Newsletter Easter 2020

A Message Please find below a few examples and unique website to ensure distance feedback from our community: learning was accessible and from the available for 1300+ students • Local nursery school children wrote Principal many thank you cards to the staff • Above all, the teamwork of our staff M. Gore at the for keeping the in sharing rotas, online resources, academy open to our students distance learning techniques, virtual meetings and conferences We are living in • Several parents have made offers to in order to provide the education unprecedented times, come into the academy to support that our children deserve and keep and uncertainty the learning of the students and the purposeful momentum of the can be a very daunting prospect. Yet even support childcare for our staff organisation in motion. uncertainty is often the best time so they could continue to teach our for growth. The potential is ‘limitless students It is the thoughtful actions and selfless possibility’ if we shift perspective and • Some volunteer staff offered to dedication of people within the look at circumstances differently. come in with their own children so Wilmington Academy community that that we could continue to provide makes me so proud to be a part of it. As Principal of Wilmington Academy, I an education to students on site have witnessed how a range of people approach adversity in different ways • Senior leaders and ‘I just wanted to say a massive and with true courage. Trust staff developed contingency thank you for all that Wilmington plans with little time and limited Academy has done for my son. I I feel it is important to continue to information to ensure that key know at times it has been a bumpy share our positive messages of hope workers can continue the fight road. However, as a parent, I just and joy by displaying the great work against COVID-19 by providing wanted to acknowledge all the hard that comes from within our community a bespoke timetable for their work from the staff. via our Easter Newsletter. Through children the tough times we are facing due to • A range of staff offering their time My son has grown into a fantastic COVID-19, I am pleased to let you know and support by volunteering at the young man and thank you for all that heroes are real, there are many in academy the emotional, academic support our community and they have certainly • Utilising the expertise of our staff, and friendships you have all shown.’ risen to the challenge. we created our very own Year 11 Parent

Distance/Home Learning Key Worker Hub Provision Events and Trips

The academy has developed its very At the time of writing, the academies Sadly, due to our enforced closure we own website providing a range of from the will not be holding Parents’ Evening as learning activities. These include Dartford cluster have worked together planned and forthcoming trips have Google Classroom, resources for a to ensure a bespoke curriculum for been either cancelled or unconfirmed range of subject material, virtual key worker children who cannot at present. More details will follow for interaction between student and staff be cared for at home. We continue each individual trip. so that assessments/marking and to provide a ‘safe place’ for critical feedback is available. There have been workers to leave their children. The I can only thank you for your support so many positive comments from provision ensures a normal structure and wish you and your families well at parents and students alike: undertaking a variety of tasks and this very challenging time. activities which stimulate and engage ‘Have spent the morning looking the children. through the distance learning plan with my son. I am super impressed with how clear and organised it is.’

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 Post-16 go to Berlin!

In February, 18 of our Post-16 History students went on a long (very long!) weekend to Berlin.

We managed to pack in a huge amount during our four days including: a walking tour of Berlin; the Brandenburg Gate; going on the roof of the Reichstag; visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp; the DDR Museum; the Checkpoint Charlie Museum; the Topography of Terror and the Asisi Panorama, showing a life-size image of the view across the Berlin Wall into East Berlin in the 1980s, as well as visiting the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery.

Everyone had a great time, and an indication of what the students learned can be seen in a student response to our post-trip evaluation below.

