As we approach Christmas and the decorations go up earlier and earlier every year, we can reflect upon yet another year of outstanding success at RWBA. The summer’s results were very much in line with last year’s results but slightly better and kept us up in the top schools in for attainment and progress. This success was at GCSE as well as A level and

BTecs. This only comes about through the incredible hard work of our amazing students and staff. The relationships that are developed between staff and students are the greatest strength of this school and ensure that virtually all students thrive here.

Sadly we have to say goodbye to 3 members of staff this Christmas. Cerys Gasson is leaving after 2 years in DT, she has a

new job closer to her home in Bath and we thank her for all that she has done and wish her every possible success. Amanda Stuart is leaving her role as Parent Support Worker. Amanda has been here since September 2009 and helped literally hundreds of parents and students. Good luck and thank you Amanda in whatever you choose to do. Finally we are losing Kirsty Penberthy from PE this Christmas. Kirsty’s husband has been posted to the USA so they moving out there in January. This is an amazing opportunity for Kirsty and her family and we would like to thank her so much for all that she has done in and out of school and wish her and her family the best possible luck on their new adventure in the States.

In some ways we have tried to have a settling down year after having new policies in Behaviour, Assessment and Homework last year. However we have made one significant change which has been a huge success. We have moved to all mixed attainment teaching in Year 7 and we are delighted with the progress of all. All the research backs this move and we

asked Challenge Partners to take a close look at it during our recent Quality assurance Review. The quote in our report is as follows “Leaders have recently decided to provide mixed ability teaching for Year 7 classes. This has been a positive development for students. Teachers ensure that the level of challenge remains high. More able students continue to be stretched and the less able can take part in more challenging activities and discussions. In addition, this brings more students together socially in the school, adding to the

’s positive ethos.” The whole review was a hugely positive process and the report is possible the best we have ever had – very encouraging for all concerned.

The school continues to excel in all areas in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Only time will tell how funding will change after the election but if something doesn’t change drastic action will have to happen.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year

George Croxford, Headteacher

Pearson National Teaching Awards

Congratulations to Simon Gunstone on winning Teacher of the Year at the

Pearson Awards

Also congratulations to George Croxford who achieved the Silver Award for Headteacher of the Year

Hope Ashford Lambert Jade Gillet Sharad Behboudi Deputy Prime Minister (EC & PD + WB & C) Prime Minister (Environment & all others) Deputy Prime Minister (B & S + T & L)

Nevan Erry Olivia Leitao Ciara Mooney Patrick Cunningham Kieran Ward Minister for EC & PD Minister for WB & C Minister for Environment Minister for B & S Minister for T & L

Luisa Osborne Lucy Blackmur James Wheatley Jasmine Hartley Emily Smith Deputy Minister for T & L Deputy Minister for EC & PD Deputy Minister for WB & C Deputy Minister for Deputy Minister for B & S Environment C) I am thrilled to introduce the above cabinet for Student Parliament, with Jade Gillet as a very passionate and motivated Prime Minister of RWBA. She has a fantastic cabinet team, most of which have experienced RWBA from the age of 11 and are inspired to help to take the school from strength to strength. This year there are 60 students (from year 7 to year 13) making up our Student Parliament and all have a vital role to play in ensuring the students have a voice and acting upon areas for change or development. From the opening of Parliament in November, the cabinet meetings have been hugely successful and highlight how respectful our students are in listening to each other and also their diligence and determination to make changes to improve not only their school but also the wider issues faced within their community and in effect greater society such as inequalities, prejudices, environmental concerns and mental health.

This is a fantastic thing to see, particularly considering the current instable political climate. The 5 groups: Environment, Wellbeing and community, PD and extra-curricular, behaviour and safety and Teaching and Learning meet up once a fortnight to discuss strengths within these areas but also areas they feel need to be developed. These are communicated to the necessary staff member(s) to help to facilitate these areas of improvements, some may be long term or short-term actions. The environment group will continue to work with G4S to improve waste management and other areas to ensure we are doing all we can for the climate crisis. The ‘Teaching and Learning’ and ‘Behaviour and Safety’ teams are engaged in discussions about the curriculum and behavioural and reward systems. They are currently reviewing action points with Mrs A. Ellis and Mr Paddock. The well-being group, are currently focused on how to utilise our anti-bullying ambassadors more effectively and ways to approach mental health to ensure all students feel supported and able to talk. Finally, the PD and extracurricular team will continue to feed back to the PD staff team regarding students’ opinions on what could be covered during PD days and the ways in which the sessions are delivered. All of these areas make up the very fabric of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and the continuing communication between students and staff can only continue to improve the experience for all at the school and ensure the ethos of the school: Respect, Well-being, Balance and Aspiration are deeply embedded within the foundations of day to day life.

