VillageVillage Issue 10 Winter 2018 GreenGreen magazinemagazine ChristmasChristmas SpiritSpirit Beaumont Hill primary pupils spread seasonal joy

BahBah Humbug!Humbug! Gurney Pease actors put on a Dickens of a show

WinnersWinners Haughton high achievers raise the bar AcademyAcademy makesmakes ththee

A SCHOOL community has been left beaming with pride after inspectors lifted its status by two categories in one go to ‘good’.

TAFF governors and pupils at years provision and the 16 to 19 study “Staff have high expectations of S Beaumont Hill Academy have programmes also won high praise. what pupils can achieve socially, worked tirelessly since its last Inspectors highlighted that leaders emotionally and academically,” inspection, when it was deemed to and governors had worked closely inspectors said. be inadequate. together in order to bring about “Students who attend the school’s The result is a learning environment improvement across the academy. post 16 unit make good progress now considered better than ever Their report stated: “Leaders now overall. Children who join the school’s before for almost 300 children with have a clear vision for the future. early years provision have a range of complex needs, aged two to 19. They are focused and determined to different needs. Staff ensure that they Inspectors observed lessons, talked build on recent successes, for settle quickly into the nurturing to senior leaders, teachers, example in improving pupils’ environment and routines in all three governors, parents and pupils in a outcomes and the curriculum”. classes.” comprehensive review of every They recognised the new Parents held positive views on the aspect of life at Beaumont Hill curriculum in key stage 3 had quality of care and provision for their special school. “ignited pupils’ imagination and pupils and attendance had It awarded the school ‘good’ status developed their thinking skills”. continued to improve, inspectors across the board, including for: the Inspectors said the quality of noted. The principal and deputy effectiveness of its leadership and teaching and learning had principal have a clear vision for the management; quality of teaching, improved. Senior leaders closely future of the school. learning and assessment; pupils’ monitor staff performance and offer The quality of teaching and learning personal development, behaviour support and challenge to bring has improved since the last and welfare; and outcomes. Early about improvement. inspection and outcomes for pupils ee GradeGrade

have also improved as staff regularly challenged pupils to try even harder. “Comments such as ‘I love learning now’ and ‘lessons are never boring’ reflect pupils’ views of their current opportunities to learn,” the report said. “School leaders are ambitious for pupils’ futures. Staff aim to ensure that pupils leave with as much accreditation as possible in order that they are well prepared for life in modern Britain.” Inspectors praised the quality of governance, noting governors were skilled and knowledgeable, visiting the school often and making a sizeable contribution to bringing about HelpingHelping thethe HomelessHomeless improvements. The arrangements for safeguarding KIND-HEARTED pupils have come to the aid of the are effective, leaders and staff have homeless with festive packs to make life a little easier on high expectations of what each pupil the streets. could achieve, allowing them to reach their potential. There was clear evidence that this EAR 5 pupils at Springfield “It is important for them to achievement boosted pupils’ Y Academy have been realise the challenges some self-esteem. working on a project people in their town face in life “Despite often having high levels of called Homeless at Christmas, and it certainly has helped them need, pupils who attend the school learning about the challenges appreciate how lucky they are. are happy and positive about coming facing people who have They have completed some to school,” inspectors said. “This was nowhere to live. excellent creative writing on the reflected in the smiles given to staff at As part of the initiative they topic and we have completed a the start of the school day. Several have linked up with the charity leaflet of guidelines for anyone pupils were bursting with pride at their First Stop and have been filling else wanting to help the achievement.” Principal Caroline Green said: backpacks with a host of homeless.” “Achieving ‘good’ reflects the essentials and treats to bring Pupil Amber Hutchinson said: “It unrelenting work of the entire school some relief to their plight. has made us think about these community to make Beaumont Hill the Socks, pants, gloves, hats, people and hopefully helped successful learning environment it is scarves, toiletries, including new make them feel more loved. today. toothbrushes, hand sanitiser Many people don’t realise how “Everyone has worked incredibly tissues and handcream, much they struggle and how hard to achieve this and can be justly chocolates, biscuits, crisps, much they are ignored. I hope proud of their efforts.” sweets and paperback books they like what we have given Chief Executive of the Education have been collected for the them.” Village Academy Trust, Mike Butler, homeless. Springfield Academy pupils added: “Everyone was stung by the Children also made Christmas have also been on a march to previous inspection findings but they have all responded incredibly well. cards and the packs will be improve their fitness. They have “The result is that Beaumont Hill delivered to First Stop which will just started completing a Daily Academy is better than ever before distribute them among the Mile in line with a national and will continue to work without homeless. initiative to get young people respite to ensure the very best Organised by Year 5 teacher more active. Mrs McManus said: outcomes for all its pupils.” Kelly McManus, she said: “We “We reached Newark in the first Chair of governors, Rohit Patel, study homelessness as a topic week and are hoping to get to commented: “We are really excited and thought this would be a London during the second as about the future of the school and nice thing to do. It has been pupils walk the equivalent look forward to building upon this really good and the children distance a mile at a time in the success and developing the school have enjoyed it. playground.” further”. AA BrilliantBrilliant FutureFuture PUPILS have been dazzling mentors with their brilliance in an initiative designed to promote higher education.

