Weekly Information - Friday 19th April 2024
On the 15th April we had the pleasure of welcoming Maria Kazani, Schools Liaison Officer, from the Sidney Sussex College at The University of Cambridge.
Joining Maria were a number of specially selected pupils from Year 8 to Year 12 who got the opportunity to take part in the session about pathways to university and the importance of picking relevant subjects at GCSE and A-level. Her presentation covered areas such entry requirements, what jobs exist, A-level grades and plenty of helpful advice and resources available.
Maria shared with the group that there are approximately 50,000 courses to choose from across all the universities in the UK. There really is something for everyone. She wanted to highlight to the students the importance of picking and researching a course first, then the location second. Maria explained ‘it is a really important factor in the decision-making process. We find time and time again that students base their university choices on where they want to go rather than the subject/modules on offer. We have found this only leads to being dissatisfied with the ‘university experience’ because they are not doing a course they love. For example, it is easy to be influenced by external factors such as friends going to a particular university, but please do your own research into a course that is relevant to you, follow your own path and do something you are passionate about and makes you happy.’
It was interesting to hear when Maria asked the group ‘what matters most to them about university’. Responses included: Campus vs city universities, location from home, facilities, societies to join, accommodation and what courses were on offer.
Mrs Ball, Subject Leader CEIAG said ‘it was wonderful for our students to get a glimpse into life at The University of Cambridge. The talk was aimed at those students who are interested in choosing a course at Russell Group University. The session was really thought-provoking and equipped our students with a lot of knowledge on course requirements, not only at The University of Cambridge but university in general. It was great to see the students engaged and leaving the session feeling informed and inspired by Maria.’
If students or parents would like more information about the talk or have any further questions please email [email protected]
On 18th April the JTHS Year 8 rugby team participated in the Staffordshire Schools County Tournament.
Overall the team won 5 games, drew 1 and lost 1; as a result were crowned Plate Winners! The teamwork and communication between the group was exceptional. They managed to score an impressive 16 tries, whilst only conceding 2. The team grew stronger and stronger throughout the day after the initial early loss. Every player should be extremely proud of the way they conducted themselves with fantastic effort and attitude across all 7 games that they played. Mr Williams was extremely proud and is excited to get the plate rightly displayed in the cabinet! Well done to the following players from Year 8:
Wellbeing Award update
Parents, we need your help! We are in the final stretch of gaining accreditation for the wellbeing award at JTHS. We have had lots of activities happening at JTHS to help raise awareness of mental health and the importance of wellbeing, from tea and talks, assemblies, guest speaker, exam stress busting workshops and confidence boosting boxing sessions for both staff and students.
Student Support and the SEN department have been working closely with students to help support positive wellbeing and Mrs Appleton and Mrs Heathcote and the pastoral teams have continued their hard work in supporting students from KS3 to KS5. If you would like advice or guidance on children’s or parental Wellbeing there are links on the school website to external support agencies and articles of support.
As part of the Wellbeing Award for Schools parental feedback is important. Like the previous survey’s the final parental survey allows you to share your thoughts on how JTHS has supported wellbeing. Please can you complete the survey to help us inform our final decisions on what we have done well and areas that we will continue to endeavour to improve on at JTHS. The deadline for completion is Friday 19th April.
https://app.awardplace.co.uk/stakeholder-evaluations/user-survey/65fd594a6137f
Thank you.
To share any wellbeing or mental health concerns with the school, or seek advice and support please contact your child's form tutor or the school office. Advice is shared with students to visit their school office or speak with any member of staff for support.
For parents and carers of children with a diagnosis of Autism, including those not yet referred to our service.
Please take a look at the Bitesize Training sessions being offered by the Autism Inclusion Team on 25th June 2024 at Families First, Faraday Road, Stafford.
Please click here to read more: 9. Autism Inclusion Team Bitesize Training Day for Parents. - Staffordshire County Council
Dear Parents/Carers. Please read the guide below which can help you to consider the potential dangers and make informed choices about safely sharing photos of your children online.
Dear Parent/Carer,
I am delighted to inform you that John Taylor High School has signed up for a new initiative to support families and schools called Six4Schools introduced by the Birmingham Bears.
What is Six4Schools?
Six4Schools is an initiative by Birmingham Bears which offers adult tickets starting at £13 (normally £25) for their T20 matches this summer when using a discount code unique to the school. U5s are always free and 5-15 year olds £5.
Our school will benefit because for every adult ticket sold, the school will receive £6 back. As an example, if we sell 200 adult tickets, we will receive £1200! This is meant to be used to reinvest in the education of the pupils (for e.g., for: computer equipment, playground equipment, or cricket coaching sessions).
It’s a great opportunity for the school and hopefully a chance for you to enjoy the incredible T20 atmosphere at Edgbaston this summer.
To purchase your tickets, follow the instructions below:
1. visit: Tickets.Edgbaston.com
2. At the top of the page enter this promotional code: JTHS24
3. Select the Birmingham Bears fixture you would like to attend this summer (please note the discount only applies to Saturday 8 June and Sunday 14 July fixtures). If you did not enter the promotional code before this can also be done here on the right-hand side of the page.
4. Select the stand in which you would like to purchase your tickets. U16s must be accompanied by an adult and for every 1 adult ticket sold, 5 U16 tickets may be selected.
5. Make your payment using your credit/debit card
You will receive your tickets via email.
It would be fantastic to see as many parents as possible take advantage of this offer to head to Edgbaston this summer to watch some exciting cricket and in the process help us win the interactive board!
Yours Sincerely,
Miss Dean