Academy Life - Issue 22 by Colchester Academy

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Life.

Issue 22 | July 2022

Newsletter

Resilience - Excellence - Respect

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Issue 12 | October 2019 W e l c o m e m e s s a g e f r o m

r s

Dear Parents and Carers

B e t t s

Latest Artwork Colchester Academy As a welcome back project, Ms Coburn invited all of our students to fold a paper crane with a wish or hope for the future contained within it.

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It has been an exhausting and somewhat humid few last weeks. Year 11 completed their exams, enjoyed their final assembly and BBQ and then finally their Prom. Year 11 have worked so hard over the past year and finished their time in style with excellent attitudes and behaviour, proving just how superb these young adults really are. It is testament to their maturity that we have some returning to run revision classes, help out in Drama and music productions and to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. This issue is a bumper edition where you can see just how much our students have been doing in the penultimate weeks of the academic year. We have also appointed our new Head Students and Prefect Team for the year ahead, who are Jake Phillips and Sanskriti Thakali (Head Students), Sharon Gregory and Harry Johnson (Deputy Head Students), Poppy Jones, Erin Walsh, Moyinoluwa Ogedengbe, Cherry Sharp, Ruby Robinson, AlexiaMaria Nedelcu, Ellie Lemare, Sidney Ellis, Brooke Luckham, Joe Lund, Reece Wright, Luke Ager, Lila Finegold, Precious Adeyemi, Princess Adeyemi, Codey Allan, Michelle Bonyongwa, Jaime McGenn, Tia Richardson, Paris Bryden and Benjamin Johnson.

This comes from an old Japanese tradition where people fold 1,000 cranes to make their wishes and hopes come true. We didn’t quite make 1,000 but they do make such a positive splash of colour in our windows. Any student who made one will see their crane hanging up and hopefully remember the Newsletter positive wish for the future contained within it. Ms Coburn Team Leader Art & Technology

More News

Artwork by Francesca Carveley Year 7 Student

It was so lovely seeing so many of you at the Summer Showcase last week, parents of students past and present – we always love hearing of the successes of our past students. Finally, we hope you have a restful and safe summer – taking time to spend with families and to do some of the things which are just not possible during busy term time. Stay safe and see you in September.

B etts

Mrs J Betts Principal

Artwork by Megan Cole Year 7 Student

Culture - Character - Currency - Commitment

Year 8 Football In this age of unrelenting information, 24-hour news, social media, and COVID-based restrictions on Under 14s were invited to take part inour thelives, girls football it’s no surprise that many of us have recently, at times, felt overwhelmed. I can only tournament at St Helena. This is the first time in 2 years this feel as a young person, trying to forge a path in the world. As a 30+ year old imagine how it must has been able to take place and it was great to see that the trainee Design Technology teacher I am forging a new path for myself, having worked in a completely participation levels of girls football has hugely increased. different field Colchester Academy were able to produce a team to befor 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. involved for the first time. The first day of the tournament saw us 3 games. The Byplay now, my students realise that I’ll do my utmost to help them navigate the landscape and ensure first was against St Helena, with some great shooting they can be thefrom best they can be. And by “best”, I’m not referring exclusively to exam results. I chose Evie-Mae Harding, we were able to secure our first with to work withpoint Colchester Academy because they understand that success isn’t measured solely on a 2-2 draw. The next two games were against a very strong this; they value kindness, compassion, and empathy. I’m not prepared to accept that any student side of Stanway, where we lost 3-0, and an even stronger side can’t “make it”. I’m enjoying helping students identify their strengths, to unlock their potential. of Paxman Academy, losing 4-0.

In teaching Design Technology, I have been afforded the opportunity to teach students skills that will Feeling a little deflated, the girls did not give up, and on the second day of the tournament we only had one game play, serve them forto the rest of their lives. My educational background is in Art & Design, but with Design against St Benedicts. The girls battled wellnutrition, but lost 4-0catering, to a Technology encompassing cooking, metals, plastics, woods, papers, and boards, I have almost as much to learn as very side. There We then friendly Helena my strong students! isplayed lots toa take in, against but as St Albert Einstein once remarked: to try and determine a winning side - 4-0 down at half time, second half the girls never gave up. Final whistle blows 5-5. “You never fail until you stop trying.”

The girls have shown commitment and great enthusiasm for In between lookinginto after very demanding 5 year old daughter, you’ll often find me plotting my family tree, knitting, football. I can teaching only hope and it continues themy 2022/23 school yearand and creating we come back better and stronger. Well done painting in the kitchen, with varying levels of success! to all.