EAR 7 and 8 pupils from Y joined the Brilliant Club, an initiative aimed at encouraging them to consider university life.

Work was assessed to degree standard and one pupil, obtained a mark that would have been equivalent to a first.

Chosen from SATs tests that ranked them among the school’s most able and talented, 13 pupils worked with a Phd student and teachers Caroline Laren, Laura Bliss and Kate Marsland for seven weeks on projects including microbiology and the immune system. Their work was assessed and marked as if it was degree standard and one pupil, Jorja Stewart, obtained a mark that would have been equivalent to a first. Vocational curriculum lead Mrs Larsen said: “This scheme is designed to raise aspirations and standards of work and encourage children who are able but might not otherwise consider going to university. “We will track them throughout the remainder of their time with us to ensure they do fulfil their potential.” Pupil Gabriel Kaddoura said: “I have enjoyed my experience with Brilliant Club because I have learnt about writing essays in the future, which I know is a key skill to have.” Classmate Annabelle Foulds added: “I have really enjoyed the Brilliant Club which covered so many interesting things about malaria and science. I would really recommend it.” TopTop ofof thethe ClassClass GIFTED and talented students celebrated over the summer after they were rewarded with top GCSE .

THAN Shepherd-Smart was ensure they believed in their own dream of travelling the world. E diagnosed with Asperger’s abilities and it has really paid off “I have read National Geographic when he was six, a with many now going on to study since I was six and it has inspired me high-functioning condition on the A Levels and with ambitions to go to find out about the world,” said autism spectrum. to university.” the 16-year-old, who achieved A pupil at Haughton Ethan,16, said: “I was putting in three 9s, four 8s, a 7 and a 6 and is Academy he completed 8,000 a lot of work and my teachers now studying media. “I have revision pods in just seven weeks as urged me to stop and enjoy travelled around Asia and would he worked for 60 hours a week myself as well. My mum even love to go to China.” preparing for his exams. knocked off the internet Classmates Bethany Higgins and His efforts earned him two 9s, an connection so I couldn’t revise Chloe Hutchinson, both 16, also 8, three 7s and three 6s helping any more. performed well gaining, Haughton Academy secure “I am really pleased with the respectively, three 9s, six 8s and a 7 record results and cementing its results and I would say to anyone and two 8s, five 7s and three 6s. reputation in core subject areas else with autism not to be Bethany is now studying A Levels in including maths English and disheartened; just do your best. biology, maths and psychology . science. You cannot allow your autism to “I’m really pleased with the results Principal Jonathan Lumb was restrict you. If conditions aren’t and would love to work in the delighted with pupils’ right for me, I do struggle to medical profession one day,” she performances. “We set our most concentrate, so I must also praise said. able students some really the school for all the support they Chloe, who was last year’s head aspirational targets and I am gave me which allowed me to girl, is studying A levels in biology, absolutely delighted that they do so well.” psychology and sociology at Queen have been rewarded for their hard Ethan is now studying A levels in Elizabeth Sixth Form College. She work with some superb results. computer science, graphic said: “I am so happy. I worked hard “We have a record number of design and physics. but didn’t expect my results to be top grades – 7s, 8, and 9s. We For avid National Geographic this good.” really focussed on our top reader Danni Greenfield, her performers, worked all year to results will allow her to pursue her OurOur YoungYoung LeadersLeaders PUPILS dazzled teachers with their ideas as they vied to become the school’s first ever head boy and head girl.

OLUNTEERS for the esteemed V offices were so good Springfield Academy also appointed two deputies and a raft of prefects for regular duties and to act as role models for their peers. Taking the top jobs were Year 6 pupils Grace Alderson and Daniel Halliday, with Aaron Bridges and Summer Ainslie being sworn in as deputies. Springfield Academy’s lead practitioner Peter Algie said: “We were looking for a way to give the Year 6s more responsibility, greet applied and what they wanted to impact on life here.” Grace visitors and show the importance achieve. It has created an added: “We have to set the very of being able to articulate well immense sense of pride and is best example and to maintain and they really rose to the incredibly aspirational for standards we have already set up occasion. Around a dozen put children.” Daniel said: “It is like a ‘three strikes and you are out’ forward their names and were being top of the school and we system for completing our home- interviewed about why they had are all working to have a positive work ourselves and prefects.”” SweetSweet CharityCharity HUNDREDS of pupils queued to guess a confectionery conundrum to help raise a tasty amount of cash for Children in Need.

