INA Secondary Newsletter
18 March 2016
Dear Parents and Carers
A
s we near the end of this compact and busy term, I’d like to thank you for your support and partnership. I have been delighted by the number of you who have taken time to complete and return the parent questionnaire and shall read through all your feedback carefully over the Easter break. After the holidays I will summarise your comments in my newsletter entry. At the end of this term we sadly say goodbye to a few staff members: Mr Bruce, Media Technician Mr Gabriel, Learning Assistant Ms Walsh, Art teacher and Ms Byrne, Pastoral Leader for Year 9. All of these colleagues have enriched the school enormously and given so much to the students. I should like to thanks them sincerely for their hard work and commitment and wish them all the very best in their new ventures. Ms Byrne’s replacement as Year 9 Pastoral Leader will be Mr Ayerh, who joins us straight after the Easter break. He introduces himself below: I am delighted to be joining Isaac Newton Academy as a Pastoral Leader, and also a teacher of PE, alongside Art, DT and English this term. I believe our students deserve to achieve their full potential and to be equipped with the knowledge, learning power and character for success at university and beyond. I am looking forward to joining the INA community to ensure that these aims are fulfilled. Originally from East London in Bow, I gained a BA (hons) degree in Physical Education. I have worked in Redbridge for four years at Seven Kings High School as a PE teacher and Deputy Year Leader. Having organised several fixtures with Isaac Newton in previous years for football, handball, basketball and athletics. The students I met who represented the school impressed me from the outset. They have shown great talent, respect and leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to help the school achieve more success with their extracurricular sporting teams. As well as the sporting talent within Isaac Newton, I am excited to join another outstanding school within the urban and multicultural community of Ilford. I am very fond of the BRIDGES model which exemplifies to me the core values which are vital to ensuring that our students are the best they can possibly be. I feel privileged to have gained the opportunity to join Isaac Newton Academy. I will work relentlessly to ensure that students achieve the best pastoral care, to help them develop academically, socially and morally to ensure that our students leave INA with a bright future ahead of them! I look forward to seeing you at the end of term events next week. With best wishes,
RP
achel Macfarlane, rincipal
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INA visits St. Pauls
Spring Concert - 23rd March A quick final reminder that the Spring Concert will be taking place on Wednesday 23rd March. All Enrichment clubs will be cancelled and detentions postponed on that evening to allow for students and staff to prepare for the concert.
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he RE cohort visited St. Pauls cathedral on the 10th March to take in the sites and link learning in the classroom to a religious building. The year 10’s represented INA brilliantly and made sure they were respectful during the two hour visit. We got to look around the whole cathedral including the crypt and the whispering gallery. Some lucky students even got to climb right to the top of the cathedral where they could see over the whole of London. The students really appreciated the architecture and the fact that they got to immerse themselves into Christianity. While we were there we got to listen to the Lord ’s Prayer, see the altar and find Sir Christopher Wren’s grave, the esteemed designer of St. Pauls.
“The St. Pauls trip was amazing, it was a new experience for me especially for someone who is interested in exploring different religions and cultures. The view from the top of the cathedral was breath-taking. The amount of stairs (528) reminds me of how hard it is to achieve heavenly status and shows you how long life is.” Sunna “What I enjoyed the most about the RE trip was climbing to the top of the cathedral as we saw over the whole of London. I also enjoyed the mosaics and the crypt.” Leanne
The concert will start at 6:15 and finish by 8pm. Tickets are available from KS3 reception at break and lunch times. I hope to see you there! Mr Morgan Music Teacher
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s you are aware this Friday 18th March is the final of the Year 9 Battle of the Bands competition. It is running from 6-8pm and all year 9 students are expected to attend to support their fellow musicians and vote on the eventual winner. Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate family members or friends from other schools or year groups so only Year 9 students will be able to attend. We are expecting all students to make their own way home after the event finishes at 8pm. There are a few rules that need to be followed to make sure the night runs as smoothly as possible. Guests and performers may of course wear their own casual clothes however any revealing clothes will not be allowed. The usual rules around food/drink and chewing gum still apply and also no bags will be allowed as we will not have the space to store them. Phones do not have to be handed in however must not be out at any time during the evening. We can’t let you film the performance or take any photos however we will be filming the entire performance so you can get some pictures of your favourite band to get signed and keep forever. The bands have been sounding great and I’m really looking forward to hearing the final performances on the night! Thanks,
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Mr Robinson
A Warm Invite to INA’s Awards Assemblies – Thursday 24th March 2016 On Thursday 24th March we will be holding our end of spring term awards assemblies. This is an important opportunity for the staff, students, governors and parents/carers to formally celebrate our students’ achievements at the end of the autumn term. There will be a separate assembly for each year group. Please note the times as follows: Year 10 Year 9 Year 8 Year 7
11.05-11.50am 11.05-11.50am 12.00-12.45pm 12.00-12.45pm
At the assemblies we will be presenting awards in recognition of students’ academic progress and attainment, personal progress and the development of their BRIDGES dispositions. Excellent attendance and punctuality will also be celebrated. It is also a great opportunity for you to see some examples of the activities and events your child has been participated in this term. We believe that it is important that every student is represented by a parent at the Awards assembly for their year group and would like to invite one parent to attend on behalf of the family. If you would like to attend, please ask your son/daughter to collect a ticket for the awards assembly from his/her form tutor. Please request your ticket by Monday 14th March. Due to limited capacity, we are unable to accommodate very many additional family members. However, if you would like a second place, please notify the school office and we will do our best to allocate an additional ticket. I look forward to seeing you on the 25th March.
