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Welcome to this issue

Newsletter

Summer 2013

Tonbridge Grammar School

Once again students and staff at TGS have enjoyed an incredibly busy two terms in the lead up to the end of

the academic year. We have been entertained by a variety of dramatic and musical performances and

thrilled by sporting successes. Our choirs have performed exceptionally well, both at national and regional

level: Motet came first at the Barnado’s Choir of the Year, and were runners up in the Songs of Praise com-

petition, whilst Cantores recently came first in the Equator Choir Competition in Ashford.

TGS continues to have an expansive outlook—whether to the future with our inaugural Careers Fair and guest speakers, or internationally with trips to the Mock UN and the current trip to Malawi—our students

continue to have a rich experience at TGS.

This year has seen our biggest cohort of IB students yet and I am delighted to say that all students achieved

their diploma. With an average points score of 37 it seems likely that the school will again be one of the top

performing state schools in the country.

We now look forward to August and the release of A Level and GCSE results.

The pace of activity at TGS has not reduced in the last few weeks of the school year. Students in Years 7 –

10 have reflected upon and celebrated an active year in their Rewards and Celebration assemblies, staff and

students have welcomed 180 new Year 7 students to the school for their induction day. Less than a week

after Andy Murray won the Wimbledon tennis championship students across a number of years who raised

funds for the charity ‘Children of the Andes’ were rewarded with an amazing Saturday tennis coaching ses-

sion at Tonbridge Grammar School from Judy Murray and her coaching teaching. Last Friday we waved ‘au

revoir’ to our intrepid Year 11 students who flew to Malawi with Mrs Twinam and Mrs Middleton to work

on our Inspire Humanitarian project, and throughout this week students in Years 7 and 9 have been enjoying

the fine weather under canvas at camps held at Penshurst Place and Blacklands Farm.

It is good to end the school year on a sunny note and so on behalf of all the staff at TGS this year I wish you

all a very happy, relaxing and sunny summer break. We look forward to welcoming returning and new stu-

dents to TGS at the beginning of September.

Parent Survey 2 Arts Arts Arts 14

Strategic Update 4 Summer Concert 16

Diary Dates 6 IB Art Exhibition 18

Careers Fair 8 Sports 20

Student Activities 10 Development Office 22

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Pa

re

nt S

ur

vey

My child is happy at this

school

Strongly

agree Agree Disagree

Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 67% 31% 1% 0% 0%

Year 8 68% 32% 0% 0% 0%

Year 9 65% 33% 1% 0% 1%

Year 10 68% 27% 3% 2% 0%

Year 11 37% 50% 4% 9% 0%

Year 12 48% 48% 3% 0% 0%

Year 13 40% 47% 9% 2% 2%

Total 56% 38% 3% 2% 0%

My child is happy at this school

Strongly agree

Agree

My child feels safe at this

school Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 75% 25% 0% 0% 0%

Year 8 77% 23% 0% 0% 0%

Year 9 68% 30% 0% 0% 2%

Year 10 68% 30% 0% 2% 0%

Year 11 54% 41% 0% 0% 4%

Year 12 76% 24% 0% 0% 0%

Year 13 67% 33% 0% 0% 0%

Total 69% 30% 0% 0% 1%

My child feels safe at this school

Strongly agree

Agree

My child makes good pro-

gress at this school

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 48% 47% 1% 0% 4%

Year 8 59% 38% 1% 0% 1%

Year 9 63% 37% 0% 0% 0%

Year 10 57% 40% 3% 0% 0%

Year 11 52% 37% 7% 4% 0%

Year 12 64% 33% 0% 0% 0%

Year 13 40% 56% 2% 2% 0%

Total 55% 41% 2% 1% 1%

My child makes good progress at this school

Strongly agree

Agree

My child is taught well at this

school

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 57% 40% 4% 0% 4%

Year 8 59% 38% 1% 0% 1%

Year 9 54% 44% 1% 0% 1%

Year 10 42% 52% 3% 0% 3%

Year 11 33% 50% 2% 9% 2%

Year 12 55% 42% 3% 0% 3%

Year 13 36% 56% 2% 2% 4%

Total 48% 46% 2% 2% 3%

My child is taught well at this school

Strongly agree

Agree

This school deals effectively

with bullying

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 27% 24% 1% 0% 48%

Year 8 36% 27% 0% 0% 37%

Year 9 31% 27% 0% 0% 42%

Year 10 27% 30% 5% 5% 33%

Year 11 17% 20% 7% 2% 54%

Year 12 39% 24% 0% 0% 36%

Year 13 13% 33% 2% 0% 51%

Total 27% 26% 2% 1% 43%

This school deals effectively with bullying

Strongly agree

Agree

My child is well looked

after at this school

Strongly

agree Agree

Disa-

gree

Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 54% 43% 0% 0% 2%

Year 8 60% 37% 1% 0% 1%

Year 9 58% 41% 0% 0% 1%

Year 10 50% 40% 7% 2% 2%

Year 11 46% 43% 7% 4% 0%

Year 12 64% 33% 3% 0% 0%

Year 13 40% 56% 2% 0% 2%

Total 53% 42% 3% 1% 1%

My child is well looked after at this school

Strongly agree

Agree

We are very grateful to parents who have contributed to our parent surveys over the course of this year. Survey forms have been available in the foyer at each of the parent consultation evenings this year. The questions are identi-cal to those available on the Ofsted Parent View website. The questions ask for your opinion on 12 aspects of Ton-bridge Grammar School ranging from the quality of teaching to dealing with bullying and poor behaviour. The review outcomes are considered carefully by the school leaders and shared with the Governing Body. This information has been used to support our development planning for the year ahead. By sharing your views with us in this way you

help us to identify key areas of school life where we should focus our efforts to improve.

