Dates to Note:
Thursday 14th August: A2 and AS results
Thursday 21st August: GCSE Results
Sunday 31st August: Sunday tea in Thomas Cookes for new L4 and L6

Final House news page academic year 2007-08
This will be the final update on the webpage or this academic year.  TC’s weekly news will resume in September. May I take this opportunity of thanking all the girls for their hard work and support this year.  There are times when I must sound like a broken record; however I am immensely proud of being Houseparent of Thomas Cookes and it is the girls who make this, for me, such a rewarding and satisfying job.  I look forward to seeing you all next term ~ new and familiar faces.  To the U6 Leavers, please don’t be a stranger to TC ~ this is and will always be your House.  Good Luck and God Speed in wherever life takes you.

Commemoration Saturday 5th July: How lucky were we that the rain stopped at 8.30am and that for the walk to and from Church and for Call Over it remained dry.
Verity Glass received the Wattell Prize for English; Iona Davis received the Art-Textiles Award and Sian Davies received the prize for Biology. A number of prizes are awarded on the day to recipients who do not know in advance they are the recipient of an award.  It was with great pleasure that the House heard Alex Avern announced as the winner of the Paul Sawtell Trophy.

Commemoration was a memorable event and I thank all the girls for the way they conducted themselves throughout the day; in particular I commend you for the manner in which TC’s Call Over was conducted.  Later that evening the rain set in but it did not spoil the celebrations of the Leavers’ Ball.  An excellent evening was had by all.  This was my third Commemoration as Thomas Cookes’ Houseparent; it was the best yet!

Karen Mackay

Fourth Form Assembly
On Wednesday the Fourth Form end of year assembly was held.  This was a celebration of team sports.  Danielle Finlay gave the tennis report for the U15 and U14 teams and went on to announce that the following had been Highly Commended:
U15:  Danielle Finlay, Katie Thomas, Jennie Morris, Catherine Pitt, Kate Marshall and Harriet Alford.
U14: Rosie Millns

In Athletics Victoria Stokes, Emma Sellers, Daisy Perrey, Alice Batham and Olivia Morris are Highly Commended at U15 level.  For their contribution to U17 Athletics Rebecca Phillips and Jessica James were Highly Commended.

Swimming:  Kate Marshall and Victoria Stokes were Highly Commended.
All the girls received a certificate.

Young Person’s Award for Innovation and Design
Jess Kingston has won through to the Final of the Young Persons’ award for Innovation and design with her AS coursework design of a child’s night light and bedside reading lamp.  Usually only A2 students get through.  Jess’ work and that of other finalists will be on display at the Avoncroft Museum on Sunday 13th July.  Well done Jess!

L4 Citizenship
Congratulations to Lucy Young who came second in the Citizenship Competition.  She received a box of mini Toblerones.  Well done Lucy!

Evensong at Chester Cathedral
The Choir sang Evensong at Chester Cathedral on Wednesday 2nd July.  Jess Kingston, Ellie Johns, Gina Lees and Mr Barr are all members of the choir.  They were all superb.  Fortunately the rain held off for the procession to the Cathedral.

Goodbye and Thank you!
In Thursday morning’s House Assembly the girls gave out tutor presents to Miss Tansley and Miss Diver who will be away from School for Commemoration.  Miss Tansley leaves TC to take up her new position as Assistant House Parent in Hazeldene with effect form 31st August.  The House wished her Good Luck.  Both Miss Diver and Miss Tansley were thanked by the girls for their support this year and they were wished a happy holiday.

Routh Final Assembly
The U6 and 5th Form rejoined the House for these special last two days of term which culminate in the Leavers’ Ball on Saturday evening.  On Friday the School gathered for the Final Routh assembly of the Academic Year.  This is the occasion when a number of prizes are awarded.  Verity Glass receives the Wattell Prize for English; Iona Davis receives the Art-Textiles Award and Sian Davies receives the prize for Biology.  These will be officially awarded in Prize Giving on Commemoration Day.

Daisy Perrey received the Bromsgrove Badge Award for this year’s L4 for showing commitment in all areas of the programme including L4 Camp.

