We Are Witton - Winter, 2023/2024 - Issue 2

Winter, 2023

ISSUE 2

WE ARE WITTON ASPIRATIONAL RESPECTFUL RESILIENT

@WPASCHOOL

WITTON.ATCTRUST.ORG.UK

FACEBOOK.COM/WITTONPARKACADEMY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

03 Welcome!

26 Rewards!

04 Revision - Mrs Patel

27 Last Word

05 Culture Day 07 Remembrance Day 10 Our Library 11

Spotlight Department- SSE

14 Poetry 16 A Christmas Carol Trip 17

Romeo and Juliet Trip

20 Paris Trip 2024!

22 Ambassadors - Mrs Credie 25 Enrichment Activities

WELCOME To be added - Nimra

REVISION - MRS PATEL

We’re all at that time, the stress of exams is looming and daunting us. Our writer Sabrina Ney interviews Mrs Patel for some tips, tricks and techniques for the most effective revision.

One of the best methods of revising is the ‘Look of a check’. This method of repetition is perfect for memorising. It also allows you to see how much you have progressed. A big mistake that many students make is to start revising a week before the exam. This is unhealthy and not efficient because revision is a long process that is not just about trying to remember a topic.

Miss Patel recommends ‘The 4 steps’ which are; 1. Understanding content 2. Summarising info into own words, e.g. flashcards 3. Memorising; blurting method, look of a check repeat 4. Putting it into practice; exam questions/quiz As you can see, this takes a long time so you have to start revising months in advance. If you struggle with revising for English the 4 steps are perfect as they apply to most subjects. If you need more support, ask your teacher for help. Making a revision timetable and sticking to it also helps, make yourself small targets, you don’t need to achieve everything at once. Also have something to work towards: seeing your progress is great to maintain your motivation.

Make sure your revision times are spaced out (short bursts of 25 mins and breaks). Not all topics at once. Lastly, the best way teachers can help you is by showing you how to use revising methods inside their own subject. This can be taught in revision lessons; eg. in psychology at the end of each topic Miss Patel’s class have a revision lesson and use different methods that allow you to see how you can progress through stages.

CULTURE DAY

Our school was lit up with colour and atmosphere and was filled with rich foods from many different cultures. A celebration that won’t be forgotten!

This year, for Culture Day, the Witton Park citizens showed their appreciation towards both their own and others’ cultures. Throughout this memorable event, students celebrated one another's cultural roots.

One way they did this was by gathering in the school hall and tasting the diverse range of cultural foods . This included traditional British foods such as the delicate Victoria Sponge and tea, and traditional Indian food such as Samosas and Jalebis. There was something for everyone!

Staff and students dressed in cultural clothing and shared the traditions and practices of their culture with other each other. This was an enriching experience which brought the whole school closer. This annual event celebrates the range of cultures within Witton Park. This will hopefully be a much anticipated event that students enjoy for years to come .

Written by Erin Robertson and Harry Cronshaw

CULTURE DAY

REMEMBRANCE DAY

World War I ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918. The first day of remembrance took place one year later, on November 11, 1919. It was called Armistice Day (an armistice is a peace agreement). After World War II it was renamed Remembrance Day to include everyone who had died in both world wars.

The poppy is an international sign of remembrance. Poppies were the first flowers to grow in the former battlefields in Belgium and France, where many soldiers are buried. They represent new life and were inspired

by Canadian Doctor John McCrae, who famously wrote ‘In Flander’s Field’.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

To mark Remembrance Day on Friday, at Witton Park Academy, we held our own Act of Remembrance in school.

The Exhortation was recited by Alizay Majeed – our Head Girl. This is from a poem called ‘For the Fallen’ by Robert Laurence.

‘The Last Post’ was played by Mr Coleman. This is a bugle call, traditionally used by the British army.

During conflict, it would also be used to mark the end of fighting.

We then observed a one-minute silence as a school community.

The Kohima Epitaph was recited by Muhammed Gbadamosi – our Head Boy. This is traditionally said after the one-minute silence.

