It has been a jam-packed couple of weeks with a whole range of activities going on in and outside of school hours; many of these are highlighted in the newsletter. If you would like to know more details of what we are offering this term, please do look at our extracurricular activities booklet on our website under the student drop down box (please see the link below). The booklet covers all the activities our students can participate in, our JoG challenge awards and the after-school extended learning support sessions running. https://player.flipsnack.com/?hash=RUVBNUVDRUVGQjUrYzUyN2VzZms5cw==%22
It was wonderful to welcome our ex-students from university and college to our A-level and GCSE certificate evenings. They were such lovely evenings to catch up with them and to hear how they are getting on in their adult lives.
Can I remind parents and guardians to ensure their children bring the equipment required and expected at school and to ensure they are wearing our uniform appropriately, with the correct footwear and only the jewellery allowed. Details are also available on our website. If you require any support with this, please do contact the year leads or pastoral team linked to your child's year group. Thank you.
Over the next 2 weeks, we have a couple of crucial evenings for our students and parents. Next Thursday 23rd January is the Year 11 subject evening where all parents and guardians will be able to discuss the progress of their child(ren) and how they can be supported. This evening will be complemented by a remote exam success presentation which will be sent by Mrs Edmunds. On the following Thursday 30th January, there is the Year 9 options evening where students and their parents/guardians can meet with subject leaders to help make their decisions regarding the subjects they would like to study at Key Stage 4. Parents and guardians of these year groups are strongly advised to attend these events so that they feel they can advise their children effectively.
We are collecting donations of any unwanted or outgrown school uniform for our next free uniform event. The Affordable Schools group run a free uniform event three times a year, ensuring that we make the cost of the school day more affordable for all and save clothing from landfill. Our next event will be taking place in Term 4.
Please bring any donations into the school reception.
We are thrilled to announce that we have achieved our Bronze award for affordable schools!!
This is awarded by Wiltshire Council and we received some glowing feedback:
'Thank you so much for all your enthusiasm for the Affordable Schools Strategy and the hard work and commitment of a dedicated team. In particular, Wiltshire Council would like to thank you for the contribution you have made to the development of the programme and your willingness to collaborate and share practice. We thoroughly enjoyed reading your application and evidence and are delighted, at this time, to be able to award John of Gaunt School the Bronze Award for Affordable Schools'
We are now on our way to achieving our silver award. We will keep you updated with our progress!
Term 3 Extra Curricular
This term we are not only providing after-school clubs, but with the support of Active Trowbridge we will now be putting on lunch time clubs for your enjoyment too. To attend you will meet at Dunston gate by 13:15 for all KS3 pupils and by 13:35 for all KS4 pupils - you will be collected by a member of Active Trowbridge before the fun begins. If you are late, you will not be allowed to attend.
Cross Country Success!
Last weekend, student Kyle, competed at the Wiltshire Cross Country Championships at Sheldon School.
Kyle is thrilled to have qualified for the South West Schools Cross Country Championships in Newquay in February. His final result was 10th out of 38, and he managed to knock an impressive 2 minutes off his time last year on the same 5.58k course.
Kyle continues daily training and is hopeful to further improve his performance. He is aware that the competition will be tough, but we're sure he'll be amazing and, whatever the result, we are right behind you Kyle. Great work!
John of Gaunt Ski Trip 2026 - Austria
This trip will take place during the first week of the Easter holidays 2026 (Friday 27th March–Saturday 4th April 2026) in Austria. It has a maximum of 46 places for YR8 and YR9 students. The total cost is £1800.
Your child, if they expressed an interest, should have received a letter. This letter was also put on classcharts for parents to access. If your child is interested, and you require another copy of the letter, please email office@jogschool.org.
The reply slip can be obtained from the letter on classcharts or from the PE office and MUST be returned by Monday 27th January 2025.
If interest is above the number of tickets available, allocation will be via ballot.
