newsletter - Thomas Adams School

THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL, WEM
incorporating
ADAMS COLLEGE SIXTH FORM CENTRE
ADAMS HOUSE (BOARDING)
Headteacher: Neil Hemming BA (Hons) MA (Ed)
Senior Assistant Headteacher: Elizabeth Dakin BSoc Sci (Hons)
Dear Parent
I trust you had an enjoyable summer; a very special welcome to all of you who have children
at Thomas Adams for the first time.
New Staff
We are pleased to be able to welcome the following staff to Thomas Adams. As ever it is
extremely gratifying for us to have been able to recruit staff of an extremely high quality and
we wish them all the very best in their careers with us.
Teaching Staff
• Mr Tom Cuthbert – Head of Physics
• Dr Jeffrey Harford – Maths
• Mr Richard Collins – maternity cover ICT. We send our best wishes to Mrs Max Turner who
gave birth to a baby boy, Samuel, over the summer.
• Mrs Julie Squire – maternity cover for Mrs Helen King who leaves us very shortly after the
start of term. We wish her all the very best for her maternity.
Later this term we will also welcome formally Mrs Sarah Carter who will be leading the Drama
department when Mrs Finneren departs on maternity leave, and Mrs Brigitte Kukla who will
be providing maternity cover for Mrs Whitfield in Modern Languages.
We also welcome back Mrs Sheffield-Kelly and Mrs Williams to the Science department
following their maternities.
Congratulations go to Miss Scott (PE), Miss Black (English) and Mr Utting (English), all of
whom were married during the holiday period. Miss Scott returns to us as Mrs Kempster while
Miss Black will retain her name for professional purposes.
Academic Team
Following the retirements of Dr Sparkes as Head of Science and Mr Griffith as Head of ICT at
the end of last term, Mr Phillips becomes Subject Leader for Science and Mr Howlett becomes
Subject Leader for ICT. We wish them both all good luck in their new roles.
Support Staff
Meanwhile a long-standing member of staff left us during August. Mrs Frances Ayres, who will
be known to some of you for her ‘front of house’ role at Wem Town Hall, was an administrator
for our Media Arts specialism work and could be relied upon to provide a calm, assured
approach to her work. We wish her all the very best for the future.

Pastoral team – a reminder of the pastoral team for 2011-2012:
Mr Jones – Head of Year 7
Mr Douthwaite and Mrs Turner – joint Heads of Year 8
Mrs Atkinson– Head of Year 9
Ms Holland – Head of Year 10
Mr Munro – Head of Year 11
Mrs Withey – Director of Sixth-Form: Head of Years 12 and 13
Remember you can see a list of all staff and their roles and responsibilities on the website.
Click on Thomas Adams School, Prospectus and follow the link from there.
Examination Results: Another Brilliant Year!
We have been enjoying yet another set of ‘best ever’ results. Congratulations go to our
students, but thanks, as ever, must go to staff and parents for their hard work in providing
the support which has ensured such pleasing performances.
Year 13 – A level
Our Year 13 results were very gratifying:
• Almost one quarter of all exams sat resulted in the awarding of A*/A grades.
• Approaching half of all grades were in the A* - B grade range.
• Four-fifths of grades were in the A* - C grade range.
• The overall pass rate was in excess of 99%.
• The average total point score for each student (including AS examinations sat during the
course of the two years) was approaching 800 – the equivalent of A, A, B grades* at A2
• 28 subject areas achieved 100% pass rate.
*DFE Performance Tables scoring were 210 points is the equivalent of ‘C’ grade.
Congratulations go to all our Year 13 students 2010 – 2011 : well done!
A special commendation goes to the following students in Year 13:
Rachael Blacklaws A, A, A, A* Masie Boggild-Jones A*, A, A, B
Padraig Boulton A*, A*, B Harriet Brown A*, A, A
Hollie Byrne A*, A, B, B Naomi Drury A*, A*, A
Jack Evanson A*, A, A, A, A Olivia Gregory A, A, B
Tayo Ipaye A*, A, B Christopher Joseph A*, A, B, B
Ceara Marsh A, A, A, A William Meakin A*, A, A, C
Samuel Morgan A*, A*, A*, A*, A Samuel Philpott A*, A*, A, A
Sam Telford A, A, B Harri Thomas A*, A, A, B
Holly Welch A, A, A Joe White A, A, A, B
Rebecca Woolley
A*, A, A, A

Year 11 – GCSE
Our Year 11 results were equally pleasing:
• Over 83% of the cohort achieved 5 or more GCSEs at A* - C.
• Over 65% of students achieved 5 or more GCSEs at A* - C including English and
Maths.
• Over 25% of all grades awarded were A*/A.
• Almost 80% of all grades awarded were in the A* - C grade range.
• All students achieved recognised certification at Level 1 or Level 2.
• Total Average Point Score per student was in excess of 460 points, the equivalent of
10 x B grades!!
Congratulations go to our Year 11 students, 2010 – 2011 : well done!
In Year 11 the following students deserve commending for achieving an average point score
of 52 points or more, (52 points is the equivalent of A grade at GCSE), across all the
examinations that they sat:
Sophie Allmark
Tessa Broad
Danielle Brown
Isabel Castle
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca Garrett
Lucy Gregory
Richard Grindrod
Emily Haycocks
Georgina Hessey
Jonathan Howard
Bronte Morgan-George
James Painter
Joshua Peck
Molly Philpott
Eleanor Reid
Oliver Sharples
Matthew Simcock
Jack Smith
Kate Smith
Liam Stevens
Madelaine Tracy
Congratulations go to all our Year 11 students 2010-2011: well done!