How did participation in the trip develop your knowledge of history, particularly in relation to your history course? Which three visits on the trip did you learn the most from? When studying a course whilst you attend a trip, you do get an in-depth knowledge of the subject overall, you never truly Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – this visit was learn about specific cases and cannot always understand the particularly emotional, when visualising in a classroom (you true realness of the situation. I realised, when in Stasi Prison, cannot fully understand the pain and suffering). However, the personal stories I was able to learn about made my being in the centre of a camp – there isn’t a word to describe understanding much more in depth as it allowed me a more what you feel. It is just overwhelming! As you walk through personal connection than just reading about the place in a the site, you are constantly learning about what happened generalised paragraph in a textbook. to people in these camps; the audio guides were extremely helpful in furthering your knowledge as well. Whilst visiting these sites you also have access to guides that are specialised in that specific site, making for a much Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial (former Stasi Prison) – richer understanding of contextual knowledge. As well as the visit to the Stasi Prison was enlightening. Our guide was this, being able to speak to people who have worked in these extremely interactive, thoroughly engaging us in the topics places is extremely beneficial; any gaps in your knowledge that he was presenting. The tour itself puts you in the place of and understanding can be easily filled as your connection a prisoner, so that you can empathise with the kind of abuse deepens during the trip. I found this to be true of our trip to that they were exposed to! Berlin! Asisi Panorama 360 – seeing what the GDR looked like across How did the trip develop any of the IB Learner Profile the Berlin Wall in the 1980s was surreal, and I would definitely characteristics? recommend it to anyone who would like to visit – it’s very enlightening. This trip definitely developed my reflective skills. When visiting the sites, it became much easier to reflect as you Summarise the trip in no more than three sentences. are there witnessing it, absorbing it and just being there in the moment! After hearing individual stories, that personal This trip left me with a sense of fulfilment of knowledge, touch jolts you into the reality of the situation – the rawness gratitude for all that I have and more empathy than I have of it all! It makes you reflect on how grateful you should be. ever felt for all of those who suffered at the hands of regimes Moreover, it makes you fully understand the intense suffering such as those found in Germany. that the people truly went through.

As well as reflecting, I think as an inquirer, I have also developed my skills. Having specialised guides to talk to allowed me to ask questions that arose over the trip, as well as my time over the History course.

2 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 Around the Academy

Update on our New Build

Construction of the new Jupiter College at Wilmington Academy is progressing fast. Kier Construction are working well with academy staff to ensure that normal academy operations can continue while the new building is constructed.

Since January, the roof has been completed, boarding and insulation have been installed in each of the elevations, and windows and doors are being fitted. By the end of April, external finishes and lower-level brickwork will be complete. Internal fitting-out has begun with the construction of classroom walls on the first and second floors, together with the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment throughout the building. More recently, orders have been placed for the new furniture and signage. All in all, everything is on course for handover of the building during the summer holiday.

Year 7 & 8 Reward Chart Broadening Horizons Since the commencement of Module Overall the amount of students 3, Miss Stevens has been running a attending from each college are: Programme Reward Chart Scheme to encourage • 35 students from Minerva! more Y7 and Y8 students to attend ‘Mindfulness is a way of after-school PE clubs and to motivate • 36 students from Jupiter! befriending ourselves and more students to represent Wilmington • 24 students from Apollo! our experience’ Academy in fixtures. Please continue to inform Year 7 and Year 8 students about this amazing A select group of students have Overall, since the start of January, 33 reward scheme! been a part of the Broadening girls in Year 7 and 8 and 61 boys in Year Horizons Mentoring Programme 7 and 8 have attended a sports club or We have created a Visual Chart for them throughout this academic year. represented Wilmington Academy in to stamp outside the PE office when a sporting fixture. This is very inspiring they turn up to clubs/fixtures so that The programme, amongst indeed! they are fully motivated to keep up with other things, involves the use the programme. of Mindfulness based practices It would be wonderful to see these both inside and outside of numbers increasing and more students Please praise students and keep the classroom with the aim attending, especially those who have encouraging them to attend these of making the students more never done so before. opportunities that we are providing for resilient and focused in this them! ever-changing, challenging Thank you to form tutors, teachers world that we live in. and parents/carers who have been Some students are speeding towards encouraging students to attend clubs the 10 merit award and more students This programme has seen and to represent the school. reached their prize award as well so this positive changes in attendance, is very encouraging. attitude to learning and The top forms are drawn at 4 pupils in attainment for all the students each: Thank you for your support with this! involved. This is something the • J4 with 5 students from their form students should be very proud of! • J11 with 4 students from their form • J12 with 4 students from their form • M11 with 4 students from their form.

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 3 World Book Week 2020

Twisted Tales - World Book Week Event 2020

Each year we celebrate World Book Week by holding a whole A big thank you to Miss Wild and Mr Willington in our Drama school ‘themed’ event centred around books, reading and Faculty who read stories and poems each day throughout literacy. The event is designed to give all our students the World Book Week which were played to every tutor group as opportunity to strengthen not only their literacy skills and well as on our Social Media sites. This was in support of World team work but also to develop their creative thinking and Book Day’s ‘Share a Story’ initiative. problem-solving skills. Thank you to all students and staff for participating in Twisted Students do not have to be brilliant, avid readers to get Tales; it really was a whole school event! involved as there is something in the competitions that appeals to everyone; writing ‘Twisted Tales’ and ‘Revolting Rhymes’, drawing ‘Fabulous Beasts’, photography with ‘Once Upon A Selfie’ and designing a house for the ‘Three Little Pigs’ to name just a few.