Jo Spencer Vice Principal. MUSA BUKHARI WINS BRONZE @ LONDON AREA DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION AT UEL SPORTSDOCK SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 2016
Congratulations to Musa for taking part and winning a bronze medal.
Judo is a club that students attend weekly as part of the INA enrichment programme. Margaret James, the coordinator of Heart of Oak Judo Club, said “Given the fact that he has only been doing judo a short time we truly have to commend his courage, commitment and positive attitude. In a fighting sport you soon learn words are cheap - you can either do what is needed or you can't. When you lose, how you behave is also important. No one becomes a good champion without having any losses, for it is those losses that tell us a lot about ourselves and help us to develop a positive attitude in accepting what cannot be changed and finding a better way of doing what is needed to change past outcomes. Musa experienced both wins and losses on Saturday. With his losses he showed great dignity and sportsmanship (he got up and went out to compete again) and did exactly the same in his wins.” INA Newsletter 5
PE AT ISAAC NEWTON ACAD News & Results Year 7/8 Boys & Girls vs Mayfield With a friendly arranged against a very strong Mayfield team, INA were in for a very competitive game. The INA Year 7/8 girls’ team are the current Redbridge Champions and went into the game full of confidence with a few additions from Year 7 to help develop their knowledge of the game. INA started brightly and took a lead straight from the start, showing their experience and knowledge of the game. Tremendous shots came from Daveena and Lily throughout the game, and with Ammarah’s extremely strong goalkeeping and a dominant central performance from Mya, a win was never questioned. After three competitive thirds the girls were triumphant by a whopping 15 goals. Well done to the INA Year 7/8 girls in their victory; they will hopefully take that onto next year’s Handball tournament. The INA Year 7/8 boys’ team are currently ranked no.2 in Redbridge but were fully aware of the capabilities of Mayfield due to a close match in last year’s tournament. With a few withdrawals and additions to the team it was always going to be a competitive match. With the game staying within 5 goals throughout it was always up for grabs from start to finish. After three exciting thirds and INA getting within two goals of Mayfield with just 6 minutes left, it was disappointing to see a few unforced errors which helped Mayfield build on their lead and finish 4 goals ahead Bronze Medal at the London area development competition 6 INA Newsletter
Congratulations are due to Musa Bukhari 8N for taking part and winning a Bronze medal at the above mentioned competition. Given the fact that he has only been doing judo a short time we truly have to commend his courage, commitment and positive attitude. In a fighting sport you soon learn words are cheap - you can either do what is needed or you can't. When you lose, how you behave is also important. No one becomes a good champion without having any losses, for it is those losses that tell us a lot about ourselves and help us to develop a positive attitude in accepting what cannot be changed and finding a better way of doing what is needed to change past outcomes. Musa experienced both wins and losses on Saturday. With his losses he showed great dignity and sportsmanship (he got up and went out to compete again probably thinking he was going to lose again - but he still went out and did his best) and did exactly the same in his wins. Well done Musa!
