Newsletters

Dear parents and guardians,

I've really enjoyed the start to the year.  There has been such a positive 'buzz' around the school and so many smiles.  I have been impressed with the focus students have shown and the quality of work being completed by them.  

We have set our students a challenge to, 'Talk like a scholar' during discussion tasks and question and answer sessions with staff.  We do not want challenging conversations where students feel apprehensive to speak, instead we want 'Challenge conversations' that not only develop students' oracy skills, but builds their confidence to speak confidently and tackle extended written answers and text.  We have the same expectations for our new Year 7s. As I walked the school yesterday it was pleasing to see them increasing their tier 3 technical and subject-specific vocabulary in music and English through visual, written and active learning activities. 

Can I once again press parents and guardians to find an alternative suitable place to drop off their child outside of the school premises if they are in their car.  The congestion it causes means that it is a challenge to our students to leave the school site safely.  I have even seen cars parked on double yellow lines and where we have 'no parking' cones which are placed in an attempt to ease congestion!  Your co-operation is appreciated.

I have enjoyed meeting our first group of students from years 7-13 this morning who have been awarded our school values awards.  Each week I ask year leaders to nominate students who they feel have demonstrated our school values of 'Kindness, Positivity and Belonging'.  On a Friday mornings I invite these students to meet me so I can inform them why they have been nominated and present them with a 'Front of Queue' pass for the following week in recognition of their positive actions.  These are well received and appreciated as they are able to fast-track the canteen queues. This is one example of how we celebrate positive behaviours at JoG.  By reading our newsletters and following our social media posts you will continue to appreciate all the ways provide these opportunities and re-enforce our values.

I wish you all well and take care.

Please subscribe to our social media sites: 

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Have a great weekend, 

Mr Rhodes

Reporting your child absent 

Ensuring your child's regular attendance at school is crucial for their academic progress and overall well-being. In the event of your child's absence, we kindly request that you follow the reporting procedure outlined:

• Contact us before 8.35am - please notify us of your child's absence each and every day they are not here before school begins at 8.35am
• You can contact us by calling 01225 762637 and selecting option 1 to leave a message with out attendance team or using extension 280. 
• You can email absence@jogschool.org  
• You can use our School Gateway App to report absences (please note, this will soon be moved to Arbor and details will be sent for this shortly)
• Please ensure you provide a reason for your child's absence to allow us to better understand and support their needs

Pink Slip 

If your child's absence occurs during school hours, please remind them that they MUST collect a pink slip from the PBSC to be able to exit reception. If they have any concerns or queries about this, please encourage your child to speak to their year team. A pink slip allows your child to exit reception swiftly whilst also ensuring our safeguarding procedures. We appreciate your support with this. 

“Year 11 students who completed 100% of their home study achieved a +0.75 progress score.”

Key Stage 4 Home Study

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) are set weekly home study by their subject teachers.

Home study is a very important part of school life in Years 10 and 11. It's like practice for a sport or a musical instrument — it helps you get better and remember what you have learned. Doing your home study well can help you make a lot of extra progress, which leads to great grades on your tests and in your GCSEs. Getting good at home study is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice and support.

Impact of Home Study at JOG

Students at John of Gaunt School who complete all their home study achieve the best results.

This year, our Year 11 progress score was +0.14.

Students who completed 100% of their home study achieved a +0.75 progress score. This was +0.61 greater than the overall progress score.

In summary, if you complete all your home study, you will achieve.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can support you in a few ways:

• They can check ClassCharts to see what home study you have and when it's due.
• They can help you create a regular time and place to do your work.
• They can encourage you to set goals and manage your time.
• They can help you find any books or other things you might need.

Student Support

The following support is available for students to complete their home study.

The Library Before school – from 8.15am.

• Break and Lunchtime - Tuesday and Thursday.
• Afterschool – until 3.45pm Monday-Thursday, until 3.30pm Fridays.

Pitman

• Afterschool – Monday to Thursday 3-4pm.

