News

National Apprenticeship Week: Mon 10^th Feb -  Fri 14^th Feb

This week marked National Apprenticeship Week which highlights the benefits that this choice can make to career development. Apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields while also earning a wage.

Apprenticeships are beneficial for both students and employers too. For students, they offer a chance to explore different career paths and make informed decisions about their futures. They can build valuable connections in the industry and develop skills that are highly sought after by employers. For businesses, apprenticeships create a skilled team specific to their business demands positively impacting the wider company.

This week, we welcomed Hannah Ahmed, Sebastian Knight, Robert Goodwin, Peggy Mcleod & Shaz Kasir to deliver a presentation to our pupils in assembly. It was great to hear about their apprenticeship route and learn about their experiences and skills they have developed. Thank you to Mrs Ball, ‘Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance’ Subject Leader for organising this.

Our pupils felt inspired by the stories shared in the assembly. The former students talked about their diverse experiences, from pursuing higher education to entering the workforce. They emphasised the importance of following their passion and being open to new opportunities. By sharing their successes and challenges, our pupils felt encouraged to think about their own futures and consider the various paths they might take after completing their GCSEs or A-Levels.

Sebastian & Robert's Story – Civil Engineering Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

Peggy McLeod – Law Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

Shaz Kasir – Chartered Surveyor & Real Estate Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

Hannah’s Story – Solicitor Apprenticeship: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

To round off National Apprenticeship Week, our Sixth Formers had the exciting opportunity to hear from Shahz about his degree apprenticeship journey as a Chartered Surveyor. Shahz shared valuable insights into his career path, highlighting the benefits of combining work experience with education.

Shahz currently works for Sure Surveyors, where he is gaining hands-on experience with their sister company, Sure Sales & Lettings. The opportunity to gain connections from day one and work in a real estate environment has given him a broader understanding of how the business operates.

One of the key messages Shahz conveyed to the students was about the importance of transferrable skills he developed during his A-level studies. He explained that while the specific subjects he took were important, the skills he learned were even more valuable:

• Business: This subject helped him understand property markets, finance, and management strategies.
• IT: He learned to use technology for tasks like data analysis and property valuation, which are crucial in today's digital world.
• Sociology: This subject provided him with insights into social trends, urban planning, and how to build good relationships with clients.

Shahz also discussed the application process for his apprenticeship. He advised students to be prepared for rejection, as it is a common part of job applications. However, he stressed that with continuous improvement, taking feedback seriously and remaining persistent, the right opportunity will eventually come along. Shahz was thrilled to learn that he would be completing his degree apprenticeship in Chartered Surveying at Nottingham University. He highlighted that this opportunity would allow him to gain valuable industry experience, earn a degree, and work towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor.

Pupils were particularly interested in learning about what a typical week looks like for Shahz. Balancing a work schedule with university studies can be challenging, but he explained that he always preferred a practical approach over being a full-time university student. This hands-on experience not only enriches his learning but also prepares him for real-world challenges.

We wish Shahz all the best as he continues on his path to becoming a qualified Chartered Surveyor. Our pupils felt inspired and felt they can make informed choices about their own future careers.

There has been some minor adjustments to the Y7-11 Uniform Policy and Guidance and the Sixth Form Dress Code.  These changes do not represent anything new, but aim to offer clarification on some areas including smart watches, shoes, hoodies/coats. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Please be aware that there will be amended times from Monday 24^th Feb for the 808 Service. 

Please click on the PDFs below 

808

On Thursday, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Peggy, who left Sixth Form last year to pursue her career in Law through the Nelsons Solicitors Trust apprenticeship.

In line with National Apprenticeships Week, Peggy delivered an exceptional presentation to our Year 9 cohort sharing her insights. She emphasised the importance of working hard in school and choosing subjects that spark passion and interest, highlighting how these choices can shape future career paths.

Peggy spoke about the pros and cons of apprenticeships compared to the traditional university route. She explained that while both paths offer valuable experiences, apprenticeships provide hands-on learning which can be appealing to some students. Being able to immediately apply skills in a real-world environment from day one is something Peggy has enjoyed. This firsthand perspective was invaluable for our students as they consider their own future options.

It was inspiring to see Peggy motivate the next generation at JTHS. She shared how supported she felt by her peers and mentors in the legal field, which reinforced the idea that collaboration and guidance are crucial in any career. As Peggy continues her apprenticeship, we are confident that her talent and passion for law will lead her to great success.

Well done to Luca in Sixth Form for his recent football achievements. Over the past two seasons, he has played for Staffordshire County FA, demonstrating his talent and hard work on the field. His dedication paid off when he was selected to attend trials with other talented players from different counties from up and down the Country. After competing in three sets of trials, Luca was successfully chosen to be part of the England Schoolboys squad, joining 18 other boys who share his passion & talent in football.

So far, Luca has already played a friendly match against Australia, showcasing his skills on an international level. This experience has been invaluable for his growth as a player and he has an exciting schedule of fixtures lined up. Each game presents a new opportunity for him to shine and further develop his abilities. The support from his family, friends, and coaches has played a crucial role in his journey so far.