Our students never fail to amaze us with their creativity; students who would not otherwise get involved suddenly are given the chance to shine and they produce fantastic entries.

As usual competition was fierce among the students (AND STAFF!) and this created a special atmosphere around the Academy.

Joffre White - Author Visit

On Monday 2nd March to launch our Workshops. Using a box filled with World Book Week event, Wilmington different objects, Joffre spoke about Academy welcomed Joffre White, how to use imagination and curiosity to author of the ‘Frog’ Trilogy and a UK help students in their creative writing. Patron of Reading. Placing just one of the objects on each Competition Winners table, students were shown how to use All Year 8 students were treated to an a mind map to come up with 100 words A Twisted Tale: inspirational and motivational session in just three minutes. Grace A11 on the ‘Power of Words’ in the Lecture Theatre. His techniques, tips and suggestions Little Pigs’ House: certainly inspired our students who left Logan J9 Joffre commenced by explaining how the workshop brimming with ideas to as a young boy he was a reluctant boost their creative writing. Once Upon a Selfie: reader and that it was his father buying Harrison M4, Sophie A9, Ruby J7 him a comic all those years ago which and Max sparked his lifelong interest in reading.

Revolting Rhymes: He shared tales of his school days and Louie and Lennie J7, Holly and how he used to have fun without the Brooke A4 luxury of today’s technology. He spoke of his varied career, including his time Fabulous Beasts: as a musician in a band and how words Maja A11, Libby J7, Sophie A9, can inspire people but also hurt people. Nadeem J13 and Edward J3 Using Lady Gaga as an example, he highlighted to the students how she Winning Tutor Groups: too was inspired by the power of words. 1st: A9 2nd: J7 Later in the day, two groups of Year 8 3rd: J13 students had the opportunity to work with Joffre in his Creative Writing

4 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 World Book Week 2020

Staff Dress Up Day

From Maleficent to The Mad Hatter, We are very grateful to all staff who Little Red Riding Hood to Gangsta dressed up to create a sense of buzz Granny, staff at Wilmington Academy and enthusiasm to make World Book dressed up as their favourite fictional Day 2020 a huge success! character to mark World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

Staff were transformed into a variety of colourful literary characters including Hansel and Gretel, Mary Poppins and even the Seven Dwarfs. Students enjoyed readings by our staff who passionately shared extracts based on their favourite characters. Consequently, these were shared across the academy in the form of a video to be enjoyed by all students. This concluded a hugely successful World Book Day and we eagerly wait to commence planning our celebrations for the next academic year.

Caribbean Steel Drum Workshop Routes Into Training

This year’s prize for the winning tutor Routes into Training is an exciting Students then took the opportunity group and individual winners of the event which gives students the to visit each delegate at a stand to various challenges was the opportunity chance to hear and speak to discuss, one to one, what such a to spend the day with Jim Bernardin, local businesses from a range pathway could offer them. Director of World Music Workshops, of industries. During the event, learning to play the Caribbean Steel delegates outlined various job A variety of industries will be Pans. roles, training and apprenticeship on show, including The Armed opportunities within their sectors Forces, Accountancy and Finance, The workshop is designed to introduce which allowed students to be more Construction and Engineering, IT students to the unique calypso and informed about their future choices. and the Digital World, and Teaching. reggae sounds of ‘The Pans’ creating amazing tropical rhythms. Once The session began by students students have gained confidence hearing a short presentation from additional percussion instruments each guest on their organisation are introduced so they can create the and opportunities afforded to ultimate steel band carnival sound. school leavers. All presentations No previous musical experience is were well-delivered and highly necessary... it’s all about learning a informative. new skill while having a lot of fun! In the case of Whitehat Unfortunately the event was just one Apprenticeships, delegate of many that fell victim to the closure Yasmine dispelled the many myths of the Academy during the COVID-19 surrounding apprenticeships whilst pandemic. Army delegate, Paul, spoke about the large number of travel and We really hope that we can reschedule sporting opportunities that he has this event at some point in the future to enjoyed during his service. reward students for their participation in this year’s World Book Week event.