Mandatory Home Study Sessions

If you do not complete your home study, there are clear steps that follow:

• Missing home study twice in one week (Wednesday to Tuesday) means you will have to go to a mandatory study support session. Parents will be notified on ClassCharts.
• This mandatory session is 30 minutes long and happens after school on a Thursday.
• If you do not attend the Thursday session, you will get a 60-minute SLT Detention on the following Tuesday after school.
• Not going to the Tuesday detention is a serious issue and will result in having to attend a PBSC session.

Key Stage 4 Home Study Timetable

Home study will be given on a certain day each week, based on a set schedule (see below). You should plan to spend about 40 to 60 minutes on each task. Some subjects, like Art, might give you a bigger project that takes more than a week to finish. Your teacher will let you know how much time you should spend on these kinds of projects. All of your home study assignments will be posted on ClassCharts.

Home Study Schedule 2025-26

Year 10	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
Week 1	Science	Option C	Option B	English	Maths
Week 2	Science	Option D	Option A	English	Maths

Year 11	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
Week 1	English	Maths	Option B	Science	Option D
Week 2	English	Maths	Option A	Science	Option C

 

The Island After School Club

This 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 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 (obviously not in school!!!) and then fill in the form. Then just come along any Tuesday

Inclusive SEND Festival

Wiltshire Council is excited to share details of SENDFEST, a FREE inclusive day festival dedicated to celebrating and empowering young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SENDFEST aims to bring together families, schools, support services, local organisations, and the wider community for a vibrant day of accessible activities, interactive workshops, live performances, and creative experiences, all tailored for young people of all abilities.

Date:- Saturday 20th September 2025

Location:- Wiltshire Music Centre - Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DZ

Time:- 10:00am - 6:00pm

Highlights include:-
• Archery
• Face painting and craft zones
• A high-energy silent disco
• Live music and performances
• A dedicated sensory space for regulation and calm
• Refreshments and chill-out areas
• Information from Wiltshire Council Staff members and local organisations about SEND Support.
• A chance for children and families to get involved in shaping SEND Services within Wiltshire.

If you have any questions about the event or for more information, please email:- voice@wiltshire.gov.uk.
 

Macmillan Fundraiser 

On 21st September, YR12 student Daniel alongside his dad and two uncles will be raising money in memory of his great uncle who was helped by Macmillian. They will be taking part in a charity darts fundraiser and would appreciate your support. 

https://dartsmarathon.macmillan.org.uk/teams/the-maple-sqaud

New lunch club starting! 

Year 7 Begin Their Computer Science Journey

Our new Year 7s have been busy getting stuck into their very first Computer Science lessons – and what an exciting start it’s been! Pupils have been issued with their school logins, set up their own secure passwords, and are beginning to explore the digital tools available to them.

They can now access their school email and Microsoft applications, not only in class but also from home. This means they’re already building the skills and independence that will support them throughout their time at school.

It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and curiosity Year 7 have shown as they take their first steps into the world of Computer Science. We can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

Food and Nutrition 

Did you know According to some estimates, there are over 100 different spices commonly used in cooking around the world. These spices come from different parts of plants, such as roots, stems, seeds, fruits, and flowers. Indian food uses at least 40 of these. Chicken tikka masala has been voted the national dish of the UK and was created especially for the British pallet.

Try this basic recipe!

 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easy-chicken-curry

Celebrating Our Best GCSE Results Since the Pandemic! 

We are thrilled to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our Year 11 students in this summer’s GCSE examinations. These results mark our best overall performance since the pandemic, reflecting the incredible hard work, dedication, and resilience shown by both our students and staff. 

We are especially proud to share that some of our outcomes in Maths and English were above the national averages for AQA centers, a testament to the strength of our teaching, the commitment of our learners, and the support from families across our community. 

Furthermore, students at JoG achieved an attainment 8 score higher than the Wiltshire average, and current predictions are that they made better progress than students in other schools nationally. This demonstrates the positive impact of our ambitious curriculum and high expectations. This success story highlights how, together, we continue to build a learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. 

We would like to congratulate our students on their fantastic achievements and thank our staff for their unwavering dedication. These results showcase what we can achieve when we work together - and we look forward to building on this success in the year ahead. 

Well done, JoG Class of 2025 - you’ve made us proud! 

