Newsletters

Dear parents and carers,

We have had a packed couple of weeks of events with our Year 7 New Years disco, two 'Living History' days for our lower school students, the Year 9 options evening for our young people who are deciding on their future educational pathways, Year 13 parents' evening, sports fixtures galore (jogphysed on Instagram for images and pre- / post-match interviews are a must-watch) and then our Ofsted inspection this week!  I am happy to say the inspection was a positive experience, and we look forward to sharing the outcome with you when we are permitted to do so.  What is plain to see is the strong sense of community, togetherness and pride parents, students and staff have for this school, and I am proud to be leading this wonderful establishment.

I would like to publicly recognise and thank my staff for all the efforts, support and opportunities they give inside and outside the school day. Our students are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of people providing such an extensive whole-school curriculum.

With the final exams drawing nearer for our Yr11's and Yr13's, we recognise the need to guide, challenge and steer our students so that they can all reach their full potential.  Year 11 have their parents'/carers evening next week, and it is crucial that we speak to as many adults as possible so that we can work in partnership to support our young people throughout the process.  From the start of the academic year, Mrs Poole has planned a tutor programme for Years 10 & 11 that includes not only how to create and collate revision resources but how students can manage their mental well-being during the build-up to exams and during the exam season.  

Please note there are a number of links to revision resources on our website that Yr11's can access.  This is a new feature and still in its developmental stage, but we do have initial materials that can be accessed, and we will continue to grow the area.  The link is below:

Year 11 Revision Resources

I have just signed off 35 Bronze Achievement certificates.  This third wave of students gaining these awards recognises all their fantastic contributions based around our school values of Kindness - Positivity - Belonging.  To achieve this award, you must accumulate 100 points.  Really well done to all those students. 

Enjoy the newsletter and have a lovely weekend.

Last Thursday the amazing year 7 team, Mr Little and a number of other boogie-loving staff hosted a ‘New Years’ disco for all of year 7. A great night followed although the prizes for best dancer had to be split between Miss Reagan and Mr Merriman for leading the whole room on the Cha Cha slide and Mr Little and Miss Martin showing they could still strut their stuff to the YMCA.

The students had a count-down to New Year complete with confetti cannons before phone lights were waved in true music concert fashion for the last song.

A really enjoyable night for all.

Year Ten Careers Trip

Year 10 have been invited to attend the Appren-T-Fest event at Wiltshire College (Trowbridge campus) on the 2^nd February. This is an event which informs year 10 about the benefits of following an apprenticeship or T-level after year eleven.

The event starts at 11am and finishes at 1pm. Letters have been sent home to pass on more information about the event and to gain consent from a parent/carer.

Art club meet every week and have been busy working in 3D recently.

As well as working with clay, which is currently in the kiln, students have been making cakes using cardboard and paper mâché. They look good enough to eat! 

Horrible History JOG Style

This week all Year 7 pupils participated in the annual John of Gaunt School "1066-Living History Day".

The students learned the story of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in October 1066. They role-played the key events in the story of Harold Godwinson, England’s last Saxon king, and Duke William of Normandy, which ended with the defeat of the Saxons and William becoming the new King of England.

They handled artefacts including swords, helmets, Halberks and battle-axes and then started on some battle training.

As new recruits to the Saxon army, the students learnt how to create the famous Saxon shield wall and how to handle their spears. As the Normans charged the shield wall, the students held firm and repelled the enemy attack.

The event was organised in conjunction with Oxenwood Outdoor Education centre, who provided the professional re-enactor and all the weaponry.

The day provided an enrichment opportunity for Year 7 students who had been studying the events of 1066 and how these shaped our island’s history. An event like this really brings history alive, as the students don’t just learn about events but experience them.

It’s the next best thing to having a time machine!

Looking forward to next year,

Ms Davison

32 Miles and a Cold Winter Camp!

On the 13^th & 14^th January, 32 hardy students attempted the challenging task of completing the 32-mile Imber Range Perimeter Path. For some, this was something previously achieved, but for others it represented a significant test of their determination, resilience and physical strength.

Carrying packs weighing 15 to 20kg, students set off from Upton Scudamore Field Barn, aware that 19 difficult miles awaited them before their camp at Chitterne. The weather was cold, and the skies were grey - this wasn't a jolly autumnal frolick by any account.

The Perimeter Path has a large amount of road and gravel track, and whilst this makes navigation and footing easy, it takes a heavy toll on the feet, and even mid-way through Saturday the first blisters, aching soles and cramps were starting to appear. However, minus a couple of casualties, they all gritted it out (past the White Horse, Gore Cross, Tilshead) and made it into camp on Saturday night. Lady Sarah Gooch had kindly allowed us to camp around her paddock, and students quickly got their tents up and cooked their hot meals before collapsing for some much-needed rest.

Awoken by cockerels at 5am, the group smartly packed tents away, ate a hot breakfast and most (not all) then began the shorter but more difficult route over the 3 hillforts outside Warminster and then all the way up onto the golf course before finishing back at the barn. It was a huge effort and those who completed it clearly were proud of their efforts.

Several walkers complimented me on the politeness and considerate conduct of our students.

Well done all, and as always huge thanks to Lady Sarah Gooch, and also my volunteer helpers Iain Richards (cameo appearance), Imogen Wood and Mrs Brooks.

For more photographs click here.

Dear parent/carer,

 A reminder that the Year 11 subject evening is due to take place on Wednesday 31^st January from 3.30pm until 6.30pm.

This evening provides a valuable opportunity for you to connect with your child's teachers, discuss their progress, and gain insights into their academic achievements and challenges. Your active participation in this event can greatly contribute to your child's success.

If you haven’t already done so, you can access the appointment system by going to https://thejohnofgaunt.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/

Any issues, please do contact the school for support.

It’s time to get off the sofa and get active in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.

The DofE is all about going the extra mile – gaining new skills, pushing yourself physically, helping others and exploring new territories. At the same time, you’ll gather friendships, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, as long as you’re in year 9 to age 24, you can choose the activities that motivate you and go on your own personal journey. We know from other participants that the DofE helps you stand out from the crowd when you apply for college, university or jobs.

This year at JOG you can enrol for the Bronze Award in Year 9 and 10. We will run Silver if we have the numbers.

There are 4 activities within each award that require different time commitments:

Volunteering – Helping individuals or charities – Examples: Involved in the Plastic Free Schools, litter picking, working in a charity shop, assisting with a sports club at school, youth leading and scout leading.

Skills – Learning and developing a skill. Examples: a musical instrument, learning to juggle, art and craft, to name just some.

Physical – Developing in a sport, dance or any physical activity.

Expedition – 2 days and a night (Bronze) Hiking and camping as a small team independently. Training is provided over the school year and the final expedition is completed at the end of the summer term. (Silver is 3 days and 2 nights)

Enrolment is NOW! Meetings are usually held Tuesdays after school.

To find out more about the award and how to enrol, speak to any of the leaders, or pop along after school to G95.

Regards

Mr Bilsdon

This week we say congratulations to some of the students who recently completed their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Amelia Biggs - Silver

Grace Scotney - Silver

Yvie McClean - Bronze

Katy Pattinson - Bronze

These candidates successfully completed many hours of volunteering, learning a new skill and taking part in physical activity as well as the preparation, planning and completing their expeditions. They will be receiving certificates and badges for recognition of the award and be able to include their achievements in future CV’s.

There are many others who successfully completed their expeditions recently who are on their way to completing the other sections and should be submitting their assessor reports. If you are one of their assessors, please encourage them to complete the section.