News
This week at Hot Chocolate with the Head, Mr Blanchenot enjoyed meeting with Jessica N who had been recognised for showing one of the school’s core value; kindness.
Miss Roberts, Head of Year 10 said ‘Jessica demonstrated exceptional kindness and maturity on our recent field trip. Jessica stepped in to provide comfort and support to a fellow pupil who needed help. She did everything she could to ensure the pupil felt safe and reassured. Her actions were thoughtful, compassionate, and a true reflection of our school values. Well done, Jessica – you were outstanding and I was incredibly proud of you.’
Enfys A, Gabriela C and Seren W were also nominated but unable to attend.
Ms Bale nominated Enfys for achieving an honour in Air Cadets as a Lord Mayors Cadet for 12 months. Gabriela, had performed a poem from memory in front of her peers and teachers, which took Mrs Tremble’s breath-away. Seren, was nominated by Miss Wagstaff for her fundraising efforts for Brain Tumour Research.
Mr Blanchenot was incredibly proud of all the star pupils this week and proud to have them within the school community.
Barton Music Makers' Summer Concert is on Saturday, 12th July in Barton Village Hall from 7.30pm. Tickets are available at Barton Post Office (Adult £10, Child £5)
Barton Music Makers
We are a charitable group that provides
- a community choir known as The Bar-Tones
- musical events raising funds for charity.
We would like to thank them for the charitable work and offering BARTON MUSIC MAKERS’ BURSARY AWARD 2025-2026 (INSPIRED BY THE MEMORY OF PAM PRYCE).
Well-dressing in Newborough 2025.
We are delighted to hear that 3 of our year 8 students were involved with this community custom.
Well-dressings, it is an ancient custom during late spring or summertime in villages around Staffordshire and Derbyshire that needs to be supported to preserve it.
During this Countryside tradition local people gather to create intricate pictures, formed from natural materials like plants and flowers to decorate the village spring or well.
The construction of a masterpiece is made using wooden frames packed with clay, process known as puddling.
Lauren created the design base on this years topic of "Sharing a meal" then Lauren, Rebekah Abbigail and Daniella continued working for a week after school and it took about 55 hours to make it happen on time.
The design was outlined and transferred into the clay, followed by hard hand work placing every single petal one at a time, and seed by seed. The job was finished on time for the blessing the on 5th of May.
We also very proud of them for their commitment, hard work, patience and attention to detail.
Well done girls for your creativity and supporting the community.
If you want to have a look at their final result you can visit the following web pages:
Mrs Berry and her team of Sporting Young Ambassadors were delighted to lead the Year 4 dodgeball event and the very last of the primary school partnership events for this academic year.
The Sporting Young Ambassadors were on hand every step of the way throughout the event to support the sixty primary school pupils. From the initial set-up and timekeeping to ensuring the enthusiasm and energy were high, they displayed fantastic leadership skills.
Mrs Berry, PE & SSCO said ‘I am proud of our Sporting Young Ambassadors who showed respect and kindness to the primary school pupils and led with integrity. The primary pupils had a wonderful time in a competitive but friendly environment. Thank you to those for making the event such a success’.
Thank you to everyone involved!
Year 10 students start their Trial Exams on Monday 16th June. Students have received an assembly to inform them of the routines and expectations for exams and their form tutors have also reinforced these messages.
We are sharing with you the information that students have received ahead of the exams starting next week. We have asked Year 10 students to return to their lessons promptly after their exam is completed, this is especially important as other exam venues are still being used by students for external exams and we want to ensure these students are not disrupted in any way.
We would appreciate it if you could check that your child has all the equipment that they need for the examinations.
Thank you for your support,
On 10th June, Miss Quirk’s A-level Economics students and Mrs Nurses A-Level Law students joined forces and made their way on the train for a day of discovery in London.
As the group arrived in London, they navigated the London underground commute and headed to the centre of Law making in the British Isles the Palace of Westminster.
Students headed to the Parliament Education Unit and were guided around this historic Palace. They were able to literally stand where history has been made including the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Hall. The Hall has hosted numerous state trials, including those of William Wallace, Sir Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, and Charles I.
Students were able to walk on the 'floor' of the House of Commons and see the dispatch boxes where the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition stand each week. The students were guided through the creation of new laws through the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Royal Assent.
At the end of the tour, the students attended a workshop run by the Parliamentary Education Unit. The students were placed into groups and asked to create a political party, each selecting a candidate, speech writer, campaign manger and policy expert. The students were then asked to select three policies that they would pledge to voters during a general election campaign concerning the areas of education, the environment and social policy. All the students engaged in the activity and were able to articulate their ideas to the rest of the group before a ‘snap’ election was called. The students’ policies included new initiatives to boast further education in shortage occupations like nursing and NHS dentistry as well as policies design to make housing more affordable for young people.
