under the

mTerm 1-2 Newsletter 2015croscope Issue Twenty Two

High praise from Chief Ofsted Inspector Children in Need pictures New Cadets put Through their Paces Launch of New Young Leaders Programme

KETTERING SCIENCE ACADEMY

Letter from the Principal Dear Families As 2015 draws to a close, A Level results. I am pleased to report that 80% of applications for next year’s Year 7 and our Sixth Form it is a natural time for our lessons are now good or better. We are fully continues to grow, showing that we are increasingly reflection on the year that staffed and the use of supply teachers is now rare. the school of choice for Kettering parents. We have has passed and anticipation Our students behave very well and everyone has every reason to be positive about 2016 and to look over what the New Year supported our ban on mobile phones, which has been forward to achieving our goal of becoming a very will hold. There is no doubt that 2015 has been a a great success and has removed a big distraction from ‘good’ school indeed, providing our students with a successful year at KSA, and the key word for us has day-to-day learning. Our students work very hard and high quality educational experience. been ‘transformation’. Our 2015 Ofsted Inspection are very aspirational for their futures. I could not finish without thanking all of the parents and graded leadership as ‘Good’ and found our Sixth So, speaking of futures, what does 2016 hold for KSA? families who work tirelessly to support our students and Form to be ‘Good’ also. I have no doubt that due to our improvements in the staff at KSA. On a personal note, I have been here The inspectors praised us for ‘transforming the school’. teaching and the great efforts of our students, GCSE almost three years now and I am thoroughly enjoying You may remember that the Head of Ofsted, Sir and A Level results will continue to improve. We being Principal of KSA and it is a privilege to share the Michael Wilshaw, wrote a letter of praise to all at KSA are investing more in our extra-curricular activities, responsibility of educating your children. wishing us well as the Academy continues to improve, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, after school I look forward to sharing many more years with you. doing much to enhance our reputation. clubs and fundraising activities, so students can also 2016 is a year to really look forward to, but let’s not 2015 has seen student attendance improve to national develop themselves outside the classroom. forget to enjoy Christmas first! levels and improvements in GCSE and We have had a greatly increased number of Paul Davies – Principal

Letter from the Secondary Chair of Governors Dear Families I am sure you will be aware With Secondary: behaviour and attendance are has been the number of long term supply teachers we that the governing body vital signs and I am encouraged by recent progress, have had. The good news is that this is vastly reduced, at KSA has now split into we are now at slightly above national average with with our own teachers in post from the start of the two groups, Primary and attendance. Also, I am seeing positive signs regarding year. Secondly, the number of lessons graded as Secondary. The new format improved behaviour and a feeling of being safe in good or above has now moved to 80%, meaning our gives us more time and a more focused approach, school. This is based on surveys and my own much students have a learning opportunity here at KSA which we need as we continue improving. I am reduced activity around poor behaviour exclusions; which is classed as overall ‘good’. very pleased to be able to continue the role with and of course less exclusions means higher attendance All of this plus the recent self-assessment suggests that our students will make good progress this year and the Secondary Phase and would like to thank the and time in lessons. exam outcomes improved again from last year’s results. governors and leaders of the Primary Phase for their One of the cornerstones of a successful school is the hard work and commitment over the past few years. quality of teaching. Firstly, one of your frustrations Steve Barton – Secondary Phase Chair of Governors

Letter from the Head of Primary Dear Families A key focus for the Primary handwriting scheme and how you can support your in September 2008. She began as Year 3/4 team Phase this term has been to child with their spellings and also mental strategies leader and even had a spell at being Head Teacher offer greater opportunities for maths. It is also an opportunity for you to ask during my maternity leave! Ann has been integral in for you as parents to be questions and share your ideas with us. We shall moving our school forward and she will be greatly involved with a wider area send out the new programme early in the New Year. missed. We wish her much happiness and success in of what is happening at school. It has been lovely to Amongst the Christmas festivities, we also bid a fond her new role. see so many of you at our Tuesday morning ‘drop-in’ farewell to Mrs Ann Walker, Senior Vice Principal, The staff and I wish all of our families a very Merry sessions. These sessions are an opportunity to meet who will begin as Head Teacher at Kettering Park Christmas and prosperous New Year. a variety of staff members informally over a cup of Junior School in January. Jo Fallowell – Primary Head Teacher coffee. It allows us to discuss topics such as the new Mrs Walker joined Henry Gotch Primary School back Letter from the Primary Chair of Governors Dear Families The application to split chair. A number of parents, staff and governors from review progress of these plans and to understand KSA into separate Primary the previously combined KSA Governing Body, joined and contribute to the longer term strategy of the and Secondary Academies, the new governing body. Our first meeting was held school. Significant positive progress has been achieved was submitted to the on 22nd September, when new governors and the over the last year, in all areas necessary to generate Department for Education Primary Phase leadership team met to discuss the that excellent start for all our students but there are by Brooke Weston Trust earlier this year, with the progress and outcomes achieved by students from more improvement opportunities available and the end of this academic year being the targeted date Nursery to Year 6, with the Head Teacher, Jo Fallowell, new Governing Body is looking forward to working for formal separation. In anticipation of and to begin outlining the ambitions for the school to provide the alongside the leadership team to deliver these. planning for the Primary Phase to run as a separate May I wish all staff, parents, carers and students a very very best formative years of learning and education for Academy, a new Primary Phase Governing Body was happy and enjoyable Christmas 2015. established in September, which I am delighted to all students. The new Governing Body will be meeting twice more during this academic year, to assess and Phil Harris-Bridge – Primary Phase Chair of Governors

