As you may be aware the students’ School Council asked the Governors to consider the introduction of a new school dress code. The school council (representing the view of their peers) told us that they would like a more formal school dress. They felt that their present sweatshirt and polo shirt were too similar to many of their primary uniforms and that when they represent the school at external events did not feel as smart as students from other schools. The Governors were delighted to discuss this proposal and after a lengthy consultation process involving the Head, Leadership Team, full Governors and students a suggested dress code of navy v-neck jumper (with logo), white shirt (with collar) and house tie were chosen – subject to the school finding a suitable supplier in terms of cost, quality and source. There to be no change to the black trousers or skirts currently worn. I am now pleased to tell you that from September 2012 the new dress code will be introduced and compulsory for Years 7 – 11.

The new style school dress will be available to view in the school foyer from 20th April 2012 and will appear on the school web-site shortly. Initially, the new clothes will be purchased direct from school, the cost of the v-neck jumpers will be around £11.50 for sizes up to 34” and £13.50 for 36” upwards. After the summer break ordering will be online or by post at around £15.00 for sizes up to 34” and £17.00 for 36” upwards. All students in Years 7 – 11 will receive their first school tie free of charge. Thereafter the clip-on ties will be £7.00, again ordered online or by post. (We have decided on clip‑on ties for health and safety reasons). Order forms will be distributed shortly after Easter and arrangements will be made for collection after the Spring Bank Holiday. We have decided not to order white shirts – as they are readily available on the high street and you may choose long or short sleeved shirts. We understand that in this economic climate some parents may struggle to purchase new clothes, especially for those moving into Year 11. As we intend this to be compulsory for all, we have a small contingency fund to help. Anyone who would like to take advantage of this should contact Mr S Coates and all requests will, of course, be treated in strictest confidence. We hope you will be as delighted with this as we are, we are impressed by the fact that it was the students themselves who suggested the change and worked hard on the design and that you will give this initiative your full support.

Tupton Hall Awarded ‘Leadership Academy Status’ by Sports Leaders UK

Tupton Hall Secondary School has been granted ‘Leadership Academy Status’ in recognition of their outstanding work within the area of Leadership and volunteering. Sports Leaders UK Area Manager invited the school to apply for the status, which was then accepted by a panel of assessors.

Over the past 5 years the PE, Modern Foreign Languages and Food Technology have developed Leadership courses for a wide variety of students. Within PE students can work towards their Level 1,2 or 3 Sports Leadership Awards, whilst in Modern Foreign Languages and Food Technology it is common place to see older students working alongside the younger counterparts, assisting within the Primary school setting or school holiday programme.

Several students have used their leadership qualification and experience to assist with local and national events and competitions. Tyler Bexton (Y12) is currently volunteering on the All England Netball Youth Steering Group whilst Poppy Marriott (Y13) not only coaches twice a week at Chesterfield Athletics Club, but is also a member of the National Young Ambassadors Steering Group. Beth Clarke (Y13) is also an exceptional local sports volunteer, supporting local netball development and competitions.

Numerous other students assist with our own lunchtime, after school and holiday clubs. It goes without saying that we would not be able to offer the wide range of activities and competitive teams without the support of our Sports Leaders.

Darren Norwood, the Community Liaison Manager, is currently in the process of developing a Level 2 Community Sports Leaders Course for parents and adult volunteers from the locality. This is an exciting area of work which we hope will form part of the 2012 Olympic legacy work at Tupton Hall Secondary School. For more information please contact Darren Norwood on darrenn6@tuptonhall.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Achieving Sports Leaders UK Academy Status in recognition of our work is a real honour and the school will continue to share their good practice with local secondary school s and community groups.

Excellent performance at higher levels:

• Students achieved a total of 410 A* and A grades. 
• 27% of students achieved 3 or more A* and A grades. 
• 171 (of 314) students achieved 10 or more higher grade passes. 
• 11 students performed superbly, gaining 10 or more A* to A grades.

Significant "Value Added":

• Fischer Family Trust data projected that to be in line with the top 25% of schools:
• 82% of students should achieve 5 or more A* to C grades - 89% DID SO!
• 66% of students should achieve 5 or more A* to C grades including English and Maths - 67% DID SO!

Boys and Girls achieving beyond National Averages:

• 89% of boys achieved 5 or more higher grades - this is 18% above the National figure.
• 92% of girls achieved 5 or more higher grades - this is 12% above the National figure.

A level students: - Overall pass rate of 98.02%

	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007
Ave.Points Score for students taking 2 or more A Levels.	665	673	644	673	678	685
APS per exam entry.	205	212	208	207	222	206
Overall Pass Rate.	98.94%	98.02%	99%	98.1%	98.8%	97%

Headlines Pass rate over 98%.  Over 17 A* grades.  42% A* - B grades.  65% Students at university.