SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

It is lovely to see staff and students again after a glorious summer of sunshine and to welcome new members of staff, students and parents to Aylesbury Grammar School. We are looking forward to another exciting year and we expect to be as busy with learning, sports, music, drama and school visits as we always are.

With all of the talk nationally being centred around GCSEs getting harder over the last two years, students of Aylesbury Grammar School’s Year 11 might have been understandably concerned over what their results would look like. This was coupled with the fact that they had all sat the new iGCSE science examinations in Physics, Chemistry and Biology which are well recognised as being a sterner test of students’ abilities and academic prowess. They need not have worried however as top A* grades in the three sciences actually went up by 8.5% and A* grades across all subjects taken at GCSE were up by over 3% in the school. In total 31% of all grades across the nearly 1946 GCSE examinations taken were A* and over 65% were at A*/A. The average grade for each exam taken by the 186 students of Aylesbury Grammar School’s Year 11 was just under an A grade as they accumulated an average of nearly 10 A grades each. 99.5% of all students achieved the national benchmark of 5 A*-C grades including both English and Maths GCSE and in fact all students gained two English GCSEs (Language and Literature) and two or even three Maths GCSEs (Maths, Applied Maths and Statistics). Following last year’s debacle with English results the school are delighted that every single student passed both English GCSEs with distinction. We were particularly delighted with some individual successes such as Eddie Bains, Liam Hyde, Alistair Hankey, William Smart, John Gardner and Trevor Lowe who all achieved 11 straight A* grades. In all, over 40 students, achieved all A*/A grades in their 10, 11 or even 12 GCSEs.

The 189 students of Aylesbury Grammar School’s Year 13 took a total of 796 A levels between them and recorded an average of more than three A* grades (or 4 B grades) per student. The 99.9% pass rate equalled the school’s best ever A level results’ outcome. Top performers in the examinations were Ollie Bakhshi, Chris Goodrum, Ed Mawdsley and Head Boy, Luke Starr, who all achieved 3 A* and 2 A grades; Haydn Levene and Barnie Matthews each gained 4 A*s and an A grade; Tom Erlandsen and David Sheard gained 5 straight A*s whilst Will Veness and Marcus Nielsen both gained 5 A* and an A grade. Michael Jenkyn-Bedford gained 6 straight A* grades. Michael was amongst 66 Aylesbury Grammar School students who gained as many as 5 or 6 A levels, mostly at A* or A grade. Michael, along with other fellow AGS students, including Daniel Wilson and Marcus Nielsen, is off to Cambridge University where he will be reading Natural Sciences. Ed Mawdsley will be one of those joining him at Cambridge where he will be reading Medicine having achieved outstanding results in the UK and Cambridge medical examination tests. Other AGS students, such as Nathaniel Hunt, Ethan Knightley and Haydn Levene (French & Russian, Classics, Spanish respectively), have chosen Oxford as their university destination.

We really are very proud of the results produced by the students and believe that it reflects well on the students, their supportive families and the hard work put in by staff at the school over a number of years. We celebrated our Senior Prize Giving event last week and it was a particular pleasure to welcome Mr Mark Greenfield as our Guest of Honour. Mr Greenfield is a former Fast Jet Pilot, former investment banker, current MD of Ultimate High and former OA. It was also wonderful to see record numbers of last year’s Year 13 come back to collect their prizes. We wish them well as they head off on gap years or to their chosen university destinations.

The summer holidays may have been one of rest and relaxation for most of our staff and students, but it was exceptionally busy for our site staff. Once again an enormous amount of renovation and building work has been completed. The next phase of the Science Project is almost complete – just the new roof to go and then refurbishing the laboratories. We hope to raise the funds for these this year. The School Hall has also undergone a transformation with a new stage, lighting, walls and an all over upgrade. It looked absolutely wonderful for its big opening night of Senior Prize Giving and has the advantage of being able to sit more people. This is especially important for our sell out events like Prize Giving, House Music, School Performances and PTA functions. A great deal of work has also been done to windows, heating and roofs and a large number of classrooms in History, Geography, Maths and the Language block have been completely refurbished – many with Apple TV or Interactive Whiteboards. We hope you will come and see what we have done! Thank you to all the site staff who have worked incredibly hard and nearly got things finished for the start of the term.