Rainbow Laces IN FOOTBALL ALONE SEVEN IN 10 FANS HAVE HEARD HOMOPHOBIC ABUSE ON THE TERRACES. We can only rid sport of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia by all of us standing together with players, clubs and fans and sending a message that it has no place in today’s game. Play your part by standing with the PE Department, Manchester United, Arsenal and the tens of thousands of people who have already laced up their Rainbow Laces. Rainbow laces only to be placed in your P.E trainers
DEMY Upcoming fixtures
21st March • Year 9 Football vs Ilford County (Home) • Year 8 Football 2nd team vs Seven Kings (Away) •
PE department extra-curricular and enrichment clubs
After school
Lunch time
DAY
CLUB
TEACHER
VENUE
Mon
Handball
DB
Sports Hall
Netball
EH
MUGA
Table Tennis
GW
Activity Studio
Tues
Judo Club
External
Sports Hall
Wed
Yr 9 S+C
BH
Sports Hall
Rugby Club
OT
Wed
Yr 10 Football
AT
Knox Field/ MUGA MUGA
Table Tennis
BW
Activity Studio
Thur
Thur
Fri
Yr 8 Basketball JL
Sports Hall
Seated MB Volleyball Football/ TB Cricket Yr 7 Badminton club External
Activity Studio
Girls’ Sports club Bike Club
AN
MUGA
EC, DH, BB
MUGA
Football/ Cricket Yr8
AG
Knox Field
MUGA Sports Hall
Day
1st Lunch (Year 10)
Mon
Badminton Boys and Girls
Tues
Fri
Basketball club Boys and Girls
2nd Lunch (year 7,8 &9) Badminton (Year 7, 8 & 9) Boys and Girls Girls Can! (Year 7,8 & 9 Girls) Basketball (Year 8 & 9) Boys & Girls Handball (Year 7, 8 & 9) Boys and Girls Basketball (Year 7) Girls and Boys
LUNCH TIME CLUBS -as you only need your trainers for these clubs, not your full P.E. kit.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS -as part of the Enrichment Programme – 4.15 – 5.15pm – you will need your P.E. kit for these clubs – shin pads are advised for Football and Football/Rugby boots are advised for Rugby Club. Gum shields are compulsory for Rugby Club.
Improve your skills! Try something new! Keep fit! Make new friends! Unleash your energy! Increase your chances of getting into a team! INA Newsletter 7
Well done to the following students who are this week’s Mathematicians of the Moment. Please collect a merit from Mr Dukes
Here are the scores so far
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The Mathematics department would like to encourage all students to enter next week’s Mathematician of the Moment competition. Look out for the new problem next term.
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INA BRIDGES
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Imagining and Creativity
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BRIDGES How we build learning power and develop character at Isaac Newton Academy “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Isaac Newton The secondary BRIDGES programme commences on Monday 14th September. BRIDGES are habits of mind or learning characteristics that develop a student's character and learning power and enable them to grow into well rounded individuals and resilient learners. On a two weekly cycle throughout the year, Year 7 and 8 students are introduced to one or two new habits of mind or learning characteristics that will permeate throughout the curriculum. This will take place through a range of interactive activities. In addition, the students will experience BRIDGES learning objectives in each and every lesson throughout Isaac Newton Academy. Year 9 BRIDGES lessons will focus on strengthening certain BRIDGES learning characteristics through exploration of PHSE topics and themes. Each fortnight you will find top tips in the newsletter of ways of supporting your child to develop the BRIDGES habits of mind and learning characteristics within the home.
ATTENDANCE Regular attendance is a crucial factor in students’ educational development and ability to achieve their full potential.
7N
100
8C
98.6
9E
100
10C
99.1
7T
100
8T
97
9I
100
10S
98.1
7C
98.3
8A
96.1
9W
100
10A
97.6
7I
98.1
8I
95.5
9N
99
10N
97.1
7W
97.3
8S
95.2
9C
97.3
10E
97
93.2
9S
97
10T
96.4
93
9T
96.1
10I
96.3
90.8
9A
95.5
10W
94.8
At Isaac Newton 96.1 8W Academy every student 7S is set the target of 7A 95 8E 100% attendance. We 7E 92.7 8N know that attendance has a direct link to progress, and would urge you to really consider if a day off school is necessary.
A huge well done to 7N, 7T, 9E and 9I Year 7 97.2% for 100% attendance as a tutor group last week. With the awards assemblies just around the corner, the competition is very close.