Miss Falvey

We had a great time in Textiles for on

Wednesday at our Scandi Christmas Decoration Workshop. It was lovely to see brothers, sisters, parents, aunts and grandparents at the very well attended event! We made embroidered and embellished decorations and little heart baskets from felt, and beautiful Danish Stars from festive strips of fabric. We learned construction, blanket stitch, various embroidery stitches and fabric origami! It was lovely to sit and chat at what was a very festive and enjoyable evening. Thank you to Mrs Gasson for organising it and also to Mrs Chandler, Ms Revell and Mrs Alford for helping everyone to achieve some brilliant results!

Well done to the RWBA Students that completed the Mosaic which has been installed on school grounds.

Thank you to Sue Gray from Kennet & Arts Society for funding the project.

RWBA has some of the largest numbers of students in Wiltshire participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, taking part in thousands of hours of volunteering and developing new skills.

This year we have successfully had over 50 students taking part in their Silver Qualifying Expedition in the New Forest and over 90 students completing their Bronze Qualifying Expedition. Year 10 and Year 11 students are now in the process of completing their evidence to sign off the remaining sections of the award.

In the New Year we will be launching the Bronze Award to Year 9 and Silver Award in Year 10.

RWBA Community Christmas Meal

News from the Careers Team: Transition Time: The Horizon

It always seems to be decision-making time for students but Why can’t they see this time of year is particularly challenging for some. For a Year That inside of me, 9 student, they start to think about the GCSE Options that they I’m screaming. would find most interesting and beneficial for them; for Year

11 students, they will need to consider where they will be Why can’t they see going when they leave in June – 6th form, College, That inside of me Apprenticeship. For Year 13 students, they must decide I’m dreaming whether they will go to , into Work or an

Apprenticeship or take some time out. Of a time when the music

Inside my head It is at this time that we see many students for Guidance. And Is not stifled we can be guilty of expecting them all to make decisions when By something I dread; we think they should – but some need more time to get accustomed to the idea of change or moving on, and we need Screeching of brakes, to be aware of this. Maybe the words of this poem illustrate Slamming of Doors, what can be going on in the heads of some young people: Raising of Voices

My heart beat soars;

A look of disgust An uninvited touch, A sudden loss Can be all too much.

Sense of isolation Feelings that numb Gaping black hole Nowhere to run;

To consider a future In the chaos and pain The Careers department has plenty planned for At a time when the music 2020, here is a glimpse of some: Has stalled yet again.

5 February 2020: Annual Progression Fair Why can’t they see 2-13 March 2020: National Science Week/Careers That inside of me Week I’m dreaming; 11-15th May 2020: Year 10 Work Experience July 2020: Year 10 Taster Days Of sunnier days Here’s looking forward to a stimulating New When the music plays Year! Over the horizon.

Merry Christmas from the Geography department!

We have had an exciting academic year. One of the highlights have been an overseas trip to Switzerland for Year 11 and 13. Students got to experience some amazing physical and human Geography first hand including a trip to Chamonix to see one of the biggest glaciers in the Alps, a journey to the Emossen Dam, an impressive hydroelectric project found high in the mountains and a tour of the UN headquarters in Geneva! Students had a truly enriching trip. We are now planning a trip to Iceland that will go ahead next October half term.

On a much more local level, we have been able to offer Year7 an opportunity to experience fieldwork with a visit to the local Jubilee Park where they completed an enquiry into environmental management. Much fun was had by all, even in the rain! Other highlights in the department have included the launch of our new environmentally focussed extra-curricular club, ‘Ecoclub’. The club, run by Miss Cassidy is aimed at students who are passionate about local and global environmental issues and want to be active in making a difference. We look forward to many more exciting geographical adventures in the New Year!