I include a summary of the survey results for 2012 / 13 for your information.

My child receives appropriate

homework for their age

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 27% 61% 8% 0% 4%

Year 8 37% 51% 10% 0% 2%

Year 9 44% 51% 3% 1% 1%

Year 10 28% 55% 10% 2% 5%

Year 11 30% 50% 11% 4% 4%

Year 12 48% 52% 0% 0% 0%

Year 13 40% 47% 7% 0% 7%

Total 36% 52% 7% 1% 3%

My child receives appropriate homework …

Strongly agree

Agree

This school makes sure its

pupils are well behaved

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 47% 47% 1% 0% 5%

Year 8 49% 44% 0% 0% 6%

Year 9 47% 49% 0% 0% 4%

Year 10 37% 45% 7% 3% 8%

Year 11 39% 46% 9% 2% 4%

Year 12 64% 36% 0% 0% 0%

Year 13 40% 58% 0% 0% 0%

Total 46% 46% 2% 1% 4%

This school is well led and

managed

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 46% 48% 1% 0% 5%

Year 8 59% 32% 2% 1% 5%

Year 9 48% 46% 1% 0% 5%

Year 10 28% 58% 7% 3% 3%

Year 11 26% 48% 9% 13% 4%

Year 12 45% 48% 3% 0% 3%

Year 13 27% 58% 11% 4% 0%

Total 40% 48% 5% 3% 4%

This school responds well to

any concerns I raise

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 28% 30% 4% 0% 39%

Year 8 41% 26% 2% 2% 28%

Year 9 38% 36% 5% 0% 21%

Year 10 22% 47% 10% 7% 15%

Year 11 15% 46% 9% 7% 24%

Year 12 30% 48% 3% 3% 15%

Year 13 20% 42% 11% 0% 27%

Total 28% 39% 6% 3% 24%

TONBRIDGE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

I receive valuable information from the school about my

child’s progress

Strongly


Strongly

disagree

Don’t

know

Year 7 31% 52% 14% 1% 1%

Year 8 46% 51% 4% 0% 0%

Year 9 51% 48% 1% 0% 0%

Year 10 37% 50% 7% 3% 3%

Year 11 28% 54% 13% 2% 2%

Year 12 42% 52% 3% 0% 3%

Year 13 33% 56% 9% 0% 2%

Total 38% 52% 7% 1% 2%

Would you recommend this Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Don’t

Year 7 70% 27% 0% 0% 1%

Year 8 74% 23% 0% 1% 1%

Year 9 73% 26% 0% 0% 1%

Year 10 57% 33% 2% 5% 3%

Year 11 43% 35% 7% 7% 9%

Year 12 67% 27% 3% 0% 3%

Year 13 42% 42% 7% 2% 7%

Total 61% 31% 3% 2% 4%

This school is well led and managed

Strongly agree

Agree

This school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

Strongly agree

Agree

This school responds well to any concerns I raise

Strongly agree

Agree

Would you recommend this school to another parent?

Strongly agree

Agree

Pa

re

nt S

ur

vey

I receive valuable information …

StronglyagreeAgree

School improvement and development planning is focussed around four key strategic priorities. Much progress has

been made across these four areas. Outlined below are just a few highlights for your information.

A Centre for World Class Teaching & Learning / World Class Standards

This strategic priority is a key focus for the school and is reflected in subject team and area development plan priori-ties. Over the year we have further developed the curriculum as we have introduced the all IB Diploma programme from Year 12 and the Middle Years Programme in Year 7. We have made progress in our aspiration to develop a stim-ulating and wider ranging academic enrichment curriculum drawing on the experience and expertise of academics and professionals within our guest speaker programme. We have implemented a revised teaching and learning policy fo-cussed on planning and delivering teaching that differentiates the learning experience of students and promotes their ability to assess and reflect upon their progress. We have continued with our rigorous programme of lesson observa-tion and combined this with the introduction of learning walks that help us sample the educational experience of a range of classes within a short time frame. We have also refined our monitoring and review process that throws the spotlight on key subjects or areas of school life. The outcomes of all of this work have been used to inform our under-standing of the priority areas for further attention so that we can continue to make progress in developing a World

Class learning environment for our students.

Strategic Update

A Centre for World Class Professional Development

TGS has run an extensive professional development programme for staff throughout this year with required and op-tional professional development opportunities. In addition we continue to send staff on external courses which sup-port school and strategic priorities. A number of staff have benefited from attending International Baccalaureate ac-credited intensive training courses to support their preparation for the Diploma and Middle Years Programme. We have also reviewed our professional development strategic priorities with a view to implementing a revised strategic

plan for professional development in the year ahead.

Supporting Learning Beyond the School

Students and staff have engaged in outreach support to other schools and educational organisations throughout the year. We have also provided leadership and governance support to the West Kent Pupil Referral Units throughout

the year.

