Convention Day

At the end of term 6 SJWMS enjoyed its first Convention Day. This day was an opportunity for students to learn more about the rights they have which are set out in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. SJWMS has been a UNICEF recognised Rights Respecting School for a number of years and we are committed to helping pupils both learn about and achieve these rights. The Convention Day was planned and organised by our Rights Respecting School Council and gave pupils the opportunity to celebrate the rights they have by wearing traditional religious or national outfits, sharing cultural food, having a school picnic on the field, having subject lessons related to the UNCRC and having an afternoon of games and a virtual escape room to learn more about the convention. We also raised £400 for the charity UNICEF.

This term has seen forms in KS3 compete to design the best box and bring in the most amount of donations for our annual harvest festival collection for the local charity Helping Hands, Year 10 have also had the opportunity to contribute to donations after their Life Skills lesson on the role and importance of food banks. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School we remember that article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child gives all children the right to an adequate standard of living and we hope that our donations will help local children to achieve this right.

Mrs L Humphries

Rights Respecting School Council - School Charter

As many of you will be aware, The Maths School is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. This means that we are committed to both educating and ensuring that children have the legal rights they are entitled to as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. As part of our commitment, pupils on our Rights Respecting School Council have recently rewritten our School Charter. This sets out the rights which pupils feel are the most important for us to focus on currently. We hope that you have time to take a look and discuss with your sons and daughters at home. If you would like any more information on our work on rights please contact Mrs Humphries.

Mrs L Humphries

Sports News

Term 1 and 2 has seen an enormous amount of sport being played across all year groups in a range of different activities. In total just under 500 pupils have competed in rugby, cross country, table tennis, swimming and football since the start of the academic year, this includes over 100 Yr7's, almost 90 Yr8's and over 75 Yr9 students

In September, the school were the winners of the Medway Schools cross country championships held at Capstone Park. In an emphatic all round team performance the Yr 8/9, Yr 10/11, Sixth Form boys and Sixth Form girls teams all ran out winners of their individual competitions. In doing so the school has a number of students who have qualified for the Medway team who will be competing at the Kent cross country championships in Dover in January.

Rugby is the premier sport for Terms 1 and 2 and Girls’ rugby continues to go from strength to strength and the number of Sixth Form playing has grown after our first season in 2021; at the time of writing the girls have played 6 games, winning 4 of them.

The highlight of the rugby season was the win in the county cup for the U14's. On route to the final the side beat Judd, Ravenswood School and then Colfes in the semi final. In the final played under floodlights at Gravesend Rugby Club, in horrendous weather saw the side win 22-7 over Langley Park School for Boys. This was another excellent performance and a reward for the hard work and sacrifice the boys have made since Yr7. The strength of the squad is remarkable and the U14B team, along with the A team, have had another excellent year. The U15's also produced an excellent season, the loss in the Kent Cup semi final was tough to take but the players deserve a huge amount of credit for the way they played and conducted themselves. Likewise the U13's whose superb attitude was a pleasure to see, the numbers at training each week bodes well for the future.

Key Stage 3 rugby teams will continue after Xmas and we look forward to hearing how they get on at Easter.

The 3 senior sides, who returned from our 2nd Canada Rugby tour in July, had good seasons, the 1st XV suffered a number of close defeats that on another day could have gone the other way. The 2nd XV had an excellent season, winning all but 1 of their games, the hardcore of the side will be making up the 1st XV next season and they can take enormous confidence from the way they performed

Other sports have also taken place and more county success was achieved when the U13 table tennis team won the county cup and we look forward to hearing how they progress in January at the regional championships.