Much of what we have been able to achieve as a school, both in terms of learning and progress leading to excellent exam outcomes, and in terms of facilities for the learning to take place in a modern yet traditional context, is due to the enormous support received by the school. Staff, students and governors are whole-hearted in their dedication and we are fortunate to also have such supportive parents and alumni who give their time, energy and capital to help the school continue in its drive forwards, onwards and upwards! The PTA has once again worked wonders and I know that many have enjoyed and benefited from their efforts. This year they are working towards new and bigger minibuses to cope with ever increasing numbers of school sports teams, students and kit bags! Please support them in helping improve provision for your sons. Additionally many parents continue to make regular contributions to the School Support Fund, now available via the ParentPay facility. If parents are making contributions please do not forget to complete a Gift Aid form so that we can benefit from an extra 25% on any gift. Setting up regular giving via a standing order ensures that we maximize our planning potential as a school.

You should have received an email earlier this week informing you about the change of date to the INSET day in October. The INSET day has moved from 18th October to 11th October to be in line with AHS and SHFGS and to ensure that all three schools will have bus transport for the whole year. I apologise for any inconvenience this causes. We also highlighted changes to the processes for requesting absences and to our Parent Handbooks and Home School Agreement. These have all been uploaded on to our new look website. Our website has been redesigned to bring it visually up to date and to make it slightly easier to navigate. Please do take an opportunity this week to have a look and to see that there is great deal of information there about events and other opportunities.

I look forward to seeing you at some of the many events during the year, including our joint AGS/AHS school performance of Macbeth in November. I wish you all a happy and successful year.

SR Lehec Headmaster

NEW STAFF STAFF CHANGES

This term we are pleased to welcome several new members of staff:

Mr M Cornish Biology Mr G Dallas Head of Middle School Mr GA Davey Economics & Business Studies Dr KJ Smith Head of Upper School Mr AW Fazal Geography, History, Games Mr O Josephson Head of Year 7 Miss M Grigg Economics & Business Studies Mr RJ O’Driscoll Head of Year 8 Mr MJ Jones Geography, History, Games Mr R Rooney Head of Year 9 Mrs LF Leonard Spanish Miss LH Pollard Head of Year 10 Mr AJ Lynch Biology Mrs CS Jiggins Head of Year 11 Mr HJ Rodger Physics Mr A Skinner Head of Hampden House Mrs D Miles Reprographics Mrs T Pushong Librarian

A full staff list with email addresses is available on the school website (www.ags.bucks.sch.uk)

STOP PRESS … ENGINEERING EDUCATION SCHEME … CAN YOU HELP?

AGS has been offering the Engineering Education Scheme to Year 12 students for a considerable number of years now, and we consider it to be an amazing opportunity for students contemplating a career in engineering.

Over the years, we have been fortunate to have been supported by a range of companies involved in many facets of the vast field that is engineering. BAM Nuttall (civil engineering contractors) supported us for many years before opting to fund different initiatives. RAF Benson sponsored us for 3 years, and others include: Com Dev Space Group; MSCM (a specialist supplier of undersea equipment to oil and gas industries – our MSCM engineer mentor was an ex AGS student!); BP (they did their best to sponsor us for a second year but did not have an engineer mentor in our locality); and our last years’ sponsors, MOOG In Space Propulsion. MOOG have now taken an AGS student as a trainee rocket engineer!

AGS are now looking for another engineering based company to sponsor a team and provide us with an engineer mentor … If you think you may be able to help, or would like more details, please contact me (Mrs C Andrews) either by e-mail (candrews@ags.bucks.sch.uk) or by ‘phone (after 3.45pm, or leave a message with the School Office and I’ll get back to you).

