Sandwich Technology School has forged a new partnership with the Army’s 11th Infantry Brigade. At the end of March, 24 STS students (aged 13 to 15) visited the First World War battlefields accompanied by military personnel from the 11th Infantry Brigade, including Colonel Simon Browne OBE MBE (Deputy Commander) and Lt Col Graham McPherson. The group visited Neuve Chapelle in France to look at the role of the Indian Army. They also visited Ypres Salient, spending time at the Langemark German Cemetery, Essex Farm Cemetry, the Menin Gate (where one of our students laid a wreath) and the Lijssenthoek Cemetry. At Lijssenthoek students were encouraged to identify the grave of a soldier who shared their surname. They also learnt about Nellie Spindler and the role of women in WWI, Indian soldiers and the diversity of the British Army and Noel Chavasse – a double VC winner. To enhance their experience, students were allocated a serving soldier who acted as both role model and mentor. The visit explored the Army’s values and standards, including concepts such as integrity, courage, loyalty and self-discipline. The school believes that these are all qualities that our young people will need if they are to succeed in modern Britain. The visit also raised awareness of the diversity in the British Army and knowledge of what the Army does today – such as civil defence, supporting the police service and protecting the public in extreme weather, amongst other things. This understanding is part of a wider aim to ensure that the school’s most able students fulfil their potential and have the highest aspirations. Deputy Headteacher, Simon Sharples, said: “We are extremely proud to be working with the 11th Brigade and look forward to all the ways in which our students will benefit as a result. Many of our students have the potential to be extremely successful both academically and in the world of work. We are aware, however, that in order to achieve that success our students will need character and resilience as well as academic talent. The Army will be working with our young people to develop their discipline, courage, integrity, loyalty, respect and commitment. We believe these qualities will help Sandwich Technology School students not only to fulfil and exceed their academic potential, but also give them the edge in further/higher education and in the workplace.” The attached photograph shows our students at The Indian Memorial at Neuve Chapelle.

Two teams from Sandwich Technology School competed in the Kent Schools Boccia Final at the University of Kent on 8 March. Boccia is a paralympc sport and, for students with disabilities, it can develop not only motor skills, but social skills, team skills and confidence. The Under 14 team – AJ Palmer (Captain), Declan Allan and Oliver Turner – played well. They beat one team 10:nil and were extremely close in their other matches, but lost by a narrow margin overall. The Under 19 team – Tom Horn (Captain), Kiah Durrant and Aston Revitt – won against all of the other teams in their category and were awarded the gold medal! They will now compete in the South East Boccia Finals in Guildford on 26 March. All of the students were exemplary in their behaviour, both on and off the court, and were a credit to the school. The school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Judith Goodrich, said “I am so proud of both teams. Their hard work and dedication to their training sessions has clearly paid off. They have been well supported by Teaching Assistants Anita, Tricia and Lee, who have organised and encouraged the Boccia teams throughout the year. I wish them every success in the Nationals.” The attached photograph shows (from left to right): Kiah Durrant, Tom Horn and Aston Revitt.

Due to the forecast for heavy snow falls and freezing temperatures tomorrow and the extensive snow falls experienced today in areas where many staff live in Thanet and along the north coast, all four Sandwich schools - Infants, Juniors, Technology School and Manwood’s - have decided to be closed on Friday 2 March. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but are sure you will understand that the health and safety of both students and staff have been our prime consideration when coming to this decision. It is anticipated that the weather will improve over the weekend and that we shall be open and keen to put this disruptive week behind us on Monday. Thank you again for your patience and understanding during this very difficult week.

Just to confirm that STS is open until 3.30 pm today, but there will not be any after-school events/clubs/revision sessions. The buses are running well and it unlikely that there will be problems with the students travelling home. If the situation should change, we will, of course, update you.

We currently have two staff vacancies at STS and are seeking to appoint a Receptionist and a Teaching Assistant. If this might be the job for you (or someone you know), please visit our website for more information.

As part of their GCSE Business course, Year 11 students at Sandwich Technology School are required to plan and deliver a business enterprise activity. Mindful of their social responsibilities, each group elected to donate a percentage of their profits to charity. The students decided to create a ‘Winter Wonderland’, offering both staff and students the opportunity to enter in to the Christmas spirit. They created and marketed a range of products and services – tempting customers with hand-crafted decorations, gifts for family and friends and tempting cakes, sweets and drinks. Here is just some of the feedback that the students received: “It had such a great atmosphere and all the students seemed to absolutely love it. What a great way to finish off the term!” Kirsty Langley, English Teacher “I thought today's Year 11 Business Enterprise event was a great success. All of those students (and staff) who played a part should give themselves a 'pat on the back’” Ian Barwood, School Governor and Volunteer in Business Studies “Each year, this event gets better and better! Thank-you to the Business Studies team – your support and enthusiasm is so contagious! A great way to start Christmas” Wendy Tutton, Head of the MORE Centre “Hi I just wanted to pass on feedback that I overheard yesterday from students in the playground. They were completely buzzing about the fun they had at the Business Enterprise event and remarked that it was the best school day!” Sue Coyston, Cover Supervisor Year 11’s efforts and hard work paid off and the new year began with donations to a number of charities. The British Heart Foundation, The Luke Williams Charitable Trust, Porchlight, The Brek Foundation and Ellice’s Wish to Walk are just some of the causes that have benefited. The students were supported in their endeavours by Mrs Emma Stannard, Mr James McAuley, Mr William Shepherd and Mrs Adrianna Thompson, all of whom teach Business Studies at the school.