The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

The Petchey Academy

NEWSLETTER Summer 2022

Students proudly hold their hard-earned golden tickets.

Hottest tickets in town!

THE school is a buzz with our recently introduced golden tickets scheme - with students rewarded for their hard work.

It’s the talk of the town because there are some amazing prizes up for grabs, including a PlayStation 5.

Introduced this term, the tickets are awarded for good behaviour, punctuality, hard work and contribution in each class.

The golden tickets will go into a raffle with the first prize taking home the state-ofthe-art games console.

Other prizes available include vouchers for Amazon and Nando’s and local food outlet Creams, as well as AirPod headphones.

Students say the new rewards programme has inspired them to work harder, behave better and communicate more effectively.

Year 7 student Mutaalli has three golden tickets already but is aiming for more by the time the draw is made.

He said: “Everyone is talking about the tickets because we know that we can win a PlayStation 5, which is incredible.”

“It has had such a big impact on behaviour because everyone wants a golden ticket so they can have more chances to win.”

Year 7 Zakwaan said: “The students who used to get in trouble are now getting golden tickets, so it has totally changed how everyone behaves in class.”

“We all want to win but more than that it’s a more positive place because instead

Prizes up for grabs as golden tickets reward hard work and good behaviour...

The golden ticket scheme has had a positive effect on students.

of getting in trouble for bad behaviour you are being rewarded for good behaviour.”

Headteacher Mr Deria said: “Instead of punishing students for poor behaviour, we want to encourage them to behave positively and be rewarded.”

“The golden ticket scheme has contributed significantly to the school becoming a calm, orderly and welcoming learning environment.”

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It has had such a big impact on behaviour because everyone wants a golden ticket...

Student, Mutaalli

MORE ONLINE AT petcheyacademy.org.uk

Making changes for the greater good

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HEADTEACHER, Omar Deria, reflects on his first term in charge of The Petchey Academy.

I would like to start with a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff, students and families who have made me feel so welcome as the new headteacher at this school.

To use a footballing analogy, I see this school as a sleeping giant which has previously underperformed but has the capacity to be truly great.

I have only been here a few months, but it is clear that there is no shortage of talent, passion and creativity among our students.

Your children may have told you about what they may have described as the strict new rules at the school.

It is true, we have extremely high expectations of behaviour. Only in a calm and orderly learning environment do students feel safe and are able to thrive academically.

The next step is to challenge our staff to deliver outstanding lessons to every student in every class.

With a focus on academic achievement, our students can attain the exam results they will need to set them on the path to the top universities and the most sought-after professions.

They will face challenges, challenges that as someone who shares a similar background to the students at this school, I understand.

I was educated in east London and have trodden the same paths, faced the same challenges, overcome the obstacles they will have to overcome to succeed.

The right education has the capacity to change lives, to lift communities, to create belief and high expectations.

Finally, I operate an open-door policy, and encourage families to make an appointment to meet with me in person.

It just remains for me to wish you all a restful summer break. We will see you again in September.

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Group scoops prize for tackling issue BRIGHT students have won a prestigious citizenship competition after coming up with a scheme to help end period poverty among the homeless.

The Year 12 sixth formers were tasked with tackling a real-world social issue for the London-wide Envision Community Apprentice Programme.

The eight-strong team spent 24 weeks working with mentors before coming up with a strategy to help women in local shelters.

They have also been campaigning in school and using social media to spread the word about period poverty and to bust myths about the menstrual cycle.

They hand delivered over 350 sanitary items to homeless shelters across Hackney as part of the community action project.

The team were crowned winners of the competition after impressing judges at the online final recently.

Student Aisha said: “It is an issue that in certain communities is not discussed, and we want to change that.”

“From my personal experience, boys and girls do not discuss periods in a family situation which is crazy because we share the same space.”

Shakira said: “I found this experience a massive learning curve because there were lots of things around periods that I did not even know.”

“We wanted to help those who are the most vulnerable. That is why we chose to help women in homeless shelters.”

Student Yusuf said: “In the beginning, it was quite awkward to talk about it among the boys and girls, but we knew we had chosen the right project.”

“My personal experience is that boys and girls in the same family do not have these types of discussions. We need to work hard at changing that.”

Other students who took part in the competition were Tobi, Ancha, Kyle, Oyinda, Fareed and Aisha.