Mr S N Downes

Politics Talks

Baroness Natalie Bennett

As a peer representing the Green Party, Baroness Bennett was keen, during her visit, to impart upon her listeners the importance of youth politics and keeping an eye towards the future. Beginning her talk with an apology on behalf of older generations for their impact upon global ecology, she made sure to stress the agency of the youth in further positive change, democracy was not simply an action, the casting of a ballot or the joining of a political party, but a broader participation within society and an active pursuit of one's goals, from subjects so small as the wearing of trousers in girls schools to existential threats like climate change. Her Ladyship made clear her commitment to progress, not only in environmental fields, which she readily admitted had been slow to manifest, though broadly in a direction she found heartening, but also within politics, speaking out against her own position within the Lords, an institution she found indefensible in the present age, and an aversion to the first past the post voting system, which disadvantages smaller parties such as the Greens. Baroness Bennett was eager to emphasise that the Greens were not simply a single issue party, though the climate was their most significant undertaking, she also touched on universal basic income and her distaste for Grammar Schools, this predilection for greater equality featured also in her demanding a female questioner when none manifested unprovoked. The Lady Bennett’s efforts did not fall upon deaf ears, with students keen to engage her in questioning about subjects ranging from her work within the lords to the actions of protest groups such as Just Stop Oil, Her Ladyship demonstrated admirably the breadth of consideration that one must undertake within politics. With some pupils walking away finding themselves confirmed in distaste for the Greens, and others secure in agreement, the Lady Bennett was successful in sparking political fires within her audience, bringing a greater awareness to the functions of the Lords and the struggles of minor parties to her audience, she proved a most informative Speaker.

Iain Dale

Noted Broadcaster Iain Dale touched on a broad range of subjects during his visit to the School. With testimony about the powerful impact of Mrs. Thatcher’s female premiership on his grandmother and being himself the first openly gay man to contest a seat at general election on behalf of the Tories, the potential for significant change within politics was by his own story exemplified. More specific to his career in broadcasting was a reflection on the politics that a radio interviewer needs to play in the harshness of one’s questions, burning bridges with Theresa May after asking how she would vote in another Brexit referendum and explaining how frustrating Boris Johnson was in avoiding answering any real questions. Dale’s interview history is long and colourful, counting 8 former prime ministers and more than fifty books under his belt, considering this vast experience mr. Dale talked about the present tendency within media to be overly hostile and aggressive, noting that his own style was more conversational and resultantly more successful in extracting meaningful headlines over a longer period of discussion. Dale spoke also around the interplay between his political career and radio more generally, capturing the audience with an emotional recounting of his breaking the news of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, remarking on the power and duty of a radio broadcaster, not only in political news but also beyond. Dale’s rich experience around political commentary and broadcast more broadly, illuminated well the paths political awareness can lead towards proving fascinating to many in the audience.

David Blunkett

Lord Blunkett, a member of the house of lords since 2015, kindly took the time to speak to us. As a member of the Labour party since 1963, most notably in the cabinet in various positions under Tony Blair’s government, socialist ideology tailored the majority of his answers. His key role in Blair’s government, secretary of state for education and employment as well as home secretary, prompted the majority of our questions. Blunkett sung the praises of Blair, who is still a close friend of his. When asked his thoughts on how Blair dealt with the Iraq war in 2003, he gave a very interesting answer- even with hindsight he still defended the actions taken, believing history would look more kindly on Blair. More broadly speaking, he discussed the successes of the reforms under ‘New Labour’ - he believed devolution to be the greatest of them as well as what it was like to be Home Secretary during 9/11. His close proximity to the prime minister, as well as his great influence in the labour party at the time, provoked questions concerning him ever having ambitions of leadership. Blunkett, having been visually impaired all his life, very honestly answered he thought he had reached the limitations of his capability, as a minister. Although, he had a spectacular career, not letting his disability hold him back in the slightest- becoming the third blind member of the commons.

By Jasper Greening (Politics Prefect)

Good News

"As of 30th November 12 Year 13 students have already been successful in securing medical school interviews, the last stage in the gruelling application process to become the next generation of NHS doctors. Each place awarded at Medical school secures approximately £250,000 of government funding to complete the long training process. There are 21 applicants this year, the highest ever at the Math, all of whom benefit from our bespoke Medical application programme which includes careers guidance days, support with securing work experience, personal statement workshops and individual UCAS guidance, 1:1 and group interview practice, UCAT preparation advice and regular monitoring of applications.

Three candidates have done exceptionally well to secure interviews at Cambridge while other students have accessed a wide range of other prestigious universities, namely King's College London, University College London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, UEA, Exeter and Bristol. Special mentions go to Leepo Rai who gained the highest ever UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) score on record at this school and Matthew Saunders, with the highest ever BMAT (British Medical Admissions Test) gained by a student at the Math. Fingers crossed for nine other students waiting to hear!