Securing Resources for World Class Future Learning

We continue to focus on ways of generating additional income to support the extensive range of academic and enrich-ment opportunities we offer here. This is particularly important in the current economic climate as we experience a year on year cut in our general annual grant income. Further details of our progress over the year are contained in

the Development Office report within this newsletter.

As is customary at this time of year we sadly say goodbye to a number of staff who are leaving Tonbridge Grammar School at the end of the academic year. Some years there is little movement and other years a greater degree of movement and the latter is the case this year. Staff leaving Tonbridge Grammar School do so for a variety of rea-sons. Sometimes they are prompted to leave by a change in their personal circumstances or a desire to make a life change, others are motivated by a desire to further their career through promotion or experience working overseas or because their fixed term appointment at the school has come to an end. We appreciate that changes in teaching staff can cause anxiety in students where they have developed strong bonds with their teachers and have confidence they know how to support them to achieve their best. We also know that bringing in new highly capable, experienced and well qualified staff can help to enrich and further enhance our school community. To that end we have worked hard to appoint well qualified and experienced staff we know are capable of meeting the particular needs of students here. We are fully staffed for teaching in September with subject specialists in all areas. We know that it is very im-portant that our new teachers are properly prepared for a successful start to work here. Our new teachers have al-ready joined us for the first phase of our school induction process, they have met with key staff (including those they are replacing) and students. They already have access to school IT systems. All of this undoubtedly helps their prepara-tion over the summer. We are also delighted that we have been able to promote a number of our existing staff to key posts within the school. In September we will publish a full staff list for your information. In the meantime I am sure you will join with me in wishing the staff who leave us this summer every success for the next phase of their per-

sonal or professional lives.

Mr Marco Andrade (Caretaker), Mr Robin Apps (Mathematics), Miss Naomi Atkins (Economics), Mr Daniel Clinch (Curriculum Manager Year 7-8/Chemistry), Mr Andrew Coventon (English), Mr Ken Fraser (Geography), Miss Clare Hayley (Modern Foreign Languages), Mr Paul Huxley (Subject Leader Design & Technology), Mrs Veronique Lacourt-Ricks (Subject Leader Modern For-eign Languages), Mr Jeremy McBlain (Subject leader Mathematics), Miss Georgina Michaelides (Physical education), Mrs Jayne Needham (Assistant Head Teacher), Miss Kirsty Nimmo (Music), Mrs Samirah Roxburgh (Mathematics), Mr Paul Sarson (English), Ms Rachel Thomas (English), Mr Andrew Thompson (History), Mrs Susan Walker (Subject Leader Chemistry), Mr Da-

vid Wells (Bursar), Mr John Williams (IT Support Manager), Mrs Erica Woolley (Design & Technology).

Special mention must go to Margaret Sweet who retires from Tonbridge Grammar School after 32 years at the School

in a teaching career spanning over 40 years. Mrs Sweet has been a key member of the Design Technology Team and

her contribution to the success of Textiles here is marked. In addition Mrs Sweet has also, over the years, provided

excellent support to the Old Girls Association and the Year 7 and 8 pastoral team. We wish her well for what I am

sure will be a very active and fulfilling retirement.


Goodbye and Good Luck

July

7th IB Results day

12th Yr 11 Malawi Trip departs

15th Yr 9 Ashdown Forest camp / Yr 7 Buschraft camp

17th Yr 10 Stock Market Challenge

19th Term Ends / Singapore Trip departs

28th Yr 11 Malawi Trip returns

August

15th A Level Results day

22nd GCSE Results day

September

2nd Registration day for Year 12

4th Term 1 starts

October

24th Term 1 ends

30th Yrs 9/10/11 Iceland trip departs

November

3rd Yrs 9/10/11 Iceland trip returns

4th Term 2 starts

14th Yrs 7-10 trip to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

December

20th Term 2 ends

Term 6, 2012/13, ends Thursday 19th July

Term 1, 2013/14, starts 4th September

Diary Dates

NEWSLETTER

Music also has a place in the community with Year 12 IB Students

performing a wide variety of pieces at a charity concert at

Burrswood Hospital in March to help raise money for their hy-

drotherapy room, plus a concert for Pepenbury Community at St

Paul’s in Rusthall.


TGS Motet Choir once again won the Barnardo’s

School Choir of the Year competition—the only choir

to have won twice. They made it to the final six from

over 100 entries, and the judges said their decision was

“unanimous” ! As winners they went on to perform at

the Royal Albert Hall in June and had a piece specially

written for them by Douglas Coombes.

Motet also made it into the Songs of Praise School

Choir competition finals in Liverpool, singing an in-

spirational song ‘Hosanna’ by Kirk Franklin specially

arranged by the Choir’s director Adrian Pitts.

Not a bad way to celebrate the Choir’s 20th Anni-

versary! But we also celebrated with a night of

memorabilia, photos, memories plus an All-Star per-

formance by present and former members of the

choir.

The 2013 TGS House Music Competition had over

a hundred entries from Heavy Rock to Baroque vio-

lin sonatas. This year House Music representatives

had to present a short varied musical programme.

The resulting musical feast adjudicated by the Head

of Music from Hillview and former Motet Choir

member Hannah Couch.

The Spring Concert at St Stephen’s church culminated in a performance of songs from West Side Story

arranged for choir and orchestra. Students, staff and parents performed together and raised the roof

with the finale: America.