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Team recognised for highlighting period poverty among women living in shelters...

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The team proudly display their award for helping women in homeless shelters.

We wanted to help those who are the most vulnerable.

That is why we chose to help women in homeless shelters...

Student, Shakira

Stars shine bright TWO of our support staff were nominated for awards for supporting our students.

Inclusion manager Ms Webb and librarian Ms Kirk were put forward for the Hackney Stars awards.

The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

Marking such a special day is a proud moment Student Liaison Manager, Leonie Stokes, talks about the importance of marking Windrush Day...

IT was with great pride that the school marked Windrush Day this term.

Many of the men and women who arrived in the UK on the Empire Windrush from the Caribbean, will be relatives of the students at this school, or will be part of our local community.

They included soldiers, doctors, nurses, teachers, students, transit workers, artists, politicians, and athletes, invited to help rebuild Britain after the ravages of two world wars.

Despite facing challenges upon arrival, they played an important role in shaping the country we live in today, making a crucial contribution to Leonie Stokes, pictured, says it is important we recognise the contribution made by those arriving in the UK after the two World Wars by marking Windrush Day. every aspect of society.

As a culturally diverse school, it is important that our students feel their own heritage and background is recognised and celebrated.

Karate Club has That is the way you help to build an inclusive, helped students diverse and welcoming learning environment so build confidence everyone feels safe and supported. and self-discipline.

Whilst recognition of Windrush is a national issue, for us as a school it is also another way we can celebrate the contribution of the Caribbean community. These people shaped our environment by setting-up businesses and sharing culturOUR students have been sharpening their al influences such as music, food and fashion. language, as well as their combat skills, at That influence is clear to see when you walk Karate Club. around the streets near the school; Hackney The students have been learning to count has become a hub for different nationalities and and say hello in a variety of languages while cultures. We are very pleased we are able to share also learning key martial arts moves. that celebration of diversity at our school.

They now know their Choku Zuki from their Mae Ger thanks to special classes in Japanese run by teacher and black belt third dan, Ms Burton.

Year 7 student, Andreas, said: “When I joined the school, I wanted to get involved in as many clubs as possible and one of my friends recommend this one.”

“It helps to build confidence, not just in combat, but also with academics because we learn languages as part of the class.”

Ms Burton added: “Karate builds confidence and self-discipline, both great life skills to be successful in education.”

Languages given karate kick-start

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It is important our students feel their own heritage and background is recognised and celebrated...

The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

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Imani’s on track for Olympic dream BUDDING Olympian, Imani, will test herself against the best in the country after sprinting to victory in the 80m hurdles.

The sporty youngster clocked a highly impressive 12.07 seconds to take first place at the London Schools Athletics meet.

This summer, she will compete against youngsters from across the UK in a national competition held in Birmingham.

Imani comes from a sporting family, with her brother a youth player at Arsenal and her mum a basketball player.

She runs for a professional club and hopes to one day compete for Team GB at

the Olympics.

She said: “The national school’s competition is a real showcase for the best athletes in the country. If I can do well there then the chances are that I will be noticed.”

“It is great to be one of the best in London but the big step is competing against the best in the UK. Then I can see what level I am at and how far I can go.”

“There is a rich heritage of sport in the family with my brother and my mum.”

“I’m excited to get to Birmingham and try to push it to the next level.”

Imani is preparing to compete in a national athletics competition.

Determined boys show real team spirit

The Year 10 boys’ football team came close to winning the Inner London final.

OUR boys’ Year 10 football team played with spirit and determination to reach the final of an inner London competition — but narrowly missed out on victory.

They lost 4-1 in a tough game against fellow East London team, Kingsdale, who had previously been to the final of the national championships.

Captain and striker Nnameka fired the team to the final, scoring nine goals in five matches, while goalkeeper Mayowa performed heroics in penalty shootouts in early rounds.

Nnameka, who also trains with QPR, said: “It was a real team effort. We had been to semi-finals before but never the final, so to get there together was a real achievement.

“Of course, we are very disappointed but we are still really pleased to have made it this far. We played against a very good team, so we have to accept the defeat.”

PE teacher and team coach, Mr Hudson, said: “I am very proud of this team and how they have behaved and performed throughout this tournament.”