UPILS from Haughton pupils and sweets donated by that are less fortunate than we P Academy put their local supermarket ASDA. are. observation skills to the test “Both staff and pupils enjoy “As a group we talked about a to guess how many sweets were in taking part in our Children in Need number of ways of fundraising for the jars, in a bid to raise hundreds events each year,” said Adele. Children in Need and we all of pounds for the annual BBC “Last year we raised in excess of decided that a jar of sweets charity extravaganza. £700 so we are hoping to exceed guessing challenge was best for The sweet tasting challenge, that total this year with all the us. devised by academy student funds going to such a good “Hopefully we will raise lots of ambassadors and peer mentors, cause.” money which will go towards under the guidance of family Pupil Kayla Lowes added: “It is helping the charity.” support co-ordinator Lianne Miller, really important to help people was one of a number of fundraising ideas including a bake sale and non-uniform day. “A group of pupil asked me if they could do something for Children in Need and we came up with the idea of guessing the number of sweets in a jar for 50p a go,” said Lianne. “Our pupils love to get involved and fundraising for an event like this really helps to foster community spirit within the academy and helps our young people help other young people all over the world.” The overall annual fundraising event was organised by PE teacher Adele Norris with bake sale cakes supplied by staff and

WeWe WillWill RememberRemember

HEROES of land, sea and air were remembered in respectful silence as a whole academy gathered to commemorate the centenary of World War I.

UNDREDS of pupils from Cpl Glynn-Jones. centenary of WWI and the RAF,” H Haughton Academy, “It’s nice for the pupils to see me he said. “In a time when soldiers watched as cadets from in a different light, as a military and the armed forces face the Army, Navy, St John’s police corporal and not just their negative press it is very important Ambulance and Royal Air Force teacher. to remember the sacrifices they marched through the school to “It means a lot be part of the and their families have made in honour those who gave their lives 100th year commemorations and I the past and are still making .” for their country. am especially proud of all of the Preceding a traditional two The unit, led by Corporal Mitchell young cadets that took part in the minute silence head girl Yasmine Agar, of the Royal Air Force Police, parade in front of so many of their Bains and head boy Aiden Foster under the instruction of Haughton peers.” read aloud the poem Flanders PE teacher and former Royal Corporal Mitchell Agar, of Field by John McCrae followed by Military Policeman Corporal Stockton, was asked to lead the a playing of the last post. Nicholas Glynne-Jones, then parade to represent 100 years PE teacher Adele Norris who placed a circlet of poppies at a since the formation of The Royal organised the event added: “It is plaque commemorating Air Force. very humbling to see the whole ex-Haughton pupil Corporal John “I have attended many school come together to Newton SAS killed in action in the remembrance events all over the remember the courage of those 1982 Falkland Islands conflict. country but it is especially who fought and died for our “It was an honour to be asked to poignant this year to be part of a country and show respect for place the wreath at this year’s local service and one which service personnel past and Remembrance Service,” said commemorates both the present.”

YOUNG artists draw on the inspirations of the battlefields to commemorate local heroes who fought during the Great War.

UPILS from Haughton Academy had their paintings exhibited in P Haughton Chapel as part of the Haughton-le-Skerne Local History Society WW1 centenary commemorations. The Exhibition, honoured 32 men who fought in WW1. Chairperson of Haughton-le-Skerne Local History Society Carol Atkinson said: “I approached Haughton Academy to see if they would like to be involved in our centenary celebrations. Themes for artwork were suggested to art teacher Mr Haskett, one of which was Colonel Spence the Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, who unveiled the war memorial at St Andrew’s Church in 1920 and the rest was left up to their own interpretations. “We went to the academy to see the work as it was progressing and even at first glimpse I was taken aback with the incredible talent shown by the pupils - seeing the finished work on display has been very emotional and has far exceeded all our expectations – it is just incredible.” Over 30 GCSE pupils were involved in the project which produced three large paintings depicting Colonel Spence, a reflective Tommy and the Haughton soldiers marching to war alongside a number of smaller artworks. Head of art Dave Haskett said: “We had 20 to 30 pupils working on the project at any one time with a core group of ten artists working collaboratively on the larger paintings. “As well as creating the artworks the “I am absolutely lost for works with pupils also researched local war history the results they have produced which and watched documentaries during are so professional and have become lesson time. a real focal point for the exhibition.” PupilsPupils areare inin TuneTune AWARD winning choristers have been taking their talents into the community with a series of Yuletide performances.