Miss Taylor Miss Bull Design Technology Teacher PE Teacher

Tom Booton Visit We had a great day with Tom Booton on Monday 4 July; Tom is an ex-student and has been very successful in his chosen career as a chef where he now works as Head Chef of The Grill at The Dorchester Hotel in London and is a regular guest chef, on Saturday Morning Kitchen. Tom ran assemblies with Years 7 and 8, highlighting how he started his career at Milsoms and Le Talbooth, what it takes to be a success, including the importance of working hard and remaining focused on your goals. He answered some wonderful questions, some cheeky, from the students which really made them feel involved; they conducted themselves beautifully throughout and were very enthusiastic. Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students then had the privilege of watching Tom cook a recipe he specifically designed for them. They were then challenged to cooked the dish themselves; the design was to ensure students learned some higher order skills, to support them gaining the top grades in their course, but also so they could cook the recipe for their families at home. Students really enjoyed the process, learning new skills and certainly loved his food. Tom really enjoyed his day back at his school and was really impressed with the students he met throughout the day and with the school atmosphere. We will continue our connection with Tom and we hope to open further opportunities with him, in the coming months and years. Thank you, Tom Booton, for coming back to school and spending a whole day supporting the students of Colchester Academy. Mrs Ross 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, explained the stories. and weauthors 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 Bad Man are all there to7L2 helpLittle support our community, particularly through what is a very challenging time. Bookbuzz has helped me a greatthese deal. events, Insteadplease of me do having pay fortoa contact us via general@colchesteracademy.org.uk. If you need any support in accessing not to hesitate book (reading is now one of my favourites) Bookbuzz put it in my hands for I could notstep thank We are free. with you every ofBookbuzz the way. enough for putting such a brilliant book 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

Bushcraft Trip Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 had the privilege of attending a careers fair, here in school, where 30 employers and further education providers Day 1: on Students arrived Cuffley Camp and were met by Bushcraft staff,from they exhibited Thursday 7th October,at 2021. The event was designed to allow students to seek information the were various organised employers andinto colleges regarding their organisations, the jobs they seek to employ, the qualifications needed and the level of job satisfaction that might be on their camps and then started their 15 minute walk to camp. Students sat around the campfire and offer, should they choose to peruse that pathway.

were asked to hand over their mountain of snacks. They then got straight into activities, both It fantastictook to be able to open our doors and create face to face in school. The benefit of face face conversations and in the camps part in den building and had tocareers makeevent them suitable enough totopotentially sleep information gathering was a huge benefit to our students. The interactions and questioning they were able to engage with, was priceless. following night. They also learnt to camouflage themselves the woods and played games Students and exhibitors were very positive abouthow the event and both gained much from those in interactions. that meant that they had to be quiet and not be seen. One camp went on a nature walk and learnt All the employers who attended stated that the students at Colchester Academy were wonderful; they said they asked some very intuitive about some ofafraid the toanimals/bugs and the woods thataswe staying in. In informed the evening they questions, were not ask challenging questions and ancient sort as much information theywere could, to help them make decisions about their futures. the school made us all very proud.around the campfire. organised theirStudents tentsrepresented and enjoyed an brilliantly eveningandsnack and songs It was a privilege to create and host such an event, next year we hope to make it even bigger! It was a proud moment to see the high level of Day 2: Year startedWell the day nice and early and first and will allinspire about ABC with engagement in the7activities. done to all our students, we hope thelearnt information youaid gathered youthe to aim highto anddo seek to be the best that you can be.

recovery. Burgers for lunch cooked on a viking fire pit, which was the first time the camp had done this. Students were then asked to test their first aid on an emergency SOS situation. They had to Mrs Ross Assistant Principal rescue the staff from a plane crash. Some of them were pleased at the potential of no longer having a Year Leader, but after 8 minutes I was finally rescued, potentially with worse injuries than I started with. Whilst others were resting, some students got involved with removing the bones etc from a salmon ready to cook on the fire. In the evening for dinner the students made their own pizzas cooked in pizza ovens made with fire wood the students had collected, they then had chocolate brownie for pudding. We then got to see some of the students’ amazing skills in the Bushcrafts talent show. In the evening they had hot chocolate around the fire pit, relaxing before bed. Some students did not want to come home. Nine boys also had the opportunity to sleep in the woods, in dens they had made the previous day. Well done to those boys for their bravery and making their own fire to see them through the night.

Realise your Potential with Make Happen

Day 3 (home time) - Students packed up their kit and enjoyed their breakfast of toast, cooked on the fire. They then took part in their last two activities which were knife skills, where they had to make their own tent peg and bracelet. We then made our way home, with a much quieter journey back. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Year 7 cohort who attended the trip. The Year 10 students in CoPE have been focusing on working with others Miss Bull this half term. The students have done lots of tasks and had lots of discussions about working as a team and what good team work looks like. Year 7 Leader One of the challenges asked of the students was to ‘work with others to help raise money for a good cause’. The students spent the last 6 weeks planning, organising and researching how they were going to run the event and which charity to raise money for. Sarah, Hannah and Alfie did this with minimal input from the teacher and they came up with all the ideas themselves. The Bake Sale was a huge success and we must also say thank you to some Year 7 and Year 11 students who baked some treats for the Bake Sale. The 3 students raised over £114 for BBC Children in Need. Well done.

Bake Sale

Miss Fosker Teacher of COPE

Spotlight Event Hedingham Castle Trip On Friday 4th March Year 11 GCSE Geography students spent a beautiful sunny March day visiting Walton-on-the-Naze.