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 5 Achievements and Events

HAP Event hosted by Canterbury Christ Church University

‘A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world.’ Albert Camus

On Thursday 6th of February, I was privileged to participate in an engaging workshop with ambassadors from Canterbury Christ Church University. The Year 7 and Year 8 HAP (High Achieving Pupils) pupils from all three colleges were involved and the activities focused on the issue of Ethical Debates. As part of the tasks that we were actively engaged in, we had to justify our choices, views and opinions as we debated with other key stage 3 students in the lecture theatre. Some of the critical questions included: ‘Should make-up be tested on animals?’ and ‘Should robots be allowed to take over our jobs?’ I personally enjoyed these topics because they were so relevant principled, developing confidence, to today’s society and this made all the staying honest and finally developing Super Sophie! students in the workshop relate these self-managing techniques! skills to our IB learner traits which we On Sunday 1st March, Sophie, constantly reference in our MYP lessons The ambassadors explained to us that Year 7 Apollo, played the drums across the school. these skills would not only help us in the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade during our time at school or in 6th form Battalion. It wasn’t easy given the It was very refreshing to see that most but more importantly in our future size of the drum but she rose to of my peers expressed their opinions careers. Some ideas included: arriving the challenge and we are very with passion and confidence! The at conclusions for critical topics, being proud of her. An excellent feat, ambassadors were really friendly able to validate others’ opinions in Sophie, and well done! and knowledgeable so we all felt the workplace, confidence to improve comfortable when contributing our our overall presence in the workplace opinions in the debating forum. and many more. We were then given the opportunity to pose questions As the activities progressed, I realised about university and university life. that those students who were initially This gave us an insight into what being quite shy, were participating more, at university entails and what kind of that was brilliant to witness! The jobs we could consider for our future. I ambassadors also participated so it was was eager to understand the following: very interesting to see how age affected ‘After graduation what jobs are you one’s morals and principles! This considering?’ The response included meant that at times we had to carefully a whole range of opportunities from consider our own opinions and adjust teaching to event planning to jobs in them accordingly. psychology! This really made me think more about what career path I would At the conclusion of the workshop, like to take and it truly inspired me. we shared our thoughts and views on how these activities had benefited In conclusion, I was really humbled us. As many students shared, I felt by the fact that I was allowed this more encouraged to see that this was fantastic opportunity to be part of an indeed a great opportunity for us at inspirational event at school and for school. Some of the benefits included: that I am very grateful. demonstrating critical thinking, ensuring open-mindedness, being Year 8 Minerva – Harrison

6 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 Geography

Revision and River Basins

Since Christmas, the Geography department and Year 11 students were focusing on the GCSE exams in the summer. Since their last set of mock results, our students have been working incredibly hard on Paper 2, showing fantastic work ethic in class, attending revision sessions on Fridays after school and completing their own detailed revision notes. Consequently, some students have made outstanding progress and their knowledge and ability to answer tricky exam questions have much improved.

The department would therefore like to take the opportunity to congratulate the students listed, who have not only achieved fantastic results, but also managed to improve by more than two grades in the most recent Paper 2 exams. Well done and keep up the hard work!

• Semilore • Kennedy • Naomi • Anilraj • Kaine • Hollie • Isabella • Fenton • Abdulmumin A 3D diagram of a drainage basin made • Savera • Robyn • Erin by Year 8. Can you see how it works? • Taye • Maisie • Archie • Lewis • Carragh • Grace • Matthew • Joe • Alex Year 8 students, on the other hand, have also been busy • Alizae • Sascha • Kyra learning about river landscapes. Students have been spending time in class developing their knowledge on key • Josephine • Adam • Mia processes and how river landforms have been created. In • Rohan • Sydney • Brooke-Ellis one lesson, students had the opportunity to make a pop-up • Thomas • Jack drainage basin, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all! • Jamie • George Well done Lilly, Mason and Ella.

