HEADTEACHERS UPDATE
Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, it’s been a half-term full of activity, challenge, and opportunity. You’ll see over the coming pages just what’s been going on in school since our last newsletter. We have introduced some fantastic initiatives in our curriculum and have some very exciting plans for the coming term.
We believe that all of our students are entitled to learn basic first aid and have introduced first aid lessons into several subjects in our curriculum. Students have distinct first aid training, as well as subject-specific scenarios which are sequenced into subjects such as Science, Technology, and PE. We want our students to be able to respond to as many different scenarios as possible. Feedback from students and staff has been hugely positive and we hope to extend this in the coming term to include parents and members of the community.
In the past few weeks our students have started to experience a change in our music curriculum. Learning to play an instrument is a key entitlement as part of our music lessons. Our students now experience 40 minutes per week of small group tuition. It’s our aim that all students will be able to play an instrument by the end of key stage 3. This is a hugely ambitious target and it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring students are able and qualified.
This term saw the school immerse itself in national careers week and saw huge developments in our careers curriculum. All subjects in school now deliver careers information which is weaved into their curriculum. Careers education can often be seen as an add on but we are determined to break this trend! It’s vitally important that our students get the best careers advice so that they can make informed choices. For us, this starts in Y7 and is threaded into and out of each subject! We have invested heavily this term to enable all of our students to have access to the most up-to-date technology throughout the school. I’m delighted that every department in school now has access to at least one set of chrome books, which means that classroom teaching can be enhanced by utilising technology. Our teachers have developed their expertise in using chrome books over the past two years and we are now embedding this into our everyday practice.
This week sees the launch of our Uniform Bank Big Collection. We have a uniform collection bin in reception. If you have any uniform which can be recycled and reused then you’re welcome to drop it off in reception. We will clean and prepare the uniform to be distributed out to students and families with the greatest need.
Next term will see the beginning of GCSE examinations for our Y11 students. Exams begin in May and we have been preparing students to ensure they can do the best they possibly can. All subjects are holding period 5 sessions after school now and some are holding period 0 sessions before school (with a breakfast bribe!) I would urge as many students as possible to come to these sessions, they could make the difference to ensure you get the grade you need. For more information about these sessions, please contact Mr Montgomery.
Finally, I got to attend my first Thrybergh production since I became Headteacher almost two years ago. Covid-19 has caused huge issues in school over the past two years but I was incredibly glad to be able to be part of the audience to watch our production of DNA by Dennis Kelly. The cast were outstanding and demonstrated the commitment, skills and enthusiasm that we promote in our wonderful school. It was a privilege for me to be able to say they are Thrybergh students. Huge congratulations to all of them, and to Mr Montgomery and Mr Wilding.
I hope you all have a restful Easter holiday. We look forward to seeing you all again in April.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITY
South Yorkshire Police will be recruiting cadets this year. The application form will be available from 1st April until 30th April.
South Yorkshire Volunteer Police Cadets represent the Force at community events and participate in a variety of activities and formal training as well as learning about various roles within the Police.
Successful candidates will be invited to an interview in June 2022. You need to be 15 years old by 31 August 2022 and no older than 17 years of age by 31 March 2023 and you need to live in South Yorkshire. The next cadet programme starts on 7th September 2022.
Y6 TRANSITION
On Thursday 7th April we hosted an evening with our Y6 students and their families to get a taste of Thrybergh Academy.
At the event, our Y6s were able to meet our staff and get a feel for the school site and take part in taster sessions in English, Maths, and Science.
They also took part in our Murder Mystery event. where they investigated a crime scene. With the help of their teachers, Y6s applied some of the key skills that they will need to access our Y7 core curriculum. It was great to see all of our new Y6s and their families!
PLEDGES
Congratulations to the following students who have achieved a Thrybergh Pledge Award this term!
