This half term, Year 8 have kicked off their curriculum by looking at the human body. For one lesson, we were looking at how joints allow for movement and made models using paper and string to show how when biceps contract, the arm bends but when triceps contract, the arm straightens. There were many examples in this lesson of “Respectful to All” and “Valuable Contribution” with pupils helping each other out to get the model to work as it was quite fiddly.
Last week in English we completed our first 'Key Piece' assessment for 'A Christmas Carol'. Drawing on our Key Stage 3 use of the deconstructed essay, we began to use the analytical skills mapped across Years 7-9. Linking key skill from Year 9 assessments helped to introduce Year 10 to our common approaches to GCSE English. Pupils were pleased to see how their KS3 curriculum skills could be applied to their GCSE studies quickly and effectively. Pupils were able to identify where the skills are being further developed in their work and challenge themselves to more sophisticated interpretations.
Year 11 are preparing for their forthcoming mock examinations this week with a series of lead lessons and walking talking mocks for their core subjects.
Pupils have the opportunity to have specific exam content or common approaches to specific exam papers delivered to them by members of staff from TGBS and the school improvement team.
Feedback from year on year shows that pupils enjoy these bespoke sessions and appreciate the exam style approach to preparing them for what can be quite a daunting exam experience. Pupils prefer to have these sessions in this way so that they do not feel overwhelmed in their actual exams and get used to the exam conditions confidently.
This week they have had Maths masterclasses and walking talking mocks for English Language.
This half term, our Year 8 boys have been studying Animal Farm by George Orwell, a powerful and thought-provoking allegory that explores themes of power, corruption, and equality. As part of their learning, the pupils have focused on the “Seven Commandments” created by the animals in the story — rules designed to guide their new society after the rebellion. These commandments form the foundation for the rest of the novel, mirroring how the Ten Commandments in the Bible serve as moral guidelines for human behaviour.
To deepen their understanding, the boys have created a series of imaginative and visually striking posters that interpret and illustrate the Seven Commandments. Each poster reflects not only their grasp of Orwell’s ideas, but also their ability to connect literature to wider moral and religious concepts. Through colour, imagery, and thoughtful design, the pupils have brought to life the tension between idealism and corruption that lies at the heart of Animal Farm.
This project has encouraged the pupils to think critically about how rules and principles can be manipulated, and how power can alter the meaning of justice and equality. It has also given them the chance to express their creativity and analytical skills in new and engaging ways. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, imagination, and insight they have shown. Their posters are a testament to their deepening understanding of literature, history, and the enduring relevance of Orwell’s message today.
Our reading rewards vending machine continues to be a focal point of our weekly celebrations on a Friday lunchtime in the new year. Pupils from all year groups are considered and selected for a range of approaches to demonstrating our TURVES Values, representing the school and attendance at extra-curricular clubs.
10/10/2025
Winners this week include:
Year 7: George - has had an excellent start to TGBS, demonstrating many of our values each day and working hard in all of his subjects.
Year 8: Ollie - a polite, respectful pupil who demonstrates our Turves values in all that he does.
Year 9: Abdullah - a polite, hardworking pupil who puts in 100% effort into everything.
Year 10: Jamie – a quiet but hardworking young man who has started year 10 off outstandingly.
Year 11: Charlie - for his excellent start to the year and determination shown across all subjects. Charlie has really shown he is ready to work hard to get the grades he deserves
03/10/2025
Winners this week include:
Year 7: T Mitchell – understated and determined. He will smash his work and is being nominated by multiple members of staff. Keep it up!
Year 8: G Deeley – a polite and respectful young man that has made a really positive start to year 8.
Year 9: J Sibanda - a quiet, polite, hardworking pupil who has settled in tremendously since starting TGBS.
Year 10: Y Khan – excellent start for this young man who came from a different house and has been a great addition to the Austin roster.
Year 11: A Kilburn has turned it around after a shaky start to Year 11, well done!
26/09/2025:
Winners this week include:
Year 7: A Slotta – polite, respectful, hardworking. He has made a real positive start at TGBS.
Year 8: L Brown – a hardworking, considerate, and respectful young man who exemplifies our values on a daily basis.
Year 9: M Jinks - for an excellent performance in the Matthew show.
Year 10: T Fox- his efforts do not go unseen in the classroom, there has been many good things said about his work ethic particularly in English
Year 11: O Perret – an excellent performance playing Miss Trunchbull in Matthew show.
12/09/2025:
Winners this week include:
Year 9: D Hawkins – great start to September
Year 10: L Taggart – fantastic approach to KS4 & GCSEs.
Year 11: A Burton: Approaching year 11 with a great mindset. A polite, respectful, hardworking young man.
05/09/2025
Winners this week include:
Year 7: Alfred L - Amazing start to TGBS, showing many of our Turves values each day.