KS3 Drama Club Christmas performance.

40 KS3 students took part and performed ‘Pantomime Academy’ to an audience on 2nd December. They worked really hard and did a fantastic job. They will start working on something new next term.

Ben Kimberley Aswin Chandrabalu (10BA2) (9WI1) Grade 1 Distinction 88% Grade 1 Merit 79%

Isabella Draycott Imogen Warhurst (11CO1) (11CO1) Grade 1 Merit 76% Grade 3 Merit 83%

Charlie Fellows If you wish to learn a musical (7BE1) instrument, please contact Grade 3 Classical Guitar Mrs Hodgson, Head of Music: [email protected] Follow the music department on Twitter: RWBAMusicDept

Senior Choir members sang Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 7th December.

Over 1000 young people took part and were conducted by a Ben Parry.

Several year 10 and year 11 GCSE Music students performed at the KS4 Music Recital in November.

Amazing performances and a huge well done to the students involved!

Billy Spearman, Year 12, played the Last Post on Remembrance Day.

Performing in front of the entire school is a huge achievement for Billy.

Representatives of our students cadets in the photo to the left.

RWBA Harvest 2019 RWBA Senior Choir sang Bohemian Rhapsody, Junior Voices sang Autumn

Days and Saxophone Ensemble performed a selection of Harvest inspired songs. RWBA Harvest 2019 with a global crisis theme.

Autumn Music Concert October 2019 An absolutely stunning Autumn Music Concert, ‘the best one yet!’ Donations and refreshment proceeds are to be donated to CLIC Sargent.

RWBA have two past pupils in Les Misérables in London’s West End!

Not only is Harry Apps starring as Marius in Les Mis at the Sondheim Theatre but he will be joined by RWBA past pupil Georgie Lovatt! We are exceptionally proud of Georgie’s achievements and look forward to seeing the show at the Sondheim Theatre.

Harry Apps will move from the Les Misérables UK and Ireland tour to the Sondheim Theatre in London as of December 2019.

We continue to be every so proud of Harry and his phenomenal achievements. We look forward to planning a trip in Summer 2020.

RWBA Brass Ensemble performed at Westonbirt School annual Christmas Concert and supported their Wind Band. Well done to the Brass Ensemble!

The School will be sending out e-cards this year instead of printed ones.

Follow @RWBAPEDept on Twitter

Girls Football

Our Girls Football Teams have made fantastic progress in the ESFA National and Wiltshire County Cup Competitions. The U14 girls are currently through to round 4 of the ESFA competition having beaten;

Redknock School (Stroud) 6-3 Katherine Lady Berkley School (Stroud)– 5-3 Churchdown School (Gloucester) 3-0

The girl’s next game will be against Gordano School on Monday 9th December where we hope to make it through to round 5. The U14 girls have also played their first match in the Wiltshire County Cup competition, beating Kingsbury Green 8-0.

Our U15 Girls football team have progressed onto the 5th round of this prestigious competition which is a real achievement. Their latest game concluded 10-1 against King Alfred’s Academy having lost against them in the cup last year. The girls have made fantastic progress and are looking forward to seeing who they are drawn against next.

The U12 Girls football team have also made an impressive start in their first fixture against in the Wiltshire County Cup. All students displayed real gumption in their first performance, really encompassing their ‘Bassett Values’. The girls will face Matravers or Hardenhuish after the Christmas break. They also play their first match in the ESFA national cup against St Mary’s and St Katherines on Friday 6th December.

Our U16 Team unfortunately lost their match in a close encounter against St Johns 3-2 and have therefore exited the Wiltshire County Cup.

Well done girls, keep up the good work. Mrs Westlake

Girls Benchball

For the first time ever in Swindon there was a Benchball tournament involving seven schools, RWBA girls have always loved the game and proved their prowess with the Year 7 team coming 3rd and the Year 8’s taking 1st place. Amazing achievement – we are very much looking forward to next year’s tournament already! Mrs Driver

Girls Netball

The year 7 and 8 netball teams have had a fantastic season this year with only losing 1 match! Within their teams they have grown both in confidence and performance throughout the last 4 months and worked really hard at improving week on week. Their dedication and commitment to training has been fantastic which has been seen in some high scoring games. Miss Windsor has seen some great leadership from Caitlin (7) and Liv and Jade (8) which has been a great support in motivating and organising their respective teams.

