SVF Focus Spring 2018

EXCITING ENGLISH PAGES 3, 4 AND 5

Spring Term 2018

EXTRA CURRICULAR PAGES 6, 7 AND 8

THE TERMLY MAGAZINE OF THE SEATON VALLEY FEDERATION

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SPRING 2018

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JOHN BARNES WELCOME

ATTENDANCE FOCUS WITH DAVID BICKERDIKE

Welcome

David Bickerdike has been a Parent Governor of the Seaton Valley Federation for a number of years. With a professional background in pastoral care in education, David serves on the Pupil Support Committee, and has recently been elected chair of this sub-committee.

Welcome to the spring edition of SVF Focus.

In this issue we look at English and extracurricular activities across the federation and find out about what’s been happening in each of our schools.

As you may be aware Seaton Sluice Middle School received an inspection from Ofsted on 31 January. I am pleased to say that after spending a day in the school they decided that the school was still good and safeguarding was effective. I am very pleased with this outcome as it reflects all the hard work the staff and pupils have put in at SSMS. For more details please see the report which is on the school website: www.seatonsluice.northumberland.sch.uk As always the federation continues to move forward.

This term Y9 and Y11 began the process of choosing their options for next year. Mock exams have taken place for Sixth Form students. For Y11 and Y6 the pressure that goes with the upcoming summer exams increases as everyone tries to ensure that the students do their very best.

Also this term, World Book Day activities have taken place with staff and students really enjoying the day and re-engaging with the joy that is reading. I would strongly urge you to encourage your children to read outside of school as research shows that this has such an impact on how well children do when they sit their exams.

As always I am very grateful for all the support that I and the federation schools receive from my wonderful staff, the outstanding students and the community as we continue on our journey to being outstanding in all we do.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the SVF Focus and wish you and everyone associated with the federation all the best for the rest of the year.

John Barnes Executive Headteacher Seaton Valley Federation

SPRING 2018

He is looking forward to continuing to improve outcomes for pupils through this role and says: “In my view, two of the most important aspects of students’ attitudes are behaviour and attendance. Without appropriate behaviour for learning, no one can fulfil their potential educationally. ‘Good’ attendance is sometimes misunderstood; if you get 90% in a test or exam, you’d think you had done very well, and you would probably be right. 90% attendance however, represents an average of a day off every fortnight, and is actually unacceptably poor! Nobody in employment could hold down a job taking a day off every two weeks, and similarly, anything less than excellent attendance will inevitably have an adverse effect on progress at school.”

INTRODUCING THE SCHOOL GATEWAY PAYMENT FEATURE Following the launch of School Gateway in January, we are now introducing the School Gateway payments feature.

This means that you will be able to make online payments for school meals via the School Gateway smartphone app or website. You will also be able to view school meal balances and top them up at any time. We will notify you by text or email when new items such as school trips or tickets for events are also available for payment on School Gateway.

Aside from saving the school time and money on administration, School Gateway will also make it easier for parents to pay any time 24-7 and reduce the amount of cash being carried by children on school premises.

Term Dates SEATON VALLEY FEDERATION Easter holiday School finishes on Thursday 29 March and reopens on Tuesday 17 April 2018. Monday 16 April is a teacher training day.

Mid-summer term holiday School finishes on Friday 25 May and reopens on Monday 4 June 2018.

Summer holiday School finishes on Friday 20 July and reopens on Tuesday 4 September 2018.

Monday 3 September is a teacher training day.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO NOW...

If you haven’t done so already...activate your School Gateway account. It’s quick and easy to do. All you need are your email address and mobile number that school holds on record for you.

Download the app: If you have a smartphone, please download School Gateway from your app store (Android and iPhone).

The app shows the same information as the website PLUS it saves the school money when we send you a text message.

OR If you’re having trouble logging in, it may be because the school doesn’t have your current email and mobile phone number on record. Please call the school and we’ll update the details on our system.

We hope that you will find School Gateway to be a fast and easy way to pay for school items.

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EXCITING ENGLISH

ENGLISH AT SSMS

We have an English lesson every day at Seaton Sluice Middle School and we try really hard to make them interesting and enjoyable. As well as focusing on developing skills in reading, writing, spelling and grammar, our lessons include drama, Dragons’ Den, model making, group presentations and a whole lot more.

We study a wide range of genres including whole class novels by significant modern authors such as Roald Dahl, Michael Morpurgo and Louis Sachar as well as older literature by writers such as Shakespeare, Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling and World War 1 Poets. We try to encourage reading for pleasure and every day, after lunch, we have 15 minutes ERIC (Everyone Read in Class) where pupils read from their own choice of book, have a class novel read to them by their teacher or listen to an audiobook.

Every Spring Term we have World Book Day - this year we all dressed up as book characters, took part in a whole school quiz and completed a sponsored read.

This term, we have also been extremely lucky to see the return of Kev Sutherland, a graphic artist who has written and drawn for The Beano, Marvel Comics, Doctor Who Adventures and many more. He was last here in the Autumn Term and really inspired some of our pupils with his graphic designs. I know a new group of pupils are looking forward to working with him this time.

Mrs McSparron

SPRING 2018

Mrs McSparron Mrs McSparron grew up in Blyth and went to Ridley High School (now Bede Academy). She studied English, French, Geography and General Studies at A level before going on to study English Language and Literature at the University of Lancaster. She then completed a PGCE at Newcastle University to become a teacher.

Coincidentally, her first teaching job was at Seaton Sluice Middle School, where she was a Y5 teacher for three years. She then gave up work and went travelling around the world for a year. When she returned, she worked in several middle schools in Ashington, Morpeth and Alnwick, before returning to SSMS as Head of English in 2007 and then Assistant Head in 2009.

Q.Whatdidyouwanttobewhenyouweregrowingup?

