Kingswinford Newsletter Whitsun 2024

24 May 2024

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Dear Parents/ Carers,

The end of another productive half term!Year 11 are half way through their GCSE exams now.They are doing brilliantly and we look forward to celebrating their much-deserved successes later this year.There are revision classes on over half term - See the next page for details.

We’ve now had two parents evenings using our new MIS,Arbor.Afew initial teething problems but they have gone without any major issues.Year 10 parents evening is on the first tuesday after Whitsun.

There are some important updates to our uniform policy discussed later in this newsletter. Some updates and changes will be made for the new academic year from September 2024, particularly to girls’uniform. We are giving you advanced notice and would welcome your feedback.

The final half term of this academic year begins on Monday 3rd June at the normal time. We will have much to celebrate next half term, includingYear 11 prom and our annual awards evening, as well as a lovely end to the year with Sports day, followed by Work Experience forYear 10, Pledge week forYear 7 andActive Learning Week at the end of the term.

In the meantime, have a lovely week next week

Best wishes,

Ian Moreton Headteacher KingswinfordAcademy

Upcoming events-

● Start of final half term - Monday 3rd June

● Year 10 Parents Evening -Tuesday 4th June

● Year 10 Mock Exams begin - Monday 17th June

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Year 11 - GCSE Revision during Half term

Department

Sat 25th May

Mon 27th May

Chemistry: Walking,Talking Mock: ONLINE - http://meet.google.com/fvt-xzgd-abr 10am - 11am: Foundation 11am - 12pm: Higher (same link)

Bank Holiday ALLScience: Required Practical and ExamTechnique Practice for Paper 2

ONLINE - https://meet.google.com/xpi-vmms-qoo 11am - 12pm

Tue 28th May No scheduled sessions

English: Language Paper 2

Wed 29th May

Thur 30th May

Fri 31st May

Sat 1st June

ONLINE - https://meet.google.com/gyt-ytyu-tnf 10am - 12pm

Geography IN SCHOOL- HU5/ HU6 10am - 12pm

History: IN SCHOOL- HU5 10am - 12pm

Maths: ONLINE (With Mrs Finch) - https://meet.google.com/has-mfjq-gkv?authuser=0

9:30am: Foundation 10:30am: Higher IN SCHOOL- 11X1 ROOM MA4 12:30pm - 2pm

Maths Revision video will be shared for students to access at a time that suits them

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Music

Instrumental tuition and Grade Examinations

Congratulations to all of our musicians who have taken grade examinations this year!You have proved how resilience, determination, commitment and a passion for something you really enjoy, has resulted in fabulous achievements!

If your son/daughter would like to learn to play an instrument or have vocal tuition next year then you can sign up for lessons by accessing Dudley PerformingArts website (see the link below) but please sign up soon as the deadline is approaching.

https://www.dudley.gov.uk/things-to-do/dudley-performing-arts/information-for-parents-and-young-p eople/music-lessons-in-schools/

It is proven that instrumental tuition supports skills that are transferable across all curriculum areas and achievements are highly recognised by universities. Music tuition also has supportive strategies that are conducive to positive well being and mindset as well as enjoying the benefits that Music has to offer. If you would like any further details in regards to instrumental / vocal tuition then please contact MissAbel.

Kingswinford’sYouth Has Talent!

Last month some of our talented musicians took part in the finals of Kingswinford’sYouth Has Talent!There were a selection of acts that performed from Crestwood, Summerhill, Wordsley, KingswinfordYouth Centre as well as ourselves. MissAbel would like to say a huge congratulations to Lola who came 2nd out of more than 30 acts, performing a beautiful rendition of ‘As long as he needs me’. Congratulations to Ptolemy, Henry, Connor and Joab too, who came 3rd. We are all really proud of your achievements and thank you to all of our students who not only took part but that represented our school so brilliantly!

EnrichmentActivities

The Music Department is a thriving area of our school. We nurture our students’personal potential and provide platforms for musicians to showcase their talents. We have choir on a Monday after school, Key Stage 3Advanced Band on a Wednesday lunchtime, Key Stage 4Advanced Band on aThursday lunchtime and our School Orchestra rehearses from 3.15pm until 4pm on aThursday as well. If you would like to join us then please do come along!All ensemble groups will be performing at our Summer Concert after half term, so please look out for further details on when tickets can be purchased.