Pupils Year 7- 11 helped create the art installation exhibited above the library.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

A library is a place where people can go to read, study and revise in the silent and calming environment.

A select group of year 11s represented Witton Park Academy at Blackburn with Darwen's annual event to commemorate the Holocaust. The event was held in the Council Chambers with the Interfaith Forum, other local high schools and a number of local dignitaries, including the Mayor and Member of Parliament. A local Rabbi also joined via a digital link to contribute his perspective. Each high school was given a three to five minute slot to speak around the theme of 'Fragility of Freedom' with our school's specific section being 'Risks to Freedom not Appreciated'.

The students wrote the speech without support, rehearsed it and then performed it impeccably. They were a credit to our school and without a hint of bias were the best public speakers in the Chambers!

Well done Phoebe Atkinson, Hafsa Naheem, Elsa Anghel, Hamza Patel, Mohammed Hassan Patel and Mohamed Kadu.

OUR LIBRARY

A library is a place where people can go to read, study and revise in the silent and calming environment.

The library at our school is kept clean and organised by our librarians who work during their break and lunch to keep the library operational. This allows all students from all year groups to enter and use the library within their year group’s designated time.

This is crucial, as during the time before GCSEs and mock exams the library is filled with students revising for their tests.

They choose to use the library for its convenience, cleanliness and overall positive environment.

The organisation is done by Miss Moore and the librarians, as they sort, return and sign out books for all of the students that would like to read anything from the library.

SSE - MRS ISSA Nimra Adnan, Liam Clark and Louis McCallum Interviewed Mrs Issa for our spotlight department of this term - SSE. What does SSE stand for?

SSE stands for Social Sciences and Ethics What subjects are included in the SSE department?

Psychology, RE, AS Ethics, British Values, Resilience and Creative Curriculum What impact do the SSE subjects have on students?

From what we see, the impact is really clear. Our students are able to unpick and recognise life's challenges and I believe that SSE provides a ‘tool kit’ to help reflect and overcome challenges inside the classroom and outside!

RE helps us broaden our mindset and provides us answers to questions such as; Who am I? How did I come into existence?

Psychology helps the development of students' understanding in regards to mental health. This helps students evolve in maturity and become more compassionate.

British Values is where students gain an understanding for politics and the governing of a country. It also helps them gain a mutual respect for their peers and others and prides them with knowledge. This generation of students that we are teaching are tomorrow's leaders and the SSE subjects help provide base knowledge for them to promote the betterment of society and help them become those future leaders.

SSE - MRS ISSA

What skills do students develop from the SSE subjects and how?

The students develop crucial skills such as the ability to think critically. Other skills include the ability to analyse and make judgements, as well as investigation skills that can be used throughout other lessons, such as English, and can be used in daily life.

How did the new way of introducing Ethics help with the understanding of the subjects?

It provided a new way of understanding, and it needed to be created because we found that when students came towards the end of the unit the foundational knowledge was not present. So I thought of an experiential way in which students could learn the core knowledge through an engaging way of learning. Our idea was to create a story (written by Nimra Adnan) that revolved around Marvel characters stranded on an island because of a deadly shipwreck. Each day the superheroes encountered with numerous ethical and moral dilemmas. This helped the students with their debating skills and enhanced their discussions with each other.

Some of the moral dilemmas included: Marriage, in which we discussed humanist and religious views on marriage; Adultery, in which we looked at punishments and religious views on adultery; Death, in which we discussed the different way in which funerals can be held and again looking at the religious perspectives on death; and many many more interesting dilemmas.

The enticing story kept the students on their feet and kept them intrigued through the duration of our topic. All of this led to our students having a solid level of understanding on what AS Ethics is about and it was an amazing experience!

SSE - MRS ISSA

Real life model of the shipwreck the was written about in the Ethics Story!

POETRY Witton Park Academy is proud to say that our students are talented poets!

We would love to showcase some of it - pieces from two aspiring poets!

Lost I am lost; lost and no one will hear.

As I drift between helplessness and hysteria, I try to find a form of peace above the roaring of the waves.

Above the sound of my own dismal thoughts that promise the grave.

I am lost; lost and won’t be cared for.