2 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope PARENT INFORMATION TERM DATES 2016 New Name for Term 3 Consultation Group Monday 4th January 2016 Re-open to students The ‘Parent Consultation Group’ has been Friday 12th February 2016 Last day of term re-named the ‘Parents Forum’ in order to avoid confusion. The Parents Forum gives Term 4 families the opportunity to have a say in the Monday 22rd February 2016 Re-open to students development and continued improvement of Wednesday 23rd March 2016 Last day of term the Academy. All Secondary Phase parents and carers are automatically members of Thursday 24th March 2016 Teacher Training Day 4 the Forum, which provides parents with the Term 5 opportunity to make suggestions to Principal Monday 11th April 2016 Teacher Training Day 5 Paul Davies and the Chair of Governors, Steve Barton. The minutes of the last meeting, held Tuesday 12th April 2016 Re-open to students on 20th October, are now available on our Monday 2nd May 2016 Academy closed May Day website. The next meeting will be scheduled Friday 27th May 2016 Last day of term in the New Year. Term 6 Monday 6th June 2016 Re-open to students Wednesday 20th July 2016 Last day of term TimelyAdvice Every student at KSA can benefit from HIGH PRAISE FROM in-school careers advice provided by TimelyAdvice. Chief Ofsted Inspector TimelyAdvice is a team of independent KSA was pleased to receive high praised from the In the letter, Sir Michael Wilshaw stated: careers consultants who can be called upon chief inspector for Ofsted following the school’s “The report makes it clear that your actions to provide students with impartial advice for last inspection in May. are having a significant impact and that the their future plans. The team was set up by In a letter sent to Principal Mr Paul Davies Academy is improving rapidly. I am pleased Avril Bartley-Smith who recognised the need and Head Teacher of the Primary Phase to read that you have set out clear priorities for such a service within secondary schools. Mrs Jo Fallowell in September, the Chief for improving the quality of teaching and the Mrs Bartley-Smith said: “My experience of Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said he was behaviour of the pupils. As a consequence, working with young people has spanned a pleased to read the recent Ofsted report and to provision in both the Early Years and the Sixth lifetime. Retiring as a Vice Principal I was see that the leadership and management of the Form is now good.” not ready to walk away from young people Academy were judged as ‘good’. and formed my company TimelyAdvice Ltd. Our aim is to provide the right advice at the right time and ensure that all young people follow the sustainable pathway at the next stage of their lives. I provide independent Race To The Top careers education, information, advice and This term the Secondary Phase has recruited and the scheme will be officially launched in guidance with the support of my team of teachers for the Race To The Top initiative which January to parents of the chosen students consultants.” is focussed on supporting the development and and the team will be also advising parents The other team members are Helen Aouina, learning of some of the high achieving and the on ways they can help with their children’s Helen Featherstone and Nicola Stanbridge. most able students at KSA. extended learning. Students can book an appointment with a The aim of the RTTT programme is to improve Mr Anderson said: “It is exciting to see our member of the TimelyAdvice team by visiting the aspirations of higher attaining pupils across teachers investing more time in our students’ the Academy’s Secondary Phase library. all the Year groups, develop their skills to achieve learning and teaching with the support of a top More information about TimelyAdvice is the highest possible grades, to offer a range of team of teachers.” available on the Careers page on the website experiences to enhance the current curriculum Lead Teachers are: Lorraine Taylor and Ann at www.ketteringscienceacademy.org offer and to excite and engage the students. Reeve-Mavrommatis and facilitating teachers are: Vice Principal Mr Anderson said: “Race To The Top Rachael Davies, Stephen Reid and Sophie George. is a joint initiative being run between ourselves and Corby Business Academy to help and support 100 high achieving students across the Academy. We are, through the programme, looking to help develop their strengths further and challenge them to achieve the best grades. “As a team, the RTTT teachers at KSA will be supporting the chosen students and will be looking at ways to provide them with varying learning opportunities through master classes at Follow KSA on universities and other educational visits as well as offering studying on Saturdays.” The students are in the process of being selected Twitter

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 3 PRIMARY NEWS

Adoption of Guide Dogs for the Blind A brother and sister from the Primary Phase have adopted a Guide Dog for the Blind as well as helping dogs through donations to The Dogs Trust. Dog lovers Codie and Regan Hartnett-White were given the adoption certificates as gifts from their Nan and are pleased to be helping both charities. Year 4 pupil, Codie said: “Our Nan has owned dogs of her own in the past and she decided to donate to the two charities to help Children in Need – Superhero Medals other dogs.” Year 3 pupil, Regan said: “We receive information Pupils and staff celebrated Children in Need the medals including sewing, collage, painting and photographs about the dogs who are called day with a mufti day combined with a design a and printing. Rio, Patsy, and Scooby.” superhero medal competition. “On the day each class voted for a winning The pair are also sent regular updates on the On Friday, 13th November the children and staff design and the class winners were then progress of the guide dogs’ training and who the made donations for wearing non-uniform and presented to the whole school on Wednesday puppies are helping. raised a total of £377.74. 18th November and a vote for the overall Assistant Principal for the Primary Phase, winning design in EYFS/Key Stages 1 and Key Mr Woolhouse, said: “The children put a lot Stage 2 was taken.” of thought and effort into creating unique The winners were: Parents’ Drop-In medals based around their initials or hobbies; EYFS/Key Stage 1 – Daniel Burgess many different techniques were used to create Key Stage 2 – Kiera Horsburgh Meetings Parents of Primary Phase children are being invited to drop-in sessions held on Tuesday mornings at the school. Queen Stamps Competition The drop-in meetings take place in the Rainbow Pupils were encouraged to design commemorative Room at the school from 8.50am until 9.30am postage stamps to mark the Queen becoming the and the meetings provide an opportunity for longest reigning monarch in British History. parents to get together and chat about matters All the children were invited to draw and that are important to them and their families. colour in their stamp designs to mark Queen The agenda for the group sessions are decided Elizabeth II’s reign and a winner was chosen on by the parents and past topics of discussion from each Year group. and advice have included looking at parenting The winners were: Aiden Knell, subjects including helping children with school Ashton Murray, Adomas Miliauskas, work from maths through to literacy and also Charlotte McDonald, Taylor Constable, advice on managing behaviour and help with Morgan Arnett and Eman Naeem. sleep solutions. The Primary Phase also sent cards Last term parents received an introduction into congratulating the Queen on her reign and the Well Being Team, looked at supporting super told her about their commemorative stamp spelling and a session on parenting advice. competition. Vice Principal, Mrs Greaves said: “We are keen to On 2nd November the school received a letter encourage more parents to attend the sessions back from Buckingham Palace. The letter was and thought it was kind and think about what subjects they would like to sent by the Queen’s Lady in Waiting, who thanked of you to include with receive advice and help on.” the pupils for their best wishes and added: “Her your greeting the lovely For more information on the group or to send Majesty was interested to hear about your winning designs for The any ideas for the sessions please email: commemorative postage stamp competition Queen to see.” [email protected]

Harvest Festival Families of Primary Phase children generously KSA Year 1 pupils also put on a Harvest Festival Festival performance donated food for the local church, Christ the King, themed production for their parents and carers went really well, a lot of for their Love Action Team project as part of the to enjoy at the school. The pupils performed The parents came to watch school’s Harvest Festival celebrations. The church’s Little Red Hento a full school hall of visitors. it and the children put a action team provides emergency food supplies for Assistant Head Teacher at the Primary Phase and lot of hard work into the families in need in the local community. Year 1 Teacher, Miss Walker, said: “The Harvest show.”

4 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope NURSERY & RECEPTION

NURSERY:

and hunting for teddy bears Stay and Play hidden in the garden. Parents of Nursery children were invited into the Parents also joined us for school to observe their children at play on two our story time and singing separate occasions this term. at the end of the session.” Firstly, on Friday 16th October, a number of They were also invited into the Christmas parents attended the Stay and Play event at the Nursery again on Friday, 4th December Academy’s Nursery and spent time joining in with to partake in more fun Card making through learning their children in an array of activities. Children in the Nursery decorated and created activities. Nursery Teacher Mrs Black said: their own festive cards in the run up to Christmas. “Lots of parents enjoyed our Stay and Play They used lots of glitter, glue and foil confetti to session. They took part in a variety of create some very sparkly designs for their families. activities such as making teddy bear ears

RECEPTION: A Busy and Varied Term Reception children have had a busy term and have invited their parents into school to share in their learning. Earlier in the term parents and carers went on an autumn walk together and looked at the different type of houses they saw around the area near to the school. They also held a literacy morning for parents to find out more about how the children are taught literacy in the Reception classes. In November parents were asked to think about being healthy and active with their children. Reception teacher Miss Bradbury said: “The children talked about healthy foods and what makes a healthy lunchbox. They also talked about ways to stay healthy and shared these ideas with their parents. The parents found out different ways to keep healthy and supported the children by joining in a range of activities.” Then, on Monday 7th December, parents and grandparents were invited into their classrooms to help make Christmas decorations and Christmas cards.