Language Development

In our last Language Development This module we have been exploring module Year 9 learned about Germany, Portugal and its influence worldwide, its food, culture and language in a taking students on a virtual tour of series of fun and exciting lessons where former Portuguese colonies such as students explored Berlin, popular Brazil, Angola and Macau. German dishes, and where they even got to do maths competitions against At Wilmington Academy we are their peers using German numbers. committed to continue expanding our students’ minds in creative and On Tuesday 17th March we held a engaging ways and will continue to do special reward event for nominated so in Module 6. students, where pupils and their parents got to taste the delicious curry wurst and succulent lebkuchen, as well as competing in a German culture and language quiz for prizes. These included tote bags stuffed with goodies from a German Deli in London.

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 7 History

A Passion for History

In the last two modules we have been present it to the whole group. This In module six we will explore the exploring the Industrial Revolution is very much enjoyed by everyone Native Americans, particularly the with the students trying to become involved. Furthermore, it does develop Aztec and Maya civilisations. Here are inventors themselves. They have been their confidence with communication some examples of student work, the busy pondering over new inventions: skills; a significant IB Learner Trait! prototype of the walking TV and the one of them being a walking TV which This module we are looking at the worksheets on the English Civil War. We could be set up wherever you felt like. English Civil War. Students have been are incredibly proud of all our students’ able to learn why it started and its efforts! As always, students deliver significant battles. Next module, the presentations on any area of history plan is to create Historical Magazines, that they are passionate about. Once with each magazine covering a they have done their research, they particular period in History.

The History Society after-school club runs on Tuesdays at 3.00pm, in room J11.

English

Macbeth Performance

‘Double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble...’

On Monday 10th February, the Year 11 students at Wilmington Academy were given the fantastic opportunity to see a live performance of Macbeth. The Young Shakespeare Company performed in the Lecture Theatre to support our students in their understanding of their GCSE text in more depth by taking it from page to stage.

Throughout this performance, some students were even given the opportunity to be involved in the cast and play a supporting role, which showed great confidence. All students thoroughly enjoyed their experience with most students stating that by seeing this performance, their knowledge and understanding of Macbeth was heightened.

8 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 Performing Arts

Oliver Production

‘Please, Sir, I want some more...’

Although the show didn’t go ahead as planned, due to the challenges of our times, Wilmington will be still be showcasing our amazing talent in the near future. Keep an eye on this space! Dates for the show will be confirmed once schools re-open.

In the meantime, The Drama Department would like to extend its appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has taken part in the show or contributed in some way. Your dedication, determination and hard work is immeasurable. We are extremely proud of you all and we cannot wait until curtain call. ‘Oliver’ will be Wilmington Academy’s biggest show to date, with a strong cast of core performing arts students and a mixture of Key Stage 3 as well. Tickets will continue to be on sale, so grab them while you can!

We look forward to seeing you all there to support our amazing students once the show opens.

Mathematics

Mathematics... and cooking!

The Maths Support group highlighted support of Mrs Amie Shaw and Mrs Well done to all those students in the previous issue of our newsletter Cara O’Donnell who worked tirelessly to involved; with their continued hosted a reward event in Module 3. The motivate, support and encourage our attendance and commitment to process involved students being tested students during the session. Although improve their learning in Maths, we are again to track their progress and to the students were able to demonstrate very positive about the outcomes! record their improvement. their independent learning skills, it was also a wonderful collaboration with Exceptional progress was demonstrated It was very pleasing to note that most their parents as well and we are very by the following Year 7 students who students had improved; some had excited about the prospects of creating had achieved over 30% improvement in managed a 10% or above increase in and maintaining these links with our their progress: their scores after a short period of time parent community as well. which is great and we are incredibly • Amirah • Harley proud of their efforts! 14 students A splendid time was had by all and • Chloe • Haydn attended a reward event which the delicious cakes were sold by the • George • Henry involved an exciting cooking session! students the next day to raise funds for This was made possible by the amazing a trip out before the end of the year.