Ever onward, ever upward ………
Refreshed after the summer break and fortified by our excellent examination results, we are
looking forward to the new academic year with excitement and great anticipation.
Certainly, in similar fashion to most public services it would seem, we have had to shoulder
our burden of ‘austerity measures’ in order to create a balanced budget for the year. With the
new government funding arrangements which now obtain, we had to react swiftly to the loss
of specialism monies and a reduction in sixth-form funding levels.
Our priority throughout has been to protect the curriculum and we remain proud of the
curriculum on offer to both our lower school pupils and sixth-form students. We offer a good
balance between the ‘traditional’ and those applied subject areas based around the new
technologies. Moreover we continue to offer a wide and varied range of extra-curricular
activities, which include, among others, opportunities in sport, music, drama and the
possibility of visits and trips.
In particular, we are hoping that this term’s production, ‘The Sound of Music’, will be a fitting
successor to last year’s extraordinary performances of ‘Les Miserables’. We wish Mr Ashley
and his team every success for it.
Meanwhile the PE department will be hoping to add to their silverware this year. Having
become County champions in both football and hockey last year, our girls were particularly
successful. We are now hoping that some of our boys teams, who often reached the semi final
stage last season can now go one better!
School Open Evening – Tuesday 12 October
Parents with a son/daughter in Year 6
We will host an Information Evening for parents with a son/daughter in Year 6 on
21 September at 7.15pm at our Lowe Hill site. The evening will aim to take you through the
admissions process for secondary schools in North Shropshire as well as giving you salient
information with regard to Thomas Adams. A representative from the Admissions team at
Shropshire Council will also be present to answer any queries you may have.
This is then followed by our Open Day and Open Evening on 11 October 2011. On that
day prospective parents (and sons/daughters, if you so wish) are able to participate in a tour
of the School: arrive at Lowe Hill for 10.30am for the morning tour or 1.30pm if you wish to
partake of the afternoon visit. There is no need to book in advance.
Our Open Evening is also on 11 October and you can arrive at any time from 7.15pm. This
will give you the opportunity to ask questions of the staff and students in an informal setting.
Please make a note of the date in your diary: everyone is welcome!
College Open Evening – Thursday 20 October
Parents with a son/daughter in Year 11
Our Adams College Open Evening begins with a brief talk in the Stanier Hall at our Noble
Street site at 7.15pm. You will then be able to visit our Noble Street campus to talk with
staff and sixth-form students about the wide range of courses on offer at the College. Again,
everyone is welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there!
Please note: if you wish to see either the Lower School or Adams College in action at a
different time to suit your commitments, then please do not hesitate to be in touch with
Mr Hemming. We will be more than happy to arrange a convenient time for you to visit.

School Buildings
My thanks go to Mr Neale
and his team for their
unstinting commitment
throughout July and August as part of our
on-going refurbishment programme. Pots of
magnolia paint were very much in evidence
this summer.
Adams House (Boarding)
Our boarding house, Adams House,
contributes so positively to school and college
life and is flourishing. We are now looking to
recruit for September 2012.
Mrs Nicki Cooper is our Head of Boarding
and can be contacted on (01939) 233311.
CHAT – Confidential Help and
Advice for Teenagers
This well-established service offers help and
advice to teenagers on a range of issues
relating to health, bullying, stress, careers
and relationships, or, indeed, whatever is
on their mind. This multi-agency initiative
has been effective in developing still further
the strong tradition the School has for
supporting students in all aspects of life
and we are very pleased that we remain in a
position to continue to offer this service.
Chaplaincy 2011-12
The work of the School’s Chaplains is very
much appreciated, not only by providing a
spiritual aspect to the life of the School
through ‘Thought for the Week’ during
assemblies but also by providing a
comforting ‘listening ear’ for families and
students during difficult times.
Year group Chaplain
7 Phil Wright
8 Bill Huband
9 Alistair Simms
10 Chris Dakin
11 Christopher Cooke/Phil Wright
12 & 13 Rev Christopher Cooke – Vicar
of St Peter and St Paul’s Wem
School Meals/Free School Meals
From the start of the Autumn term, the value
of a free meal is £2.00 per day. If you are on
income support, income based job seekers’
allowance and in some cases child tax credit,
you are probably eligible for free meals for
your child. Please contact Mrs Orrell at
School if you have any queries about free
meals. Advice on eligibility for free meals is
also available from Shropshire County
Council on 01743 250250.
As part of our overall health education
programme, we continue to work with Shire
Services to try to ensure that the food offered
is as healthy as possible. We expect to see a
continuation of the noticeable shift in
students’ choice of food
to more traditional meals and
the ‘healthy foods’ on offer.
Friends of Thomas Adams
We are always pleased if new parents wish to
participate actively in the work of the Friends
of Thomas Adams. If you are interested,
please contact Belinda Howells,
Mr Hemming’s PA, on 01939 237000. Note:
The Friends’ next meeting will take place at
Lowe Hill on 28 September at 6.00pm. All
welcome!
‘Planning for Homework’ booklets – Key Stage 3
You should all now have your booklets. These outline the homework schedules for 2011-12
for each of the Key Stage 3 year groups. They are also available for perusal on the School’s
website.

