Exam Celebrations - August 2017fluencycontent2-schoolwebsite.netdna-ssl.com/FileCluster/...Exam Celebrations - August 2017 A Level Results We would like to congratulate all our Sixth

www.tolworthgirlsschool.co.uk // email: [email protected] // Tel: 020 8397 3854 // Fax: 020 8974 2600

October 2017 Newsletter – Issue 13

Exam Celebrations - August 2017

A Level Results

We would like to congratulate all our Sixth Form students and staff who worked so hard to achieve another set of fantastic results, exceeding the targets set. Nearly half of all A Level or equivalent qualifications achieved A*-B, with a quarter achieving an A or A*. Over 90% of all applicants secured their preferred choice of university. These results are particularly impressive when we consider the significant changes in the new A Level and BTEC qualifications, with more content and greater emphasis on exams. Our students have risen to the challenge of the new qualifications with determination and ambition, balancing their work and family commitments alongside their studies. None of this would be possible without the dedication and support of our inspirational staff, who have worked tirelessly to prepare our students not only for these exams, but also their future studies and careers. Once again we are sending our students on to study an exciting range of subjects at university, including Astrophysics, Animal Biology and Conservation, Creative Writing, Fashion Management, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Digital Media Arts, Interior Architecture and Journalism. We continue to invest in our Sixth Form provision despite the well-publicised funding constraints on schools. We are introducing new courses at Level 2 and Level 3 and were very excited at opening our new purpose built Sixth Form Centre in September. These results and our ambitious future plans show that we are a truly inclusive Sixth Form, committed to providing the best opportunities for young people of all backgrounds and abilities.

For further information and photos, please see Page 3

In this issue:

Letter from the Headteacher 2

Year 7 5

Year 8 8

Year 9 11

Year 10 12

Year 11 13

Year 12 and Year 13 14

Events for all Year Groups 16

PTA News 17

General Information 17

Dates for your Diary 19

and much more


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Dear Parents/Carers and Students Well that’s the half-term finished but what a start to the year at Tolworth Girls’ School! We were absolutely delighted with our record breaking examination results and the significant progress made by our students. Our A Level results were also the best we have ever had here in the Sixth Form – what more could we ask for? The new build – Phase 1 and 1a were open and despite a few teething problems, are proving to be an incredible addition to our school environment - a key highlight for me was seeing our students on the new MUGA and in the new Sixth Form suite. We were then visited by Ofsted; we were prepared and met the challenge with a great deal of confidence that we knew our school well, the challenges as well as the many successes. The students were described as stunning, their behaviour outstanding and the care they showed for each other as well as our staff was exemplary - I was so incredibly proud of them. Our staff were so well prepared but did put in additional hours to ensure we were really ready. Everybody helped, from the front reception who updated the notice boards, the Site Team who came in extra early ‘just in case’, the Office team who organised fruit and biscuits for all staff to sustain them during the whole process, the parents who completed the survey to the Governors who came in en masse to meet the team. We were absolutely delighted with the outcome which was so well deserved. We are aware that with this Outstanding title, there comes a great deal of responsibility to ensure we do not become complacent or let standards slip - this will not happen. We are looking at the many opportunities that this new status brings and will be working with all of parents, staff and governors to see where we go next - watch this space. New Catering Company

We have spent some time this half-term employing a new catering company to provide the food in our new facility. We decided to appoint ‘Chartwell’ who will begin this new service on 30 October 2017. The company have agreed to provide free porridge to all students for breakfast and they have worked closely with us to provide excellent food that is both affordable and tasty - it was a real perk of my job to sample all of the foods produced during the tender process. They will also be taking responsibility for the new Sixth Form café in the new centre. We are aware that there will be a great deal of interest in the new food on offer and are looking at how we can ensure all students have the time to sit and enjoy their food. We will be working with the students to see how we can best do this. Please do read the rest of the newsletter it really does reflect the outstanding events in this school. Thank you for your continued support and if you do have any questions please contact me on [email protected] Yours faithfully

Siobhán Lowe Headteacher

mailto:[email protected]


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Exam Celebrations - August 2017 - Continued from Page 1

A Level Results

There were some outstanding individual performances including: Chloe Albury secured a place at St Mary’s University to study Primary

Education having achieved three grade As and an A*.

Caitlin Gardner secured a place at University of Portsmouth to study English Literature having achieved an A and two Bs.

Emer Hicks secured a place at University of Exeter to study Biological Sciences having achieved an A*, two As and a B.

Jennifer Jenkins secured a place at University of Southampton to study Ancient History and History having achieved a Distinction, A* and two Bs.

Ahyoung Kim secured a place at University College London to study Psychology having achieved an A* and three As.