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 5 LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 1 Celebrations This term, Year 1 have been finding out about celebrations. From birthdays to Thanksgiving, from weddings to Hanukkah, we have been finding out about how celebrations are important to different people. For the entry point we planned and carried out our very own pretend wedding. Violet was the bride and Abhirup was the groom, we had a full wedding party consisting of best man, father of the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls. It was a very busy day. We compared how weddings were the same and how they were different. We have been looking at a range of different celebrations and how food, decorations and costumes are important. Miss Walker – Year 1 Teacher and Assistant Principal

YEAR 2 People of the Past Last term’s topic for Year 2 was all about People of the Past in which they learnt about significant individuals from history such as Rosa Parks, Alexander Graham Bell and local man William Knibb. Pupils from both 2MF and 2JB held class assemblies at the beginning of this term and presented what they had learnt about in class to their parents. After 2MF’s class assembly, Mrs Madeline Fernandes praised the pupils for their fantastic assembly and she said: “The children have learnt about a handful of famous people and I wonder who out of this class will become famous adults themselves some day?”

YEAR 3 Dinosaurs and Survival Day Last term Year 3 pupils’ topic was about This term our topic is called ‘Scavengers and dinosaurs. Parents came into school to help their Settlers’, where the children will be learning all children create dinosaur print chocolate cookies about life from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and and skeletons of dinosaurs using cotton buds. Iron Age. There was also a Survival Day event held when Miss Tibbs added: “The children will be having a the pupils were asked to dress as cave men and Stone Age feast where they will be making flat women for the day. Year 3 teacher Miss Tibbs breads and a plain vegetable soup. They will be said: “They were making tents, hunting for food using maps and globes to locate sites around by using foam arrows to hit pictures of Stone the world where Stone Age artefacts have Age animals, creating cave art drawings and been found. The children will also be making making humus and a berry stew.” replica Stone Age pots, jewellery and they have already created cave art pictures using mud and charcoal.”

6 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope PRIMARY NEWS

YEAR 4 The Egyptians During the Parents into School fortnight, held at the Primary Phase at the beginning of the term, Year 4 pupils demonstrated what they had learnt about the Egyptians. Pupils spent time with their parents mummifying an orange, making paper using Egyptian techniques and designing and drawing Canopic jars.

YEAR 5 Time Tunnel Since September our Year 5 students have tunnel and why they might need to approach been looking at history via a Time Tunnel and some tunnels with caution. have learnt about Anglo Saxons, the Celts, Vikings, the Tudors, Victorian times and, most Mrs Proctor – Year 5 Teacher recently, pupils have been looking at the Industrial Revolution. As part of this term’s topic pupils have made Celtic inspired jewellery and Viking shields. They looked at World War One to coincide with Remembrance Day and revisited Victorian times for learning about the traditions of a Victorian Christmas. The Time Tunnel has taken them on a journey through history and has allowed them look at their own time lines and family trees in the same way. In English the pupils also studied The Tunnel story book by Antony Browne and they were asked to think about what they might find in a

YEAR 6 World War 2 This term the Year 6’s topic has been on World War 2. The term started with inviting parents into school to look with the children at various jobs and roles people had during the war as well as finding out what food was rationed during the war time. Other pupils carried out online research into what you would find in a WW2 home. The Year 6 pupils also visited Holdenby House during the term and were evacuees for the day. Read the full story on page 10.

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 7 LIBRARY Roald Dahl Day Activities Primary Phase pupils looked at Roald Dahl books themselves in the style of Quentin Blake for a and the author himself to coincide with Roald new Roald Dahl book about them. Dahl Day on 13th September. In Year 4, pupils focused on Roald Dahl the Pupils in Year 1 looked at The Crocodile and the author. They looked at a biography of his life and Dentist poem and linked it to their jobs topic as the children answered comprehension questions it was during the week they were looking at (using the biography to answer the dentists. They also created a collaged questions in full sentences). They crocodile, large and small and also looked at a variety of his Homework Club began to look at some simple books to find interesting rhyming words. The children adjectives and different The library has been staying open every night decided that the crocodile was words the children hadn’t after school for pupils and parents to read, do not very nice in the poem. read before. homework or take out books until 4.30pm. In Year 2 pupils read his book Year 5 and 6 decorated The extended opening hours of the library has The Porcupine from Dirty their corridor in the proved very popular with families. Beasts and continued a section school to represent the Librarian for the Primary Phase Mrs Hughes of it with their own rhyming ‘dream shelf’ in The BFG said: “Some parents have difficulty getting couplets. and every child in Year 5 and their children to focus on school homework Year 3 were 6 wrote their dreams or reading at home, so we have offered this encouraged to down on paper opportunity for pupils to do both with their design a new fizzy clouds (above parents at school. The school environment helps drink for Willy right) which them to concentrate with no distractions.” Wonka from were then Charlie and hung in the the Chocolate corridor. Factory. They also had a go at drawing a picture of

Tweets Wall Year 5 and 6 pupils have a Tweets notice board in the library to share helpful information about books they have read. The board in the library allows for short reviews of books read by the pupils or other useful information about the library to be shared in Twitter style messages on postcards that can be viewed on the board. Pupils and staff have been writing the tweets to promote to others about a book they have liked, who is was by and what it was about. Junior Librarians A new team of junior librarians have been “As a result of this we decided to take on all recruited at the Primary Phase. applicants for the roles as junior librarians. The group of Year 6 pupils were interviewed for Already they have proved themselves very the library roles and have been actively helping eager and willing to take on many of the out in the school’s library. tasks required in the library. They are very Lead staff member for the library at the Primary enthusiastic and as a result the library is Phase, Mrs Hughes, said: “The standard of looking good and working smoothly.” applicants for the posts of junior librarians was This year’s junior librarians are: Alexi Koliqi, very good this year, all with their own merits Teegan Constable, Lexie Davies-Rush, Olivia and strengths. They were all interviewed by the Kopania, Eman Naeem, Casey Wood, Evie Bone, Senior Vice Principal or the Assistant Principal Meah Cunningham, Mackenzie McAllister and along with myself in formal interviews. Lily Beer.

8 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope LIBRARY Harry Potter Illustrator Visit Harry Potter fans from Year 8 and 9 at the Mrs Economou, who accompanied Academy were given the chance to meet the the students on the visit, said: “The illustrator of the new versions of the Harry students who went to meet Mr Kay are Potter books. very keen Harry Potter fans and were both Jim Kay spent time with students at Corby interested and excited to meet him. He talked Business Academy on Tuesday, 1st December all about his illustrating career and about and a small group of students from KSA were how he felt being asked to illustrate all the invited to attend the event and speak to Mr Kay. new versions of the Harry Potter stories by him to re-invent the looks of the characters Students who attended were: Year 8 students JK Rowling. He talked a lot about his and create new settings based on his own Lily Newstead, Amy Dimmock, Lois Powell, inspirations for his pictures and how his imagination of reading the stories. Mr Kay lives Mia Williams, James Handley, Jazmin Eady and pictures for the books meant he had to forget in Kettering and owns a greyhound and he told Mark Fenton as well Year 9 student, Lucy Allely. all about the film versions of the characters and the students about his greyhound being his Head Librarian at the Secondary Phase, the movies’ locations for the stories, enabling model for the new faces of Fluffy.”