Luca truly deserves all the success that comes his way as he pursues his future football career. He has consistently shown passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport, all while balancing his schoolwork. In addition to his football endeavours, Luca is actively involved in various sporting activities at John Taylor High School and takes on the role of Sports Leader for several events throughout the year. His hard work and determination serve as an inspiration to his peers and highlight the importance of pursuing your passion!

This morning, our Dance Ambassadors looked a bit different than usual! Typically found in the Sports Hall, twisting, turning and leaping as they practice their routines, today they were in full uniform while joining Mr. Blanchenot for a delightful Hot Chocolate.

The group of Dance Ambassadors had been nominated by Miss Senior for leading two fantastic dance workshops for local primary schools. Well done to Emma, Jessica, Georgie, Evie, Mollie, Ava, Jasmine, Elsie, Esme, Isabella, Alice, Lucy, Mila, Lexie, Madeleine, Mia, Annie, Isabelle, Alice, Erin, Charlotte, Connie, Emily, Alice and Sophia.

Hot Chocolate with the Head was a great opportunity for the pupils to share their experiences and celebrate their hard work in a more formal setting, reminding everyone that being part of the dance ambassador group is not just about the performances, but also about building friendships and community.

Miss Senior praised the students for demonstrating our school values highlighting their kindness, respect, perseverance and integrity. She emphasised that the pupils not only represented JTHS well but also embodied the principles that make our school a great place to learn as one community striving for personal excellence. Their positive attitudes and collaborative spirit made the workshops a huge success. Well done to all those involved.

The first dance workshop was on Thursday 30^th January, read more about it here: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

The second dance workshop was on Thursday 6^th January, read more about it here: John Taylor High School eNewsletter

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, pupils had the opportunity to learn about degree apprenticeships from Sebastian Knight and Robert Goodwin. Both are currently completing their civil engineering apprenticeship with JBA Consulting, a part of the JBA Bentley Design and Engineering Group. JBA Consulting is recognized as one of Europe’s leading specialists in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Management. This assembly gave our Year 11 pupils valuable insights into how apprenticeships work and the importance of choosing the right qualifications for their future careers.

Sebastian and Robert explained that JBA offers apprenticeships starting at Level 3, which is equivalent to A-Level qualifications, and goes up to Level 7, which is comparable to a degree. They emphasised that the grades achieved in school play a crucial role in determining which level they can enter for an apprenticeship. Sebastian shared his thoughts on how discovering personal passions can help students choose the right subjects. Maths, Science, Design Technology and other subjects that involve critical thinking can significantly enhance students' chances of success in the civil engineering field.

The assembly highlighted both the benefits and challenges of pursuing an apprenticeship. Sebastian and Robert described a typical day in the life of an apprentice, detailing how they balance their university studies and work responsibilities. This discussion inspired students to think carefully about their career pathways and the decisions they will need to make in the future. If students are interested in learning more about apprenticeships, they can reach out for further information to Mrs Ball, [email protected].

Here is Sebastian & Robert’s presentation which our pupils watched.

On Thursday 27^th February we will be holding Year 13 Parents’ Evening. This will be a face to face event with all appointments taking place in school between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. 

Appointments will be set at 6 minutes which will give enough time for a brief discussion around progress for each subject. If you feel that you need a longer discussion with either the sixth form team or a subject teacher, this should be arranged by contacting school directly. 

To allow for you to move between appointments we have set the system so you are required to have a 6 minute gap between appointments, please allow for this when making your bookings. We believe that this will support the evening running to schedule and prevent delayed/missed appointments. 

Car parking will be available on the school site from 4.15pm, please drive under the bridge on arrival to park on the tennis courts. Please avoid driving onto the school site before this time as we may still have school buses on site. You will be asked to sign in at reception where you will be given details of where the appointments are taking place. 

To book your appointments you will need to log in to SchoolCloud - John Taylor High School. Please use the e-mail address that you have provided to school, otherwise the system will not recognise you when you login. 

Instructions on how to use the system are included on the following link: Parent guide to booking appointments 

The system will be open for parental bookings on Tuesday 11^th February at 7pm until Tuesday 25^th February at 12pm. 

Whilst we do not envisage you having any problems making appointments, if you do experience difficulties, please contact the sixth form team on the following email [email protected].

On Thursday 6^th January Mrs Berry and our JTHS Dance Ambassadors were excited to be holding their second Dance Workshop of the term for a group of Year 1 Primary School pupils from Thomas Russell Infant School.

The workshop began with the Dance Ambassadors performing the routine which they have been learning and preparing for several weeks. The JTHS Dance Ambassadors were fantastic leaders and showed kindness, respect and perseverance towards the primary pupils as they learnt new dance techniques and new routines.

As the workshop progressed, so did the primary pupil’s confidence. It was great to see them expressing themselves through movement and showing great enthusiasm for the dance routine. The aim of the workshop was not only to improve dance skills but to promote an active lifestyle and staying healthy.

