Insight210717 by Holly Hall Academy

Email: office@holly-hall.dudley.sch.uk Website: www.hollyhallacademy.co.uk

21st July 2017

Also available online

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We would like to remind you of the Academy uniform in preparation for September 2017 and draw your attention to our expectations. Trousers should be plain dark grey and formal style. All shoes should be plain black and of a material that can be polished. No canvas shoes, trainers or boots. High heels are not acceptable. BOYS

Trousers should be of a formal style. Skinny or jegging style trousers are not acceptable.

 Black blazer with Academy badge  White shirt with Academy tie  Plain dark grey trousers  Black, grey or white socks  Suitable plain black shoes that can be polished (no trainers or boots)

 In cold weather a plain navy V-necked pullover may be worn under the blazer (no cardigans)

Shoes should be plain black and made of a material that can be polished. No canvas shoes, trainers or boots. High heels are not acceptable.

GIRLS

 Black blazer with Academy badge  White shirt with Academy tie  Plain dark grey trousers or skirt  Black, grey or white socks  Suitable plain black shoes that can be polished (no trainers, boots or high heels)

 In cold weather a plain navy V-necked pullover may be worn under the blazer (no cardigans)

Arrangements for Wednesday 6th September 2017 When students return on Wednesday 6th September, there will be a staggered start. Year 7 and 8 students should arrive at normal time ready for an 8.45 start. Year 7 students will go to Scotty G’s Year 8 students go to their Tutor Room Older students will go to their Tutor Rooms on arrival as follows: Year 9 & 10 at 9.45am Year 11 at 11.05am

School Nurses, Lynne Howell and Laura Devereaux were on hand recently to help students with any self esteem or body image concerns. If you have any health or well-being concerns, you can make an appointment to see them. They will be available again in September.

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Reminder The new PE kit is available from Maple Workwear.

Mr Hatch, Principal: It is incredible to think that the students and most of the staff of Holly Hall Academy were not born when Michael Price first became a Governor of the academy, 42 years ago. Michael has been a great servant to this community and is the longest serving Governor in Dudley. This summer, Michael’s long association with us comes to an end as he retires from his post as Chair of our Governing Body. However, he still wants to continue to use his expertise across the town and will remain involved in Democratic Services within Dudley. The respect for Michael from Democratic Services is clear as they have asked him to continue to advise them in a range of ways. I want to place on record my personal thanks to Michael who has led this Academy through monumental changes as a Governor from the mid 1970s. Education is not even on the same planet compared to 1975. We have been through the Great Education reform Bill of 1988, Grant Maintained Status of the early 90’s, Academisation as well as the Standards agenda of more

recent times. In the last 2 years Michael has supported me. Firstly through my appointment, but also in bringing about the necessary changes that we have had to make. We now take our place in the new Dudley Academies Trust as a founding member. Michael was very quick to recognise the benefits for the local community of Central Dudley in association with Dudley College. Indeed he was ‘up for it’ from the outset because it is the right partnership to deliver even more opportunities to our young people. Michael will still be around to provide wise counsel as a friend but I will miss our regular fortnightly meetings. To serve one school for 42 years is a significant commitment and may never be matched. Good luck Michael!

There are a number of staff leaving the Academy at the end of the Summer term. Everyone at Holly Hall wishes them well for their future, either in their career or in retirement

Mollie Rogers (Year 10): “On 10th July myself and Rebecca Hipkiss went to Birmingham University Edgbaston Campus for a taster day.

Mrs Bevan, HLTA English

We took part in ice-breaking activities and met lots of friendly people. We had a tour and then had lunch. In the afternoon we had a lecture and then went to Edgbaston reservoir where we did canoeing and paddle boarding. It was a fantastic experience and we really enjoyed being university students for the day.“

Mrs Blackmore, English Teacher Miss Edwards, PE Teacher Miss Haycock, Leader of PSHE and Transition Miss McKay, Maths Teacher Miss O’Neill, English Teacher Mr Spear, Head of Religious Education

6 September

Academy term begins for students. Academy photographer - All Year groups 18 September Open Evening 7.00pm for Year 6 students and parents. Academy closes at 12.40pm 19 September Open Day 9.15am for Year 6 students and parents 25 Sept - 4 Oct Year 7 residentials take place 26 September HPV (1) injections for Year 8 girls 2 - 6 October Exams 10 October Careers Evening 13 October Enrichment Day1 20 October Inset Day. Academy closed to students 23 - 27 October Half term 30 October Academy re-opens at 8.45am

30 October 7 November 8 November 17 November 20 - 24 Nov 30 Nov - 2 Dec 4 December 6 December 6 December 13 December 20 December 21 Dec - 1 Jan 2 January 3 January

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Year 7 Settling in Evening Senior Maths Challenge Year 11 Parents’ Consultation Evening Enrichment Day2/Skills Show Exams Paris residential Parent Forum Full Governing Body Meeting GCSE Presentation Evening 7.00pm Year 10 Parents’ Consultation Evening Academy closes for Christmas holiday Christmas holiday Inset day. Academy closed to students Academy re-opens at 8.45am

Mr Hallam, Leader of Mathematics: On Wednesday, a group of Year 10 students attended a mathematics day out aimed specifically at KS4 students. The day consisted of three practical workshops; a maths roadshow, a game called Set, and The Dragon Quiz. Our students particularly enjoyed The Dragon Quiz, which was an exciting team quiz, where every correct answer was rewarded with a section of the dragon. The aim was to construct the longest dragon possible. Well done to Alex Clare, Adam Holloway and Ross Williamson who answered an impressive 15 questions: more than any other group! Priyankaa Patel (Year 10): “We took part in activities and challenges. At the end of the day we took part in, and won the ’Dragon Quiz’. It was a really enjoyable experience.” Why don’t you try one of the questions they answered that set them apart from the rest? Find all 3 (x,y) solutions for x2 - y2 =75 (Answers are at the bottom of the page)

Mr Simpson, Head of Music: On Thursday 13th July nineteen Year 10 GCSE Music students visited Dudley College. They were given a tour of the facilities and they worked on a composition using the Imac’s. The visit was part of our continued partnership with Dudley College, giving our students the chance to use industry standard recording and composing equipment. Many thanks to Mrs Turton for supporting the trip, the staff at the College, and our students for their hard work.

Mr Elliott, Intervention Coordinator: The Year 11 Prom took place at Himley Hall on Thursday 13th July. Students arrived in style in many forms of transport. Once inside the venue, a hot buffet was enjoyed followed by a disco. Aaron Heathcock and Ellie Whitehouse were crowned Prom King and Queen at the end of the evening. The weather was perfect for the evening allowing students the perfect backdrop for their photos, in the grounds of the hall, with views of the lake. We wish the ‘Class of 2017’ happiness and every success for the future.

Answers: (10, 5), (14, 11), (38, 37)

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