Appleton Academy
Featuring:
o World Book Day 2025
o Appleton Ambition careers special feature
o Scholars update
o Sport fixtures and results
o Trips and visits
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Welcome
Welcome to our third newsletter of the year! This is a bumper edition as we didn't do one last half term due to it being so short. Appleton has been incredibly busy this term with lots of wonderful opportunities for our young people We have had a range of sporting fixtures taking place and even begun to play against more schools with some success! We have been lucky enough to be nominated for the Bradford Sports Active Schools Award! Our art students continue to produce some wonderful work and the English department have had very productive term with theatre visits, World Book Day, writing competitions and lots of lovely work being produced. This edition also shows what a thriving careers programme we have at Appleton as we held our Green Careers Week, an apprenticeship evening and National Careers Week with a real range of experiences for our students including a visit from the BBC. Performing Arts have had a fabulous term of opportunities for our young people, including attending Bradford School Proms We also celebrated the end of the programme for our first cohort of scholars as they had a presentation evening recognising their hard work and success
If you have things you would like to see featured in the newsletter, please let us know.
Library Update
World Book Day celebrations in the library
Year 7 students enjoyed reading their favourite stories to children in primary. Independent bookshop 'The Thoughtful Spot' gave an interesting talk about the world of publishing and students had the opportunity to exchange their World Book Day vouchers.
Creative Writing club students took part in the Royal Society of Literature's 'Get Creative for Climate Change' initiative. Four students have had their poems included in a film presentation at The Houses of Parliament. Deputy Speaker of the House, Judith Cummins visited our display.
World Book Day
March 6th 2025 was World Book Day.
Our students were invited to "Read Your Way" with a variety of exciting events:
• #shelfies – students had to guess the teacher from the picture of their bookshelves, well done 10.4 for the most accurate guesses!
• Scavenger hunt – students hunted high and low for their favourite book characters.
• Active display – at lunchtime students were invited to share their favourite books with other students.
• Blind date with a book – students could take a book home for free but had to choose based on a description and not judge the book by its cover!
• Live author talk – years 7,8,9 and 10 were invited to a fascinating talk by Benjamin Dean about his experiences as an author.
• Cookie and a book – the students with the top 15 conduct scores in year 7,8, 9 and 10 were invited to enjoy a hot chocolate, cookie and a short story at the end of the day.
• Golden tickets – students could earn a golden ticket for going above and beyond in lessons and earn an entry into the grand prize draw!
#Shelfie!
World Book Day
Staff fancy dress for World Book Day was fantastic this year, here are some of the departments’ efforts!
Left – right: Fantastic Mrs Fox (Mrs Ford), Verruca Salt (Miss Searle), Miss Trunchbull (Mr Bell), Willy Wonka (Mr Law), Matilda (Miss Khan), Violet Beauregarde (Miss Mudasar), Sophie - BFG (Miss Deal), Mrs Silver - Esiotrot (Mrs Barnes), The BFG (Mr Smith)
Left – right: Lion (Mrs Helliwell), Tin Man (Mr Sukara), Dorothy (Miss Griffin) and Scarecrow (Mr Sunderland)
Left – right: The Day the Crayons Quit (Miss Sweeney, Miss Wykez, Mr Hargreaves, Mr Hirst, Mr Naylor, Mr Brogan and Miss Blay)
Hamilton
By Mrs Barnes
This half term we were extremely lucky to be offered subsidised tickets to take 28 year 10 students to a performance of Hamilton at the Alhambra. Students enjoyed the performance behind the scenes at a technical demo and received a free programme and ice cream!
All students (and staff!) invited agreed they'd had a fantastic time and were thrilled to be in 'the room where it happens!'
English Student Work
Year 10 have been making annotations on their poetry anthologies.
Year 8 have been analysing War Poetry
English Student Work
Year 7 are studying Romantic poetry.
Year 9 are studying identity poetry.
Design and Technology at Appleton
Each newsletter we feature amazing products created by our students
KS3 Product Design Rotation
Darcy yr 7
Tyrese yr 7
Matthew K Yr 7
Alfie T yr 8
Nomaan yr 7
Jj yr 7
Ollie yr 7
Sami yr 7
Maddie
Olivia A yr 9
Art at Appleton
Each newsletter we feature amazing artwork created by our students
Year 7 - Insects
This term, Year 7 have been looking at proportion and how to draw a realistic insect in the correct proportion. They extended their knowledge from their first project of Line and Tone and used this to create a variety of insects in different media. They have been looking at their burnishing skills and painting in coffee.