If you or your child would like more information about our bespoke medical application programme for prospective doctors and dentists, please contact Mr Barley who will be happy to assist. Ambitious students should begin to consider their approach to application from Year 10."

Mr Barley

ACHIEVEMENTS

Term 2 2022 - Certification Assembly

At The Math, we pride ourselves on the achievements of our pupils. In November, hundreds of pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 received certificates . Certificates are awarded for a range of achievements. Gold certificates are awarded to the top 5% of students with the highest academic scores. Silver certificates are awarded to the next 10% of students with the highest academic scores. Bronze certificates are awarded to the top 10% of students with the highest points for attitude to learning. Certificates for 100% attendance and Top Readers certificates are also issued. All of the certificates were handed out to students by the Principal, Mr Hodges. In his closing remarks he reminded pupils about ‘growth mindset’ and the importance for pupils to strive to do their best and excel to their fullest potential. We look forward to seeing who will be receiving certificates in Term 3 and during the Year 7 Celebration evening on 18th May and the Year 8 and Year 9 Prize giving on 22nd June 2023.

Below is a full list of the recipients this term:

Year 10 top performers

Congratulations to the following Year 10 students who gained the highest average grades on their Term 1 Reports.

Henry Williams

Benedict Hope

Yu An Tee

Nikola Yordanov

Honore Nubi

James Topping

Travis Williamson

Laurence Donkor

Melvin Erifevieme

Mihir Vellala

Samuel Boughton

Zane Nankervis

Alexander Rising

Kanz Shibu

Erakan Sutheswaran

Evan Thomas

Matthew Angel

Faizan Arif

Daniel James

Aidan Marsh

Peter O'connell

Aryan Srirangan

Tyrus Veiga

Lewis Burgiss

Harrison Crick

Sebastian Goncerzewicz

Dennis Sarpong

Sixth Form Subject Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected by each department because they have been the best performing student in that subject so far this year.

Art & Design

Joseph Cornelius 12 Thetford

Art & Design

Charlotte Watson 12 Tower

Biology

Isabelle Kuhn 12 Tower

Chemistry

Arya Manivannan 12 Gordon

Classical Civilisation

Ryan Hymas 12 Thetford

Computing

Oliver Bennett 12 Thetford

Design & Technology

Ben Hayes 12 Pitt

Economics

Aglae Prevot De Loudiere 12 River

English

Ryan Hymas 12 Thetford

French

Isaac Woodman 12 Thetford

Further Mathematics

Melrin D'mello 12 Tower

Geography

Isabel Parker 12 Bridge

Government & Politics

Liam Murphy 12 Pitt

History

Lauren Ellis 12 River

Mathematics

Rafiah Kounougous-Siewe 12 Tower

Contribution to Music

James Fromow 12 Tower

Physical Education

Molly Behn 12 River

Physics

George Newton 12 Thetford

Psychology

Ella Wills 12 Thetford

Spanish

Christian Jackson 12 Castle

Art & Design

Hannah Carney 13 Gordon

Art & Design

Ava Bannayi 13 Bridge

Biology

Suyash Gurung 13 Gordon

Chemistry

James Jefferson 13 River

Classical Civilisation

Isabella Lines 13 River

Computing

Alvin Roy 13 Bridge

Design & Technology

Orla Goodall 13 Bridge

Economics

Sophie Burt 13 Gordon

English

Devie Lister 13 Castle

French

Sean McAddy 13 Thetford

Further Mathematics

Nicholas Vasile 13 Tower

Geography

Jeevan Takk 13 Gordon

Government & Politics

Archie Brown 13 Thetford

History

Tom Hollands 13 Pitt

Mathematics

Suyash Gurung 13 Gordon

Music

Joshua Bridger 13 Pitt

Physical Education

Joe Gore 13 Gordon

Physics

Yann Nicholas 13 Castle

Psychology

Sophie Burt 13 Gordon

Spanish

Paa Kwasi Abrokwa 13 Castle

Reading

All Year 7 students follow the Accelerated Reader programme. Well done to our top readers so far:

Tristan Richards (7GO) - 3,268,251

Shihab Ahmed (7GO) - 2,690,172

Yashvin Thamilchelvan (7TH) - 2,479,927

Idris Lawal (7BR) - 2,169,342

Rohan Chennu (7CA) - 2,075,099

Merits

Academic Merits are awarded by teachers to recognise outstanding work or effort. Well done to the following students who have secured the most Academic Merits so far in their year groups:

Year 7:

Shihab Ahmed

Henry Gardiner

Nes-Junior Magoua Siewe

Year 8:

Reid Hughes

Shivashan Bains

Dylan Hothi

Year 9:

Klevis Dulla

Josh Anderson

Rohan Philpott

Year 10:

Alexander Rising

Joel Chacko

Benedict Hope

Year 11:

Edward Johns

Armaan Chhokar

Advay Goel

Year 12:

Poppy Crowhurst

Amoreena Wells

Marvellous Akintola

Year 13:

Daniel Kehinde

Nawal Rehan

Finley Alvey

We aim to develop within our pupils several personal traits, dispositions and virtues which will help them live positive, productive and fulfilling lives. Character Merits are awarded to students who demonstrate those qualities. Well done to the following students who have won most Character Merits in their year groups:

Year 7:

Sean Nibo

Jack Ellis

Rhys Mills

Year 8:

Chikwesirito Ezeugwu

Ilerioluwa Falowo

Luca Basso

Year 9:

Socrates Tsatsaklas

Archie Blundell

Louis Godden

Year 10:

Liam Withey

Joel Chacko

Mungo Marsh

Year 11:

Ben Greenwood

Elliot Wilson

William Jones

Year 12:

Darragh Skerritt

James Fromow

Lucas Carlyon

Year 13:

George Morris

Kyle McIntyre

Joshua Bridger

Year 11 Mock Examinations

The following students gained an average grade of a 7 or higher in their mock examinations and are well on track to achieve success in their GCSE courses.

Muhammad Ahmed

Harrison Older

Ethan Sime

Siddhant Das

Teddy Young

Armaan Chhokar

Zain Ahmed

Jack Bailey

Fraser Driver

Thomas Jenner-Hatch

Mateusz Karbowski

Awal Sholagberu

Harry Smith

Angad Bains

Advay Goel

Matthew Gu

Devan Virdi

Aaron Hallatt

Edward Johns

Hashim Shah

Liam Mcgoldrick

Thenuhan Baskaran

Owen Davies

Gwyn Evans

Callum Pallett

Tobiloba Sobanjo

Benjamin Waters

Austin Alexander

Tejevan Chahar

Darcy Tamblin

Toby Burrows

Thomas Colyer

Adam Howard

Ronnie Jones

Annant Gautam

Ben Clements

Hayden Collins

Erol Uslu

Thomas Ball

Adam Najeeb

Prabh Arjun Sangha

Rejay Jyothiss

Huseyin Nurhakli

Jacob Price

Robert Stevenson

Careers Newsletter

Attendance - Update

Dear Parent

As you will know our current attendance policy requires you to provide a written explanation as to why your son/daughter was absent. This can either be completed via an email or a note the day of your son’s/daughter's return to school.

From the 5th January this process is changing, and to make things easier, we are going to be using a feature via the ‘My Child At School’ app which enables you to notify us of any absence by a form of text message.. This means communications of any absences for your son/daughter will be easier for you and the school. The absence telephone number will no longer be in operation to report absences in January. Reporting absences can only be done by the My Child at School App or by emailing - absence@sjwms.org.uk.

In order for this system to operate efficiently can you please make sure that your MCAS app is working. If it is not please email MCAS@sjwms.org.uk, for any administrative problems.

Below are instructions on how to report your son/daughter's absence via the MCAS app.

From your MCAS app go to:

When the school sends a text parents reply to the virtual number - 07860054468.

Or to send a text via My Child At School:

Menu

Messages

‘+’ next to messages

Click School Name

Write a message as to why your son/daughter is absent.

Kind regards

The School Office

Information for Parents