A Date with a Book Student Librarians As part of their English lessons Year 7 students Flirty Dancing by Jenny McLachlan, The Pale The newly appointed student librarians have were invited to familiarise themselves with by Chris Wooding, Cuckoo Song by Frances been trained this term to provide help and books they might like to read in full in the future Hardinge, Jinx – The Wizard’s Apprentice by assistance to staff and students in the Secondary at the Academy’s library in a speed dating style Sage Blackwood and Sons of Scarlatti – Infinity Phase library. The library staff had more than 40 event. The students were only given a few Drake by John McNally. applicants apply for the roles and 18 students minutes to read short extracts from each book The exercise is part of the Bookbuzz reading from Years 7–9 were selected to help out on a before a buzzer sounded and they were asked to programme from the Booktrust, which supports regular basis. move on to the next book. schools to encourage reading for pleasure, The successful applicants from Year 7 include The students were then asked to write down independent choice and develop a whole school Asia Tucker, Georgia Fitzgerald, Libby Wilson- their thoughts on each book and at the end to reading culture. Benn (pictured) and Jack Ross. Year 8 students: choose their favourite plus one they might like to For more information visit www.bookbuzz.org.uk Jazmin Eady, Nilanee Kuganathan, Cassandra be re-acquainted with in the future. Avery, Aishmeen Manesh Sara Dinu, James Head Librarian at the Secondary Phase Mrs Handley and Paul Ile. Year 9 Students: Lucy Economou said: “It is a great fun exercise for Allely, Illania Bradbury, Neryee Rawcliffe, the students. We look at all their preferred Liz Szetelyova and Monika Kwak. choices of books and then we hope to reunite This year there are also two after school student them with their preferred book before the librarians, Year 8 students, Jessica Rodreguez- Christmas break.” Dale and Anna Smith. She added: “It is also a good taster exercise as Sixth Formers have also have been selected to it introduces them to new books to consider make up this year’s Library Committee; they are: reading in the future.” Brogan Gore-Devlin, Liam Potts, Mason Hoath The books they were introduced to included: and George Jackson. The committee help to organise events which happen within the library including quizzes to coincide with festivals and events. Performance Poet’s Visit for National Poetry Day Year 6–13 students spent time with performance their delivery of their poems. poet, Dreadlock Alien, Mr Richard Grant, who He spoke with a Year 13 media group about the visited the Academy to help celebrate National media in general and how social media has had Poetry Day. an impact on his career. The poet performed his poem ‘Well done’ to an He later met with Year 11 drama students to audience of Year 6 & 7 students and engaged talk about his style of performance and how to them in some beat-boxing. perform with confidence. He ran a number of Mr Grant said: “I have had a great day at the workshops during the school and I hope I have inspired the students. day with smaller groups My aim on days like this is to change the of students from Years students’ perspective on poetry. I start off with 8 and 9. In these groups about 99 per cent of students thinking poetry he helped the students is boring and I set out to change their minds with their creative on this. I come along to sprinkle them with writing skills as well as inspiration and get them to enjoy the use of giving them advice on language.”

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 9 ACADEMY TRIPS Holdenby House WW2 Trip In November the Year 6 children visited babies as well as a German bomb (diffused of of items in readiness for tea that night at the Holdenby House where they had a fantastic day course!) Mrs Foe explained and demonstrated House in preparation for a birthday celebration. as evacuees from World War II. During their visit skills involved in ‘Make Do and Mend’ – a Later in the day the children joined in with a the children took part in a range of activities wartime campaign. As part of this the children sing song, they sang the National Anthem God‘ related to the theme of World War II. Once made pom poms, cardboard inner soles, sorted Save the King’ and also that well-loved wartime they had gathered in the courtyard they were buttons and made rag rugs to aid the war effort. favourite – Run Rabbit! assigned the village they would be staying in In the kitchen Mrs North talked about rationing, Finally the children boarded the charabanc during the war (or so the children believed!). shared examples of food quantities and got the (bus) in preparation to go to their new home The children explored an underground air raid children to prepare dishes in true wartime style. – one of three villages: Yelvetoft, Clay Coton shelter with the Major and discussed how the The children had a great time learning about or Norton. The whole day was a wonderful time was spent during an air raid; they also different techniques used and practised peeling, opportunity for the children to experience life handled gas masks for adults, children and chopping, rolling, picking and painting a variety as an evacuee in WWII.

Natural History Museum Trip This term Year 3 pupils enjoyed a day trip to been when exploring this topic and we felt London and visited the Natural History Museum that a trip to the National History Museum as part of their topic entitled ‘Footprints from enhanced this further. the Past’ in which the children have been “The children were given the opportunity learning all about dinosaurs and fossils. to experience seeing real dinosaur fossils Year 3 Teacher Miss Tibbs said: “We have been as well as cast-made skeletons on the day amazed at how enthusiastic the children have trip to the museum.”

10 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope ACADEMY TRIPS Fact-Finding Trip to Peru A mathematics teacher at the Academy spent by helping them to build houses, toilets and The group of 8 students going on the Peru trip her half term week in Peru ahead of the greenhouses. are busy fundraising and this term held a Year students’ challenge trip to the country next Miss Keen said: “Everyone you help is so grateful 7–8 Halloween Disco, which raised another summer. Miss Keen was asked to join other trip and appreciative of the aid provided and I hope £230 collective to go towards their individual leaders from other schools in the region to visit also, as a school, to take some learning resources targets of £4,000. Peru by trip organisers Camps International to with us to help the children in the communities.” view community projects that the students will be working on and to experience first-hand the places they will be visiting and staying in. Miss Keen added: “It was an amazing experience. I can now prepare the students going next summer and advise them more on what they can expect and what essentials they need to pack for the trip. “It will help them to prepare better for the challenges of the trips, including the possibility of suffering from altitude sickness, what their accommodation is going to be like and what a typical day will consist of. I also want to let them know what a trip of a lifetime they are going to experience and how rewarding it will be.” Camps International, the trip organisers, provide students with the opportunities to help small communities in various countries with the aim of helping them become more self-sufficient

French Trip More than 30 Year 8 and 9 students went on On the final day they went on a tour of Paris, a residential Academy trip to France to visit taking in the sights including the Jardin de Normandy and Paris. The students stayed at Tuileries, a visit to the Louvres Museum, the Château Beaumont, an education, language and Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. The tour activity centre situated in Southern Normandy. ended with a shopping trip on the Champs- During the visit the students followed Le Grand Elysées and dinner at a steak house. Weekend programme, which is designed to give They also travelled by boat along the River the students an opportunity to experience the Seine and sampled some of the local cuisine – history, culture and language through a variety including frog’s legs! of excursions. Trip Leader, Second in Modern Foreign Language and we joined them and completed a quiz Mrs Reeve-Mavrommatis, said: “It was a together. Some of the students have stayed great opportunity for students to experience in touch, forging the beginnings of lifelong everything only possible through complete relationships. It was the first time that KSA immersion and to understand what it means travelled to Paris and it was the highlight of to be a dual-linguist with application and the trip for many students, who stated they had acquisition of language, and developing a waited since early childhood to see the Eiffel notion of what it means to share a European Tower. Overall, students were a credit to their identity through past, recent and present parents and KSA, behaviour was impeccable history. At the Chateau students met French and I was praised by many people for having children on English as a Second Language such a well-behaved and interested group of holiday, they shared a few basketball games students. We all had a great time.” On the first day the group visited the Mulberry Harbour of Arromanche, the Normandy Landing beaches, the Bunkers of Longues-Sur-Mer and the Bayeux tapestry, finishing with the WWII British cemetery of War in Bayeux. On day two they visited a French market in Laval where students had the opportunity to sample and purchase local produce. In the afternoon students visited the 13th Century Castle of Fougères and ended the day with a visit to the factory of world renowned Montbana Chocolates.