Charis McDowall secured a place at University of Sussex to study American Studies having achieved two As and two Bs.

India Price secured a place at University of London to study History of Art having achieved an A*, an A and two Bs.

Roxanne Silva secured a place at University of Surrey to study Digital Media Arts having achieved 3 As and two Bs.

Bethan Sloman secured a place at Bangor University to study French and Spanish having achieved two As and two Bs.

Samantha Su secured a place at University of Bristol to study Economics and Accounting having achieved an A*, two As, and a B.

Eleanor Wenlock secured a place at University of Surrey to study Business Management having achieved a Distinction*, an A*, an A and a B.

GCSE Results 2017

It was clear on Results’ Day that many students (and parents!) had spent a sleepless night as the changes to the GCSEs meant students were feeling more anxious than usual. However, school was buzzing with laughter and tears of joy and relief as our students achieved some of our best ever results. The hard work of our students and teachers meant that everyone was fully prepared for the challenge of the new qualifications. Our GCSE students did incredibly well despite the significant changes in the exams. Over half of all entries achieved grades A*-B, with nearly three quarters securing standard passes in both the new English and Maths qualifications (equivalent to a C or above in the old GCSEs). Over a fifth of students achieved five or more grades A* and A. Our provisional Progress 8 score is +0.35 which shows that all our students, regardless of their differing starting points, made very good progress.


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Below are some of the amazing individual performances worthy of special congratulations:

Natasha Astley - 6 A* grades and 5 A grades

Eleanor McDonnell - 8 A* grades, 2 A grades and 1 B grade

Shmaila Ahmad - 4 A* grades, 4 A grades, 3 B grades and 2 C grades

Zia Eustace - 4 A* grades, 5 grades and 2 B grades

Katherine Hatch - 4 A* grades, 4 grades and 3 B grades

Lauren Grace - 5 A* grades,4 A grades and 3 B grades

Katie Beaumont - 3 A* grades,7 A grades and 1 B grade

Abhineya Kalaiventhan - 6 A* grades, 3 A grades and 2 B grades

Niamh Gilmore - 1 A* grade, 8 A grades and 2 B grades

Evie Thompstone - 3 A* grades, 6 A grades and 1 B grade

Ria Dennis - 2 A* grades, 4 A grades, 4 B grades and 2 C grades

India Desai - 3 A* grades, 4 A grades and4 B grades

Katie Snaith - 5 A* grades, 2 A grades and 4 B grades

Maria Khan - 1 A* grade, 8 A grades and 2 B grades

Natasha Curtis - 3 A* grades, 2 A grades, 5 B grades and 1 C grade

Lucy Lawn - 1 A* grade, 7 A grades, 1 B grade and 2 C grades

Zoe Mendelson - 7 A* grades, 3 A grades and 1 B grade

Changel Sunil - 3 A* grades, 6 A grades and 2 B grades

Beth Lawrenson - 4 A* grades and 7 A grades

Jenny Bowman - 2 A* grades, 4 A grades and 5 B grades

Courtney Haughton - 2 A*s, 6 A grades, 2 B grades and 1 C grade

Burcu Parmak - 1 A* grade, 7 A grades and 4 B grades


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Year 7 News From the Academic and Pastoral Leaders, Ms Powling and Mr Pollard

The new Year 7 have made an excellent start to their life at Tolworth Girls’ School. They arrived on 8 September looking nervous but excited about the prospect of this new adventure at secondary school and have really made an excellent impression so far. The transition from primary to secondary school can be a very challenging one but both of us have been so impressed with the positive and enthusiastic way that they have taken to this in their first half-term. The feedback from their teachers has been excellent and they have brought wonderful new talent and qualities to the school. In honour of National Poetry Day on 28 September students were asked to write a poem inspired by the title ‘Autumn’. Please see the ‘Events for All Year Groups’ section of this newsletter for more information. Their first Whole School Curriculum Day on 3 October involved the English department organising a Performance Poetry Workshop with activities throughout the day. The feedback from the staff involved and also the visiting poet, was fantastic. We would however like to commend Zara, Olivia, Rebecca and Biya from 7 Sapphire who were crowned overall winners by the performance poet Kat Francois. Well done! It was also great to see so many parents at the Information Evening on Tuesday 3 October. There were presentations on a number of topics including e-safety, show my homework and forthcoming trips and activities. For those that were unable to attend, there is a copy of the PowerPoint on the school’s website. One of the highlights of this half-term was the Year 7 Disco. All dressed up with somewhere to go and didn’t they have a fun night! The only time they left the dance floor was to get their pictures taken with an amazing array of wigs and hats before racing back in to dance again. I have to thank the PTA for organising such a fantastic night. We hope that Year 7 have a restful half-term break and tutors are looking forward to meeting with you all on the Consultation Evening on Tuesday 31 October (please see the separate letter for information).

