WELCOME TO THE OAKS ACADEMY

I would like to begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year What’s been going on at and say that I am excited to welcome in 2017 and look The Oaks Academy? forward to what the New Year may bring. This time last year, we had just opened our doors as The Oaks Academy and were embarking on our improvement journey. As we celebrate our first birthday and welcome in 2017, it is a good time to reflect on the achievements of the last year. In our most recent review, undertaken by The Dean Trust, our improvement partners, the following things were noted: INSIDE THIS ISSUE “There is no doubt that since JANUARY 2017 the inception of the new SLT, standards have risen considerably.” “…the quality of teaching, learning and assessment has improved” “ …the school has eradicated the majority of practice ‘requiring improvement’ and significantly increased the amount of practices that are at least ‘good’ across the whole school.” ACHIEVEMENTS | ADVENTURES | TRIPS “ In all lessons pupils were able to articulate SPORT | VISITS | AWARDS | FUN | LEARNING what they were learning.” HARD WORK | CAREERS | CELEBRATIONS It makes me very proud that all of the hard work, undertaken by staff and students, has been recognised and that, with the strong systems we now have in place, we can concentrate on ensuring that every student receives the best education possible, tailored to their individual needs. As always we are committed to ensuring that our motto of ‘Inspire, Believe, Achieve’ underpins all areas of our work. This publication is the first of our new termly newsletters and it reflects just some of the opportunities that are presented to students at the school and gives us the perfect platform to celebrate collective and individual successes. Mrs Emma Hooley Headteacher NEW YEAR’S VISIT TO OXFORD RESOLUTIONS