A.WhenIwasjustalittlegirl,likemanyotherlittlegirls,Ialways wantedtobeanairstewardess(cabincrew)andIusedtodressupin mymum’shighheelsandservedrinkstomydolls!Ialwayswantedto beateachertoo.MyDadandGrandmawereteachersandtheyusedto bringmeoldschoolrecordbooksandregisterssoIcouldplayschools.

Mypoordollsalsohadtoendurehoursoflessons!

Q.Whatjobwouldyouhavelikedtodoifyouhadn'tbecomeateacher?

A.Iwouldreallyliketohavebeenapolicewoman.Iamfascinatedby crimestoriesandforensicsandwouldlovetohavebeenadetective (althoughIknowtherealityofthejobisnothinglikewhat’sonTV!) Q.Whatisthemostimportantlessonlifehastaughtyou?

A.Feelthefearanddoitanyway!Everyonefeelsscaredofdoingnew thingsbutifyougrityourteethandgivesomethingago,itmakesyou feelsogoodaboutyourselfwhenyou’resuccessful.

Q.Whatsongdoyousingintheshower?

A.IlovesongsfromthemusicalssuchasPhantomoftheOperaorLes Miserables,soifIamsingingintheshower,itwouldprobablybeoneof those,oranAdelesong.(Allsungextremelybadly,Imightadd!)

Q.WhatisyourfavouriteEnglishsubject?

A.Ilovereading.Therearesomanyfantasticbooksandauthorsto discoverandIcan’timaginenotbeingabletoescapeintoabookat somepointeveryday!

Q.Whatisthescariestthingyou’veeverdone?

A.WhenItravelledroundtheworld,ItravelledthroughIndia,Nepal, Thailand,Singapore,Bali,Lombok,Australia,NewZealand,Fiji, AmericaandCanada.Thereweresomescarymomentsduringthatbut alsosomeamazingandawesomeexperiencestoo,suchastrekking alongtheBurmeseborderandscubadivinginAustralia.Ireturned homeayearlater,verymuchpoorermoney-wise,butsomuchricher inexperience!

Q.Whatthreethingswouldyoutaketoadesertisland?

A. Scubaequipment,plentyofbooksandahammock!

Q.WhathasbeenthehighlightofyourtimesofarworkingatSSMS? A. I’veenjoyedallaspectsofmytimeatSeatonSluice.Thepupilsand staffherearefantastic.Idon’tthinkIhaveeverworkedinahappier school.SomeofthehighlightshavebeenvisitstoLondon,WorldBook DayquizzesandtheyearlyFunRun. Q.HowdoyouimagineEnglishatSSMSinthefuture?

A. IwouldliketodevelopreadingforpleasureatSeatonSluiceandwe hopetobegettinganewlibraryheresothatpupilscanexperience goingtothelibraryinlessonsandchoosingbookstoreadforpleasure.

Readingisalife-longskillandonewhichissocentraltoeverything.I wantouryoungpeopletofeelfullypreparedfortheiradultlivesby havingthereadingskillsthey’llneedforthefuture.

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EXCITING ENGLISH ENGLISH AT WMS

At Whytrig, our main aim in English is for children to develop an enthusiasm and – dare we say it – a love for the subject. You’re going to be much more successful in a lesson if you enjoy it! So we try to make activities varied: some weeks we might focus on reading tasks; another week on developing writing; and at other times, the focus might be on speaking and listening. For example, Y7 pupils are due to prepare and present a two minute talk on a topic of their choice.

Last year, subjects included dancing, exotic birds and dinosaurs!

As far as writing tasks go, there are several that we really enjoy reading. My favourite, however, is the letter from the trenches which Y8 write. It always amazes me that young teenagers can use empathy to write so poignantly. Even OFSTED was particularly impressed by these letters the last time they visited. So they MUST have been good!

Successful reading test scores and high writing marks are great. But what’s even better is to hear, as I did recently, children say things like, “I didn’t used to like English; it’s my favourite lesson now.” Result!

Mrs Rutter

SPRING 2018

Mrs Linney Mrs Linney was born and bred in bonny Blyth. She attended Plessey Road First School, Wensleydale Middle School and then finally moved onto Ridley High School – all of which have been knocked down! After A Levels, Mrs Linney stayed close to home and did a degree in English, Drama and Comparative Literature. When she finished her degree, she still did not know what she wanted to do, so she took ‘a year out’ and worked in Fenwicks in Newcastle. She worked in many different departments, before being trained on the switch board, where she got to speak to the many Mr Fenwicks! It was during this time that she decided she wanted to be an English Teacher. She applied to Newcastle University and was accepted onto the Secondary PGCE in English and Drama. And here we are now…

Q.Whatdidyouwanttobewhenyouweregrowingup?

A.Iusedtochangemymindeveryday!SometimesIwantedtobea nurse(becausethat’swhatmymamdid);sometimesIwantedtobean actress(becauseI’mverydramatic!);sometimesitwasashopkeeper.I didgothroughaphase(formorethanaday)ofwantingtobealawyer ordetective,becauseIwasobsessedwithColumbo.OnethingIdo know,Ineverdreamedofbeingateacher!

Q.Whatjobwouldyouhavelikedtodoifyouhadn'tbecomeateacher?

A.Asolicitororadetective.IthinkIwouldhavebeengood!Ora professionalshopper!Iloveagoodshop!

Q.Whatisthemostimportantlessonlifehastaughtyou?

A.Timewaitsfornoman!Honestly,asIgetolder,thetimeseemstogo somuchfaster.IcanrememberthinkingtimewentsoslowlywhenI wasateenager–couldn’twaittobe18,then21,then22…nowIwishI was17again!IthinkthebiggestthingIhavelearntabouttimeisthat youneedtoenjoyeveryminuteofit,havefunandbehappy,butmake themostofit,becausetimeistheonethingyoudefinitelycan’tgetback.

Sadly.

Q.Whatthreethingswouldyoutaketoadesertisland?

A.Oooh…toughone…ObviouslyIshouldsaymyfamily–butIreckon theywouldcomeandfindmeanyway…(hopefully!)1.Makeup.