Y11
- Ruby Willert
- Millie Clarke
- Joshua Flynn
- Bradley France
- Grace Mills
Y10
- Ruby Rider
- Sophie Birkin
- Chloe Coult
Y9
- Alfie Cardwell
- Riley Hayes
- Leah Stevenson
- Emma Ward
- Bradley Barratt
- Jack Irmer
- Milly Ogden
- Chloe Baker
- Macy Flanagan
- Vicky Peet
- Angel Willoughby
- Levi Beresford
- Alfie Cardwell
- Jacob Clark
- Eve Cousins
- Macy Flanagan
- Codie Grindle
- Riley Hayes
- Oakley Horton
- Seth James
- Ben Kelly
- Reece Mccreath
- Leah Stevenson
- Emma Ward
- Lilli-Ann Battye
- Ruby Duke
- Gracie Mathison
- Ciarah Richardson
- Angel Willoughby
- Isaac Mitchell
- Brooke White
- Alfie Cardwell
- Riley Hayes
- Ben Kelly
- Reece Mccreath
- Leah Stevenson
- Emma Ward
- Ruby Duke
- Gracie Mathison
- Ciarah Richardson
- Angel Willoughby
- Brooke White
- Declan Barker
- Jake Flynn
- Mashanti Manungo
- Carter Burns
Y8
- Riley Cant
- Kian Hazelhurst
- Leon Hirst
- Grace Casey
- Molly Dewick
- Evie Podmore
- Riley Cant
- Kian Hazelhurst
- Mathilda Herbert
- Leon Hirst
- Jaydon Kelsall
- Libby Kerry
- Jay Mckinlay
- Niamh Murray
- Danielle Osborne
- Jessica Twigg
- Finlay Tyrrell
- Spencer Wood
- Libby-Eve Wright-Hayden
- Maizy Medlock
- Bradley Mylett
- Fraser Sharples
- Owen Stirling
- Pierce King
- Charlie Price
- Riley Cant
- Kian Hazelhurst
- Mathilda Herbert
- Spencer Wood
- Owen Stirling
- Kian Jones
- Ruby Pengkerego
- Leanna Sludden
Y7
- Alexa-Leigh Asquith
- Zander Bartholomew
- Lacey Burns
- Kayden Carlin-Fisher
- Lilly Mae Emery
- Matilda Howell
- Trevor Monaghan
- Ashmeet Singh
Heads of Year/SPM Update
On Friday 25th March the pupils who took part in the Sheffield Sharks 'Respect Too’ programme enjoyed watching the professional players in action at Ponds Forge against the Newcastle Eagles.
They had a great evening watching the Sharks players achieve a 73 - 53 victory, and they also enjoyed being invited onto the court at the end of the game to see the players. (photo attached) The ‘Respect Too’ programme is an initiative that uses Basketball as a tool to improve individuals' attitudes and behaviours.
Whilst on the programme pupils explored many topics including, what conduct is acceptable on the Basketball court and in the wider world, why rules are important, and why it is important to give and earn respect. All pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experiences and we look forward to working with the Sheffield Sharks again soon.
Congratulations also to the following pupils who have achieved the top 3 CFPs for this term within their year groups. Keep up the hard work!
Y11
- Katy Cousins
- Hannah Schofield
- Paige Sludden
Y10
- Sophie Birkin
- Evie Cooper
- Lara Burton
Y9
- Kaydn Armitage
- Isaac Mitchell
- Summer Beresford Green
Y8
- Leanna Sludden
- Spencer Wood
- Lacey Fletcher
Y7
- Alfie Manwaring
- Mustafa Ahmed
- Luke Fairbrother
ATTENDANCE
Whole School Attendance for w/e 25.03.22 = 85.47%
- Y7 - 88.57%
- Y8 - 83.73%
- Y9 - 86.83%
- Y10 - 83.19%
Winners of 100% Draw for w/e 25.03.22
- Ellie Draper
- Lexi Outram
- Jensen Tunstill
- Liam Gwynne
- Patricia Zujeva
- Finlay Tyrrell
- Mashanti Manungo
- Jayden Nasser
- Cara Lee
- Kenzie Gordon
Attendance Trophy Winners
- 07.b - 90.98%
- 08.d - 95.65%
- 09.c - 96.23%
- 10.a - 90%
- 11.e - 94.1%
SUBJECT UPDATE ENGLISH
It has continued to be a busy term in the English Dept, and we continue to be proud of how hard our students have worked.
In KS3, Y7s have completed their study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Y8s have been using Orwell’s Animal Farm as a stimulus for their politics and society unit and Y9s have been studying a new novel called The Boxer while exploring the theme of identity.
In KS4, Y10s have been studying Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet while the Y11s have been studying hard towards their English Language and English Literature exams.
