 |
|---|
The change from junior to secondary school is an important milestone in any child’s life. So many new experiences will come their way: moving around the site to different classrooms and teachers several times a day; getting to know a larger building; and once again being the youngest and not the most senior pupils. Choosing the right secondary school for your child is a big decision for parents too, because you will want to provide the best opportunity for them to build foundations for the future.
Thurstable has been at the heart of its community for fifty years, starting as a secondary school on a greenfield site on the edge of Tiptree. Like the village, we have grown over the years and the original building now houses the Sixth Form Centre and administration facilities. Each Curriculum Area has its own suite of rooms and there are excellent specialist teaching facilities, with all round access to new technologies such as interactive whiteboards and computer networks. Students have responded superbly to the learning opportunities that these provide. Ofsted recognised this when they described us as “a good and improving school” in March 2008.
We are blessed by an exceptional location, with extensive and well maintained school grounds. As a Sports College, our sports facilities are second to none, with a full size floodlit all-weather pitch, climbing wall and fitness suite. But you don’t have to be a champion athlete to come here, just happy to join in!
At Thurstable, we aim to give you a full picture of the school and its facilities from the very beginning of your selection process. This prospectus is perhaps a first step that will enable you and your child to explore further. In the Autumn Term, events include an Open Evening, tours of the school and later in the year a Taster Day and Parents’ Evening. Each of these events provides an opportunity to talk to staff and pupils and to see the school in action. Like you, we care about your child’s success and very much hope that you will put your confidence in Thurstable. We look forward to meeting you soon.
MAS Bacon
Head Teacher
Every opportunity is given for students to develop in academic studies… and at a personal level, too
Thurstable is a good place to meet and make new friends, but we always try to make sure that friendship groups from junior school are kept together in form groups. You will meet your form tutor even before you begin at Thurstable and they will make sure that you get off to a good start at your new school. Older students support Year Sevens by acting as mentors and this can really help with the settling in process.
The school has many ways to reward students, such as leadership opportunities, merits and sending postcards home for commendation. Awards events are held in the Summer Term, with certificates and prizes for students who have improved or excelled in aspects of their school life.
We want everyone to be pleased and happy with their progress, so there are lots of opportunities to keep in touch, through Tutor Consultation Day, parents’ evenings and regular reports. You can e-mail your child’s teachers; and if you ever want to find out more about the school, just log on to our web site. ThurSpace our new learning environment will soon add a whole new dimension to learning and communication.
We enable students to achieve well by offering first class facilities
Thurstable has really good facilities, many of which may be new to you. Science lessons give you the chance to try out experiments using laboratory equipment, electrical circuits and data logging technology. There is also plenty to discover in Design Technology, with computer aided design and manufacture.
Thurstable has a wide range of clubs, not just sports but many others, including creative writing, art and drama. Library and computer rooms are open for all to use at lunchtime and music ensembles rehearse regularly.
The Art rooms have computer and photographic equipment as well as more traditional media to explore. Sound and lighting equipment in the Drama Studio means that students’ work can be presented to a high standard. Teachers will always be supportive; they want lessons to be enjoyable almost as much as you do!
Thurstable offers Music Scholarships to aspiring orchestral musicians, so that pupils are able to learn a string, wind or brass instrument free of charge, and generations of young musicians are now learning and performing together.
We want our students to grow into confident young men and women
Thurstable takes a very positive approach to learning and expects students to play an active part in their education. Discovery is all-important and opportunities are provided to suit all styles of learning, both in academic and practical subjects. Yes, there will be homework to do, but this will always support and extend what has been achieved in the classroom.
Our success in sport is built around the development of leadership skills and team players, used to working collaboratively yet with a competitive edge. If you want to know what support really means, just spend some time on the climbing wall! Performing Arts are a real strength as well, with dramatic, musical and dance productions being a highlight of the school year. And if it’s fame you’re after, make sure to put your name down for the Talent Show that is held each summer. If you can do something well, we want you to shine during your time at school, ready to succeed in the wider world.
Students are given responsibility from the start when they are able to express opinions about life in school through a School Council Representative. Later in their career at Thurstable there will be the chance to apply to become a prefect, mentor or subject leader and there is an advanced leadership program in the Sixth Form. At each stage, students are given the opportunity to lead and contribute to a school community that balances achievement with belonging and personal growth for all.
We aim to build an appetite for active and healthy pursuits that will last a lifetime…
To provide the energy for an active school, we offer quite exceptional catering facilities at break and lunchtimes. Many varieties of foods are provided in a delicious menu that includes curries, fajitas and pasta dishes as well as the famous Thurstable burger. The traditional “school dinner” is a thing of the past here!
For those who want to display their own cooking skills, the annual Super chef event gives everyone a chance to have their creations judged by a top local professional.
Students take part in sports and outdoor pursuits throughout the year and the whole school contributes to the Multi Sport Day. There are great opportunities to keep in shape, with two full sized gymnasiums and a Dance Studio.
Last but not least, a memorable part of every student’s time at Thurstable is the week long Summer Camp in year 7, an exciting event in the first year of their secondary education.
Back to top