KingswinfordAcademy Production 2025

There is already much excitement for our next school production. I wonder what the next show will be?Audition details will be advertised the week beginning the 3rd June!

24 May 2024

Art

Wonderful NewArt displays created by Mrs Griffiths in theArt department, celebratingYear 9 sweet treats andYear 8 mixed media insects

Newsletter

24 May 2024

SciFest at Wolverhampton University

Saturday 29th June 2024 is Community Day! Where young learners and adults of all ages have the opportunity to explore Science,Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) as they have never seen before.There will be drop-in activities within the courtyard and pre-bookable workshops and shows located within the University at City Campus.

Workshops this year include:

● Medical Mavericks – have a go at doing blood tests, ECGs etc.

● Explorer Dome – Human Body

● The Royal Institution - Energy LIVE!

● Foxdog Studios - Robo Bingo

Tickets go fast so bookASAPif you are interested: Community Day - University of Wolverhampton (wlv.ac.uk)

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Darts

KingswinfordAcademy Darts Club has quickly established itself as a thriving part of the school. We have been lucky enough to secure sponsorship through Dartsgear4u.The photos below show our lovely new tops which students will wear to future darts fixtures.

24 May 2024

Dance

Hip Hop Workshop

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Scarlett Hay-All Star World Championships

Year 10 GCSE Dance student, Scarlet Hay has recently competed at theAll Star World Championships in Florida. Her junior hip hop team competed in the semi finals, and then advanced to finals where they placed 6th position in the world! She also had to step into the lyrical performance at the very last minute for the finals where they placed 4th in the world!

Along with this, our other GCSE Dance student,Alexia Jesson competed in the Cheerleading Champions inTexas. Her team outshone eight USAand oneAustralian team and earnt two ‘zero’ medals for flawless routines. Atruly incredible opportunity and achievement for both students.

24 May 2024

Wellbeing Garden

Our Eco and Wellbeing ambassadors have been working hard to create KingswinfordAcademy’s own ‘Wellbeing Garden’. We were delighted to welcome Jamie fromThe Garden Post into school. He kindly donated his time and worked with our student leaders to help plant tree saplings and

Maths - continued

Spring term rewards

Every half term we recognise the students in our classes who either have made extraordinary progress or who have shown outstanding attitude.They get a certificate and a sweet treat. Below is the list of students chosen last half term. Well done to all!!

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Updates to our Uniform Policy (from September 2024)

There are some small - but significant - changes to our uniform policy in September. We wanted to make you aware of these now to help with your planning over the next three months before the next academic year begins.The full updated policy is published on our website.

UNIFORM

Key Stage 3 Uniform -Years 7, 8 and 9

• Plain pale blue shirt or blouse, long or short-sleeved

• Black blazer with school badge showing House colour and lapel edged in royal blue

• Clip-on tie in House colours (broad stripe)

• Black tailored trousers (chinos, jeans and drainpipe styles are not permitted. No stretchy Lycra or tight-fitting trousers are allowed)

• Plain black pleated skirt (must be appropriate style and length for school – just above knee examples shown below)

• Plain smart, black low-heeled shoes – trainers, canvas shoes and boots are not permitted (examples shown below)

• Either black- or natural-coloured tights or black or navy ankle socks should be worn

• Optional: Black V-necked jumper with/without school logo, to be worn under the blazer (round neck jumpers are not permitted)

Key Stage 4 Uniform -Years 10 and 11

• Plain pale blue shirt or blouse, long or short-sleeved

• Black blazer with school badge showing House colour and lapel edged in royal blue

• Clip-on tie in House colours (Thin stripe)

• Black tailored trousers (Chinos, jeans and drainpipe styles are not permitted. No stretchy Lycra or tight-fitting trousers are allowed)

• Plain black pleated skirt (must be appropriate style and length for school – just above knee examples shown below)

• Plain smart, black low-heeled shoes – trainers, canvas shoes and boots are not permitted (examples shown below)

• Either black or natural coloured tights or black or navy ankle socks should be worn

• Optional: Black V-necked jumper with/without school logo, to be worn under the blazer (round neck jumpers are not permitted)

Newsletter

24 May 2024

ASPIRE to Excellence - Our Expectations

Ready, Respectful, Safe

We have our Ready, Respectful and Safe approach to everything we do in school fully operational in school. We have worked hard to embed our routines within all aspects of our school environment and the benefits can be seen, we would like to thank everyone for their continued effort and support.