HE Gurney Pease Academy Choir, which T won the Carols4kidz competition last year at St Cuthbert's Church, has been performing at a number of venues, including Queen Street Shopping Centre, in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice. Directed by teacher David Ferrari and comprising year 4, 5 and 6 pupils, the choir was also asked to make a return visit to the local Riverside Care Home to perform carols to residents. Head teacher Alison Sinclair said: “The choir is incredibly enthusiastic and in fine voice. Pupils love to perform as it gives them the chance to show off their considerable talents. They sound brilliant. We performed at Riverside Care Home last year and I was delighted that staff contacted us again to ask us to visit. The residents absolutely love being with our children who are delighted to sing for them.” MurderMurder sheshe WroteWrote AVID bookworms have crimes and how they can use their people who have a real job and been given a master own imaginations to create their something they can aspire to. own stories. “I hope that Robin’s visit also class in murder by a “I hope m experiences will get encourages many more pupils to leading literary role them as excited about murder read for pleasure and become mysteries as I am and make them creative in their writing.” model. much more confident to express Pupil Lacey Burns, 12, added: “I their own ideas on paper.” love reading especially murder EAR 7 students from The visit was organised by Seven mysteries. Haughton Academy Stories, The National Centre for “I was really excited to meet Robin Y were joined by primary pupils Children’s Books, in Newcastle, who and asking her lots of questions from Springfield Academy, are committed to preserving and about her books.” Marchbank Free School and Gurney promoting all aspects of children’s Pease Academy, for an afternoon literature, through their workshop with celebrated children’s #authorsintoschools. author Robin Stevens. English teacher Erin The American-born fiction writer, Spence said: “This is best known for her Murder Most a fabulous Unladylike series of books, began opportunity for our writing aged 12 after being inspired pupils to meet such a by a book by novelist Agatha famous author. Christie. “We have Robin’s “I am so excited to be able to books in school and speak about my writing, come into it’s great for the schools and help inspire pupils,” said children see the face Robin. behind the name on “I’ve told them all about my books, a book, to see that why I write, how I plan my literary authors are real

WalkWalk onon thethe WildWild SideSide

INTREPID school children have taken a walk on the wild side to stimulate their literary skills.

EAR 6 pupils from Springfield Academy took to the woods Y in a six week wilderness project designed to hone a variety of skills and improve their learning. Working with specialist teachers they took part in a range of activities in the great outdoors, “Some of the shelters fell down from creative writing to creating and the children developed a shelters. great sense of resilience as they Teaching assistant Lisa Smith said: put them up again without “We also looked out what makes a complaining. They really good learner. But what really embraced the whole project and struck me was how amazing the you could see them grow in self- children’s writing became confidence as they developed because we were outdoors. their communications skills.” “The environment inspired them Pupil Annabelle Muttrie said: “You so much and they found it easier can write so much better when to express themselves when the you are outside and everything is sounds, smells and feel of the actually there before you. It has woods were right in front of them. also encouraged us to play more They just let themselves write outside.” freely.” The Monday sessions also incorporated science as the children built shelters which taught them about forces, flexibility, friction and temperatures. “They had to build the shelters after exploring the woods for suitable materials and then work in teams to produce the final product,” Mrs Smith said. FundraisingFundraising isis inin thethe BagBag

YOUNG adventurers are hoping to have their fundraising efforts in the bag after taking to the checkouts to raise money for the trip of a lifetime.

UPILS from Haughton bake sale and sweet stall as well P Academy helped shoppers at as another bag pack at Morrisons, Morrisons with their weekly Morton Park, which was very groceries by staging a sponsored successful.” bag pack at the supermarket’s The academy has also negotiated stores on North Road and Morton a deal for clothing hire with ski firm Park. Interski for the school party, which The 18 pupils, from Year 7 to Year will travel to Italy by ferry from 10, are part of a 68-strong group, Dover to Calais, then across including five staff and one adult France by coach to the Italian volunteer, who will travel to Cour- border. mayeur, Italy, for an eight day ski trip “It will be a great experience for in March 2019, the first for ten years. everyone involved,” said Mr Haughton Academy deputy head Bettney. “They will be taught to ski, teacher and ski course organiser learn a new language and get to Jamie Bettney said: “It is about ten experience a whole new culture, Community champion for years since we have organised a ski alongside enjoying a host of Morrisons Melanie Reid said: “We trip for just Haughton Academy, evening activities, such as ice like to work with local community although we have been on a skating, pizza night, karaoke, groups and schools to help them couple over the last few years with swimming and ice tubing. fundraise for various events which other schools. “Hopefully they will all have a in turn also helps our nominated “The uptake from our pupils has fantastic time and tell other pupils charity CLIC Sergeant. been fantastic and the vast majority when they return so that it can “The pupils are doing a great job going to Courmayeur have never become an annual academy and will hopefully raise lots of skied before - for some of them it will event.” money to help with their school be the first time that they have ever Alongside raising money for the trip.” been abroad. To help try and keep trip, pupils also fund-raised for Pupil Jack Mallaby added: “This the costs down for pupils and Morrisons’ charity of the year, CLIC will be the first time that I’ve ever parents we’ve organised a number Sergeant, which helps to support been abroad so I’m really of fundraising events including a young people with cancer. excited.” AA WarmWarm WelcomeWelcome

A WELL-RESPECTED head teacher, who has covered the education spectrum from early years to undergraduates, is set to take up her latest challenge.