Athletics: Minor School Colours were awarded to Lucy Barwell, Chelsea Callaghan and Lois Unitt.  Joanne Smith is to be next year’s Athletics Captain.

Swimming:  Minor School Colours were awarded to Amber Capewell and Georgie Walters

Tennis:  Highly Commended: Amber Capewell and Sophie Sellers; Minor Colours were awarded to Rachael Mack and Georgie Walters.  Next year’s Tennis Captain will be Alice Walters.  Congratulations to all the girls who received awards.

Mark Reading
In the traditional end of term Mark Reading the following were invited on stage to receive their award from the Headmaster:
Sarah Morris: L4 Endeavour Prize
Harriet Alford: Physics and Latin
Danielle Finlay: U4 Endeavour Prize
Lucinda Hegarty: U4 Endeavour Prize
Alex Avern: The Janet Cockill Debating Cup
Congratulations to all those who received an award

At the end of proceedings Heads and deputy Heads of School were announced.  The tutor team, girls and myself are delighted that Dimple Divecha will be Deputy Head of School for 2008-09.  Congratulations Dimple.

30 June

Summer Lunch
Yesterday TC PA’s Summer Lunch was held in Routh Hall.  The venue had been changed as the weather forecast was not good.  The PA did a marvellous job creating a summer atmosphere in Routh Hall.  The food provided was tasty and many parents provided delicious deserts.  This was an opportunity to welcome the new L4 and their parents to TC as well as wishing Farewell and Good Luck to the U6 Leavers.  The hall look resplendent with balloons centre pieces on every table and a special 18th balloon centre piece on the U6 table as Sian Davies reached 18 yesterday.  Toward the end of the lunch Sue Smith, PA Chair, gave each of the U6 a Leavers Hoodie and a Leavers medal and pin in recognition of their years in TC.  TC Leavers in the U6 are: Alex Avern, Emma Johnson, Verity Glass, Iona Davis, Sian Davies, Ruth Conner, Charlotte Wesson, Maria Marsden, Claire Batham, and Clare Dobson.

Sue then went on to make presentations to Lin Batham and Liz Fraser who both leave the PA this year and thanked them for their hard work.  Alex Avern then thanked the PA on behalf of all the girls but especially the U6 for their support and for the wonderful Leavers meal they enjoyed at the Nailer’s Arms before half term as well as for the hoodies and leavers medals.  She especially thanked Sue Smith for her stupendous decorations at all events held this year from which the girls and especially the U6 have benefited.

Everyone agreed the event had been a success and judging by the emails I received last night parents and girls alike enjoyed the food, company and presentations as well.  I would like to offer a final vote of thanks to all members of the TC PA for all their hard work this year on behalf of your daughters, especially Lin and Liz for whom this was their last event on the committee and also to Sue Smith who is such a driving force on the committee.  It is little wonder that I believe TC has one of the best House Parents’ Associations.  We all look forward to PA events next academic year.
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L6 Lecture Programme
This week the L6 have taken part in a lecture programme which has ended today. They have all really enjoyed going to the lectures which has been a great opportunity for them. They have had the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and be involved in subject areas which has perhaps taken them out of their usual comfort zone.  The girls agree this has been a good experience.

L4 Induction Day
On Friday the Year 8s, who will be entering the school as new L4 from September; have spent the day in the house and around the school. They have been in lessons to see what life in the classroom is really like. They have been guided round the school by a few of the L6 and some of the U4 shown them the dining hall where they had lunch. They were given a speech by Mr Bowen about the senior school and what opportunities they will be given next year. Lucinda Hegarty talked to the new L4th in their assembly with Mr Bowen about the house system along with three other U4th students. There will be 23 new L4 next year and hopefully they will enjoy their time in the house and will settle in well. Jo Smith and Elaina Williams co-ordinated the visit to the House with help from Alice Walters, Sarah Griffin, and Jodie Poole.