The exam dates for the Year 11s are as follows: GCSE English Language: Paper 1, 18th May & Paper 2, 10th June
GCSE English Literature: A Christmas Carol & An Inspector Calls, 25th May & Romeo & Juliet & Unseen Poetry, 8thb June
MATHS
It has been a busy term in Maths with the students continuing to work hard and impress in maths.
- Y7 have been working on fractional thinking and how to apply it to the real world and other subjects.
- Y8 have been learning about algebraic techniques and developing number skills
- Y9 have spent some time learning about how money matters and reasoning within maths
- Y10 have been continuing learning GCSE topics such as constructions and manipulating algebra
- Y11 have completed their mocks and are deep into preparation for their exams in the summer.
The exam dates for maths are as follows:
- Paper 1 Friday 20th May
- Paper 2 Tuesday 7th June
- Paper 3 Monday 13th June
HUMANITIES
Our historians have been very busy this term! Firstly, our Y8s have been learning all about the English Civil War and the moment when England made History by being the first country to execute their King.
After studying this significant moment, some of our historians took part in a competition to decorate a pancake to look like Charles I, who sadly lost his head! They were just as tasty as they looked too.
Y9 have been studying the Holocaust this term. This topic can be very difficult and upsetting but all of our students have been respectful and listened carefully.
Each class has discussed the importance of learning about the tragedies of the past so that they can ensure our future is much brighter. They have all followed the Thrybergh Way by taking responsibility and respectfully listening throughout the topic. Well Done year 9!
FRONTLINE LIVING HOSTORY
Our Y10 and Y11 historians had a fantastic opportunity this term. Frontline Living History came to Thrybergh Academy to talk to our GCSE historians about medicine on the western front during the First World War.
Students had the opportunity to get dressed up as soldiers, carry stretchers and explore different weapons of the First World War. Frontline Living History travelled all around the UK delivering this session and said that our students were some of the best they had worked with.
They listened carefully, asked questions, and they were really enthusiastic about History which they loved. A big well done to all our year 10 and 11 historians for representing our school and community well!
GEOGRAPHY
In geography, students have studied a range of exciting topics this term. Y7 have looked at migration and the reasons people move from different countries around the world. They have now started to look at the way in which the landscapes are shaped by water and rivers.
Y8 have looked at the amazing world of Billionaires and who they are and where they live. They are now starting to discover the amazing weather hazards of our World.
Y9 have looked at the amazing theory of plate tectonics and discovered how we can reduce the impacts of volcanoes and earthquakes. Some even attempted to make their own earthquake-proof structures with spaghetti and marshmallows! They have now started to investigate the Middle East and why this area is so important for the World.
Y10 are currently studying the exciting unit of urbanisation and what the opportunities and challenges of rapid urban growth can have on cities. They will then start to look at how cities can be more sustainable.
Y11 have recently completed their mock exams and have an intense next few weeks of revision to ensure they achieve the best grade that they can. Please encourage your child to revise!
Top Geography Students for effort and positive attitude to learning:
- Y7:
- Y8: Jaydon Kelsall, Evie Podmore
- Y9: Kadie Hill
- Y10: Helena Horton
- Y11: Lira Dube, Ellie McCreath
PE - SPORTS
Thrybergh Academy climbed its way to the Greater Sheffield Secondary Schools Bouldering Final at The Climbing Works on the 30th March.
After completing 12 very challenging boulder routes, they accumulated enough points to finish in 3rd place behind High Storrs and Hope Valley College. This was a massive achievement and they all did their school proud.
Well done Alfie, Lillie, Bailey, Zane, Lewis, and Mustafa. A special mention also goes to Lillie who picked up a coach's award for her “effort, skill and determination”.
PE lessons are in full swing at Ulley this week. As part of the PE curriculum, pupils are having the opportunity to participate in a wide range of Outdoor Adventurous Activities including Zip lining, traverse climbing, and orienteering.
The pupils have worked hard on their problem-solving and teamwork skills, with many of them pushing themselves out of their comfort zones to try activities that they have never attempted before.
ICT
Y7 students have been learning about the world of gaming this half term. They have been creating their own mini-games using block-based programming.
They have very much enjoyed this topic. Students have impressed me with their ability to problem solve and debug. They have also been working independently as well as assisting others.
Y8 have been learning about the ways in which society can reduce the amount of e-waste around the world. They have been designing their own eco-home using Google Sketchup and showing off their 3D design skills. As well as this they have been introduced to sound editing software and web design software.
