Academy News A huge thank you to all parents and carers for your support this term. It has been a very busy one for all of our students as you will see from the items of news that we have collected together for you. I continue to be impressed with the hard work and commitment shown by so many of our students. A large number of our Year 11s sat their first GCSE in November and the work ethic that they displayed up to this was brilliant. Good luck to all for fantastic results on 19th January. The next GCSE for some will be on 11th and 19th January. Again. I wish all who are sitting this the very best of good luck. Away from academic achievement, all of our students have been busy preparing for Christmas by collecting food and clothing for hampers which will go to the homeless charity, LAMP. I’m sure you will agree from the photos, this is a wonderful collection of hampers, and a real testament to the community spirit of our young people. All recipients of the hampers will undoubtedly be delighted.
KEY DATES Term 2 commences Tuersday 5th January 2016 6th Form Open Evening Wednesday 13th January 2016 5.30pm - 7.30pm Year 8 Parents Evening Wednesday 3rd February 2016 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Finally, as I informed you last week, we will be changing our name on 1st January to The Stockwood Park Academy. As part of The Shared Learning Trust we will continue to grow and develop to be the best that we can be. I wish you a safe and restful festive period, Mrs Barr PRINCIPAL
Young Enterprise Programme Our enterprising Year 11 and 6th Form Business students ventured out into Bedford on the weekend to sell their products at Bedford market as part of the Young Enterprise Programme. Each group of students set up their own business and raised start-up funds through activities such as bake sales. Next, they sourced and produced a fantastic array of products for sale, competing against other companies from across the county (including from our sister school West
“I’m proud of all of our teams”, said Head of Business Ms Ilyas. “They’ve learned valuable lessons about setting up a business and trading successfully.” Academy) to be named the most outstanding business. Four teams from South Academy joined the programme, including Ya Habibi. Run by six Year 11 students, the company manufactured and sold brilliant decorative candles. The team was honoured to win ‘Best Trade Stand’. One participant, Adam says, “I think we did well but I think my selling style could improve, I learnt a lot and gained so many skills from this experience and it has helped with my confidence. For the next trade fair I will be more prepared and try different selling approaches to help maximise sales for my business.”
Dancing at Disney Year 10 and 11 Performing Arts students travelled to Paris recently to build skills and knowledge for their Media and Dance GCSEs. Students took part in a professional dance workshop in Disney’s Studio Park and learnt a section from Hercules, which encouraged them to develop performance skills and expressive qualities. Students also visited the centre of Paris and toured Le Grand Rex Cinema – Europe’s largest cinema – where they learnt about filmmaking processes and got the opportunity to perform on a special effects stage and sound stage.
“It was great to see students engaged and keen to learn about the various stages of film production. Hopefully they can now draw upon this knowledge and understanding back in the classroom”. Mr Allen, Head of Performing Arts To conclude the trip, a visit to Disneyland Park and Studio Park on Friday allowed students to find out more about the Disney filmmaking process and meet some famous Disney characters, before witnessing the Christmas parade and firework display.
Year 9s Take to Two Wheels On Friday 2nd of October, some of our lovely year 9 students went to Silverstone Race Track in Northamptonshire for a VIP tour of the paddock and meet with some professional motor cyclists. The boys were given a tour by race owner Steven Kinghorn, and were lucky enough to speak to his riders. They also heard inspirational stories of how professional riders got their start in the industry; in particular, they enjoyed the change to meet True Heroes Racing team, comprised of injured ex-service personnel. The main rider, Murray Hambro, lost both legs due to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, and is a double amputee, and nonetheless successfully races motorcycles. Accompanied by Director of English Mrs Blinkhorne-Mason and Manager of Achievement Plus Jim Betts, the students had an awe-inspiring experience.
Achievement + Boosts Results Students in South Academy’s Achievement Plus programme have started the year off tremendously by producing some absolutely phenomenal GCSE English coursework. With a laser-sharp focus on a short but effective literacy skills boost, the Achievement Plus staff have supported the students to achieve absolutely brilliant results in just a few weeks! “I feel that being in Achievement Plus has benefitted me as my grades have improved and my attitude to learning has improved too”, states Dylan Watkins, proudly showing off 5 different drafts of his short story. “My confidence has improved, thanks to the staff like Mr Betts and Mr Sterecki,” says Tristan Hudson. Jim Betts, Achievement Plus Manager, says “The students have really worked hard to improve their skills. It’s excellent to see them feeling positive about themselves and their education.”
Building Bridges to Success
“Being in here has helped me a lot as I was finding school very hard. The teachers in here are very helpful and caring.” - Lara Kean, Year 11
Students in the Bridge Builders programme made use of an incredible opportunity when they met high profile people who’ve reached the top and were happy to share their experiences. As part of the ‘Bridge Builders’ initiative, which offers boys mentoring and inspiration from business leaders, a group of students went to St Thomas More College in London to take part in an event, chaired by Dame Janet Trotter DBE, accompanied by Clive Lewis OBE. Each group was given 15 minute slots to talk about their backgrounds, family, education and their experience so far on Bridge Builders. The panel was so interested in what the students were talking about, and so impressed with their manners, conduct and maturity, that the 15 minute slots were extended to up to 40 minutes! South Academy Principal, Cathy Barr, said: “I was incredibly proud of the way our students came across – they were shining ambassadors for The Shared Learning Trust and, most importantly, gained an invaluable insight into the sorts of careers they want to pursue”. 13 year-old Brandon Buck said: “II told the panel that I wanted to join the army, as there is a long family tradition of members of my family joining the Armed Forces. I had the opportunity to speak to a retired High Court Judge who was once in the British Army who shared with me his experiences. It was so really useful and I am now more determined than ever to work hard at school”.
It was such a good experience to have, as it has got me thinking about my future and about how I should improve my behaviour”. -Isaac Mulumba, Year 9
A Warm Welcome New Year 7 and 6th Form students began their learning journey at South Academy in September, enjoying the chance to meet each other and settle into our fantastic facilities. Having been welcomed by Principal Mrs Barr, our Year 7s buzzed with excitement as they participated in treasure hunts around the building. The afternoon brought exciting team challenges in faculties across the school, from Mathematics to Performing Arts. Similarly, our new Year 12 students are acquiring study skills to help them achieve their best in A Levels, and looking forward to University and College applications. We welcomed students new 6th Formers to the academy, alongside our ‘homegrown’ students continuing from Key Stage 4.
Student Achievement Earlier in the term we welcomed parents to Achievement Evenings for Year 7 to 11. Supportive parents and carers heard from the Directors of Science, Maths and English about the best ways to support their ambitious young people through the year. Staff offered a range of advice on the best study guides, revision resources and the use of online tools such as MyMaths, and some sage advice: a short period of practice every day will yield the best results. Assistant Principal for Key Stage 4 Achievement Tahoora Urehman reminded the audience about the importance of attendance to regular lessons, and taking advantage of intervention sessions to maximize learning opportunities. Ms Urehman commended Year 11s for their positive, dedicated and mature start to the year.
Academy Values Over the course of the term, students have been exploring a range of values which help students to achieve success, in order to select a set of Academy Values. Students have voted on the values of Equality, Respect and Determination as our Academy Values. Via House Councils and the Junior Leadership Team, students are now developing an ‘academy culture’; how the values look in practice around the academy and beyond. This will help us to ensure that everything we do will help our students to achieve excellent results and develop skills to prepare them for long and happy lives.
The Stockwood Park Academy (formerly Barnfield South Academy)
Part of the Shared Learning Trust
Rotheram Avenue, Luton LU1 5PP • south.barnfield.ac.uk Phone: 01582 722 333