On Monday 13 June, 45 Year 7 students spent an excellent day at Hedingham Castle exploring life in mediaeval England. Students A dazzling array of Colchester Academy’s talent was on Prefects are Year 11 were able to have a hands-on experience of history, which enhanced their understanding of the mediaeval period. In Year 7 show at our annual Spotlight competition. The aim for the fieldtrip was to prepare students for the ‘unseen fieldwork’ section of Paper 3: Geographical Applications. In the exam students who have been students have studied the development of castles after the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, Peasants’ Revolt and 100 Years students are asked to apply knowledge to questions based on the use of fieldwork materials from an unfamiliar context. Fieldwork is an R e m o t e L e a r n i n g , L e a r n i n g O n l i n e , L i v e L e a r n i n g nominated by War. This was an opportunity for our young performers to essential aspect of geography. It ensures that students are given the opportunity to consolidate and extend their geographical

before … w e of h athe v e world. b e e n d o i nshow g i t their a l l , atalent t C o land c h e dedication s t e rdepartments understanding by relating learning to real experiences in front of a live

During the morning students enjoyed a competitive game of stoolball - audience an early form ofYears rounders -In and watched an archery from 7-9. the past our performers undergoing a rigorous A cad em y display. archers demonstrated mediaeval warfare tacticsare used archers and to discussed the formation used atwe thewere Battle of The Key The Question of the fieldwork enquiry was “How effective the by coastal at but Walton-on-the-Naze?”. Students havemanagement sung thestrategies audience, this time selection process. They Agincourt. students had the opportunity to discuss how to best siege a castle, using objects such as stones, ladders carried out Before a rangelunch of data collection techniques to test their hypothesis “Coastal management strategies at Walton-on-the-Naze are treated to guitarists, drummers, singers, a clarinetist, Lockdown has been long and tiring. Sitting in front of a screen, day have a range of duties to and even rotten food! After working out how to siege the castle, students explored inside and discovered the various roles needed effective”. We compared two sites, The Naze Tower beach the Town Beach dancers, and even some onstage magic! in day out, and has been a burden on near all ofthe us, pier. including students, fulfil lunch to keep the castle running. Following lunch, students enjoyed a musical performance of various mediaeval instruments, including parents and guardians, and any other poor souls who has assistedincluding in Studentsbagpipes completed beach profiles, groyne wave counts, longshore drift tests, bipolar evaluations and aapothecary cost benefit to English and a buisine, a type of profiles, trumpet. Thestudents final session of Our the day wasto a be visit to the discover ensuring at CA have continued dedicated tosupervision, their teaching students applied to mediaeval get onstage through atoanalysis rigorous collect data treatments to test their people hypothesis. back in the class room weYear have7, been presenting and analysing the data to conclude our the various usedOnce to cure illnesses. Thank you, for a fantastic day! studies. audition process, before being shortlisted foryounger the final. small groups of enquiry. Once this list was decided,students our students engaged in a and supporting However, we are immenselyfrantic proud of our community and cohort of round of rehearsals and meetings to ensure that the school’s faculties. Students showed excellent team work and resilience, students for the dedication and resilience they have shown in Mrs Wager any performances were stage-ready. This culminated in persevering to collect all of the data. I would like to progressing with their learning. It has been a real pleasure seeing our Assistant Principal a final show in theatre on Friday 26th November. make a special mention to Hayleigh Jenkins for learners flourish, especially with new features, such as the ‘chat

Our Head Students are function’ in the google classroom. Such a function has enabled our organising her team to ensure data was collected selected within Throughout the process, our students showed reala teachers to question students in a different manner, engaging new from accurately and quickly. ingenuity, dedication and creativity. Any type of responses and developing ideas and thoughts in a different way. of Senior A successful and fun day out was had by all! group Prefects. performance involves an element of risk, and our The path to these Further to this, the attendance to lessons took of all those students has been of performers risks and were rewarded with Miss Kelly appointments is rigorous, an exceptional standard, especially when you consider we, as an rapturous applause from an excellent audience. Geography Teacher and before selected, they academy, have been providing ‘live’ lessons for all learners. Highlights have seen 78% ofOur theand academy logging on and attending have completed an application form, delivered a presentation then undergone an interview with panel judges had a very difficult time picking anaeventual lessons per day, with this peaking in certain year groups to 82.9% in winner, was finally choosing Dylan Mane and Evan Bament of senior staff members. This year’s demanding selection process the most competitive the school has Some of our Year 7 and 8 students have been participating lockdown Mini Bookwe Club Year 11, 79.3% in Year during 10 and 79.5% in Yearin 7. a Additionally, have– At Home reading (both in Year 9) for theirofmagic trick. The illusion itself witnessed in recent years, and due to the quality of the candidates, the decision whom would become the seen real dedication from our students with 51% attending 4 or an ebook of ‘I Have No Secrets’ by Penny also Joelson, a page-turning thriller seen through the eyes of a unique narrator. was impressive enough, but this was coupled with lessons onone aChildren’s daily again, this has peaked at 53.9% in Year school’s Head was anMedal, extremely tobasis; make. Nominated for aStudents CILIP Carnegie it more wondifficult the FCBG Book Award for Older Readers. excellent stagecraft and attention to detail, resulting in 11, 55.5% in Year 10 and 52.7% in Year 9. I hasten to add, these a confounding illusion students are still figures are above national averages, as reported by thewhich Suttonour Trust.