LCO Music Junction continued into its 3rd year bringing together Barnardo’s Meadows School,

Skinners Kent Academy and TGS with musicians from the London Chamber Orchestra and the

David Gordon Jazz Trio, performing at the People’s Palace and Cadogan Hall in London in

March 2013.

Two IB musicians took part in the Bach Choir St Matthew Passion in London as part of the ripieno sec-

tion – a musical tradition of the school for over a decade.

Music News

“There was a magical, treacly quality to the

sound, it’s really beautiful….. wonderful dy-

namic control, and it was spine tingling in

places.”

Suzi Digby, Judge

NEWSLETTER

Careers Fair

Parents, Teachers, Alumni and Volunteers from across Tonbridge and Sevenoaks came together in February to fill the Mitchener Hall for the school’s first careers fair. For almost two hours the Hall was “buzzing” as in ex-cess of 150 students talked to over 40 high level profes-sionals from professions as diverse as farming through the City, dentistry and medicine to forensic cyber secu-rity, and local Government. The idea which was the brain child of Anna Firth, Parent Governor and local Councillor, in conjunction with Pippa Blackstone, the school’s Development Officer, was to provide the school’s senior students with the opportunity to discuss and develop their ideas about University options and possible future careers with successful professionals from a range of fields in an informal, fun and friendly setting.

I am delighted that so many parents were prepared to give up their time to come and talk to the students about their future University and employ-ment careers and there was no doubt from the sense of excitement in the Hall how much the students were getting out of it. Schools can talk to students about careers and point them in the right direction but there is no sub-stitute for sitting down and chatting face to face with someone actually doing the job of your choice. Equally, importantly, the fair gave students the opportunity to explore career options that they might never have thought of and I am delighted that Tonbridge Grammar School is taking a leading local role in this important area. Rosemary Joyce, Head Teacher

The level of interest in Local Government and public service shown by the students at Ton-bridge Grammar School was both impressive and invigor-ating. There is obviously a strong accent on community service at the school, that is reflected in the IB, and it was very encouraging to meet a cohort of students, so many of whom are destined for top Universities, interested in both local politics and local Govern-ment generally. It is obviously vital for the future of our com-munities that we engage young adults before they leave home and School and it is nice to see a local School leading the way. Councillor Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council

When I first signed up to the Careers Fair, I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't know if it would be useful or even interesting. Even when I first looked at the list of visiting professionals, I still wasn't sure I would find someone I really want to talk to. Howev-er, as soon as I sat down at the first desk, I was so relieved that I had signed up to participate. I thought I knew a lot about the kind of job I want to do when I am older and the world of finance. I couldn't have been more wrong. There were so many different roles represented at the evening from accountants, financial planners and insolvency experts in the finance field, to dentists, farmers, lawyers, priests, journalists, product designers and surgeons. Every single person I spoke to gave me a vast amount of great advice. I now have a bank of con-tacts I will definitely be calling upon. The whole evening had a great informal atmosphere and I was amazed at how much I learnt. Everyone who attended, whether they had a specific career path in mind or not, found the evening extremely useful and en-joyed talking to such friendly professionals. I for one would defi-nitely recommend it to all who get the opportunity to attend. Sophie Capewell, Student


Given the multitude of different career paths and University courses now open to young people I thought it was vital that students have an opportunity before they leave senior school to talk to a range of professionals about their ca-reers who are not their parents! As other parents and staff agreed the idea of the TGS careers fair was born. The was to provide the senior students at the school with an oppor-tunity to gather information about a number of different careers at the same time, to test their misconceptions in a non-threatening environment, and also to allow them a small opportunity to test their interview skills before attending University interviews. Judging from the numbers that attended and the level of noise in the Hall I think it is safe to say that the event was a success!

Anna Firth, Parent Governor

I thoroughly enjoyed the Careers Fair last week and was most impressed with the maturity and outlook that the students displayed when discussing my areas of work. My view is that such fairs are an absolutely invaluable insight for the students into careers that they may oth-erwise only have discussed at a relatively superficial level. This decision they face is one of the biggest they'll ever have to make and, for those who at this stage are still undecided about what they want to do, the fair provides unique access to the information that may help them make up their minds. Thank you to TGS for giving me the opportunity to take part in the fair. It was as useful and enjoyable for me as I hope it was for the girls that attended. JohnPaul Cavanna, Parent Volunteer

It was fascinating and enjoyable talking to all the young people, finding out their ambitions, aspirations and perceptions. I really enjoyed having an opportunity to speak to them about a possible future career in the police service. I was able to tell them about my experiences and the opportunities I've had during my service with the Metropolitan Police. I hope they found it as interesting and informative as I did. Craig Knight, Parent Volunteer

NEWSLETTER

TGS—a rich experience

MUNGA

12 students represented the school in a Model United Nations competition in Geneva in January, enjoying a

guided tour of the UN headquarters and participating in debates ranging from combatting cyber-terrorism,

regulating electronic information and world food security. Mrs Bullen said, “UN protocols are de rigeur, so

from a linguistic point of view this demands a whole new register of language and expression from the stu-

dents. Positioning our students in this richly diverse setting will convince them that they have a valuable

contribution to make to the UN community of the future.”

At Tonbridge Grammar School, it is our aim to identify and encourage our students through a wide

programme of enrichment activities that give every opportunity to nurture their skills.