The year 7’s also represented RWBA at a Wiltshire wide tournament on a cold and frosty Saturday morning. The early started didn’t damped their ability as they demonstrate some great skill, especially Caitlin and Millie in the centre of the court and Chloe shooting.

The girls will soon be off to watch a Super League Netball Match to get them inspired for next season.

Bring on next season!

Miss Windsor

Year 7 Boys Rugby

The year 7s have showed great enthusiasm for a new sport for many of them this term with fantastic numbers at training and some brilliant fixtures being played. The team were able to win a number of their games this year including reaching the finals of the Swindon Schools cup where they were narrowly beaten by LPA but showed great commitment and character to play their best rugby for the whole game. I have been really impressed 3with the team spirit this year and I hope that the boys will continue to enjoy playing and watching rugby through their RWBA careers.

Mr Gibson Year 8 Boys Rugby

The year 8 rugby team had a number of high quality performances throughout the autumn and winter term competing in both Swindon and Wiltshire school fixtures and tournaments. The team showed a lot of progress throughout the year and a number of new players attended training and represented the team which was pleasing. A huge well done for the commitment and resilience they showed throughout the year, a number of players qualifying for rugby honours. Already looking forward to getting back out on the rugby pitch for year 9 fixtures!

Mr Wilson

Mr Gibson

English Schools Swimming Association Divisional Championships

Back in September, RWBA once again attended the ESSA Divisional round at Millfield School. Whilst we weren’t able to qualify for nationals this year, there were some truly superb swims from students in all Year groups. Well done to all of those that took part!

Mrs Penberthy

Y7/8 Girls Y7/8 boys Y9/10 Girls Y9/10 Boys Y11-13 Girls Y11-13 Boys Jess Nutland Evan Penning Lavinia Reuben Emily Preedy Matt Haydon Kaitlin Will Kirkwood Morsani- Marchment Zara Ethan Rush Sammon Harry Whittle Jones Sam Gattenby Honeyman Ed Smith Izzy Simpkins Charlie Kiera Essam Joey Simpkins Megan Sam DuBarry Leina Griffiths Charlotte Ryan Adamson Matsushima Barrett Lawrence Leia Griffiths Lexi Knight Talia Haines Grace Barrett Annelie Millie Evans Honeyman Poppy Turner

Year 9 Rugby This season has been a cracker for the year 9 rugby team. A number of new players have developed over the season and discovered some skill for match play. Whilst our experienced rugby players just keep getting better. Highlights of the season include 42 Yr9 boys trying out rugby training and 27 of those classed as attending regularly. In our first game we scored more points than we did as Yr8s and to finish the season with 3 wins from 6 is a huge step forward. We made it to the semi-final of the Swindon Rugby Cup losing to the eventual winners and in the most recent mini tournament we nearly beat rivals LPA who won the game by only 1 try (without mentioning the score this is a real positive from last year’s result.) Special mention to our captains Jamie Wilkinson and Will Halliwell who have help support a great level of respect and communication amongst the squad. Bring on the year 10 season!!

Mr I’Anson

North Wiltshire Cross Country As has become the tradition our annual house cross country event fed directly in to the team selection for our North Wilts competing team with top ten finishers in contention for a spot on the bus to the beautiful House meet. As a result our minor, junior and inter teams where made up of the following pupils;

INTER TEAMS JUNIOR TEAMS MINOR TEAMS

O'Nions, Ellie Hamzat, Alimah Foster, Eloise

Lawrence, Lily Wannell, Poppy Sammon, Caitlin Joshi, Rucha Samuel, Esther Turner, Holly Kwong, Andrea Chard, Kiera Kayani, Ava Ralph, Madeleine Billett, Emily Box, Phoebe Pattinson, Aimee Lowry, Alisha Richardson, Emily Hamzat, Rukayat Essam, Keira Swaby, Ellie Mannix, Archie Honeyman, Annelie Whiting, Emily Burridge, William Nicholls, Thomas Abijo, Francis Osei-Bonsu, Samuel Taylor, Lewis Opoku-Menkah, Papa Taylor, Ethan Stacey, Thomas Mann, George Matsushima, Taiga Goldsworthy, Zak Notman, Christopher-John Leslie, Michael Marchment, Reuben Knight, George Legg, Ethan Fisher, Parker Pollak, Richard Behboudi, Behrad Smith, Oliver Larcombe, Oliver Murehwa, Ethan