Y9 students have been learning about interactive multimedia products and part of their project has been to create their own products for a given scenario. They have been combining multimedia elements to create an immersive experience for the user.
Y10 students have started their second coursework unit for iMedia. The topic is Comic strips. This is a new but fun topic with students having to create their own stories as well creating their own comic strips.
Y11’s did their iMedia exam in January and await the results of that. It's now all about their final exam in June and preparing for that. In addition students in Y11 are working on a coursework unit that involves the creation of an interactive product.
Expressive Arts
After weeks of rehearsals, Thrybergh Drama Department was finally able to put on a live performance of Dennis Kelly’s dark comedy ‘DNA’.
This was the first school show in four years due to the pandemic and was a welcome return for the department. The script itself certainly displayed challenges due to the nature of the text but the cast were resilient throughout the rehearsals and have consistently supported each other.
The cast of Y9 to Y11 girls were outstanding and worked incredibly hard throughout the process. The girls supported each other and made friends across each of the three year groups. We are so proud of their achievements in being part of what is an extremely tricky play to stage and learn. Over the two performances, there was a fantastic turnout from friends, parents, and family and the audience responded brilliantly.
For the Y11 students involved, this play marks what is most likely their last show at Thrybergh. These girls have been outstanding throughout the years and have been part of many memorable performances. We wish them all the best with whatever their next step is. Keep your eyes peeled for Thrybergh’s next show to be announced!
MILLIE, Sophie Birkin (Y10) - JAN, Eleanor Mullins (Y9) - LEAH, Phoebe Stephenson (Y11) - PENNY, Megan Maloney (Y9) - JENNY, Zoe Dexter (Y11) - DANIELLE, Ruba Ahmed (Y11) - RUBY, Lainey Monaghan (Y9) - CATHY, Aimee Grace (Y11) - LOU, Ruby Willert (Y11) - BIANCA, Lucy Irwin (Y11) - ALICE, Leah Mitchell (Y11) - MAKEUP, Rosie Yeardley (Y10)
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
FILM STUDIES - Y9 Film Studies students have been studying the film Attack the Block’ (2011) and have been learning all about how films have distinctive styles and how these are created.
DRAMA - Y9 Drama students have completed a Stage Combat scheme of work. Over the term, the students learnt how to successfully and safely complete a number of moves including a punch, slap, kick and strangle. This work then culminated in a final performance in which the students choreographed a complex fight scene that incorporated the many moves learned over the term.
Film Club - has proven very popular with monthly screenings being attended by Y7 - Y9 students. So far, Film Club has showcased films such as ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (2016), ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ (1992) and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ (2020). Each time, students got free popcorn and had the opportunity to review the film online with the chance to win Amazon vouchers.
Drama Club - has also proven incredibly popular with Y7 and Y8 students attending every Monday in the Drama Studio. Students have had the opportunity to play games, make friends and improve their confidence. Students have also had the chance to develop and refine skills/techniques acquired during their drama lessons.
CAREERS
This term sees the start of ‘The Brilliant Club’ for 11 of our Year 9 pupils. What does TheBrilliant Club Programme offer?
- Challenging courses on subjects beyond the curriculum, taught by a world class researcher
- Experience of university-style learning in small group tutorials
- Two visits to the most competitive universities
- Develop key university-preparedness skills including critical thinking, subject knowledge, written communication, and university self-efficacy
EXAM & REVISION
As we draw closer to Y11s taking their GCSE examinations, here are some top tips for their revision over the Easter break.
Begin as early as possible. Familiarise yourself with what is required and plan:
- Time: when will you revise?
- Location: where will you revise?
- Work: what do you have to revise?
- How – what works best for you?
To be a successful reviser you should:
- Prepare
- Organise
- Memorise
- Recall
- (Price and Maier, 2007)
TOP TIPS
- Make a realistic timetable and stick to it:
- When do you work best?
- Plan your day: include targets, treats, meals and time to relax and sleep
- Take regular breaks
- Maximise your time – use short blocks of time
- Organise and reduce notes
- Group and organise your material
- Highlight and subordinate
- Use numbered points
- Highlight key words/phrases
- Have plenty of white space so that you can see the information easily
- Use different colours, pictures or symbols if these help you. This helps you to understand and to remember the information.
Further information regarding Y11 exams and revision can be found on our website https://www.thrybergh.com/students/exams/ Please pay particular information to the unauthorised items document, and conduct in the examination room.