We asked some of our Year 11 students to think about their New Year’s A group of students from resolutions as they enter the final push Years 9 10 and 11 went towards the summer exams. for a two day visit to My New My resolution is Oxford in October. Year`s to do well in most resolution of my GCSEs, The purpose of the visit was to We also visited the Museum of Natural is to study especially English, find out about university life - History before returning to . All hard for my and what better place to do it? our students had time and opportunity GCSEs. Maths and Science. Students toured the city and to consider their future whilst we were Jamie Li Jade Stanley discovered why this beautiful there, and reflect on the experiences place is known as the city of they’d had. dreaming spires. We visited Hannah reflected: “The visit made me the Bodleian Library and the further consider going to university and TO ACHIEVE To revise more Weston Library Museum, saw made me want to study Psychology. I many of the Colleges which THE GCSES and to prioritise will research the qualifications needed, make up Oxford University work hard to get those qualifications THAT I my time more and had a tour around and hopefully result in changing a few NEED TO BE so that it will Christchurch, one of the lives for the better.” Patryk said: “The visit SUCCESSFUL IN improve my largest of these. showed me how hard work will pay off in the LIFE learning. On the second day we went future. I was inspired by Oxford; I now believe KIMBERLEY JONES Casey Topham to Somerville College, where that I will achieve anything If I work hard for it.” And students had a talk about Jamie added: “I am going to concentrate on my GCSEs Oxford University, and were so I can achieve my goal of getting to a good university. given personal tours of the Furthermore, I will do more outside school activities to campus by current students. make universities want me, such as volunteering and work I`m going to I WILL SPEND experience.” make sure MORE TIME REVISING that I produce AND MAKING a revision A REVISION Employers TIMETABLE SO PLANNING FOR THEIR FUTURE! timetable for THAT I CAN GET OWESTRY HILL FORT VISIT my exams. MY GRADES FOR COLLEGE. In November our Year 10 and 11 students visited a Careers Fair at South College. Leon Taylor Casie Owen YEAR 11 HISTORY TRIP Made up of employers, colleges and universities, the fair gave Bentley Motors them an excellent opportunity Cheshire Fire and Rescue Year 11 History students visited In past years, we haven’t to investigate possible future Everybody Leisure had the best attitude Institution of Civil Engineers Oswestry Hill Fort recently as towards school or pathways Apprenticeships, part of their GCSE Controlled To work hard behaviour. But now it traineeships and college or Crewe Hall Hotel Assessment. The fort was is our final, and most sixth form are all options for our The Army and pass all important, year and we Unipart Rail populated by a part of one of the Iron Age tribes that lived in Britain have decided to make a students when they leave The Carrilion from 800BC. The tribe that lived there were known as the Cornovii. resolution between us my GCSEs! to achieve the best that Oaks Academy. Nursing (Degree Programme) They would have defended themselves against other British tribes and we possibly can. It is important we give them all Swansway Motors latter allied with some of their neighbours against the Romans. They Katie Sheridan Maddy Warburton the chance to discover what Police put up fierce resistance to the Romans in 47 AD but were ultimately and Sandra some of these options entail. Cheshire East Youth Support defeated and Romanised. Still the aerial photograph shows how they Our students can also have Service managed to create formidable defences out of natural features with MMU Football Academy appointments with our careers the most basic tools. Armed Forces advisor who is in school every RAF In 2017, I want to To decide on my Students got to experience climbing up the steep ramparts and were Monday. She can give them Poole Alcock Solicitors pass my GCSEs. aspiration in life, encouraged to imagine the site with its tall palisade and tribal warriors the impartial advice and University of Derby I will do this by work hard to shooting lead shot at them from their slingshots. Quite often these working hard and make progress in guidance to help them make Keele University projectiles would reach speeds of nearly 70 MPH and could be fatal hopefully get onto all my subjects great choices. We also have Catch 22 to attackers. Work has also been done with the students on how the the course I want in ready for my drop in sessions every other Radius Payment Solutions fort would look when it contained its many round houses, stores and college. GCSEs. Wednesday from staff at South Manchester Met University Staffordshire University workshops. So far the students have engaged really well with the topic Cheshire College to answer any Jasmine Sharratt Alishia Ramsden Travel Visa Company and we are looking forward to them achieving high grades in their questions and provide further assessed work. information. The Oaks Academy VISIT TO AN Help Your Child With Maths INSPIRATIONAL Students are an ‘Inspiration’ AUTHOR... MEASURE During last half term, students from Year 9 and 10 have been working alongside St Thomas More to create a show called ‘ Inspire’ . They then collaborated with Wednesday 7th December students from three different primary schools and students from South Cheshire saw thirty Year 7 students Key stage 3 students have been College to perform on the 7th and the 8th of December. travelling to St. Thomas More studying various aspects of ‘Inspire’ was a project that took the audience School to visit Jon Mayhew a measure during last term. through time, showing us clips from books, famous writer who shares his movies, music and inspirational people. The Oaks publisher with J.K. Rowling! Here are some ways that you could 100 YEARS OF THE ARTS AND HOW IT INSPIRES US TO BE UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT Immam Academy students were given the difficult task of support their learning at home. YYoouou wake u Jon gave an inspirational talk AndAAnndd you’re likeikekee thatthaatat WherWheWhW eamI? creating a section which focused on inspirational about how he had overcome key figures, such as Martin Luther-King. Working his own lack of engagement Practise measuring the height or length of objects. (in with Miss Donley, the students created a piece that with books and reading; metres or centimetres). Get your child to convert the they were able to bring alongside the students of St Thomas More that revealing that, for him, Marvel lengths from one unit into another. Encourage them to fitted perfectly. They then worked together with the deputy headteacher, comics had opened up a whole estimate the distance before they measure it. Mr Hardacre, and his students to amalgamate into the piece. new fantasy world which he The students worked extremely hard over a period of three weeks to put felt compelled to explore. Let your child help with cooking at home. Help them to measure ingredients accurately using the show together. Their maturity and commitment to extra-curricular The students enjoyed the talk weighing scales or measuring jugs. Talk about what rehearsals is commended. All staff from other schools commented on and were keen to have their each division on the scale stands for. how well-mannered and polite our students were alongside how very photo taken with Jon after the talented they are. They performed exceptionally (even making Miss Donley session. emotional with pride) and have been an asset to the school. Choose some food items out of the cupboard. Try to put the objects in order of weight, by feel alone. From this experience, Miss Donley is keen to open more opportunities like Check by looking at the amounts on the packets. this to all students so that we can show off our schools great talent. Full credit, however, needs to go to the following students, without their hard work and determination, none of this would have happened:

Michael Hamill 9CHT, Kim Chesters 9CHT, Hugo Pinto 9CHT, Delaney Beamon 9VZ, Mariah Ledsham 9MM, Sharna Tams 9MM, Aidan Murphy 9MM, Chantelle Moyle 9MM and Elizabeth Evans 10JR. The Oaks Academy DofE

The DofE is the world’ s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be. The Oaks Christmas Concert! Academy is one of the very first schools in the local area to run the scheme and our students have gone from strength to strength.

The DofE is all about going the extra mile – gaining new skills, pushing yourself physically, helping others and exploring new territories. At the same time, you’ ll gather friendships, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime... just ask The Christmas Concert was held on as part of Choir, the Ukulele Band, in our previous participants! Thursday 15th December and proved to ensembles and as soloists. Miss Wright be a very successful event for the Music said of the evening ‘ it was a fantastic It doesn’ t matter who you are or where you’re from, as long as you’re 14 or Department, which was well received by a celebration of musical talent with many above, you can choose the activities that motivate you and go on your own large and appreciative audience. students performing for the first time in personal journey. Everyone has challenges to overcome! Charlotte Kay, front of a large audience’. our blind Year 10 student, completed all aspects of the award and Over 40 students from Year 7 through successfully marched all the way to her Bronze award. to Year 11 participated and produced Special thanks go to Sophie Murray, Jack Whereas, Mathew Roberts also Year 10, showcased his an evening of entertainment to suit any Hallam, Tasha Thomas, Mery Sequeira leadership and organizational skills. Both will be starting musical palette with musical styles and Ciara Bayley for the time they put into their Silver Award after Christmas. including classical, rock, pop, musical setting up and running the sound. theatre and a few festive favourites. The We know from other participants that the DofE helps you If you enjoy playing an instrument or evening showcased the instrumental stand out from the crowd when you apply for college, singing and would like to get involved and vocal work that is produced through university or jobs. If you’re interested in taking part, see Miss Wright for details of the extra- both the Music curriculum and the extra- Contact Mr. Austin or Mrs Hill. curricular Music activities on offer. curricular work that students produce [email protected] or [email protected] 1

