service, where the history of the Footballer’s Battalion was read and then they held a minutes silence in memory of all those who gave their lives in the great war. The staff that went on the trip would like pass on a huge thank you to the students, who were credited as being ‘excellent ambassadors to the country’ and the ‘nicest school’ the guides had ever worked with; well done. A huge thank you as well to Miss Rosethorne, as without her countless hours of preparation, such a successful trip would never have been possible.


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Year 11 News From the Head of Year, Mrs Uffindell


This half term has been really busy, with lots of revision sessions and final preparations. The exams are now in full swing. The students have been looking at preparing for exams and revision techniques in tutorial sessions and assemblies, as well as working as a team to put together their Yearbook contributions. They have also been running a tuck shop and selling pizza at lunchtime, to raise more funds for their Prom. We had a lovely Celebration Assembly on Wednesday 11 May where we celebrated many aspects of life at Tolworth Girls’ School including Attendance, Attitude to Learning, Birthdays and special awards for students nominated in different categories by their teachers and tutors. We were also able to thank the Senior Prefects and Prefects for their work during this year. It was a lovely occasion. We also had an excellent Leavers’ Assembly on Friday 13 May where the students were able to thank their teachers, tutors, senior staff and also show their very funny ‘Leavers’ Video. A huge amount of work had gone into this. Many thanks to all the girls involved in putting this together. You did a great job. The exams continue until almost the end of June and then most of the students will be back for Bridging the Gap, with the Sixth Form team. We are then looking forward to seeing them at the Prom on Friday 8 July. Thank you again to all Year 11 staff, tutors and support staff for all you have done for Year 11 this year.

Modern Foreign Languages News

Students have been working very hard in the lead up to exams. Well done to all those who have attended the extra sessions after school and during Saturday School. We wish all of you the very best for the Listening and Reading exams. We know that everyone will try their hardest and feel sure their hard work will be evident in their results. Could we please remind all students to pass their text books back to their teacher after they have done their exams.

Year 12 News From the Assistant Director of Sixth Form/Head of Year 12, Mrs Adams

On Friday 13 May, the Year 12 study leave period began. Students will be free to stay at home to study or to use the facilities in school available to them if they wish. The vast majority of AS examinations will be taking place in the next few weeks and by the time students return to lessons on Monday 13 June they will have finished most of their exams. When Year 12 students return, they will be the most senior members of the student body as we will have said goodbye to our current Year 13 students by then. They will begin their A2 courses and prepare themselves for their final year at Tolworth Girls’ School. In preparation for life after Tolworth Girls’ School, the Sixth Form team will begin a series of fortnightly UCAS sessions which will take place during the timetabled Enrichment session on Tuesday afternoons. Students planning to apply for a university place next term will be given advice and guidance on Personal Statement writing, course choices and university selection. Students will also be given time to begin drafting their Personal Statements.


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We were delighted to have received so many outstanding applications from Year 12 students for senior student leadership roles this term. The selection process was rigorous and included shortlisted candidates presenting themselves to lower school students at assembly as well as a formal presentation and interview to Mrs Lowe, Mr Slater (Chair of Governors) and Mr Rhead (Director of Sixth Form). The final structure is listed below. Huge congratulations to them all! Finally, I would like to wish all Year 12 students the very best of luck in their exams. I know that most have worked incredibly hard and I hope that they achieve the results they want to carry them into Year 13 in September.

DEPUTY

HEAD GIRL

Izzie

DEPUTY

HEAD GIRL

Maria

DEPUTY

HEAD GIRL

Charis

ASSISTANT

HEAD GIRL

Alyssa

ASSISTANT

HEAD GIRL

Louisa

HEAD GIRL

India

HEAD GIRL

Vanelle

HEAD BOY

Zak

DEPUTY

HEAD BOY

Eashwara

DEPUTY

HEAD BOY

Jinnah


AS Drama and Theatre Studies

On Thursday 12 May 2016 AS Drama and Theatre Studies students performed an excellent piece of theatre called ‘The Cagebirds’ by David Campton which was greatly received by their audience, fol-lowed by monologues which were either very intense or extremely witty. Students enjoyed themselves and I have my fingers crossed that they receive the marks they truly deserve for their strong and amorous performances. We had a good turn out and I would like to thank those that came and supported the performances. Well done AS Drama students, I am extremely proud of you all.