Primary Maths Challenge Tonbridge Grammar School Year 12 students arranged and host-

ed by the Primary Maths Challenge, with teams of four Year 5 and

6 pupils from 24 local primary schools competing.

This is the fifth year TGS students have written and delivered the

event, and this year has been one of the best – the children were

really competitive and up for the challenge.

The TGS students arranged the event in preparation for an Inter-

national version which took place in Holland in June, in conjunc-

tion with the European Platform —

TGS’ tenth year at the event. Win-ners on the day were Cage Green

Primary School, and the runners up

were Platt Primary School.

We’ve been coming for five years

now. It’s always enjoyable and the

children love it, chasing around and

enjoy the challenge. And some chil-

dren have met pupils from other

schools who they will be going to

secondary school with. It’s very well

run and the TGS students are very

helpful to the schools.

Mr Hunter, Chiddingstone

School

Rhianna McCarthy, one of the TGS Year 12 leaders

who organized the event: It’s been demanding but very

rewarding. I hope the children enjoyed it: they seemed to

have a good time and were very enthusiastic. Thank you to

Mrs Twinam our Community Action Service Coordinator

who worked really hard to support us.


World Book Day

The Oxford English Dictionary was one of the many costumes

created by students to celebrate World Book Day.

One class dressed up two-by-two as the animals from ark,

with the learning mentor as Noah.

There was also a Tardis, three blind mice, Peter Pan and Tink-

erbell.

One sixth former braved the cold and turned up to school in

a toga as Aristotle,!

We had everything from the Woman in Black to the Snow

Queen. Others included Robin Hood and his Merry Men and

the sixth formers who dressed as the main characters from

Herge's Adventures of Tintin, plus of course several Harry

and Hermiones.

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a

worldwide celebration of literature as well as encourag-

ing young people to explore the pleasures of books and

reading. The funds raised from student donations sup-

ported our year 11 humanitarian work in Malawi.

Enterprising students

An entrepreneurial team of TGS students from Year 12 participated in the Young Enterprise West Kent Final, held at Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks. After making a weekly com-mitment to the programme since September, the students were afforded the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they had learnt through the experience of running a business and the achievements of their company. Individuals from the Tonbridge Grammar School company, named Paragon, re-ceived two out of the seven awards available: Charlie Baker-Knight received the Record of Achievement Award for his exemplary documents which reviewed his objectives and progress, and after being interviewed on the night, Megan Mitcheson was awarded Achiever of the Year, having been one of seven shortlisted candidates from the six local schools which took part. Both students have won the opportunity to undertake work experi-

ence at AXA PPP Healthcare in August. Congratulations go out to all the students involved in the company this year.

Mock Trial Sevenoaks Magistrates Court

On March 9th, 14 ‘Legal Eagles represented Ton-bridge School in a competition in Sevenoaks Magis-trates Court. The students took on the role of lawyers, magistrates, defendants, witnesses, legal advisors and ushers in a real life case. The efforts of the students were exemplary and they were an absolute credit to the school. The trial that they took part in saw them investigate a common as-sault in a local pub, where one of the students took on the role of the defendant. In the roles that they individually performed they had to research exactly what that professionals would do and com-ply by court ethics. Mr Sullivan said “It was an ex-cellent experience for the students and one I know

they won’t forget.”

Guest Speakers

Over the past months, we have been lucky enough to have been entertained by a number

of key speakers, who have come to TGS to pass on their experience and offer career ad-

vice. Angela Kampadia came in to discuss life as a GP in A & E and gave a highly informa-

tive talk to a number of students about the medical profession.

Gillian Law, a corporate lawyer delivered a talk on life as a city lawyer and

the benefits that such a career can bring. This was very well received by the students and demon-

strated how many are interested in a legal career.

During Science week, we were fortunate enough to have talks from 3

professionals in the field of science, all from varying backgrounds. Paul

Shone discussed his work as a Marine Biologist, Mike

Durrant as an Electrical Engineer and Gary Decoine as a

Construction Engineer. These talks are an excellent way

for our students to gain first-hand experience of

the type of career paths available to them.

Broadening Horizons

A matter of debate

Several students from Lower School took part in the Carnegie Shad-

owing Balloon debate held at Weald Grammar in June.

Duke of Edinburgh

The concept of camping, long walks and heavy backpacks complete with the English weather would be enough to discourage many from participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and indeed some of us did feel this way. How-ever, once we had begun our dread was soon replaced with a sense of inde-pendence and adventure. Lost in the middle of nowhere in the rolling hills of Kent it was hard not to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area and the lack of sense of direction. Camping and cooking with friends is more fun than you might expect, with hot chocolate in the morning and marshmallows before bed. Completing the final stretch comes with a great sense of achieve-

ment, 25k in two days is not too bad!

Although the expedition is an important part, and perhaps the most fun, Duke of Edinburgh has helped us to improve existing skills or begin new ones, as well as contributing to the community through volunteering. Although

three months seems, at the beginning, a long period of time, at the end it really feels as if you have made a dif-

ference whilst learning along the way.

Having completed the award, we would definitely recommend this award to everyone. Even if walking and

camping isn’t your thing, there is much more that it offers along with a great experience with friends.