Lucie
Taylor M
Isobel S
Innaya
Courtney S
Vlad T Taylor
Lydia
Dalton
Art at Appleton
Each newsletter we feature amazing artwork created by our students
Year 8 - Figures
This term, Year 8 have been focusing on figures and producing artwork in different styles. They have been looking at how to try to create movement in their work through a variety of different media such as water colour, felt tips and fineliner They have also been studying the artist Kieth Haring and producing work In his style.
Berenice
Olamide
Janie
Ramis
Stefania
Aarav
Art at Appleton
Each newsletter we feature amazing artwork created by our students
Year 9 - Portraiture
This Term, Year 9 have been focusing on portraiture. They have been looking at how to draw sections of the face such as eyes and lips and how different artists draw these in different ways. Year 9 have been looking into artists such as Tim Burton and Svenja Jodicke, and taken influence from their work to create their own versions.
Kamila
Libby M
Elise O
Alice P
Zoe M
Abi M
On Monday 2nd December, Year 10 Fashion Textiles GCSE students visited the Fashion BA (Hons) Degree course at Bradford School of Art. The students learnt Subtraction Pattern Cutting; a sustainable pattern cutting technique with the aim to use little / no waste. These beautiful garments were created using repurposed duvet covers.
The students loved being in the fashion design studio with access to of the brilliant facilities on offer.
A huge thank you to Angela Loftus, Fashion Design & Art & Design Programme Leader, and the amazing 3rd Year Fashion Design degree students for sharing your passion and expertise. The trip really opened our students’ eyes to the possibilities of Fashion and higher education in the future.
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Special feature section by Mrs Hayward
National Green Careers Week: Building Bradford’s Future
In November, students across the country had the chance to explore opportunities in sustainable industries as we celebrated National Green Careers Week. This initiative shines a spotlight on the diverse and exciting careers contributing to a greener, more sustainable world—an area of growing importance for our city and beyond.
The purpose of Green Careers Week is to raise awareness about the vital role green industries play in tackling climate change and protecting our planet. From renewable energy and sustainable construction to environmental conservation and green technology, these careers are shaping the future.
For Bradford, a city with a strong history of innovation and industry, embracing green careers is essential for creating a sustainable local economy.
Whether you dream of engineering wind turbines, designing energyefficient buildings, or working in environmental advocacy, green careers offer exciting opportunities to make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter, greener future for Bradford and the world.
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
In January, the academy was lucky enough to welcome the BBC Careers Roadshow. The event visited over 110,000 secondary school students in term two of this year to introduce young people to a range of careers available on their doorstep; hosted by the brilliant BBC presenter Jasmine Takhar. In a panelstyle set-up, students heard from three different panellists from a range of backgrounds to inspire about their future career ambitions.
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Appleton Apprenticeship Evening
In January we had an excellent attendance of students and parents for our annual Apprenticeship Evening.
Sam Wilson from West Yorkshire Learning Providers led the event with a key-note speech to explain the basics about apprenticeships; where to find them, how to apply for them and the benefits of choosing this pathway.
Our expert panel led a fascinating discussion about their experiences of apprenticeship and the vacancies on offer at their organisations, some of which are listed below:
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
As part of National Careers Week in March, students in all year groups learnt how their subjects link to career opportunities and transferrable skills.
Careers In Music –
“Wemindmappedourlearningabout musiccareersandunanimously agreethatmorelessontimeshould bededicatedtomusic…obviously”
Careers in Performing Arts –
“StudentsreallyenjoyingLMB deliveryofcareersinDrama session
They'veenjoyedherreal-life experiencesandattachingthese skillsandtotheirownexperiences too.”
Careers in Spanish
-
“Thisweek,aspartofNCW,our studentsarereflectingonand creatingalistofideasinsmall groupdiscussionsaboutthe necessityofspeakingSpanishor anotherlanguageinvarious professionspresented.”
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Careers in RE -
“ThestudentslovedlearningaboutStormzy'sjourneyandlisteningtoGospelMusic!”