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 11 COMMUNICATIONS New Centre Accreditation for D of E Award Kettering Science Academy is now an officially accredited centre to provide the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s Scheme. On Tuesday, 10th November lead staff members for the KSA DofE scheme, Vice Principal Mr Segalini and English teacher Miss Davies (pictured below) attended an awards ceremony for the region at Kettering Park Hotel. They were among representatives from other schools in the county to receive the new centre accreditation. The certificate was presented to the Academy by the Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, Mr David Laing. Miss Davies said: “Receiving the award is a fantastic chance for the school to continue offering a range of opportunities for all students, regardless of background or academic ability. By being a Directly Licensed Centre, we can tailor our support to the needs of our students. Students taking part in the scheme will be able to excel in a variety of tasks English Book/ and have experiences they may not otherwise have had.” She added: “I personally have Film Reviews already seen the confidence of some of the students grow as they begin Year 8 students were asked to review a book of their choice to their journey with DofE.” coincide with their studies on dystopian literature. Year 10 students are currently working independently on their skills and English teacher Miss Davies was very impressed with the level of physical elements of the awards scheme. Ben Richards and Chloe Whysall are descriptive writing demonstrated by the students in their reviews two of the students working towards their DofE Bronze Award. and praised two student reviewers who chose the book and film Divergent Chloe is doing photography for her skills element, walking for her physical to write about. element and is looking to help out at the Primary Phase after school for her The reviews were written by Lily Newstead and Mary Precious-Ike. volunteering element. Both students said they had enjoyed the English topic on dystopian Ben is doing Judo coaching for his volunteering element, rugby for his fiction this term and had found the writing of the reviews was both physical element and cooking for his skills element. interesting and enjoyable. Divergent Both said they are enjoying working towards their bronze certificates. Lily had written about a comparison between and the Hunger Games series through her review. She stated: “After hearing about Divergent, I was fascinated by the modern ‘working together’ atmosphere compared to the straddling, poverty-stricken lifestyle portrayed through the Hunger Games.” Mary in her review wrote: “The Premise, which has the unmistakable feel of ‘The Hunger Games’ also borrows considerably from ‘Equilibrium’ and ‘1984’. In a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues, Tris Prior is warned she is divergent and will never fit into any one group.”

12 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope MATHS Maths Rock Stars Maths lessons at the Academy are continuing to rock with the help of the Times Table Rock Stars programme that was introduced to students earlier this year. The Numeracy Ninjas programme has been The online programme is accessed by students introduced to our Year 7 and 8 students during maths lessons and at other times to help this term as a way of improving students’ individuals brush up on their times tables. numeracy skills and their fluency in Mathematics teacher and administrator for mathematics. Students are given five minutes Times Table Rock Stars, Mr Koomson, said: to answer as many questions as they can. “Times Table Rock Stars has caught on well These include basic numeracy, times tables with the students in KSA. For the past year it’s and more complex mental calculations. become very competitive among the students Students are awarded a ninja belt depending with Year 8 leading the way. The rock king/ on the amount of correct answers they queen has changed from Robert Reviera to achieved out of 30. If students correctly Emillie-Grace Humphrey, who has earned a answer all 30, they achieve a black belt for whopping 53,799 points, followed by Abin Raju their success. and Simandeep Somal making the top three Second in the mathematics department, rock legends for the year ending 2015 with Miss Keen, said: “This term we have seen a 9,461 and 2,431 respectively. Well done to our fantastic level of effort put in by our students. three rock legends.” We would like to recognise the success of some of these students, and award them with a Golden Ninja Award. Teachers have chosen these students based Further Maths Trip on effort and improvement.” A group of Year 12 and 13 mathematicians students to go on the trip. Jack said: “I do want were taken on a trip to Warwick University in to go on to do further maths at university and Golden Ninja Awards in Year 7 go to: December to see what the university has to offer Warwick is one of the top universities in the Keiran Parker in the way of further education in maths. country for studying maths at a higher level. Callum Cox The small group of students were accompanied The visit was interesting as it allowed us to Esme Bayliss on the university visit by maths teacher, view the university as well as hear from some Tom Smith Mr Shepherd. of the top mathematicians, who are lecturers at Samuel Osewa Mr Shepherd said: “We went to Warwick the university.”

University to hear a range of maths-based Year 13 Student, Luke Doughty, who also went Golden Ninja lectures from renowned international on the visit, said: “The trip also gave us an Awards in Year 8 go to: mathematicians and learnt about the insight into life as a university student as Oliver Whysall applications of maths in the modern world. It well as hearing from experts in the field of Kyle Baines also provided the chance for some of our best mathematics. The visit was informative as Abigail Darnell mathematicians to visit one of the best maths we learnt more about future careers options universities in the UK.” available with a higher maths qualification.” Year 13 student, Jack Old, was one of the

KSA Maths What is the value of each symbol? Challenge 2015 The mathematics department at KSA encouraged staff and students to take part Can you find a in a Christmas themed numeracy challenge path from the star before the end of term. at the top of this Head of Maths Miss Taylor was looking to network on the challenge individuals with 24 different maths Christmas tree to the bottom, which problems and she was asking everyone to submit goes through each one or more correct answers to the challenges of the 8 different to be entered into a prize draw. shapes once and The closing date for entries was Wednesday, once only? 16th December and the 24 winners were Examples of some of the displayed on notice boards within the school. challenges – did you take part?

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 13 BUSINESS & HUMANITIES

HUMANITIES: Review of the Term It has been a busy term for the Humanities department for all Key Stage 3 students. Year 7 In History students have been looking at the Asia Tucker said: “In Ethics we have been Industrial Revolution while geography students looking at Fair Trade products and our teacher have been learning about China. Mrs Franklin has made looking at this topic really fun.” Year 9 Mitchell Winpenny said: “In Geography Students have been looking at shopping in this term we have been learning about geography lessons and were set the task to earthquakes, how they are formed and their design their own shopping centre. effects on the world and people’s lives.” Year 9 student, Hannah Godson, said: “We In History students have been learning about were asked to design our own shopping centre by looking at the Milton Keynes Shopping King John and his reign. Louise Tillsley said: “The Centre and deciding what shops to include teachers create a fun and interesting way of and where to put them on a floor plan of our learning the subjects.” shopping centres.” In History Year 9 students have been looking at Year 8 Nazi propaganda and in Ethics they found their In Ethics Year 8 students have been looking at study into Armish communities interesting. Buddhism. Cameron Blakeson said: “We were Kirsty MacDonald said: “It is interesting to hear learning about Buddhism in a book about the about people from different cultures religion, which I found quite interesting.” and religions.”