School Photographs – Years 7 &
10
The school photographer is in at the start
of term to take your child(ren)’s portrait.
Parents with children in Years 7 and 10
will receive a ‘proof photocard’ in
approximately 2 weeks, from which you
will be able to order from a selection of
packages, should you wish to. You will be
allowed 2 weeks to order your photos and
then your order will be returned to school
within approximately 3 weeks after the
deadline date.
Use of personal equipment in
school
Many students now have a range of useful
and valuable equipment (such as phones
or ipods). While we appreciate that these
can be of benefit (although they must be
switched off and out of sight during the
day at all times), we would like to remind
you that the safety and security of these is
entirely the responsibility of the student
and that the school cannot accept any
liability for loss or damage to such items.
We would suggest that, where appropriate,
separate insurance is taken out to cover
valuable items brought to school. If this is
not possible, then we would advise
students not to bring them into school. If
you have a query, please ask to talk to one
of our Pastoral Team.
Head Boy/Head Girl
We wish every success to our new Head
Boy and Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy
and Deputy Head Girl: Nancy Moody
(Head Girl), Elliot Millington (Head Boy),
Richard Lycett (Deputy Head Boy), Megan
Ashley (Deputy Head Girl).
Buses
If you have any queries about
buses then please phone
Mr Peter Neale, our Business
Manager. Either he or
Mrs Corrine Brown will be
happy to deal with your query.
Please note that we work very closely with the
Local Authority and the bus companies to
ensure that things run smoothly. However, we
have made it clear to students that if they
misbehave on the bus, they will lose their
right to travel on it. It will then be for parents
to make alternative transport arrangements.
Note too that as safe travel on our coaches is
the greatest concern, we insist that all
students should wear their seatbelts. Indeed,
the wearing of seatbelts is a legal requirement.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2012
Bronze Award
Year 10 pupils will have the opportunity to
complete the Bronze level of the award scheme
in 2012. The scheme will be launched in
October; training sessions will take place on
an allocated day after school, every other
week. The practice expedition will take place
in May and qualifying route in July.
Gold Award
The opportunity will also be given to Year 12
and 13 students to participate in the Scheme
at Gold level.
For those students interested, please see
Mrs Gilbert in the PE department.
Homework & the Student Planner
The Planner is so useful for helping students
to organise themselves with homework. It
also shows the number of house points that
your child has achieved.
We would be grateful if you check the
Planner weekly and if you have a complaint,
then please contact us directly. Certainly
please let us know if you think your child is
getting either not enough or too much
homework.

Students
Meanwhile our students have been busying themselves over the summer.
Budding photographer Lewis Maddox, who enters Year 13 this year, held an exhibition
showcasing pictures of steam trains.
Entitled ‘Steam Through The Seasons’ the exhibition was held both at the Engine House
Visitor Centre at Highley on the Severn Valley Railway and at the Welshpool and Llanfair Light
Railway’s Welshpool Raven Square station.
Lewis said: “As part of my A level studies, I decided to undertake an extended project
qualification to gain myself an extra qualification where I could organise something completely
independently.”
Joe Evans: Youth European Modern Pentathlon Champion
Perhaps no-one has had a busier summer than Joe who won the gold
medal at the Youth European Championships for Modern Pentathlon
in Hungary.
Joe had to fence, swim 200m and run 3000m whole shooting down
15 targets in order to secure victory.
He came second overall in the fencing, second in the swimming and in
the combined running and shouting event crossed the finish line first
to make him Youth European Champion for 2011: a magnificent
achievement.
Joe and his GB team mates, Sam Curry and Ryan Smith,
won the silver medal in the team competition, pipped to the
gold medal by the Russians.
You will appreciate that to reach such a high standard, Joe
has to train very hard. He rides (riding is not part of the
competition internationally until 18+), he swims with
Whitchurch Wasps and fences with Wrekin Sword. He has to
balance this huge commitment with his A level studies at
Adams College.
Stop Press: following the European championships, Joe moved on to the World
Championships and came in fifth (in the world!) while then going on to win the British
Pentathlon (including horse riding). What a remarkable summer!
Myths and Legends
Our students have also been helping to pass on myths and legends of Shropshire which are to
feature in a film.
Mythstories Museum in Wem joined forces with the School to produce the film, parts of which
were shot in and around Ellesmere, Whittington, Whixall and Colemere.
It is intended that the 45 minute DVD will be issued to north Shropshire primary schools in
order that pupils can learn about legends and myths as told by older children in the area.
The Wordscape North Shropshire project, which will also see a new visitor leaflet for north
Shropshire created, complete with hi-tech QR codes for smartphone users, has been made
possible with a £6000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Myths and Legends (contd)
Ali Quarrell, who runs the museum with husband Dez, said: “It’s wonderful that these
talented children and young people can keep alive the stories of their local area thanks to
the support given to various causes when people buy lottery tickets.
About 16 children in Years 7 and 8 at Thomas Adams School have been working with us
during their summer holidays.”
Among the myths covered in the film are the tale of an old lady called Mrs Ellis who refused
to share her water supply, causing her cottage to flood and thereby creating The Mere. The
tale of a cheeky goblin hell-bent on scaring drinkers away from a Wem pub where his lair is,
is also featured!
School Uniform
It is gratifying that the vast majority of students wear our uniform with pride, but we would
like to draw your attention to the following:
The length and style of some girls’ skirts remains a concern and we appreciate the difficulty
many of you face when your daughter insists that ‘all the other girls are wearing them’. For
this reason, to ensure absolute consistency and total fairness, we ask that all skirts worn
from September 2011 be purchased from our uniform supplier School Shop Direct
(Nuisance Clothing) and are of an appropriate length for school. (Alternatively girls can of
course wear tailored school trousers if they prefer, but no canvas style, jeans, skinny fit
or fashion trousers please).
Hooded tops should not be worn as a substitute for a coat. We would ask you not to buy
such items for school, as your child will be asked to remove them. Cardigans are also not
to be worn as a substitute for the sweatshirt.
School shoes for boys and girls should be plain black leather or leather-like material with
no motifs. Boots of any kind, including Timberlands, are NOT acceptable unless we
experience extreme weather conditions (snow), in which case we would expect school shoes
to be carried in bags and for students to change into these on entering the building.
Trainers and pumps are also unacceptable.
The rest of the Uniform Policy is attached (below). Please take the time to study it so
that you do not purchase items, which are unacceptable for school. Some of these items
can be expensive so please be careful not to buy anything that the school would consider
unsuitable.
A reminder that facial piercings and extreme haircuts, including unnatural colours, are not
permitted.
We also include some pictures (below) to assist you in your purchases.
Clearly the wearing of our uniform is a requirement of attending Thomas Adams School. We
believe it allows students to gain a sense of equality, and identity and adhering to the
uniform policy prepares them for the world of work. We would ask as parents/carers, that
you support us on this issue and ensure that your son/daughter is appropriately dressed
for school in the correct uniform.
We believe firmly that if our students are smartly dressed for school in a uniform consistent
with school policy, they will be prepared for work in the classroom. As ever, your full
support in this matter is appreciated.

OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM
demonstrates students' pride in attending The Thomas Adams School
enables all students to look smart at a reasonable cost
promotes our good name in the local community and further afield
helps prepare students for the world outside of Adams where particular codes of
dress are often obligatory (despite not always being stipulated)
The governors and staff request your assistance in helping us to achieve
our goal of a consistent, smart school uniform worn by all students.
Thomas Adams branded school polo shirts and sweatshirts as well as PE kit should now be purchased
from our supplier School Shop Direct (Nuisance Clothing). The recommended school skirt and
trousers are also available for purchase in the same way. Purchases can be made in person at their
store: School Shop Direct (Nuisance Clothing), Unit 13, Harlescott Barns, Harlescott Lane,
Shrewsbury, SY1 3SZ, tel 01743 440449, opening times: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am – 5pm &
Saturday 10am – 4pm. Alternatively you can order on line at www.schoolshopdirect.co.uk
Years 7 – 11 All Students
• Navy blue Thomas Adams School polo shirt
• Navy blue Thomas Adams School sweatshirt
• Black or dark brown shoes with a low heel (no canvas or trainer style, no motifs)
• Plain coloured outer coat (no hoodies or cardigans)
(Year 11 choose their own colour sweatshirt each year)
Girls
• School-style straight plain black skirt or
• Plain black standard school trousers - straight-legged (no jeans or tight canvas material,
no embellishments)
or
• Smart navy or black City shorts (knee length)
• plain white, black or natural socks or tights (no leggings)
Boys
• Charcoal grey or black standard school trousers (no large pockets)
• Plain navy, black or grey socks
Outdoor winter scarves are acceptable during the cold weather, but must be removed in
the classroom. (House school scarves can be purchased from school). Large ‘fashion’
belts are considered inappropriate for school.
Jewellery
Students are not allowed to wear any jewellery which is a risk to health and safety, e.g. eyebrow rings
and bars, nose studs and piercings, large dangly earrings, heavy rings etc. Any bangles/necklaces
should be out of sight.
Hair Styles
It is expected that all students will wear their hair appropriately to reflect a serious learning
environment. “Exaggerated” hairstyles and colour are not acceptable.
In your own interest, it is vital that each item of school uniform is clearly marked with the owner’s
name.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT CHOOSING THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL IMPLIES THE WILLINGNESS TO
CONFORM TO THE SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY AT ALL TIMES, A POLICY FULLY ENDORSED BY THE
SCHOOL GOVERNORS AND STAFF.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT
The Physical Education Department at Thomas Adams School is striving to make sport
accessible to all its students. Providing an environment conducive to learning is a key to this
ideal. The student’s PE Kit plays a fundamental role in achieving this aim. With this in mind,
the PE Department has the following expectations for PE Kit during curriculum lessons and
extra-curricular opportunities.
The PE Department expects students to bring PE kit to every lesson. In the case of an injury or
illness, a note or communication via your child/the school reception should be provided.
Students are then expected to change into their PE kits (unless they are physically unable to
or there are exceptional circumstances) and perform roles such as officiating, teaching
assisting and coaching, but are not required to physically participate.
This enables all students to feel part of the learning process, fulfil their legal requirement of
Physical Education provision and allow teachers to assess their ability to perform in different
roles allowing accurate attainment levels to be recorded.
This expectation will ensure that students of all ability and needs are challenged and
feel that they participating in every PE lesson.
Your support and co-operation in this matter would be greatly appreciated to ensure a positive
and enjoyable sporting experience is had by all.
STANDARD KIT FOR ALL STUDENTS
Training shoes (non-marking soles)
Towel
Football Boots (Only needed for part of the year's activities. PE staff will advise)
Navy blue tracksuit bottoms may be worn during cold weather at the discretion of the member
of staff.
Students are required to wear shin guards for their own safety during team contact.
STANDARD PE KIT FOR GIRLS:
• Blue sweatshirt (Adams Wem emblem) OR
• Navy blue fleece (Adams Wem emblem)
• Sky blue polo shirt (Adams Wem emblem)
• Navy shorts (Adams Wem emblem)
• White socks
• Blue tracksuit bottom (Adams Wem emblem) [optional]
STANDARD PE KIT FOR BOYS:
• Reversible blue rugby jersey
• White polo shirt (Adams Wem emblem)
• White shorts (Adams Wem emblem)
• Blue tracksuit bottom (Adams Wem emblem) [optional]
• Blue football socks with white hoops
• White sport socks
All PE Kit can be purchased from School Shop Direct (Nuisance Clothing), Unit 13, Harlescott
Barns, Harlescott Lane, Shrewsbury, SY1 3SZ, 01743 440449, open: Tues, Thurs & Fri 10am
– 5pm & Sat 10am – 4pm. Alternatively you can order on line at www.schoolshopdirect.co.uk
Swimming caps MUST be purchased for students with long hair and can be bought from Wem
Swimming Baths.
In certain instances the School can provide confidential assistance with the purchase of
School uniform and PE kit where a family faces financial problems; please contact the
Headteacher.