Following the tour students were meet by our local MP Dave Robertson for a question-and-answer session in a committee room in the Palace. Mr Robertson spent over an hour speaking to the students about his role as an MP and all students were given an opportunity to ask their preprepared questions which covered a wide-ranging number of topics including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the impact of the Reform Party on UK politics and the cost of housing in Lichfield and beyond.
After this wonderful insight into the workings of our parliamentary democracy the Law and Economics students went their separate ways and headed to China Town and Spitalfields market for a well-earned lunch.
After a short lunch the Law students headed to the Supreme Court where students were Mrs Nurse said “the students were given the opportunity to visit the permanent exhibition in the Supreme Court outlining its role and history in the UK legal system and beyond. The students were able to sit in Court Room 3 and review recent cases that had come before the Court. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court hears cases of the greatest public or constitutional importance affecting the whole population.
Meanwhile the Economics students headed to the Bank of England. Miss Quirk, said, ‘at our first stop we learnt about the different monetary policies set by The Bank of England and the implications of these. The students loved being able to hold the bars of gold and were surprised to find out that they weighed 12.4 kg! The students also found out that Bank of England was nationalised in 1946 and separated from the government in 1997 which they found interesting. The new exhibit this year was all about digital money and the impact this is having on the UK economy, which supported students understanding of the changing economic climate of the UK and worlds economy.’
Students and Staff then enjoyed dinner at a local burger restaurant before travelling back on the train to Lichfield. Thank you to everyone who made the trip so enjoyable. It was a pleasure to watch the students engage and come back home feeling full of knowledge.
Hot Chocolate with the Head – 06/06/25
This week, our star pupils enjoyed some delicious chocolate goodies with Mr Heath, Deputy Headteacher, for their fantastic contribution in the JTMAT Subject Excellence competitions for Art and Maths.
The Subject Excellence competitions are open to all students across the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust and provide an opportunity for pupils to complete a task set by subject specialist teachers.
The brief for the Art competition was to create a piece of artwork that conveyed a message linking it to the Trust’s core values. Pupils got the option to choose the media they would like to use, the size, the shape and how they would like to interpret the value. Additionally, Raj Dhunna a professional illustrator was involved in judging the competition. The winners of the competition also got the opportunity to meet Raj at an exclusive finalist’s event and workshop.
Congratulations to Bethan P who was named as the winner.
Well done to the participants; Martha L, Rabia W, Jack S, Aisha S, Amelia N, Lotty M, Sophie M, Daisy H, Ffion F, Joshua D, Dylan C, Emilia B, Alice R, Andrei A.
The brief for the Maths competition was to create a Music Festival taking into consideration planning, timings, budgets and presenting them in a mathematical way. Mr Corbett was very impressed with our pupils and wanted to give extra recognition to them at ‘Hot Chocolate with the Head’.
Congratulations to the winners; William G who was commended for his use of Technology and to Oscar W for being the overall winner in the Secondary School Category.
Well done to the participants; Oliver W, Isaac B, Jack S
Mr Heath was delighted to present the pupils with certificates and pin badges and highlighted the importance of striving for personal excellence.
We are delighted to announce details for the John Taylor Summer Concert. See the poster for more information.
Between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025, our Duke of Edinburgh participants have made an incredible impact through their volunteering, contributing an outstanding 2,353 hours of service.
Their dedication has shone through a variety of volunteering placements including Parkrun events, St. George’s Park, Scouts, and the National Memorial Arboretum. Several students have also been gaining valuable work experience in local charity shops and supporting the organisation of community events. This practical experience not only benefits the community but also helps students develop essential life skills for personal growth and future employment.
This achievement highlights their commitment to community, teamwork and making a difference. Each hour volunteered reflects the spirit of the Award: achievement, integrity, and empowerment.
Well done to all involved for this remarkable contribution!
Miss H Platts
“We learnt valuable coding and presentation skills, we learnt to use Thunderbird and a Raspberry Pi computer. We also learnt about the importance of load shifting to help keep energy costs down.”
“You have touched upon a really interesting topic with real-world benefit—something that people are actively looking at across the world. It is clear that you all took an active part in the project. Well done to you all.”
Mrs Bostock’s group of Year 12 IT students were delighted to be joined by Muhammed Lateef, for an exciting educational workshop about data-modeling using a world- leading online learning platform.