All of whom should be congratulated for making the We will save our last praise for our RWBA RWBA teams as the fastest cross country runners in leaders and Power of 10 pupils who in their their year groups. However, the praise doesn’t stop first event as cross country route marshals there as we achieved the best standings ever against ensured runners could compete. Without the other 10 North Wilts schools. these leaders events such as these wouldn’t

Team results were as follows; run. Yr7 Minor boys - 1st Rhys Farr Yr7 Minor girls - 6th Olivia Lloyd th Yr8&9 Jnr boys - 4 Bria Knight Yr8&9 Jnr girls - 4th Lucy King Yr10&11 Inter boys - 1st Andriani Vourla st Yr10&11 Inter girls - 1 Nunes

And the following individuals are ones to watch as Darcy Cox they have been selected for the North Wilts team to Willem Horter compete at the County Finals in January, to add this is most we have ever had; Amy-Jayne Dyer Yr7 Minors – Eloise Foster, Caitlin Sammon, Francis Amber Harris Abijo, Oliver Smith, George Mann & George Knight

Yr8&9 Juniors – Emily Billett, Poppy Wannell & Tom Nicholls Yr10&11 Inters – Ellie O’Nions, Archie Mannix, Ethan Taylor, William Burridge & Taiga Matsushima Senior boys by nomination – Patrick Mochan Yr12. Football Term 1

U14 boys have their first County Cup game after Christmas against Dorcan or St Johns. U16 boys lost a competitive game against St Johns Marlborough In the 1st round of the County cup.

Year 7 boys have had a great start to the season. They won their 1st round County cup game 8-1 vs and face Kingdown or Sarum Academy in the quarter final after Christmas.

Additionally, they were entered into 2 ESFA National Cup competitions. They progressed into round 4 of the 9 a side cup where they came up against Warneford. After leading 2-0 with 5 minutes left, they drew 2-2 and lost out 3-2 on penalties. In the Elite Schools National Cup, the boys have progressed into the last 16 and will play Kennett School after the Christmas break.

The Year 7s have also progressed into the final Swindon indoor 5 a side championships. They topped their qualifying group against Warneford, Kingsdown, and Great Western Academy and will compete in the final on Thursday 12th December.

MacMillan Cake Sale On 27th September, 6th Form students baked and sold cupcakes for the Macmillan Coffee Morning. This is now an annual event and students enjoyed making the cakes as much as encouraging staff and students to buy one!

Well done everyone who cooked, decorated, donated, presented, sold and ate cakes!

Total raised = £129.00

USA Exchange Visit:

In November we had 14 students and 2 staff visit from Rock Ridge High School, Virginia. The students stayed with RWBA host families and visited London sights and Oxford whilst they were here. They experienced Sixth Form lessons and explored local culture. Our students are making a return visit in the February half term and looking forward to exploring Loudoun County and a visit to Washington DC and the Capital building.

US and UK students at Covent Garden during their trip to London.

6th Form Applications for 2020 Entry

A reminder for Year 11 students if you are planning on applying to RWBA Sixth Form the deadline to submit your application is Friday 13th December.

Sixth Form Speech Evening

On Monday 16th December we will be holding our Annual Award Evening for the students who completed their A Level and BTEC Courses in the summer. We are looking forward to welcoming them back and hearing how they are getting on at their University or employment.

This is an evening of celebration and recognition of achievements both academically and for overcoming their personal challenges.

Our speaker for the evening will be Libby Jackson, Human Exploration Manager at the UK Space Agency, fitting in this the 50th anniversary year of the first man on the moon. Musical items will be performed by Year 12 students and the School Swingband.

