A message from Mrs Rothenburg
I hope you have all had a good week so far. Our weekly email is coming to you a day early this week as school is closed tomorrow for a Teacher Training Day.
Even though it has been a short week, a lot seems to have happened! We have launched our annual Millthorpe Christmas Charity Appeal, which will be ably led by our wonderful team of Student Leaders. You can read more about the appeal below.
Our Year 10 Drama students had a special breakfast this week with Mrs Sladen, Head of Performance Faculty, to celebrate their performance in front of the entire school during Anti-Bullying Week.
It was great to see so many families at our Year 10 Parents’ Evening yesterday. The Year 10s have have made a great start to their GCSEs and this very important school year.
We’re looking forward to our Christmas Concert on Monday evening. Our students have worked really hard on their performances, and we will be welcoming Dr Max Elliot, who will be playing our newly restored pipe organ. Please do come along and support this event if you can. It will be a lovely start to the festive season!
From Monday we are kicking off Power Play Week, giving our students the opportunity to double up on their positive points for the whole week. Please encourage your child(ren) to get involved – the top three students from each year group will receive special recognition for their efforts of being a Gold Standard Learner.
Congratulations to all those students who received a Golden Ticket this week. Once again, the long list of names (below) makes me a very proud Principal!
Have a lovely weekend. I look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Monday for an ‘A’ Week.
With best wishes,
Kavina Rothenburg
Acting Principal
What is my child learning at the moment?
Please see below to find out what your child has been learning this week in order to have productive discussions about their education:
Year 7 – Faculty: Global
Conversation starters
- Computing: Year 7 have started learning about presentation software and all of the tools that can be used to make effective and engaging presentations.
- French: Students have been learning how to describe other people in French. Can they describe the appearance and personality of their favourite celebrity in French?
Year 8 – Faculty: Humanities
Conversation starters
- History: This half term we are looking at what was important to people living in 17th century England. How did the Civil War affect the lives of Lady Brilliana and Anna Trapnel? What other national events affected the lives of individuals? What factors played an important part in affecting people’s lives and why (eg war, luck, civil rights)?
- Geography: Why are the cliffs at Flamborough white? What is the Rock Cycle? What is the difference between Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rock?
- RE: Students are learning about the five pillars of Islam. What are the foundational beliefs in your life?
Year 9 – Faculty: Performance
Conversation starters
- Drama: Students are working towards completing their unit of study on Devised Drama and Theatre in Education by completing a written theory test to review the knowledge they have gained over the course of this topic and performing their own group devised pieces of Theatre in Education, exploring the theme of homelessness and using non-naturalistic techniques for dramatic effect – please do ask them for a performance!
- Music: Students are continuing to develop their understanding of music for media by learning video game themes and comparing the compositional devices in game themes to those in film themes.
- PE: In PE, students are well into their new activity blocks with the girls developing their skills in volleyball and cheerleading. The boys are developing their skills in football and rugby.
Year 10 – Faculty: Creative
Conversation starters
- Fine Art: Year 10 students have recently posed for photographs inspired by their chosen artist(s) and are currently creating outlines which will be used to create an A4 self-portrait (their second Autumn Term SAP – Standardised Assessment Piece). After exploring acrylic painting techniques, charcoal pencil and biro pen hatch in the style of Dryden Goodwin, students will prepare by creating media and technique samples before selecting their favourite. Our Year 10 students have also been busy this half term presenting development work for the ‘Identity’ project in their sketchbooks. Looking at your child’s artwork at home, discussing ideas and encouraging them to persevere when challenged is a great way to support them.
- Design Technology: Year 10 are nearing the end of the first term in their Design Technology GCSE subjects and we are now getting an increasingly clear picture of their ability and progress. Please ask them what they have produced so far and how it has gone.
In Engineering, we have studied Orthographic drawing, precision manufacture (Tri Square and Pencil Rack) and Design Development. This is combined with ongoing Google Classroom based homework. We are about to move onto Unit 3 Engineering Principles (theory lessons) and homeworks. Please ask them about material physical properties and forces.