As I fight off the images of my own internal war; Trying to search for a stronghold of peace, of contentment, Yet all I seem to find is bitter resentment.

I am lost; lost to be forgotten.

To be who you are is now to be forbidden, To speak out is now to be silenced, To be human is not to be triumphed.

Yet, is to be lost to be forgotten?

Or is it deeper than that?

Is to be known to be lost?

Or is to be lost to be found?

08/01/2023 Hajra Dodia

POETRY Quiet The sickly hues of autumn dawn on the falling leaves of Olive.

There is quiet - not peace - but quiet.

A haunting quiet, That is too loud to ignore.

The Olive leaves are now falling - not in acceptance of nature's cycle.

In acceptance of its fate.

I wander alone in this land no one tells you about, And all of a sudden, I feel tired- like the world has drained me of everything I have.

And you know not of my suffering, but only what they show.

The victim who is able to articulate the situation of the victim - has ceased to be a victim, they have now become a threat.

Why do we invent monsters as a metaphor, Surely all we need to witness evil, is to see our own cruelty to each other.

The cruelty that is masked behind a facade of do-gooders and well wishers.

The idle faces of hypocrites who wish to do nothing yet place forward their poor case.

Colonisers write about flowers, I tell you about the children throwing rocks at the destruction, before becoming daisies.

And I wish to tell you stories like how the poets care about the moon.

The story of liberation.

Like the moon it’s similar in a sense, both most beautiful and bright and far away - out of reach.

The hauntings of the sickly sweet autumn dusk shall come - again They shall cast their shadows over the Olive Trees… this time….. In peace.

-Nara Ameeri ‫نرى أميري‬

A CHRISTMAS CAROL TRIP

On Monday 27th December our Year 10s were given the opportunity to see a live adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Our student editor, Hajra Dodia, writes about her experience.

On the 27th of November, a group of Year 10 students took a trip to Blackburn Cathedral to watch the live performance of A Christmas Carol.

Being amongst them, I was able to experience the utmost merriment and jollity of such a classic tale that is currently being studied by the year 10 students.

The acting was marvellous and gave a great insight into the thoughts and feelings of every character. I found myself being drawn into the play and was excited to see what was going to happen next. And would you believe it! Tiny Tim, who executed the most wonderful performance, was played by a wonderful actress who made the act incredibly realistic.

Seeing ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the form of a play, would indeed sit with me forever. The aura, the festivity, the joy: no such words could describe the amazing atmosphere of such a brilliant play.

ROMEO AND JULIET TRIP

Our Year 7s went on exciting trip to the Royal Exchange Theatre!

18 Year 7 pupils from Witton Park Academy got the golden opportunity to watch the renowned play by Shakespeare, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, live in the legendary Royal Exchange Theatre, situated in St Ann’s Square, in the very heart of Manchester. The trip was a massive success and both students and staff had a delightful evening, especially due to the fact that some were watching a theatre performance for the first time!

Around about 4 o’clock, we boarded the school’s very own mini bus, which was planned to be driven by Mr Riley, who had willingly given up his special day just to drive us. Once all seatbelts were fastened, we set off on our prolonged expedition with lots of excitement and enthusiasm .The bus ride was a marvellous experience which was followed by growing anticipation. As we entered the third biggest city in England, the breathtaking architecture surrounding us stole our attention within seconds.

Not soon after, a small huddle of children gathered around as Miss Ali explained a few important things we needed to know before we could be set free within the bustling streets . Escorted by Mr Moss, we all successfully reached McDonald’s where it was arranged, we were going to have a quick meal before the 3 hour performance. We were sent a table at a time to go and order at the counter so that everyone could be sorted in an orderly manner.

Once everyone was seated, the chatting began and everyone was engulfed in deep conversation. We were also allowed to use the toilets after we had finished our meal, and after about 45 minutes we set off once more through the vibrant streets, this time with a different destination in mind.

ROMEO AND JULIET TRIP Upon entering the building, our jaws were drawn down by the magnificent structure and the glorious framework of the theatre. The atmosphere inside was something none of us had experienced before. Majestic pillars surrounded us as we blinked repeatedly in pure disbelief.