Students metdeliberation, online in a Google Classroom and were whenchosen we finally came back toout! school weof were able to use a large After much the above students totrying fill the appointments Head Students. to work classroom for our discussions.

We know we are all yearning for the return of students to the Many measures thanks all our performers, have been put in placeaudience members and Well done to Daniel Johnson and Skye academy. Marzell.We know that whatever it doesn’t make up for the who quality of toSpotlight face teaching and staff made our event so special. The last event was a Google Meet with theonline, author, Penny Joelson, who gave usface some insight into her writing style lea

(lots of Post-It notes) and told the story of how she was once so immersed in her reading, she got locked in a library Mr Halliwell for 2 hours after it shut! Assistant Principal

WWI Kent Visit Author Visit

Something else Mr Searl Head of Performing Arts

1,500 pupils participated in the online interactive event! It was the first time so many pupils across the country took part in a book club. Pupil engagement was fantastic – there were so many questions that Google nearly In May, 50 Year 10 History students spent a day touring Kent to visit crashed! various sites connected to the First World War. We were very with proud to have beenof part of the launch of the first-ever National Teen Book Club. The day began a visit to a series authentically built trenches in a section of woodland. The trench system illustrated to students the close proximity British and German soldiers would be fighting and Mrs Hawkins living together during the war. Students were able to walk through the Library Coordinator trench system and get a feel for what life would have been like for a soldier, including a visit to the outdoors latrine, cramped sleeping quarters and narrow support trenches. Students then listened to a talk about the equipment soldiers would be issued with, which was expertly modelled to us by Morgan Taylor. The talk also discussed how casualties from the front line would be transferred back to casualty clearing stations and field hospitals and students enjoyed being able to get hands on with medical equipment and supplies. In the afternoon we drove to the town of Folkestone, which had played a dominant role in the war. Many troops left for the Western Front from Folkestone Harbour and a training centre for Canadian soldiers was established near the town. We visited Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, which contains 471 First World War burials, of which more than 300 are of Canadian soldiers. Students heard stories of individual soldiers who are buried in the cemetery. At the end of the visit, Olivia Straughan laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Academy to thank soldiers, and support personnel, for their sacrifice during the war. The day was an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of the First World War, and students were outstanding ambassadors for the Academy. Mrs Wager Assistant Principal

Sporting Success: Boxing Duke of Edinburgh This year, 5 year 11 students have been completing their Duke of I was onlySilver 9 when I gotThis intoaward boxing. I always wanted to Edinburgh Award. follows on from the Bronze box because I was notcompleted very confident in To myself, butthe assilver award, which the group in 2021. achieve soon as got into boxing, I felt like it wasata least thing6 Imonths award theI participants are required to spend completing wanted to the do. following; I have had 3 bouts and I have won all 3 by

points. The last one has made me school boy champion –for Volunteering 6 months Alresford section: Boxing Club.

– Physical and Skills sections: One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months I never thought I would make it as far as I have right – Expedition section: 3 days/2 nights

now, however I have proved myself wrong.

The group began by completing the practice expedition in The Brecks, I love the sport and I think people should try to get into exploring Thetford Forest. During the two day expedition, students boxingfor because a good sportthe and it makes walked a total it ofis25km through forest and countryside. The you more involved confident yourself. expedition anin overnight camp at Two Mile Bottom campsite, where students cooked their own meal and enjoyed a campfire. The group completed the expedition, with learning moments to reflect My boxing club Alresford upon to ensure their qualifying expedition was successful in two Boxing Club would love weeks time. new to welcome

members if anyone is The group then had to complete their qualifying expedition in the interested.

South Downs National Park. This was a three- day expedition, totalling a challenging 40km. They began the route conquering some Colton Jackon of the highest points in the South Downs chalk hills, with views of Year 7 Student ‘The Long Man’ and ‘The White Horse’. Upon completion of Day one the students arrived at the campsite in Alfriston and were greeted by the local farm animals in a beautiful location. Day two was the longest walk, which put their forest navigation skills learnt during the practice expedition to the test. On the second night we stayed at Bushy Wood Campsite, tucked away in the forest. Participants worked together to create a fantastic campfire, where we toasted On 21 May, I travelled to Sevenoaks in Kent for my first marshmallows, enjoyed s’mores and spoke about the challenges and amateur boxing fight. I had spent months of training 5 to successes of the expedition so far. By Day three the temperature had 6 days a week, for 3, two minutes rounds. My bout was become one of the biggest challenges, participants awoke at 6am to against a 16 year old girl who had previously had fought, try to avoid the afternoon heat. Participants preserved through the so had more experience than me. It was also my conditions, and successfully completed their expedition. The group opponents home show, so I did not have the home crowd then had a debrief with our fabulous assessor Lynn where they behind me, making it even harder. discussed strengths, challenges and learning moments, and the participants delivered a presentation on their expedition aim, “The I did not let this bother me, I had a job to do, and did it invertebrates inYear the7South Downs”. This term students have had ‘The Bookbuzz Experience’. Bookbuzz with great composure and sportsmanship. is partdiscipline, of the BookTrust – a charity which aims to encourage students to