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Trips and Activities - Years 12 and 13

A Level and BTEC Dance Show – Thursday 28 April

Our A Level and BTEC Dance students performed their examination pieces to parents, friends, family and teachers on Thursday evening in the Croft Theatre. There were a variety of solos choreographed, focusing on the key choreographers from the syllabus. The Year 13 students eloquently performed solos in the style of Alvin Ailey and Akram Khan. Carli, our AS student choreographed and performed with confidence a solo based on the poem ‘Caged Bird’ by Maya Angelou. Finally the Year 13 BTEC and A Level students choreographed group pieces using a variety of challenging stimuli: indigenous culture of African tribes, ecological interspecific competition, music composed by Paul J. Borg and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Well done to all the A Level and BTEC students, we are proud of what you have achieved. Also, thank you to the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 dancers who performed in the choreographies.

Modern Foreign Languages News

Huge congratulations to all our Years 12 and 13 students for completing the speaking component of their exams. We know how much work you have put into your chosen topics – it is no mean feat discussing and debating topics including euthanasia, women’s rights and immigration in a foreign language! Well done, all of you.


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Year 13 News From the Deputy Director of Sixth Form, Mr Boyce

Year 13 are coming to the end of a thirteen year process that for the vast majority has been a magnificent success. Over 90% of our students are moving on to university and those who are not will be beginning foundation courses or entering into different types of employment. Emotions will be running high as they look back over what are hopefully the ‘good times’ and stress will be growing as the exams and, of course, the results grow near. This has been a fantastic year group. Their commitment to their own success and the positive ethos that has grown within it has impressed their teachers and everyone in the Sixth Form team. We have had a superb team of officials, led by two excellent Head Girls, who have given an abundance of time and energy, going above and beyond what they were expected to do. The humour and support within the year group generally has been a pleasure to witness. The tutor team have done an outstanding job this year, guiding, advising and supporting students through some of the most important decisions they will ever make and I know that students are, and will always be, extremely grateful. It has been a complete pleasure to be a part of this group’s successful year and I wish every single student the very best of luck for what I believe could be an exciting and rewarding future.

Events for all Year Groups

PE News

Fulham Ladies Footballers Visit Tolworth Girls' School

In April, Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form welcomed Fulham Ladies to our school as part of the FA’s Women’s Football Week. This was to encourage our students to get more active and involved in one of the fastest growing sports in Britain. In conjunction with Fulham Football Club, our school ran a number of footballing events over the week. These included inter-tutor football and various quizzes to raise the profile of women’s football. We were very fortunate to be visited by Fulham’s Female Football Officer and Club Scout, Timo Cato and Fulham First Team Ladies, Lauren Allen and Danielle Richards, who answered questions from our students which gave them a real insight into women’s football. Chelsea Football Club generously gave us twenty tickets for the Chelsea versus Liverpool game in the Women’s Super League and Fulham also presented us with three signed Fulham shirts from the Ladies Team. These were used as prizes for most goals scored against a teacher and quiz results.

Years 9, 10 and 11 Borough Athletics

Congratulations to all of the students who took part in possibly the wettest Borough Athletics ever! On Wednesday 11 May both our Year 9 and our Year 10 and 11 combined team took part in the annual event at Kingsmeadow. Despite the terrible weather there were some excellent performances including Hannah L (Year 9) who finished 2nd in both the 75m Hurdles and the Long Jump, Ayse (Year 10) who finished 1st in the 80m Hurdles, Eleanor M (Year 10) who finished 1st in the 200m and also Abbie B (Year 10) who came 2nd in the Javelin.