Sixth Form Volunteering

As part of the Sixth Form Enrichment, the Volunteer group have recently visited John Watson House on two occasions to make some arts and crafts. We worked with residents from the House and Springfield’s House on producing a table decoration and Christmas crackers from recycled items for their Christmas Buffet Party coming up. Here are a few snaps of the students and residents getting crafty!

Head of Sixth Form Reward Certificates

Since September we have introduced weekly reward letters which are sent home to parents to recognise students for lots of positive actions, along with the termly Head of Sixth Form Award Certificates presented in Assemblies. This term the following were recipients of Head of Sixth Form Awards. Congratulations to all of them.

Year 12

Iwan Floyd – for being appointed Captain of the Year 12 Mad Dog Rugby Team

Kerry Rutherford – for her perseverance and positive start to Sixth Form

Year 13

Jack Jones - for being appointed Captain of the Year 13 Mad Dog Rugby Team

Kira Fitzgerald O’Connor – for coming to the aid of a lady suffering a stroke whilst on a public bus and supporting her young children.

Scarlett Page - for rescuing a swimmer in difficulty whilst working at the Lime Kiln Leisure Centre

RWBA’s Holocaust, genocide and human rights programme (HGP)

“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” – Elie Wiesel “Genocide is the responsibility of the entire world.” - Ann Clwyd This term has been another busy and memorable one for all things HGP. With so much going on, it’s been hard to pick out some highlights, but here’s the summary of some fabulous opportunities that have served to inform, engage, inspire and empower students, staff, parents, governors and our wider community.