“They have created a very special bond and real spirit between them, which has been the foundation of their success. My input his been minimal, they have done it all themselves.”

Table tennis duo prove to be a big hit HACKNEY table tennis is dominated by The Petchey Academy with our students placing first and second in the recent borough-wide competition.

Year 10 pupil Kuba edged out friend, and fellow Petchey student Muhammad 11-9 in a very close match to be crowned the Hackney champion.

The pair beat students from across the borough to face off in the U16s final in the early part of this term.

Kuba said: “It was great to be named the best in the borough and to win the championship in Hackney. It was a proud moment.”

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“Muhammad is my friend, but there’s not friendship in competition, so I was happy to win. It was a very close-fought game.”

Muhammad added: “It was disappointing not to win but I am glad Kuba won it, if it wasn’t me. I want to get a chance to play again to see if I can win it next time.”

Both represented the borough at the London Youth Games held at the Redbridge Sports centre, where they finished a very respectable tenth.

The girls’ Hackney team, made up of two Petchey students Yasmin and Gulenay, finished fifth.

Kuba and Muhammed reached the borough table tennis final.

The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

Young beekeepers get a taste for honey Club gives our students the chance to learn about bees and the honeymaking process...

THE buzz at The Petchey Academy is sweet and delicious thanks to the bees kept on the school roof since 2015.

Ms Kirk, the librarian, is also our very experienced school beekeeper, and runs a beekeeping club for up to six students.

Students are given an introduction to beekeeping and hands-on experience of managing a hive.

From April to July the hives are inspected weekly to check on the health and wellbeing of the bees.

Students always love spotting the elusive Queen bee!

Of course, protective clothing is worn by all taking part in the club.

In a productive year, one hive can produce as much as 70 jars of honey.

Year 8 student Alliat said: “When I found out beekeeping was one of the clubs on offer, I decided that I had to try it out.

It’s amazing!”

Students are encouraged to learn more about honey production at Beekeeping Club.

TOP TWEET

Our helpful student ambassadors.

Author, Simon James Green (inset), took an assembly and a creative writing workshop. He was delighted to sample some of the school’s delicious honey.

Awesome ambassadors offer excellent support Our Year 8 student ambassadors are helping students feel safe and supported at school.

They also talk to their peers about school and report back to teachers.

They came through a selection process which included completing an application and interview. They are split between school and mental health ambassadors.

Year 8 pupil Kyle said: “It is really good because we can talk to the students and then tell the teachers how everyone at the school is feeling.”

“The students feel like their voice is being listened to and the teachers know what is going on in the school so it’s good for everyone.”

Mental Health Ambassador, Shanish, said: “Sometimes students feel like there are certain topics they can’t talk to their teachers about so instead they talk to one of us.”

“It is so important for the students to feel they have a safe place to go to when they are at school. It’s good for me too because I like helping.”

MORE NEWS ONLINE AT petcheyacademy.org.uk The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

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Baroness inspirational STUDENTS were inspired to follow their dreams after taking part in a question and answer session with Baroness Amos.

Valerie Amos was the first black woman to serve as a cabinet minister as the Secretary of State for International Development under then Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

She is also the first black person to lead a college at Oxford University, a former diplomat and leader of the House of Lords.

Year 12 students quizzed her path into a political career during a remote talk this term.

Student Akayla said: “She was so inspiring because she has been the first black person to achieve lots of things in the UK, including the first to be in the cabinet.”

“As a young person you see someone like that and see how she has achieved and you feel that you can also follow your own dreams.”

Baroness Amos inspired our students with her advice and achievements.

Speakers are up to the challenge

Speakers Megi and Anjola earned praise from the Speak Out Challenge judges.

STUDENTS left the stage to rapturous applause at the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge after giving impassioned talks.

Year 10 students Anjola and Megi narrowly missed out on a prize despite impressing the judges at the public speaking competition for Hackney Schools.

Megi spoke about the harassment of children, while Anjola talked about microaggressions against black people.

The self-penned and delivered one-minute talks earned praise from the panel of judges after coming close to making the top three.

The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge is the world’s biggest youth speaking event with communication skills training delivered by the Speakers Trust.

Megi said: “It was a bit nerve-wracking to begin with but it was something I am very glad I did. It is a topic not spoken about enough, so was glad I chose it.”

“The Speak Out Challenge is great because it gives young people a chance to talk about matters that are important to them.”

