This half term, Year 8 have begun learning about energy and the transfers that take place within particles via conduction, convection and radiation. Miss Mansell made “Gem’s cosy cottage” a while ago and it’s been passed around the department and got a bit battered. 8S5 decided they wanted to improve on it. So, using only rescued or recycled materials, they produced a cardboard house, which can be used in a rather captivating experiment to show how heat loss by conduction, convection and radiation can be reduced by using things such as curtains, carpet and double glazing. The box that Luke, Tom and Rei Mei made was so impressive, Mrs Shaw from the University of Birmingham gladly received it. It can be used as a teaching tool for pupils and future teachers! To say thanks, she sent back a packet of lovely biscuits and some University of Birmingham badges that the pupils can wear with pride. An excellent example of Telling School and Valuable Contribution.

Well done!

To recognise the commitment and positive engagement of pupils involved in the peer mentoring programme this Spring term, we were delighted to reward mentors and mentees with a bowling trip. It was fantastic to see pupils enjoying the experience together, strengthening relationships and celebrating their shared achievements.

Throughout the visit, pupils demonstrated the values that underpin our school community, showing kindness, encouragement and respect for one another. The interactions between mentors and mentees reflected the caring culture we continue to build, where pupils feel supported and connected.

This trip was a well-deserved opportunity to recognise the effort, resilience and leadership shown by all involved. We are incredibly proud of how our pupils have embraced the peer mentoring programme and contributed to a positive, inclusive and supportive school environment. Well done to all of our mentors and mentees!

In order to fulfil our promise to create enriching opportunities for our pupils, the English Faculty have invited the production team from Katch 22, to perform 'Macbeth'. Y10 watched the performance as they are currently studying the play in preparation for the summer exams. This opportunity allows pupils to see Shakespeare in action and covers 20% of their English Literature GCSE. 

The actors were able to draw out key themes, characters and context for pupils with the Q&A session afterwards. The boys asked some insightful questions and gained some useful interpretations for their revision.

We would like to congratulate our Year 8 pupils for the mature and proactive way they have taken responsibility for their own learning by engaging in catch-up sessions, during Monday morning form-time. Those who have engaged in catch-up sessions are showing real commitment to improving their understanding and closing gaps in knowledge. The use of carefully tailored video content ensures that each pupil can revisit key concepts at their own pace, helping to build confidence and strengthen their skills. Just as importantly, their participation highlights a clear understanding of the value of strong school attendance and the positive impact it has on academic success. This dedication and independence are excellent habits that will continue to help develop our pupils to become resilient, confident and successful individuals.

Our Year 11 pupils were treated to a live performance of their GCSE English Literature text  ‘An Inspector Calls’ last week. Ahead of their final GCSE exams, pupils watched the actors explore key themes, character and quotes live and in role. Following the performance, the actors hosted a Q&A session and explained some of their directorial choices. The boys enjoyed the performance and will be well equipped to use the performance in their mock feedback lessons and their final examinations in May. They asked some really insightful questions which confirmed that their learning had been enhanced by experiencing live theatre. Katch 22 will be returning to TGBS next year to perform Macbeth for our Year 10 and 11 pupils. 

We would like to congratulate all pupils who have engaged with the peer mentoring programme throughout the Spring term. Our peer mentors have demonstrated impressive maturity, responsibility and leadership, acting as positive role models within our school community. At the same time, our Year 7 mentees have shown resilience, developed their confidence and communication skills, and made meaningful improvements in their attendance. Their collective efforts highlight the positive impact of working together and reflect our commitment to developing confident, successful individuals within a caring and supportive school environment.

The Year 8 and Year 9 trip to Paris was a truly memorable experience for both pupils and staff. Over the course of the visit, pupils had the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic attractions in France, including a day at Disneyland and a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to Disneyland, where pupils embraced the experience with enthusiasm and positivity. They demonstrated excellent behaviour throughout the day, showing respect for one another, staff, and members of the public. Their ability to follow instructions and remain organised in a busy and exciting environment was particularly impressive.

The group also visited the Eiffel Tower, where pupils were able to take in spectacular views of Paris. This was a fantastic cultural experience, and pupils engaged with it maturely, showing curiosity and appreciation for their surroundings.

Across the entire trip, behaviour was consistently outstanding.  Pupils represented the school with pride, displaying kindness, cooperation, and a strong sense of responsibility. Notably, they showed excellent time management skills—arriving promptly at meeting points, keeping to schedules, and supporting one another to stay organised.

Staff were particularly proud to see the boys being recognised by members of other schools and the public for their exemplary behaviour. This external recognition was a testament to the pupils’ maturity and the high standards they upheld throughout the trip.

In addition to being an enjoyable experience, the visit played a significant role in developing pupils’ cultural capital. By engaging with new environments, landmarks, and experiences, pupils broadened their understanding of the world beyond the classroom, helping to build confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures.

Overall, the trip was a great success. The pupils should be commended for their conduct and maturity, which played a key role in making the experience so enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.

Pupils have been working on developing their oracy skills during their PSHE lessons this term. On 11 March, pupils in 8X2 demonstrated their ability to Turn and Talk when they were exploring the change in the character of Edward in Blood Brothers.  As part of the process of Turn and Talk, pupils first reflected independently on the question posed and record their thoughts on their mini whiteboards.  After they had formulated their ideas, they were able to discuss in more detail – in the lesson it was clear that this led to higher quality discussions when pupils shared their thoughts with a partner.  In English lessons, pupils have the opportunity to regularly Turn and Talk and this should enable them to develop their skills in both speaking and listening.

Science Club and Diversity Club have teamed up to celebrate LGBT History Month. We had a wonderful (online) guest speaker Sarah Cosgiff from Schools Out, and LGBT+ Education Charity.

Sarah shared some of her history as a scientists and a member of the LGBT+ community. She explained some of the challenges scientists and teachers have struggled with throughout history including Section 28. We also celebrated the innovation of some LGBT figures. In particular, we learned about:

• Barbara Burford, a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines
• Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
• Elke Mackenzie, a lichenologist who researched lichens in Antarctica
• Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs
• Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method

Science Club and Diversity Club members asked a lot of really interesting questions, varying from specific science questions about cells, LGBT+ scientists and how Sarah herself became interested in science.  

More information about Schools Out can be found on their website: LGBT+ History Month 2026 - LGBT+ History Month including some short videos about the scientists we leaved about.

Well done and thank you too all the pupils who took part, to Sarah Cosgiff for the fascinating presentation and brilliant answers to (many, many) questions.