Charlotte and Caitlin (Hamsters group 2013)

Oxford Chemistry Trip

On 4th June five students and Miss Wylie were given the opportunity to go up to the Oxford University Materials Department and spend the day exploring many different aspects of chemis-try (with crossovers into the sciences too). We started off doing an experiment exploring different densities and by the end of the session managed to create a rainbow using seven solutions, having tested the miscibility of each

coloured solution with the other six.

Our second workshop consisted of creating electricity; firstly we had to set up a machine that would be able to collect hydrogen after the water and hydrogen had been separated (having simply been supplied with the equip-ment). After doing so, we learnt a bit more about exactly what we were doing and how it can be used in the fu-ture to sustainably power cars. The other part of the workshop allowed us to re-use basic knowledge of chemis-

try to create electrical cells that would work in water using only five components.

After lunch and a quick explore of a local museum we had an hour long ‘demo lecture’ where two of the chem-ists showed us a huge variety of fun experiments, which included things like creating ice cream using liquid nitro-

gen and setting a balloon full of hydrogen alight.

All six of us had a great day and in doing so we extended our existing knowledge of all the sciences as well as

learning about whole new areas and concepts – all whilst having lots of fun!

NEWSLETTER

A number of students were entered in the Oxford German Olym-

piad Competition. Bethany Goodfellow (9A) had her piece of writ-

ing showcased in Oxford.

We had further success in the UK Maths challenge. The following girls from Years 8-9 reached the national finals: So-

phie McInerney, Elizabeth Hopkins, Lauren Dennis and Isabella Stephens.

Drama Queens

In the Year 9 Arts Showcase each split group de-vised a piece of theatre on a chosen episode from the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”, each form choreographing a dance connected to the theme, composing songs and creating fabulous

props in Art lessons

The IB Literature and Performance class performed their transformation of “The Penelopiad.”, students having scripted the play and including elements of Ancient Greek theatre, in addition to various modern theatre tech-

niques., and iIn March, the Year 10 GCSE Drama class performed the play “Be My Baby.”

36 students from all year groups took their Lamda exams in grades 4 to 8, and performed their pieces to par-

ents at a showcase event. The students earned 15 distinctions, 19 merits and 2 passes.

Several of our students also performed in “Private Peaceful" and “Starlight Express" at Tonbridge School. Their

next production involving TGS girls will be "Much Ado About Nothing" in November.

Two students also took part in the annual Tonbridge Has Talent event at Tonbridge School

Next year promises to be just as busy, with productions of “A Christmas Carol,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and

“The Merry Wives of Windsor”.

Images from the House Shakespeare Drama Festival held in July:

Championing TGS


The Summer Arts Festival

The end of the Summer term sees the first TGS Arts Festival for a number of years.

A Tea Concert gave students in years 7-9 the chance to build up their experience and confidence by per-

forming in an informal setting in small groups or solo with a professional accompanist. Tea, cakes and pizzas

provided a good incentive to perform in this new and exciting event.

On 22nd June the TGS Swing Band performed at the Paddock Wood Fiesta de la Musica – a celebration of

South American arts. A lovely, community celebration with the collaboration of three other local schools

and Paddock Wood Choral Society was enjoyed by all.

As a four-times winner of Artsmark Gold status, TGS was

asked to mentor other local schools in the process of ap-

plying for Artsmark. We invited local schools to join us for

a series of interactive workshops, including one session run

by George Fiawoo, a Ghanaian drummer who has come to the

school each year as part of Music for Change, running world mu-

sic workshops for all year 7 students. On 24th June the Year 10

GCSE Music group went into Southborough and Hadlow Primary Schools to pass on some of the skills

George taught to three large groups of 30 students – all playing African drums. This sort of partnership work

is thriving at TGS and some of the Year 5 and 6 students joined our own Summer Concert on Tuesday

2nd July—see more overleaf.

Students in Year 8 and Year 9 undertook three open-air performances of ‘The Minotaur’ at the

end of June with resounding success. Based on the play by Neil Duffield, it told the story of how

Theseus managed to slay the minotaur through wit and intrigue. Although a traditional Greek

myth, the present day version explores themes such as jealousy, revenge, sibling rivalry, fears

and nightmares. Theseus is able to overcome the minotaur only once he has faced his inner de-

mons. The play was an ensemble-based, story-telling piece of theatre aimed at family audiences,

but there were some outstanding performances, including Rebecca Coote as Theseus, Jasmine

Coomber as Daedalus, Cara Stoney as Medea and Rachel Sexton who played King Minos.

Cantores Choir came first at the Equator Choir Festival in Ashford, on

July 5th, performing alongside other choirs from all over the county.

Repertoire for the festival must include music from another country or

culture. The end of year has brought a truly international dimension to music at

TGS .

Monday 8th July saw the moderation of students work towards their Bronze or Silver Arts Award. Students

all present a folio of evidence and this second year of running the award has seen an uptake in numbers with

72 students entering. The folios make an inspiring read and will be on display for younger students to see af-

ter the moderation.

The House Shakespeare Drama Festival took place on 9th July with a charity performance of Romeo and Juliet—

pictures opposite.

Music for Change joined us on 12th July: a group of musicians who represent their own cultures from around the world they specialise and run educational workshops. They are a very well es-tablished group in this field and have been to TGS every year for the last ten years. Their work-shops are always very lively and well received. Students will get to explore Caribbean Calypso music, Ghanaian, West African music and Zimbabwean, Southern African gum boot dancing. A

clean pair of wellington boots were essential for the gum boot dancing!