Definitely.Can’tleavethehousewithoutit–ever!2.Myguitar–itgotme throughsometoughtimeswhenIwasgrowingupandIloveagoodole singsong.3.Mybestmates-all11ofthem–I’vebeenfriendswith themforover30yearsandIcouldn’timagineeverbeingwithoutthem.

Soppy,Iknow!

Q.Whatsongdoyousingintheshower?

A.Anythingandeverything!AndInormallygettoldoffbecauseIam LOUD! Q.WhatisyourfavouritethingaboutEnglish?

A.Ilovehowonepieceofwritingcanmeansomanydifferentthingsto differentpeople.Ilovehowyoucanusesimplethingslikewords,to createexcitingadventuresandthattherearesomanypossibilitiesof whatyoucanwrite.I’vealwayslovedEnglish–there’ssomethinginit foreveryone!

Q.WhatdoyouenjoymostaboutworkingatWMS? A.Idon’tthinkthereisonethinginparticular.Ihaveonlyworkedinone otherschool,andthatwasonlyformyfirsttermasanNQT–therestof myyearsasateacherhavebeeninWMS–it’sallIknow,andIdon’t haveanyplansonleaving…

Q.HowdoyouimagineEnglishatWMSinthefuture?

A.Iknowitwillcontinuebeingthefunsubjectitalwayshasbeen.Every year,wearetryingnewschemesofworkandadoptingnew approachestothesubject.Whoknowswhatthefutureholds…Ijust hopeIaminvolvedinit!

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EXCITING ENGLISH

ENGLISH AT ACHS

As always, we are very busy in the English department this term.

Y9 are well on their way with their GCSE English Language and Literature skills. In their Literature lessons they are analysing GCSE poems from our Power and Conflict cluster looking primarily at war poetry and finding connections through the poets’ thematic, language and structural choices. In Language, they are writing persuasively at GCSE level as well as building on their reading skills through a variety of non-fiction texts.

Y10 are also analysing GCSE poetry and developing skills around how to write about pairs of poems successfully at GCSE level. They soon will have formal assessments to test their progress.

Y11 have been responding to their feedback from their trial examinations and making progress by approaching more GCSE questions. As they don’t have long left until the real exams, they have been revising their Literature texts and attending revisions classes before and after school. These extra classes will continue right through until the examination period and are there to support independent revision.

Y12 Literature students are currently enjoying ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ by Thomas Hardy as they prepare for their AS Level exam on the genre of Tragedy. Y13 are very busy as they are producing coursework portfolios as well as revising Tragedy and studying crime texts.

Miss Chadkirk

SPRING 2018

Miss Chadkirk Miss Chadkirk grew up locally and attended George Stephenson High School in Killingworth where she studied English Literature, Biology and History at Advanced Level. She went on to study English Literature at degree level at Northumbria University in Newcastle which she thoroughly enjoyed. She trained to be a teacher by completing a Post Graduate course in English and Drama at Newcastle University completing placements at Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Thomas Hepburn High Schools. Once qualified, she joined the English department at Astley and has been here ever since.

During her time at Astley, Miss Chadkirk has had a variety of roles including Head of Y11 but now she works as Head of the English Faculty.

Q.Whatdidyouwanttobewhenyouweregrowingup?

A.Tobehonest,Ican’treallyrememberspecificallyhoweverIdoknowI didn’tknowIwantedtoteachuntilIwasstudyingformyALevels.My Englishteacherwasveryinspirationalandpassionateaboutthe subject.Herloveforteachingwascontagious.Itwasbecauseofherthat IdecidedtostudyEnglishatuniversityandthengointoteaching.Iwasa keenhorseriderasachildsoIprobablywantedajobintheequestrian fieldatsomepointwhenIwasgrowingup.

Q.Whatjobwouldyouhavelikedtodoifyouhadn'tbecomeateacher?

A.Again,I’mnotsurebutitwoulddefinitelyincludeworkingwithyoung peoplelocally.Iwouldprobablyhavebeenayouthworkerorsomething similar.

Q.Whatisthemostimportantlessonlifehastaughtyou?

A.Nevergiveup.Lifecantakeyoudownsomedifficultpathswith difficultdecisionstomake.Sometimesthingsarechallengingandthe easyrouteistogiveuphowever,determination,motivationand perseveranceisamuchmorerewardingpathtotake.Itmakesyoua strongerpersononthewhole.

Q.Whatisyourfavouritebooktoteach?

A.ThisisareallyhardquestionasIloveteachingallofthesettextsfor differentreasons.Ihavereallyenjoyedteaching‘AChristmasCarol’to myY10classrecentlyastheyreallygottogripswithDickens’styleand themoralmessageswithin.IlovethecontextofVictorianEnglandand theCratchitfamilyandwhattheyrepresent.Ialsoloveteaching‘The GreatGatsby’byF.ScottFitzgeraldatALevelbecauselikewith‘A ChristmasCarol’,IlovethecontextofTheRoaringTwentieshowever thisisnolongerpartofourteachingprogramme.AsIalsolovehistory,I loveresearchingthecontextofournovels,playsandpoemsandlove bringingthiselementintomyteaching.

Q.Whatisyourfavouritebooktoreadforpleasure?

A.Well,Idon’treallygetalotoftimetoreadforpleasureatthemoment however,Idoenjoystorytimeathomewithmytwodaughters.Atthe momentwearereading‘RoomontheBroom‘byJuliaDonaldsonover andoveragainaswellas‘Supertato’.Thesearearealescapefromthe complexsettextsourstudentshavetostudy!Wespendabout30 minuteseverynightreadingtogether.

Q.HowdoyouimagineEnglishatACHSinthefuture?

A.WiththenewspecificationsandGCSEgradingswellunderway,I thinkthefutureisbright.Wearebuildingupongoodresultsandhavea fantasticteamofstaffsupportingouryoungpeople.