Fashion Show
This week many girls from the house have taken part in this years fashion show. This time it was held in the marquee. Many of the clothes were brilliantly created and designed and were modelled superbly by students. From the U4 there was Sophie Doyle who created a corset and Sam Smith, Kate Marshall, Jennie Morris, Becky Phillips, Charlie Gilbert and Dannie Finlay who contributed by modelling in the show. In the 5th year there was Anne Jones and Ellie Johns, from the L6 there was Emma Bucknall who designed some clothes and Ellie Graves and Jenny Thomas who modelled. Four of our U6 took part and they were Claire Batham, Clare Dobson, Charlie Wesson who designed clothes and modelled them. Iona Davis also created some clothes and served the drinks. Dimple Divecha was one of the hosts for the evening. All girls have done extremely well and should be proud of their efforts.

Athletics
Last Saturday a number of girls participated in athletics matches against many different schools. In the U15/U17 group there was Lucy Barwell, Chelsea Callaghan, Alice Batham, Lois Unitt and Becky Phillips and in the U19 group Jo Smith ran the 800m and 1500m. Well done to all girls who represented the school.

23rd June

Summer Lunch
Tickets are still available from Mrs Mackay for the Summer Lunch.  Ticket prices are: Adults £8 Pupils/Children £5.  So don’t forget to book your tickets for T.C’s PA summer lunch which is to be held on Sunday 29th June. We’ll be meeting some of the new L4s and L6 who are to be joining the house next year. This is always a special occasion for the U6 who will be leaving at the end of this year.

Commemoration Saturday 5th July
Commemoration is just two weeks away and it is perhaps timely to remind parents that all the girls are expected to attend.  The U4 to U6 will attend the Church service and will be told what time they need to be in House for on the Saturday morning.  The L4 do not attend Church and will be required to register in TC at a slightly later time.  L4 to 5th form require a boater as these are worn to and from church and for Final Call over.  The girls have been informed a few weeks ago that they are available for purchase in the School shop and have been reminded regularly in House assemblies. All the girls (l4-U6) attend Prize Giving, at about 12 noon, and sit with the House after which they are free to join family and friends for lunch.  We hope the weather is better in the run up to Commemoration than last year and that once again the area around the cricket ground will be available for parents to part and set up their picnic lunches.  Whatever the weather it is a spectacular day which is rounded off by the traditional Final Call Over when all Houses assemble on the Parade Ground and file past their House parent and tutors and proceed up the steps to the Heads of School and Mr and Mrs Edwards.  The chapel bell will start to ring about 4pm and this is the signal for all the girls to assemble on the parade ground.  The lowering of the flag marks the end of Commemoration 2008.  I look forward to seeing you all at Commemoration.

L6 Lecture Programme
The girls in TC appear to have been inspired by the Lecture programme which started on Thursday.  They have enjoyed the more University style approach to learning and some are eagerly researching their chosen essay and have met with their essay supervisor.   Others have redrafted their Section 10 for UCAS and have had meetings with Mrs Langlands their UCAS tutor.  Some are beavering away in the library.  It was fantastic to see a group of the L6 in the Day Room on Friday activity time all engrossed in reading.  They have been so inspired by the programme that they have decided to set up a TC Book Club where they choose a book to read and then discuss it.  This is an excellent idea and may be I will be inspired to read the book along with them!  I think they may consider approaching the PA to see if funds can be available to set up a TC library.  As Mrs Bateman said we appear to have “Ladies who Lecture” and a student led TC initiative!  Well done girls!  Keep it up we like TC to be innovative.

Athletics
On Saturday several T.C girls participated in athletics matches, and we a pleased to say that Rebecca Philips achieved first place in the 3,000 metres! Victoria Stokes participated in the high jump and the 75m hurdles along with Emma Sellers who also took part in the relay; Daisy Perry competed in the 100m, Becky Noon competed in the 800m and the relay. Congratulations to all.

Tennis
On Saturday both U14 and U15A teams competed against Uppingham. Rosie Millns and Harriet Alford represented the U14As and Jennie Morris, Kate Marshall, Katie Thomas and Catherine Pitt played for U15A team. Sadly both teams lost. Well done to all girls who played.