Below I have given a brief overview of the EES. Further details can be gleaned from their website: http://www.etrust.org.uk/eese.cfm .The EES will give students experience of solving a real life problem, set by an engineer mentor working for a company whose core business is related to a branch of engineering. Examples of some of the past projects are:

Designing a safety system to manage pedestrian/vehicle interfaces on a building site Researching sustainability issues relating to site huts and making recommendations for

improvements Producing a solution to the myriad of problems relating to landing a helicopter without full

use of it’s undercarriage, be that due to mechanical failure or enemy action Manufacturing a prototype test rig for testing circuit boards used in extreme environments,

for example in military aircraft or in satellites Designing and programming an App for the Android platform for use by rocket engineers,

giving technical details of their range of rocket engines Researching issues relating to mobile phone signals and making recommendations for

areas lacking in signal

Along the way students will, as a team:

Research the problem, design, develop and prototype their solutions Learn useful project management techniques Attend a launch day and an assessment day Attend a residential workshop, usually held in a University, where their facilities can be used to progress the project Produce a comprehensive project report that can be taken to University interviews, job interviews etc. … These are highly regarded in the field of engineering Set up and man a display showing team findings Present team findings to a panel of engineers Learn to relate to professionals in varied environments Discover more about the vast field that is engineering

EES is extra-curricular and requires considerable commitment by the students involved, but we are always over-subscribed. This year over 20 students have applied for 6 places … and those 6 places rely on AGS finding a new company to sponsor us. I do realise the current economic climate is not conducive to philanthropic initiatives however I can only ask … so, if you think you may be able to help, please contact me through the school. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider the above and I look forward to being inundated with offers of sponsorship!

Mrs C Andrews

“INSPIRED SQUASH FACILITIES” at

24 HOUR SQUASHATHON The Squashathon has raised over £5,500, excluding gift aid, in support of the refurbishment of the Squash courts at AGS. Thank you, thank you, to all the students who took part in this fantastic event. A special mention must go to Ben Turner, Year 13, Head Boy of Phillips House, who has raised a staggering £600!.

Our fundraising continues this autumn term and we are on our way to reaching our target. With £155,000 raised to date our target of £210,000 is now firmly in our grasp! For further details on the campaign, if you would like to donate or if you know of any organisations, trusts or indeed possible benefactors who can help please contact any member of the Campaign Board opposite or Alison Cox in the Development Office acox@ags.bucks.sch.uk.

Ed Shedd eshedd@deloitte.co.uk Vic Simms vic.sims@btinternet.com Linda Bottrill LMBottrill@yahoo.com Anne Ratnarajah j_ratnarajah@o2.co.uk Lee Cobley lee.cobley671@mod.uk

Iain Digby iain.digby@grg.com

Phil Yerby philyerby@me.com Darren Withey dwithey@ags.bucks.sch.uk

PRESTIGIOUS ARKWRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS NOW OPEN

Whether your passion is engineering, architecture or product design, you may like to consider applying for an Arkwright Scholarship. These prestigious scholarships provide students with a financial award, an industry sponsor and access to a range of enrichment events during their A Level studies. Arkwright Scholars are in a unique position to develop their CVs in preparation for university applications and gain valuable experience of real world engineering and design opportunities through links with their industry sponsor and affiliation to the scheme.

The application process begins with the submission of an application form in January, where students have the opportunity to present their design experiences, often through a discussion about their GCSE coursework. Then in February applicants complete the Arkwright Scholarships Aptitude Paper, which allows them to demonstrate their problem solving skills, drawing ability and technical knowledge. Finally in April successful candidates attend an interview, where they have the opportunity to discuss their passion for a career in engineering and related fields.

Applications are invited from Year 11 students who are currently studying Design and Technology in one of the material areas (Electronic Products, Graphic Products or Resistant Materials) and who plan to commit to AS Level Mathematics. Applicants must be actively considering a university degree or higher apprenticeship and career in engineering or a related area of design. Applications should be submitted to Mr Twissell by Friday 6th December 2013. Registration for application can be completed online at the Arkwright Scholarships website www.arkwright.org.uk, where the Application Handbook, Application Form and further information can also be found. Please speak to Mr Twissell in the D&T department for further information about the application process. There will be a presentation in the D&T Department about the Arkwright Scholarship scheme in October.

Mr A Twissell, Head of Design and Technology

The Science Facility development programme, launched in 2010, is transforming our existing Science Laboratories, which were built in the 1950s and 1970s, into 15 state-of-the-art, fully equipped 21st Century Science Laboratories. It will provide facilities for a burgeoning number of scientists. Our plan is well underway, with four of the 15 Science rooms already fully refurbished and being used daily. We now have three new state-of-the-art Physics Laboratories and one new Biology Laboratory together with a new Physics Preparation Room and new teaching and support staff areas.

