Newsletters

🌟 Welcome Message from Our SENCO 🌟

Dear Students and Families,

I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Assistant Headteacher and SENCO at The John of Gaunt School. From my very first day, I’ve been warmly welcomed by staff, students, and families alike.

What immediately stood out to me is the strong sense of community and pride that runs through the school. The values of kindness, positivity, and belonging aren’t just words—they’re part of everyday life here.

Our students are respectful, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. Staff are passionate about helping every young person succeed, both in and out of the classroom. It’s clear that this is a school that truly cares.

I’m excited to be part of such a dedicated and caring team, and I look forward to working together to support our students and help the school continue to thrive.

In my role, I work closely with students, colleagues, parents, and professionals to create tailored support plans that meet the diverse needs of our learners. My goal is to continually adapt and develop our provision so that every student has the opportunity to flourish—both in their education and in life beyond school.

💬 A Bit About Me

Supporting students has always been a passion of mine. From a young age, I coached gymnastics, which sparked my desire to become a PE teacher. I loved helping others succeed and overcome challenges.

I began my teaching career over 20 years ago and have had the privilege of working with many young people, each with their own unique strengths and needs. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening and understanding each individual to help them thrive.

🤝 Working Together

I’m fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and compassionate team at The John of Gaunt School. Together, we are committed to supporting every student.

I look forward to working in partnership with families, colleagues, and professionals to coordinate support for those who need it. I firmly believe that when families, professionals, students, and schools work together—each playing their part—we can truly make a difference.

🐾 Outside of School

When I’m not at school, I enjoy walking my dog. It helps me stay balanced and often inspires new ideas for my work.

🌱 Looking Ahead

I’m excited to continue working with our wonderful community and to support our students on their journey to reaching their full potential.

🌱 Thank You for Your Hard Work Over Half Term!

We want to say a big thank you to all the Year 11 and Year 13 students and staff who took part in the revision sessions during term time and over the half-term break. It was fantastic to see so many of you giving up your time to focus on learning and preparing for exams.

Your hard work, dedication, and positive attitude really stood out. These sessions showed just how committed you are to doing your best—and how much support there is in our school community.

We’d also like to recognise the continued positive approach shown by our Year 10 and Year 12 students during their mock exams. Your focus and determination are a great example to others, and we’re confident your efforts will pay off.

Well done to everyone involved. We’re proud of you!

Please subscribe to our social media sites: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063904941052

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/jogschool24/?hl=en

Have a great weekend, 

Yolanda Bullus
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

A message from Mr Rhodes

Whilst the Yr13 and 11 exams still continue, the Yr13 have had their leavers event in school and the Yr11s have theirs today.  I want to wish all students well in their future.  It is always a bitter, sweet moment as we have spent so many of their formative years with our students and watching them grow into wonderful young adults.  We look forward to seeing our students at their respective proms and on results day when we can celebrate their successes with them.

As Headteacher, I am proud of our students and the young people they have become.  This would not have been possible without the quality teaching, support, guidance, the physical environment and extracurricular experiences provided by all the staff at The John of Gaunt School.  

Take care Yr11 and 13, best wishes.

Mr Rhodes

National Thank a Teacher Day – Wednesday 18th June 2025

We’re proud to celebrate the incredible teaching and support staff who make a difference every day in our school community.

If you or your child would like to recognise a special teacher or even a whole team, you can send a free e-card to show your appreciation here: https://thankateacher.co.uk/thank-a-teacher/thank-a-teacher-form/

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants strengthen links to local area as they give 221 volunteering hours. The social value of these hours is £1413

The John of Gaunt School is delighted to share the impact that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) participants have made locally through the Volunteering section of their DofE.

Young people have helped to support their local communities and to learn new skills for their future.

Participants doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Award at The John of Gaunt School. are being celebrated for the amazing impact they have had on the local community.

ClassCharts rewards

Please be aware that the cut off for spending ClassCharts rewards is Wednesday 25th June. 

All points must be spent before this date. If after this date you still have points, they will be wiped to start fresh for next year. 

Thank you 

Instrumental Tuition

Interested in having instrumental or vocal lessons next academic year? Music lessons are an excellent way for students to develop their skills and understanding of music, as well as giving them the potential for a lifelong passion and opportunity for social development. Lessons are open to all students at all levels including complete beginners. We currently have lessons for the following instruments: singing, drum kit, percussion, trumpet, cornet, euphonium, trombone, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and ukulele.