G.C.S.E Exams
Much to the relief of the 5th form, the G.C.S.E examinations are now over! Now the 5th form is able to relax after the tiring exams. We are sure that they will enjoy their extended summer holidays and look forward to seeing them at Commemoration and results day.

A Level Exams
The gruelling A level examinations are now over to the delight of the U6th. They now have two weeks of freedom before returning to school for the last time on Commemoration day. We are sure that they have all done superbly in their exams and look forward to seeing them on results day.

L4 Camp
This week the first L4 camp set off for Holly Barn campsite in the Forest of Dean. Fortunately they have had good weather so far and are enjoying the country and the many activities on offer. We are sure that they will have an excellent time and look forward to hearing about the events of the trip.

U4 Geography Field Trip
On Thursday the U4 geographers spent a day in Carding Mill Valley to complete a river study and to learn about the land use in that area. Fortunately the sun shone throughout the day and a good time was had by all; however the highlight of the day was the ice cream at the end.

L4 Geography Field Trip
On Friday half of L4 travelled to the Wyre Forest to carry out field work. They have studied several different aspects of the forest including an investigation into the effects of footpath erosion and have been working on their map skills. The other half of the year group is due to go on Tuesday 24th June after arriving back from camp.

Fashion Show
Next week on Thursday and Friday the art department are holding their annual fashion show. Entry is free to pupils however tickets are required for entry and can be obtained from Mrs Taylor in the art department. This is always an excellent event and is well worth attending especially as many T.C girls are involved.

Friday 6th June
Welcome Back!
Only a few weeks to go until the end of the school year. The L6 have now returned from exam leave and the L4 and U4 are preparing for internal exams next week. Commemoration Day is now less than a month to go until we all break up for the long awaited summer holidays.

U6 Leavers’ Meal
On Friday 23rd May as we broke for Half Term the U6 accompanied by Mrs Mackay, Mrs Bateman, Mrs Langlands, Miss Tansley, Mr Dowling and Mr Barr enjoyed a terrific evening at the Nailer’s Arms, Bromsgrove.  Iona Davis had booked the venue and sorted out the menu.  Sue Smith decorated the tables with balloons coordinated to match the Leavers’ gift bags.

Everyone agreed the evening was a great success; the food and company were superb.
My thanks to Sue Smith and TC PA for funding the evening.  The girls say “Thank you!”

Junior House Rounders
On Thursday afternoon all of the 4th Form took part in the junior house rounders competition. Everyone had to play at least half a match and luckily the weather was warm and sunny. Everybody enjoyed the games and here are the scores;

TC v MW	TC v O	TC v Hz
8    :     6	6.5  :  4.5	8.5  :  5

We are waiting for the results but hopefully TC has secured another victory. Well done to all girls who played.

Internal Exams
Next week the 4th form is undertaking their end of year exams. Hopefully they are preparing and revising hard for these. Their exams finish on Thursday 12th.

Exam Leave
The L6 have now finished all of their exams and returned back at school on Thursday. They are now waiting for their results in August. The U6th and 5th form are still on exam leave and not returning to school until Friday 4th July.

23rd May

TC Chapel week
This week TC chose as their Chapel Theme “Looking Forward”.  Mrs Mackay gave a talk about Janus the two faced Roman god and his links with doors and gates and the concept of moving through these to new beginnings.  She then spoke about her secondary school days at Gateways in West Yorkshire and the school badge of a five bar gate with the latch open and the significance of this in terms of moving forward onto to new things.  Alex Avern spoke about looking forward to University and Charlie Wesson about exams and gaps years.  Catherine Pitt and Danielle Finlay continued the theme by looking forward to the summer holidays and suggesting that everyone should try and take up new challenges during their time away from school.
Alex, Charlie, Catherine and Danielle receive a House Commendation.

In Holy Communion on Thursday Victoria Stokes and Eppyar Hunt read to the congregation.  They were supported by members of the L4, U4 and Sixth Form.  Victoria and Eppyar each receive a House Commendation.