The next phase of the development commenced on 29th April 2013 with foundations and steelwork being laid throughout the summer. This phase will provide an increase in the overall footprint of the existing building to create four new laboratories. Our fundraising focus for this new academic year will be to furbish these four laboratories.

For further information please contact Alison Cox, Development Director, 01296 484545 ext. 294 or email: acox@ags.bucks.sch.uk

Achieving Greatness through Science

WORLD CHALLENGE MEETING THURSDAY 19TH

SEPTEMBER

Over the last 4 years we have organised two successful World Challenge trips from Aylesbury Grammar School and are now planning to launch our third. For three weeks during the summer months in 2011 and 2013, we have taken members of Years 11 and 12 on expeditions to Argentina and Nicaragua. In 2015 we hope to take students to Nepal. If your son is currently in Year 10 or 11 and interested in this opportunity, we will be holding an information evening for parents on Thursday 19th September at 6.00 pm in the Lecture Theatre. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in a life changing event and we hope to see you at the evening.

NOTICEBOARD

OPEN DAYS

During September and October 2013 we will be holding opening evenings and mornings on the following dates for students and their parents wishing to join the school in September 2014. Please pass these dates on to anyone you know who may be interested:

Open Mornings

Tuesday 17th September 9.30 am – 11.00 am and Monday 7th October 9.30 am – 11.00 am.

Open Evenings

Monday 23rd September 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm and Tuesday 24th September 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm.

You are able to just turn up at the open evenings, which start at 6.00 pm, but places at our open mornings are limited. Please ring the School Office on 01296 484545 to book for an open morning.

In addition, we will be holding an open evening on Thursday 23rd January 2014 at 7.00 pm for students from other schools who may wish to join our Sixth Form next year.

YEAR 12 WORK SHADOWING Now the term has begun, Year 12 students should be beginning to think about their requirements for work shadowing. Our Connexions Work Shadowing Co-ordinator, Liz France, continues her work in the school on Wednesday 25th September and will be based in the Careers Meeting Room in the corridor leading to the Sixth Form Common Room. She will be in school every Wednesday after the above date to help arrange placements and will be advising students on how to make appointments and apply in due course. Normally placements are for 2 days and should be taken between September and May but it is a good idea to have the placement as early as possible and before the pressure of coursework deadlines, trips, revision sessions and exams! Some employers are now asking for a CV before they will offer a placement and students could begin to prepare theirs now to help speed up the application process. In the past several parents have kindly offered work shadowing opportunities and as a result it has been possible to arrange some excellent new placements. Please let Miss France know if you know of any new opportunities on lizfrance@connexionsbucks.org.uk.

EXAMINATION DEADLINES Please note the following deadlines:

BMAT Entries: Friday 27th September GCSE/AS/A2 Original Scripts: Wednesday 2nd October MLAT/ELAT/TSA/HAT/ PAT/MAT Entries: Friday 11

th October

MATHEMATICS

All students should have taken home an information sheet regarding expectations and setting within Mathematics. If you have not seen this, it can be obtained from your son's Mathematics page on the school’s VLE.

OA DATE FOR THE DIARY

Our next Old Aylesburian Sportsman’s Dinner is on Friday 29th November 2013 at 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm in the School Hall. Contact Alison Cox, Development Director, on 01296 484545 ex 294 or acox@ags.bucks.sch.uk to secure your seat or table of 10 to 12. Tickets are £40, which includes a three course dinner. There are £30 subsidised tickets available for those OAs still in full time education.

PARENTAL CONSENT AND MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM

At the end of the summer term and the beginning of this term we have been sending home a ‘Parental Consent and Medical Information Form for School Administration and Off Site Activities’ for Years 7-12.

Please could you ensure that this is completed and returned to school as soon as possible, as without the form students will be unable to accompany day and residential visits. The form can also be downloaded from the school website, by following the ‘Parent Link’ and then ‘Letters and Forms’.