We were a few of the lucky people who were given the advantage of sitting in the highest seats the theatre had to offer. Once we had settled down, Miss Ali distributed some treats amongst us which we could snack on while watching. Once the lights dimmed down, the silence was sharper than a knife and all eyes looked down at the circular stage right in the middle and then it began … the music, the lights, the costumes, the actors, the dialogues. Everything was flawless and as we gazed down attentively, our brains tried to process every piece of unheard vocabulary the actors were inflecting on. During the twenty-minute interval, we were allowed to stretch our legs a bit and use the toilets. Once the show was over, our minds were caught up trying to process everything that Shakespeare had written in the fate of Romeo and Juliet.

The journey back was rather solemn. Mostly everyone was having a nap or was too tired to say or do anything. Once everyone was refreshed, the atmosphere once more was energetic and the active chatter once more filled every corner of the vehicle until we finally arrived at Gate A of the school where parents stood rather pleased at the punctuality of the teachers. We promptly reached the school at 11 : 30 pm like the parents were told.

We would all like to express our profound gratitude towards Miss Patel, Miss Ali and Mr Moss who spent a lot of their precious time organising this spectacular trip and trying to find ways to make everything work out. We would also like to show our deepest appreciation to Mr Riley who gave up his birthday just to drive us there and back. Thank you so much for making this trip such a memorable experience we will never forget and for going out of your way to make sure it was nothing less than perfect. You are all truly incredible teachers and you have made this trip a once in a lifetime experience

Written by Ayesha Hotiana, 7RFG

ROMEO AND JULIET TRIP

PARIS TRIP 2024

Students will embark on an exciting journey to Paris in the upcoming year!

Paris, the capital and most populous city of France, stands as a timeless beacon of culture, art, and sophistication. Nestled along the Seine River, its cobblestone streets echo with centuries of history, romance, and creativity.

The Eiffel Tower, a wrought-iron marvel that pierces the sky, offers panoramic views of the city. Nearby, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, inspires awe with its intricate façade and soaring spires. Perched atop Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur basilica boasts stunning vistas and a serene ambiance.

Art and culture thrive in Paris. From the bohemian streets of Montparnasse to the literary cafés of Saint-Germain, creativity weaves through the city. The Louvre Museum, home to the enigmatic Mona Lisa and countless other treasures, beckons art enthusiasts.

Parisian cuisine is an art form. Savoury buttery croissants, delicate macarons, and robust red wines. Sidle up to a sidewalk café, watch the world go by, and indulge in a leisurely meal.

Fashion is woven into Paris’s fabric. From haute couture on the ChampsÉlysées to vintage finds in Le Marais, the city sets global trends.

The Seine weaves through Paris, flanked by elegant bridges. Stroll along its banks, where lovers share secrets and artists sketch. Each arrondissement has its own character, from the historic charm of the Marais to the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées.

As the sun sets, Paris’s lights dance, and dreams take flight. Whether you’re sipping espresso at a corner bistro or wandering through the Louvre’s hallowed halls, the City of Light invites you to fall in love—with its beauty, its contradictions, and its eternal allure.

PARIS TRIP 2024

In the heat of anticipation, our group of 20 students and 3 teachers prepare for an unforgettable voyage—a rendezvous with the timeless allure of Paris.

As we gather in the departure lounge, our meeting agenda unfolds, each item a stepping stone toward cultural enrichment and intellectual curiosity.

🏨 Rooms: Our accommodations await, snug havens where dreams will be

woven into the fabric of Parisian nights. The promise of cozy beds and whispered secrets lingers in the air.

Passports: These slender booklets hold the keys to our adventure. Stamped with possibility, they grant passage to the City of Light—a privilege we’ll cherish.

Academic Coaching: Beyond the classroom walls, Paris becomes our living textbook. Its streets, monuments, and cafés—each a chapter waiting to be explored. We’ll learn history, art, and language not from textbooks but from the very stones beneath our feet.

Vlog: Armed with cameras and enthusiasm, we’ll chronicle our journey.