Senior House Rounders
The Senior House Rounders postponed from last week took place on Wednesday afternoon.  TC, Mary Windsor and Hazeldene put forward teams.  TC was two team members down on the other two Houses but they played with spirit and there were some surprising stars on when batting and fielding.  It was a great afternoon and a fitting sporting end to their years at Bromsgrove School for the girls in the U6. Hazeldene was the winner of the three team competition but TC won the “best picnic” as the girls had organised sausage rolls, strawberries and cream and lemonade ~ a very civilised afternoon treat.

The team comprised: Alex Avern, Claire Batham, Ruth Conner, Clare Dobson, Iona Davis, Emma Johnson and Charlie Wesson. Verity Glass was i/c picnic.  Iona had made special capes for the team players which they wore throughout the competition. 

Fourth Form Play
Catherine Pitt and Samantha Smith have been performing in the Fourth Form Play “Winter of Discontent” this week.  Both girls have thoroughly enjoyed acting on stage and have been part of a superb cast which have treated their audience to some excellent acting.  Well done Catherine and Sam!

Junior House Tennis
Thursday afternoon saw the Junior House Tennis Competition take place.  TC, Oakley and Hazeldene were fairly evenly matched and so played a normal points game.  Mary Windsor was given a Love – 30 advantage in all games.

The Results for TC were as follows

	TC v Oakley	TC v Hazeldene	TC v Mary Windsor
Dani Finlay & Kate Marshall	5 : 1	4 : 2	2 : 7
Jennie Morris & Katie Thomas	5 : 2	2 : 3	6 : 1
Cartherine Pitt & Rosie Millns	4 : 1	3 : 3	2 : 4

The handicap against Mary Windsor proved too much for the three other teams so the Competition was won by Mary Windsor.  Congratulations to the Mary Windsor team; very bad luck TC but you all played magnificently and receive a House Commendation for your effort.

19th May

School Monitors
Today in Routh Hall we had the signing in of the new school monitors. We are proud to say that Jodie Poole and Dimple Divecha were given their School Monitor status and this is a tremendous achievement for them both. They were signed in during Friday’s Routh Assembly and added their signature to the Monitors Book which lists all the previous School Monitors at Bromsgrove School. T.C is very proud of them and we wish Jodie and Dimple all the best for next year.

Debating
Also in Friday’s  Routh Assembly debating commendations and colours were awarded. Dimple Divecha and Sarah Griffin were commended at senior level and Alex Avern received her senior colours for her participation in debating. Well done to all three girls.

Music
The director of music awarded commendations and colours to people who have worked hard and demonstrated commitment to music throughout the year. From the house Gina Lees was awarded her junior colours. Well done Gina!

Duke of Edinburgh
Jess Kingston deservedly earned her silver Duke of Edinburgh award. This is an excellent achievement, congratulations Jess!

Some of the U4 took out their bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition from the 11th – 12th May. The weather was excellent even though they had to carry large rucksacks and remember to drink plenty of water during the day. With a 16km walk ahead of them, it seemed impossible to reach their destination of the campsite. With maps and compasses used regularly, all of the groups arrived to the campsite in good time. Tents were set up and dinner was cooked and eventually they all went to sleep.

The next day they yet again had to survive through another 16km walk. With home nearly in sight, they felt that they have completed a very long and hard journey. They reached the final checkpoint with aching feet and soar backs to enjoy a cool ice drink on the minibus back to school.

CCF
For those in U4 who don’t do Duke of Edinburgh, they went on a 3 day expedition to complete their silver D of E award as well as a selection of tasks. They departed on a Saturday morning. On the first day they had to survive a day of walking and navigation to arrive at the campsite. They also had to complete a night exercise where they were to find there way in the total darkness without any torches. They arrived back at school on Monday with stories and laughs to share with the rest of us.

Fourth Form Production
The 4th form production called “The Winter of Discontent” commences on Tuesday 20th May – Thursday 22nd May. It is held in the drama studio and starts at 7.30pm. To purchase tickets please email and contact Mr Baldock. From the house we have Sam Smith and Catherine Pitt taking part and we are looking forward to seeing them in action.