CARS ON SITE

For safety reasons only staff cars should enter the school site before school in the morning and before 4.30 pm in the afternoon as parents driving on and off site before and during the school day present a significant safety issue. Students should NOT be dropped off/collected from school site by parents/carers, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as medical reasons or delivery of large items. Vehicles must also not stop on the yellow hatching opposite the main entrance or the Wynne Jones Centre entrance and, between the times stated on the public sign. The police remind us that it is an offence to stop in Walton Road on the yellow zig-zags in front of the school. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in these important matters.

We have also recently received correspondence from Thames Valley Probation Service who are based in the Wynne Jones Centre. They have expressed concern that students are congregating at the junction of the Wynne Jones Centre car park whilst waiting to be collected by parents. This is a hazardous place to stand and is proving a danger to drivers wanting to enter the car park. There are also issues where parents collecting children are parking in the entrance which also causes problems for car park users. Please could we ask that parents do not drive into the Wynne Jones Centre to drop off or collect their sons? There are plenty of other places, near to the school, where safer drop off and collections can be arranged. The Probation Service would also like parents and students to be aware of the work they do and that asking our students to wait in an area, where vulnerable offenders also meet, is a concern.If you require further explanation or clarification on this matter, please contact Mrs PA Venning (Deputy Headteacher) or Mr P Bevington (Director of Resources).

MONEY BACK!

If your son participated in the Year 8 trip to Cologne this Summer, you should have received an £88 refund on your Parentpay account as the flights were cheaper than expected. If you did not pay by Parentpay you should have been contacted regarding an alternative method of refund.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

All parents and students are reminded that our school website is a useful channel of communication. Perhaps, most importantly, you will find the School Calendar which will be updated on a regular basis. You will also find an updated Parents’ Handbook via the Parents' section. The website address is www.ags.bucks.sch.uk - please add to your favourites! Other useful information includes School Policies, copies of Newsletters and school news updates.

SUPPORT THE PTA!

The school benefits from a hardworking and enthusiastic PTA which donates thousands of pounds every year. In 2012/13 the PTA raised over £33,000, our most successful year to date. £15,000 went to the new multi gym facility, £10,000 to the PTA Laboratory in the Science Block and £5,800 for Staff equipment requests and Student Rewards. This year the PTA’s target is £25,000 for a new 17 seater minibus and the various staff requests and student reward schemes. The PTA is always looking for new members to help it continue its invaluable work. If you are interested in joining in or finding out more about the PTA, please email Rachel Gate at pta@ags.bucks.sch.uk.

TERM DATES FOR 2013/2014 Autumn Term ends on Friday 20th December. Half term is Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November

Spring term begins Tuesday 7th January and ends on Friday 4th April. Half term is Monday 17th – Friday 21st February.

Summer Term begins Wednesday 23rd April and ends Friday 18th July. Half term is Monday 26th – Friday 30th May.

Staff Training Days

Friday 11th October 2013 Monday 6th January 2014 Tuesday 22nd April 2014

SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES

Wednesday 12.00 pm – 2.30 pm Thursday 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

MUFTI DAY

A reminder that section Mufti Day this term will be on Wednesday 25th September. The cost is £1 (£2 for Sixth Form) and will be collected by the House Representatives.

MERIT HOLIDAY

Merit Holiday this term will be Friday 11th October.