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 9 Physical Education

Wilmington success at LAT 5-a-side Netball

The first annual LAT 5-a-side football tournaments have On Tuesday 11th March, the Year 7 Netball team represented been held this year and the results have been outstanding. Wilmington Academy for the second time. A huge thank you to all students who participated and parents who came down to support. They played four games in total. The scores were as follows:

The Year 7 tournament was a great success for Wilmington Wilmington Academy 1 - 1 St George’s 2nd team Academy. The girls’ team came 3rd, winning 6 of their 8 Wilmington Academy 2 - 0 MGSG 2nd team games and the boys’ team won the whole event beating Longfield Academy in the final. An incredible feat and we Wilmington Academy 1 - 0 St John’s 1st team are very proud of their efforts! Wilmington Academy 0 - 2 St George’s 1st team

The Year 8 tournament was a closely-fought affair with the This was their first ever experience as a team and all played boys team playing some particularly tough games in their excellently. group. Unfortunately, on this occasion, it wasn’t to be and despite some great football skills, the boys didn’t proceed We would also like to extend our congratulations to the to the final. The girls dominated their group, scoring over following students for their success: 20 goals and winning all of their games! In a closely- fought final that eventually went to penalties, Wilmington • Maisie • Elise Academy managed to lift the trophy. What a triumph! • Rachel • Daisy A hugely successful tournament and we are eagerly looking • Runika • Anjola forward to the Y9 and Y10 events in due course. • Maya • Tabitha

Year 8 and 9 Football Trampolining

The weather has not been nice to On Tuesday, 4th February 2020, 8 Year 7/8 Intermediate Girls us this year with several fixtures students from Wilmington Academy • Maisie - 7th place cancelled and re-arranged. Both represented our school at the Kent teams have produced good Schools’ Trampoline Championships! • Carly - 8th place performances at times this year, They all performed brilliantly and • Rachel - 16th place with over twenty students in both for some students, it was their first • Tabitha-Fan - 20th place year groups representing the ever sporting competition, so we are Academy sides. The Year 8 and Year incredibly proud of all of them. ...out of 30 places! 9 students finished third in their group and so unfortunately did not The results were as follows: All got through to the final as a team: progress to the semi-final stages. an amazing feat! However, we are confident that Year 7/8 Intermediate Boys during the upcoming modules, we • Kaiyen - 1st place Year 7/8 Novice will progress to new heights! • Alfie-Joe - 2nd place Anjola was placed 20th out of 60 • Alfie-King - 3rd place students and did exceedingly well for Year 9 Basketball her first competition. All boys sailed through to the final as The Year 9 basketball team finished a team and as individuals! in the top ten schools across the whole of Kent in this year’s county championships. This was a huge achievement, as the boys played in the Year 10 tournament. Hopefully, next year, the boys will finish even higher! We are so proud of all our boys!

10 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 Spotlight: working with others

We have had many successes this On his new laptop, he has emailed Due to their work with the most academic year, however one particular various members of Wilmington vulnerable students, NWKBS has made student has performed exceptionally Academy staff to thank them for their the decision to remain open to support since moving there. His attendance, support both whilst he attended their students during this uncertain attitude to learning and interactions Wilmington Academy and during time. As an academy, we visited the with staff have been exemplary and his placement at NWKBS where he centre to deliver a card and some sweet staff at NWKBS have been overwhelmed was visited on numerous occasions, treats to thank them for their ongoing by his positivity and work ethic, so including whilst completing work commitment and hard work to our much so that in the uncertainty of experience. He will be moving on to a students. exams, they purchased a laptop to course at North West as enable him to work from home to part of their football academy. complete his studies.