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Olympian Visit

Nicola Groves, who is an ex student from Tolworth Girls' School, has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Rio Olympics. Nicola will be part of the Great Britain sailing team. We were very fortunate that Nicola had taken time out from her busy schedule to come and talk to our students on Wednesday 4 May. Nicola talked about her experiences from when she was a student at Tolworth Girls’ School, through to being selected for the Rio Olympics. We are extremely proud that one of our former students has been selected to represent her country at the Rio Olympic Games. Nicola was at Tolworth Girls' School between 2000–2005 and was in Opal tutor group. She then joined our Sixth Form from 2005–2007. Nicola then left and went on to study at Exeter University where she managed to juggle her studies with her sailing commitments, graduating with a BSc in Human Biosciences in 2010. Nicola still keeps in touch with her friends from Tolworth Girls’ School who have all been very supportive. Nicola started sailing from the age of ten at Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club in West Molesey near Hampton Court and her inspiration was Shirley Robertson, British Olympic gold medal winning sailor in 2000 and 2004. Nicola will be completing in a Nacra 17 catamaran with her sailing partner Ben Saxton.

All of these students now qualify to take part in the Surrey Schools Competition in June, along with Jessica W in Year 11 who will represent Kingston in the Hammer, after throwing an amazing distance of over 38m. Overall, Tolworth finished in 3rd Place in the Year 9 competition and 3rd in the Year 10 and 11 competition - an excellent achievement. Well done to everyone who took part, to those who got soaking wet while competing and to those who came and didn’t get to compete because their event had to be cancelled due to the bad weather, but still supported the rest of the team in a fantastically positive way.

Sky Sports Living for Sport Project

This year, Tolworth Girls’ School signed up to be part of the Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ Programme and on Thursday 12 May we were lucky enough to receive our third visit from our mentor athlete, Hannah Beharry, nine times British Boxing Champion and twice a medallist at the European Championships. Hannah ran five one hour sessions throughout the day for Years 7, 8 and 9, where the students got to take part in a range of team challenges, including the skipping challenge and bench challenge, before they then had the chance for a question and answer session with her, finding out things such as how much she trains, what injuries she has had and when she started Boxing. It was an enjoyable and inspirational day for everyone involved.

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Tolworth’s Top Musicians

On Tuesday 26 April, twelve musicians and vocalists from Tolworth Girls’ School, listed below, attended the annual Independent State School Partnership held at Hampton and Eleanor Holles School. They joined some of the best musicians in the county across the independent and state school sector. They spent the day rehearsing a demanding repertoire of Brass band, Orchestral and Jazz band pieces and also Choral Medleys arranged in four parts. Our students matched the talents of the host schools, learning in one day the complete concert repertoire. The students from the host schools had been practicing the pieces for six months prior.

Following seven hours intense practice, the students performed the eclectic repertoire to a packed house. No musical stone was left unturned, performing works from composers including Mendelsohn, Prokofiev and Warlock through to Prince, Gershwin and ABBA! The students enjoyed the fantastic opportunity to play in large ensembles and orchestras with new musicians from other schools. Many parents attended the concert and were truly impressed with the achievements of all the students. We look forward to the continued success of the ISSP.

Jessica - Trumpet Niamh - Alto Jenny - Trumpet Isabel - Soprano India - Clarinet Roselle - Soprano Thanousha - Flute Clare - Soprano Anoja - Cello Leila - Soprano Elanor - Alto Amelie - Soprano

Music News

Career News

Summer brings lots of excitement and thoughts of what next? This term has been busy ensuring all Year 11 students have been offered a careers appointment before study leave and exams start. Year 12 students have busily been securing placements for their Work Experience Programme in July. There are some great companies involved this year and hopefully students will return with great stories to pass on to next year’s students. Year 13 students that are not going to university have been looking at apprenticeship opportunities and School Leaver Programmes. In the Careers office, there are plenty of resources and information to support students in thinking about their next steps.