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SPRING 2018

GCSE 9-1 GRADES If you have children in Y11 taking GCSEs this year, many of their results will be reported on the new grade scale which runs from 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest grade). You can find out more about the new grade scheme on our website:

http://www.astleyhigh.org/parents/ gcse-grading-changes

EXTRA CURRICULAR PE CLUBS The following PE clubs run after school. They’re FREE! Try a new sport, meet new people and have fun!

Please note: All activities are subject to change.

Timetable for SSMS Students

Day

Activity

Year Groups

Time

Venue

Monday

Y8 Showcase

Y8

3.30-4.30pm

Hall

Monday

Netball

All ages

3.30-4.30pm

Yard

Tuesday

Girls’ Rugby Club

Y7, 8

3.30-4.30pm

Field

Tuesday

Dance

Y5, 6, 7

3.30-4.30pm

Hall

Thursday

Y8 Showcase

Y8

3.30-4.30pm

Yard

Skipping

Y5

3.30-4.30pm

Hall

Day

Activity

Year Groups

Time

Venue

Tuesday

Swim Club

Y7, 8

3.45-4.30pm

Swimming Pool

Tuesday

Girls’ Netball

Y5, 6, 7, 8

3.30-4.30pm

Gym

Wednesday

Futsal

Y5, 6, 7, 8

3.30-4.30pm

Sports Hall

Thursday

Girls’ Rugby Club

Y7, 8

3.45-4.30pm

Field

Friday

Dodgeball

Y5, 6, 7, 8

3.30-4.30pm

Sports Hall

Day

Activity

Year Groups

Time

Venue

Tuesday

Swimming

Y9, 10, 11, 12, 13

3.05-3.40pm

Swimming Pool

Tuesday

Basketball & Table Tennis

Y9, 10, 11

3.05-4.05pm

Sports Hall

Thursday

Trampolining

Y9, 10, 11, 12, 13

3.05-4.15pm

Gym

Thursday

Boys 5-a-side Football

Y9, 10, 11

3.05-4.05pm

Sport Hall

Thursday

*Girls’ Rugby Club

Y9, 10, 11, 12, 13

3.05-4.05pm

Field

Thursday

Girls’ Football

Y9, 10, 11, 12, 13

3.05-4.05pm

Sports Hall

Friday

Girls’ Rugby Fixtures/Training

Y9, 10, 11, 12, 13

3.30-4.30pm

Hall

Friday Timetable for WMS Students

Timetable for ACHS Students

*Girls Rugby Club at ACHS runs on alternate weeks for different year groups – please see Mr Carbutt regarding this.

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SPRING 2018

EXTRA CURRICULAR NON SPORT

SEATON SLUICE MIDDLE SCHOOL

¡HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL!

ASTLEY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL There are many opportunities for pupils to widen their experiences at SSMS. Here are some of the clubs on offer …..

It’s been another busy year so far at Astley! Some Y9 students had a fantastic day out at County Hall with Miss Gannon, finding out lots of interesting information about democracy. Y9 students also had the annual RE trip to Newcastle, visiting a range of religious venues and enjoying local ethnic cuisine.

• Cookery Club – all pupils can practise new recipes and enjoy the results (hopefully saving something for the people at home!) This popular club runs after school on Tuesdays, one year group per week.

• Astronomy club – every Friday lunch time, the science lab is transformed. This club is out of this world!

• Film Club – pupils are invited to bring along their popcorn as they watch movies on a Thursday after school.

•Coding Club – this club for Y5 and Y6 pupils is run by our ICT prefects every Thursday lunch time. The children enjoy working on their programming skills as well as learning how to code.

They also get to make animations and games.

•Book Club is run by our prefects. This lunchtime club encourages pupils to share their love of reading and is a lovely way for the children to mix.

•Spanish Club – read more below!

There are many more, this is just a flavour of what happens every day at SSMS! Mrs Lindley

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is up and running again under the leadership of Mrs Pawsey and Mr Jones. Enrolment has been really good and students will take part in expeditions to places such as Beadnell, Spitalford, Wark and Hadrian’s Wall.

Other notable activities include Film Club and First Aid Training both organised by Ms Da Prato. Read about recent film club success on page 13. Lots going on at Astley!

Spanish has club has been up and running at SSMS since October. A range of pupils from Y6 up to Y8 come weekly to learn new vocabulary and practise pronunciation. So far, pupils are able to say their name, age, alphabet and the colours, as well as count up to 100. Many of them have found that there are lots of similarities between Spanish and French, which makes the new language much easier to learn. Luke, one of our Y8 French prefects, said “Learning French has helped me to learn Spanish too because they have lots in common. I like learning Spanish because it is fun and it will be useful to have another language if I go abroad.”

Mrs Young

WHYTRIG MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mr Scott

DEDICATION BRINGS REWARDS

Y9 and Y10 students undertook a three month first aid course covering many areas of first aid. Here, they are being assessed on their CPR skills by St John Ambulance Assessor Michelle Robinson, and receiving their certificates.

Ms Da Prato

The Duke of Edinburgh Award ceremony held in January celebrated the achievements of many of our students. 15 students received the Bronze Award and 25 the Silver Award.

Students also complete the group expedition part of the award scheme learning map reading, using compasses and Ordnance Survey maps, safe and secure camp set-up and using camping stoves to prepare energy filled meals. This section of the award culminates in a two-day expedition for Bronze and three days for Silver.

Mrs Pawsey

We celebrate annually the European Day of Languages and support Anti-Bullying Week and Road Safety Week. We also raise awareness through our fundraising work for anti-bullying, remembrance and cancer.

We place a great value on children being able to experience residential visits and have established trips in all year groups both at home and abroad. We think that all of the above and more contribute to the broad and balanced curriculum we offer, one which we are always striving to develop further.

Mr Souter

FIRST AID GROUP Well done to our first aid group, who recently successfully completed their training.

