TSS

YEAR9NewsWelcome to the first termly newsletter of Year 9.Students returned to school in September in a positive frame of mind, ready to tackle the year ahead. Punctuality and attendance are the key to success and we are delighted that students are taking attendance very seriously; 9ILG has the top attendance so far for Year 9. We hope you enjoy reading about this term’s events and successes and very much look forward to seeing what the new year brings.

Dates for your diary:Monday 16 January 2017 - Year 9 Parents’ EveningTuesday 17 January 2017 - Year 9 Next Steps Evening - An opportunity for parents and carers to learn about the Options process.Wednesday 1 February 2017 - Year 9 Options Evening - A chance for students and parents/carers to visit faculties, speak to subject teachers to help students make the correct option choices.

Our News …

December 2016

Record BreakerIn September, a number of students attended LoveBradford’s world record breaking attempt at City Park to connect people from across the district in a celebration of our friendly, diverse and extraordinary district. Our students helped create the longest chain of people making heart-shaped hand gestures, maintaining this chain for one minute. The students had a fun afternoon in the sunshine and can now say they have broken a world record!

Rising starTaekwondo star Rebecca Weir continues to add to her medal collection. Rebecca took Gold at the Scotland National Championships and then Bronze at the Quest Championships. Rebecca is planning to compete her way around Europe next year.

Diving Success Holly Waxman trains hard on a weekly basis at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds, always working towards her next diving competition. Holly competed in Barcelona in July and competed this weekend at the Luton Challenge taking 1st in the 1m, 2nd position in the 3m and 5th in the 10m events. Well done Holly.

Duke of EdinburghThe Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award has been launched for all Year 9 students. With the help of Form Tutors, students they have been choosing activities that match their skills in the physical and volunteering sections. Already there have been students starting new sports, reading books and organising fundraising events. Students work with staff, for example, Ms Hunter, in the LRC, who is running a young librarian programme; Ms Metcalf is organising a group to knit blankets to be sent to Syria; Mr Sikora has started a Police Volunteering Group so members can carry out a crime prevention project and learn about the police. Any student who completes one section will be enrolled in the Award and be given the opportunity to take part in the summer expedition.

AdiosWe said ‘adios’ to our four Spanish visitors in October. Olaya, Lucia, Clara and Helena came to TSS for five weeks to gain first-hand experience of UK school life. The girls, who study in Madrid, were fully immersed into school life; attending lessons and extra-curricular activities. The exchange was a huge success and TSS looks forward to hosting more foreign students in the future.

Sister ActPaige Morley and her sister, Caitlin Morley who is in Year 11 took joint third on the bars and all round at the recent Yorkshire level 6 Gymnastics competition in October. Well done girls.

Year Leader Mr Atkinson

and Miss DowneyAssistant Year Leader

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you on Tuesday 3 January

Year 9 Options 2017Year 9 students are nearing the crucial time when they have to decide on the subjects they want to study in Years 10 and 11. Through discussions with parents/carers, subject teachers and Form Tutors they need to decide on subjects that will keep options open for further study beyond age 16 and for career aspirations.

There are many points to consider such as:1. What is the subject content? What will I learn? What will I be able to do at the end of the course?

2. What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

3. Which subjects am I good at, or currently have difficulties with?

4. Which subjects do I like or dislike?

5. What advice have my subject teachers given me?

6. Which subjects do I need to choose to study for Sixth Form courses, Apprenticeships or careers I am considering?

7. Will my choices allow me to change my mind about Sixth Form courses, Apprenticeships or careers later on?