The JTHS Dance Ambassadors created a supportive environment and encouraged the primary pupils to step out of their comfort zones to try something new. Teamwork, collaboration and communication were a few of the skills that the JTHS Dance Ambassadors promoted throughout the workshop.

To finish, the group performed their routines. The level of dance skill and technique was a pleasure to watch. There was a real sense of accomplishment from both secondary & primary pupils and it was a joy to see the interactions between the groups.

Again, this event is the pinnacle of our school’s vision; one community, striving for personal excellence. Thank you to everyone involved.

Every week at John Taylor, Mr Blanchenot takes the time to recognise students who have gone above and beyond and positively contributed to our school community.

Hot Chocolate with the Head is a great chance to come together and celebrate not just individual achievements, but the values that make our community strong, such as kindness, respect, integrity and perseverance. Nominated students are great role models for their peers, demonstrating what it means to support one another and work hard. It’s great to learn of their achievements and enjoy some delicious hot chocolate!

This week, Mr Blanchenot was thrilled to welcome Charlotte in Year 7.

Charlotte had been nominated by Miss Sawojka for kindness in selflessly helping her other classmates in Geography. Her willingness to share resources and provide support has not only made her a valuable member of the class but has also created a positive and collaborative learning environment for everyone. This nomination highlights the importance of kindness and how one person’s actions can inspire others to be more supportive and caring in their own interactions.

Well done Charlotte!

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am writing to inform you that the toilet facilities in the Link Block will be closed on Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th February to all students. Essential works are scheduled to take place. All pupils have been made aware of this and will be directed to use alternate facilities located across the school.

Unfortunately, this decision comes after some damage has been caused by some of our students and it is disheartening to see financial resources diverted from other school needs due to the actions of a few individuals. To ensure that pupils use school facilities appropriately and prevent this type of closure, we would appreciate it if parents and carers could discuss the expectations for behaving with respect for our facilities with their children.

 John Taylor High School is committed to providing clean and functional toilet facilities for all pupils, an issue which was also raised in the recent MAT survey that was completed by staff, students and parents. We continue to expect all students to take responsibility for their environment and encourage parents to have this discussion with their children. By treating school facilities with respect, we can ensure that funds are available for important educational resources and equipment. We have also explained to students that if they are found to have damaged any school facilities or resources that we will follow our behaviour procedures and significant sanctions may be issued.

 We look forward to seeing the new facilities as we continue to promote hygiene and cleanliness and commit to the well-being of our pupils.

 Yours sincerely,

Mr J Blanchenot

If you wish to report an absence due to illness, please ring the dedicated absence line on 01283 376751 each day of the absence. 

If you wish to inform us of a Planned Absence (less than one day for an appointment), please click the link below and complete the Sixth Form Planned Absence Form.

If you wish to apply for a Leave of Absence (more than one day), please click the link below and complete the Sixth Form Leave of Absence Request Form.

Please upload evidence of ALL appointments.

Sixth Form Attendance - John Taylor High School

Thank you!

The Sixth Form Team

As we continue our awareness for Children's Mental Health Week, we wanted to share an amazing competition that pupils can enter that M&S are running in conjunction with Young Minds.

​​​​​​IT’S TIME TO LET YOUR IMAGINATION SHINE!

​​​We're looking for inspiring designs to feature on two special pieces in our 2025 YoungMinds Hello Yellow kidswear collection – on a yellow sweatshirt and a yellow hoodie that will be sold in M&S stores and online.

​​​So what would you say to a friend who needs you? How would you brighten their day? Whether it's words, drawings, or doodles, we’re looking for something that stands out and reminds everyone that one chat can change everything.

If you're aged 5-11 or 12-16, we'd love to see your ideas. You can design a hoodie or a sweatshirt, and we'll choose two lucky winners (one winner from each age category). The winners have their designs featured on our Hello Yellow pieces, with all profits supporting YoungMinds.

 ​​Be bold, be bright, and put what’s inside on the outside. Good Luck!

To enter, ask your parent or guardian to upload your entry by 11.59pm on 31 March 2025. 

Click the link for more information or to enter: Enter Here

Safer Internet Day, celebrated on 11th February, is a national event aimed at promoting a safer and more responsible use of the internet, especially among young people. This day encourages individuals to think critically about their online presence and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information. It also highlights the importance of respecting others online and being aware of cyberbullying.

During tutor time and assembly, pupils will be delivered presentations and resources will be shared to create discussion on particular topics.

Please read the top tips on the link below which can help students learn how to protect themselves and their peers while enjoying the many benefits that the internet offers. Remember, staying safe online is not just about protecting your personal information, but also about creating a positive digital community.

Safer Internet Day 2025 Top Tips - UK Safer Internet Centre

• Appointment times will remain at 5 minutes to allow each member of staff to have a sufficient number of slots throughout the evening.
• The booking system will be set up to enforce a minimum travel time between appointments, therefore reducing the risk of arriving late when moving between locations.
• The automated booking function will be disabled to allow parents to book appointments manually and plan their evening based on the location of teachers.
• Centralised venues will be used to reduce travel time around the school site.