Careers in Food -
“Todayweresearched3livejobvacanciesin BradfordrelatingtoFood.Welistedtheskills andqualitiesrequiredforeachjob.To preparefortheirinterviews,theclass researchedaboutthecompaniesandwrote alistofinterviewquestionsand answers. Wefinishedwitharoleplay interviewtakingturnstobeintervieweeand interviewer.”
Year
10
Scholars’ Programme
visit to Shipley College for Bradford Business Unlocked
Inspirational key-note speech by ex-Rugby League international and entrepreneur Bolu Fagborun
Turning
dreams into reality…
Define your Dream: Be specific and clear about what you want to achieve.
Believe in Yourself: Self-belief is the cornerstone of success.
Set Goals: Break down your big goal into smaller, achievable goals.
Take Action: Don’t just wait for opportunities; create them
Learn from Failure: Mistakes are stepping stones to success.
In February the year 10 Scholars attended Bradford Business Unlocked. An event with the aim of introducing the young people of Bradford to local employers. The employers shared valuable information and advice about the skills, qualifications and characteristics they are looking for in their workforce.
The Scholars selected a business sector of interest to them and engaged in a focusses workshop to learn more and ask questions.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Stay Persistent: The path to success is rarely a straight line.
BoluFagborun
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Year 11 Scholars’ Presentation Evening
In February we celebrated the graduation of our first ever Scholars’ Programme cohort.
The year 11 students delivered presentations to staff, parents and fellow Y10 Scholars about their journey on the programme and what they have learnt. We were incredibly impressed and proud to see their confidence in presenting their hard work. The students shared their experiences of university, employer and cultural visits. They taught the audience about the importance of good sleep habits for brain function. They shared their passion for reading. They gave tips for improving stress and anxiety during the difficult GCSE exam period. And they shared valuable advice for revision techniques.
Congratulations Scholars! We are so excited to see what you will go on to do in the future!
Together with our community, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Sport at Appleton
By Mr Young.
We have had a brilliant term of sport here at Appleton Academy and we would like to congratulate and thank every student that has become involved in our lunchtime and after school clubs. This has led to us being nominated for the Bradford Sports Active School award for 2025, which is truly amazing.
Our badminton club is going from strength to strength with large numbers attending our Tuesday after school and Friday lunchtime sessions. We hosted and won a local schools’ Year 7 badminton championships and we beat Holy Family 12-11 in a gripping Key Stage 3 match that means that we play Beckfoot Oakbank after Easter. All students are welcome to join the club at any time and in particular we would love to get more girls involved; if any females want to learn how to play or can play already, please come down.
Sport at Appleton
Our rugby club is now our largest sports club at the school with boys teams competing from Years 7 to 10 and a girls’ team recently starting led by Ms Storey. Mr Young is therefore very grateful for the support of Wyke RFL club and the Bradford Bulls foundation, both of which have donated rugby balls to help us train in large numbers.
Our Year 7s have had a really busy term. They have played fixtures against Lawnswood School, Rastrick and Whitcliffe Mount. Every game is a challenge, but the standard of our players is improving all of the time and this was shown particularly during the 10-5 win at Lawnswood.
Our Year 8s have also had a busy term. They have had a fixture with Beckfoot Thornton in the first round of the Yorkshire cup and have recently finished third in the Bradford Bulls Inspired by 9s cup competition. Our Year 9s have not had a Yorkshire cup match yet as they got a bye through to the second round. They are due to be playing Cockburn School in Leeds on Monday 28th April. They did though beat Carlton Bolling to win the Bradford Schools 9 a side festival.
We are very excited about our badminton, football and rugby sports tour in Shropshire between May 16th and May 18th. Please can all families involved be aware that the parents meeting about the tour is on April 29th in our lecture theatre between 4-5. We would also like to remind everyone to follow our Bluesky PE and Sport account to gain all the latest news on fixtures, teams and results. Mr Young would like to wish everyone a very happy Easter holiday.
Y11 History Trip to Hardwick Hall
By Miss Boyle.
On the 3rd February, to support their GCSE study of Elizabethan England, our Y11 history students braved the cold and set off on an adventure to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, the home of Bess of Hardwick, the Countess of Shrewsbury.
Students had the opportunity to explore the grounds and the house, and learned a lot about how the Elizabethans lived and how Bess had designed the hall to show off her status and wealth. (Some explored rather more than others, and came back from their grounds visit quite a bit muddier than they set off...) We saw a wide range of Elizabethan artefacts, including some fantastic embroidery and a wooden table with games inlaid in the surface.
