Year 7 review 2016

The Year 7 Review

In this issue: First Day Excitement Extra-curricular Performances Future Leaders 1

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2016/17

64 52 46 2014

2015

This year our new Year 7s will be coming from 64 different primary schools! Last year our current Year 7s came from 52 different primary schools.

2016

Welcome from the Interim Headteacher Dear Year 6 students, Welcome to Clapton Girls’ Academy! I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Year 7 Review, designed to give you an insight into life as a Year 7 at CGA. Our students have worked incredibly hard this year and have been involved in a huge range of extracurricular activities as well. I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Ms Feltham

First Day Excitement I woke up nervously and put on my new and exciting uniform. I felt very smart as I walked to my friend’s house.

After that, we set off on the bus - I wasn’t used to travelling independently. We were welcomed by several of the previous Year 7 ambassadors, now in Year 8. All other older years were to come in at 11.00, so that we had time to settle in. I recognised some familiar faces from Taster Day and chatted a bit.

The Headteacher’s assembly was very informative and welcoming. Soon after that we spent some time with our form. At first I was shy, but then I built confidence with help from Ms Marfo and Ms Warner.

Hazel, Year 7

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Remember to tell your family and friends that they can keep up-to-date with the latest academy news by following our social media. Every day we post photos and information about all the exciting opportunities our students get involved in as well as their brilliant achievements.

New Subjects

Samira, Year 7

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Sifanur, Year 7

In set 1 and 2 for languages we are given the opportunity to learn two different languages, French and Spanish. At times it can be very challenging because we have to remember both! However it is very exciting to learn two languages because it gives you good experience and skills. Also you can write it on your university application!

Kendrah, Year 7

Foreign Languages

We had to learn to use drills, chisels and saws; okay it was a mini saw but it still counts! I was so proud of my finished product and I was so excited to be able to take it home.

Design & Technology

I have recently been making a dice in my technology class, which I think you will also have the opportunity to do. I hope so, because I had so much fun on this project and you will as well!

During our PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education) day we learnt a lot about healthy eating. The day started with us learning about the different ingredients and sugar content in drinks we really like, for example flavoured water and milkshake. Tasty as they may be, we learnt that we should only enjoy these drinks every now and then and not every day. WATER IS BEST! My favourite part of the day was making the fruit platter. We chose different exotic fruits and then cut them up into fancy designs. Once we finished we were judged and the winner received a prize. Afterwards we all got to eat the fruit! It was a tasty day!

PSHCE

Ayesha, Year 7

Girls in STEM

This year I participated in the micro:bit challenge organised by the Institute of Technology. We learnt how to do programming and designed two systems to suit people’s needs. We programmed the micro:bit devices to follow a set of instructions. My group programmed two health micro:bits. They could figure out what the temperature was and gave advice if it was too hot or cold. It would also ask questions if the user was hurt and give advice on how to help. My favorite part of this experience was the computer programming as it was challenging and I learnt about electronics.

One of the most exciting things about starting secondary school is the new subjects which you will learn, or go into greater depth with.

Here’s what our Year 7s thought about their new lessons this year.

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Florence Nightingale

Marie Curie “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.”

Extra-curricular

“I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse.”

At Clapton Girls’ Academy we offer so many extra-curricular opportunities to support y bound to find something you love! Year 7 students are expected to attend at least two some examples of what the current Year 7s got involved in this year.

Step into Dance

Ha

Handball is my fav handball quite late out to be quite go at first, though on the game and the love with it! With I was able to make activities are a gre

Tennis

Ciara, Year 7

Clubs are a great way to socialise. I go to tennis in the morning before school and it helps me to improve my social skills and meet new people. It makes me feel pumped up, focused and ready for the day. I learnt that you don’t always have to be with your friends to get along with people. Also, now I know a lot more about tennis than I used to.

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Football club gives you the opportunity to play in matches against other schools and win awards. It’s a great chance to meet girls in other year groups. The older girls at football club will cheer you on and welcome you. Since joining football club in September, I’ve made new friendships with girls who share my passion. Getting praise from the teachers and other students makes me enjoy football even more. If you impress your football coach or a scout at the matches you may land yourself a place in another team outside of school! Best of all, joining football club has built up my confidence so that I’m proud of my achievements.

Anastasia, Year 7

Basketball

Football

Sanaa, Year 7

As part of basketball club we had the O2 Arena and train with NBA and WN Magic and Toronto Raptors. It was so interviewing them. It felt amazing to m dream. At first it felt intimidating beca but I soon realised that they were so f They taught us how important it is to Daisy, Year 7

Valentina Tereshkova

Emmeline Pankhurst

Rosa Parks

“It doesn’t matter what country or what political system you are from. Space brings you together.”

“We are fighting for a time when every girl born into the world will have an equal chance with her brothers.”

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

ort your learning, you are two clubs per week. Here are

Barbican Box

Handball

Barbican Box is a drama club where you can express yourself. It builds up confidence and you get to make new friends. At the end, you get to devise and rehearse a play and perform it at the Barbican Arts Centre.