Trips and Activities - Year 7

Author Event: Kate DiCamillo - How to Make a Writer

On Tuesday 26 September, Tolworth Girls’ School welcomed author Kate DiCamillo to give a presentation to Year 7 students on her journey as a writer and for them to hear about her newest book, Raymie Nightingale. As well as using this visit to promote her new book, DiCamillo’s presentation was about giving advice to aspiring writers, using examples in her own background to give tips. DiCamillo described the three consecutive winters she spent in hospital with pneumonia as a child, and went on to talk about how the wooden characters her father brought her to tell stories with would go on to inspire an understanding of what a story could do for a person. When her family moved to Florida without her father, DiCamillo described the ‘25 years of constant sadness’ of her father not being present as a key experience that forms the basis of the characters and events in her books. Although each character will not have a missing parent, she says that “One way or another, the kid who feels lost turns up in the books”.


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This is certainly true of her latest book: Raymie Nightingale follows a young girl who enters the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition in an effort to convince her father to return home after he runs away with a dental hygienist. She is drawn into an unlikely friendship with two girls who appear as her polar opposites. The book charts the three girls in overcoming loneliness and unanswerable questions. DiCamillo told the assembled students that she received 473 rejection letters from publishers before a single offer was made to her. Now, she has written twenty-three books, with three in the works. Two of her books have been turned into feature length films, and a further two are in the early stages of pre-production. She says that she was thirty before she had the idea that it was ‘easier to do the work than not do the work’. After this, she made sure she sat down to write two pages of her current project every day without fail.

At this point, DiCamillo was living in Minneapolis, working at a book distribution centre. Her resolve to write two pages a day was not broken by the criticism of one of her colleagues, who used to greet her everyday by asking “Do you think Dickens wrote just two pages a day? What’s plan B, babe? What’s plan B for when writing doesn’t work out?”. Happily, DiCamillo says that now she can imagine the same colleague “pushing along huge boxes in the book warehouse, full of books with my name on them.” She also advises anyone writing a book to be patient, saying “don’t just sit down and expect the words to come. The first draft will be terrible before it is good.” DiCamillo revealed she redrafts books up

to nine times before she is happy with them. Her three top tips for anyone wanting to become an author are: Read a lot, carry a notebook at all times, and constantly observe people (“Get on a bus, with a notebook, and listen”).

Her way of writing has not changed. DiCamillo still writes two pages every day as a minimum. After the publication of one of her books, she never reads it from beginning to end for fear that if she did she would begin to question all of the writing and regret the choices she made for the story. DiCamillo also cannot pick a favourite book she has written, saying that asking a writer to pick their favourite book is like asking a parent which of their children they like best. Instead, she says “I see them as individuals and love them equally.” Having seen the sculptures and paintings in the Library, Kate asked to visit our Art department and said she was wowed by all the evident talent of both our students and our teachers.


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Performance Poetry: Whole School Curriculum Day

On Tuesday 3 October normal timetables were suspended and Year 7 took part in a unique and one-off Performance Poetry Workshop. Students had the privilege of spending the day with the renowned performance poet Kat Francois. Kat is not only a performance poet, but a playwright, director, actor, comedian and personal trainer! She was the first person to win a televised poetry slam in the UK, on BBC3 in 2004, and a year later went on to win the World Slam Poetry Championships in Rotterdam. Kat has worked with young people for many years, as a youth worker and teacher of dance, drama, poetry and performance skills. She has also performed numerous times on radio and television including BLUE PETER and the BIG POETRY SLAM. On the day, students were given the opportunity to explore and deepen their poetry writing and performance skills, as well as being treated to a whole host of activities, some of which included mystery food tasting; poetry performances delivered by Kat; voice and performance exercises, alongside being able to write, perform and compete in a ‘Poetry Slam’ in the afternoon. The work produced and the performances delivered were absolutely stunning and huge congratulations to the groups who won the slam (please see the below photos). We hope to repeat the event next year- watch this space!

The Winning Team with Kat Francois All three winning teams with Kat Francois “Poetry Rules!”