Summer Concert

July 2013

NEWSLETTER


The Summer showcase for all the large school groups was a resounding success.

Three choirs, two orchestras, Swing Band, Flute Choir and Samba Band. A special feature this year was the

involvement of students from our partner primaries in an African Drumming spectacular.

Of, and the little matter of the staff band….. but who was that masked man?

Jasmine Vorley

Jingchun Xu

Lydia Hamblet

Every picture worth a thousand words…

the IB Art Exhibition, March 2013


Alex Fogg

Amaya Lyne

Lydia Rose Cox

Sporting prowess

TGS is very proud of the sporting accomplishments of it students. In particular Megan Lewis (Year 12) who has been selected to play Basketball for England in the under-21 squad for the European Champion-ships, Ellen Willumsen (Year 10) who will be representing GB in the under-20 World Championship Aquathon, Jade Coatsworth (Year 8) who has recently represented GB in the World Biathlon Champion-ships – achieving 5th place and Jenny Stevens who has been selected to represent Kent in the Shot-Put at

the English School Athletic Championship.

The Junior team from Tonbridge Grammar School have had excel-

lent success at the ‘A’ final of the South-Regional Athletics cup. Each

member of the team has to do 2 events. After the field events Ton-

bridge were 2nd overall. Most of the girls had personal bests in at

least one of their events and finished a very respectable 5th place.

They have all worked very hard and are looking forward to doing

even better next summer. The team were Olivia Kehoe 100m and

high jump, Mischa Mortleman 200m and long jump, Elodie Har-

bourne 100m and shot, Jade Coatsworth 800m and discus, Mary

Jones 800m and discus, Kelsi Cornish 1500m and relay, Mary Fitz-

maurice 1500 and shot, Abby Ward hurdles and javelin, Emilia Da-

vies 200m and high jump, Maisie Douch javelin and relay, Elizabeth

Lewis-Orr long jump and relay, Bobby Busvine hurdles and relay, with Margaux Ormsby our brilliant re-

serve.

On Friday 28th June students from Tonbridge Grammar

School competed in the Kent School Games at Medway

Park in Gillingham.

The Year 7 athletes achieved gold medals in the Super 8's

athletics competition, and both the U13 and U15 basket-

ball teams won gold in the girls’ basketball competition.

It was a fantastic day of competition and our students did

themselves and the school proud!

The girls were accompanied by Miss Leggett and Miss

Michaels. Also thanks to Mr Hindocha and Richard Surrey

who have coached the girls’ basketball this year.

NEWSLETTER

Tonbridge Grammar School students represented the South

East Region at the British Schools' National Gymnastic Finals

in Stoke, on Saturday 11th May. The team, including two

sets of sisters, fought off extremely tough opposition from

across the UK in the U14 Acrobatic Group competition.

They achieved a silver medal, missing out on gold by just

0.25. This is a fantastic achievement for both the school and

the South East Region.

Gymnastics coach Tania Cattoor said:

"I would like to say how proud I am of the girls. Their suc-cess is also thanks to the exceptional choreography of ex-student Lisa Broadbent. They have all worked hard for this

competition and at last it has paid off."

We celebrated a range of suc-

cesses of our annual sports day

on Wednesday 26th June 2013.

Carey was the overall winner

with some outstanding perfor-

mances: Rebecca O’Hara broke

her own record for the Year 9

200 metres, Jennifer Stevens

broke the Year 10 Shot putt, and

the Year 9 relay team matched

the school record.

Other notable achievements in-

cluded Caitlin Kickham (Year 10 ) who managed 1.54 metres in the High Jump and Jenny

Stevens for a throw of 36.21 metres in the Discus (just short of her school record –

39.90 metres).

Although Carey won, it has to be said that Ar-

nold took defeat with good grace and showed

true sportsmanship on the day.


Sports Day 2013

TGS School Fund

Thanks to your voluntary donations this year, the Fund has been able to support::

Speakers and outside providers during our interdisciplinary and PSHE and careers programmes

Carol concerts, prizegiving and achievement celebrations

Co-curricular costs for music and PE, including inter house PE and sports day

TGS School Fund also supports the costs of running the school’s ageing minibus

And some much needed modest capital investments:

Sixth Form led CAS project to refurbish their outdoor patio

Sound and lighting in the Mitchener Hall

IT upgrades in the LOGIC

This year, the Fund has collected over £65,000 from 42% of the student

body, with over 50% of all gifts received as part of a regular donation

programme. All gifts, whatever their size and regularity, are very

gratefully received. A regular giving programme is especially helpful and

allows us to plan important future spending.

Help us grow the current level of support to match other schools in the area:

Download the gift form or donate online via www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/information.

As a guide only, we suggest £1 each day (or £30 per month). £1 a week (£50 per year) is the alternative choice of

some. Collective involvement is the key and provides a critical barometer when we apply to external grant funders.

Those not in a position to make a financial donation, are asked to express their support by completing the TGS School

Fund response card (see www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/information).

If you would like more details or have any queries regarding your donation, including employer matched gifts, or other

forms of voluntary support at TGS, please get in touch.

A Gift for Music

The year ended on a fantastic note (no apology for the pun!). Our music team has received a significant gift from a par-

ent. We very much look forward to celebrating the purchase of a new piano, an upgrade to the sound studio, and also

a contribution to music expenses.