ESSA Fenoughty will say T farewell to Butterknowle Primary School at the end of the year to take up her new position as principal of Marchbank Free School. A part of the Education Village Academies Trust, the school specialises in helping primary children with a range of emotional, social and mental health conditions, ranging from emotional and attachment issues to attention deficit hyperactivity difficulties and autism. Marchbank, which opened in 2013 in Mowden Hall, caters for children aged five to 11 and draws pupils from , County within the Ministry of Defence as a home town of Birmingham where, Durham, Teesside and North Map Research Officer, helping to realising that her passion lay with Yorkshire. Ms Fenoughty will take produce escape and evacuation geography, she returned to up her new post as principal in maps for ex-patriots during the education to train as a teacher. January 2019. 1980s Libyan crisis. Passing her PGCE exams at Keele “Throughout my career I have “It sounds exciting, but it really University, Staffordshire, Ms taught within every sector of wasn’t,” said Ms Fenoughty. “It Fenoughty took up her first education, from pre-school to involved hours of meticulous work secondary school teaching university degree level, but this is sat behind a desk and because I position at Alsager School, the first time I have been a part of had to sign the Official Secrets Act Cheshire, where she rose to the a special educational needs I couldn’t even talk to anyone position of head of department. school,” said Ms Fenoughty. about it. Her wide-ranging career “I am looking forward to the role “The good thing about the job continued at Warwick University as immensely and hope that it will was the time off I was allowed as a a lecturer in science education continue to stretch, challenge and commissioned officer and before a chance meeting with a engage me every day to come up member of the Territorial Army 135 fellow lecturer, during a field trip to with solutions to meet the needs of Topographic Squad, Royal Kirkby Stephen, led to marriage, pupils, staff, parents and carers.” Engineers where I had a role as a and a move to Glasgow and the Birmingham-born, Ms Fenoughty, junior officer.” birth of her two daughters. 55, graduated from University Breaking the monotony of a “My husband and I were both College Wales - Aberystwyth with deskbound role, Ms Fenoughty left working at Glasgow University and a Bsc degree in Physical to travel around North America for juggling two small children, both at Geography before taking a role a year before returning to her primary school, which was very stressful,” said Ms Fenoughty. role with Durham County Council the foundations left by the “Collecting my youngest daughter Early Years Team. previous head. I want to take it to from school one afternoon her An early years position at the next level by looking at teacher mentioned that she Middleton-and-Teesdale Primary outdoor learning provision, the use thought I would make a very good School saw her rise to the role of of classroom space and the primary teacher, so that’s what I deputy head before leaving to opportunity to grow and improve did. take up her first headship at facilities for students and staff.” “I got a job at Croftamie Nursery Butterknowle Primary School in “I’m really looking forward to School, Stirling, we lived in a 2014. working with the Education Village beautiful home near Loch Lomond “As much as I enjoy my job at Academy Trust and being part of and life was idyllic. So when my Butterknowle and the challenge of an executive team with husband was offered a position at my first headship, I knew there was colleagues to support me. I agreed to move still one more move left in me,” “I’ve always worked within local only if we could live in an equally said Ms Fenoughty. authority schools before, so to be beautiful part of the country. We “On my first visit to Marchbank I part of an academy will be a new packed up and relocated to got to spend time with the and interesting challenge. Teesdale to a tumbledown students and staff and saw that “Over 30 years I’ve taught farmhouse which we then spent the values and visions of the students spanning the age range three years renovating.” school were very much aligned from pre-school to higher A number of teaching jobs with my own. education and have aspirations followed with Ms Fenoughty taking “I can’t wait to get into the that this will be the role that will supply posts in both primary and classrooms and get a real feel for bring all of those experiences and secondary schools in County the school, to be able to see it lessons learnt together for the Durham as well as a consultancy through fresh eyes and build on benefit of the whole school.”