Miscellaneous
• Students in Years 7-11 are not allowed to leave the School site at lunchtime unless they
actually go home and we have a parent’s note confirming this. Students are never
allowed to hang around Wem at lunchtime.
• In response to parents’ queries may I stress that we are legally obliged only to accept the
surname of a child which is on the birth certificate or one that has been changed by
Court Order. We are not allowed to accept name changes that do not have legal
ratification or, at the very least, the written backing of both natural parents.
• Please liaise with Mrs Stevenson over any medical issues affecting your child that may
impinge on school/college.
• During the course of the year, pictures of some students may be used for a variety of
purposes (for example, on our website, in newspaper articles, in videos for training staff
or as part of displays of students’ work). Some of these images will be available to the
general public together with the student’s name. If you do not wish your child’s image to
be used in this way, please would you let us know.
• You will note that school events continue to start at 7.15pm (this is to avoid the
confusion over whether it is 7.00 or 7.30pm). The exceptions are the Parents
Consultation Events that are from 4.30 – 7.30pm.
• We are always grateful for offers of voluntary assistance by parents, eg in helping out with
support work for staff or students. Please contact Mrs Belinda Howells without obligation
if you would like to find out more.
• There are a range of residential trips planned for next year, subject to sufficient uptake,
and these are listed below so that you are in a better position to judge in which, if any,
you wish your child to participate. Full details are available from the member of staff.
Year 12 Geography field trip 31 October – 4 November Mr Stokes
Years 8 & 9 Christmas Markets 4 - 7 December Mrs Pond
Year 13 RE trip to Krakow 10 – 14 February Mrs Badger
Years 8 – 11 Los Angeles/San Francisco trip 12 – 18 February Mrs Colgan
Years 8 & 9 PGL Trip 3 – 7 June Miss McCallum
Year 7 Arthog week 16 – 20 July Mr Winter
Year 8 & 9 Rome/Naples trip 13 – 20 July Mr Williams
Years 9 – 13 Band Tour 13 – 20 July Mr Brown
Reporting to Parents
This year we will be looking to embed those changes made last year to the reporting system
which were based on feedback from parents, students and staff. In response to that
feedback we will retain the opportunity for a more personalised comment from each subject
tutor while optimising the number of data columns on the report to enhance the quality of
the information sent home.
The dates that reports are received have also been adjusted slightly so that they work in
conjunction with parents’ evenings. Parents’ evenings and report dates can be seen in the
following table:
Year Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term
7 Report w/b: 16 Jan Report w/b: 2 April Parents Eve: 14 June
8 Report w/b: 16 Jan Report w/b: 2 April Parents Eve: 09 May
9 Report w/b: 16 Jan Parents Eve: 01 February Report w/b: 16 July
10 Report w/b: 05 Dec Parents Eve: 14 March Report w/b: 16 July
11 Report w/b: 05 Dec Parents Eve: 10 January
Report w/b: 2 April
12 Parents Eve: 17 November Report w/b: 06 Feb Report update: 9 July
13 Parents Eve: 28 September Report w/b: 30 April