Flu vaccinations

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your child’s flu vaccination is now due.

This vaccination is recommended to help protect your child against flu. Flu can be an unpleasant illness and can cause serious complications. Vaccinating your child will also help protect more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of flu.

Please complete the consent form (yes or no) using the following link:

www.bswschoolagedimms.co.uk/Forms/Flu

Please use the school code: WT132020

Please ensure you complete your child’s consent no later than 48 working hours before your school session to ensure your child receives their vaccination.

We are visiting your child’s school The John of Gaunt on 14^th & 19^th Nov 2025.

Most children are offered a nasal spray vaccine which is a quick, simple and painless spray up the nose. The nasal spray vaccine is the preferred vaccine.

A leaflet explaining the vaccination for secondary aged young people can be accessed at:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64a2e2e245b6a2000c3d47de/UKHSA-12388-protect-yourself-against-flu_information-for-those-in-secondary-school.pdf

This includes details about the small number of children for whom the nasal vaccine is not appropriate. The nasal spray vaccine contains a very small amount of gelatine from pigs (porcine gelatine) as an essential ingredient to keep it stable and able to work. For those who may not accept medicines or vaccines that contain porcine gelatine, a porcine-free flu vaccine injection is available as an alternative. Conse4nt can be provided using the link above.

Secondary School Age Children: Where consent is given for the flu injection, this will be given to your child when the team visit their school.

Even if your child had the vaccine last year, the type of flu can vary each winter, so it is recommended to have it again this year or they won’t be protected.

Since the programme was introduced, most children offered the vaccine in schools have had the immunisation.

If you have any queries, please contact the School Aged Immunisation Team on 0300 247 0082 or email us using vcl.immunisations@nhs.net

Yours sincerely,

Roanna Ellis

Professional Lead for School Aged Immunisation, B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire, and B&NES School Aged Health

If your child becomes wheezy, has a bad attack of asthma, or has started oral steroids for their asthma after you return this form, please contact the School Aged Immunisation Team on 0300 247  0082

If you decide you do not want to vaccinate your child against flu, please complete the consent form giving the reason. This will help us plan and improve the service.

For further information see: www.nhs.uk/child-flu

Please see below poster and contact Oli on revilomagician@outlook.com if you have any questions or if you would like to perform in the show. 

Drama need you! 

Have you ever dreamed of being on stage, hearing the applause, and being part of something truly unforgettable? Now is your chance!

John of Gaunt presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’. We are putting on a spectacular whole-school show, and we want PERFORMERS. Whether you love acting, singing, dancing, or working behind the scenes with lights, sound, or set design – there’s a place for everyone. The school show is open to ALL year groups, new year 7s included!

Being part of the show is more than just performing. It’s about making new friends, building your confidence, and creating memories that will last long after the final curtain call. You’ll get to work with students from every year group, learn new skills, and show off your talents to the entire school community.

Rehearsals take place in the drama studio on Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:15-4:15 in the drama studio. Please speak to either Miss Regan or Mrs Rossiter for more information.

We can’t wait to see you!

Important YR11 Dates

Year 11 Exam success evening 

On 2nd October, there will be an exam success evening for all year 11 with their parents and carers at 530pm in Wingfield hall. This is an event to discuss how the year will look and how we can work together to best support students to do their very best in their GCSE exams. More information will follow, but please put the date into your diary.  

Below is a list of other dates for year 11 this year, for your diary. More information will be provided at the exam success evening and by letters throughout the year. We will also provide information over after school revision sessions and the passport to the prom scheme which will run for year 11 in due course.  

 

Date	Event	Who	Where
2nd October	Exam success eve	Parents and students	In school
20th October	Parent/tutor meetings	Parents and Student	In school
11th November	MADE revision workshops	Students	In school
17th November	Parent exam support drop in	Parents	Tescos community room
12-3pm
1-12th December	Mocks 1	Students	In school
29th January	Parents evening	Parents and Students	In school
6th February	Parent exam support drop in	Parents	Tescos community room
1-4pm
24th Feb-9th March	Mocks 2	Students	In school
Mid May	GCSE exams start	Students	In school