especially young children and I Who is your hero? wanted to be able to use this One of my heroes is the polar Meet the influence to empower children – explorer Shackleton. How he not scare them! managed to get all his men back If you hadn’t become a teacher to safety was a truly heroic act. what would job would you have Describe your perfect night in. Head liked to have done? Surrounded by friends and family I wanted to be a weather being sociable. WE posed some questions to forecaster on the BBC. Where did you grow up and are find out more about the new What would you cook for me if I you still in touch with any child- came around for dinner? hood friends? Principal of Marchbank Free Roast chicken, roast potatoes and I grew up in Sutton Coldfield. I still School Tessa Fenoughty. all the trimmings. spend every New Year with friends What would your superpower be? I made when I was 17 years old. What was your first job and how Willpower- the ability to say no to a We all first met on the British much did you get paid? chocolate bar. Schools Exploring Society (BSES) My first paid job was behind a bar When did you last cry? expedition to Iceland in 1981. when I went to university. I didn’t I’m a very proud mum and both What would be the best Christmas really drink so I was rubbish at my daughters regularly make me present that you could receive? pouring pints. Can’t remember how cry when I see them doing A time machine, so I could go much I got paid. Not enough to wonderful things. back in time and meet up with lost want to stay – I left after one week! Name four people, dead or alive, loved ones – especially my dad What was your favourite subject at who would be at your perfect who died in 2010 and I still miss school and why? dinner party. him. Physical Geography. Learning Me, my husband and our two What irritates you? about landscapes around the world daughters. My inability to ‘chill out’. I’m fascinated me – it still does. Do you have a secret celebrity always looking forward to the next What made you want to teach? crush? project. My first reception teacher was a When the film Bugsy Malone came In another life I would be… very old Catholic nun called Sister out in the 1970’s I fell in love with Don’t know – I’m still busy working Tarcisius. I was so scared of her that the character Bugsy! No idea who out what I am in this one. I daren’t even ask her if I could go the actor was. What’s your secret talent? to the loo! What is your favourite TV show? I play the bass trombone – not Reflecting back on that experience I love Foyle’s War. Detective Chief really very talented at it, but I made me realise that teachers Superintendent Christopher Foyle is enjoy playing it. have a powerful influence on their such a brilliant character. pupils, TheThe SpiritSpirit ofof XmasXmas TALENTED pupils spelled out the spirit of Christmas with a special performance dedicated to Santa Claus.

EN letters in his name, one for each class at Beaumont Hill T Academy Primary, children celebrated the man in the red suit with a spectacle of readings, song and dance before a packed house of family, carers and staff. The culmination of weeks of rehearsals, pupils aged five to 11 staged a 25 minute Yuletide extravaganza singing traditional and popular festive songs, accompanied by dance routines, to rapturous applause. Assistant head teacher Tess Wright at Beaumont Hill Academy, which is part of the Education Village Academy Trust, said: “It is really important to involve every single child in the performance and they did a brilliant job; I’m so proud of them all. “Staff and children have worked tirelessly for weeks to come up with some fabulous ideas for the show which went down a storm with the audience.”

Sing,Sing, Sing,Sing, SingSing

POPULAR choir has been sharing its joy for music as interest in singing reaches a crescendo.

PRINGFIELD Academy, now S boasts more than 30 members, from years 3-6, who meet every week to form the school choir. Led by teaching assistant Cathryn Lee, the children give up their Tuesday lunchtimes to practice and are responding to any invitations they receive to perform. They have performed in the town’s Queen Street arcade to raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice and have visited two local care homes to entertain residents with carols. They also took part in a town-wide competition and performance and worked on their own lyrics for a verse of the Holly and the Ivy. the chance to introduce the The prize will be the privilege of children to a wide range of music turning on the Christmas lights next they might not otherwise have year and performing at the launch heard. event. “You see a real difference in the Mrs Lee said: “I love singing and children after they have been the choir is open to anyone who singing. As well as releasing shares my passion for music endorphins, it boosts their self- regardless of their ability. confidence, makes them more “Choir practice runs all year and reliable and this stays with them we are happy to respond to any throughout the day and all their invitations to sing. It has given us lessons.” HighHigh AchieversAchievers RRaa

RETURNING students raised the bar as they were presented with honours to recognis

ORMER Year 11 pupils at a commentator for BBC and Sky. currently studying biology, geography F Haughton Academy, were “Life isn’t easy, if it was we would all and geology at Queen Elizabeth Sixth praised at an award ceremony get grade 9s in our exams, we would Form College. “I was very surprised to to reward effort and achievement by all be Olympic athletes, we would all win three awards,” said Bethany who Commonwealth gold medallist and have great jobs and loads of money hopes to become a petroleum Olympic finalist Craig Heap. – but life isn’t like that,” he said. Life is geologist. The glittering ceremony, attended about getting out there, seizing your “I really enjoyed my time at by parents, carers, teachers and chances, saying yes to opportunities Haughton Academy, especially the governors, saw the returning GCSE and putting in the effort to succeed. extra curricular activities like singing, pupils acknowledged for their “I congratulate everyone here music and sports leadership and its accomplishments in a host of tonight for their efforts and urge them lovely to come back to have the subject areas alongside awards for all to continue to be the best they chance to catch up with everybody.” positive attitude, behaviour, can be, to dare to be different and Bethany, 16, was presented with the resilience, determination, seize each and every opportunity.” Haughton Academy conduct award attendance, leadership, spirit, High achievers of the evening were by academy governor Dr Leslie Fox kindness and outstanding conduct. students Liberty Easton and Bethany alongside awards for attainment in Craig, who won 14 British Higgins who each celebrated a English literature and effort in Spanish. championship titles, competed in five hat-trick of honours. “Its lovely to be recognised at an European and five World Liberty, 16, who collected awards award ceremony like this,” said championships, retired from for attainment in drama and effort in Bethany, who is studying biology, gymnastics in 2002 and now works as English literature and music, is maths and psychology at Queen aaiseise thethe BaBarr se their success by a gold medal winning gymnast.