School Premises
Could we please ask that you do not bring your car on to the premises either to drop your
child at school in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon.
We would be grateful if you drop your child off at a safe distance from the school gate as car
parking is limited and the buses require access straight through from Pyms Road out on to
Lowe Hill Road. Thank you.
Communication with the School
The School has an answering machine for out-of-office hours and this is checked first thing
every week day morning. Any messages you leave will receive as prompt attention as possible
both during term time and holiday time. You are also able to e-mail the School via –
enquiries@thomasadams.org.uk - again, this is checked daily and we will endeavour to reply
promptly.
When the matter is urgent, out-of-school hours, please ring 07974772001 (only
answered if the caller’s number is not withheld). This is Mr Hemming’s personal
mobile telephone number. In addition, you can e-mail him at hemming.n@shropshirelg.net
Please feel free to be in touch with us whenever you have concerns, queries or complaints.
You can be sure of a friendly reception and immediate action whenever it is possible.
May I remind you of the timings of the School day:
Morning registration 8.50am
Lunch
12.25 – 1.15pm
End of school
3.20pm
With all best wishes
Yours sincerely
Neil Hemming
Headteacher
Attached for your information:
1. Events for the forthcoming half-term
2. Key Dates
3. School Holidays
4. Holidays in Term time
5. School Attendance
6. Clarification about basic School Rules
7. Home/School partnership
8. Home/School agreement
9. E-mail/Mobile phone contact sheet
10. Data Protection
11. Students on site out of school hours
12. PE Extra-Curricular Activities

Upcoming Parents’ Evenings : An Overview for this Half Term
• Year 13 Parents’ Higher Education Information Evening: Monday 12 September,
7.15 – 9.00pm, Wem Town Hall
The aim of the meeting is to inform you of the university application process. A visiting
speaker from Aberystwyth University will give information about the financial implications
for students given the imminent increase in fees. Mrs Withey, Director of Sixth Form, will
outline how we organise the application cycle at Adams College.
• Year 10 Parents’ Information Evening: Thursday 15 September, 7.15 – 8.15pm,
Drama Studio, Lowe Hill
This meeting gives us the opportunity to offer advice and answer questions with regard to
the demands and expectations of GCSE and coursework as it relates to the students over
the next two years.
• Year 12 Parents’ ‘Settling In’ Information Evening: Tuesday 20 September, 7.15 –
8.15pm, Stanier Hall, Noble Street
This meeting enables us to go through college routines and the expectations surrounding
AS study while answering any queries that may have arisen during this first part of the
term.
• Information Evening for Year 6 Parents: Wednesday 21 September, 7.15 – 8.15pm,
the Dining Hall, Lowe Hill
An opportunity for parents with a son/daughter currently in Year 6 to learn more about
Thomas Adams and the admissions procedure for entry in September 2012. All welcome!
• Year 13 Consultation Evening: Wednesday 28 September, 4.30 – 7.30pm, at Noble
Street
Our Consultation Evening will give parents of students in Year 13 the opportunity to talk
to their son’s/daughter’s subject tutors about their exam results, progress and the year
ahead.
• Year 7 ‘Settling In’ Evening: Tuesday 4 October, Lowe Hill
Our ‘Settling In’ Evening will enable you to meet with your son’s/daughter’s form tutor
and feedback any queries if you wish. A letter giving further details will follow.
• Year 11 ‘What’s Next?’ Information Evening: Thursday 6 October, 7.15 – 8.15pm,
Drama Studio, Lowe Hill
Our ‘What’s Next?’ evening gives parents the opportunity to learn more about those
pathways which exist for students after Year 11. We also give comprehensive insight into
college life as well as an overview of those courses available at Adams College.
• Open Day and Open Evening for the Lower School: Tuesday 11 October
The opportunity to see the School in action during the day – tours will take place at
10.30am and 1.30pm. In the evening, the School will be open from 7.15 – 9.00pm to give
you the opportunity to talk to staff more informally and see student displays. All welcome!
• Year 11 Parents – Open Evening for Adams College: Thursday 20 October, from
7.15pm. Meet in the Stanier Hall, Noble Street
Our Adams College Open Evening will give you the opportunity to talk through with
subject tutors and sixth-form students about post-16 options at the College. The Evening
starts in the Stanier Hall and you are then given the opportunity to discover the College at
your leisure. All welcome!
And for those in need of light entertainment, our production this year is ‘The Sound of Music’,
which runs for 3 nights: Thursday – Saturday, 13 – 15 October inclusive. Tickets will be on
sale nearer the time.