Women in Science Day

Women in Science was celebrated with much success at Tolworth Girls’ School on Friday 6 October. The whole day was dedicated to the celebration of women in science and sixteen scientists visited Tolworth to speak with Year 7 and Year 11 students. The visiting scientists were: Dr Deena Gibbons

Lecturer in Immunology King’s College London Dr. Sankari Nagarajan Research Associate, Jason Carroll’s Lab Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK-CI) Krystel-Rose Leroux Senior DNA Forensic Examiner LGC (Laboratory of Government Chemistry)


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Rebecca Broome Research Scientist/PhD Student/Cancer Biology Researcher Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

Charlotte Raybould Forensic Examiner working in Volume Crime LGC Forensics in Teddington

Sophie Paulson MSc Human and Applied Psychology Student King's College London

Sharon Gowan Senior Scientific Officer Institute of Cancer Research Dr Lisa Pritchard STEM Outreach Officer Kingston University, London

Dr Jemma Walker Statistician in Vaccine Research London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Jacqueline Campbell PhD Student, Imaging Group UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory

Students spent time with each scientist, finding out about the scientists’ education, pathway into science and subsequent use of science in their day to day job. The event was a huge success and Tolworth students were commended for their enthusiasm, interest and insightful questioning. Many thanks goes to all those who helped the day run so smoothly.

Year 8 News From the Academic and Pastoral Leader, Mr Otermin and the Deputy Academic and Pastoral Leader, Miss Clark

It has been an amazing start of the year for Year 8. The first three weeks have been packed with opportunities to extend their learning outside of the classroom. We had a trip to the West End to enjoy an excellent performance of Matilda. The girls loved it and they proved truly excellent ambassadors for the school. The participation of Year 8 in the Poem Day competition was incredible, with many entries of a very high quality. Sophie McKenzie told us about her experience in becoming a successful writer. The girls adore her books as they identify themselves with the characters easily. Some even managed to get a signed copy of her latest book! We had the ‘Take Your Daughter to Work Day’, and Year 8 students used the opportunity to discover what a day in the life of a working adult looks like.

If this is not enough, during the Whole School Curriculum Day we visited the Tower of London. We learned about what the Tower was used for and we had a comprehensive tour including appreciating the Crown Jewels. Luckily the weather was glorious!


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Tower of London

On Tuesday 3 October, students from Year 8 visited the Tower of London as part of their studies on the Tudors. The feedback from students and staff involved was very positive and some of the highlights of the day included visiting the Crown Jewels, the Medieval Wall Walk and the armoury exhibits in the White Tower. An excellent and informative time was had by all, below are some of the comments made by students in 8 Amethyst and 8 Sapphire reflecting on the visit.

“I really enjoyed our Year 8 trip to the Tower of London on Tuesday because I found everything so interesting to look at. I had never visited the Tower before, so it was amazing to be in a place with so much history. I was most looking forward to seeing the Crown Jewels, and they certainly didn’t disappoint! They were so beautiful! Overall, I am really glad that I went on the trip, it was great.”

Charlotte - 8S

“At the Tower of London we saw and learnt many things. We saw the Crown Jewels, orbs and jewelled sceptres. After that, we visited the Armoury which was filled with thousands of helmets, swords and horse armour. There was also a book which was 937 pages long containing all the armour and weaponry that was kept in the Tower of London. Next we visited the tower that Edward IV’s heirs were possibly murdered. Then we saw many different torture weapons used in the Tower, which looked agonising. Finally, before we left we met many ravens who we took many funny photos with. Overall, the trip was phenomenal and we learnt many valuable things.”

Eleanna - 8A


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Sophie McKenzie - Author Visit at Tolworth Girls’ School

On the afternoon of Wednesday 27 September, crime fiction writer, Sophie McKenzie visited Tolworth Girls’ school. BookMunch hosted a fun lunch in the Library for Sophie. They were joined by Emma, the publicist from Simon & Schuster and Vanessa, our Youth Librarian from Kingston Libraries. After fielding a barrage of questions from the Book Group, Sophie arrived in the Hall to where all of Year 8 were waiting to greet her. Sophie told them how she had left journalism to write full time and her journey as a crime writer. She gave us writing tips and kept her audience spellbound as she read from her latest book ‘SweetFreak’.

Then it was over to a panel of Year 8 students. Emma, Isabella, Mya, Millie and Rusul had read preview copies of SweetFreak and were ready to grill Sophie. The panel led the discussions on cyber crime and online bullying and friendship issues which were central to the plot of this novel. After Sophie and our Year 8 panel were thanked, there was ample opportunity to talk to Sophie, buy her books and have it signed. Overall, it was a great start to our literary year.

Here are some examples of Year 8 feedback: “What I enjoyed most about seeing Sophie McKenzie was when she read out loud, her voice was so expressive and when she came to a sudden stop - I wanted to know more.” “What I enjoyed most about seeing Sophie McKenzie was … I felt that she understood everyone’s feelings, and can understand how it feels to be adopted or alone etc.” “What I enjoyed most about seeing Sophie McKenzie was … her writing is full of tension and suspense, which makes you want to turn the page.” “What I enjoyed most about seeing Sophie McKenzie was that she is very inspiring, she gave us lots of tips.” What I enjoyed most about seeing Sophie McKenzie was … she never gave up on her dreams.