Elizabeth Sixth Form College. “I tried to work really hard throughout my five years at Haughton Academy, always managing to reach my target grades, and I was really pleased with my GCSE results, especially my three grade 9s.” Congratulating the students, academy principal Jonathan Lumb, who hosted the event alongside assistant principals Fiona Campbell and Steve Flynn, added: “Tonight is always one of the best nights of the year for Haughton Academy. “Most of the students here this evening have been with us for over five years and it is wonderful to see them back here after producing such fantastic GCSE results in the summer.” BahBah Humbug!Humbug! PUPILS gave a haunting, harrowing and hilarious performance of a Christmas classic, the culmination of weeks of rehearsals for their festive show.

AMILY and friends enjoyed two were overwhelmed by pupils wanting F top quality performances of Bah to play the major parts. They brought in Humbug, an adaptation of their own costumes and learned the Dickens’ Christmas Carol, staged by words and songs and the result was Years 3-6 pupils at Gurney Pease outstanding. These are the moments Academy. children remember and carry into Directed by deputy head Simon adulthood. Moving off timetable allows Heritage, with the help of Key Stage 2 them to learn in a different manner staff, the production took the and the production offers every pupil audience back in time to witness the the chance to shine.” transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge Key stage 1 pupils offered their from skinflint to a man of generous families a more traditional Christmas spirit. with a Nativity story entitled A Miracle Ghosts of Christmases past, present in Town. Mary, Joseph, three Kings and and future helped Scrooge see the a host of angels were joined by a error of his ways and avoid the veritable stable of animals as ‘the shackles forged in life by his greatest story ever told’ was recounted accumulated sins of greed, bitterness to an appreciative audience. and selfishness. “They all did so well remembering Head teacher Alison Sinclair said: their words and songs, their cues and “When we announced which places and everyone loved their production we would be staging we performance,” Mrs Sinclair added. It’sIt’s Child’sChild’s PlayPlay FUNDRAISING has swung, spun and climbed into action as a school for children with additional needs strives to develop its outdoor play area.

HOP staff at the local ASDA S have kicked off efforts at Beaumont Hill Academy with a generous £500 cheque from its community fund. The school hopes to improve its outdoor play area which is essential for the development of pupils who have a wide range of physical and learning conditions and disabilities. The ASDA Foundation supports the local community and shop customers are asked to vote for Teacher Hanna Graydon said: ASDA community champion Louise their favourite good cause every “Playing outdoors is essential for all Gibson added: “The school’s quarter under the Green Token children in their physical and mental long-term plan to develop the Giving Scheme. development. outdoor play area sounds really Beaumont Hill Academy’s outdoor “Fresh air and physical activity is exciting and will benefit so many play scheme was the clear winner particularly vital for our children and children over the coming years. It’s this quarter receiving a £500 we notice a direct correlation a project that ASDA and its cheque towards the total budget between their behaviour and ability customers are delighted to cost, which is expected to be to learn when they have been support.” around £65,000. outdoors.” UppingUpping SticksSticks A TALENTED hockey player has received a county call up after playing the sport for just three months.

EAR10 Haughton Academy talent; he has speed, is good on well,” said Alex. “We only had 11 pupil Alex Tweddle has been the ball and gets round people players and no subs so we all got a Y selected for the Under 17s quickly. His impressive football skills bit tired towards the end. Hockey Team. were easily transferable to the “I still play football with my mates The 14-year old, who previously hockey pitch. on a Sunday for Darlington All Stars played for Darlington Football “To be selected for the county but making the switch to hockey Academy, upped sticks and team is a great achievement, has been really easy. switched sports after his talent was especially after such a short time “I can bring a lot of my football spotted by Haughton Academy PE in the sport and hopefully he will skills to the game, such as teacher and former Royal Military continue to develop and earn a positioning, dribbling, reading the Police Corporal Nicholas place at the North England play. To be honest it’s a lot like Glynne-Jones. Progression Centre, which is a football but with a stick. It’s great “I started playing hockey at a stepping stone to getting on the to be able to represent the county similar age to Alex and progressed regional team and beyond.” and because I’m playing for the to play for North Nottingham, the Alex, who plays weekly for U17s it gives me a few more years army hockey team, the tri-service Darlington Hockey Club, has to develop my game before team and Darlington Hockey already taken part in his first hopefully joining the senior squad.” Club,” said Mr Glynne-Jones. match for the county team, at a “I could see straight away during tournament in Leeds. PE lessons at school that Alex had “We didn’t win, but we played ShootingShooting StarStar A SHOOTING star has been tipped for the top after impressing coaches at a North East college football academy.