Daily vlogs will capture the magic—the Louvre’s hallowed halls, the Seine’s gentle ripples, and the laughter shared over croissants at a Montmartre café.

Places to Visit: The Eiffel Tower, Disneyland, the Great Mosque of Paris, and other attractions that Paris has to offer.

Hotel & Directions: Our lodgings, tucked away in a charming arrondissement, become our sanctuary. And the city map—folded, creased, and marked with anticipation—guides us toward hidden gems and grand boulevards alike.

Cultural Capital & Curiosity: Paris isn’t just a destination; it’s a canvas for our cultural growth. We’ll taste baguettes, decipher Métro signs, and exchange smiles with locals. Our curiosity will bloom like springtime flowers along the Seine.

Love for Languages & Cultures: Paris speaks many tongues—the lilting French, the whispers of history, the brushstrokes of art. We’ll listen, absorb, and carry fragments of this linguistic symphony back home.

🛂 📚 🎥 🗺️ 🏨 🌍 🌟

AMBASSADORS - INTERVIEW WITH MRS CREDIE

Our writer Sofia-Isabella Regi Montanari interviewed Mrs Credie to gain an insight into the ambassador team

Attributes of a good ambassador?

Flexibility - There can be changes in routine at any moment such as staff being absent or staff being needed somewhere else in school. It’s important that an ambassador is able to fill that role.

Patience - As an ambassador you will encounter uncomfortable or frustrating situations that will need to be dealt with, but remember, you need to provide a good example as there are many students looking up to you. This can be done by remaining calm in irritating circumstances or being able to engage with others in the correct sensible manner.

Confidence - Confidence can be shown in many ways, either when assisting a previously mentioned uncomfortable situation or simply when asking for help and support by a fellow ambassador or staff member. “It takes a confident person to be able to stay calm and stay professional” - Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs Credie Leadership - Lastly, ambassadors enjoy coming up and sharing ideas that help the school become a better and more entertaining place for everyone.

They also enjoy raising money for charities that will help people across the world. But these ideas can’t be shared unless someone takes charge.

AMBASSADORS - INTERVIEW WITH MRS CREDIE

How has the school changed or improved since introducing the ambassadors?

Head Ambassador Safiya Jasat states: “Introducing the ambassadors to WPA has played a massive role in ensuring everything is run smoothly.

Ambassadors do a brilliant job ensuring lunch queues are run fairly and fast, as well as helping out with any after school activities, such as parents evenings.”

In another interview with Assistant Head Teacher Mrs Credie, she also states that Breaks and Lunches work more efficiently with the ambassadors’ help.

Also, Ambassadors are visible around school when wearing a high vis jacket or simply when wearing their badge. This helps many of the younger students as they know exactly who they can turn to if ever they need help and would rather talk to a peer rather than an adult.

What made you have the idea of implementing the ambassadors?

As students we are experiencing first hand the environment in our school and many have ideas that could make WPA a better school for everyone. The ambassadors have been implemented to make sure that these brilliant ideas can be heard and carried out. Assistant Head Teacher, Mrs Credie states, “It’s important to give them an opportunity where they can grow and develop the potential they will use later on in life.” There are many students with incredible potential and being an ambassador helps as you would be in a position where that potential is used to help others in our school. The title of ambassador also helps you in the future as it is included in your college résumé, showing that you are responsible and a reliable leader.

AMBASSADORS - INTERVIEW WITH MRS CREDIE What do the ambassadors have planned?

Charities - The ambassadors are incredibly passionate about raising money for people who need it the most. This could be by having a bake sale and tuck shops during breaks and lunches or having a non-uniform day. Down below I have posted a link that Mrs Credie and all of the ambassadors would like me to share with you. Because of the conflict between Palestine and Israel, as human beings we realise that there are civilian children and adults that need all the help that we can provide. The link will take you to the Save the Children charity page where you can donate any amount of money to provide children in Gaza food and medical kits.