Year 8: Archie M: Has started year 8 with an excellent approach, one that I would expect nothing less than. Always a polite and respectful young man who lives our values.
Year 9: Lamar L Has come back to school a new person. Polite, mature and focused. Has had an outstanding first week back.
Year 10: Doubra P great start to KS4
Year 11: Noah T mature start to Year 11
Pupils in Year 10 have recently completed their first Key Piece for their GCSE English Literature. They have read the first stave of A Christmas Carol and they were asked to consider how Scrooge is presented as an isolated figure. In order to write their response, pupils followed a Common Approach which they will refine as they make their way through the course. The work here was produced by students in 10X1. In particular, well done to Y Khan, C Murphy, A Williams, M Clark, D Daio and I Sayyad for their attempts – some of which you can see here.
A group of fifteen Year 10 engineering pupils recently visited A Edmonds & Co in Birmingham City Centre, they had the opportunity to tour the company’s wood and metalworking factories and workshops. During the visit, the pupils gained valuable insights into the practical applications of their studies and were introduced to a variety of potential career paths within the engineering and manufacturing industries. The experience also highlighted the range of apprenticeship opportunities available, helping pupils to better understand how they can build their skills and start their professional journeys in these trades.
In a bold and imaginative twist on a modern classic, Turves Green Boys' School brought Roald Dahl’s beloved Matilda the Musical to life this September, but with a clever reimagining that made it uniquely their own. Enter Matthew the Musical a heartfelt, humorous, and high-energy adaptation that swapped the precocious girl genius for a bright, book-loving boy, delivering both a crowd-pleasing spectacle and a powerful message about resilience, kindness, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
While the core of the story remained the same a young child misunderstood by his family and mistreated by a tyrannical Headteacher, who discovers the power of his mind and his voice the shift to a male protagonist brought fresh perspective and allowed for a deeper connection with the all-boys pupil body. The character of Matthew felt immediately authentic: a quiet thinker, a lover of stories, and a champion for justice.
Matthew's journey resonated strongly with both performers and audience members, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, literacy, and confidence in young individuals.
Year 8 pupil A Moore gave a standout performance in the title role, bringing emotional depth, humour, and vulnerability to Matthew. With clear diction, expressive acting, and strong vocals, A Moore captured the audience’s hearts and carried the show with impressive maturity.
Supporting roles sparkled as well: J Choi as Mr Honey brought warmth and charm to the role of Matthew’s caring teacher, while Year 11’s O Perrett gave an unforgettable performance as the fearsome and hilarious Mr Truncheon the school’s formidable Headteacher. His booming voice, exaggerated physicality, and comic timing had the audience in stitches.
The ensemble cast delivered energy and enthusiasm in every dance number, with choreography adapted to suit the talents of the cast while maintaining the dynamic feel of the original West End show.
This production was a true collaborative effort across departments. From tech crews to set builders, costume designers to usher who all took part in the making of Matthew the Musical, supported by a passionate team of staff.
Mrs Haynes Director of Creative Arts, shared:
“We wanted to create something that felt personal and empowering for our boys. Adapting Matilda allowed us to explore themes of individuality, courage, and education and Matthew became a character that the boys could see themselves in. The response has been overwhelming.”
At its heart, Matthew the Musical was more than just entertainment. It was a celebration of student voice, creativity, and empowerment a reminder that brilliance can come from anywhere, and that the quiet ones are often the ones with the most to say.
As the final bows were taken to thunderous applause, it was clear that this was a performance no one would soon forget. Turves Green Boys' School didn't just put on a show they made a statement.
Science Club has got off to a really strong start this year with pupils from Year 7-11 all getting involved and carrying out science investigations together. So far we have learned how to speed up reactions using catalysts (elephants toothpaste), increasing temperature and surface area. We have also investigated the iodine clock showing that we can use equipment accurately to get repeatable results.
This week we used limes and potatoes to make batteries – because who needs lemons anyway? Pupils managed to join their individual cells all together in a circuit to generate a potential difference of 9V!
Next week Dr Patchett has set them the challenge. Can they make a plant grow upside down? Keep your eyes peeled to see how we get on…
Staying connected with our community is a top priority, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to stay in the loop. While our website continues to be a hub for important news and detailed updates, we also recognize that many parents and families prefer to receive information quickly and conveniently. That’s why we are very active on our social media channels, where we share reminders, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from our programs and events. By following us online, you’ll have instant access to announcements, upcoming opportunities, and celebrations of our students’ successes—all in one convenient place. We encourage you to join our growing online community and stay connected with everything happening here by clicking the links below.
Facebook - @TurvesGreenBoysSchool
Instagram - @turvesgreenboys
Twitter - @TurvesGreenBoys
Turves Green, Northfield,
Birmingham, B31 4BS
Contact Number: 0121 483 2890
Email: postbox@tgbs.co.uk
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