Anti-Discrimination Posters Coding Club Year 8 students have been designing some hard discriminatory is wrong on many levels.” hitting posters this term as part of their ethics Amy Dimmock looked at sexism for her A computer coding club for students will work on anti-discrimination and prejudice. poster and researched the topic in regards to start up again after Christmas. Students will Connor Perkis decided to design his poster stereotypical views on what jobs are suitable be given the opportunity to learn about with the message of being against racism. He only for boys or only for girls. computer programming at an after school said that his poster was to remind people not Under the main statement of ‘You’re Only a Girl’ club being run by one of the Academy’s IT to judge a person by their race and where they Amy had detailed why this comment was wrong teachers from the start of next tem. have come from. and hurtful to females as a whole. The IT programming club will be run by the Sara Dinu did a detailed She said: “I was looking at the statement as Head of ICT and Business, Mr Duncan, who is and informative poster on the different elements some say that girls cannot be footballers and keen to encourage students with an interest and meanings of discrimination. She said: “I in the same way as saying that a boy cannot in coding and computer programming to wanted to get the message across that being become a good gymnast.” attend the club after school on Wednesdays from 3.20pm until 4.30pm. Mr Duncan explained: “The Coding club will be offered to students again at the start of next term in January and it will be run as a joint venture with the English Department for students to learn the fundamentals of coding using a programming language called Python. They will develop skills to help them construct logical programs with an end goal.” He added: “We had a great response to the club earlier on this term from boys and girls and we hope the same interest will be shown for its relaunch in January.” For more information about the coding club email Mr Duncan on: [email protected]

14 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope SCIENCE & PE

PRIMARY PHASE YEAR 6 Science Visits Year 6 pupils have been visiting the Secondary Science department to conduct a series of investigations into the effects of light. The children have been visiting the school to work on the practical experiments into conductors of light and have also experienced a lesson taking place in a Secondary Phase environment. Science Teacher at the Secondary Phase, Miss Oliver, said: “They used mirrors to draw ray diagrams and measured angles to help them identify the Law of Reflection. They also used different shaped prisms to explore refraction, show how lenses work and to observe the dispersion of white light into a spectrum of colours.”

New Head of Science The new head of Science at KSA joined the come on board when a lot of development has Academy at the start of this academic year and been going on within the science department.” is excited about what can be achieved within He added: “It is definitely the year for the the department going forward. science department. We have a great team Mr Fryett joined the school from his previous of staff that are all working well together role as Curriculum Leader at the Thomas to encourage students, providing support Deacon Academy in Peterborough. He said: “It and changing attitudes towards science has been a real change being at a new school, as a subject. which is full of new challenges and I have KSA’s Sports’ Person of the Year The winners of KSA’s Sports’ Person of the 100m and 200m sprints. I also compete in long Callum Stratford was presented the boys award Year Awards at the beginning of this term jump events.” for his outstanding effort and commitment and trophies were presented to the winners Key Stage 3 winners were Olivia Seymour for the to extra-curricular and his excellent attitude in assemblies. girls and Callum Stratford for the boys. towards PE as a subject. The Key Stage 4 winning girl was revealed as Year 10 student Olivia Seymor won for Year 10 student Callum said: “It was a real Year 11 student Esther Osewa. Esther was chosen her exceptional attitude and outstanding surprise to get the award. I play for both the as the winner for always going above and beyond performance in all sports within the curriculum football and basketball school teams. I have what is expected of her and for being committed and extra-curricular. been playing for the school teams since Year 7. to achieving her best in PE. Olivia said: “It was a surprise to be announced I was really pleased to win the award.” Esther said: “I didn’t expect to receive the award as the winner as there are lots of other The Key Stage 4 boy winner was Adam Bridgman in recognition of my sporting activities and I am students who deserved to win too. I really do and he was awarded his trophy before the end both very happy and surprised to win it.” like all sport and I especially enjoy playing of last term at his Year 11 prom. Esther is a keen athlete and competes for the basketball. I have played for the Academy Adam was chosen for the award for his: Excellent school in track events and also runs for Kettering teams in the past including being a member achievement in BTEC Sport and his outstanding Harriers outside of school. of the rounders team, but outside of school achievement in basketball. She said: “I have been running with Kettering I like to do a variety sports to keep fit Harriers for two to three years. My distances are generally. I am also taking PE at GCSE level.”

Esther Osewa Olivia Seymor Callum Stratford

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 15 ART, MUSIC & INDUSTRIAL DESIGN A level Art Student A level student Jack Maloy has been creating some outstanding artwork this term as well as throughout his AS and A level coursework in Art as part of his Sixth Form studies. Year 13 student Jack has been studying the styles of two different artists this term, Chris Stevens and Agnes Cecile. His latest piece borrows from Chris Stevens’ unique style and details a pair of boots hanging in the corner with the main subject of a male standing with his back to his audience. Jack said he is pleased with his latest composition that took him about five to six hours to complete. He explained: “The subject of the male was my friend who sat for me to get his features and his clothing right. I sketched out the outline first of the subjects and then built on the picture afterwards to provide texture using acrylics and and he said it will the biggest piece of artwork he borrowed from the artist’s techniques.” has created to date. In contrast his artwork created using Jack said after Sixth Form he is looking to go on influences from Agnes Cecile saw Jack using to do a foundation course in art at Hertfordshire watercolours and softer outlines and shades University and he added: “I do hope I can get to use which are more typical to that artist’s work. my art skills in the near future as part of what I do His next project is to work on a larger canvas for my chosen career.”

Year 8 Choir A Year 8 choir has been set up under the musical “The response has been really good with 30 to direction of one of our Year 12 students. 40 members turning up to sing. We are working Lauson Kenyon has become the musical director on the song Chasing Cars, which has nice for the choir, who meet every Friday morning harmonies in it.” during CAPS time. Choir members Mia Williams and Lily Newstead Lauson’s experience of choirs and singing has said they were enjoying being part of the choir. come from his time with the Northamptonshire Mia said: “It is a lot of fun and it is also good for County Youth Choir since the age of 12. confidence building.” Lauson said: “The new choir at the school is for Lily added: “We are all just getting into singing Year 8s who have shown an interest in forming as a group, but it is good how it has attracted a choir for the school and they have been so much interest and good to see both boys and meeting every Friday in form time since late girls being involved.” November. We are rehearsing currently with Head of Year 8 Mrs Dodd said: “It is great to see a hope to perform as part of a forthcoming so many of the Year 8s getting involved with the Brooke Weston Trust music concert.” choir and they are sounding great.”

Pudsey Biscuits for Children in Need Our Year 10 students were asked by the Sixth Form Charity Committee to create biscuits and cakes to sell on Children in Need Day. The students worked in teams to create and design their own biscuits and collectively decided which of the designs they were going to make for selling in aid of Children in Need. Food technology and catering teacher Mrs Dodd said: “They all worked really hard on this project. The end results were fantastic and helped to raise a lot of money for Children in Need.” See the full report on the Academy’s Children in Need fundraising efforts turn on 17.

16 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope SIXTH FORM Relay Team Awarded One of our Sixth Formers played her part to One in Sywell on 12th November and previously town. secure victory for the Kettering Harriers under they were named as Kettering Team of the She is also currently 20 women’s relay squad. Year at the Kettering Sports Awards event at competing in Year 12 student Hannah Winstone was one Wicksteed Park in October. various cross member of the Women’s 4x400m relay team Hannah, who was recruited for the squad ahead country events. that won the National title at the English of the race as a stand in for a member of the However, she Championships at the Bedford International team who was away, said: “I was really proud admits she favours Stadium in the summer. to be asked to step in at the last minute and track events and Since winning the title, members of the team even prouder to be on the winning squad in the when the track have been recognised for their achievements by summer. I found the whole experience with the season starts again their home town and the county. team very rewarding.” she said she is Earlier this month the team won the county Hannah, who is 16, has been running with keen to better her 63.1 seconds Personal Best title of Community Team of the Year at the Kettering Harriers since she was 9 years old and time, which was her time for the third leg of the Northamptonshire Sports Awards held at Hangar runs twice a week with the running club in the winning relay race.