Donate to the Gaza Emergency Appeal | Save the Children UK Christmas kind cards - Even though not everyone in our school celebrates christmas there is no reason not to be kind to one another. Christmas kind cards are a way to spread kindness and appreciation for each other or even our traditions. If you don’t celebrate christmas this is still a way to send a message or even a chocolate to a friend or a teacher as a way to be kind.

“Christmas is about acknowledging each other as human beings,” says Assistant Head Teacher Mrs Credie. “We believe this is more about family than religion for some,” states Head Ambassador Safiya Jasa Induction day - For the Summer Induction days the Ambassadors have planned to teach year 6s more traditional games such as hopscotch or skipping. Social Media is now a part of most kids' lives but once in a while it’s nice to go back to the roots and have fun the ‘old-fashioned way’.

If anyone would like to become an ambassador I have shared a link below to the application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckYLd3qdFgiHOWjqRKrcUjBfqqB fhDtfgw3IGHhfylsjCb9w/viewform?usp=sf_link

AMBASSADORS - INTERVIEW WITH MRS CREDIE

A select group of year 11s represented Witton Park Academy at Blackburn with Darwen's annual event to commemorate the Holocaust. The event was held in the Council Chambers with the Interfaith Forum, other local high schools and a number of local dignitaries, including the Mayor and Member of Parliament.

A local Rabbi also joined via a digital link to contribute his perspective. Each high school was given a three to five minute slot to speak around the theme of 'Fragility of Freedom' with our school's specific section being 'Risks to Freedom not Appreciated'.

The students wrote the speech without support, rehearsed it and then performed it impeccably. They were a credit to our school and without a hint of bias were the best public speakers in the Chambers!

Well done Phoebe Atkinson, Hafsa Naheem, Elsa Anghel, Hamza Patel, Mohammed Hassan Patel and Mohamed Kadu.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

The world needs more women in stem to bring diverse perspectives and equal opportunities. Which is why we were honored to welcome some women in stem to discuss their challenges and give advice to the girls in school. This was an excellent opportunity for them as they could ask questions and hear the journey and obstacles some women faced going down this career route. During their lunch period, an online meeting with these amazing women took place and gave the girls an overview of what it was like. They told us who their role models were and talked about fair opportunities in the workplace. As stem is often a male dominated career path, this could discourage plenty of girls from going down this route. But this experience hopefully helped and inspired many of them. Thank you to the teachers that also helped organize this.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

REWARDS! Azaan Khan interviewed Mrs Greenwood to gain an insight on our school rewards!

Question 1: What are the rewards available for students?

Question 2: Which reward would you say is hardest to achieve?

Answer: The rewards are ACE Points, End of Term Trips, Zero Hero, Form of the Fortnight, WOW Wall, ‘On the Spot’ prizes, and Raffle Tickets. There are so many rewards available, and I think all of our hardworking students deserve the opportunity for every single one.

Answer: I would say the Zero Hero award, this one has the most requirements and needs effort put in every day from students!

Question 3: What are the requirements to become a Zero Hero?

Answer: Students can get this privilege by either being a Zero Hero, or by becoming a Duty Ambassador. Becoming one of these would help students in so many ways, such as taking on responsibility and keeping organised in preparation for the real world.

Answer: To have 100% attendance, no lates, and no incidents. We don’t only push attendance in this school so our students can get a good education, but also to have them receive the awards they deserve.

Question 4: How can students earn the privilege of a free trip?

Question 5: Do you have any advice for students who are working for these rewards?

Answer: I’d say to keep focused on the end result, and to really put your mind to it. If you do this, you won’t only achieve these rewards, but anything you work hard for in this world. I’d also say to follow our Witton Way!

LAST WORD

Culture is this issue's central theme: A day of gathering for food and fashion; Poppies for the fallen we esteem; A library maintained for learning's passion.

We're told of ethics, values, social science, And shipwrecked superheroes handling trouble.

Ambassadors impress with self-reliance.

Year 10s watched Ebenezer burst his bubble.

Younger students gaped at the Exchange And revelled in the language of the Bard.

Paris offers treats that we arrange.

Rewards a-plenty beckon, so work hard.

With books and plays and verse and thought and food, We hope we’ve put you in a cultured mood!