Realise your Potential with Make Happen Sporting Success: Boxing

by providing them their own and booksmap to keep. Here’sskills, what some of As wellread as improving theirwith navigation reading our students had to say. In amateur boxing it’s all about points which are gained participants improved their soft skills in areas such as teamwork and On Monday 21st March 2022 Year 10 took part in an all-day session of Jack On Monday 21 March 2022 Year 10 took part in an all-day session of Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge. During this, many of us by clean precise punches. I did not let my coach down, I communication. It was a pleasure to see how the students grew Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge. During this, many of us developed skills, developed skills, 7O2 which we otherwise would not have known we possessed. For example, improvisation, confidence, independence Jasmine Switch-Up which we otherwise would not known the we possessed. Forchallenging example, didperseverance. exactly what heweekends, asked and At the start ofhave the session, year group was asked to complete a survey on how confident we felt before the throughout the two especially under such improvisation, confidence, and perseverance. At theallowed of To start ourat journey watched athat video containing a start review ofthe session began, and the endindependence we were asked to do again, which us to see how much of an improvement we had made conditions with aBookbuzz tough year of we exams. each of For thegroup books.I chose theto book SwitchUp aboutoftwo girls who board the session,the the year asked complete a survey on confident during day. most was people, the most daunting part thehow session was thewe 1 minute speech you had to give on your own at the I got a knock down in the first and second rounds and same to London. the ofwere theincraziest plan end, from which, people would It’s be chosen compete aasked to felt before theflight session began, and at beginning theto end we doever. that again, Miss Kelly also standing inmuch the second. This means I rattled large-scale public competition, if they were willing which a allowed usspeaking tocount see how of an improvement wetohad made during the Damiola 7H1 Animals Up the Close Geography Teacher do so.For the girl and dazed her so ref counts forsession 10 seconds day. most people, the most daunting part of the was theto 1 minute speech youopponent had to give time on your own at theThe end, third from which, people would be give the to recoup. round Bookbuzz is a book company dedicated toentertaining, getting books to Year 7 students The activities we completed were interactive and chosen to compete in a large-scale public speaking competition, if they were consisted of more excellent boxing, where I continually for free. I think Bookbuzz is a fabulous charity as I was not a fan of the skills that we learnt that day can be used in the workplace, willing to do so. reading. In class watched a 24 minute film about scored clear points. and in our everyday lives.we Furthermore, they can be used to the books and the explained the stories. support authors us in our public speaking and job interviews. The skills The activities we completed were interactive and entertaining, the skills that we can help us get through those, whilst presenting ourselves as At the end the IMan was awarded and theinwin learnt that dayof can befight used in the workplace, ourby everyday lives. Tristan 7L2 Little Bad confident young individuals. Therefore, if you ever have the Furthermore, they can be used to support us in our had publicme speaking and job unanimous decision, meaning all 3 judges opportunity to do so, I would highly recommend taking part in interviews. The skills can help us get through those, whilst presenting ourselves Bookbuzz has helped me a great deal. Instead of me having to pay for a winning the bout. I was the fighter onnever that evening this, as it will help you see a part of only yourself that you book young (readingindividuals. is now one of my favourites) Bookbuzz put it in my hands for as confident Therefore, if you ever have the opportunity to realised was there. someone from the home team. to win against free. I highly could not thank Bookbuzz putting a brilliant book do so I would recommend takingenough part infor this, as it such will help you see a in my collection. part of yourself that you never realised was there.

Erin Walsh Sanskriti Thakali Marleigh-Rose 7L2 City of Ghosts Year Student Year1010 Student

Sanskriti Thakali I’ve always enjoyed mystery books so when I saw City of Ghosts I knew I Year 10 Student

Duke of Edinburgh Sporting Success: Boxing This year, 5 Year 11 students have been completing their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. This Award follows on from the Bronze Award, which the group completed in 2021. To achieve the Silver Award, the participants are required to spend at least 6 months completing the following; – Volunteering section: 6 months – Physical and Skills sections: One section for 6 months and the other section for 3 months – Expedition section: 3 days/2 nights The group began by completing the practice expedition in The Brecks, exploring Thetford Forest. During the two day expedition, students walked for a total of 25km through the forest and countryside. The expedition involved an overnight camp at Two Mile Bottom campsite, where students cooked their own meal and enjoyed a campfire. The group completed the expedition, with learning moments to reflect upon to ensure their qualifying expedition was successful in two weeks time. The group then had to complete their qualifying expedition in the South Downs National Park. This was a three-day expedition, totalling a challenging 40km. They began the route conquering some of the highest points in the South Downs chalk hills, with views of ‘The Long Man’ and ‘The White Horse’. Upon completion of Day One, the students arrived at the campsite in Alfriston and were greeted by the local farm animals in a beautiful location. Day Two was the longest walk, which put their forest navigation skills learnt during the practice expedition to the test. On the second night we stayed at Bushy Wood Campsite, tucked away in the forest. Participants worked together to create a fantastic campfire, where we toasted marshmallows, enjoyed s’mores and spoke about the challenges and successes of the expedition so far. By Day Three, the temperature had become one of the biggest challenges, participants awoke at 6am to try to avoid the afternoon heat. Participants preserved through the conditions, and successfully completed their expedition. The group then had a debrief with our fabulous assessor, Lynn, where they discussed strengths, challenges and learning moments, and the participants delivered a presentation on their expedition aim, “The invertebrates inYear the7South Downs”. This term students have had ‘The Bookbuzz Experience’. Bookbuzz

