Why Drama Matters

Acting is not just about learning your lines, but "reading between the lines".

This week we have been exploring some of the carers opportunities available to pupils in Performing Arts as well as the various pathways you can take to get there.

Pupils looked at roles and carriers linked to Drama. These consisted of Actor, Production Stage Manager, Comedian, Drama Therapist and Lightning Technician

Pupils really enjoyed listening to Aedan’s Story.

Aedan Duckworth is an actor and model known for playing Oliver in Hollyoaks. Pupils learnt that Aedan works at Lime Productions in Liverpool where he films with the rest of the cast and a director. He told us about what he does and how the subjects he studied at school help him in his job.

Pupils discussed what skills they would need to become an actor. 7B1 suggested the following. As well as enthusiasm, confidence and acting ability, you will also need:

-English language and literature skills to help you to read and interpret scripts

-Stamina and flexibility

-Resilience and a positive outlook.

7B1 were able to link these to our Turves Values:

-Understanding towards others

-Valuable contribution

-And self motivated to achieve.

On Monday 3^rd July 50 Year 10 pupils took part in a visit to Solihull College and University Centre. The pupils were given a tour of the campus, with information on the types of course available before completing taster sessions in different subjects. In the Business taster lesson, our pupils learnt about the different types of apps and how to create them based on customer need. The groups worked together with staff to create ideas on target market, advertising and homepages. Our pupils demonstrated our values well, showing respect for all and self-motivation to achieve.

After lunch in the campus canteen, pupils then moved on to other sessions which included the animal care suite. Here pupils learned about reptiles, amphibians and mammals. They were given a tour of the area then spent time outside with the many animals who live at the Blossomfield Campus. The staff and pupils would like to thank everyone at Solihull College and University Centre for making our visit so interesting and informative.

This week in Warhammer alliance our new starter set boxes had arrived, 6 brand new boxes, 3 for Warhammer 40K and 3 for Warhammer Age of Sigmar. We opened up the Warhammer 40K starter boxes and started building the Space Marines and Necrons inside ready to paint at the start of the next year.

These starter boxes will give the pupils a set of ‘club models’ that they will all be responsible for building, painting and maintaining so that we can continue to use them for games over the next academic year and beyond. We are hoping to get all the models built before the end of term and when we return after Summer they will be painting them.

When painting the models, the pupils are going to have a step by step guide into how to paint 3 different unique chapters/ colour schemes. The blue Ultramarines, red Blood Angels and green Salamanders. By focusing on these 3 colours schemes the pupils will learn more specific painting techniques such as shading and highlighting to bring out the detail of the models.

There are plenty of models still to build, so if you want to come and help us stop by B7 on a Wednesday after school, or come and see Mr Soden and you can help out.

This week in English, we are recognising and celebrating R. Raheim Bassiri and J. Saunders, both in 9A1, and their outstanding achievements. Both boys scored the same marks and gained the highest marks in the class in their end of year exams. A competitive bond has been forged between the two and will only serve to motivate the boys in their future. These two boys displayed their ardent advocation of the Turves values by being self-motivated to achieve, offering an incredibly valuable contribution to both their own progression and to that of their peers within the classroom environment. In addition to this, these boys were clearly providing a valuable contribution to the subject, with their hard work in the classroom being evident in their assessment grades. The boys behaved impeccably throughout the term and they both endeavoured to deploy their creative abilities, writing excellent stories based on the stimulus provided.

Turves Green Boys’ School were honoured to be invited to work with Public First and the Coalition for Youth Mental Health in Schools, who are examining what outstanding practice looks like in a mentally healthy school to try and influence national reforms in Mental Health.

Our visitors were incredibly complimentary about their visit, looking at our mental health curriculum, PSHE programme and meeting our Pupil Support Services Team. We were also very proud to introduce two of our Mental Health Ambassadors Elliott and Jayden J who explained their role in promoting positive mental health throughout school.

Public First will be publishing their findings in the Summer and this should influence DfE legislation on improving resources for mental health in schools.

We are pleased to announce that a Parent Information Evening has been scheduled for July 3rd, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event has been organised with the objective of providing essential information pertaining to the upcoming visit to Paris. It is of utmost importance that parents and carers attend this meeting alongside their child, as their presence is integral to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the details.