Wellbeing

Greetings from the Wellbeing Service

As we transition • Mental health first-aider training for Below are a few tips for supporting into the Spring, 2 additional members of staff, now your child whilst they are studying from we face uncertain totalling 4 within the academy home: times ahead, with • Continued work towards The • Set a routine - students are used to wellbeing at the National Children’s Bureau following a timetable so this will forefront of our Wellbeing Award support them in ‘chunking’ their minds. We have • Continued improved attendance day into manageable time periods been able to build on our successes during the first two • Bespoke sessions for students who • Set up a work environment - modules of the academic year, and need to re-engage in their learning students should try and work in wellbeing is becoming a key part of our • Individual support for students a different area from where they academy life. from Year 7 to Post-16 relax/socialise with their family • Individual support for staff across • Mix up the activities - complete I continue to work with numerous the academy other things apart from academic students, staff and parents in order to tasks (cooking, family games, improve wellbeing across the entire Being able to deliver all of the above is tidying their bedroom!) wonderful, however we really want to Wilmington Academy community. • Keep active - go for a family walk or develop our Wellbeing Services even complete Joe Wicks’ daily PE lesson further: My work has been greatly supported on Youtube by the kind offers from parents to Still to come... • Stay hydrated - ensure everyone is facilitate keep-fit sessions within the drinking enough water throughout academy. Staff have appreciated the • Health MOTs for staff the day opportunities on offer to them and • Post-16 peer mentors this has supported their wellbeing as • Social time is key - it is important well as giving them the opportunity to • Parenting sessions: Understanding that your child can still socialise socialise with colleagues. the challenges young people face with their friends: facetime, and better supporting your child chatting on the phone, social Below you can find the update in terms through them media of the work completed by the wellbeing • Transition support for Y6 students Please stay safe during this difficult time team: During these difficult times we aim and follow government guidelines so to still support our students, staff and we are able to support the key workers Successes in 2020 so far... parents whilst we all navigate the who are tirelessly and selflessly working • Box-fit classes for staff COVID-19 outbreak. We will be posting to care for us.

• Pilates classes for staff activities/resources on the Distance Learning website so you are able to Nigel Crocker, Wellbeing Manager • Drug awareness assemblies for Year encourage your children to think [email protected] 10 and Year 11 about their wellbeing as well as their Phone 013222 72111 ext 182 • Youth services in Kent assemblies academic studies. for Year 7 and Year 8

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 11 Post-16

Careers Focus on Science and Medicine Friday 7th February saw the latest in our series of drop down careers focused assemblies for Post-16 students. Our guest speakers were current members of the Nursing team at Darent Valley Hospital who began by highlighting the vast amount of roles existing within the NHS, including finance and administration, but also microbiology, occupational therapy, nursing and midwifery.

Students were able to appreciate the benefits of working within the NHS, as well as the potential career progression paths and ongoing training available in order to develop skills. A career in the NHS is achievable either through a degree or apprenticeship route, with the Kent and Medway School of Medicine taking its first medical students from September 2020.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers Denise and Lisa for taking the time to help our students to make more informed decisions about their future career paths.

Careers in Construction Careers Focus on Journalism and the Media As part of a series of career focus Studying subjects such as English, Film, University of Kent Centre for Journalism assemblies, we recently welcomed Tom and Creative Media can lead to many is proud of. Centres such as these have Taylor, Principal Surveyor from Willmott exciting career pathways. This module links which enable students to benefit Dixon to elaborate upon careers within saw students in Post-16 currently from paid work experience. the construction sector to our Year 12 studying qualifications in these areas students. and attending a drop down assembly Richard shared his own journalistic on careers in journalism and the media. career and experiences including Tom began by explaining his own working with the actor Ross Kemp on journey within the sector including Presenting to our students, Richard the BAFTA winning series ‘Ross Kemp how he had progressed in his career by Pendry, lecturer at the University of on Gangs’, which highlighted areas further training and gaining additional Kent Centre for Journalism, stressed to of journalism including writing for a qualifications. He encouraged students students who are considering this field, newspaper and television work. A huge to think about the wide range of to choose an avenue where there is a thank you to Richard for an interesting careers within the sector including track record of students progressing and highly informative presentation. Site Management, Architect, Human onto employment- something that the Resources, Finance, and Community Liaison to name but a few!

In doing so, he was keen to share that as a business, construction firms such as Willmott Dixon cover many disciplines other than ‘just bricks’. Tom spoke about typical starting salaries, as well as skills and qualifications employers are looking for in successful candidates. Tom also highlighted the many routes after Post-16 that students could take in order to pursue careers within the sector. A huge thank you to Tom and Willmott Dixon.