Exam Leave
Exam Leave commences Monday 19th May for both the L6 and the 5th Form.  We wish them the best of luck with their exams and hope they achieve the grades they deserve.

Monday 12th May
Own Clothes Day
Last Thursday 1st May we had an Own Clothes Day for the Ugandan family support. We raised approximately £950 and also Top of the Pops was held in Routh Hall during lunch time.

Year 8 Parents
On Wednesday at 7.30pm the year 8 parents came and visited the house which will soon be occupied by their daughters from September 2008. From the L6 we had Sadie Chana, Sarah Ballard, Hannah Morris, Sarah Griffin, Jodie Poole and Jess
Kingston helping and showing the parents around. Thanks go to the L6 for assisting the parents.

Routh Hall
Today in Routh Hall Emma Johnson received her major school colours for her contribution to squash throughout the year. Well done Emma!

Sports Day
Also in Routh the Sports Day results were announced. It took place on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon and despite the grey and cloudy weather during the morning, it soon brightened up. Unfortunately we lost out to Hazeldene in winning the trophy for Best House for sports day but we came a close second. We must mention that our in senior team it was only made up of the 5th form and the house felt that they did extremely well in all the events. Even though we didn’t win, well done T.C!

Senior House Tennis
Senior House tennis took place on Friday afternoon.  The girls played a handicap Love : 30 against Mary Windsor, Oakley and Housman which made it more difficult for the team.  Nevertheless they played well even though some of the results don’t reflect this.
1st Couple: Alice Walters, Georgie Walters
2nd Couple: Amber Capewell, Daniella irving
3rd Couple: Sophie Sellers, Katie Budge
Well done team

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Summer 1st Grades
This week grades were published in the house. Many have received a school commendation for an average less than 2.0. The following have received a commendation:

L4:
Holly Alsop, Alice Batham, Chloe McKee, Rosanna,  Millns Olivia Morris, Sarah Morris, Rebecca Noon, Daisy Perrey Victoria Stokes, Harriet Walker

U4
Harriet Alford, Amy Armstrong, Lydia Cotton, Danielle Finlay,  Lucinda Hegarty, Jessica James, Kate Marshall, Jennifer Morris Rebecca Phillips, Kamila Rafiqi, Katherine Thomas, Jessica Wolinski

5th Form
Lucy Barwell, Katie Budge, Amber Capewell, Rose Coffee,  Eleanor Johns, Anne Jones, Gina Lees, Rachael Mack, Unjulie Maumi, Elsa McKee, Georgie Walters

L6
Sarah Ballard, Emma Bucknall , Sadie Chana, Emily Deeley, Dimple Divecha, Sarah Griffin, Emma Henderson, Jessica Kingston,  Jodie Poole, Joanne Smith, Alice Walters, Elaina Williams,  Emma Wormington

U6
Alex Avern, Sian Davies, Iona Davis, Verity Glass, Emma Johnson       

Houseparent Commendations are awarded to:
L4: Eppyar Hunt, Lucy Young
U4; Samantha Smith
L6:  Hannah Morris

Headmaster’s Commendation
Katie Budge and Emma Wormington have been recommended for a Headmaster’s Commendation.

Early Reminders
Sunday 29th June is the date for the Summer Lunch.  Details and ticket request forms will be sent out just after half term and I hope a number of you will be able to attend along with your daughters.  It is the event which marks the U6 Leavers as well as welcoming new L4 and L6 to the House.  I hope that a number of the current 5th Form will attend to help welcome the girls who will be joining them in the L6 in September and it is also an opportunity for the House to say farewell to those in the 5th year who leave at the end of this term

Commemoration Day Saturday 5th July
The L4 will be expected to attend the prize giving and Final Call over as part of the Commemoration events.  They will arrive in the House at about 10.15am on Saturday 5th July but details will be given closer to the day.  They will join the rest of the House in the Marquee for prize giving when they return from Church.  U4, 5th Form, L6 and U6 will all attend Church and the time they need to arrive in House by will be sent out later this term.  All girls in L4, U4 and 5th Form are required to wear a boater.  After prize giving the girls are free to join their families until the Chapel bell rings for all Houses to assemble on the Parade Ground for Final Call Over.  This is a memorable occasion steeped in tradition enjoyed by students and parents. For some of the girls this is their Final Call Over; for others it will be the first of many.