Sixth Form Open Evening The Sixth Form Open Evening at the Academy as well as this year’s 100 per cent pass rate for fellow students was well attended by current Year 11 students students at A Level. and gaining a and their families on Tuesday, 10th November. Head Boy Dylan Birk and Head Girl Charlotte scuba diving The evening commenced with an introduction Clubley spoke to the visitors on their time in the qualification from from Principal Mr Davies and a presentation Academy’s Sixth Form and both praised the level the Professional from the head of support and opportunities they had been Association of of Sixth Form, provided with. Diving Instructors Assistant Vice Dylan described a medical masterclass he (PADI) whilst they Principal Miss attended and said: “It is all about helping to were there. Watson. develop skills that will allow you to stand out She said: “KSA is Mr Davies and from the rest when it comes to applying for unique, with dedicated staff that set aside time Miss Watson spoke your university place and adding to what you for you and provide you with opportunities that of the Sixth Form’s can say at interviews and put into your personal set you out from the crowd.” successes and the statements.” After the presentations families were given the rating of ‘good’ in Charlotte explained her chosen career path chance to view the various subject departments the most recent into Marine Biology came from her taking part and to discuss the courses on offer in more detail Ofsted inspection in a Camps International Trip to Tanzania with with some of the Sixth Form Team.

Children in Need a Great Success The Children in Need fundraising event at the and students participating in the organised Secondary Phase has been a hailed a great activities as well as purchasing commodities success and a lot of fun was had in the library put on sale. The event was crowned with the during lunchtime on Friday, 13th November. lucky raffle draw winners receiving their prizes The whole school took part in a Mufti Day for at the end of the school day.” the BBC charity and everyone gave £1 to wear He added: “The Publicity Committee would non-uniform for the day. At lunchtime the Sixth like to thank all the students and staff of KSA Form Charity Committee joined forces with the for their magnanimous contribution towards Business Committee to hold a host of stalls and the BBC Children in Need. Special thanks go activities to raise funds. out to the members of the Charity, Library and Business Committees, as well as The stalls included a lucky dip, the sale of cakes the staff that and biscuits, an official merchandise stall and the helped in sale of raffle tickets. organising the There was also a group of willing Sixth Formers event.” who volunteered to have their legs waxed – all in The total aid of the good cause. raised from Sixth Former and member of the Publicity the day was Committee, Christopher Kato Mpanga, said: £1,860. “The day saw the Academy’s generous staff

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 17 BROOKE WESTON TRUST NEWS Combined Cadet Force for 2016 KSA’s new cadets are being put through their with the cadet programme into Year 11 and even “They have also undertaken lessons in paces on a weekly basis as part of the Trust’s into the Sixth Form. recognising rank structure; OS maps/grid Combined Cadet Forces programme. During the course they will have the option to referencing; Basha (shelter) building; section A group of five Year 10 students have been complete a basic course to a corporate level, with attacks; and patrols. All the Cadets across the selected to take part in the inter-trust cadets additional opportunities to enter into the Duke Trust schools are integrating very well.” scheme to represent Kettering Science Academy. of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. They will also be This year’s cadets are: Joshua Bryan, Josh offered places on a variety of military activities Spence-Wright, Ben Kennedy, Taylor Ballard, and skills courses, to challenge themselves and Daniel Johnson and Michalina Radacka. increase their knowledge and experience in For the last month the cadets have been taking various fields. part in training sessions on Fridays at Corby Second Lieutenant for the CCF and teaching Technical School and have been working on assistant at KSA, Mr Andrew Howell said: “The learning drills, marching and various cadet new cadets have all been issued with their brand procedures. new uniforms and are wearing them with pride. In the future, as a part of a platoon, they will They all have immense enthusiasm and are very join all the other student cadets from the willing to learn. The cadets have taken part in Trust schools on field camping weekends regular drill practice, coached by last year’s and event days. cohort, who are now in positions of leadership The Year 10 students are encouraged to carry on as NCOs. Young Leaders for Sports The Brooke Weston Trust launched its new sporting activities. assemblies, coaching, inspiring and setting a good Young Leaders initiative this term which aims for In October a total of 100 young leaders met example for others. Groups of students from students to encourage others to take part in more together at Kettering Science Academy from Years 8 through to 10 have been selected for the across the Trust’s schools to learn more about sports leader roles and as representatives for their roles as sports ambassadors for their the Trust for having outstanding qualities and for schools. Students from Corby Technical School, demonstrating a commitment to the Corby Business Academy, Brooke Weston, Thomas PE department. Clarkson Academy and Kettering Science Academy Director of Sport for the Brooke Weston Trust and were all present at the event. lead organiser for the Young Leaders programme, The Brooke Weston Trust Young Leaders scheme Miss Smith said: “The BWT Young Leader is a ‘leading to learn’ programme which is being Pathway aims to help pupils develop leadership rolled out within the schools to support the PE skills such as organisation, communication and departments and forms part of the Trust’s Sports teamwork, as well as helping to build confidence Strategy. The young leaders will be encouraged and self-esteem as they take on responsibility of to take an active role within their academies leading, coaching and officiating their peers and and will be responsible for sports festivals, younger children.”

Year 7 Sports Festival INTER-TRUST SCHOOLS Our Year 7 students came second in the first Inter-Trust Sports Festival Poetry Competition organised by the Brooke Trust Weston schools and hosted at KSA earlier Students from across all the Trust schools were invited this term to this term. The festival was the first of its kind to be held for the schools, take part in this year’s inter-trust poetry competition to coincide with with other year groups’ festivals taking place throughout the year, to allow National Poetry Day. for more students to be involved in sport and compete against other Trust The Light in the Dark competition was launched by Thomas Clarkson schools in physical activities. The inter-trust schools event saw students from Academy on 8th October and it was opened up to all students from the KSA competing against other Year 7s from Corby Business Academy, Thomas primary schools and secondary schools to take part. Clarkson Academy and Corby Technical School. The school encouraged students to produce an original piece of The students took part in a variety of sports during the afternoon including creative writing around the competition’s title of The Light in the Dark. badminton, hockey, girls’ and boys’ football, netball and tag rugby. It was also the The entries were to be judged on creativity, originality, reader first event to be organised with the help of the Trust’s newly appointed Young engagement and use of literary devices. Leaders, who helped the event to run smoothly and officiated the matches. Students had until the closing date on Friday, 27th November to submit The overall winners at the event were Corby Business Academy, Kettering their poems. Science Academy came second, Thomas Clarkson Academy third and Corby The prizes on offer included a £25 Amazon gift voucher and an Technical School were fourth. invitation for the winner and a friend to attend a poetry day at TCA Director of Sport for the Brooke Weston Trust Miss Smith said: “I was really on 12th January 2016 when they will get the chance to enjoy a impressed with the level of participation at our recent Year 7 Festival. It was performance and take part in workshops run by a visiting poet. great to see every single one of our students giving 100%, working together Prizes were kindly donated by Wisbech Rotary Club. The winners are as a team across a variety of sports, displaying excellent sportsmanship and yet to be announced. competing with pride for their academies.”