Events for the forthcoming half-term
w/c 5 Sept
Year 13 academic monitoring
w/c 12 Sept
Year 11 monitoring
12 Sept Higher Education information evening – 7.00pm
- Wem Town Hall
13 Sept 12 noon Year 13 assembly in Stanier Hall – UCAS focus
14 Sept 9.00am Year 12 assembly in Stanier Hall re final
choices
15 Sept 7.15pm Choices of courses in 10/11 – demands of
GCSE and coursework
16 Sept All day Year 12/13 Art trip to Liverpool
w/c 19 Sept
Year 13 mentoring
w/c 19 Sept
Year 12 academic monitoring
20 Sept 7.15pm Year 12 parents meeting – The Year Ahead
21 Sept 7.15pm Information evening for primary schools
w/c 26 Sept
Years 7/8/9 House Challenge – European Week
of Languages
w/c 26 Sept
Drama House Challenge
26 Sept Morning Year 11 speaking French exams – top set only
27 Sept Morning Year 11 speaking French exams – top set only
28 Sept 4.30pm Year 13 consultation evening
28 Sept 6.00pm Friends of Thomas Adams AGM – Lowe Hill site
29 Sept Afternoon Year 11 Science coursework (Research task)
29 Sept 3.45pm U12 boys 5-a-side & U16 girls 8-a-side football
30 Sept All day Year 12/13 Textiles trip
w/c 3 Oct
Year 7 monitoring
4 Oct 7.15pm Year 7 tutors meet parents
5 Oct 1.15pm 100 x Year 10 students to see Blood Brothers
6 Oct All day Primary school cross country festival
6 Oct 7.15pm Year 11 – What’s Next Evening
w/c 10 Oct
Year 12 mentoring
w/c 10 Oct
Year 10 monitoring
10 Oct 1.30pm Cross country event at Grove School
10 Oct 3.30pm Dress Rehearsal for School Production
11 Oct Morning Year 8 girls – 1 st HPV injection
11 Oct All day Open Day/Evening – 10.30am & 1.30pm plus
from 6.00pm
12 Oct 3.30pm Dress Rehearsal for School Production
13 - 15 Oct School Production
18 Oct All day Year 12/13 Media Arts trip to London
18 Oct 1.30pm U13 girls netball match at Marches School
19 Oct Afternoon Year 11 Science coursework (data task)
20 Oct Non-Uniform Day
20 Oct 7.15pm College Open Evening
21 Oct PD DAY – NO STUDENTS IN SCHOOL

Half Term Friday 21 October – Friday 28 October inclusive
Students return on Monday 31 October
Note: Adams College Open Evening: starting 7.15pm in the Stanier Hall on
Thursday 20 October
TERMS AND HOLIDAY DATES FOR STUDENTS
SEPTEMBER 2011 – JULY 2012
AUTUMN TERM 2011
Professional Development Day Monday 5 th September
Term
Tuesday
Thursday
6 th
20 th September
October
Professional Development Day Friday 21 st October
Half Term
Monday
Friday
24 th
28 th October
October
Term
Monday
Friday
31 st
16 th October
December
Christmas Holiday: Monday 19 th December 2010 – Monday 2 nd January 2012
SPRING TERM 2012
Professional Development Day Tuesday 3 rd January
Term
Wednesday
Friday
4 th
10 th January
February
Half Term Holiday
Monday
Friday
13 th
17 th February
February
Term
Monday
Friday
20 th
30 th February
March
Easter Holiday : Monday 2 nd April – Friday 13 th April
SUMMER TERM 2012
April
Term
Monday
Thursday 31 st May
May Day Monday 7 th May
Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Friday 1 st June
Half Term
Monday 4 th June
Friday 8 th June
Term
Monday 11 th June
Friday 20 th July
16 th

THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL,
WEM
Application for Pupil Leave of Absence From School for Holiday in Exceptional
Circumstances
Full name of child(ren)
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Form: _____________
Address:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Reason for application and dates _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of parent(s)/carer(s) _________________________________________ Date:_________
Office use only ………….. attach attendance certificate
Authorised
Unauthorised
Comments _______________________________________________________________________
Signed ………………………………………………… Date: …………………………………………….
The headteacher will consider the following points before authorising leave.
1. The child's previous attendance history.
2. The age of the child(ren).
3. The child's stage of education.
4. The time of year (SATS or exams).
5. The nature of the trip (an exceptional experience)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Return to parents
Permission for holiday in term time response
Authorised Unauthorised
Name of pupil(s) ____________________________________________________________________
Comments _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Signed …………………………… Position:………………………………….. Date …………..

School Attendance
We believe at Thomas Adams School that all of our pupils should enjoy equal access to a full
range of educational and social opportunities during their compulsory years of schooling.
To be successful we must enlist your support as partners in your child’s educational
development by ensuring his/her regular attendance at school at the appropriate times
throughout the year.
There may well be occasions when full attendance may not be possible. Bearing in mind
that only the school can authorise absence, we would appreciate your support by asking you
to contact the school to explain any absence by your child as soon as possible - preferably
during the first day of absence. Contact may be via a note, telephone call or by personal
contact. For a single day absence a note on the first day of your child’s return to school is
also acceptable.
We are very proud of our attendance record [normally 94%+] and, with your support, we are
looking to make it as good as possible next year. In the meantime if there are any queries or
concerns in relation to attendance procedures please do not hesitate to contact the school.
These are the national guidelines which schools are required to observe concerning
authorised and unauthorised absences and how these are to be recorded on our computer
programme.
The following should be seen as AUTHORISED absence :
1. illness
2. medical or dental appointments [please avoid school time if possible]
3. family bereavements
*4. work experience
5. exclusion
*6. study leave
*7. family holidays [should usually not exceed 10 school days] NB these can disrupt a
child’s education
*8. special occasions e.g. wedding, graduation
*9. religious observance
*10. attendance at interviews
*11. off site activities e.g. educational visits, approved sporting activities, special tuition
NB *should be approved by the school prior to the event.
The following should be seen as UNAUTHORISED absence :
1. parentally condoned unjustified absence
2. failure by parents to provide a valid reason or no explanation after 12 school days
3. late after register closed - without adequate explanation
4. minding the house/looking after brothers/sisters without permission from school i.e.
granted leave of absence
5. shopping during school hours
6. attendance at agricultural shows, unless as a member of an organised group e.g.
school party, scouts, guides and in these circumstances the absence should be agreed
by the school prior to the event
The above list will cover most instances of absence, but there may be other reasons for
absence. If you have any doubt about whether an absence will be recorded as
unauthorised [and therefore officially shown as such on your child’s report] please do not
hesitate to contact the school for advice.