Some of us were keen to explore a new talent as we experimented with photography, others chose to enjoy a sophisticated lunch in the café (instead of sandwiches on a picnic bench), and there was even time for some football before heading back to school.
Our students were a credit to the academy, and several members of the public told us how polite and knowledgeable they were, which was lovely to hear! Thank you to Y11 for making it such an enjoyable trip.
Year 10 Music
By Miss Jowett.
This year the Music department have introduced live music performances for our Year 10 students; giving them the opportunity to showcase their hard work and skills to their families and friends.
We had a fantastic turn out from their loved ones, who were beaming with pride. The pupils' have worked hard to prepare a performance and their selfdetermination, resilience and musical talent was a joy to see and hear!
Well done Year 10s! We can't see what else you have in store for us.
Singing for Well
Being: Pop'n'Sing
We are pleased to have introduced Pop'n'Sing in the Performing Arts Department. Our weekly singing for wellbeing sessions have been popular, with students from all year groups taking part and singing their favourite songs. Pop'n'Sing is every Wednesday lunchtime in PA.6.
If you would like to know more about the benefits of singing for mental wellbeing, check out our Bluesky account for a link to Sing Up Foundations Research into 'Singing for Mental Health'.
@appletonpa.bsky.social
By Mr Halston
Appleton are working with Age of Wonder / Born in Bradford on a number of projects this academic year, with one being the Bradford Digital Creatives, a scheme designed to bring media technology to our students and allow them to get hands on with professional technology and advice from industry experts on how to get into a career in the media industry
BDC sent a film company in to work with our Y9 students 26th – 28th Feb, where students had to create short videos, including the preproduction documents needed, heading out to film before returning to edit and apply audio and effects. The creativity of our students was noted and Charlie from Y9 even featured in ‘Living North’ magazine, alongside actor and producer Tanya Vital. The work produced will help form the 2025 City of Culture exhibition at the National Media Museum.
Declan, Y9 getting to grips with
By Mr Hirst
Year 7 Split Second Road Safety production
On Thursday 6th February, Year 7 attended a theatre production and workshop on road safety. The production Split Second focuses on and highlights the dangers of not being attentive when near roads. Year 7 filled in a questionnaire on road safety awareness before they watched the production, then filled another one after they had watched it. This highlighted what they had learned.
Over
St. Giles Trust Assemblies
By Mr Hirst
On Monday 3rd February, St Giles Trust visited Appleton Academy. They delivered assemblies and a workshop on knife crime. The assemblies focused on the dangers of knife crime and the dangers of carrying weapons. The speakers spoke of personal experiences and the impact such actions have on people's lives.
Bradford Schools' Proms 2025
By Ms Jowett
Appleton Academy Singers and our Theatrical Society took to the stage at St. George's Hall in Bradford on Wednesday 26 March.
Appleton Singers took their place in the Bradford Secondary Mass Choir and sang brilliantly with energy and confidence; performing songs such as "Boys and Girls", "Celebration" and "Shackles" in which our very own Dallas Lawton opened the act with a beautifully sung gospel solo.
The Theatrical Society performed the opening to an 80's themed 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', adapted by Mrs. Lamb and choreographed by Miss. Storey. Bringing smiles and laughter and throwing a few wellknown musical numbers like "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "What's Love Got to Do With It" in the mix, our performers showcased a Shakespeare classic for all to enjoy!
We are not only incredibly proud of our talented students for their hardwork and dedication to this opportunity but for their exemplary representation of Appleton Academy. Students showed willingness, kindness and respect to all participants and the Bradford Music Service, showing Bradford just what Appleton is all about.
Bravo Appleton and Encore!
13,000 students across West Yorkshire have benefitted from Split Second
Student and parent support
In each newsletter we will have a focus on a service or services that can support our students and/or their parents. These services may be something we offer through the school or something that an external provider can deliver. If you have any questions about these services, please contact the school.
Looking to the future: Alumni appeal
At Appleton Academy we highly value our connections with former students. We like to celebrate their achievements and experiences with students, staff and the local community.
We would love to hear from former students and hope to be able to work with them, in the capacity of volunteer, mentor and/or inspirational speakers. If you are a former student and would like to be contacted about the possibility of working with us, please complete the form on the link below or alternatively