RECENT NEWS

Meet the Staff What do I have in common with a Year 7 student? Ordinarily not much but, at the start of term, it was feeling nervous. Nerves about being a new member of staff at Colchester Academy and starting at a new school. I shouldn’t have worried. I have been made to feel so welcome by both students and staff since I started in September and I have thoroughly enjoyed my first half term at the Academy. Thank you to all students and staff who have made me feel so welcome. I have really enjoyed meeting and starting to get to know you all, and look forward to what the rest of the year brings. I am really enjoying my new role as Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning at the Academy. I believe that excellent education should be available to all and believe in the transformative power of education. As part of my role, I am working closely with my dedicated colleagues to ensure quality first teaching across the Academy. Excellent teaching leads to outstanding progress and outcomes for all students, in turn opening up a range of opportunities for students when they leave the Academy. I am also enjoying working with our ECTs (Early Career Teachers) and trainee teachers. I teach History and have always been fascinated by the subject. I am particularly interested in twentieth century history and politics, especially the events of the First World War and the votes for women movement. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and have a daughter who is nearly 3. She loves swimming, craft activities and watching Paw Patrol! I am a big football fan and have had a season ticket at West Ham since I was a child. I attend matches with my Dad and Aunt, and had a claret and blue theme at my wedding with bubbles instead of confetti! My Tottenham supporting husband took some convincing… I enjoy running and run with a local running club. I think running is a great way to clear your mind and take in your surroundings. I also love reading and will definitely be stuck into a book or two over half term. Mrs Wager Assistant Principal

Open Evening

It was with great pleasure this year that we were able to open our doors and invite members of our community and students from the surrounding primary schools to come and see what Colchester Academy could offer them. Prior to the evening, I had done the rounds visiting the feeder schools and raising awareness of the event, which took place on Thursday 30 September. As always with these events where there is no booking in system, there is always a degree of nerves as to whether anyone is likely to turn up. The Academy was bustling with some 130 students eager to help the various departments to demonstrate the outstanding provision and quality of education on offer for potential students. As the doors opened, the nerves soon dissipated into a feeling of.....”we are going to need some more chairs....”. It was standing room only in the Theatre, with Mrs Betts giving her first talk at 6pm to a brimming hall. This was supported by music and singing from the Performing Arts department and speeches from two new Year 7 students, as well as our two Head Students. The evening was a resounding success and it was great for the Academy to welcome the public back through the doors. A big thank you to all staff and students, as well as the large number of parents and students from our local community, who came to see our amazing Academy. Mr Stronach Assistant Principal

This term Year 7 students have had ‘The Bookbuzz Experience’. Bookbuzz is part of the BookTrust – a charity which aims to encourage students to read by providing them with their own books to keep. Here’s what some of our students had to say. Jasmine 7O2 Switch-Up To start our Bookbuzz journey we watched a video containing a review of each of the books.I chose the book SwitchUp about two girls who board the same flight to London. It’s the beginning of the craziest plan ever. Damiola 7H1 Animals Up Close Bookbuzz is a book company dedicated to getting books to Year 7 students for free. I think Bookbuzz is a fabulous charity as I was not a fan of reading. In class we watched a 24 minute film about the books and the Colchester Academy students have benefitted enormously from this organisation and the wonderful events they have to offer, authors explained the stories. and we will continue to support our students through offering everything Make it Happen has to provide, to ensure our students have bright futures. Below are links and information areas for you to explore. Please sign up for any events you wish to, they Tristan 7L2 Little Bad Man are all there to help support our community, particularly through what is a very challenging time. Bookbuzz has helped me a great deal. Instead of me having to pay for a If you need any support in accessing these events, please do not hesitate to contact us via general@colchesteracademy.org.uk. book (reading is now one of my favourites) Bookbuzz put it in my hands for free. I could not thank Bookbuzz enough for putting such a brilliant book We are with you every step of the way. in my collection. Mrs Ross Marleigh-Rose 7L2 City of Ghosts Assistant Principal and Raising Standards Lead I’ve always enjoyed mystery books so when I saw City of Ghosts I knew I had to get it, almost like a connection.