The Bronze Award is carried out in Y10 and the Silver Award in Y12. To gain the award students commit to improving their physical sporting ability, developing a personal skill and dedicating their own time to a voluntary community activity.

We believe that it is essential that our children have as many opportunities as possible to support the work they do in the classroom and to develop socially. With that in mind a variety of extra-curricular experiences are organised for children at WMS throughout the calendar year through whole school themes, clubs, visits and guests into school.

Our children have been inspired by visitors such as the author Peter J Murray, and have developed their knowledge and understanding across all subjects through trips to Lindisfarne, public sculptures, the theatre, Nissan, a mosque and a planetarium. Pupils have been challenged on visits to The Centre For Life for Maths and Science workshops, as well as having the opportunity to attend other Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths events in the year.

SPRING 2018

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SPRING 2018

SEATON SLUICE MIDDLE SCHOOL OUR LATEST NEWS HEAD OF SCHOOL MRS LINDLEY

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SPRING 2018

BULLY BUSTERS

FOOD BANK

The Spring Term has seen the re-launch of the BULLY BUSTERS program at SSMS after the previous team moved on to High School or prefect responsibilities in September.

A new team of Y7 pupils was chosen via a gruelling interview process managed by ex BULLY BUSTERS Mackenzie and Andrew. Once chosen the team received training on listening skills, confidentiality and problem solving and produced their own handbook of tips and prompts to help them in their work.

Keen to get started, the team have been out on the yard during breaks supporting their peers with a variety of problems and helping them to find solutions and next steps. Initial feedback has been very positive with BULLY BUSTERS enjoying the feeling of accomplishment at having helped someone and other pupils reporting that it is “nice to have someone our own age that we can talk to about our problems”.

CREATE, CONNECT AND SHARE AND RESPECT

Mrs Staines

The Spring Term is usually the shortest one, but already it has seemed much busier than usual. There’s the usual activities going on in school, the pupils have worked hard and done well in their recent assessments and it has been lovely to see so many parents and carers at the consultation evenings.

Of course, a major event in recent times took place at the end of January when we were visited by Ofsted. We are delighted with the outcome as the report recognises the lovely, welcoming and supportive atmosphere at SSMS. Everyone involved with our school should feel very proud, everyone (pupils and staff) works incredibly hard day in, day out and we are pleased that this was acknowledged in the report.

Mrs Lindley CODING DINOSAURS Twenty Y6 pupils were chosen to participate in a Coding Dinosaurs workshop at the Centre for Life in January.

Students worked in pairs to code a game using the program modelling environment NetLogo. Students had to program a game whereby a T-Rex hunted down their pray and ate them. They designed, used and evaluated computational abstractions that modelled the state and behaviour of real world problems. After our workshop we even had time to go ice-skating!

Mrs Elliott

SSMS e-safety ambassadors launched Safer Internet Day. Leading up to Christmas I organised a collection for Blyth Food Bank at SSMS and delivered two full car loads of items.

I drive a Qashqai +2 and the car was packed full both times! Our staff, pupils and families were very generous and the food bank was very grateful for our donations at an especially busy time of year. To kick start the collection Reverend Yvonne Tracey came into school and led an assembly about the role and needs of a food bank.

Mrs Cook

HAIR TODAY GONE TOMORROW

In February one of our Y8 pupils, Anna, had her hair cut off, donating it to the Little Princess Trust Charity which makes real-hair wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness or alopecia.

It was the second time Anna had done the selfless task, having previously donated hair four years ago.

“I quite like having short hair. People’s reaction has been great. Lots of people have said how much short hair suits me. The only thing I don’t like is that my neck feels a bit cold now! I really wanted to do this – I don’t need my hair as much as someone else does. Plus my puppy kept trying to chew my hair – that won’t happen now! I’d like to do it again in another four years.”

So far Anna has raised nearly £80 from her school-mates – a superb effort. Well done Anna from everyone at SSMS.

Mrs Lindley

The day started with a whole-school assembly presented by the e-safety ambassadors who raised awareness about this year’s theme "Create, Connect and Share and Respect: A better internet starts with you". The assembly also introduced this year’s e-safety ambassadors, a team comprising of four representatives from each year group. The ambassadors are available to offer advice and support to any student who is experiencing issues online or social media, and who may not feel comfortable talking to a parent or a teacher. During the day they also supported form classes who took part in a variety of activities which examined digital wellbeing, posting positively and avoiding conflict online.

GRAPHIC ARTIST RETURNS

Mrs Mason

Graphic artist, Kev Sutherland returned to Seaton Sluice Middle School in February. Kev is a renowned graphic artist and has worked on publications such as the Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics.

He spent the morning with Y7 pupils, helping them create their own comic book characters and storyboards. These were then integrated into a group comic. Everyone who took part received a copy of the group comic produced, as well as an individual caricature sketch, signed by Kev. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the morning; here’s how one very inspired pupil felt at the end of the session: I can’t wait to show my Mam what I have been doing

WORLD BOOK DAY Pupils took part in the Literature Quiz, and dressed as book characters! Here are our costume prize winners.

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SPRING 2018

WHYTRIG MIDDLE SCHOOL OUR LATEST NEWS HEAD OF SCHOOL MR SOUTER

FOOD BANK SUPPORT

At the end of last term, two of our pupils, Chloe and Evie, approached school to ask if we could support a local food bank in order to help others. They wanted to help those in Seaton Delaval, especially as it was at the Christmas time of year.

I always look forward to this the time of year as Spring approaches, when it is light at the end of the school day and our children can again continue their outdoor after school activities, not to mention no longer having to walk home in the dark! In the Autumn we awarded a record number of merits to pupils in all year groups, but now is the time to look ahead and try to match and maybe even surpass those achievements over this and next term.

Soon the football fixtures will resume, as will other competitions and activities that we always strive to support and compete in. Last term it was a pleasure to again be awarded the School Games Gold award as well as receiving for the first time The Community Award, which reflects all of the hard work and commitment from our staff and pupils to be involved in all competition in our area, especially given the size of our school.