We kindly request parents to bring a valid passport and GHIC card for their child, as this information is required by the travel company. Additionally, we would also appreciate parents bringing one form of identification to the meeting.

Our travel itinerary has been set for December 11th, during which we will be staying at the esteemed Campanile Val de France Hotel located in Disneyland, Paris. This exciting trip includes a day dedicated to experiencing the enchantment of the theme park, as well as visits to the iconic Stade de France and a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre. During our time in Montmartre, we will have the opportunity to explore notable landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Sacre Cœur. On the final day of our trip, December 14th, we have arranged a visit to the Cité Europe shopping centre before boarding the ferry for our return to the UK.

The primary purpose of this visit is to provide our pupils with a valuable opportunity to enhance their French language skills and immerse themselves in the captivating French culture. It is our hope that this journey marks the beginning of many more memorable visits to France for our pupils.

We eagerly anticipate the presence of all parents and carers at the Parent Information Evening, as well as the upcoming adventure that awaits our pupils.

Duke of Edinburgh Trangia Training

The 2022-23 Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh participants enhanced their expedition capabilities this week through acquiring the knowledge of constructing and deconstructing trangias in a safe and efficient manner. Wishing the boys success in their culinary endeavours!

Aspire to Aston – University Visit

On Thursday, June 22nd, a group of 40 Year 8 pupils participated in the 'Aspire to Aston' program, where they visited Aston University. This visit aimed to provide our pupils with a glimpse into university life, allowing them to explore the campus and gain insights into various aspects of university life.

This visit was a valuable opportunity for our pupils, made possible through our ongoing partnership with Aston University. We are delighted to announce that this partnership will continue, and Aston University will be arranging educational visits to our school in the upcoming academic year.

We are excited about the prospects this collaboration offers our pupils and the enriching experiences it will provide them.

Assessment

We would like to acknowledge the outstanding performance of L Smith in Year 10, who has surpassed his target grade in the recent end-of-unit assessment for Religious Studies GCSE, which served as preparation for the upcoming Year 10 mock exams.

We congratulate L Smith on this exceptional achievement and commend him for his dedication and hard work. Well done!

In our Year 8 curriculum, we have been engaged in a comprehensive study of World War One, specifically focusing on exploring its causes. A significant aspect of our examination involved analysing the various posters used to encourage men to enlist in the volunteer army at the outset of the war. These posters employed diverse strategies, including appeals to patriotism, excitement and adventure, guilt, and animosity towards the enemy.

As a homework assignment, pupils were tasked with creating their own recruitment poster based on one of these thematic approaches. I am pleased to share that we received several exceptional submissions, with notable contributions from Jacob, Mason, and Danny. Their efforts truly stood out and deserve recognition.

The anti-bullying committee has diligently organised a competition and developed materials to share throughout the school, featuring their top tips for staying safe online. Your representatives have conducted thorough research and have compiled the following advice:

• Exercise caution when adding unfamiliar individuals as contacts.
• Be mindful of your words and actions.
• Avoid engaging in conversations with strangers.
• Think before speaking and refrain from using unfamiliar words.
• Refrain from making comments on others' perspectives.
• Avoid posting discriminatory content that may be offensive.
• These recommendations offer valuable guidance in promoting online safety.

We are excited to share the launch of the Code.org online learning platform at Turves Green Boys’ School. We have recently signed up to help promote computer science education at home. Code.org is dedicated to providing accessible and engaging coding education for learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Code.org offers a free online curriculum that progresses in a logical and engaging manner, making it suitable for beginners and advanced learners. The curriculum incorporates visual programming environments, game-based activities, and puzzles to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and curiosity.

Code.org is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in computer science education. Their curriculum features content that highlights diverse role models and addresses underrepresented groups in the tech industry, creating an inclusive learning environment.

The practical application of coding skills is emphasised in Code.org's curriculum. Learners work on projects related to their interests, such as art, music, gaming, and data analysis, which showcase the real-world relevance of coding.

Join us in empowering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers through coding education. Together, let's shape a brighter future where technology benefits everyone.

Happy coding!

Turves Green Computer Science Department