Buildings Development Masterplan

A key area of activity in the Development Office this year has been the school's Buildings Development Masterplan

(BDP). Consultations with parents, staff and students identified significant needs in dining, sixth form, performance,

sport and recreation and accessibility. We have worked with Tim Ronalds Architects to determine the best way for

the school to address these issues and develop over the next decade and beyond, identifying a sequence of projects

which meet the school’s needs and which maximise the potential for the school site. We are satisfied that we have

some excellent solutions, but we have more work to do to identify the likely sources of public funding and external

private grant funders. It is our aim to minimise the extent to which we shall need to finance the projects ourselves (as

we did for The Hands Building development in 2008). We anticipate being in a position to publicise the BDP early in

the new academic year.

Grant Funding

The school receives devolved funds of just £20k for capital and maintenance. Additional funds must be applied for

from the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund. This year we have successfully bid for £400k for maintenance pro-

jects. We have also made a few other successful bids to private trusts and grant funders, although we have not re-

peated the scale of last year’s success with The Wolfson Foundation. This must be an important area for develop-

ment in the coming year.

TGS Development Office

THANK YOU

The School Calendar

The Development Office takes an active part in day to day school life and has initiated pro-

grammes that now form part of the school's annual calendar of enrichment programmes. In

February we introduced the Careers Fair. The event was led by over fifty volunteer profes-

sionals who were, for the most part, parents from across all year groups. They gave their

time to talk informally to students on a one to one basis. Some of our volunteers will also be

supporting the Year 12 interview practices this month. The Careers Fair will be repeated in

February 2014, sponsored by local commerce. We also hope to expand the repertoire of

professions for our students. If you would like to sponsor or volunteer please get in touch.

MHR 5k Fun Run

As some of you know, I actively support the school’s running club and follow student activities and event successes with

great pride. On Sunday 6 October, please join TGS Students and families at the Fun Run in support of Tunbridge Wells

Mental Health Resource. Start fundraising now, via the MHR 5K Fun Run page of Virgin Money Giving online.

Alumni

I have been delighted to host a number of alumni events and visits during the course of the year. Senior alumna Simone

Mehta née Panvert class of 1941 joined a History class to share her personal experience of Second World War England

with Sixth Form students.

In March we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the nationally acclaimed Motet Choir under the directorship of Mr Adrian

Pitts. The celebration was very well attended by our alumnae who came back to school for the occasion, marked by a

scratch performance and a glass of bubbly.

Our dear Miss Joy Debney, who taught History here from 1954 to 1991, comes to school regularly.

Joy took part in the Giving Scheme last October when Year 7 students explored a selection of

School Archives with her. More recently, she had tea with students and Rosemary Joyce before

enjoying the Arts Festival Tea Concert.

A couple of weeks ago, Year 8 students hosted alumnae who have

celebrated their 70th birthdays this year. Miss Arnold was their

Head Teacher, so naturally, their hostesses were in the House that

is named after her! Earlier in July four students and I drove to

Norfolk to picnic and share stories with alumna Rita Farmer, who

celebrated her 99th birthday on 24th June. She hopes we shall visit

her again and I hope so too (next time travel will be on the train!)

Our working alumni have an inspiring influence on our current stu-

dents and we are very grateful for their support as mentors, speak-

ers, seminar leaders and providers of work experience. We were enormously grateful

for their support at the Careers Fair in February, and at the 10 to 6 event in June.

The Christmas Carol Reunion

Plans are afoot for a reunion in December. Carols and mince pies, perhaps around the new piano? Please look out for

more details in the autumn.

Keep in Touch and Follow TGS

The Alumni Community exists for the mutual social and professional benefit of students and staff.

Registration is free via the school website/ Alumni

Congratulations to three TGS students - Isabelle Murray, Isabella Mum-

bray and Charlotte Parker - who were part of a regional winning dance

team who competed in the Ballroom and Latin 2012 Supadance com-

petition finals in Blackpool. The Hotsteps team third in this national

competition!

And finally...

Deakin Leas Tonbridge

Kent TN9 2JR

Phone: +44 1732 365125 Fax: +44 1732 359417

E-mail: [email protected]

COURAGE AND HONOUR


All the right moves

TGS featured on the BBC again with a feature on Mindfulness at the school. BBC South East News visited us

in March to see how "mindfulness" is being used to help students’ wellbeing.

The cameras observed a class of Year 10 students learn how to use techniques which direct their attention to

their experience of the present as it unfolds, moment by moment, with open-minded curiosity and acceptance,

rather than worrying about what has happened or might happen.

Studies have shown that mindfulness training has had a significant impact on health and wellbeing. It helps peo-

ple of all ages to learn more effectively, think more clearly, perform better and to feel calmer, less anxious and

less depressed.

Mrs Jeanette Richardson, Curriculum Manager, has seen the way in which mindfulness has enhanced perfor-

mance and learning at TGS...

Mindfulness is having a real impact on our students and their ability to focus on the moment, whether in

music, sports, exams or just dealing with the pressures of everyday life.

As a result of the success of the programme already, "Mindfulness" will be timetabled for all Year 10 students from September onwards. Refer to mindfulnessinschools.org for more information.

http://mindfulnessinschools.org/

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