Arete by Colchester Academy - Issue 6

Issue 6

““If When you you’re delivergood excellence at right something, now, that gives you’ll you tell the best shot everyone. at the bestWhen future you’re you’ve great got at something, coming.”

- Robert they’ll Forster tell you.”

- Walter Payton

Arete reté

Excellence of any kind

Areté Excellence of any kind Introduction Welcome to our latest issue of Areté.

Here at Colchester Academy we strive to ensure that our young people receive the very best education, realise their full potential and are prepared to become responsible and successful citizens. We make a real difference to the lives and outcomes of our students.

Based on our values of Culture, Character, Currency and Commitment, we ensure that we make the most of every learning experience, every day.

We are very proud of the work our students create every day. In light of this, we have created Areté; a collection of excellent work from a range of subject areas.

Areté in its basic sense, means “excellence of any kind”. In its earliest appearance in Greek, this notion of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of fulfillment of purpose or function: the act of living up to one’s potential. This is what we expect from our students every day.

We hope you enjoy this selection of excellent work.

J B et t s

Principal

Artwork

by Isabella Pridmore Year 11 Student

A rtw o rk

by Darius Margineanu Year 11 Student

Areté Excellence of any kind Computer Science 3D Modelling by Fia Danes & Nathan Smy, Year 9 Students

Year 9 students have recently started the topic of “3D Modelling” using the software package Blender. This is an advanced skill, normally taught and embedded in the GCSE curriculum and beyond.

3D Modelling involves students creating real-life models. Students will sculpt and manipulate objects to form a model, apply textures and materials, and then finally, add lighting and cameras.

Included are examples of the final rendered scenes from Fia and Nathan from their first attempt at using the program. Both students have grasped the concept of 3D Modelling very quickly and have shown a natural understanding of the software and the overall design process.

Mr Wills Assistant Principal

Areté Excellence of any kind Photography Conceptualism by Daisy Mowle, Year 11 Student

In photography students are encouraged to develop personal, meaningful responses. The meaning behind a piece of work is the reason that other humans can relate to a response.

In Daisy’s composition we can see visual symbolism in a heart made from delicate petals. The title of the work leads the observer to start considering the concept of the response; it becomes clear that the work is driven by very strong human emotions and experiences that every human can relate to. This makes the response more valuable and relatable.

Moving away from purely aesthetic approaches, Daisy has gone on to explain the creative journey that was embarked upon to reach this final result. References to inspirations are clear and most importantly we have been presented with an in depth insight to personal opinions and the emotions surrounding this response. When a student shows willingness to succeed against all odds it is a truly powerful and wonderful gift. Conceptualism is a powerful tool in allowing people to present their feelings to others in a very stimulating and intelligent way. Well done Daisy, keep up the good work.

Mr Bain Head of Photography

Areté Excellence of any kind

Artwork

by Jessica Sayer Year 11 Student

Areté Excellence of any kind

Photography

by Lewis McClure Year 11 Student

Areté Excellence of any kind History Essay Writing by Daniel Johnson, Year 10 Student

An example here of a brilliant piece of analytical essay writing. Daniel’s question was “Explain why the colony to Virginia was a failure”.

For his essay Daniel has got fantastic structure (3 clearly defined paragraphs on 3 separate reasons the colony failed). His reasons for the failure are clearly and coherently introduced at the start of each paragraph, he has then explained in detail how each of these reasons caused the failure of the colony. This means he is consistently answering the conceptual focus of the question. His points are backed up with detailed evidence (names, dates, fact and figures) which pushes this answer into Grade 9 territory.

Such a wonderful level of detailed knowledge with excellent vocabulary and SPAG. Top class historical writing!

Miss Siddall Head of Humanities

Areté Excellence of any kind English Young Writers Competition by Veronica Wilk, Year 8 Student

Write Club used to meet together on a Monday lunchtime to practise and share our writing.

Young Writers sent through a competition titled ‘Through Their Eyes.’ This was a poetry competition asking students (aged 11-16) to write a poem from the perspective of someone or something else. We had lots of fun experimenting with inanimate objects - thinking about what a toothbrush might say or a toilet. But then we looked at current affairs.

Last year, Australia was devastated by the bush fires. This inspired Veronika to write this poem, which you can see for yourselves is extremely thought provoking and emotive.

Mrs Lock English Teacher

Areté Excellence of any kind

Photography

by Emilija Sirvinskaite Year 11 Student

Areté Excellence of any kind

Photography

by Jamie Smith Year 11 Student

Areté Excellence of any kind

Arete Excellence of any kind Music Music Development by Evyln Straker, Year 9 Student

During lockdown, Evyln has worked independently and conscientiously in the subject, using an online learning E-Music package in partnership with Essex Music Service.

Evyln has programmed a piece of dance music, using drum programming techniques, patch selection and editing skills. She has developed her own chord sequence, and programmed a bassline using the root notes - a common dance music technique.

Her work shows an excellent understanding of dance music structure and texture, along with accurate sequencing and awareness of her given style.

Mr Searl Head of Performing Arts

Colchester Academy Hawthorn Avenue Colchester Essex CO4 3JL

Twitter: @ColchesterAcad

Facebook: ColchesterAcademy

Artwork

by Ellie Clarke Year 10 Student

Resilience

Excellence

Tel: 01206 861217 Email: general@colchesteracademy.org.uk Web: www.colchesteracademy.org.uk

Printed by trdesignprint.co.uk

Respect