E 0 PHOTO YEAR 9 0 Armistice C % Day and THE MAKE IT N A A Remembrance CHALLENGE T T E N D Assembly Mr Meenan organised an award ceremony for students who On November The Manufacturing Institute’ s ‘Make It’ campaign is achieved 100% attendance last term. The winner was selected 11th, at half a programme of education-business linked activities at random using an electronic generator and was Alexandra past ten, the designed to support the curriculum and to create Harrison. She was awarded a tablet computer, which we SUCCESS OF whole school gathered partnerships between schools and manufacturing hope will help her with her studies in the future! Well done outside to prepare for partners. to everybody who was involved in the ceremony, we hope you THE COMMUNITY the 2 minutes silence, The ‘Make It Enterprise Challenge’ was a one-day continue to get a perfect attendance record so you will be which would commence event held in Knutsford and supported by a host of entered again next term! at 11am, to remember business partners including BAE Systems, Survitec, MINDED LIBRARY those who fought for our Kellogg’ s and McBride. Students went into the final draw for achieving 100% country. Those who take attendance for Autumn Term were: Year 7: Amy Chen, ASSISTANTS part in cadets outside of Cameron Hope, William Meacock, Billy Roberts, Aleah school were allowed to Williams. Year 8: Amy Bourne, Joshua Cross, Alexandra wear their cadet uniform Harrison, Mia Longson, Leon Vyse. Year 9: Jorja Charlton, The students had an intensive training programme in for the assembly. Leigha Goulding, Anna Kostic, Kieran Tilly, Aiden Moore. Year skills they would need to help in the Library and then 10: Dylan Cope, Ben Frodsham, Dawid Legocki, Wiktoria Proetz each one had to pass a ten minute practical test with The Deputy Mayor and the Chair of Trustees shortly , Hannah Wallace. Year 11: Kelsie Charlton, Jacob Griffiths, Mrs Small. During the test they were asked questions arrived after we had gathered to take part in our Bethany Lancaster, Kieran O’ Reilly, Samuel Shurtey. such as; ‘How do you show a borrower how to find a assembly. Miss Hooley gave a short presentation particular author?’, ‘Can you explain the arrangement of what Remembrance is about, and student Toni of the non-fiction books?’ and ‘How do you issue, renew Sproston recited a war poem written by a renowned and return books for borrowers?’ war poet. The Chair of Trustees also presented what wearing the poppies signifies on this special day, and On the day, teams from up to 12 schools set up The following students passed their library test to also pointed out a purple poppy that both he and his their own manufacturing business and competed WELL DONE YEAR 9! I FELT become official Oaks Academy Library Assistants: wife wore. One of our students rightly pointed out that to create a new product. They were judged on their it was to represent all of the animals who also gave understanding of the design brief, the successful PRIVILEGE TO BE PART OF YOUR YEAR 10: YEAR 9: their lives during times of war. Both were also wearing completion of key tasks and their enterprising skills medals, passed down from fathers and grandparents and qualities. DAY AND YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS CHARLOTTE KAY GEORGE ROBINSON RACHEL BATTISON AARON BALL who had earned them for their services to their country Students had to designate themselves roles, during their time in the armed forces, which he said discuss how they were going to solve the problem YEAR 8: YEAR 7: they wear with pride during this time of the of designing a new factory layout for a Pie company BETH GILCHRIST RIANNA WEST year as a sign of respect for their family. and create evidence to show and explain their design MIA LONGSON ABBIE GILCHRIST After everyone had spoken, the flag was solution. This required them to become a Managing KATIE MYERS MADISON drawn down to half mast, and we gave our Director, Sales and Marketing Manager, Finance PAIGE PLANT BROOMHALL silence and respect for Remembrance Day. Manager or Logistics manager as well as other roles. They each took on the responsibility of this role Mrs Small said... to ensure all students individually and as a team, worked towards creating this effective design. The students tried very hard and During the process students also participated in, timed team activities and were interviewed to justify I am immensely proud of them their plans and spending. for passing their library tests so At the end of the day each school’s team presented quickly. These students deserve to the Managers of external businesses, in a Dragons Den format. This took a lot or courage, independence to be commended because they and confidence in their team members to carry it out. give up their own break and Students from The Oaks academy were a pleasure to lunchtimes, on a regular basis, watch! An excellent representation of the students we are supporting and developing here at The Oaks to help run the library so that Academy. other students can enjoy the