DATES FOR DIARIES 16 Sept Y7 MidYis testing in ICT lessons P1-5 Y11 French Oral Assessments 4.30pm U13XV County Cup-Burnham (A) 7pm Y12 Expectations’ Evening 17 Sept 9.30 - 11.30 School Open Morning 18 Sept HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY 4pm 1st XV v St John’s School (H) 19 Sept Mufti Day Collection begins P1-3 Y11 Drama Assessed Practical 4pm National Cup football v Gosford Hill 6 – 8pm Parents World Challenge meeting 20 Sept Y13 French visit to Paris departs 21 Sept Rugby v BMS 1st, 2nd, U15AB, U14AB (A) U16, U13AB (H) 22 Sept Y13 Paris trip returns 23 Sept Y10 Yellis testing in PE lessons 4.15pm U16 XI County Cup v Chalfont (A) 6-8pm Prospective Parents’ Evening 24 Sept 6-8pm Prospective Parents’ Evening 25 Sept MUFTI DAY P1&2 Y13 Italian Oral Assessments 2.15pm 1st XI National Cup match (H) 2.30pm 1st XV vs RLS (A) U18 Basketball (League) 26 Sept 8am Governors C&D meeting Y11 trip to Battlefields departs 4pm U14XV County Cup vs JHGS (H) 28 Sept Rugby vs Enfield GS Seniors U12AB (A) U15, U14, U13 (H) 7.30pm PTA New Parents’ Evening 30 Sept Y9 Geography visit to Chilterns 4.15pm U15 XI vs Walton High (H) 1 Oct Lunchtime Y8-10 Future Chefs Heats Y12 EES Launch Date 3.45pm HODs 2 Oct Lunchtime Y8-10 Future Chefs Heats 1.30pm U16 XV Tournament at MCS 2.00pm U18 Basketball (League) v Ealing, Hammersmith and West London (H) 2.30pm 1st XI vs RLS (A) 3 Oct SENIOR PUBLIC SPEAKING 7pm Y10 Coursework Evening 4 Oct Y11/13 Spanish visit to Andalucia 2.45pm U12ABC XV v Reading Bluecoat H 5 Oct Rugby vs Reading Bluecoat 1st, 2nd, 3rd, XV (H) U15AB, U14AB, U13AB (A) 7 Oct 9.30-11.00am School Open Morning 8 Oct Y12 Geography visit to Peaks Y12 English visit to Stratford 6pm Briefing for Spanish trip to Barcelona Eve - Y10 visit to Waterside Theatre 9 Oct 2.15pm 1st XI vs The Grange (H) 2.30pm 3rd XV vs KES (A) 10 Oct 8am Governors L&T meeting French exchange arrives at AGS

DATES FOR DIARIES 11 Oct INSET DAY/MERIT HOLIDAY Morrisby Testing - Hall 2.30pm U12 ABC XV vs KES (H) 12 Oct Rugby vs Kes, 1st, 2nd, U15AB (A) U14AB, U13AB (H) 13 Oct PTA Year 7 Laser Event 14 Oct House Councils Week 15 Oct 3.30pm U12, U13 XV vs RLS (H) 16 Oct Y11/Y13 Geology visit to Charnwood Forest 2pm U18 Basketball v Brighton/Hove 4-6pm Y3/4 Handball Tournament 17 Oct Y9 Ancient History trip to Fishbourne Place 3.30pm U16 XV vs RLS (H) 4-6pm Y3/4 Handball Tournament 19 Oct Rugby vs Stowe School 1st, 2nd XV (A) Rugby vs DCGS U15, U14 (A) U13AB, U12AB (H)

YEAR 10 GCSE EXPECTATIONS EVENING At Aylesbury Grammar School we aim to inform parents and students as fully as possible of the demands that students will face in completing their chosen courses. To aid this process a GCSE Expectations Evening for Year 10 students and parents will be held on Thursday 3rd October at 7.00 pm in the Lecture Theatre. Most GCSE courses have changed in both structure and focus in the last 2 years, we will outline expectations and requirements of students in preparing for exams, and the provision the school makes for these. Coursework and controlled assessment tasks continue to contribute significantly to the final grade in most GCSE subjects; however changes in exam specifications mean that the type and nature of tasks may be different than in recent years. Years 10 and 11 will pass quickly, and this evening is an important opportunity for students and parents to consider the demands of the years ahead. It is also a useful time for us to outline the structures we have in place to support each student as they aim for success at GCSE level, and beyond. We do hope you and your son will able to join us for this event. Please complete the attached reply slip indicating whether or not you will be able to attend. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… YEAR 10 GCSE EXPECTATIONS EVENING REPLY SLIP TO BE RETURNED TO THE MAIN SCHOOL OFFICE BY FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2013 Student’s Name ……………………………………………… Tutor Group ……………

I/We are able to attend the GCSE Evening on Thursday 3rd October 2013

My/our son will also be attending

I/We are unable to attend the GCSE Evening. Please delete as applicable

Signature of Parent/Carer ………………………………………………… Date ……………..