May Day Concert
On the 1st May the school held a May Day concert in Routh Hall. The headmaster and Mr Bowen attended and were very impressed with the standard of the orchestra and the other groups and soloists that performed. The Orchestra was in splendid form in three pieces, so too the flute group which included Harriet Alfordand Lucinda Hegarty  and string group including Jessica  Wolinski and Georgina Lees. There was a delightful solo from Jessica Wolinski (piano). It was an excellent opportunity for some of our younger musicians to enjoy the limelight.

Athletics
Vicky Stokes represented T.C in the athletics match on Saturday. The competition was stiff but she managed to come first in the 100m hurdles. Congratulations Vicky!

Last Saturday many girls from the house took part in athletic matches. Here are all the names of those who took part:Vicky Stokes, Emma Sellers, Daisy Perrey, Alice Batham, Eppyar Hunt, Chloe Mckee, Olivia Morris, Sam Smith, Lucy Barwell, Becky Phillips, Chelsea Callaghan, Jess James, Unjulie Maumi, Lois Unitt, Jo Smith and Danni Irving. They competed in a range of events such as hurdles, 100m to field events such as discus, javelin and shot. Well done everyone.

Tennis
On Saturday tennis matches were held at Malvern St James. Alice Walters played for the 1st team, Georgie Walters and Amber Capewell played for the 2nd team and Katie Budge represented the 3rd’s. Well done for representing the school.

Also the U14A and U15A teams competed against Malvern St James. Rosie Millns played for the U14’s and Dannie Finlay, Jennie Morris, Katie Thomas and Catherine Pitt played for the U15’s.

Rounders
A number of girls from T.C played in the Rounders matches that took place on Saturday at U15 and U14 levels. From the U15 team Catherine Pitt, Harriet Alford, Hannah Thomas and Jess Wolinski played, and helped lead the team to victory! Well done! Playing for the U14 team was Sarah Morris and Harriet Walker; both girls played excellently and were a credit to the house, well done!

Intermediate Maths Challenge
Harriet Alford took part in the intermediate maths challenge earlier this year and gained a Gold certificate! If this were not enough, Harriet also achieved the best result in the school! Congratulations Harriet and keep up the good work!

Shakespeare RADA
 Several pupils participated in the Shakespeare RADA competition. The standards at the competition were extremely high, and the pressure was on as the participants had to recite one of Shakespeare’s sonnets from memory in addition to sight reading a piece on the day and  perform a monologue! From T.C Gina Leas was awarded with a bronze certificate and Emma Henderson was awarded a Bronze certificate with merit. Well done girls!

Monday 28th April
Senior Citizens Party
On Tuesday 22nd there was an Easter party for some of the senior citizens of Bromsgrove. The original date was set for the Tuesday 18th March but had to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. Kamila Rafiqi and Lydia Cotton (U4) participated in the running of this event. They made and prepared Easter cards for the citizens along with other people and items such as boxes which contained sweets. Games were also designed and created with an Easter theme such as bingo and pass the parcel and chocolate prizes were available to win. The catering department supplied sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee for us all. Sian Davies (U6) was also involved and provided music by playing the saxophone. Overall it was a splendid afternoon which was enjoyed by all. The senior citizens appreciated all the effort put into the party and well done to everybody who took part.

Own Clothes Day
Next Thursday 1st May we have an own clothes day in aid of support for our Ugandan family. Don’t forget everyone will need to bring in at least a £1. Also on this date we have the May Day Concert which is Routh Hall at 7.30 pm.

Routh Hall
Today in Routh Hall some of the 5th form received their netball colours. Amber Capewell, Sophie Sellers and Rachael Mack were highly commended at junior level for their participation to netball throughout the season. Lucy Barwell and Lois Unitt received their minor colours. Well done to all girls.