Students who participated were: Demi Beresford (9MM), Emily De Silva (9MM), Delaney Beresford (9VZ), Kimberly facilities it has to offer. Chesters (9CHT), Marc Wallace (9MM), Natan Bialas (9MM), Riley Brereton (9CHT), Wade Cann (9CHT). Year 7 students took part Future Chef School in a wonderful team building adventure on YEAR Working with our Monday 17th October Final 2016 at Aerial Extreme in 7 TEAM Primary Schools Trentham. This was a real challenge for BUILDING all students who In the last term we have had several local schools visit the had a go at the high TRIP Academy to experience what lessons are like in a ropes challenge. Our secondary school environment. Year 7 students were an absolute credit to the Vine Tree Primary School pupils learnt about school when they were physical skills to apply in sport situations. On the 5th of October 2016, several taking part in the various team Pebble Brook Primary School pupils learnt simple budding young chefs at The Oaks Academy were put to building activities. the challenge in the kitchen to determine who would be words and phrases in MFL, and the different notes this year’s Future Chef, tasked with representing the on a keyboard before practising playing ’ Bad school in the national competition. Romance’ by Lady Gaga. The Future Chef school final took place under the direction of Mrs Sarah-Jane Williams and Chef Lecturer Monks Coppenhall Primary School pupils were involved in Art Shane Guildford from , with lessons, they worked on some creative projects judges including the Headteacher Miss Hooley and about bugs and insects involving mixed media. Pupil Receptionist Jane Derry. The winners were Gaganpreet Singh from Year 8 and Hannah Brown also from Year 8. Gaganpreet cooked a stunning homemade chick pea dhal with homemade naan bread. Hannah Brown produced a mouthwatering cheesy pasta Bolognese. Both Hannah and Gaganpreet have just a few weeks to prepare for the national final where they must prepare and cook a main course meal and dessert for two people, costing no more than £7.

LIBRARY RE-LAUNCH ebrati Cel ng This term saw the exciting re-launch YEAR 8/9 of The Oaks Academy library. Students have had the opportunity to earn themselves achievement points for entering our ‘Help the Author’ competition and R there has also been an inter-form competition to see which UKELELE LESSONS form has the most regular library users. Many students o y have been keen to become involved and there has been a competitive spirit amongst the form tutors who are battling Years 8 and 9 have started learning how to play the for first place and the coveted title of ‘Library Form of the Ukelele in their music lessons. The Ukulele is a a Week’. As well as competitions to enter, there has also been commonly associated with music from Hawaii. a Bargain Book Sale of withdrawn stock and many people According to Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last have taken advantage of the opportunity to ‘bag a bargain’. l Hawaiian monarch, the name means ‘the gift D The Library is open to foster a love of reading and support d students’ learning at the following times throughout the that came here’, from the Hawaiian words l week. uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come). The D h Ukulele is a member of the lute family of a instruments; it generally employs four Many of our students visited nylon strings. the library to get their hands on one of Roald Dahl’ s classic books to celebrate his 100th birthday today. Roald Dahl has a career spanning over 60 years, Mondays to Thursdays: writing many children 8.00am -8.40 am for Early Birds – a club run in conjunction books with content with the S.E.N.D. department, where adult help and advice ranging from the weird to is always available. the wonderful, tales such Break and lunchtime – where there is an opportunity to use as Matilda, Charlie and the the computers for homework and students are encouraged to borrow library books to read for pleasure. Chocolate Factory, The BFG and many many more! 3.10-4.10pm for Study Buddies – a homework club which is supported by staff who are on hand to assist with questions and queries. Macmillan Coffee BEN WILKINSON | LONG JUMP CHAMPION

Morning 2016 In the summer term, Ben Wilkinson was crowned Inters for talented athletes. This Long Jump Champion at the prestigious Mason Trophy at will allow him to continue his We would like to thank all the staff, Birmingham. As a result of this he represented Cheshire studies but alongside this work students and visitors for taking part in the nationally recognised English Schools Games at at developing him as an elite The coffee morning Wow! So many cakes! Gateshead. This pitted Ben against the elite athletes from athlete. He has demonstrated in our Coffee Morning on Friday Cups and Saucers at the ready! getting underway! th 30th September. It was such a lovely the country. Ben finished 5 in the Competition which amazing progress over the atmosphere around the school showed his true class in an extremely strong field. last 5 years in Athletics and and the event was a huge success. I am convinced this will help Since leaving The Oaks Academy, Ben has been attending him move to the next level. We received so many donations of South Cheshire where he is currently studying Business cakes and treats for the event. We Studies. However due to his outstanding dedication On behalf of The Oaks raised approximately £380 during the and continued success in the Long Jump he has Academy we as a course of the day, which is absolutely Looking very smart! More of our Prefects helping been successful in applying for department wish Ben all amazing, so thank out with the cake sale! a nationally recognised the best in the future and you for your Sports Scholarship look forward to hearing of future success. generosity and Nicely done! Major queues for treats! programme support!