12 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 College Spotlight

Apollo Update Minerva Update Jupiter Update P. Devlin P. Lonergan S. Goodall Head of Apollo Head of Minerva Head of Jupiter

‘Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any I would like to take this opportunity to thank ‘You can’t change the direction of the wind, country can have.’ all parents, staff and students for their warm but you can adjust your sails to always reach welcome into Minerva College. Following on your destination.’ Winston Churchill from such a well-respected Head of College James Dean was never going to be easy, however, we When Churchill stated the quote above have made huge progress in module three in 1943, I am sure he did not have in As we look forward to the Easter break and and four with many more successes to come. mind the current situation we are all the summer months ahead, it’s time to look We have continued our work to instil the facing being even a potential problem back on recent events which have taken key Minerva attributes into our students to to overcome. However, his words are an place at Wilmington Academy. help prepare them for the world and the accurate reflection of what should now be challenges ahead. everyone’s priority. I would like to thank all The effort and focus of both students and of the parents and carers who have been their tutors in our Twisted Tales World Book Year 7 and Year 8 students are producing so supportive of the academy during this Week Challenge was a true testament to some truly outstanding work through the difficult time. Consequently, it is important, the character of our students. From the IB Middle Years’ Programme. This builds perhaps moreso than ever, that we take Disney quiz, to Once upon a Selfie, White well-rounded learners through the learner time to reflect on the many successes we Rabbit Scavenger Hunt and A Twist in the profile. We are proud of our students’ efforts have seen over the past year. Tale Challenge, to the creative task of form in their recent Leigh Academies Trust Interim members making a ‘Little Pigs’ House’ that Assessments, with improvements made in I would like to say ‘well done’ to all of those could not be blown down in a wind tunnel almost all subjects in comparison to last year. students who have applied themselves and meeting and taking part in workshops thoroughly to their studies and have been with the author Joffre White - students Our students have mentoring and support diligent in their approach every day. It had a truly great time. I am proud to report sessions on offer during tutor time with a is this kind of hard work, resilience and Jupiter led the way in the ‘Little Pigs’ House’ member of the Minerva Senior Leadership commitment to their learning that will challenge along with other impressive team. With support from home and staff, stand them in good stead for many years performances. Well done to all of the our students should achieve fantastic to come. Year after year, it is these students winners and everyone who ensured their results so that they are ready for their future that go on to be successful, as they adapt to tutor group was represented. destinations. the new challenges that face young people today in an increasingly complex and The year 7 students have settled in well and Minerva college champions hard work and changing world. are truly established within our community determination, particularly when faced and are thriving on the IB Middle Years’ with significant challenges. As we face a It is always a pleasure to see not only Programme, which is a platform that is situation of uncertainty, ‘if we’re never tested students perform well academically, but to improving their confidence and progress to our limits, how will we know how strong we show the character traits of kindness and through the attributes in the learner profile. really are? How will we ever grow?’ This quote consideration for others, and it is a source This is the second year that year 8 students from Arnold Schwarzenegger personifies of pride that we have so many students that have taken part in the MYP and this has our constant desire to remain strong and evidently make a positive contribution to helped ensure that not only are they develop in any circumstance. I am confident academy life. We know that there will be making progress, but they are starting to be that our students will rise and overcome this challenges ahead after the current situation prepared for the world of work. challenge with a positive spirit. has passed, and we can be certain that our students will continue to overcome any I have been helping to support our students Finally, I would like to take this opportunity obstacles placed in their way. at the key worker ‘hub school’ at The Leigh to wish all of our students and their families Academy and have felt proud of the small a safe and enjoyable Easter. Finally, I would like to reiterate Churchill’s part I have played. Many of the students point about the importance of health, and have been Jupiter students and not only send our best wishes to you all in these have they shown resilience in being taught uncertain times. in a new environment, but they have all been producing some outstanding work!

As James Dean remarked, sometimes obstacles are placed in our way, but if we stay focused and adjust ‘our sails,’ we will overcome them. I would like to send my best wishes for a relaxing and peaceful Easter to all of the Jupiter students and their families.

Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020 13 Year 11 - The Final Goodbye

‘Selfhood begins with a walking away, And love is proved in the letting go’ C.D. Lewis

Dear Year 11 students,

The struggle you feel today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Remember, your time and effort has not been wasted as the skills and knowledge you have gained are yours to keep. Learning is forever. You have worked so hard and we are incredibly proud of all of you. It has been an absolute pleasure. Maybe the time has just come a little earlier than we thought so be great, shine bright and change the world.

So, for now...

From all of the staff at Wilmington Academy, we wish you all the best.

Believe in Yourself

Don’t just fly. Soar!

Anything is Possible!

Wilmington Academy would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful Easter

14 Wilmington Academy Easter Newsletter 2020