Realise your Potential with Make Happen Sporting Success: Boxing

is part of the BookTrust – a charity which aims to encourage students to by providing them their own and booksmap to keep. Here’sskills, what some of As wellread as improving theirwith navigation reading our students had to say. participants improved their soft skills in areas such as teamwork and On Monday 21st March 2022 Year 10 took part in an all-day session of Jack On Monday 21 March 2022 Year 10 took part in an all-day session of Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge. During this, many of us communication. ItSwitch-Up was a pleasure tothis, seehave howknown theusstudents grew Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge. During many of developed skills, developed skills, 7O2 which we otherwise would not we possessed. For example, improvisation, confidence, independence Jasmine which we otherwise would not known the we possessed. Forchallenging example, and perseverance. theweekends, start ofhave the session, year group was asked to complete a survey on how confident we felt before the throughout the At two especially under such improvisation, confidence, and perseverance. At theallowed of To start ourat journey watched athat video containing a start review ofthe session began, and the endindependence we were asked to do again, which us to see how much of an improvement we had made conditions with aBookbuzz tough year of we exams. each of For thegroup books.I chose theto book SwitchUp aboutoftwo girls who board the session, the year asked complete a survey on confident during the day. most was people, the most daunting part thehow session was thewe 1 minute speech you had to give on your own at the same to London. the ofwere theincraziest plan end, from which, people would It’s be chosen compete aasked to felt before theflight session began, and at beginning theto end we doever. that again, Miss Kelly large-scale public competition, if they were willing which allowed usspeaking to see how much of an improvement wetohad made during the 7H1 Animals Up Close Geography do so.ForDamiola day. mostTeacher people, the most daunting part of the session was the 1 minute

speech you had to give on your own at the end, from which, people would be Bookbuzz is a book company dedicated toentertaining, getting books to Year 7 students The activities we completed were interactive and chosen to compete in a large-scale public speaking competition, if they were for free. Ilearnt think that Bookbuzz is abefabulous charity as I was not a fan of the skills that we day can used in the workplace, willing to do so. reading. In class we watched a 24 minute film about the books and the

and in our everyday lives. Furthermore, they can be used to explained the stories. support authors us in our public speaking and job interviews. The skills The activities we completed were interactive and entertaining, the skills that we can help us get through those, whilst presenting ourselves as learnt that day 7L2 can Little be used inMan the workplace, and in our everyday lives. Tristan Bad confident young individuals. Therefore, if you ever have the Furthermore, they can be used to support us in our public speaking and job opportunity to do so, I would highly recommend taking part in interviews. The skills can help us get through those, whilst presenting ourselves Bookbuzz has helped me a great deal. Instead of me having to pay for a this, as it will help you see a part of yourself that you never book young (readingindividuals. is now one of my favourites) Bookbuzz put it in my hands for as confident Therefore, if you ever have the opportunity to realised was there. free. I highly could not thank Bookbuzz putting a brilliant book do so I would recommend takingenough part infor this, as it such will help you see a in my collection. part of yourself that you never realised was there. Sanskriti Thakali Marleigh-Rose 7L2 City of Ghosts Year 10 Student

Sanskriti Thakali I’ve always enjoyed mystery books so when I saw City of Ghosts I knew I Year 10 Student

Duke6ofInduction Year Sporting Edinburgh Success:Day Boxing Year 6 students enjoyed a fantastic Induction Day on 6 July, arriving and eagerly awaiting the fun activities that the day would bring. Students spent the morning sessions being arranged into their form groups, attending a Maths lesson and an exciting Science lesson, featuring a practical. Students enjoyed a PE session in the afternoon, featuring foot rounders and competing against their form groups. Throughout the whole day the students were phenomenal, a large number arrived with nerves and a little bit anxious, but overcame it all with great resilience. The evening saw parents arrive at the Academy to meet senior staff, their Year Leader and Form Tutors. Parents were given an opportunity to purchase uniform and find out more about how the Academy will work for their children. Mr St. Claire Year Leader

