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30th September 2016
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European Day of Languages September 2016 “I’d love to speak another language, but…” “I really wish I’d paid more attention in Spanish when I was at school…” “I really regret not carrying on with French…” Why study languages? Miss Thomas, Head of Modern Foreign Languages: We often take the ability to be able to communicate with one another for granted, until we are in the situation where language becomes a barrier, from minor situations such as ordering food and drinks to major emergencies on holiday. It is then that it becomes clear that communication is an important and valuable part of our lives. At Holly Hall students are offered both French and Spanish in Year 7 which provides them with the potential to be able to communicate with nearly a billion French and Spanish speakers around the world! Learning a foreign language at the Academy is a fantastic opportunity; it is proven to boost your brain capacity (actually working a different part of the brain!), improve memory and attention span as well as improving your vocabulary and grammar knowledge. It is also fantastic for social skills, improving your confidence, and increasing your ability to react to new situations. It is for all these reasons that colleges, universities and employers never fail to be impressed by language skills and qualifications. Amongst the students at the Academy, nearly thirty different languages are spoken. It is wonderful to think that we live in such a multilingual, multicultural society. How parents/carers can help
Support your child at home using useful websites
Encourage your child to attend after school homework/revision sessions
There are hundreds of useful websites designed for language learning of all abilities, from beginner to advanced. http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages: offers short courses, phrases, audio and video, activities and tests in forty languages. www.duolingo.com: a fun website that lets you learn a language from scratch. You can set up your own account to monitor your own progress. Why not learn French or Spanish with your child? www.languagesonline.org.uk: games and puzzles in 5 languages
Booster sessions to support students’ language learning are offered on a Tuesday afternoon. Students can come along to get homework help or just a bit of extra support if struggling in lessons.
How to gain an extra qualification in languages
Purchase a revision guide for only £2.50
There are many GCSE courses available in additional languages. If you would like to be entered for a GCSE in a language spoken at home, please speak to Miss Thomas.
Members of the department are available after school every day.
Come and order one from the MFL office.
ADVANCE NOTICE: Please be aware that the Academy will be closed to students on Monday 17th October 2016 for staff training.
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As-salaam-alaykum, de ma num dey Ambarina. ze pashto ghaghedey sham. pashto pe Afghanistan ke weyalkigi.
Dzien dobry, mam na imię Dawid i ja mówie po polsku. Mój język jest mówiony w Polsce.
Hesi, ndiri Langa. Ndino taura Shona. Shona i taurwa mu Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique ne Botswana.
Ckemi Emri im eshte Elsad i flasin shqip, shqip flitet vetëm në një vend e cila është e shqipnia.
A report by Daniel Phillips (Year 10), Leader of team Motive: Team Motive’s vision is to have a wider variety of extra-curricular activities, take part in fundraising and invite significant sporting figures into the Academy to inspire our students to participate in sports. We meet every Wednesday in S10. Feel free to come along if you would like to join the team or alternatively you can collect an application form from your Intervention Coordinator. Your views are important so come along and talk to us. Pictured: Team Motive
Mrs Bevan, English HLTA and Mrs Clifton, Maths HLTA: The Hub is a study area for students to revise, read and complete homework. The Hub opened for business on Monday 26th September 2016. The opening times are: Lunch times: Monday and Friday
Last week, Year 7 students were visited by a representative
from The Gideons International. Every year they visit secondary schools to make personal presentations. Following the assembly, every Year 7 student was presented with a personal copy of the New Testament and Psalms. Pictured: Year 7 students with their New Testament and Psalms
12.45-1.15pm After school: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 4.00pm.
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NETBALL Miss Haycock, Leader of PSHE and Transition: The U15 and U16 netball teams played their first game of the season last Thursday against High Arcal. This is the first fixture that the Year 10 (U15) team have been involved in as they are new additions to the North Dudley league. The Year 11 (U16) team took part the league last year and are keen to build on the progress and achievements they made last season. Both games were played with a positive attitude, well contested at times, but unfortunately both games finished with a defeat. To maintain good sporting ethos and fair play, both schools nominated a ‘Player of the Match’. Congratulations to Molly Worwood (Y10) and Elle Gjoka (Y11) who were nominated for their performance. Look out for next weeks results against Hillcrest and Bishop Milner. FOOTBALL Mr Biddlecombe, PE Teacher: On Wednesday this week, the Year 8 football team played their first game of the season away at Crestwood. They got off to a flying start, winning 2-1. The goal scorers were Daniel Hussain and Michael Ezeji, though all sixteen team members played well. Man of the Match was Jayden Parke for making some brilliant saves, but a special mention to Daniel Hussain who did a fantastic job as captain, organising the team.
Miss McKee, Teacher of Performing Arts: I have arranged for a male street/hip hop dance teacher to deliver a workshop after school on 17th November. This workshop is aimed at boys of all ages. They will learn break dancing, hip hop and different types of street dance. If you would like to sign up, please speak to Miss McKee.
YEAR 7 WINNERS 7HAY 100%
Congratulations to our ‘Attendance Superstars’ for Week ending 23rd September 2016.
YEAR 8 WINNERS 8BID 99%
YEAR 9 WINNERS 9HAR 98.2%
YEAR 10 WINNERS 10DHE 98.4%
YEAR 11 WINNERS 11THO & 11WDW 100%
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The Holly Hall Academy opened fifty years ago on 28 th September 1966. On 8th December, we are celebrating this anniversary with a celebration evening filled with memories and entertainment. If you or anyone you know can remember the Academy being built or actually attended the Academy when it opened, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to be involved in the occasion, please contact Mr Simpson at the Academy in the first instance.
Pictured the plaque which is situated in the Academy hall
Have a go at Mr Nation’s puzzle: Penny Pinsha was checking the contents of her kitchen cupboard. If she has two tins of peas, three tins of sweetcorn, four of tomatoes and six of minestrone soup, how many tins of baked beans does she have? Submit your answer before lunchtime on Tuesday 4th October by posting your name, form and answer into the box outside Mr Nation's office, opposite The Hub. The winner from a draw made from all the correct entries will receive a gift voucher. Good luck!
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Mr Parmar, Senior Assistant Principal: Year 10 and 11 students will be sitting examinations next week. Students will be made aware of what examinations they are sitting. Can all students ensure that they arrive at the Academy with all necessary equipment.
3 - 7 October 12 October 17 October
Exams Enrichment Day1 Inset Day - Academy closed to students 21 October Academy closes for the halfterm 24 - 28 October Half term 31 October Academy re-opens at 8.45am 31 October Year 7 Settling in Evening 8 November Year 10 Evening Option Subjects Only 15 November Careers Evening 18 November Enrichment Day2/Skills Show 21 - 25 Nov Exams 23 November Parent Forum 29 November GCSE Certificate Presentation Evening 7.00pm 8 December Performing Arts 50th Anniversary Show 13 December Year 11 Parents’ Consultation Evening 14 December Full Governing Body Meeting 16 December Academy closes for the Christmas holiday 19 Dec - 2 Jan Christmas holiday