Students Missing from Lesson

Asmall minority of students, at times, decide not to attend a lesson, or have not returned from being permitted to go to the toilet during a lesson, therefore being noted as “Missing from Lesson” on Class Charts. We treat truancy from lessons seriously, this is of great concern, as we are unable to account for your child's whereabouts during these episodes. We have worked with our community to ensure students are aware of the consequences should they truant from lessons. Students will be challenged in line with our behaviour policy, initially this will be time in the Refocus Room and if the issue persists, potential suspension from school. We trust we can reply upon you to speak to your child about the severity of the issue; students cannot achieve if they are not in lessons and therefore will not unlock their academic and personal potential.

Toilet Permission

We encourage students to access toilets before and after school, during social times and, where possible, avoiding toilet use during lessons.You are able to track your child's toilet use during lessons by looking at Class Charts and “Toilet Permission”.As I am sure you appreciate lost learning directly relates to student progress and we welcome your continued support in tracking your child's toilet use via Class Charts and encouraging your child to access the toilets away from lessons.

Mobile Phones

We have a “Gate to Gate” expectation with regard to mobile phones, students must ensure they are switched off and placed in their school bag, at the school gate before entering the school site.They must remain switched off and in their bags until they leave the school site and are outside of the school gate before using them; this also applies to all after-school activities. If you need to contact your child for any reason, this must be done via school reception.

24 May 2024

If you do need to report a child absence, do so using the Studybugs app.

If it is an illness-related absence, you will also be sent NHS advice as to whether your child should still attend school (or you can check here)

Absence from school equals lost learning; lost learning directly impacts what your child will achieve in their GCSE examinations, which will impact upon their future. It soon adds up and makes a difference. We need to work together to ensure our young people attend because it will ultimately affect their future success.As you are aware, we use ‘Studybugs’to report absence.The app will send you NHS advice on whether your child should still come to school if they are feeling ill.

Please check your child's Class Charts asTutors are celebrating and supporting improved and perfect attendance with positive points. Our “Rewards Shop” opens regularly - your child is able to exchange their points for rewards of their choice.

Newsletter

24 May 2024

Initial Teacher Training at WindsorAcademy Trust

Are you in your final year of studying for your degree, already in work but thinking about a career change or know someone who is? From September 2024, WindsorAcademyTrust will be offering teacher training provision in partnership with the National Institute ofTeaching.

Train to teach with us:

● We are still accepting applications for our InitialTeacherTraining programme for September 2024.

● InitialTeacherTraining is a fully immersive school-centered programme, with school placements available in WindsorAcademyTrust schools and other local partner schools

●Applicants will be able to choose their main placement school when applying and we will endeavour to place applicants in their first choice school.

●All our trainees are mentored and have central training once a week

●Adirect route to employment: Here at WATwe are constantly on the lookout for talented individuals to come and work for our family. We view InitialTeacherTraining as a fantastic opportunity for you to experience life within our schools with the possibility of future employment once your training is complete.

Time Commitment:

Trainees can choose to train full-time, five days per week (four days in school, one day at a campus) or part-time, either four or three days a week, to fit around family life or other commitments. Find out more here

Financial Support:

Student finance and maintenance loans are available to help cover the cost of training to teach. In addition, tax-free bursaries of up to £28,000 are available from the Department of Education for some subjects as well as scholarships up to £30,000 through the National Institute ofTeaching for selected subjects.

Find out more about the financial support available here.

Register Interest orApply: Interested applicants can find out more via our InitialTeacherTraining webpage and can apply via the DfE Apply website.You can find us using our provider code 2HE or search for NIoTat WAT.

To find out more about our InitialTeacherTraining programme please email us at teachertraining@windsoracademytrust.org.uk