In 3D Design, we have finished our ‘Grand Designs’ architectural project and are beginning our ‘Habitat’ project based on origami. We are completing a detailed artist study and are designing and developing our own animal nets to make out of aluminium sheet. These will be finished for Christmas ready for us to begin our Component 1 sketchbook in January.
In Graphics, we have been working on our Letters & Numbers project. Please ask your child about the artists they have researched, photos they’ve taken and developmental drawing. This will contribute to developing key skills and working towards their mixed media final piece.
In Food Preparation & Nutrition, we have studied the three macronutrients and are moving on to learning the functions and sources of all the different micronutrients. Students are learning the rather tricky concept of fat- and water-soluble vitamins which as well as enabling them to access the highest grades in their exam will also help them to understand how to cook delicious dishes whilst retaining as many nutrients as possible.
In Child Development, we have been working on our RO58 final coursework, having completed tasks 1 and 2. Please ask them how these have gone and if they had any outstanding work. They can also tell you about what they will be doing for task 3.
Year 11 – Faculty: English
Conversation starters
Most of our students are coming to the end of their study of Macbeth. Next week, they will sit a Macbeth SAP, our fist literature SAP of the year. We are excited to see the results of this as so many of our students have loved studying this play, which makes us very happy! They have been given a quote list to learn which is on Google Classroom. Any support you can give your child in learning and remembering these quotes would be massively appreciated!
We hope that you will find this information useful when talking to your child about their learning. Additionally, you might want to take a look at the curriculum section of our website which has lots more information about what your child will be learning over the academic year.
Power Play Week – 2-6 December
From Monday 2 December – Friday 6 December we are holding Power Play Week. For the entire week, every positive students receive on Class Charts will be worth double points! So +2 points turns into +4 points and so on.
We want to end the term on a high, so the Year Teams will be creating Christmas Cheer activities to be completed in Form Time enabling students to gain additional points and as always students can earn points for a range of positive behaviours, effort and attitude. The top three students from each year group will receive special recognition for their efforts of being a Gold Standard Learner this term!
Millthorpe Christmas Charity Appeal
This week in assembly Mrs Rothenburg launched our annual Millthorpe Christmas Charity Appeal. As in previous years we are asking for donations of food, toiletries, and clothes for the charities we are supporting, who in turn support those most in need in our local community. The charities we are supporting this year are SASH, Refugee Action York (RAY), Carecent, and Collective Sharehouse. Students will also be looking at the charities and items to collect in more detail in next week’s Culture Curriculum.
Please see the attached list of the items requested.
All donations should be brought in and put under the Christmas Tree by the office by Friday 13 December.
Thank you for your support.
Christmas dinner
Christmas dinner will be served on Wednesday 18 December this year. Students can enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or a vegetarian option, whilst wearing their Christmas jumpers (see below) and being entertained by some of our students who will be performing a selection of festive numbers!
Children eligible for free school meals?
Children who are eligible for free school meals will not have to pay and do not need to register via ParentPay. Parents/carers will receive a text message with a link to add their child’s preferences.
Christmas Jumper Day
We will be taking part in Christmas Jumper Day on 18 December, raising money for Save the Children.
On the day, students can wear their Christmas jumper instead of their blazer and school jumper, but they will still need to wear the rest of their normal school uniform and the correct shoes.
Anyone wishing to take part should donate a £1 either on the day or via ParentPay. All donations will be going to Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser.
Christmas Concert – 2 December
If you have paid for tickets for the Christmas Concert on ParentPay, your name will be on the list on the night. Please just head to the hall and give your name.
Tickets can still be bought via ParentPay until Sunday evening or you can pay by cash on the night.
Matilda tickets available on ParentPay
A reminder that tickets for our school production of ‘Matilda the Musical’ are now available to buy on ParentPay.
Please note that there is a separate listing for each performance (17, 18 and 19 December) and different priced ticket options for adults and children. Please make sure you select the correct ticket options so that we can monitor numbers at each performance.
Matilda rehearsals – a message from Mrs Sladen
There’s only two weeks of rehearsals left now until show week, so this has to be reflected in the rehearsal schedule, which is looking pretty full!