Realise your Potential with Make Happen Sporting Success: Boxing

Year 11 Leavers Day term Year 7 students havefinal had ‘The Year 11This students attended their dayBookbuzz Experience’. Bookbuzz is part of the BookTrust – a charity which aims to encourage students to at the Academy on Friday 24 June for their read by providing them with their own books to keep. Here’s what some of very last Students ourassembly. students had to say. arrived On Monday 21st March 2022 Year 10 took an all-day session ofPetchey’s Jack clearly excited to witness their leavers On Monday 21 March 2022 Year 10 took part part in aninall-day session of Jack “Speak Out” Challenge. During this, many of us Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge. During this, many of us developed skills, developed skills, which we otherwise would not have known we possessed. For example, improvisation, confidence, independence Jasmine 7O2 Switch-Up video and all the awards that were to which we otherwise would not have known the we possessed. For asked example, and perseverance. At the start of the session, year group was to complete a survey on how confident we felt before the come. Throughout, students showed improvisation, confidence, and perseverance. At theallowed of To startand ouratBookbuzz journey watched athat video containing a start review ofthe session began, the endindependence we were we asked to do again, which us to see how much of an improvement we had made excellent enthusiasm and were engrossed each of For thegroup books.I chose theto book SwitchUp aboutoftwo girls who board the session,the the year asked complete a survey on confident during day. most was people, the most daunting part thehow session was thewe 1 minute speech you had to give on your own at the in the leavers video, made by staff. same flight to London. It’s the ofwere theincraziest plan end, from which, people would be chosen compete aasked to felt before the session began, and at beginning theto end we doever. that again, Students wereusgiven leavers large-scale public speaking competition, if they were willing which allowed to seetheir how much of hoodies an improvement wetohad made during the Damiola 7H1 Animals Upwere Close do so.Forlooked day. most people, the most daunting part of the session was the 1 minute which fantastic and clearly speech you had to give on your own at the end, from which, people would be pleased about these. Bookbuzz is a book company dedicated to getting books to Year 7 students

The activities we completed were interactive and entertaining, chosen to compete in a large-scale public speaking competition, if they were for free. Ilearnt think that Bookbuzz is abefabulous charity as I was not a fan of the skills that we day can used in the workplace, willing to do so. Many ofreading. the staff joined in the a 24 In class we watched minute film about and in our everyday lives. Furthermore, they can be used to the books and the explained the stories. celebrations and took the time to speak support authors us in our public speaking and job interviews. The skills The activities we completed were interactive and entertaining, the skills that we can help us get through those, whilst presenting ourselves as with students about their future. In learnt that day 7L2 can Little be used inMan the workplace, and in our everyday lives. Tristan Bad confident young individuals. Therefore, if you ever have the addition, students verytoappreciative Furthermore, they canwere be used support us in our public speaking and job opportunity to do so, I would highly recommend taking part in of the lessons and guidance received by interviews. The skills can help us get through those, whilst presenting ourselves Bookbuzz has helped me a great deal. Instead of me having to pay for a this, as it will help you see a part of yourself that you never book young (reading is now one of my favourites) Bookbuzz put it in my hands for as confident individuals. Therefore, if you ever have the opportunity to their fantastic teachers. realised was there. free. I highly could not thank Bookbuzz putting a brilliant book do so I would recommend takingenough part infor this, as it such will help you see a in my collection. part of yourself that you never realised was there. Sanskriti Thakali Mr St. Claire Marleigh-Rose 7L2 City of Ghosts Year 10 Student

Year 11 Leader Sanskriti Thakali

I’ve always enjoyed mystery books so when I saw City of Ghosts I knew I

Year 10 Student

Year 11 Prom Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 had the privilege of attending a careers fair, here in school, where 30 employers and further education providers The Prom took place on 1 July at Colchester Town Hall. This was a fantastic historic venue for the exhibited on Thursday 7th October, 2021. The event was designed to allow students to seek information from the various employers and students to see out their final hours of qualifications Colchester Academy. colleges regarding their organisations, the jobs they as seekstudents to employ, the needed and the level of job satisfaction that might be on offer, should they choose to peruse that pathway.

Students and style, from big American muscle cars, sport carsand and party It fantastic toarrived be able to promptly open our doors and in create face to face careers event in school. The benefit of high-end face to face conversations information was a huge benefit to our students. The interactions questioning they were ablethe to engage with,excellently was priceless. and vans. Thegathering atmosphere was electric, with great energy. and Students showcased school Students and exhibitors were very positive about the event and both gained much from those interactions. made the school proud. Students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and partied right up to the last All the employers whoone attended stated that the students at Colchester Academy were wonderful; they said they asked some very intuitive song, and then more. questions, were not afraid to ask challenging questions and sort as much information as they could, to help them make informed decisions about their futures. Students represented the school brilliantly and made us all very proud.

We could not be more proud of each and every one of our Year 11 students and we wish them all the It was abest privilege create and host such an event, next year we hope to make it even bigger! It was a proud moment to see the high level of very in to the future.

engagement in the activities. Well done to all our students, we hope the information you gathered will inspire you to aim high and seek to be the best that you can be.

Mr St. Claire Mrs Ross Year 11 Leader Assistant Principal

Realise your Potential with Make Happen

The Year 10 students in CoPE have been focusing on working with others this half term. The students have done lots of tasks and had lots of discussions about working as a team and what good team work looks like. One of the challenges asked of the students was to ‘work with others to help raise money for a good cause’. The students spent the last 6 weeks planning, organising and researching how they were going to run the event and which charity to raise money for. Sarah, Hannah and Alfie did this with minimal input from the teacher and they came up with all the ideas themselves. The Bake Sale was a huge success and we must also say thank you to some Year 7 and Year 11 students who baked some treats for the Bake Sale. The 3 students raised over £114 for BBC Children in Need. Well done.