CLARIFICATION ABOUT BASIC SCHOOL RULES
School Uniform
• Shoes must be worn and not trainers. Students must also wear shoes to and from School
and not change into trainers for these journeys. At present students can wear trainers at
lunchtime only but this privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused.
• Trousers must be plain dark navy/black and not pinstriped or sports trousers.
• No caps/hats are to be worn inside School and no outside coats in lessons.
Students must have a parental note if they are not in full uniform, and a medical note is
needed if shoes are not worn.
Chewing Gum is not allowed in School. Those chewing gum in lessons will be asked to put it
in the bin. Any repetition or arguing will mean a sanction.
Mobile ‘Phones are allowed in School but must be out of sight in lessons/registration. It is a
serious offence to make or receive a text/call during the course of the school day.
Food and Drink are only allowed to be consumed in the dining hall and not around school.
The only exception is that students are permitted to take water in bottles into lessons (but no
other type of drink).
Lesson Equipment Sanctions will be imposed on students who regularly do not bring basic
equipment to lessons (pen, pencil, ruler, calculator and student planner).
Students will face sanctions for :-
lateness to lessons/registration
failure to do homework on time
bad language used around school
Students are obviously expected to behave and work in lessons and show courtesy and
consideration to others.
Sanctions that could be imposed in relation to any of the above include :
detentions of various sorts
removal from lessons
reference to senior staff
student put on report
letter to parents
community service
loss of privilege
setting of work related extra tasks
The most serious offences may well result in internal or external exclusion and these
include:-
defiance of staff
rudeness to staff
disruption of lessons
bullying
vandalism
racism
theft
smoking or use of alcohol or drugs

Re: Email address and mobile phone contact – improving school-home
communication
As part of our continued efforts to enhance school-home communication, we would like to
give you the opportunity to provide us with any email addresses and/or mobile phone
number contacts. Like other details previously provided to us, this contact information would
be held confidentially on the school information management system, and would obviously
not be shared with any third parties whatsoever. It would only be used to inform you of
school issues and, more importantly and matters relating directly to your child(ren).
You will no doubt be interested to hear that Thomas Adams has an electronic registration
system which provides significant benefits for students, staff and parents. We are also able to
send text messages to parents en bloc. We can therefore send you details of things
happening in school including parents’ evenings, the issuing of reports and upcoming events.
If you have not already done so, please complete the form overleaf (or jot the information on
a plain piece of paper) and ask your child to return it to student reception as soon as
possible. Don’t forget that you can also contact the school via email on
enquiries@thomasadams.org.uk or, if you prefer, on the usual telephone number (01939
237000).
We very much hope you will provide us with the requested details and would like to thank
you in advance helping us to further enhance school-home communications.

Data Protection Act
Basic information about students is held on computer to assist with the
efficient organisation of the school and to meet the individual’s educational
needs. Security measures are taken to ensure that the information is kept
confidential and is only available to those authorised.
The school is registered with the Data Protection Register and follows the rules
set by the Data Protection Act.
We record only the following information on computer:
Student’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth
Parents’ names, addresses, telephone numbers
Emergency contact telephone numbers
Previous school
Doctor – name and address
Medical information supplied by parents
Lunch and travel to and from school arrangements
This is available for inspection by prior arrangement (as are also all noncomputerised
students’ records).
We are registered to disclose personal information to:
Family, Relatives, Guardians, Trustees
Past, Current and Prospective Employers
Doctors, Dentists, other Health Advisers
Department for Education and Skills
Local Authority and Social Services
It is the policy of the Governors that such information is confidential and that,
even where a need to disclose information has been registered, it will only be
divulged in exceptional circumstances and will be kept to the minimum
necessary to achieve the purpose. This policy is, of course, subject to any law
which imposes a duty of disclosure on the Governors.
Connexions (Careers Service) has also asked us to point out that basic details
will be held by them on computer in order to help them to provide a better
service for students. If you require any more details about this, please contact
the local Connexions office.

THE THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL
Students on site out of school hours
Students have no right to be anywhere on the site out of school hours
(indeed it is criminal trespass to be on the school site without
permission and the police can be asked to arrest you!).
We certainly never want:
• Students inside buildings
• Students hanging around anywhere near Adams College and the
Boarding House or the Music Centre
• Students close to Lowe Hill buildings and mobiles or the fences
on the site
• Students using the basketball court
We will not accept on site:
• Skateboarding/roller blading
• Cycling
• Dog walking
• Golf
• Smoking/drinking
• Radios/cassette players
• Any form of stupid/anti-social behaviour
• Any annoyance to our neighbours
• People on site during hours of darkness
As a gesture of goodwill however it will normally be acceptable in
daylight hours if students sit on the field or play sports, as long as all
the above rules are observed. Nevertheless, if you are asked to leave at
any time then you must still do so without argument.
NEIL HEMMING
Headteacher