18 Issue Twenty Two • Under the Microscope ACADEMY NEWS Lord Lieutenant’s Visit 10K Walk for receiving a tour of the Academy with KSA MS by KSA Principal Mr Davies. Mr Laing stated he was Science teacher Miss Jolliffe led a team impressed by the school as a whole and he of colleagues on a 10k challenge walk in believed that the school is on the right path to London and collectively they raised more making a difference to allow it to be rated ‘good’ than £1,700 for the MS Society. overall by Ofsted in the near future. Miss Jolliffe decided to take on the At the end of his visit the Lord Lieutenant said: challenge, with the support of her “I can already tell the Academy is well on colleagues at the Academy, after being its way to the top and firmly on the diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the improvements road.” age of 18. Mr Davies was delighted that the Lord The condition over the years has limited Lieutenant took time out from his busy schedule her ability to walk and Miss Jolliffe finds KSA was honoured to receive a visit from to tour the Academy and said: “It is wonderful it hard to walk long distances, but she the Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, to be in a position where we can show visitors was determined to take on the challenge who took a keen interest in the future vision all the really good things that are happening for the Society. for the school. within the Academy. Our staff and students Ahead of the walk Miss Jolliffe, now 30, said: Mr David Laing, who was appointed by the work tirelessly every day to create a really “My friends and my physio of three years Queen to be the Lord Lieutenant for the county positive learning environment and I’m proud made this challenge possible for me and in June 2014, spent time with the members that this is reflected in what the Lord Lieutenant have been so supportive of my progress.” of the school’s Senior Leadership Team before saw on his visit.” The team from KSA included Head of Expressive Arts Miss Mallard, PE Teacher Mr Feely, Science Teacher Miss George, SENCO and English Teacher Miss Incles, Open Evening Teaching Assistant Miss Siddall and Vice More than 900 visitors attended the Academy’s Principal, Mrs Farrar and her daughter, India. Open Evening on Tuesday, 13th October and the The KSA team joined hundreds of other families took a great interest in the school as a people on the MS walk on Sunday, 27th whole. September which took them along the The school opened its doors to prospective Thames in London. students and their families for two hours on the Following the walk Miss Jolliffe admitted the evening and provided them with the opportunity experience had been emotional, especially to see what KSA has to offer future students. as she made it to the finish line with her All the departments were opened to be viewed team mates. and an array of students’ work and activities Miss Jolliffe said: “It is hard to put into were being showcased for the all visitors to see. words what it was like to complete the Current students were also on hand throughout walk. I get rather emotional when I think the evening to talk to parents and their about it, not only because it was one of children about student life at the school and the hardest things I have ever done, but demonstrated some of the work and projects Following the Open Evening event, Mr Davies because of the amazing team that did the being worked on in lessons. said: “It was an absolute delight to see our walk with me.” Other students volunteered to take groups of students and staff showing what KSA is all families on guided tours of the Academy. about. The enthusiasm from all involved shone The Principal, Mr Davies, addressed the visitors through and it was nice to see how much fun on three separate occasions during the evening they were having in the process. I’m really and spoke of the transformation that the grateful that so many people came to see the Academy is undergoing. transformation that is going on in the school.”

Healthy Food Awards Finalist Our catering facilities at KSA were shortlisted by Northamptonshire County Council. for a county food and drink award for providing Catering Manager for KSA, Mr Alan Sewell healthy eating choices. said: “As a team we felt really proud to have The Academy’s on-site catering provision was been selected as a finalist. We have worked named as one of the finalists in the running hard for the past three years to introduce the for this year’s Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire healthy menus in line with the Government’s Food and Drink Award. School Food Standards guidelines. Also as a The school’s catering team was put forward for result we have successfully been providing the award of ‘Healthy Eating Workplace’ in the more healthy hot meals at the school.” sport, health and education category, sponsored

Under the Microscope • Issue Twenty Two 19 ACADEMY NEWS

Teacher’s Saints Youth Team Player One of our Year 8 students has been chosen to chosen to represent Award for play as part of a Saints Rugby Youth Team for the my home town.” East of the county. The youngsters Road Running Charles Fluester has recently been selected chosen for the Geography teacher at the Secondary to play as part of the East Northamptonshire Saints Development Phase, Mr Fowler, has been awarded by his under 13s team and he trains regularly at Players Programme running club for his recent road running Wellingborough School under the supervision of have been selected performances. Mr Fowler was presented the coaches from the Saints team. for being promising prestigious Underwood Cup by his running Charles said he plays a lot of rugby and when young players from club, Kettering Harriers, at an awards he is not playing for the Development Players the East Midlands ceremony in November. Programme through the Saints he also plays for and benefit from The cup was presented to him for being his home team of Kettering. coaching provided by the runner with the most outstanding He said: “I really enjoy playing rugby and I the Northampton Saints rugby team as part of performances in road running this year. was happy to be given the opportunity to play the team’s investment into youth development Mr Fowler said: “I’m pleased that I got this for the DPP team for the Saints and also to be within the sport. award as it’s recognition from my fellow runners, people who understand the hours of running on cold dark nights that go into competing at the top in the local area.” Remembrance Services He added: “I felt I had a good season until Two remembrance assemblies were held in the The current Brooke Weston Trust Combined my recent foot injury, which means I’ve Secondary Phase on 11th November for staff Cadet Force students from KSA were also had to take an enforced rest. Achieving and students to remember the fallen soldiers of standing to attention throughout the personal bests in many distances and World War One and Two and other conflicts. assemblies in their full army cadet uniforms as making the step up to an Ultra race was The assemblies were held at 10.45am and a mark of respect for the Remembrance Day particularly exciting.” 11.15am in the main hall at the school and a two proceedings. The assemblies were led by Mr Fowler took part in the Shires and minute silence was observed at both which was Vice Principal Mr Segalini who talked about the Spires Ultra Marathon in June and ran a followed by a performance of the Last Post. Battle of the Somme. total of 35 miles through the Lamport area of Northampton. Previously, he has also completed the London Marathon and many other distance races in the county. Humanutopia Day A confidence and team building day was held for students’ relationships with each other and students at the Academy run by Humanutopia. how much their actions and what they say The day of thought-provoking workshops took can affect other people and looking at ways place for Year 10 students in November and the to create more positive relationships going subject of discussion was student relationships. forward as a year group. The students were The students were asked to look at their sharing their experiences with confidence interaction with each other on a daily basis, to and it was a thought provoking event that think about what they say to one another and will hopefully help shape better student how a fellow student might react to what is relationships from now on.” being said in an adverse way. Students took part in a number of team building Individual students were encouraged to stand up exercises during the day and also spoke out and share experiences of when they might have about their dreams and aspirations for the had a bad experience with another student, future with the help of a dream chair brought a falling out or a disagreement and how the along by Humanutopia team. incident had made them feel. Head of Year 10, Mrs Doherty said: “The Who Are You? day was absolutely fantastic and our students were amazing. Feedback The organisers commended them for the way they We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Under the Microscope. conducted themselves To put this magazine together we rely on information from throughout the day.” students, staff, parents and carers so if you have anything that She added: you would like to feature or have any feedback then please email “The day was [email protected] / 01536 532700 all about looking at

Scan here to visit our website Kettering Science Academy Primary Phase Windmill Avenue, Kettering, NN15 7EA. Tel: 01536 532700 Kettering Science Academy Secondary Phase Deeble Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire. NN15 7AA. Tel: 01536 532700