Following his motivational talks last World Book Day, TGBS welcomed back local author and leadership consultant, Errol Lawson. This visit was particularly special as Errol was launching his brand new book: 'How to Become Unstoppable: A Guide for Teens' inspired by our very own pupils! Some of our boys had reviews the book ahead of going to print. He was proud to share that his most recent book had been inspired by the questions and ideas presented by our boys last year.

His sessions included awareness of county lines, substance abuse and knife crime. Our pupils are currently learning about these issues in PSHE. As part of County Lines Awareness Week, it was important to raise the profile of these issues for our pupils from someone who has experienced it first-hand.

Pupils were invited to take part in a Q&A and some pupils even got the opportunity to give a motivational speech to their peers. The boys were rewarded with signed copies of the new book.

Pupils who have read the most of our 16 by 16 books and made rapid progress in their reading were selected to take part in a workshop focusing on making goals for the future and considering careers building in their curriculum work this week as part of Careers Week.

Year 11 received a motivational assembly ahead of their mocks and the reviewers were given an insight into the publishing industry during an invite only session in the library after school.

An incredible day of enrichment for our pupils.

We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their hard work and dedication this half-term, celebrated in our Awards and Acknowledgment Assembly. A huge well done to those recognised by their Head of House for consistently demonstrating our school values!

A special congratulation to our Head of House Award winners:

🏆 Austin House (Mr. Brennan): A Starmer, Year 10 & J Allabush, Year 8
🏆 Boulton House (Mr. Stafford): A Moore, Year 7 & E Hevey, Year 10
🏆 Tolkien House (Mr. Kelley): Y Embaye, Year 7 & B Shahzad, Year 9

On January 18^th Year 7 went on a visit to The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry. Pupils saw the 'Dippy' the diplodocus fossil which is touring from the Natural History Museum in London and they made some detailed drawings of the skeleton. There was also an exhibition of art from the Coventry archives which included a wonderful selection of paintings, sculptures and natural objects. There were some samples of 'scents' and 'fragrances' based on such delights as 'essence of penguin and fish oil' which the boys enjoyed trying out!  Pupils were able to try on medieval helmets and chain mail, and practice weaving.   There was also an interactive digital exhibition called 'Microworlds' which enabled pupils to interact and create their own digital art. The pupils had a thoroughly enjoyable day and many members of the public and museum staff complimented them on their enthusiasm and good behaviour. 

Year 9 and year 10 are celebrating an amazing success in the UK Maths Trusts’ intermediate Maths Challenge. Two weeks ago students completed an hour long set of maths challenges in exam conditions and have now received the awards. Our students did fantastically, achieving 4 silver certificates and 11 Bronze certificates! Congratulations to everyone who took part who all walked away with a certificate of participation. And especially to those who earnt one of the three awards.

Bronze awards were achieved by:

O. Aboukharroub 9T1

S. Stevens 9T1

G. Thomson 9T1

S. Ahmed-Danfulani 10A2

J. Choi 10A1

T. Clarke 10T1

C. Hatcher 10A1

H. Mackcracken 10A1

S. Scott 10B1

D. Shi 10T1

G. Vann-Richards 10A1

Silver awards were achieved by:

O. Ames 10A1

S. Fazlisheshbluki 10A2

L. Gittus 10T1

And

Y. Khan 9T1 (who also achieved the highest score in the school)Congratulations to all who took part, and we look forward to the year 7s and 8s taking part in the junior maths challenge later in the year.

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. 

Winners this week include: 

Y7 – R Pazirofteh excellent student that works hard and always has a smile on their face. Nominated by FT as he has been a real helping hand.   

Year 9 – K Jones picked by other staff not HOH as he has been a head and shoulder above the rest and has really fixed up this academic term. Very mature young man.   

Y10 T Farrell  - excellent support of the wider school in the library and helping others. 

Year 11S Faultless - A hard-working pupil who is showing a great attitude towards his GCSE’s.   

As we conclude the Spring 1 half-term, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our pupils in our end-of-term Awards and Acknowledgment Assembly. This event is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication, and commitment our pupils demonstrate each day.

A special congratulation goes to the pupils who received the Head of School Award, personally acknowledged by Mr Walker, Head of School. These pupils have consistently embodied our school values through their outstanding attitude, perseverance, and contribution to school life.

Head of School Award Recipients:

⭐ Year 7: J Melling

⭐ Year 8: P Wright

⭐ Year 9: T Cham

⭐ Year 10: S Scott

Well done to all of our award winners and to every pupil who has shown dedication and determination this half-term. We are incredibly proud of you!

We look forward to seeing everyone after the break, ready for another term of learning, growth, and success.