Very well presented table Decisions, decisions... there, girls! So many treats! Super busy at Break Time! Looking very chuffed with his cakes! Cake made by Ellie-Mae Cornes SPORTING A successful sale! SUCCESS

Enjoy those treats! Cupcakes by Charlie Humphries Big Sale!

Get them before they’ re gone!

One of many of our students’ creations! YEAR 7 INDOOR 5 Raffle Prize Number 2 ASIDE COMPETITION

What a handful! They look tasty, Mrs Johnson! Mr Scott eyeing up his cakes! Raffle Prize Number 1 A massive well done to the following Year 7 students, Cameron Hope, Berfim Duven worked hard to organise the Harvest Festival Bailey Aldridge, Ebony Mason, Kobe collection. She designed boxes and posters for the collection SHARNI JONES Matasimbra, Rian Oliver and Kyle and we received lots of donations! Thank you to all the students Atkinson. They have represented Harvest Festival who contributed to the Harvest Festival. The Oaks Academy in the Crewe and Nantwich Sports Partnership Indoor 5 a On Tuesday 18th October, Senior Pastor David Edwards from side Football held at SWS on Thursday The Lighthouse Centre based in Stewart Street in Crewe, EUROPEAN 17th November. The Lighthouse Centre presented a short Harvest Festival assembly to Year 8 and accepted the goods donated for our Harvest Festival. He GYMNASTICS The tournament brought the Crewe discussed the concept of Harvest with the students and talked Secondary Schools to see who would about what The Lighthouse Centre does to provide essential QUALIFICATIONS qualify for the Level 3 competition. In an needs to those who can’t provide it for themselves. extremely close competition we missed On the 12th October Sharni Jones qualified for the finals of the out on the Winners play off final by one Go to our Facebook page to view this video! European Championships. She competes in team gymnastics goal after defeat to Ruskin. The end rd at junior level. She has a great talent, and we are all wishing result saw us finish 3 beating SWS in the play-off game. The Oaks Academy Crewe her good luck for the finals! YEAR 11 AWARDS EVENING 29.11.2016

It was a pleasure to see so many of ex-students returning to The Academy to collect their GCSE certificates. It was an opportunity for staff, students and parents to celebrate the fantastic achievements of so many of our students and congratulate them on their hard work over the past five years. We were joined, for the evening, by Andy Small who won a bronze medal in the 2016 Paralympics. He gave the keynote speech and talked about his own personal journey over the last four years and how it is never too late to pursue your dreams. It was an honour to welcome him into the school and we hope that he will return to talk to more of our students in the future. Key award winners can be found below:

Head Boy Award Jack Bennett

Head Girl Award Lauren Freeman

Highest Achieving Female Lauren Freeman (6=A*& 5=A)

Highest Achieving Male Patrick O’ Brien (4=A* & 7=A) Art Award Emilie Sutton PE Award Ben Wilkinson Music Award Craig Allen Performing Arts Award Courtney Rollafson English award Natalie Gregory Maths Award Patrick O’ Brien Science Award George Basford Food Technology Award Ellis Lawson Resistant Materials Award Amy Dodd Textiles Award Sophie Barrow MFL Award Lauren Freeman History Award Isabella Cooper Geography Award Brittany Phillips Business Studies Award Anthony Clark ICT Award Lizzie Turley Media Award Patrick O’ Brien RE Award Akwande Khonjelwayo In The Face of Adversity Award Akwande Khonjelwayo

...where everyday is an Open Day

Tel: 01270 661223 | www.theoaksacademy.co.uk The Oaks Academy Buchan Grove, Crewe Cheshire, CW2 7NQ