News and Views from Bedford Academy Summer 2016 Sports Day See page 9
Inside this issue: • Robot Wars • Geography Trip to Kingswood • Careers Fair 2016 Welcome End of Year Message from the Principal, Mrs Smith. It’s hard to believe that another academic year is drawing to a close. As always the year has been busy with students having the opportunity to take part in an array of interesting and varied activities, visits and events, with some of the most recent showcased in this Newsletter. On the academic front we fully expect to build on last summer’s successful examination results in August. Our continued intense focus on intervention ensures every student has had the opportunity to realise their absolute full potential. Students have worked tremendously hard, with many attending extra revision sessions after school, at weekends and during the Easter and half-term breaks. The Academy staff have also worked hard in providing additional support and guidance during the build-up to exams and my thanks are extended to them. We look forward to receiving the results during the summer break and hope that they reflect the efforts of all involved. In September we will welcome our biggest ever intake of Year 7 students and this term has been busy with New Beginning sessions and Transition Days. These activities have proved extremely popular with our new students who are excited about joining the Academy. In the meantime I wish everyone a good summer break and look forward to welcoming existing and new students and their families back in September.
Mrs Smith, Principal.
School’s out for summer! It’s been a jam packed term and now the kids have a long summer holiday! There will be lots of events happening not only in Bedford but across the entire county and hopefully with the great British sunshine doing it’s bit… you can make the most of it! Check out these websites for great places to visit and fun things to do with the kids: www.primarytimes.net; www.familiesonline.co.uk; www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk and www.teendaysout.co.uk With sunny evenings and no school, it’s something that has happened online… of where you can access sexual health advice natural to let your child stay up later, out be prepared to discuss matters together. and for support to raise the issue, please visit for longer and have a bit more freedom. Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk for more www.nhs.uk once on the page click through But here’s a few tips to ensure you all have information. to Live Well then Sexual Health. a great summer holiday: • Keep up to date with community events, Summer holidays are a time where young • Consequences still apply, as do your rules. public information announcements and safety people test the boundaries and experiment, If you have requested that your child do a advice via www.bedfordshire.police.uk. this is normal. Making mistakes and getting particular task, be in at a certain time or help • If under 18, it is illegal to drink alcohol or into hot water is one of life’s lessons. out around the house and they do not, apply purchase alcohol for those under the legal Prepare your child as best you can and these the same consequences they would have age to consume. Please don’t be backed instances should lessen. Be on hand to offer during the school term. Consistency is key. into a corner by your teen asking to get a unconditional positive regard, show your child • Get to know your child’s friends’ parents, few bottles in for parties or get togethers. that they are loved despite the mistakes and especially if they seem to be hanging In addition the Law around ’legal highs’ has that they are listened to and valued. It won’t around together more often or are sleeping changed and it is now illegal to produce, always come naturally but for further support over. Maybe go for a coffee together and supply or import the substances for human Relate Luton and Beds are available on swap numbers, show the kids you are consumption. This includes giving them away 01234 356 350. communicating to keep them safe. to friends. These substances are dangerous Please don’t forget, you can always contact me at • Laptops, mobiles and tablets still need and should be avoided at all costs. School on 01234 301500 ext 703 or by email: monitoring, late night conversations don’t For more info about substances visit: [email protected]. always end well. Ensure your child is safe www.talktofrank.com. Follow me on twitter for handy hints, online and if posting messages or pictures, • Budding relationships can move quickly employment news, benefits help and lots more! that there are no legal repercussions. during the summer holidays and your teen @BA_Families Additionally, if your child seems upset after may have questions, to ensure you are aware
02 Highlights - Summer 2016 New Beginnings Sessions News As part of our transition process for Year 6’s into Year 7 we have run a series of ‘New Beginning’ sessions at the Academy, every Thursday in June. Kacper successfully These sessions offer our new intake the • Trampolining and Tennis secures a Nuffield opportunity to get involved in some • Comms Superheroes enrichment sessions, run by Village staff to • Origami Research Placement give them a taste of what life will be like The New Beginnings activities have allowed Congratulations to Year 12 student at the Academy. students to meet staff that will be teaching Kacper Przybycien who has been The sessions have been really well attended by them next year and integrate with students awarded a coveted Nuffield Research the primary students, with over 160 students from other schools before their transition Placement making their way to Bedford Academy every days take place on Thursday 7th and Friday Thursday. Academy teaching staff have run 8th July. We have a record number of This means that Kacper will be completing some fantastic sessions in the Villages such as: students joining us in Year 7 next year and a 4 week research project as part of the • Mod Rock Volcanoes look forward to welcoming each and every engineering department at Cranfield • Science Flame Test one of them to Bedford Academy. University over his summer break. Kacper will have the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians whilst completing this academically challenging project. He will then write up his findings into a scientific paper which he will present at a celebration event in October. Kacper has fought off stiff competition for this place and is one of only 22 pupils on the scheme in the county. The experience he will gain is invaluable and will stand him in good stead for applying to university in September. We hope Kacper will share his experiences as a Nuffield student to next year’s Year 12 Robot Wars! cohort and wish him the very best of luck A group of Year 12 physics students worked extremely hard at the beginning on his placement. of the term to build a robot. This was all part of the Lockheed Martin schools. It was a tense day but it all ended “Great EggScape 2016” inter school with an unbelievable win! competition. The team worked tirelessly The final rankings were: after school almost every day to build and program a working robot to rescue 4. Kimberly College an egg from a prison. 3. Samuel Whitbread The competition culminated with the team 2. Mark Rutherford taking their ‘bot’ to the Lockheed Martin 1. BEDFORD ACADEMY Well done Miss Town! site where they competed against 3 other Sarah Town, Learning Support Assistant at Bedford Academy has been asked to represent England Lions Dodgeball at the upcoming Inaugural World Cup and we wish her every success. In addition to this, one of our students, Jayden Edmunds, has recently been attending a series of community dodgeball sessions run by other members of the England squad, and he is representing the school fantastically and developing into quite a promising dodgeball player. Keep up the good work Jayden.