YEAR 11 MORRISBY PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS

September 2013 Dear Parents/Carers We would like to offer all students currently in Year 11 the opportunity to participate in psychometric testing using the Morrisby Profile. Past experience suggests that students intending to progress to our sixth form have found the results of the test and the follow up interviews very useful when deciding which subjects they wish to choose after GCSE, and have also used them as a basis for determining future degree choices and career paths. The test is priced at £105 (including VAT) and is provided by Mrs Angela Lowi, a freelance Careers Consultant. It may sound expensive, but in my opinion represents excellent value for money, comparing very favourably with the cost of seeking a similar service independently; normal ’High Street’ prices for the Morrisby Profile plus debriefing interviews typically cost between £180 and £400. Mrs Lowi has administered the tests throughout the county for the last 18 years. She introduced Morrisby to our students twelve years ago and specialises in giving advice to grammar school students. I have found the service she has provided to boys at Aylesbury Grammar School to be excellent. The package includes:

administration of the test

provision of the full written Morrisby report

a full hour individual feedback interview which parents are encouraged to attend here at school. (It is possible to offer an 8 a.m. appointment if required.)

a separate 8-10 page Action Plan summarising the discussion. This will include advice on AS/A2 subject choices based on your son’s innate abilities as identified by the test, and how these may lead to future careers

Universities and degree courses are discussed in detail

information sheets on specific degree courses and careers are provided in a follow-up pack

ongoing email advice is also provided afterwards for as long as your son wishes to take advantage of it.

The testing lasts approximately three and a half hours and will be held on the morning of Friday 11th October 2013 commencing at 9 a.m. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A WEEK EARLIER THAN THE DATE ORIGINALLY NOTIFIED due to re-scheduling of this term’s training day/merit holiday. PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL TRANSPORT ON THIS DAY and that your son will need to make his own way to and from school if he wishes to take part. We have found in the past that up to a third of our Year 11 students have taken the Morrisby test. If you would like your son to participate, please pay £105 to the school using ParentPay as soon as possible, and certainly by Friday 4th October 2013. Please note that we will only be able to run the test if a sufficient number of students (minimum of 20) wish to participate. Further information about the test and what it entails is available on the www.morrisby.com website, but please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further details. Yours sincerely David Piggford Leader of Work Related Learning and Enterprise

Saturday 28th September 2013, 7.30pm

Does it feel as though you are packing them off into the unknown? Do you think you know more about quantum physics than you do

about their coming days at their new school? You are not alone!

Come and meet other new parents, as well as members of the PTA and learn more about AGS.

Join us for a welcome drink and a ploughman’s supper. There will be a bar selling wine, beer and soft drinks.

Live music provided by AGS musicians as well as a fun quiz on AGS to improve your local knowledge!

Tickets are £10 per person (cheques payable to 'AGS PTA' please). We very much look forward to meeting you all.

Please complete the form below and send with your payment to the 'School Finance Office', for the attention of PTA. Tickets will not be issued for the event – on receipt of your payment, your place is booked - if you require confirmation, please include your email address. Any queries, please contact pta@ags.bucks.sch.uk with 'New Year 7 Parents Evening' as the subject.

We also aim to have class representatives for each class in year 7. Class reps would organise a couple of nights out/coffees a year for parents to help them get to know one another. One or more parents can take on the role for each class. It is a very valuable role and takes up very little time. If you are interested, please contact Lesley Coggins at pta@ags.bucks.sch.uk with 'Class Rep' as the subject.

If you cannot attend the New Parents Evening but would like to be put on the contact list for your class rep, please return the form below, with your son's name and your email address. …………………………………………………………………………………………….…...............…

AGS PTA New Year 7 Parents Evening

Saturday 28th September 2013, 7.30pm

Son’s Name…………………………………….…. Tutor Group (if known)……………..

I enclose a payment of £…… for ……. people at £10 each. (cheques payable to ‘AGS PTA’ please) Please include your email address if you would like email confirmation that your payment has been received (sometimes ‘boy post’ can be unreliable):………..………................………………

Please indicate whether you would be happy for us to give this email address to your class representative on the 28

th September YES/NO

PTA New Year 7 Parents Evening