Lessons are generally taught in blocks of 10 lessons and are available for 15, 20 or 30 minute slots.  The costs vary according to the teacher involved but are in the region of £30-£40 per hour.  The cost for a block of 15-minute lessons works out at between £75 and £100. We are also able to fund some lessons through the Swindon Music Hub. For students who are Pupil Premium or have a Special Educational Need then we can fund 70% of a 15-minute lesson through Swindon Music Service leaving the remaining 30% to be paid by the parent/carer. For children that are Looked After we can fund 100% of a 15-minute lesson through Swindon Music Service.

Lessons take place in a music practise room within school and may be before, after or during school depending on the teacher involved. Lessons are on a rotating timetable so that students don’t continually keep missing the same lesson.

If your child is interested in learning an instrument or having singing lessons please drop me an email and I will get back to you with further information: nmaguire@jogschool.org

Your school needs you!  As our friends at Read for Good will tell you, it's well established that reading for pleasure leads to significantly better outcomes for children – boosting academic performance, enhancing wellbeing, and fostering vital life skills like empathy. But did you know that 1 in 5 children don't have a book at home? And 1 in 7 primary schools in England have no library space at all, affecting more than 750,000 children.  It's time to #rebuildthelibrary. Our annual schools prize gives five schools across the UK the chance to win £1,000 in National Book Tokens so they can fill their library shelves with new books. Each winning school will also receive £300 in cash to make improvements to their library space, making it fun and welcoming for all. Nominate your school and if yours is one of the five winning entries, you'll also win a £100 National Book Token to spend in your favourite bookshop! Nominate your school

YR7 Handover

It's that time of year where myself & Miss Martin hand over the Year 7's to their new year leaders Mrs Scott & assistant year leader Mrs Addecott. What a wonderful year we have had with lots of positive memories from PGL, singing and dancing in the rain, our charity cat walk and seeing you all start to make friendships and settle in. It has been a pleasure to be your year leader & we wish you all the best for next year!

Miss Lewis & Miss Martin

Have you got an instrument gathering dust in your home – if so, we know a young person who could be playing it!

At the John of Gaunt School, we are constantly on the look-out for unused and unwanted instruments, so we can put them in the hands of young musicians at our school. We are always looking for rock and pop instruments (guitars, keyboards) and amps and the standard orchestral instruments - strings, woodwind, brass and percussion - in all sizes. All we ask is that they are in good working order and in a fully playable condition. 

We promise to ensure it is regularly and lovingly played by someone excited by the opportunity to learn an instrument, and take part in ensemble music-making.

If you do have anything you could donate then please contact Mrs Maguire: nmaguire@jogschool.org

Thank you.

 

Affordable Schools – Uniform and Textbook donations

We are collecting donations of any unwanted or outgrown school uniform and textbooks for our next free uniform event. The Affordable Schools group run a free uniform event three times a year, ensuring that we make the cost of the school day more affordable for all and save clothing from landfill.

Please bring any donations into the school reception. Our next Free School uniform event will be on Tuesday 1^st July 3pm-4pm. Please enter via reception.

If you have any questions regarding donations or would like to be involved in future events, please see our website for further details: The John Of Gaunt School - Affordable Schools Information

 

Affordable Schools needs you!

The Affordable Schools group is looking for any parent/guardian volunteers to assist us with our fundraising activities. This is much like a PTA, looking at ways we can bring down the cost of the school day for our whole school community. We are currently fundraising to subsidise the cost of trips for all students. However, this can only be achieved through a variety of fundraising activities.

If you are interested in be involved, please email Emma Jeffries ejeffries@jogschool.org or visit our website for further details.

GCSE Citizenship campaign 

Our year ten GCSE Citizenship groups are leading a campaign to promote human rights across the world. On the 11^th July they are running a variety of events in the Turtle at break time to raise money and awareness of Amnesty International. If staff and students can bring some money along to the event and take part/donate it would be much appreciated. This campaign is a part of the GCSE course.

Mrs Scott and Mr Perraton 

The Island After School Club runs on Tuesdays during term time 3-4.45pm for year groups 7-11.  It's totally free! There is badminton, pool, table tennis, VR headset, an Xbox and loads of board games. We give out hot chocolate or ice creams and snacks like donuts and cookies. It is a chance to play, chat or even to do homework.  There are a number of current or retired teachers amongst the volunteers who staff it.

Pupils should scan the QR Code on the advert and then fill in the form. Then just come along any Tuesday