This term we have welcomed back Mrs Chadwick following her maternity period, and have welcomed the good news that Mrs Lowden will be staying with us until the end of the academic year. We continue to send our best wishes to Mrs Lawton and hope that she gets well and is again back at Whytrig soon.

Our children and staff are again working extremely hard, especially Y6 as we head towards exam time next term. As always our aim is for everyone to do their best and realise their potential, whilst still appreciating that it will not only be the results from one week in the year that will define our students or our school. I would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts!

And thinking ahead to next term we can look forward to a number of visitors into school to support our curriculum offer, visits that have been planned, including residentials at home and abroad and of course lots of hard work too!

Thank you for you continued support.

Mr Souter

It was great to see young people having a social conscience and being aware of the world we live in. As a school we are always very keen to support our pupils and good causes, but are also very wary about asking parents for yet another thing, when they get asked for various contributions throughout a school year.

We decided we would ask if anyone would like to donate any nonperishable food items, such as tins or pasta, as we knew they would be greatly appreciated. On the final day of the Autumn Term, Chloe and her Mum took the items to the food bank organised by the Cramlington Team Ministry.

When we returned to school at the start of the Spring Term we were greeted by a letter from the food bank organiser, Jim Ryan, to explain how the items were distributed and to thank our pupils, parents and staff for their generosity. He noted that, “when we take the banana boxes full of food to needy people – they are really happy and grateful!”

Mr Souter

WORLD BOOK DAY FUN Pupils enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book characters to celebrate World Book Day.

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WHYTRIG MIDDLE SCHOOL OUR LATEST NEWS LIVE TALES

One Thursday in January, Mrs Mac took a group of us to a Writing Workshop at the Live Theatre in Newcastle.

The editor there challenged us to write a decent story as he thought children weren’t capable of coming up with creative ideas. We certainly showed him! Our story included the Blitz, a magical candyland, talking rabbits, time travel, and a cloud surfing girl with a pet phoenix named Ivy! What we didn’t know was that, as we crafted our ideas together, an illustrator was producing some incredible watercolours, depicting the characters and scenes that we described.

Awesome! We have the originals to hang in school.

Luckily, the editor was impressed with what we had done and by the time we came home, we each had a copy of our story in a book.

What an amazing experience!

By the Creative Writing Club

NEVE PROMOTES ANTI-BULLYING WORK One of our pupils, Neve wrote a letter to our School at the start of the school year to ask if we were willing to hold a non-uniform day to raise money for the charity ‘Bullies Out’. She wrote, “Bullies Out is a registered charity which helps to stop and prevent bullying in schools and online. Bullies Out is a great charity as it is making children aware that bullying is unacceptable. I believe that stopping bullies will make children feel better about themselves.”

Neve was also doing her bit for the charity outside of school by participating in the Miss Majestic Newcastle Pageant, which took place in October, to raise money for them. We were very pleased to hear she was the winner of ‘Most Elegant’ and we think Neve showed great awareness, responsibility and maturity in asking us to help support this cause, which we were very happy to do so.

In total Neve raised £109 on the non-uniform day.

In November we followed Neve’s work by supporting AntiBullying Week, organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. The theme was ‘All Different, All Equal’ to promote equality in schools. The idea - to help children and young people celebrate what makes them, and others, unique and to help them to understand why it’s important that every child feels included in school and able to be themselves without fear of bullying. We kick started the week by having an ‘Odd Socks Day’ where everyone was encouraged to wear odd socks for school with their normal uniform. Children and staff then worked on this theme in PSHE lessons throughout that week.

Mr Souter

SPRING 2018

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SPRING 2018

ASTLEY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OUR LATEST NEWS HEAD OF SCHOOL MR SCOTT

INTO FILM CLUB OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to our Y9 Film Club for being named "Into Film Club of the Month January 2018” by Into Film, a national film scheme.

This term, we have started where we left off following a fantastic Autumn Term. Here, you can read about the range of great opportunities our staff and students have engaged in already in 2018. We were all delighted that we received national recognition as “Film Club of the Month” and our Sixth Form students were fantastic ambassadors for the school at the DXC Technology visit.

In addition, a very successful Lifesaving course was delivered by Mr Day during the February holiday and First Aid training organised by Ms Da Prato goes from strength to strength, with many students achieving recognised qualifications.

I would also like to draw attention to the brilliant Judo achievements of Josh, as well as the continued successes of Issy and Ellie in Lifeguarding – very well done! As we approach the examination season once again, we wish all our students the very best in the challenges which lie ahead. Finally, a big thank you to the students, staff and parents/carers who contribute to the success of our school.

Kind regards,

Mr Scott

Our Into Film Club forms part of the Y9 enrichment programme, where students choose an activity from a number of options. Into Film Club is very popular, and at the moment we have a student membership of 55.

Every fortnight, we meet on a Wednesday afternoon and simply enjoy movies together. It's a moment in our busy school timetables when we get together as a group and share the experience. When we have finished watching a movie, students are encouraged to write a review, expanding their film knowledge, vocabulary and literacy skills as well as potentially winning prizes which include free cinema tickets and movie merchandise.

During our annual ‘Activity Days' (at the end of term before we break up for the summer holidays) we at Astley Film Club like to add to students' experiences in relation to film. We usually include a day of movies and this often ensures that a trilogy is screened, such as James Bond or The Hunger Games, etc. Add popcorn and ice cream and you have the ingredients for a great day.

The following day, we attend a ‘pop-up' cinema run by the Tyneside Cinema, which gives students an opportunity to make a television advert. Props, scripts and plots are all developed with expert help. The ads are filmed and a green screen is used if necessary.

The last day of our activity usually includes a private screening of a film of our choice at the Tyneside Cinema, but before the film is screened, students are surprised when the adverts made the day before are screened before their chosen film comes on. This is a great moment, and a great experience for students to see themselves and their work on the silver screen.