Mr. Lateef, who holds a Salesforce Certified Associate certification and has achieved a Trailhead Ranger status, shared his expertise in data modeling using Salesforce's advanced learning platform, Trailhead. The hands-on workshop focused on essential data modeling concepts that linked with the students' Unit 5 topic. Students engaged in practical exercises using Schema Builder, Custom Fields and differences between standard and custom Objects. More importantly, they gained valuable experience in creating and modifying data within the Salesforce platform.
Mr Lateef said ‘the students were fully engaged throughout the session which was pleasing to observe. I am a firm believer in work related learning and helping the next generation acquire new skills that are relevant for their careers. The interactive nature of the session meant the students could ask questions and advice. This real-world application helped bring their theoretical knowledge to life.’
For more information about our BTEC IT vocational course, you can visit our website here: PowerPoint Presentation
‘Turn up, work hard, be nice’ is the motto that underpins everything that happens at this school.’
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are delighted to share with you our recent Ofsted report for John Taylor High School. The outcome is extremely pleasing and is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our staff, pupils, and the wider school community.
We are very proud of this achievement and would like to thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create such a positive learning environment for our pupils.
The inspection was led by an experienced HMI (His Majesty’s Inspector) and included deep dives into English, maths, science, MFL, business and law. The report highlights the many strengths of the school, in all aspects of our provision. It is an honour to lead such a wonderful school full of exceptional pupils and staff.
Of course, we are also very aware of suggested ways to further improve, and strategies linked to these will be incorporated into future whole school improvement plans.
Thank you once again for your continued support. The feedback provided to the inspection team via staff, pupil and parental questionnaires was overwhelmingly positive. We truly value the partnership between home and school, and we look forward to building on this success together.
You can read the full Ofsted report via the PDF link below.
It will also be published on the Ofsted website in due course. https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/
With kind regards,
Mr J Blanchenot
Year 12 - Post-18 Information Evening – Tuesday 1st July 5.30pm-7.35pm
As students approach an important stage in their education, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to help them make informed decisions about their Post-18 options.
Join us at John Taylor High School for an exciting event where you can explore your options after turning 18. Whether you're considering university, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce, this evening is the perfect opportunity to gather valuable information and insights. Our knowledgeable speakers will cover a range of topics to help you make informed decisions about your future. Don't miss out on this valuable event!
To further support both students and parents, we are delighted to invite you to our Post-18 Information Evening on Tuesday 1st July.
This event will provide detailed information about Post 18 opportunities, university and apprenticeship pathways, including:
- How to choose a University & Course and the Application Process – Jeff Chilton, Aberystwyth University (30 minutes, Main Hall)
- Exploring Apprenticeships – The Ask Programme (30 minutes, Main Hall)
- Rotational 15-Min Sessions (you can choose up to 3 of these sessions) -
- Applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- Writing a competitive Personal Statement
- Unifrog – Exploring & Special Opportunities
- Gap Years & Alternative Pathways
- Making the Most of the rest of Sixth Form
- How to successfully apply for an Apprenticeship
- Early Entry Applications (Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary)
We strongly encourage all parents and students to attend this evening to gain valuable insights and practical advice on how to best support their next steps.
This is a ticketed event via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/post-18-information-evening-tickets-1364332769039 When booking please ensure a ticket is booked for every person attending including students.
The below menu will be served in the Canteen on Wednesday 18th June
Dear Parents/Carers and Teachers,
Please be reminded that nominations for the prestigious JTMAT Exceptional Achievement Award are still open but close on Friday 13th June. This award gives all John Taylor Multi Academy Trust (JTMAT) pupils the chance to be recognised for their extraordinary achievements both inside and outside of school. We are extremely proud of our students at John Taylor High School and hope that parents and teachers will nominate a pupil should they meet the criteria.If the nomination is successful, winners will receive a special gold pin badge presented by Mr Donoghue OBE, CEO JTMAT via an online celebration. This is a wonderful way for students to share their achievements with the school community and gain recognition for their dedication and success.
The deadline to nominate a pupil is at 4pm on Friday 13th June 2025 and the online celebration will take place on Friday 11th July 2025 in Mr Blanchenot’s office.
We look forward to receiving the nominations and celebrating those pupils who strive for personal excellence!
For further details and to make a nomination please access the followng letter:
With around 70% of teens reporting they've seen violent real-life content on social media in the past year, this guide shines a light on a disturbing – and increasingly common – aspect of young people’s digital lives. From shocking videos to hate speech, many children don’t go looking for this material, it finds them via algorithms or peer sharing.
The guide outlines key concerns, including the mental toll of repeated exposure, shifts in behaviour, and the worrying normalisation of harmful ideologies. It also explains how such content can escalate from screen to street, and why some young people may feel pressured to share or even create violent media themselves.