Bake Sale

Miss Fosker Teacher of COPE

Colour Run & Water Fight This term, Year 7 & 8 students who had achieved 93% attendance and 0 negative points were invited to take part in a colour run and water fight. Students thoroughly loved the occasion and enjoyed getting absolutely covered in paint and water. I believe they also loved that staff were involved and deliberately stood in front of them to get covered. This was a great event to be a part of, and I am already looking forward to the next one. Miss Bull Year 7 Leader

Realise your Potential with Make Happen

Young Carers Award

On Monday March 2022 Year was 10 took part inwith an all-day session of Jack In July 2021,21st Colchester Academy presented the Bronze Award for supporting our young carers in school. We are Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge.Last During this, us developed skills,which we will be displaying in Reception for Jasmine 7O2 Switch-Up very proud of this achievement. week we many finallyof received our plaque which we to otherwise not have known wegaining possessed. example, everyone see. We would are now working towards our For Silver Award. improvisation, independence and perseverance. At thea start ofofthe To startconfidence, our Bookbuzz journey we watched a video containing review ofclosely thegroup books.I chose the book SwitchUp about two girls who board we the session, the year was asked to complete a survey onfor how confident We workeach very with Essex Young Carers and Action same flight to London. It’s the beginning of the craziest plan ever. felt before the session began, and at the end we were asked to do that again, Young Carers to support our young carers in school. We which allowed see how much of an improvement we had made during the currently have us 33 to Young Carers in school and we have drop Damiola 7H1 Animals Up Close day. For most people, the most daunting part session ins also available for them to come and see meofinthe 2.16 on a was the 1 minute speech you had totime give if onthey yourjust own at the end, up. from which, people would be Wednesday break need a catch Bookbuzz is a book company dedicated to getting books to Year 7 students chosen to compete in a large-scale public speaking competition, if they were for free. I think Bookbuzz is a fabulous charity as I was not a fan of willing do so. We haveto raised ofayoung carers reading. school In classawareness we watched 24 minute filmthrough about the books and the assemblies and explained teacher training days. authors the stories. The activities we completed were interactive and entertaining, the skills that we learnt that day 7L2 canifLittle beyou used the workplace, in our everyday lives. Tristan Bad As a parent/carer, feelinMan there is anythingand further the Furthermore, they can to besupport used to our support uscarers in ourin public speaking and job school could be doing young school, interviews. The skills can help get through those,ofwhilst presenting ourselves Bookbuzz has helped meus a great deal. Instead me having to pay for a please do not hesitate to contact me. book young (readingindividuals. is now one of my favourites) put it in my hands for as confident Therefore, if youBookbuzz ever have the opportunity to free. I highly could not thank Bookbuzz putting a brilliant book do so I would recommend takingenough part infor this, as it such will help you see a in my collection. part of yourself that you never realised was there. Sharon Silver Student Marleigh-Rose Support Manager Year 7 7L2 City of Ghosts Designated Young Carer Lead Sanskriti Thakali I’ve always enjoyed mystery books so when I saw City of Ghosts I knew I Year 10 Student

Student Spotlight

In each issue, we pick the highlights from our students’ achievements on Twitter and share them here. Here are this term’s highlights.

Dates for your Diary Issue 12 | October 2019

Trips & Visits Colchester Academy

Tue 19 Jul

Last day of Summer Term

Sun 16 Feb

Year 11 Disneyland, Paris

Thu 25 Aug

GCSE Results Day

Wed 26 Feb

Year 9/10 History theatre

Thu 1 Sep

Non-pupil day

Fri 2 Sep

Year 7 return only

Wed 11 Mar

Year 10 Stratford Field Trip

Mon 5 Sep

All pupils return

Thu 19 Mar

Year 10 Walton Field Trip

Mon 19 Sep

Year 7 reading tests

Tue 31 Mar

Year 10 Aspire GCSE STEM

Thu 22 Sep

Y8 - Y11 target grade

day, Essex university Aenean eros lorem, pulvinar a magna in, Sat 9 May Ladies FA cup final, suscipit auctor purus. Suspendisse eget lectus finibus, porta est Wembley ac, faucibus risus. Sed vel stadium sem posuere justo euismod sodales.

cademy

cademy trip

reports released

Trips &Evening Visits Thu 22 Sep

Year 11 GCSE Success

Year 7 Residential July 2020 - students can Thu 29information Sept Open Evening collect letters from Student Reception. Cost £190 (monthly payments Mon 3 Oct Y8 - Y11 reading tests accepted) Thu 6 Oct Globe Theatre Trip Year 8/9/10 South of France Trip Summer Thu 6 Oct Year 7 Form Tutor Evening 2020 - £681 (monthly payments accepted) 7 Wed 12available. Oct Y8, Y9 & Y10 photographs spaces Students can collect information letters from student reception Thu 13 Oct Year 11 reports released Fri 14 Oct

Careers Festival

A Different

Newsletter

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Colchester Academy Story Hawthorn Avenue Colchester Essex CO4 3JL

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CultureResilience - Character - Excellence - Currency- Respect - Commitment

Academy Life - Issue 22

Articles inside

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

HISTORY TRIPS