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Year 9 News From the Academic and Pastoral Leader, Mrs Chiddy-Gosling and the Deputy Academic and Pastoral Leader, Mr Flood

We are very pleased to say that Year 9 have had an extremely positive start to the year. The students are of course aware that this is 'Options Year', which has really focused many of them on their studies in new ways. As the time for making selections gets nearer, we will ensure that students and parents are kept informed regarding decision-making and school events around GCSE Options. The year group have been offered some very exciting opportunities outside of the classroom, including trials for the Wimbledon Ball Girls programme, and Miss Kelly was delighted to see so many of our year arrive for the first session. They have also been informed of the RAF Cadets programme, which can offer a whole range of new experiences, discipline and adventure. During tutorial sessions this half-term, the students are working on 'Taking Care of Me', which focuses on nurturing self-esteem, positive body image and healthy routines - including understanding the aspects of life that can make all of these things difficult, and how to overcome them. Year 9 clearly enjoyed their Whole School Curriculum Day on 3 October, during which they took part in sessions encompassing the Practical Arts. The next Curriculum Day will be a pastoral one, and build on the themes established in tutorial. This year, each form is being asked to deliver an assembly to the rest of the year group, which is designed to develop teamwork skills, speaking in front of others, and taking ownership over their topic choices and preparation. Lots of the students have already decided what they'd like to deliver - we hope that their energy and enthusiasm is maintained throughout the year!

It has been so good to see our Year 8 students volunteering their help around school this term and in so many different ways. There are eleven Year 8 Pupil Librarians currently assisting in the Library. Some of whom are pictured here. Their help is invaluable, especially at busy break and lunchtimes. Mrs Marillat is entering our students for The Pupil Librarian of the Year Award, so watch this space Year 8.

It’s not too late to apply to join the team just complete an application form after half-term.

Spot the Year 8s in this recent photo of the Book Club hosting a Lunch with author, Sophie McKenzie. The big question is who will be representing Year 8 at the next Kids’ Lit Quiz? The team selection will be made after half term… for the London Heat at King’s College, Wimbledon on Monday 27 November 2017.


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Genocide Awareness Day 2017

Twelve Year 10 students travelled to Hampton School to join others from across London for an annual ‘Genocide Awareness Day’ event in early October. The day consisted of talks from three survivors of Genocide, the Bosnia, Rwanda and Holocaust. The students were able to hear one speak before asking questions to all three. One question asked by a Tolworth student was ‘do you forgive those who did this to you’ which elicited a range of interesting responses from the survivors. It was evidence that in some cases, even the worst of crimes can be forgiven. However, in other cases, it simply could not.

Year 10 News From the Academic and Pastoral Leader, Miss Kelly

A warm welcome back to all students, parents and carers. Thank you very much to all who were able to attend the Year 10 Tutor Information Evening. It was the first time it had been held in September and was a valuable experience for tutors and parents alike. As ever, attendance is going to be one of the primary focuses for the year ahead. It is vital that students are in school, attending lessons, learning and completing independent homework tasks to the highest of standards. Good attendance is inextricably linked with good progress and outcomes at GCSE. I am grateful to all parents for their support in ensuring their daughters attend school on time every day. After just the first half-term Year 10 are currently above target with 95.7% which is fantastic, let’s keep it up!

I appreciate that the start of the GCSE courses can be both exciting and quite nerve-wracking for students. I have been really impressed by the commitment they have shown to their studies so far, they really have hit the ground running! However, it is also very important for students to be mindful of their wellbeing and to reach out if they need someone to turn to. Please do encourage your daughters to make time to relax and remember that if they feel that things are getting on top of them, we are here to support them.

As part of the tutorial program we have been focusing on mental health. Over the next half-term, in the lead up to Christmas, students will be exploring ‘Our World’, looking in to current affairs around poverty, war, and multi-ethnic societies to name a few.

Best wishes to all for the academic year ahead!


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Year 11 News From the Academic and Pastoral Leader, Mr Mirshemirani and the