Within careers, attention begins to turn to making sure student destinations are known and preparation for results days of both GCSEs and A Levels will begin soon. It is a requirement that schools track the destinations of Years 11, 12 and 13 students, so having correct contact details recorded is vital.

The Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form volunteers’ database is steadily increasing with parents and carers contacting to add their details. Participation in this is so valued and really supports the careers programme across the school. Thank you to those who have already added themselves.


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House Points Results - Spring Term

I am very pleased to announce the final results of the Inter-house House Points competition for the Spring Term:

Houses Number of House Points Rank

Amethyst 5690 2th

Emerald 3380 5th

Garnet 3273 6th

Jade 2978 8rd

Opal 3808 4th

Pearl 3012 7th

Sapphire 5944 1st

Topaz 4847 3nd

Year 7 Number of

House Points

Rank

Amethyst 2529 2nd

Emerald 1934 5th

Garnet 1763 6th

Jade 1583 7th

Opal 2102 4th

Pearl 1258 8th

Sapphire 3370 1st

Topaz 2362 3rd

Year 8 Number of

House Points

Rank

Amethyst 1817 1st

Emerald 1064 4th

Garnet 511 8th

Jade 847 6th

Opal 598 7th

Pearl 989 5th

Sapphire 1331 3rd

Topaz 1344 2nd

Year 9 Number of

House Points

Rank

Amethyst 983 1st

Emerald 398 6th

Garnet 397 7th

Jade 241 8th

Opal 514 3rd

Pearl 442 5th

Sapphire 864 2nd

Topaz 500 4th

Year 10 Number of

House Points

Rank

Amethyst 340 4th

Emerald 165 8th

Garnet 212 7th

Jade 266 6th

Opal 516 1st

Pearl 305 5th

Sapphire 367 2nd

Topaz 343 3rd

Year 11 Number of

House Points

Rank

Amethyst 21 6th

Emerald 128 3rd

Garnet 390 1st

Jade 47 5th

Opal 78 4th

Pearl 18 7th

Sapphire 12 8th

Topaz 298 2nd


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Library Events


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“Everyone was so excited to meet

them.” “When they came to

our Science class, they seemed very

calm and confident.”

“We discovered many differences between our two schools.”

“They spend 3 to 4 hours

per week learning English, where we only have

two hours to learn either Spanish or French.”

“They can choose what to wear each day!

No school uniform, or dress rules.”

“I most enjoyed going to the British Library and

seeing Shakespeare in 10 Acts.”

“It was the first time I have been to a serious play

and that was my favourite thing.”

“It was the bowling I liked most and would have liked more time to socialise with them.”

“It was chatting about their favourite subjects

which, for Nick, was English and, for Hendrik, was Drama and do you know that they don’t get

homework! They just have to revise for tests!”

“I loved showing them a bit of London.”

“I think I had the most fun, creating the group’s shared poem during the day at Hampton Court.

It was a challenge but also quite funny!”

16– 20 May 2016

International Book Group Itinerary

Ice Breaker

Hampton Court Palace

Thames boat trip

Rose Theatre live performance

London visit

British Library

Shakespeare play & exhibition

Bowling at The Rotunda

Heritage sites of Kingston

TGS Tour

TGS Library

Visit a variety of TGS lessons

Discuss visit to Oldenburg

Kingston Youth Librarian, Vanessa Howe, helped launch this literary project as an ideal collaboration between Kingston and it’s twin town of Oldenburg. Since last summer, the Book Groups from both our schools have chatted on group skype

calls, each created a short film about our towns and set up a Book Challenge.

The 26 students spent two very full days together in and around Kingston and London on literary pursuits accompanied by Mrs Gibson, Mrs Marillat and Miss Chiddy.

Members of the Tolworth Girls’ School Book Group had this to say:-

“I was amazed at how good their English actually was… and the highlight for me was

making new friends.”

“Talking to them at Hampton Court Palace and writing a shared poem about the experience.”

“I was so pleased to learn that they want us to come and visit them in Oldenburg.”