To mark #Genocide71, to raise awareness and encourage prevention opportunities in our school, community and wider society we hosted a series of events (Dec 9-13). On the 9th December we held a ‘Time to Talk about Genocide’ workshop day for 35 of our Sixth Form and PE department students. We used the lens of the power of sport, and the testimony of Eric Murangwa MBE to reflect upon the stages of genocide and the case study of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Student responses give a flavour of the impact of the day: ‘Such a powerful and interesting testimony from Eric – it must be so tough to relive and share – he is such an inspiration, and a true sportsman for his values, his dignity, perseverance and spirit.’ Another said ‘Thankyou Miss Wetherall and Mr I’Anson for this opportunity. It’s opened my eyes to the genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda and I now have a different appreciation of sports value than just recreation and competition – its such a powerful tool for individual growth and can be a positive force for social change.’ ‘The power of sport and the human spirit is truly incredible’ said one, whilst another reflected hearing from Eric was ‘…a very inspirational story of how the beautiful game brings people together in the best and worst of times. Massive respect for you, your family and your work…Thanks Eric for coming and talking to us…’ Teaching and learning about genocide is disturbing, complex and personal-encountering it is hard and yet it draws upon active global citizenships and demands we each look at ourselves and how we can contribute to a world where genocide might, one day, be history. We reaffirm, in every HGP event, our commitment to Srebrenica survivor Nadzad Avdic’ words that ‘ All children have a right to learn what actually happened and to not be bring up new generations full of hatred’ so, in this instance, we thank Mr I’Anson for his support and the PE departments’ engagement in making this opportunity possible. As a UNICEF “Rights Respecting School” it is important for us to mark the anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, so we choose to host another workshop day with Year 8 students on 11 December. We called this ‘Time to Talk about Human Rights’ and Oliver did a great job with his human rights story task, whilst Megan worked hard on her human rights and warning signs tables. Thomas wrote two great tweets for Kemal Pervanic and Eric Murangwa (survivors who had their rights removed) whilst Emily-Rose wrote a thoughtful poem, reflecting on the four key principles of the UNDHR (FRED), fairness, respect, equality and dignity. Ryan was thoughtful and applied what he knew to make headway on his human rights A-Z and his story board and urged people to remember Korczak. Whilst Aimee made detailed Korczak notes to inform her work and recognised she had learned a lot in her RAG rating – all were brilliant RWBA/Human Rights ambassadors. Each understands that human rights must not be taken for granted; they know, from examples like the Holocaust, that when rights are rescinded or denied, society is breaking down and should be recognised as a warning sign to genocide. The failure to preserve or protect human rights is disturbing, complex and personal - encountering it can be hard and yet it draws upon active global citizenships and demands we each look at ourselves and how we can contribute to a world where human rights are lived and respected, their abuse, make ‘history’. On 12th December we hosted and ran a collaborative workshop for 15 RWBA students and another 15 from Hanham Woods Academy in Bristol – they are a UCL Beacon School (2019) and this was the third time we have collaborated in such projects. Our hope was students would again be informed, engaged, inspired and empowered by this opportunity which focused on the Bosnia case of 1992-95 and included hearing testimony from Safet Vukalic. We encouraged students to reflect upon the ways they can #StandTogether today, how they unite in the face of hate and division by developing and showing ‘respect, empathy and inclusion’. All were incredible ambassadors – and the feedback was positive, reflective, thoughtful and powerful, such as: 'I feel like my views on different cultures have changed and caused me to be more aware of the backgrounds that people have come from', whilst another reflected, ‘Thankyou Safet for showing me what it means to be a decent, good human being, and about a genocide that is lesser known, but an example of how badly hate can grow unnoticed.’ As a UNICEF “Rights Respecting School” it is important for us to mark the anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, so we choose to host another workshop day with Year 8 students from RWBA on 11 December. We call this ‘Time to Talk about Human Rights’ and the day will include a legacy project for the students and school to follow up on between now and July 2020. Human Rights must not be taken for granted; we know, from examples like the Holocaust, that when rights are rescinded or denied, society is breaking down and should be recognised as a warning sign to genocide. The failure to preserve or protect human rights is disturbing, complex and personal - encountering it can be hard and yet it draws upon active global citizenships and demands we each look at ourselves and how we can contribute to a world where human rights are lived and respected, their abuse, make ‘history’. We have also worked with a group of Year 7s on a special #PowerofWords workshop. Students produced outstanding bio poems, words A-Z, were inspired by refugee stories to write a photo stimulus response and reflected upon the link between ‘banter’ and bullying. Their outcomes, including their bunting, demonstrated clearly their understanding of the role of words and language in Holocaust and genocide denial, in classification of people, dehumanisation, propaganda and polarisation. Special thanks to Mr Russell and his class who so embraced the spirit of the day and offered big ideas and smiles throughout – producing reflective, creative #PowerofWords bunting to consolidate their learning and show their commitment to #StandTogether. Events such as this, and others throughout the year, serve to use stories to change the way we think, feel and act. We aim to shift thinking from that which says ‘MY world would be better WITHOUT you in it’ – the thinking from which genocide and human rights abuse stems, to thinking which gives dignity to difference, brings people together because we have more in common than that which divides us, and says ‘OUR world would be better WITH you in it’. If you want to know why HGP education matters – this student feedback is revealing…it challenges stereotypes, encourages seeing the ‘person’ not just the mass. New knowledge, changes perspectives. It is holistic, enriching and civic, it is a #BassettWay opportunity.

Thankyou to the students, colleagues and, especially, the survivors and guests who make them so memorable, so important, so relevant, and we take this opportunity to wish all a safe, healthy and happy festive season and look forward to marking HMD2020 and highlighting the need to #StandTogether in the new year, our #EYP2CtW20 teacher conference, Year 9 Holocaust Day and more – you can find out more about our work via twitter @RWBA_Holocaust.

Attendance Guidance At RWBA we recognise that regular school attendance is the most critical element in ensuring academic success. Regular attendance promotes academic attainment and allows students to make the best progress. We have a clear expectation that students should attend 100% of the time. Obviously we understand that sometimes absences from school are unavoidable, especially in times of ill health, injury, family bereavement. In such cases parents should contact the school as soon as possible. (01793) 841957 is the dedicated absence line number or speak directly to the Year team. Every absence from school should be explained in this way on the same day of absence. Authorisation of absences will be at the discretion of the school. An accumulation of unauthorised absences will lead to meetings with the Year team and possible referral to the Local Authority. Despite some absences being unavoidable, we expect all students to attend over 95% of the time.

School starts at 8.40am and all students are expected to be in iLearn before 8.40am ready for registration. It is important that all students are punctual for this first session of the day as attending iLearn ensures students are ready and prepared for their learning. The Tutors also give out important notices and are able to support students with their emotional needs.