I would like to firstly thank all Year 11 students for coming back to school with such purpose and resolve. We were lucky enough to be visited by Ofsted a mere week after our return and I was very proud to be able to showcase such a resilient and hardworking year group. Each student faces their own challenges at Tolworth and I am always humbled by the continual commitment to growth, challenge and, where appropriate, transformation, that is evident in all students. I write this on the back of a hugely successful Whole School Curriculum Day, aptly named 'Wonder Women' partly after those women who have paved the way for others through their own success, but chiefly after the fantastic students who took part in the day. Students were reflective, creative, energetic and passionate in the activities we put on. Between the calmness of meditation and confronting the ego, and the chaos of escaping a sinking ship and dancing, I hope all students managed to find time to consider their own paths to success. In tutorial, students are focusing on Careers with an eye on final decisions for next year. Many parents came in to visit our new Sixth Form block and I'm sure they will agree it adds a terrific new dimension to our growing school. We were really pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the effective transitions we make from Key Stage 4 into Sixth Form to Ofsted when they visited last month. As a Sixth Form teacher of Philosophy myself, I can certainly testify to the academic and personal faculties of the new Year 12 students. Having supported the development of this year group for almost five years I hope to see the majority return to Tolworth Girls’ School for Sixth Form, partly because I know that they will be adequately challenged in class, but crucially because I know they will be supported well personally over the two years. October has been busy with Geography fields trips, the re-launch of Debate Club and the annual Women in Science Day, although I dare say that many students have one eye on the mock exams which begin on 11 December. We will be using tutorial time to effectively support students with their development of study skills after half-term and I know that most subjects will be putting on extra sessions to help extend or boost the learning of Year 11 students. I would like to make a special mention of the outstanding prefects we have in Year 11 who have shown fantastic leadership skills this term. I'm really proud of them and will enjoy working with them all over the course of the year. Finally, thank you as always to parents and carers who support our school so well, both in mirroring our expectations of the students and in communicating with us to help us grow as a community.

In the afternoon, the students participated in workshops on poetry, journalism, art and exhibition making. Their work will be displayed in school over the coming weeks for others to learn about the atrocities that are still being perpetrated around the world today. Throughout the day, the students made some outstanding contributions and did Tolworth Girls’ School proud.


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GCSE PE Residential Trip - 22-24 September 2017

Twenty-six Year11 GCSE students spent a weekend at High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre in Dorking as part of their GCSE practical. Students completed an intense course of Rock Climbing over the three days in which they were assessed. Other activities over the weekend included Abseiling, traversing and belaying. Challenges of team work, trust and communication were developed in the evenings with group activities.

Years 12 and 13 News From the Assistant Director of Sixth Form, Mr Boyce

This has been an exciting new start for both Year 12 and Year 13 students. The new Sixth Form area is superb and students are making the very best use of the facilities. Visitors are continually impressed, not only by the building but also by our students themselves and how well they are working. Year 12 began the year by spending the day team building with the Army and by all accounts they did superbly. The team running the course were impressed by their commitment and willingness to try new things. This willingness to accept and rise to new challenges has also been reflected in the way they have begun their A Level courses. Year 13 have also welcomed their new area and are thriving. Students are currently finalising UCAS applications or making plans for the future with many applying early for Oxbridge to study Medicine and Dentistry. We wish these early applicants and every student applying to UCAS the very best of luck and thank their tutors in advance for their hard work.

Women in Science Day

Women in Science was celebrated with much success at Tolworth Girls’ School on Friday 6 October. The whole day was dedicated to the celebration of women in science and sixteen scientists visited Tolworth to speak with Year 7 and Year 11 students.

Information on the visiting scientists can be found in the Year 7 section of this newsletter.

Students spent time with each scientist, finding out about the scientists’ education, pathway into science and subsequent use of science in their day to day job. The event was a huge success and Tolworth students were commended for their enthusiasm, interest and insightful questioning. Many thanks goes to all those who helped the day run so smoothly.


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Trips and Activities - Years 12 and 13

Success in the Royal Society of Biology's Intermediate Biology Olympiad

Five students from Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form took part in the Royal Society of Biology's Intermediate Biology Olympiad; a one hour exam covering many aspects of Biology, extending far beyond the A Level syllabus. Angela Dolamulla Hewa Kankanange did extremely well, finishing in the top 7% in the country and achieved the highest honour of the gold award. The prize is attending a free Ecology day in October with the National Field Studies Council with the other gold award winners.

From Student to Published Author

The English department are delighted to announce that Rachel, a Year 13 student studying English Literature and Creative Writing, has had her work professionally published. Rachel’s debut novel, Nowhere Else But Here, is set to be released for publication in March 2018 by Black & White Publishing (under their YA imprint called Ink Road) based in Edinburgh. Rachel got into writing when she was thirteen and discovered the website Wattpad, which is where she posted her writing before being approached by Black & White Publishing House. For a few years, Rachel used the site solely for reading – she particularly liked the concept that anyone can post their writing and stories on the site, and reading some of the incredibly engaging and gripping stories inspired Rachel to start writing and posting some of her own stories. After a long time attempting to finish multiple stories and then deleting them when she lost motivation, Rachel finally managed to finish her first ever novel. Rachel highly recommends Wattpad to other students, especially if they are struggling to get noticed by other readers and writers. She also thinks it is great for practising and developing writing – Rachel found that she learnt so much about writing on Wattpad, and this, combined with her English studies, enabled Rachel to continually improve until she finally got noticed. Rachel was approached by the staff who run the website. They wanted Rachel’s novel to feature on their homepage – this was then, how an editor for the publishing company noticed and contacted her. Rachel’s story is one of true inspiration. It is a reminder to all aspiring, young writers that if you persevere you can, and will, be successful. If you want to find out more about Rachel’s novel, a brief synopsis for the novel is written below:

Rose Valentine prefers to keep herself to herself. Life is easier when you stick to the rules and stay out of other people's business. So why is she so intrigued by Theo Lockhart? Sure, he's handsome - everyone knows that, including him. Sometimes he makes her laugh. But he's also aloof, moody and impossible to get to know. Rose should know, she's tried. When Theo disappears from town, Rose assumes he's done a runner. She's sure of it - right up until he turns up on her doorstep, asking to hide out at her house. Letting him in means going against everything Rose believes in. It's reckless and definitely against the rules.

But there's something about Theo that makes Rose want to break the rules...


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Events for all Year Groups

Autumn brings change for all,

As it is when the leaves all fall.

Back to school with new blazer sleeves,

Watching around you all the leaves.

Halloween brings tricks or a treat,

Bonfire night can be enjoyed with meat.

Autumn is filled with so much colour, Every other season is so much duller.

By Isabella Topley (8 Emerald)

Year 8 Winner

National Poetry Day - 28 September 2017

In honour of National Poetry Day on 28 September, students were asked to write a poem inspired by the title 'Autumn.' Many students also attended a lunchtime Poetry Slam to share their work and celebrate all things poetic. Miss Kemp and Mrs Marillat were blown away by the number of written entries and slam participants; thank you to all students for your enthusiasm! Here, we are proud to publish the winning poems:

With hair of orange and yellow,

Lips of cherry red,

Her eyes like conkers,

Her jacket floating in the morning wind.

With mist brushing against her pale face,

She brushes her cold hand against

The railing of the abandoned hotel.

She quietly enters the dusty reception,

She stops and listens to rats scuttling along floorboards,

She sits at the creaking piano

And engraves a date and a name,

It reads: Summer. 23/09/17.

She was gone but never forgotten.

Her hair of orange and yellow,

Lips of cherry red,

Her gorgeous eyes like conkers.

23/09/17. Summer gone but never forgotten.

By Lily Painter and Madeline Drake (9 Emerald)

Year 9 Winners

As summer took its last breath,

Autumn started to take over.

The lush green leaves started changing colour,

Into hot, flaming red, lava orange

And glistening gold.

There was a blanket full of energetic colours

Cascaded everywhere,

The colourful trees turned naked bare,

They felt cold.

They tried to get out,

But it was no use, they were lifeless,

The wind hit the trees and played a sad song.

Meanwhile, the leaves were fighting,

Fighting for victory.

As each one died they danced all the way down,

And fell dramatically.

They were dead.

Soon winter will come. Nothing will stand a chance.

By Taaniya Sadiq (7 Garnet)

Year 7 Winner

Overall Winner

One by one the petals drop

There’s nothing that can make them stop.

You cannot beg a rose to stay.

Why does it have to be this way?

The butterflies I used to chase

Have gone off to some other place.

I don’t know where.

I only know

I wish they didn’t have to go.

And all the shiny afternoons

So full of birds and big balloons

And ice cream melting in the sun are done.

I do not want them done.

Vibrant colours on the ground,

Ladybirds scarper on the leaves,

Camouflaging into the rainbow On the floor.

By Milita Dragunaite (7 Garnet)


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Students Contact Details

Please can parents inform the school immediately of any changes in your daughter’s/son’s contact details.

These are very important and must be kept up to date in case of student illness or a school emergency.

ParentPay Reminder

Please can we remind Parents/Carers to use ParentPay or PayPoint if you do not have a computer to pay for trips or other items the school requests money for.

We will continue to send out activation letters to those who send in cash or cheques. Paying by ParentPay is a much more secure way of paying, also it is very convenient for parents who can pay at any time.

We thank you for your cooperation. The Finance Team

Have you any items of unwanted or outgrown TGS PE kits?

Should there be any unwanted items of PE kit which are now redundant please could you bring them into Reception, marked for the attention of the PE department. They will be met with open arms! Unwanted kit is always in great demand and used to support those who have lost or forgotten their kit for lessons, so that students can still be taught and integrated. If your daughter is in Year 11 and will sadly be leaving Tolworth Girls’ School, we would be more than happy to receive her kit! Track bottoms, t-shirts, trainers and yellow socks would be very welcome and put to good use. Many thanks.

