In a moving and solemn Armistice Day commemoration, Turves Green Boys' School joined forces with the seven schools from the Matrix Academy Trust. Our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) organised a parade that served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our nation. The event symbolised unity and remembrance, with CCF cadets from all schools displaying discipline and respect as they marched in formation. 

Our entire school community, including pupils, teachers, staff and visitors, came together to witness this heart-warming display of solidarity. The event emphasised the core values of this day, respect, gratitude, and remembrance. In a moment of silence, we paid tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our country, symbolised by the wearing of poppies. 

The Armistice Day parade was more than just an event; it was a time for reflection and a chance for our school community to express gratitude to our nation's servicemen and women, past and present. As we move forward, let us always remember the significance of Armistice Day and the importance of honouring our heroes' memory. 

A huge congratulations to B. Mallett on his performance in the Autumn 1 French assessment. B Mallett wrote a spectacular piece on his home town, what you can do there and what he likes to do there. The piece demonstrated that a lot of revision had taken place and was a pleasure to read. Well done on a superb performance and for showing that you are self-motivated to achieve!

This week science club celebrated bonfire night be making our own colourful displays. Metals burn with distinctly colourful flames so we were able to use Bunsen Burners to look at potassium, sodium, calcium and copper metal salt solutions.  

The result was flames that burned bright orange (the colour of Tango!) red and green. All of our students lit and controlled Bunsen Burners flames safely and ran their own tests with fabulous results. One student commented “this is my favourite science club so far”.  

Knowing how to identify metal salts using flame tests is key GCSE curriculum which our KS3 members have now gained key experience in. Well done to all of our science club members for their fantastic work. 

Cory F (Year 7) has been riding and competing in championships involving Motocross since he was 5 years old. He has competed in many competitions including the Weston Beach Race and does the Winter championships every weekend. He has worked himself up from a 50cc to 85cc. His favourite bike is a Honda CRF because it has his initials on it! And also, a GasGas. Cory wants to train and teach people key skills involved in Motocross when he leaves secondary school. From January next year he will be competing in the Severn Valley Championship. 

As we wrap up the first half term of the academic year 23/24, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding rewards and achievements of our pupils at Turves Green Boys' School.

Throughout the half-term, we have witnessed exceptional behaviour from our pupils, and it is with great pleasure that we recognise those who have consistently displayed outstanding conduct. These pupils have shown exemplary behaviour and have set a positive example for their peers.

Additionally, we would like to commend those pupils who have consistently put in their best effort in all aspects of their academic journey. Their dedication and commitment to their studies have not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to acknowledge their hard work.

Furthermore, we would like to highlight the pupils who have demonstrated the highest levels of attainment in their academic subjects. Their exceptional achievements serve as an inspiration to all, and we applaud their academic excellence.

Attendance is a vital aspect of pupil's educational journey, and we are delighted to recognise those with excellent and outstanding attendance records. Their commitment to regular attendance showcases their dedication to their education and sets a positive example for their peers.

We also want to celebrate the pupils who have made significant progress in their reading abilities through our Accelerated Reading program. Their commitment to improving their literacy skills is commendable, and we are thrilled to acknowledge their accomplishments.

In addition to these individual awards, we would like to acknowledge the commendations that our pupils have received for their exceptional efforts and achievements. These commendations reflect the recognition they have received from their teachers and peers for their outstanding contributions to the school values and community.

Lastly, we would like to extend our congratulations to the recipients of the Head of House Star Pupil Award and the Headteacher Recognition Award. These awards highlight the pupils who have consistently gone above and beyond in all areas of their school life. Their exceptional qualities and dedication deserve special recognition.

We are incredibly proud of all our pupils and their achievements during this first half term of the academic year. Their hard work, determination, and positive contributions make Turves Green Boys' School a truly remarkable place of learning.

We look forward to continuing our journey of success together in the second half of the term.

I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate 7X1 (7B1) for their stand-out performance in History so far.  They have proven to be a pleasure to teach.  As a class, they are incredibly well behaved and delightfully polite and respectful.  They have been conscientious, hard working and have produced some amazing work both in class and for homework.

Well done for an amazing start to your History lessons at Turves Green Boys’ School!

Keep up the superb work!!!

Mr O’Brien

An excellent rugby training session took part just before half term where a number of our year 7 students were driven down to Five Ways Rugby and Cricket Club to take part in the tackle rugby. The students showed some real talent with some excellent passing, side stepping and tackling. Keep it up.

November is “cut your carbon” month and we are taking part! Pupils will be receiving information in form time about carbon emissions and how damaging they are to the environment and how we can each make small steps to help reduce our carbon emissions. There are posters being put up around school and each pupil can bring home a checklist to challenge themselves in cutting household carbon emissions for the month of November. If you want to know more, please see the posters displayed around the school or speak to one of the eco-committee who will be more than happy to help.

This week, the focus of cut your carbon month is the amount of carbon that can be saved by using alternative forms of transport to cars and just how much carbon a short flight to Spain uses! Here, we challenge you to come up with your own flightless adventure!

On Thursday 26^th October, we welcomed representatives from the British Army to deliver a team building and leadership workshop with Year 10. Pupils got involved in a range of different tasks/activities which were specifically designed to develop their team building and leadership skills. Sgt. Haynes, a former pupil of Turves Green Boys’ School, led the day overall and presented key information to pupils about future career options in the army, as well as reinforcing the importance of team building and leadership skills. Overall, pupils thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and our visitors were complimentary of how our pupils conducted themselves and approached the tasks.

Two of our year 10 classes were visited by local battery scientist Dr Driscoll from the University of Birmingham this week. She talked to us about her work developing new lithium batteries such as the ones we use in our phones and electric vehicles. We then “acted out” being electrons and made our own batteries using lemons. Students figured out how to write up their own lemon battery and generate a potential difference, they then joined them together to increase the voltage in their circuit.

Dr Driscoll showed us what batteries were made of and what they look like after they are shredded. Students then had the opportunity to ask her questions and we were able to learn how she used X-rays to study the structure of battery materials.

Many thanks to Dr Driscoll for her visit.