Ms. Abbott-Jones Lead Pastoral Leader 12 INA Newsletter
Year 9 98.1%
Year 10 97%
Praise & Recognition - Awards assemblies are fast approaching! Merits
Other awards
Within each form, awards will be handed out for Bravery, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Discovery, Grit, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Discipline as well as for Personal Progress. Last but by no means least, there will be awards for Enrichment, Reading, Community Spirit, Highest Attainment and Most Progress as well as the new Cultural Passport Award. Year 7 C S T W N I E A
294 215 191 168 147 142 44 34
Year 8 N C A S T I E W
272 260 249 248 242 203 181 156
Year 9 T S E C N W A I
261 168 132 131 106 100 66 37
Year 10 N W S E T I A C
154 152 96 92 84 66 61 0
Ahmed Al-Khafaji Award (Peer Commendation Award) Ahmed was well known for being kind, for helping others and for being extremely polite. He was also someone known for his hard work and absorption; the idea, therefore, is that the winner should be someone that encapsulated one of these qualities in that week.
Year 7: Sunil Mann 7T Year 8: to be announced next week Year 9: to be announced next week Year 10: Charisma Patel, 10E
Good Deed Feed
Ms Rayner: Awais in 10T gave up his time to translate for new student Bianca during a Drama rehearsal after school this week (he is not in the same group). Mr Healey: Rajan Virdee- Came in at 7:30am to train the handball team and also came along to their match to help manage the Girls team. Ms Coates: Kaiya and Jodie in Year 8 – really good at sharing ideas and helping each other catch up with any missed work. Jennifer Byrne Year 9 Pastoral Leader, i/c Praise and Recognition
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Unauthorised Absence Dear parents and carers, We are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of students taking unauthorised leave as a result of needing to travel abroad due to family emergencies as we approach school holiday time. We make our expectations about attendance very clear when we ask parents/ carers to sign our home-academy agreement. We do not authorise absence for anything other than an exceptional circumstance during term time and we would not authorise any travel abroad for an extended period of time, taken for any reason, especially when we are about to have 17 days of school holiday. We appreciate that travel abroad is more expensive during holiday periods, but as parents/carers you would rightly have expectations that as a staff team we would not take an early holiday at the detriment of your child’s education, to take advantage of a cheaper air fare. We do issue penalty notices for all unauthorised absence and your child’s place on roll at Isaac Newton Academy is at risk where a leave of absence is taken. We thank you for demonstrating commitment to the importance of your child’s education and progress by ensuring that your child has 100% attendance, and any travel happens during school holiday time.
Leanne Abbott-Jones Lead Pastoral Leader
Increase in price of school meals from April 2016 Having held the price of £2.10 for a school meal since January 2014, we will be increasing the cost to £2.20 with effect from April 2016. We will continue to provide a healthy school meal which includes a main course (halal, non halal and vegetarian option) and salad bar and a desert. We are currently reviewing the menu and will issue a new menu cycle at the beginning of the new term. Please can you ensure that your child’s account is topped up at the beginning of each week in order to ensure sufficient funds are available for their school meal and any additional snacks Many thanks
Helen Chamberlain
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Key Dates for the Spring and Summer Term 2015: Secondary Spring Term Monday 4th January - Thursday 24th March Saturday 19th March Monday 21st March Wednesday 23rd March Thursday 24th March
Biology Saturday Stretch: Southampton University Year 8 Big Band Competition Spring Concert Awards Assemblies. End of Term. Half day.
Summer Term Monday 11th April - Wednesday 20th July Half Term 30th May - 3rd June INSET days: Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th June, Friday 8th July Tuesday 12th April Wednesday 13th April Monday 18th April Wednesday 20th April Friday 29th April Wednesday 4th May Thursday 5th May Friday 6th May Friday 6th May Wednesday 11th May Tuesday 17th May Wednesday 18th May Thursday 19th May Friday 20th May Monday 23rd May Wednesday 25th May Wednesday 25th May Friday 27th May Friday 27th May
HPV vaccines Year 8 Three Musketeers Show for Year 7s MFL Shaking Up Shakespeare Secondary Parent Numeracy Workshop Speak out Challenge Final Sept 2016 new Reception Parents’ Information Evening Year 7 to Oxford University Year 10 Maths Challenge Year 7s to Rochester Year 11s & Parents Work Experience Evening Primary Sports Day BRIDGES mentoring. No lessons in the afternoon Year 10 Geography fieldwork at Stratford Year 10 Geography fieldwork at Stratford Year 7s to Rochester Year 10 Science controlled assessments New Year 6 Parents’ Information Evening Music Recital Year 10 Geography Field Trip to Wales
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