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If you weren’t lucky enough to get a signed copy from Cathy herself, we have many of her books available for you to borrow from our well-stocked School Library. Come and browse the shelves to see which one you’re going to read first!

This term, students from across the year groups have been taking part in a six week Readathon challenge.

Readathon is a charity which encourages children to read for fun through sponsored reads in schools. The money raised, provides children's hospitals with regular storyteller visits, plus a mobile bookcase jam-packed full of brand new books which are replenished every six weeks.

Students at Tolworth Girls’ School read a variety of books, from classics and graphic novels to entire book series. Through World Book Day, mufti and this challenge, our students raised a marvellous total for Readathon.

Well done to all those at home and at school who took part and helped achieve a phenomenal £1,722.

Year 7 was lucky enough to host an event for best-selling author Cathy Cassidy as she launched her latest novel, Broken Hearts Club. Cathy kept them enraptured with tales of her school days, and the writing process, before joining our Readathon Reading Champions in the Library, where she signed books, ate cake and shared more of her writing tips. Cathy congratulated our School for supporting Readathon and enjoyed the afternoon’s celebrations alongside our Headteacher, Mrs Lowe. Here are just some of the reactions from our Year 7s to the time that they spent with her: “I may want to become an author, so having Cathy in school was a huge inspiration!”

“What I most liked about seeing Cathy was how she told us that daydreaming is good for you sometimes!”

“I got some good English tips from her.”

“When she read part of Broken Heart Club, it made me curious and want to read it. Thank you for coming to our school. I had a great time!”

“I enjoyed being inspired to write my own stories and playing the ‘Who are you most like’ game. I found it fun and I will be emailing her for her daydreaming tips, as I am very interested to find out what they are!”


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Easter Extravaganza

There was a great atmosphere at the Easter Extravaganza and the Easter egg tombola was hugely popular with all students and the teachers! Year 11 students helped with the event and the money raised went towards the costs of the Year 11 Prom.

PTA News

What is the PTA?

The PTA is only a small group of parents who organise different events to raise money to help pay for those extra things that the school’s budget just doesn’t stretch to. There are different roles parents/carers can play to support the students by supporting events, coming to an event, helping at an event occasionally, providing a raffle prize, offering a skill, coming to a meeting or being an active member of the PTA. The next PTA meeting will be on 14 September 2016.

Family Quiz Night

There was a great turn out of teachers, parents and some students for the family quiz night on Friday 13 May. Mr and Mrs Lowe were our quiz master and assistant for the evening. It was fun and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thank you to everyone who helped and came to make the quiz night such a success.

Students Contact Details

Please can parents inform the school immediately of any changes in your daughter’s/son’s contact details.

These are very important and must be kept up to date in case of student illness or a school emergency.

ParentPay Reminder

Please can we remind Parents/Carers to use ParentPay or PayPoint if you do not have a computer to pay for trips or other items the school requests money for.

We will continue to send out activation letters to those who send in cash or cheques. Paying by ParentPay is a much more secure way of paying, also it is very convenient for parents who can pay at any time.

We thank you for your cooperation. The Finance Team


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Reminder from First Aid

Parents are reminded to inform the school if there are changes to the following:

Emergency contact details.

Medical conditions that can emerge as students mature.

Changes to medication.

We request that all parents whose child suffers from Severe Asthma or Severe Allergies provide the school with a named up-to-date Inhaler or Epipen.

If the medicine becomes out of date, you will be informed and you must replace the medicine immediately; we as a school will take no responsibility if you fail to provide a replacement.

Did you know that whenever you buy anything online you could be raising a free donation for Tolworth Girls’ School?

There are nearly 3,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, and Sainsbury's - it doesn't cost you a penny extra!

It's really simple, all you have to do is:

1. Join - Head to Tolworth Girls’ School PTA – Surbiton (TGS PTA) and sign up for free.

2. Shop - Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising.org.uk first, pick the retailer you want and start shopping.

3. Raise - After you've checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause for no extra cost whatsoever!

There are no catches or hidden charges and Tolworth Girls’ School will be really grateful for your donations. Thank you for your support.