Students in Y10 and Y12 completing their Duke of Edinburgh bronze and silver Award can volunteer their services to Astley Film Club. They can gain experience in administration tasks, helping to manage film club events and contribute to the judging of Y9 film reviews.

We are proud of our Into Film Club and the opportunities it brings here at ACHS. We love our movies and enjoy sharing them together.

Ms Da Prato & Mrs Martin

AN INTERNATIONAL BREAKFAST

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BBC TOUR Y12 Creative Media students visited the BBC for a behind the scenes insight into television and radio broadcasting.

Y10 students who are taking the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness course really did themselves proud when they planned and hosted an international breakfast last term.

Students selected European countries that they were interested in and found out what the locals ate for breakfast in each destination.

FORENSICS SQUAD Y13 Applied Science students step into the world of Forensic Science…As Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs).

They did a tour of the Look North studio and CBBC sets for Copycats and Hetty Feather. Students got to create their own news and weather!

They also visited St James’ Park for a tour of Newcastle United Football Club.

Mrs Clennell

DXC TECHNOLOGY VISIT In January, Mr Drought took two groups of his sixth form ICT groups to visit DXC Technology in the Cobalt Business Park. Students were given a tour of the Digital Transformation Centre, where staff were working on delivering projects to organisations as diverse as Scottish Power, Deutsch Bank, Rolls Royce and the HMRC. DXC have been working on devising cost-efficient solutions to provider cloud-based storage solutions for organisations so that they can rely less on their own IT infrastructure. Students saw how staff training and development takes place and the technologies that employees are encouraged to use such as AI Voice Control and Virtual Reality. They were also provided with an 'ethical hacking' team task to complete and were shown the many pitfalls of working collaboratively by having their team mates changed without notice.

All students had an enjoyable experience and many hope to find work experience with DXC in the summer.

Mr Drought

They went on to make up menus and decorations that were relevant to each country and came in to school early to set up their event. Staff and sixth formers were invited to come along for the morning feast – which included pastries, eggs, sausages, fresh fruit and hot drinks.

The feedback that the students gathered was fantastic and judging by how little was left, European breakfast is a great way to start the day! All the students who took part gained a full credit towards their qualification – they also learned valuable lessons about working together in a team that they will be able to talk about in interviews in the future.

Mrs Keenan

SPRING 2018

On Thursday 25 January 2018 at approximately 10.05 am a crime was committed in B7 at Astley Community High School. A body was found in what was first thought to be a suicide, but after further investigation appeared to be much more.

Ms Roe immediately called for the Applied Science students to attend the crime scene and take on the role of SOCOs and later Forensic Scientists. Dressed in Tyvek suits, gloves and shoe covers the Forensics Squad eagerly set to work on the investigation.

Using current scientific methodologies, the team of forensic investigators collected biological, physical and chemical evidence samples from around the B7 crime scene such as blood, brains, hair, gunshot residue and more.

We have now identified that there was at least one other individual at the scene during the incident, they left footprints, fingerprints and hair.

Analysis of this evidence will no doubt lead the team of SOCOs to provide enough information to the Crown Prosecution Service to successfully prosecute what we now believe to be a murder by a person or persons currently unknown…so far.

By taking part in this forensic investigation, students got to see how their Applied Science studies could benefit them in a career within the forensic science services. All of the students (and staff) thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

By Kayleigh, Chloe, Ms Roe & Mrs Roberts

SPAREYOUR5PPIECES FOR THE RLNI Small glass jars have been appearing around school. This is part of a national campaign by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to raise funds to maintain and support Lifeboats around the coast.

The aim is to raise much needed funds by collecting 5p pieces in the small jars. The initiative has been running for 27 months and to date £41,000 has been raised. Please take the time to sort through your loose change and add your donations to the jars.

The RLNI is a voluntary organisation that aims to educate people about water safety as well as rescuing people in distress. All donations are gratefully received. Thank you.

Mrs Matthews

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SPRING 2018

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SVF SPORTS ROUND UP

SVF SPORTS ROUND UP

In January, over 50 students from WMS made the snowy trip to Ashington Leisure Centre to compete in the Level 2 Round of the Sportshall Athletics competition. Our KS2 pupils competed in the morning in events such as the Obstacle Relay, The Over-Under Relay, Speed Bounce, Howler Throw and 6 lap Parlauf, to name but a few.

Josh has had a fantastic start to 2018 in his chosen sport judo.

WMS ATHLETICS

Some super performances had WMS in the lead throughout the competition until the last event, when James Calvert Spence over took us to pip WMS by 2 points. An excellent effort from our pupils against much bigger schools, meaning that our team qualified as runners-up and qualified for the County Finals at Morpeth LC in March.

In the afternoon, our KS3 pupils were in action. This time, events included 1 lap, 2 lap, 4 lap, 8 lap and various relays and field events plus the Speed Bounce. Some super-human performances from the boys due to injuries to their team-mates meant that they took the lead early on in the competition. Our Y7 and Y8 boys’ teams managed to come out as winners in their competitions and will travel to Morpeth to compete in the County Finals. Unfortunately our Y8 girls did not have as much success, but still managed to qualify for the Level 3 County Finals in March.

Well done to all of our runners, jumpers and throwers who took part and good luck in the next Round.

Mr Robinson

JUDO SKILLS

On Saturday 13 January he took part in the British Judo Council’s beginning of the year selection process for all judoka (people who practise judo). Josh got through to the closed training and selection process which brings the opportunity to be selected for higher grade events.

On the same weekend Josh was presented with an award for winning all five Great North Grand Prix during 2017. He received medals, a certificate and the new Judo Gee and Master Class Pass for his accomplishments.

Josh represented ACHS 13–15 age group at the British National Schools Qualifier on Saturday 20 January in Middlesbrough. Rising to the occasion, he took Gold and subsequently gained automatic qualification to the National Schools Finals.