Tennis
 1st team- Saturday 19th April, the first team played against Dean Close. Alice Walters and her sister Georgina Walters both played in pairs against Dean Close’s opposition. They were very successful and won overall, congratulations.
On Wednesday they also played Kings Worcester School and also won.

2nd team- Danielle Irving and Amber Capewell played in the second team on Saturday, they played very skilfully but unfortunately lost very narrowly with the total score.
On Wednesday they also played with Katie Budge as a reserve and won against Kings Worcester School. Well done.

3rd team- Sophie Sellers and Katie Budge played together as a pair for the schools third team but unfortunately lost even though they put up a very good fight.

U15A- Rosie Millns and Vikki Stokes played in the second and third pair for the U15A’s at the weekend; they luckily managed to win against Dean Close, well done.

U15A’s- Also on Saturday, Danni Finlay, Jennie Morris, Katie Thomas, Catherine Pitt and Kate Marshall, with Sam Smith as a reserve, all played for the A team and fortunately won with all their team spirit. Go team!

Rounders
U18- Clare Dobson, played for the U18 rounders team during activities on Wednesday vs Kings Worcester School, unfortunately they narrowly lost but will play as a much stronger team next weekend.

U16- Lois Unitt, Lucy Barwell, Jess Viney, Chelsea Callaghan, Rose Coffee and Sophie Sellers also played Kings on Wednesday

U6 Geography trip
On Thursday the U6 geographers went on a guided tour of Birmingham. Mr Barr lead the trip and said it was a great success even though they all got wet!

History Trip
On Thursday the U4 history sets departed for London. They went on a ‘Jack the Ripper’ tour to help them with their coursework, and then went to the Churchill museum and cabinet war rooms. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and the students gained a lot educationally from the experience.

L6 conference
On Wednesday the L6 pupils were involved in a ‘make poverty history’ conference. There were many distinguished guests at the conference, and our pupils were complimented on their professionalism and challenging questions. Well done to all!

5th form examinations
The 5th form art exams have been taking place this week. The students were allowed ten hours to complete a piece of work. All those involved have dealt with the pressure excellently and we are sure that they have done superbly.

Music Exams
Today in Routh hall assembly the certificates for the recent music examinations were presented. From T.C. Sarah Griffin received her grade 7 certificate for Alto Sax, and Gina Lees received her grade 7 piano certificate, it was noted that she passed with merit! Well done both of you!

Debating
Alex Avern and her partner Alex Harding competed in the Bromsgrove Conservative Debating Society competition. They fiercely debated the motion ‘the school leaving age should be lowered from 16 to 14’. We are proud to announce that they were announced winners of the competition, and in addition to their trophy, they will go to the House of Commons to attend the Prime Ministers question time! Congratulations Alex and Alex!

21st April

Welcome back!
We have finally reached the summer term and everyone has settled back into their routines again. The sixth and fifth form are preparing for exams. All are studying hard and hopefully results in August will be good.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
During the Easter holidays some TC girls travelled to the Yorkshire Dales for their expedition to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. With harsh weather conditions over the holidays we’re sure that all did really well and hopefully passed.

French Exchange
Harriet Alford, Jennie Morris and Charlie Gilbert took part in the French exchange over the holidays. They departed on the 7th of April and returned back a week later on the 14th. They stayed with their partner families and during the week they went out with the school along with the teachers, and visited their school.

RAF
Jenny Thomas in L6 received her wings this week in RAF. She spent a week at an army base in Preston along with ten others from schools all around the country. By doing theory on plane manoeuvres and flying a Vigilant Glider for 10 3 hours a day every day, with an instructor she qualified for her blue wings. Also then by being tested by an examiner was able to fly solo around a circuit of air at 1000ft, she received her silver wings. This is a tremendous achievement! Congratulations Jenny!

India Trip
During the Easter holiday, twenty-six students departed for Delhi. We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and between visits to the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple, we even managed to squeeze a shopping trip in! . While we were there we experienced many aspects of Indian culture including typical Indian food, customs and religion. We all came back in one piece with fantastic memories and stories to share.