There are 190 school days per year and 175 other days for holidays, birthday treats and non-urgent appointments. RWBA will not authorise any holidays or time off during term time. We may consider authorising individual requests for time off in exceptional circumstances. These requests must be submitted to Mrs Salmon, Assistant Headteacher, in advance and will be considered on an individual basis.

Some students require time off school to attend sporting events, play in music concerts, receive specialist coaching or competing in national/International competitions. Any requests for time off will be considered, however, any time off authorised or unauthorised will impact on the academic progress of students.

Any significant periods of unexplained or unauthorised absences will be investigated and Parents/Carers will be expected to meet with the Year team to address the attendance concerns. These periods of absence could result in a fixed penalty notice fine from the Local Authority.

Attendance 0 days off school = 100% = Perfection Equates to 2 days off school each Year = 99% = Excellent Equates to 5 days off school each Year = 97% = Good Equates to 10 days off school each year = 95% = Slight concern. Parents will be notified of concerns. Equates to 20 days off school each year = 90% = Concerning – Classified at Persistent Absentee Equates to 30 days off school each year = 85% = Very Concerning

Following changes to Government standards, any students whose attendance falls below 95% will be considered a ‘Persistent Absentee’. This means students are at serious risk of failing to make the progress expected of them and could lead to them not achieving their potential.

Attendance Rewards Badges each term = 30 achievement points Tutor group competition each term rewarding winners with a non-uniform day Certificates for 100%

Improving Attendance Attendance is initially monitored by the students Tutor. If attendance falls, support can be put in place for individuals with specific issues relating to attendance. Students can speak with their Tutor or Year team. Parents can receive support from the Year team and school staff. Referrals could be made to the Parent Support Advisor, Educational Welfare Officer, School Nurse/First Aid team, School Counsellor or other external agencies.

Letters/emails are sent out on a termly basis to all parents of students with an attendance below 95%. This is followed with further letters if improvements are not made.

Should attendance drop below 90%, school attendance meetings will be held between the Year team, parents and students and an action plan will be agreed to promote improved attendance. These plans will be reviewed and if improvements are not made, referral will be made to the Educational Welfare Officer.

School attendance is the responsibility of the Parents/Carers and it is expected that Parents/Carers adhere to the above guidance.

Truancy Calls Every Minute Counts! As mentioned in our previous Newsletter, we are continuing 8.30am Your Child has arrived in time to settle well and has the best start possible to run a strategy to monitor attendance which includes supporting the safety of students’ welfare during the school 8.40am Your child has probably arrived just after most students as the school day starts at day. 8.40am

Registers are marked at the start of i-Learn at 08:40am and 8.41am Your child is late and has missed the beginning of the school day, being a few minutes the system displays all students who have not been marked late often unsettles students present at that time. Student Managers check the names and update the system showing the reasons for absences. 8.45am 5minutes late a day means 3 lost days a year

Unless we have notification of illness at the start of the day or 8.50am 10minutes late a day means 6 lost days a year prior appointments, truancy calls will go out to all the contact numbers on our records for that particular student until we 8.55am 15minutes late a day means 9 lost days a year establish a reason for their absence. Please inform us if you Arriving after the register closes is recorded as an unauthorised absence have recently moved or have new contact details – we need If you child is late they are missing out to know they are correct and up-to-date in case of an If you child is regularly late it will affect their learning and progress in school emergency. School Car Park Facilities Give your child the best start to the school day by ensuring they arrive before 8.40am

When you visit the School by car, please adhere to the one way All students are given a 10minute breaktime detention on the same day that they are late system (clearly marked by the arrows) and be mindful of the parking space you use. Please keep the disabled spaces free at all times for to school those who need them. We have parents/visitors coming and going NO PARKING PERMITTED in Lime Kiln Car Park for School Collections/ Drop-Offs throughout the day, but unless you display a blue disabled sticker in Please DO NOT park in the Lime Kiln car park when waiting for your child to come out of school or dropping your car windscreen we will make the assumption that you are them off. Local residents have complained they are being blocked in when coming out of the Leisure parked incorrectly. Thank you for your consideration. Centre. Instead, please park considerately and safely either on the school premises or on the main road and with your engines turned off. Thank you for your adherence.