Please make sure that you read everything below very carefully and that you are at every rehearsal going forward (I completely appreciate that this may mean missing other things for a couple of weeks) – we owe it to ourselves and each other to pull together now to make this show the very best that it can be!
To help you plan, the rehearsal schedule for the final three weeks is below:
W/c 2 December
- Monday 2 December: No rehearsal (Christmas Concert and Year 11 Drama Exam)
- Tuesday 3 December, 3.30-.6.00pm: Main Hall – Principals, Kids, Big Kids
- Wednesday 4 December, 3.30-5.00pm: Main Hall – Full Cast
- Thursday 5 December, 3.30-6.00pm: Main Hall – Principals, Kids, Big Kids
W/c 9 December
We are performing in assemblies all this week to promote the show, so please come straight to the Main Hall when you arrive on site at 8.30am each morning in order to get ready and into costume. Do not go to form, I will register you in the hall.
- Monday 9 December, 3.30-6.00pm: Main Hall – Full Cast
- Tuesday 10 December, 3.30-6.00pm: Main Hall – Principals, Kids, Big Kids
- Wednesday 11 December, 3.30-5.00pm: Main Hall – Principals, Kids, Big Kids
- Thursday 12 December, 3.30-5.00pm: Main Hall – Principals, Kids, Big Kids
- Friday 13 December, 8.45am-4.30pm: Main Hall – Full Cast for Technical Rehearsal Day – out of lessons all day.
W/c 16 December
- Monday 16 December, 8.45am-4.30pm: Main Hall – Full Cast for Dress Rehearsal Day – out of lessons all day. We are performing the show to a full audience of local primary school students in the morning and after school we are performing some selected songs and scenes for all our school staff.
- Tuesday 17 December: Show 1
- Wednesday 18 December – Show 2
- Thursday 19 December – Show 3
For each show day, please be in school by 6.00pm, estimated end time is 8.30pm.
Please do bring drinks, snacks and perhaps something more comfortable to change into for rehearsals going forward – we all need to look after ourselves now in order to make this show the very best that it can be.
I am so proud of you all and everything that you have done to get to where we are now – just one last push is needed! Thank you!
2025 Iceland Trip update
As the exciting 2025 trip to Iceland draws nearer, we would like to share some important updates and reminders with you.
Rooming arrangements
Rooming allocations will be finalised approximately two weeks before departure. Accommodation will involve single-sex sharing, with room sizes ranging from twins and triples to quads. We will provide further details once rooming information is available.
Passport requirements
Please ensure that your child’s passport meets the following criteria:
- The passport’s ‘date of issue’ must be less than 10 years old.
- The passport’s ‘expiry date’ must be valid for at least 3 months after the day your child plans to leave Iceland.
- Non-UK Passport Holders: If your child holds a non-UK passport, please check the UK Government website for entry requirements to ensure their passport is valid for travel.
Payment reminder
Please remember that the balance for the trip is now due. If you have not yet made the payment, kindly ensure it is settled as soon as possible. If you have any issues, please contact the school office.
Information Evening
An invitation for a parent information evening will be sent out in the new year. It’s a great chance to ensure everyone feels well-prepared and excited for the journey.
Questions and support
If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office. Your inquiries will be forwarded to the relevant team/ person.
Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to an unforgettable trip to Iceland with our students!
– Mr Figures
GCSE Geography Revision Guides and Exam Practice Workbooks
We are pleased to inform you that we have now opened up the opportunity for Year 10 Geography students to purchase the CGP AQA GCSE Geography Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook. These guides provide comprehensive support for both physical and human geography, including exam-style practice questions, case studies, and advice for Unit 3 (Issue Evaluation & Fieldwork).
Additionally, students can benefit from the digital extras, such as multiple-choice quizzes and videos to help them tackle tricky exam questions.
Thanks to our school’s bulk purchasing, we can provide these books at £4 each (regular price £7.50). Both the Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook are recommended for full preparation.
Purchases can be made via ParentPay starting from 2 December. The books will be distributed directly to students once the orders are complete.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr Figures through the school office.
