RECENT NEWS

Meet the Staff In this age of unrelenting information, 24-hour news, social media, and COVID-based restrictions on our lives, it’s no surprise that many of us have recently, at times, felt overwhelmed. I can only imagine how it must feel as a young person, trying to forge a path in the world. As a 30+ year old trainee Design Technology teacher I am forging a new path for myself, having worked in a completely different field for over 10 years. However, I’ve been welcomed by Colchester Academy’s students with open arms, and I’m excited to be taking our journeys together. By now, my students realise that I’ll do my utmost to help them navigate the landscape and ensure they can be the best they can be. And by “best”, I’m not referring exclusively to exam results. I chose to work with Colchester Academy because they understand that success isn’t measured solely on this; they value kindness, compassion, and empathy. I’m not prepared to accept that any student can’t “make it”. I’m enjoying helping students identify their strengths, to unlock their potential. In teaching Design Technology, I have been afforded the opportunity to teach students skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. My educational background is in Art & Design, but with Design Technology encompassing cooking, nutrition, catering, metals, plastics, woods, papers, and boards, I have almost as much to learn as my students! There is lots to take in, but as Albert Einstein once remarked: “You never fail until you stop trying.” In between teaching and looking after my very demanding 5 year old daughter, you’ll often find me plotting my family tree, knitting, painting and creating in the kitchen, with varying levels of success! Miss Taylor Design Technology Teacher

Student Speaking Competition

On Thursday 12 November, 3 students from Colchester Academy represented our school in an ESU Speaking competition, where they were arguing for longer paternity leave. They were arguing against Ipswich School. These students were Aistis and Veronica from Year 9 and Louie from Year 10. They were absolutely brilliant, despite a few difficulties. They spoke for over 10 minutes regarding their argument and made some excellent points to support themselves. If they win their side of the debate, they will progress to Round 2 where they will compete again, but I will keep you all informed on the results! Please congratulate these students for being excellent and the other 18 students who were involved in the preparation of the speech. Miss Moore English Teacher

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.