Mr Barnes, Executive Headteacher said: “We are extremely proud of Josh’s judo achievements both in and out of school.

He has shown a huge amount of dedication and determination in his chosen sport and is reaping fantastic rewards. We wish you the very best of luck in the National Schools Finals.”

Brilliant achievements, well done Josh!

Mrs Roberts

SPRING 2018

A QUICK Q&A WITH JOSH...

When did you start doing judo?

I was 3 years old. I’m a green belt with three blue bars, this means I’m at the top level for juniors and the middle level for seniors.

What do you like about judo?

You get fit and stay healthy. Judo is good fun and you meet lots of new people.

Where do you practise judo?

Blyth Juno Michie Judo Club.

How often do you train?

I train three nights each week with the junior and senior groups.

Tell us about the judo competitions that you attend.

I compete regularly for my judo club, the school and the country! I often travel to competitions across the UK and also in other countries. I’ve competed in Holland and Ireland, and I’m going to Belgium this year.

BASKETBALL SUCCESS

WMS played in the Northumberland Schools Games Level Two Basketball competition on 7 March winning all 4 games and going through to the County Finals at the end of March.

The competition included two WMS teams, two SSMS teams and one team from Cramlington Learning Village.

Well done to the WMS ‘A’ Team!

Y7 BOYS’ RUGBY Lost 42-0 to Castleford Academy in the last 16 of the RFL Champion Schools Trophy.

Despite a brave effort the Y7 boys could not stop rugby league powerhouse Castleford Academy from reaching the quarter final stage. It is the first time in about five years that a WMS side has reached the last 16 after being crowned North East Champions this season. WMS fought hard right until the end and Castleford had to work for every try scored. The superior game sense from Castleford was the difference.

Mr Carbutt

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SPRING 2018

SVF SPORTS ROUND UP

I recently travelled to Eindhoven, Holland with former ACHS students Beth and Cadie Chandler and other members of Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club. We represented the Royal Life Saving Society UK in an international lifesaving competition where speed lifesavers come from all over the world to compete.

This was my first international competition so I gained personal bests and experience on the global scene. My younger sister, Issy also flew out to Eindhoven. Although she was not able to compete due to her age, she assisted in an official capacity with time keeping, judging, equipment set ups, results and marshalling; all vital to ensure a fair competition. Issy worked with judges from across the world which gave her an insight into different language barriers and international rules.

Over the Christmas period we attended a presentation night hosted by Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club. We were all nominated and won awards across various categories.

Cadie won the ‘International Trophy’ for her results in the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships held in South Africa last summer. Beth won ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ for commitment to teaching and positive results in national and international competitions. Issy was part of the team that won ‘Team of the Year’ for their achievements at the Scottish National Rookie Lifesaving Championships. I was awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ which is given to a lifesaving teacher for their commitment, teaching ability and knowledge.

By Ellie

WMS continues to refine its sport offer with the development of gymnastics lessons in PE. The children have enjoyed learning new skills.

Mr Carbutt said:

This is my first time teaching gymnastics and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I would say after rugby it is one of my favourite things to teach. The students in PE have applied themselves very well and all have made progress. The after school club was a great finish to the term; it gave students a chance to perform and show off some of their amazing skills.

I am really looking forward to teaching this again and continuing the progress of the students and if time allows maybe start up a gymnastics club after school in the near future. I would like to thank Mr Dowson as well for providing support in the lessons.

Mr Carbutt

CHAMPION SCHOOLS SUCCESS

SPRING 2018

SVF SPORTS ROUND UP

LIFESAVING AT A GLOBAL LEVEL

GYMNASTICS SKILLS AT WMS

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ASTLEY HIGH 44 - 0 WIGAN AND LEIGH COLLEGE Congratulations to the Sixth Form Girls for another brilliant rugby league performance on 7 February. The Astley team dominated the Wigan and Leigh College side, a strong side full of local club players and three players who have signed for the new Wigan Warriors Super League Ladies team.

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

On a bitterly cold December day, we headed to John Spence to start our season, after a disappointing cancellation in November from Heaton Manor.

The girls were on the back foot already with injuries, ailments and illness ruling out some of the squad. Our first game was against John Spence, who seemed intimidating and with an already depleted team, moral was low. However once the whistle blew Astley’s quality was obvious; clear communication, good passing and plenty of shots on goal.

Ellie and Beth put their first goals on the score sheet resulting in a 2-0 win! Next up was Thomas More. Despite the same positive play the Astley girls had to settle for a 0-0 draw. The Under 16s represented Astley exceptionally well, including a debut for Grace!

In the next round the girls achieved an outstanding 3-1 victory against Whitley Bay and finally a 3-0 win against Thomas More.

Ms Tyler

The Y11 girls’ rugby team secured their place at the National Festival following outstanding performances at the Champion Schools Tournament held at John Spence on Friday 23 February.

The tournament decided which North-East school goes through to the National Festival. The results were: ACHS 4 John Spence 1 ACHS 6 Walbottle 4 ACHS 4 Whitburn 1 As we go to print the girls will play the National Festival tournament in Warrington against teams from across England. This decides who goes through to the National Final.

A tough first 15 minutes eventually saw Astley exhaust the Wigan and Leigh side and take a 16 – 0 lead into the second half.

During the second half the Wigan heads seemed to drop while Astley continued to play some fine rugby and pull away on the scoreboard.

Mr Carbutt said: "Wigan and Leigh is probably the capital of the rugby league world in the UK and for our girls to turn in such an impressive display again highlights just how far they have come. The Wigan side included three girls who play for the Wigan Ladies Super League team. Unfortunately for this year two teams pulled out of the college league and issues with transport cost us another two games. If this had not been the case, given the quality of this side I am confident in saying our girls would have been crowned National College Champions.”

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SUCCESS Congratulations to ACHS student Laura on being selected for the England Rugby Centre of Excellence programme, taking her one step further along the England Pathway. This is a fantastic opportunity to train and develop as a player through this national scheme.