PE Department

PTA News

Year 7 Disco - Friday 6 October

Most of the year group came to the School Disco. They all seemed to enjoy themselves dancing, making song requests, taking selfies and enjoying the fun atmosphere. Thank you to the handful of busy parents and teachers who made this event possible; without you, these extra activities just do not happen.

Future Event - Christmas Festive Foyer

The next event is the Christmas Festive Foyer which is on Thursday 7 December during break and lunchtime. If any parent would like to help at this event, or help by making cookies, cakes and small gifts could you please contact [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


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Reminder from First Aid

Parents are reminded to inform the school if there are changes to the following:

Emergency contact details.

Medical conditions that can emerge as students mature.

Changes to medication.

We request that all parents whose child suffers from Severe Asthma or Severe Allergies provide the school with a named up-to-date Inhaler or Epipen.

If the medicine becomes out of date, you will be informed and you must replace the medicine immediately; we as a school will take no responsibility if you fail to provide a replacement.

Did you know that whenever you buy anything online you could be raising a free donation for Tolworth Girls’ School?

There are nearly 3,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, and Sainsbury's - it doesn't cost you a penny extra!

It's really simple, all you have to do is:

1. Join - Head to Tolworth Girls’ School PTA – Surbiton (TGS PTA) and sign up for free. 2. Shop - Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising.org.uk first, pick the retailer you want and start shopping. 3. Raise - After you've checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause for no extra cost whatsoever!

There are no catches or hidden charges and Tolworth Girls’ School will be really grateful for your donations. Thank you for your support.

Health and Safety reminder from the Science Department

All students in the laboratory must wear safety goggles. This includes when a student across the lab is still working on their practical task and you have finished your experiment for the day. This simple precaution can eliminate the danger of eye injury caused by you or your neighbour spattering chemicals or breaking glass. Another important protection for your eyes is to avoid rubbing your fingers in or near your eyes. Chemicals can easily be transferred from your hands to your eyes in this way.

All students are required to wear a lab coat at all times when anyone is working with chemicals in the lab. A lab coat is more than a uniform identifying you as a scientist; it affords you some protection from spills of hot or corrosive materials as well as protecting your school uniform.


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SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES FOR 2017-2018

KEY DATES FOR AUTUMN TERM 2017

HALF-TERM HOLIDAY Monday 23 October - Friday 27 October 2017

Students Return Monday 30 October 2017

Year 7 Tutor Evening Tuesday 31 October 2017 (3.45pm - 6.45pm)

Year 12 Tutor Evening Tuesday 31 October 2017 (3.45pm - 6.45pm)

Early Closure for Students Tuesday 14 November 2017 (1.15pm)

Sixth Form Open Evening Tuesday 14 November 2017 (6.00pm)

Year 13 Parents’ Evening Tuesday 21 November 2017 (3.45pm - 6.45pm)

Mufti Day Friday 24 November 2017

Year 9 Parents’ Evening Tuesday 5 December 2017 (3.45pm - 6.45pm)

PTA Festive Foyer Thursday 7 December 2017 (Break and Lunchtime)

Year 13 Mock Exams Monday 11 December - Friday 15 December 2017

Year 11 Mock Exams Monday 11 December - Wednesday 20 December 2017

Students’ Christmas Lunch Wednesday 13 December 2017

Christmas Concert - School Hall Tuesday 19 December 2017 (7.00pm)

Early Closure for Students Wednesday 20 December 2017 (1.15pm)

Year 13 Charity Christmas Lunch Wednesday 20 December 2017 (1.30pm)

Early Closure for students - Last Day of Term Years 9, 10 and 11 Years 7 and 8

Thursday 21 December 2017 Approximately 11.00am Approximately 12.30 noon

SPRING TERM 2018 Monday 8 January – Thursday 29 March 2018

Students Return Monday 8 January 2018

HALF-TERM HOLIDAY Monday 12 February - 16 February 2018

Students Return Monday 19 February 2018

Last Day of Term Thursday 29 March 2018

SUMMER TERM 2018 Friday 13 April - Wednesday 18 July 2018

INSET DAY - School Closed for Staff Training Friday 13 April 2018

Students Return Monday 16 April 2018

BANK HOLIDAY Monday 7 May 2018

HALF-TERM HOLIDAY Monday 28 May - Friday 1 June 2018

Students Return Monday 4 June 2018

INSET DAY - School Closed for Staff Training Monday 2 July 2018

Last Day of Term Wednesday 18 July 2018

Documents

Exam Celebrations - August 2017fluencycontent2-schoolwebsite.netdna-ssl.com/FileCluster/...Exam Celebrations - August 2017 A Level Results We would like to congratulate all our Sixth