Head’s Blog
Posted 15/11/2024
I want to begin this half term’s update with a thank you. I want to thank our staff, students and families for the part they each play in supporting our school and for the incredible start to term. This year it has felt even more special, and that is down to the culture at TRSS and the relationships that support our vision and virtues each day. It has been the strongest start to a year that I can recall, and one we can maintain throughout the rest of the year.
I love celebrating the achievements of our students, so I wanted to share that Alicia W competed in a jujitsu competition over half term in Lisbon, Portugal and won a silver medal. It is such an incredible thing for Alicia to be a part of, and it is very much down to a combination of her talent and hard work. Congratulations!
This week has also been very reassuring in terms of attendance too. I know I talk a lot about the importance of attendance, but I do so for good reason. We know that when our students are in lessons, they are taught brilliantly and make stunning progress. Where that is not the case, the exact opposite is the result, and it should never be that way. Young people have the right to have a good life and getting to school every day helps to achieve that.
Remembrance
Over the past two weeks we have had so much happening across school. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to represent The Royal Sutton School as part of the Sutton Coldfield Remembrance Sunday celebrations. This event is always so special, and I am proud to be part of this significant event to remember those who have given their lives over many years to protect our freedom and allow us to live as we do. It has the most incredible community feel. I also noticed the incredible number of our students that are part of that community through their involvement in local clubs and groups. Everywhere I looked I saw a friendly face and it gave me another insight into why our students are so special.
Our own celebration in school on Monday was so special too. The whole school gathered on the playground to listen to the Last Post and to reflect, in silence. Over 1000 staff and students did so with such poise and respect. That is The Royal Sutton School at its finest. Students in Year 9 have been involved with the National Memorial Arboretum, they have written and read out their poems which are available around school. My thanks go to Mrs Balnaves for providing students with this opportunity.
On Tuesday, we saw lots of odd socks to celebrate individuality and uniqueness. This week the Phase Leaders, Mr Smikle, Miss Smart and Mrs Halford have been leading assemblies on our support as a community for Anti-Bullying Week. The feedback from students has been amazing and incredibly mature. They really understand the importance of respecting each other and challenging behaviours that are not acceptable or, indeed, the norm. Please click here for further information.
Last night, we welcomed parents into school for our Year 8 Parents Evening. Support from families is so important to us and I am thankful for how engaged you all are in ensuring we work together for our young people.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that our Year 9 Parents Evening will take place on Thursday 5 December 3:40pm-6:00pm. You can book appointments for this via SchoolCloud.
Today was a busy, yet delightful, as we celebrated Children in Need Day. Mr Pursey and our student leaders have raised money by organising a chocolate tombola. It was a great experience, and one where the selflessness of our students shines through once again.
Key Dates for your diary
For key dates, please refer to our school calendar.
Assessment Week
Exam timetables for Years 7-10 for assessment week are now on student’s Year Group Showbie pages. Our Autumn term assessment week will commence Monday 16 December – Thursday 19 December. During this week students will follow an exam timetable.
It is vital that all students attend during this week so that they do not miss their exams.
The purpose of our assessment week is for students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of topics they have studied this term. Students will be informed about the revision they will need to do in preparation for this week.
Year 11 will be having focused coursework interventions during this week as they will have completed their mocks.
Please note that students will be dismissed at 2.30pm during this week, Arriva have confirmed that they are unable to provide the 110 service at an earlier time, therefore the 110 service will arrive at it’s normal time. Travel West Midlands will endeavour to try and provide an earlier service on the 813, 814 and 815 routes. We would advise that if your child usually uses one of these services that they know an alternative route home.
Sparx Maths Rewards
Congratulations to the 5 students who were successful in the Sparx Maths prize draw. These students were nominated by their class teacher for their effort, motivation, and resilience in their homework each week. The Maths Team now wait for our next winners at the end of this term. Good Luck to all students at The Royal Sutton School! The maths team welcome all students to attend a Sparx Study Club every Tuesday lunch time.
Extra Curricular
Our extra curricular activities have launched and the timetable for these will be shared on Showbie. There are a number of different activities at lunchtime and after school. It is really important for students to participate in an extra-curricular activity throughout the year. Extra-curricular activities allow individuals to pursue interests outside the classrooms to foster a love for learning and help them to discover new passions that can shape their future careers and personal fulfilment. They play a vital role in shaping well rounded, resilient individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of life with confidence and character.
We would like to challenge all students to demonstrate commitment by participating in an extra-curricular activity this year, to receive additional commitment points.
Useful Attendance Reminders
For useful attendance reminders, please refer to our attendance page.
Virtues & Virtues Champions
Each week our Heads of Year nominate a ‘Virtues Champion’. This is a person in their year group who has gone above and beyond to demonstrate our virtue of the week. We would like to thank our Virtues Champions for leading the way, focusing on and practicing our virtues.
| Year 7 Champion | Year 8 Champion | Year 9 Champion | Year 10 Champion | Year 11 Champion | |
| SERVICE | Cameron K | Jahlani C | Kaneez K | Carrie O | Demario M |
Work Experience
A reminder that all of Year 10 will be participating in Work Experience from Monday 19 May – Friday 23 May 2025. Students will need to seek out their own placements and return the consent forms by Thursday 28 November 2024. Work experience will allow students the opportunity to experience real world skills, such as confidence, independence and organisation. We would also be grateful to hear from you if you are willing to offer work experience to any of our students, please email enquiry@trss.bham.sch.uk.
Year 11 Revision
Miss Casey, our Examinations Officer, has provided lots of revision materials for our Year 11 students as they prepare for examinations, and these can be collected from the Head of Year office. Miss Casey will also be supervising Room 75 at lunchtime for those Year 11s who wish to complete work and revise.
Reading Recommendation
Over one million British Empire soldiers were killed during the First World War. More than a century later, more than half a million still have no known grave. ‘The Unknown Warrior’ is a search for the true meaning of camaraderie, service and remembrance.
Take care and we hope to see many of you at our Christmas Concert on Tuesday 10 December 5:00pm-7:00pm, further details to follow.
Nicola Gould