Have you any items of unwanted or outgrown TGS PE kits?

Should there be any unwanted items of PE kit which are now redundant please could you bring them into Reception, marked for the attention of the PE department. They will be met with open arms! Unwanted kit is always in great demand and used to support those who have lost or forgotten their kit for lessons, so that students can still be taught and integrated. If your daughter is in Year 11 and will sadly be leaving Tolworth Girls’ School, we would be more than happy to receive her kit! Track bottoms, t-shirts, trainers and yellow socks would be very welcome and put to good use. Many thanks.

PE Department

Two local Mums from Surbiton, Amanda Baker and Paula Neal, have launched Multiple Minds new programme to inspire parents looking for better work-life balance. Sessions are running throughout June, in Surbiton, by a range of experts on topics from Reinventing your Career, Creating your CV, Confidence for Interview, Image Matters, Generating Business Ideas and more. Sessions are aimed at working parents at a career cross-roads, those planning to return after a career break and parents who want to start and grow their own business. See website for details: www.multipleminds.co.uk Paula Neal and Amanda Baker

http://www.multipleminds.co.uk/


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SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES FOR 2016

KEY DATES Monday 6 June – Friday 15 July 2016

Year 12 on Study Leave Monday 16 May - Friday 10 June 2016

Years 7 and 8 Exam Week Monday 6 - Friday 10 June 2016

Early Closure - Staff Training Wednesday 8 June 2016 (2.35pm)

Year 10 Exam Fortnight Monday 13 - Friday 25 June 2016

Year 8 Parents’ Evening Tuesday 21 June 2016 (3.45pm - 6.30pm)

Summer Art and Design Exhibition Evening Monday 27 June 2016

Bridging the Gap (Year 11 students) Tuesday 28 June - Wednesday 29 June 2016

Key Stage 3 Musical Show (Beauty and the Beast) 29, 30 June and 1 July 2016 (7.00pm)

Transition Tea Party for Year 6 Students Friday 1 July 2016 (1.50pm - 2.50pm)

Year 13 Prom at Glenmore House Friday 1 July 2016 (7.00pm - midnight)

SUMMER TERM 2016 Monday 11 April – Friday 15 July 2016

Students return Monday 11 April 2016

Bank Holiday Monday 2 May 2016

HALF TERM HOLIDAY Monday 30 – Friday 3 June 2016

Students return Monday 6 June 2016

INSET DAY - School closed for staff training Thursday 7 July 2016

INSET DAY - School closed for staff training Friday 8 July 2016

Last day of term Friday 15 July 2016 - Early closure

AUTUMN TERM 2016 Thursday 1 September – Wednesday 21 December 2016

Year 12 Enrolment Thursday 1 September 2016

INSET DAY - School closed for staff training Friday 2 September 2016

INSET DAY - School closed for staff training Monday 5 September 2016

Year 7 Orientation Day Year 12 Team Building Day Year 13 Enrolment

Tuesday 6 September 2016

All Students return Wednesday 7 September 2016

HALF TERM HOLIDAY Monday 24 – Friday 28 October 2016

Students return Monday 31 October 2016

Last day of term Wednesday 21 December 2016


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Year 12 Work Experience Fortnight Monday 4 - Friday 15 July 2016

Trutex Uniform Sale to New Intake in the School Gym Tuesday 5 July 2016 (3.30pm - 6.30pm)

New Year 7 Induction Day Wednesday 6 July 2016 (8.30am - 2.45pm)

New Year 7 Tutorial Evening Thursday 7 July 2016 (6.00pm - 7.30pm)

Year 11 Prom at Sandown Park Friday 8 July 2016

Whole School Sports Day at Kingsmeadow Wednesday 13 July 2016

Early Closure for Students Friday 15 July 2016 (12.30pm)

A Level Examination Results Thursday 18 August 2016

GCSE Examination Results Thursday 25 August 2016

May 2016 Newsletter Issue...

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