Parent/Carer bulletin Dec 2024 by excelsioracademycst

EXCELSIOR

CELEBRATING OUR STRENGTHS ANDACHEIVEMENTS

Wehavenowhadourfirstrealtasteofwinterandamongstthe recent wintery showers and frosty mornings, the school has continuedtobeabusy,vibrantandfocussedcommunity

Our Y11 and Y13 students are in the midst of their first set of preliminaryexamsandwecontinuetosupportthemthroughout thisprocesswithourinterventions,examskillsessionsandhighqualityteachingandlearning

Extra curricular clubs are now in full swing and students have been enjoying various activities including football, basketball, computing,cooking,filmandmathsexcellence.Theseactivities are a fantastic way for them to enhance and build on their classroomlearningandskillsinafunandinteractiveway.

IwouldparticularlyliketocommendourY12studentswhotook part in the regional Bar Mock Trial and the Y13 students who representedtheschoolsowellattheASDCConferencerecently atTheRoyalSociety.Youcanreadallabouttheirachievements andsuccessinthisbulletin.

You can also read about our Anti Bullying Week activities, including Odd Socks Day which celebrated our uniqueness as individuals and our World Kindness Day focus on thanking others

With just three weeks to go now until the end of this half term and our winter break, there will be many more achievements and successes for us to celebrate and I look forward to being abletosharethosewithyouinourtermlynewsletter

Warmregards,

OmarDeria Headteacher

MrODeria,Headteacher

RESPECT WALL

During Anti Bullying week, staff and students were given the opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Anti Bullying Alliance. As a zero tolerance establishment, we celebrated our uniqueness by staff and students observing Odd Socks Day.

In addition to this, in light of the theme: ‘Choose Respect’, we created a ‘Respect Wall’ in the centre of our school building which was a platform for students to share ways to show respect to other people. We believe in our students’ voices being heard.

Issues around bullying were also covered in PSHE and Drama lessons. During tutor time, all students pledged to not be a bystander and say 'No' to bullying.

World Kindness Day coincided with AntiBullying Week which was a perfect compliment to the theme of the week. Students were encouraged to perform an act of kindness during the week and they also gave 'Thank You' cards to the teachers of their choice who they feel have shown kindness to them throughout the academic year.

As a school, we will continue to promote these values as it is 'who we are, and what we do.'

Ms Karikari Assistant Headteacher

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING...?

ONE TEAM ONE DREAM

Our Year 7 and 8 netball teams took to the court at Mossbourne Community Academy for another exciting netball match. Despite the cold weather and fading daylight, both teams showed incredible determination and worked tirelessly against strong opposition.

The Year 7 team, already building on their experience from their previous match, demonstrated excellent communication and teamwork throughout. Their quick passing and defensive efforts kept the game competitive, with every player giving their all to challenge the opposing side.

Our Year 8 team showed remarkable perseverance and resilience. They adapted well to the game’s intensity, encouraging each other and maintaining a positive attitude even as the temperature dropped and the dark evening set in. Their ability to stay focused and determined, despite the challenging conditions, was commendable. A special congratulations goes to Kieyarah, who was awarded Player of the Match!

While the final scores may not have reflected their hard work, both teams displayed great sportsmanship and a hunger to improve. They embraced the opportunity to compete and learned valuable lessons for their next matches.

I am incredibly proud of how both teams represented the school with resilience and enthusiasm.

Ms Wright PE Teacher

STUDENT LIFE SKILLS

Year 8 recently visited UCL East in Stratford, to gain a deeper understanding of university life, as well as partaking in a law workshop, run by UCL student ambassadors.

Ms Mederick Head of Sixth Form and Careers

Y12 WINNERS OF REGIONAL BAR MOCK TRIAL

Year 12 have won the regional Bar Mock Trial and will now face other schools nationally, across the UK. Students had to prepare a case for both the prosecution and defence, competing against other London schools, judged by Magistrate and Crown Court Judges.

Ms Mederick Head of Sixth Form and Careers

FUTURE VETS

A massive thank you to the Royal Veterinary College for hosting our Year 12 students. Students took part in a series of activities throughout the day, gaining a full understanding of Veterinary Science degrees.

We hope to see our students putting in applications and working as vets in the future!

Ms Mederick Head of Sixth Form and Careers

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING...?

ASDC CONFERENCE WITH ROBOT

To round off the UCL Jump, Slither, Crawl project, two Yr 13 students had the privilege of presenting The Excelsior Academy robot, "Tentacool" at the ASDC conference which took place at the Royal Society. The experience was potentially daunting as it involved addressing a room full of adults who all work in either academic research or public engagement, however, Yamleekha and Muhammed spoke with confidence and passion about what they learned on the project and how it has contributed not only to their technical understanding of robotics and design, but also their soft skills of teamwork, communication, time management and creativity. The conference delegates were impressed with the way that our students were able to share their design journey, and also articulate their growth and share successes. They also drew attention to the challenges they faced and how they would improve the project.

Quote from the CEO of the ASDC

Thank you for bringing something really special to the conference

Quote from UCL

We are all very proud of the students who were so confident and eloquent

Ms March Assistant Headteacher

LOGOUTANDJOINOURSCHOOLCLUBS

Student participation and satisfaction in the enrichment clubs has been positive. Attendance records show consistent engagement, with some clubs (computer, cooking, football, basketball, netball, film/media, Maths Excellence, Law Society) experiencing full capacity on a regular basis. Students appreciate the opportunity to express themselves and develop their abilities in clubs. These are great opportunities for students to thrive outside the classroom and enjoy a well-rounded education.

Clicktoseeafulllistofcurrent clubsandoperatingdetails

Ms Inoubli PE Teacher

WHO’S THE CHAMP?

The year 8 football team played a game against Bridge Academy at Haggerston Park. The boys initially went 1-0 down but showed great team spirit to come back to 1-1, with a goal from a corner. They again fell behind 2-1 but managed to get back to 2-2 with another goal from a corner by Anthony. Unfortunately, in the second half they conceded again to make it 3-2 and we did not have a reply this time. Unlucky boys, hopefully we'll get back to winning ways soon. Well done boys!

Year 7 netball match: against Cardinal Pole

Our Year 7 netball team had their first taste of competition this week, playing their debut game at home against Cardinal Pole. The atmosphere was electric, with the team showcasing incredible determination and enthusiasm throughout the match.

Despite being their first game, the girls displayed fantastic teamwork and adaptability, quickly putting into practice the skills they'd been working on in training. Their defensive efforts were commendable, and they managed to keep Cardinal Pole on their toes with some excellent attacking plays. The final score was 3-1 to Cardinal Pole, but our Year 7s can hold their heads high after such an impressive first outing. They demonstrated great promise and a positive attitude that will undoubtedly lead to more success as the season progresses. Well done, girls—we're so proud of you! Keep up the hard work, and the wins will come!

Ms Wright PE Teacher

Mr Curry PE Teacher

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY AT TEA

Year 10 & 12 International Men's Day Assembly took place this week, empowering our students to recognise their strengths and reflect on building positive traits and characteristics. This day aims to celebrate the positive influence of men, their contributions to society, and their roles as mentors and leaders.

The day addresses men’s wellbeing and highlights the journey of moving from boy to young adolescent to man