ORMER Haughton Academy pupil and Darlington College F student Mason Hurworth, 16, has attracted the attention of several top flight clubs after scoring nine goals in competitive matches since the start of September. Central midfielder Mason who is part of the Martin Gray Football Academy (MGFA), at Darlington College, is captain for Darlington Town U18s and has been selected for the Durham County U18 squad. The former Haughton Academy pupil played a year above his age group in both junior and secondary school football teams, and has played in the TJFA 1st division from seven to 16 years-old with Darlington All Stars and Boro Rangers. Haughton Academy PE teacher Liam Taylor said: “Mason was a great all-rounder who represented our school in a variety of sports helping increase his sporting “I love football, its all I’ve ever “He has already been selected abilities, his team work and his wanted to do”, said Manchester for the county team and has leadership skills in a captain’s role. United fan Mason. “I’ve never begun training with the senior “Not only did he thrive on the even had a back up career; I’m team at Shildon AFC. He has a sports field, he was also successful purely focused on doing my great attitude and a number of as an academy prefect and absolute best to become a big clubs currently have him on excelled academically, passing all professional player. their radar. I think he could be of his GCSEs. “I know it’s going to be hard but I something very special.” “He is a real inspiration to our just want to be able to play at the Mason’s mum Claire added: current pupils and is doing highest standard possible.” “The constant support and the extremely well from his decision to The MGFA has already seen five belief that Mr Taylor had in Mason join the MGFA at Darlington of its students agree professional really helped to build his College.” football terms, including 17-year- confidence and since joining the Mason currently divides his time old Vinnie Steels, who is currently MGFA Mason has been working studying on the college’s level 3 signed to premiership team even harder towards his goal. sport science course alongside Burnley. “With continued mentoring I feel playing competitive matches each “Mason is a great box-to-box that he is now in the right place to Wednesday under the supervision player, very athletic, and someone grasp the opportunities available of academy director and former who goes out to try and improve to him to finally reach his aim of professional footballer Martin Gray. every day.” said Martin. playing professionally.”

TheThe GreatestGreatest ShowShow STAR performers achieved a million dreams as they staged a Yuletide extravaganza.

ECONDARY pupils at There was also a dance S Beaumont Hill Academy performance of Rockin’ Robin by performed the Greatest staff before a roof-raising Christmas Show before a packed whole-cast finale to rapturous audience of friends, family and applause. carers. Mrs Jeffery said: “All of the students The hour-long spectacular, worked incredibly hard and with the directed by Mary Jeffery, melded help of staff successfully put on the Dickens classic A Christmas what could only be described as Carol, with the Nutcracker and The The Greatest Show.” Greatest Showman in a demonstration of talent to be proud of. A shining display of dance, acting and song by the secondary school children was the culmination of weeks of devoted practice and commitment to their rehearsals. Performances included the Beaumont Hill choir, the 12 Days of Christmas, a Christmas mash up, a rendition of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb, Merry Christmas, excerpts from A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker and song and dance routines from the The Greatest Showman. PitchPitch PerfectPerfect

PITCH perfect pupils entertained with a medley of musical hits as they took to the stage for their annual winter concert.

ORE than 50 singers, as playing at outside venues, such M guitarists, pianists, ukulele as the Forum in Darlington. players and musical theatre “I think people will be surprised by performers from Haughton the level of talent that we have in Academy heralded the run up to the school and its good to be able Christmas with an evening of to share that with people in the seasonal music and song. local community.” The event, attended by a packed Festive fun was had with a solo hall of parents, carers, staff, family by pupil Sam Hoggart singing X and friends, was led by academy Factor Matt Terry’s hit single head of music Lisa Armstrong. When Christmas Comes Around, “Our annual winter concert is an Issac Moore playing The Turkey on ideal opportunity to show off the the trumpet and the academy incredible range of musical talent singing group rounding up the that we have here at Haughton evening with a rendition of Jingle Academy,” she said. Bells. “The pupils, from Year 7 to Year 11, have been rehearsing every week since September and have been really looking forward to performing in front of their family and friends.” The glittering show opened to a parody of the Disney film Frozen with the academy’s musical theatre group putting on their own mini musical ‘A Little Bit Nippy’. Guitarist and singer Dan Rimmer who performed Folsom Prison Blues, by Jonny Cash, alongside fellow Year 11 pupil Lucas Woods, said: “I have performed at all of the academy’s music concerts as well

For further information or enquiries regarding The Education Village Academy Trust contact:

Springfield Academy Beaumont Hill Academy The Education Village The Education Village Salters Lane South Salters Lane South Darlington Darlington DL1 2AN DL1 2AN Telephone: Telephone: 01325 248153 01325 248136

Haughton Academy The Education Village Salters Lane South Darlington DL1 2AN Telephone: 01325 254000

Marchbank Free School Gurney Pease Academy Mowden Hall Dodsworth Street Barnes Road Darlington Darlington County Durham DL3 9BL DL1 2NG Telephone: Telephone: 01325 254670 01325 380790

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