One thing I learnt at drama club is that when you have an idea don’t be shy and keep quiet, just go for it! Speak up so the whole class can hear you. At first I was anxious that I didn’t know anyone but now I am so glad that I went and had a go!

y favourite club. I started e late in the year, but I turned e good at it! I was quite scared h once I got to know the rules of d the players in my team, I fell in With a good, motivating coach, make the school team. Sport a great way to make friends.

Rowing

Dorothy, Year 7

Rowing club is an enjoyable way to keep fit and make friends. This year, the club went to the Rowing Nationals where we competed in the Year 7 relays against teams from all over the UK. We didn’t win anything but we still had an epic time! I feel proud to have experienced something memorable.

Phoebe, Year 7

the opportunity to go to the WNBA players from Orlando s so exciting to watch the press to meet the players, like a because they were so gigantic, so friendly and encouraging. s to have fun when you play.

Steel Pans

I have been in the Steel Pan Club this year.

There are many pans to choose from: tenors, double seconds, guitars, cellos and basses. The club takes place in the Portico building which is really cool since it’s a place we don’t get to see that much of.

This club gave me the opportunity to perform. At Christmas, we performed in front of Tesco to raise money for St Joseph’s Hospice.

Mindy, Year 7

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In September 2016, we will have 31 Student Ambassadors.

These Year 8 students will help mentor new Year 7s during their first weeks at CGA.

Trips Throughout Year 7 you will have the opportunity to go on several trips culminating in a residential camping trip in the summer term.

Here you will have the chance to take part in outdoor adventures and develop your team work skills.

IMAX

Science Museum The Science Museum was one of the best trips I have been on! There is so much to explore and it is impossible to look at every nook and cranny.

When we arrived, we were made up into groups of five and had around two hours to explore the amazing building. I visited the gaming zone which was full of high tech devices and gadgets and also the gift shop!

Kitty, Year 7

My favourite trip was to the IMAX cinema. This was a part of Every Child Matters (ECM) Day. ECM Day is held once each term and special activities are planned for all students. At the IMAX we watched a film on sea life. It was very big and loud, I’ll never forget it!

Iona, Year 7

Pantomime At Christmas we went to the Hackney Empire to see Jack and The Beanstalk. We walked through the grand main entrance and headed to our seats buzzing with excitement. Our seats were right at the front so we had a very clear view. My favourite part of the play was when they did cool acrobatic lifts and threw sweets to the audience - I caught one!

Eve, Year 7

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Skiing in Austria

Phasels Wood

Do you have any comments or questions?

Why not send us a message on Twitter (@ClaptonGA) using the hashtag:

Hairspray GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE! Last year Clapton put on the performance of a lifetime, the smash hit musical Hairspray. It all started when dozens of talented girls auditioned for the coveted star role of Miss Tracy Turnblad including me. From these, we were whittled down to the final cast; I was chosen to play Mr Pinky. I was so excited to be able to take part, but, my excitement soon turned into hard work and the whole cast grew anxious as opening night approached. Despite, our nerves we performed a spectacular show. Hairspray has given me experiences that will last forever.

#AskanAmbassador

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Performances If you like performing, there are loads of ways for you to get involved at Clapton. Each year we have a summer and winter festival where we showcase talent across a range of expressive arts such as music, drama and spoken word.

This year some students had the chance to perform with the London Symphony Orchestra and we also staged a school musical, Hairspray. However if centre stage isn’t for you, learn what it takes to put on a show by working backstage in costume and set design!

Sophie, Year 7

Winter Concert

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September 9.15 -10.30am

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September 9.15 -10.30am

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October 5.00 -7.30pm

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October 9.15 -10.30am

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October 9.15 -10.30am

Invite your family and friends to our next Open Sessions to find out more about Year 7!

Future Female Leaders At Clapton Girls’ Academy, we focus on championing women’s achievements and have a range of leadership opportunities designed to help you gain confidence and acquire valuable experience in becoming future leaders and strong independent role models.

International Womens’ Day To celebrate International Women’s Day we had a bake off. It was really fun, the theme was women of achievement. Everyone had brilliant cakes. Girls made fantastic cakes such as the face of Malala Yousafzai, and the spaceship of cosmonaut and politician Valentina Tereshkova. There was even a bus to represent Rosa Parks! It was a great event with many other spectacular cakes.

A few weeks later everyone who entered was invited to go to an amazing master class where an awesome professional baker taught us how to make roses out of fondant. We also got to decorate lots of cupcakes by piping them with buttercream and filling them with chocolate and caramel. They were scrumptious!

Nina, Year 7

Debating Club At debating club we debate and play games. We went to a debating tournament and came second in Hackney! I learnt to be openminded to other people’s opinions and to express mine confidently.

The club is fun because we are allowed freedom in expressing our opinions.

Beatrice, Year 7

Y7 Ambassadors Being a Year 7 ambassador has made me more confident. I am able to speak out and be a leader in situations. I love being able to meet new families and show them around my academy. I am so excited to meet the new students in September.

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Vishakha, Year 7

For more information, pictures and stories about Year 7 life at CGA, visit our dedicated Year 6 area on our website.

http://www.clapton. hackney.sch.uk/parents/ welcome-year-6