Job of the week – Geoscientist
Sound complicated? A geoscientist’s job revolves around finding natural resources such as oil, minerals and water. A key part of this job is the study of how the physical structure of the earth changes over time. Travelling to different countries is a key part of this job. This job requires a degree in mathematics and applied sciences.
For more information on becoming a Geoscientist, watch this video.
Apprenticeship vacancies
York College is currently advertising a couple of apprenticeship vacancies which can be seen on the attached pdf. Each vacancy has a hyperlink to the Apprenticeship Service website, where you will find full job details and where you can submit your application.
Attached are Hospitality and Construction vacancies, which require an email or phone call directly to the employer.
A note on closing dates: vacancies often close earlier than the stated date, so if you are interested, please make sure you apply as soon as you can.
You can also read the attached guidance on how to write a strong application to ensure the best chance of success.
Other apprenticeships are available and can be accessed through the Careers section of your child’s Google Classroom.
Northern Gas Networks Young Innovators Council 2025
Northern Gas Networks is looking for young people aged 14-19 who would like to apply to become a member of the Northern Gas Networks Young Innovators Council 2025.
Key information
- Young people will form the Young Innovators Council and contribute their perspectives on decision making and future thinking with Northern Gas Networks.
- There will be a minimum of five Panel Sessions through the year.
- The Panel Sessions’s agenda will be developed in partnership with the business and the Young Innovators Council, leading to meaningful and relevant engagement.
- Panel Sessions will take place online and after school / college, with one in-person session at the start of the year.
- Panel Sessions will each take approximately 1.5 hours, with approximately 30 minutes of preparation work and a 15-minute Feedback Form.
Benefits for young people
- Gain increased networking opportunities.
- Develop skills, e.g., teamwork, confidence, negotiation.
- Influence the plans and strategies of a business.
- Broaden their understanding of the business landscape
- Receive recognition of their work via references and certificates
How to apply
Anyone interested in joining the panel should apply here.
You can find out more about Northern Gas Networks here and see their flyer here.
Apprenticeships in construction
Are you thinking about an apprenticeship in construction? If so please sign up to Construction York.
This group works in partnership with City of York Council and is looking to secure as many apprenticeship opportunities as possible for students who are leaving secondary school in summer 2025. They can even help get you to complete your Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card so that you are able to work on site.
Register your details by visiting the website and clicking the ‘Sign me up’ button. When enquiring, please specify the type of apprenticeships you are interested in.
SEN and Safeguarding update from Excel Learning Trust
Every month, Sue Wight, Director of SEN and Safeguarding at Excel Learning Trust circulates tips and advice regarding SEN and safeguarding to parents/carers.
The November SEN and Safeguarding newsletter can be found here.
#WakeUpWednesday – A guide to Snapchat
Recent user numbers for the messaging app Snapchat currently sit at approximately 800 million and figures from data gathering company Statista indicate that roughly 20% of those users are under 18. That’s a lot of young people participating in this sprawling social media platform, many of whom are potentially unaware of the associated risks.
That’s why The National College is releasing this week’s guide, also available in podcast format for those who want to listen on the go. It can be tricky to know how to safeguard younger users on Snapchat but they aim to show you how, whilst also giving you in-depth knowledge of the online safety risks posed by this platform, which we know is very popular with our students. Please take a look.
Online support for students and parents
We wanted to remind you about our online support app called Padlet, which is a directory of support available for students and parents.
Padlet signposts the user to a range of websites and resources, providing support and advice relating to mental health, exam stress, online safety, self care, managing emotions, young carers, family support and more.
You can visit the Padlets by scanning the QR codes or clicking the links below.
Visit the Parent Padlet
Visit the Student Padlet
Safeguarding
If you have significant concerns for the welfare of a child, in addition to being able to contact Mrs Cole, Mrs Cooper or Mr Beever during school hours by emailing safeguarding@millthorpe.southbank.academy, you may wish to make direct contact with the York MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) on T: 01904 551900, option 3. They operate an out-of-hours service so concerns can be raised with them at any time.
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