N E W S L E T T E R. O c t o b e r Huge improvement in GCSE Progress. B U I L D I N G F U T U R E S f r o m S M A L L M O M E N T S

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1 O c t o b e r N E W S L E T T E R PART OF THE Huge improvement in GCSE Progress We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of the outgoing Year 11. The indications from the provisional Performance Checking Tables are that we have the most improved Progress scores of any school in Dudley. The Academy is immensely proud of this achievement, and we would like to thank all of our students, staff and families for their efforts, as well as Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust for their support with our ongoing journey. B U I L D I N G F U T U R E S f r o m S M A L L M O M E N T S

2 OPEN EVENTS We d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the families, residents of the local community, and former students that accepted our invitation to join us at our Open Events. The volume of positive feedback that we ve received has been extremely pleasing, and we re delighted that the changes and policies that are now in place are evident for all to see. Our doors are always open to prospective parents who wish to pay us a visit and see us in action. Simply contact our Main Reception ( or info@thorns-s.dydley.sch.uk) to arrange an appointment.

3 In the modern day it's easy to take for granted that both men and women possess equal opportunities to influence our future through scientific innovation, but in 19th-century England things were very different. This term we payed tribute to mathematician Augusta Ada Byron, better known as Ada Lovelace, born in London on December 10, In 1843, Ada became the world s first computer programmer, at a time where women could hardly access basic education, let alone a scientific one. We think her story is inspiring, hopeful, and one every woman should know about. We invite you to celebrate with us by finding a little girl in your life, perhaps a daughter, niece, or student, and tell her all about Ada, who forever changed the face of computing. DUDLEY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY EVENT On a sunny September Saturday morning, a group of Thorns students competed in the Dudley Schools Cross Country event at Himley Hall. Fantastic effort and commitment was portrayed by all students competing. We look forward to further Athletics events in the Summer Term. The fitness room is open to students in Years 9-11 on Tuesday s and Wednesday s after school. HALLOWEEN DISCO Our first Halloween Disco was a huge success. Students from Peter s Hill Primary School teamed up with our L4L students to create some spooky gizmo s which were later used as decorations the for the disco.

4 K S 4 F O C U S D A Y T H E A G E O F T E C H Our Key Stage 4 students had the opportunity to learn about the world of work in what was a hugely beneficial Focus Day. We'd like to thank all of the colleges, public services, inspirational speakers/groups, and business representatives that have made time in their busy schedules to offer invaluable advice and guidance to our students through a wide range of activities. DT students have been busy this term working on their course folders and experimenting with the latest Fable robotic software, which is used in the manufacturing industry by companies such as Rolls Royce. B I R M I N G H A M H I P P O D R O M E Thorns performing arts students enjoyed an educational and insightful visit to Birmingham Hippodrome, which included a private workshop with the Hippodrome's Learning Officer, a 'behind the scenes' tour, and the opportunity to watch an inspiring performance of the acclaimed National Theatre production War Horse. K E N I L W O R T H C A S T L E Described by architectural historian Anthony Emery as "the finest surviving example of a semi-royal palace of the later middle ages, significant for its scale, form and quality of workmanship, Kenilworth Castle is an fine destination for young historians. Earlier this term our Year 11 History students enjoyed their visit to Kenilworth Castle, and learning about its rich history. DID YOU KNOW? - Kenilworth Castle was built over several centuries. G E O R G I A H A S T H E X - F A C T O R We'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate former Thorns student Georgia Burgess on her hugely successful X Factor appearance. Georgia's X Factor audition aired on ITV in September and has since received rave reviews including finishing top of the X Factor App vote and is currently the bookies 2nd favourite to win the entire series.

5 P E T E S L O W E - D O W N Earlier this term we were pleased to welcome Councillor Pete Lowe back to the Academy to discuss a variety of topical issues with our Year 7 students. As always Pete delivered an insightful and engaging session before participating in Question & Answer activities with the students. Pete, a former Thorns student himself, has also agreed to be our Guest Speaker at next month s GCSE Awards Evening for the second year running. C O M P E T I T I O N W I N N E R S A R E O U T O F T H I S W O R L D During September, Mr Kelay payed a visit to Withymoor Primary to congratulate the winners of our Summer Science 'Big Bang' Competition. Callie & Zahra were both awarded a 10 shopping voucher, whilst Withymoor Primary was presented with a 100 Amazon voucher. There were some fabulous entries, many of which you can see in this short video:

6 O N A I M E L A F R A N C E Over the course of the term our L4L students have been learning about France, focussing on French culture, food, geography and history. The students also thought it appropriate to sample some mouthwatering French delicacies. D I G E S T I N G I N F O R M A T I O N There was plenty of amusement to be had when Year 7 students learned about the digestive system through a combination of dance, music, art, and drama. Here are a few images...we'll leave the rest to your imagination. / T h o r n s I n f T h o r n s I n f o S T O C K W E L L A V E N U E, Q U A R R Y B A N K, B R I E R L E Y H I L L, W E S T M I D L A N D S, D Y 5 2 N U info@thorns-s.dudley.sch.uk