Anjola said: “The Speak Out Challenge is excellent for building confidence.”

“I want to be a lawyer when I get older, so this is exactly the type of skill I will need in my career.”

Students gain interview experience STUDENTS learned how to impress during job interviews at a workshop run to boost employability skills.

They were taught about the importance of eye contact, body language and presentation during the session run by charity Talk the Talk.

Year 12, Mohammed, said: “These sessions were great because most of the students in the class had never experienced a job interview situation.”

“It means when the real things happen, we will be better prepared for it.”

“The thing that stuck out for me was to learn from mistakes and not get downhearted.”

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A group at the Talk the Talk session.

The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

Student takes to iconic stage Recitals provide amazing experience...

Mohammed really enjoyed the experience of taking to the stage at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Year 11 Mohammed represented school at the finals of the national Poetry by Heart competition for the second time in a row.

He earned high praise from the judges for his rendition of Rouen by May Wedderburn Cannan, a very long poem with many memorisation challenges.

He said “I had done my chemistry GCSE in the morning and then in the afternoon I performed on the stage of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Being on stage was an empowering, fun, and cathartic experience”, a memory he will cherish.

Librarian Ms Kirk said “We spent a fabulous day celebrating poetry, watching the finalists and invited poets perform, with the UK Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage closing the event.”

School submitted four entries to the competition, with two students Temar and Christine being awarded Highly Commended and Julian Commended.

Year 7 student Christine spoke about her experience of taking part in the school heats and being filmed reciting We Real Cool by Gwendolyn Brooks for entry to the national competition: “I have found that since I got involved

with this project my confidence has improved hugely.”

“I now feel confident talking in class, whereas before I didn’t. The actual experience was really nerve-wracking and I was quite shy but I felt ok when I was performing the poem.”

The competition will take place next year, so why not set yourself the challenge of learning a poem by heart.

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Being on stage was an empowering, fun, and cathartic experience. Thank you to the school for supporting me...

Student, Mohammed

The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022

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Fundraising campaign will help school environment GREEN fingered students are aiming to make the school a more attractive environment for animals and humans as part of Sustainability Club.

They are currently fundraising to buy plants and recycling bins for the playground as well as making a bird box.

They have also been working with the grounds keeper to improve the environment with the £200 they have raised from running a tuck shop for peers.

Student Nhi said: “My favourite part of the project has been making the bird box in design technology class. Really can’t wait to put it out and see the animals come and stay.”

Student Fortune said: “I love the sustainability club because it is so much fun working with the other students to make the school a more environmentally friendly place.”

Student Jaiahrae said: “I have also been working on the bird box. I have learned so many different things about the environment since I started working on these projects.”

The club takes place every Thursday lunchtime at 12.40pm, and is run by Science teacher Mrs Bloxham.

She said: “Our students are really engaged in issues around sustainability. They are the future so it is important that they understand the importance of the natural world and their environment.”

Pedal power raises money for Amnesty STUDENTS have been fundraising for Amnesty International after researching the work they do to support refugees’ families.

The ASDAN group for students with additional needs took part in a charity bike ride with staff also getting involved.

Around 70 staff and students took turns to collectively cycle 156.3 miles – the equivalent of biking from London to Manchester.

They raised just over £500, which was matched by The Jack Petchey Foundation, meaning the charity received more than £1,000.

Student Lloyd said: “I was very proud of myself and the group. We raised lots of money for a very good charity.”

“When we read about how they help families who really need it, we decided that was the charity we wanted to help.”

Ms Stokes said: “They showed teamwork and kind hearts. It has given them an insight into how organisations help refugees who really need assistance.”

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PICTURE

Year 7 and Year 8 students used a trip to the National Gallery, in Central London, as inspiration for their creative writing skills.

PARADE

OUR students at the deaf support base attended a talk by Royal National Institute for Deaf People advocate, Annie Harris. She inspired our students with her experience of growing up deaf and how she overcame barriers.

TOP TWEET

WE said a fond farewell to our Year 11 students at the leavers’ assembly recently, pictured above and below left.

MICHAEL recieved a prized golden ticket from our deaf support base.

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STUDENTS got a boost to their future career prospects after taking part in the Get Ready for WEX programme run by Inspire.

The Petchey Academy Newsletter Summer 2022