Uniform Pop Up Shop The Uniform Pop Up Shop will be open in the If you are unable to make these dates and you require Academy on the following dates: uniform for the start of the Autumn term, then simply Thursday 25th August 12.00pm – 3.00pm order online from our uniform page on our academy Monday 5th September 12.00pm – 3.00pm website www.bedfordacademy.co.uk.
Highlights - Summer 2016 03 Communications Beat the Summer Brain Drain and join in the ILC Summer News from the ILC Challenge There is substantial evidence that This has been a busy year for the ILC. We have established different students can lose up to three months zones within the ILC to ensure that all students are able to read of reading progress over the summer or work in a quiet place with an extensive range of resources break and this loss has long-term effects. available to them. One of the most notable differences has been that To counter this we are launching an ILC lunchtimes have been designated as a Quiet Study Zone. This means Summer Challenge to all students. There that students can read, study and work independently and quietly. will be prizes and rewards on offer during the first two weeks of the new We have listened to our students and successful with all students making good term in September. Further information extended the range of texts that we have progress – well done for working so hard. and packs will be available from the ILC available for them to borrow with over 1000 Library Assistants will take up their roles in from Monday 11th July 2016. new books added. Our Adventure Zone September during lunch breaks daily. Suggestions for the summer break: is now established and contains a very wide 3 range of books, we are confident that every Look through our suggested Reading student in the school would be able to find Lists and Summer Reading Challenge something that they would like to read. Our 3 Encourage your child to spend time collection of magazines has been updated at your local library, it’s free and with several new titles being available from there will be different activities September 2016. throughout the year We have established a Memory Zone 3 Join the Virtual Library at within the ILC to enable students to http://virtual-library. develop and enhance their mental skills culturalservices.net/webingres/ and brain power. bedfordshire/vlib/0.static/library_ We are very proud that some of our index.htm students became published authors this All forms of reading are important: year, copies of their book Grimm Tales are 3 magazine subscriptions available in the ILC. Invest in that you enjoy and with content The Literacy Interventions have been very suitable for a child. If your child sees you reading different media, they may discover an interest in such varied topics as fashion, current events, sports, animals, films, etc. 3 In a technological-age, utilise the increasing popularity of e-readers, tablets and smart phones by downloading and encouraging the use of electronic reading material. Parental settings put you in charge of choosing the material and ensuring appropriate content. Reading for pleasure Our goal is to create a community of readers, empowering individual students with encouragement and support and actively promote the pursuit of lifelong learning. Scientific research tells us that the ability to read is one of the most complex skills we can learn in our lifetime. There is a multitude of various studies and sources that would provide you with many facts and figures to prove why reading for pleasure is important but actually it is very simple: “Reading for pleasure is the single biggest factor in success later in life, outside of an education. Study after study has shown that those young people who read for pleasure are the ones who are most likely to fulfil their ambitions. If your child reads, they will succeed.” Bali Rai
04 Highlights - Summer 2016 Communications Students sample the delights of France Back in March a large group of French and Food students from Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 headed off to France for a day trip of French chocolate tasting and croissant making. All of our students were excellent on the day with a few of the hypermarché where euros were exchanged for all manner of French students stepping up to demonstrate their linguistic prowess food, clothing, cuddly toys and jewellery. by interpreting during a presentation about bread making. Thanks An excellent trip enjoyed by all – bravo tout le monde et merci to the early start and late return there was even time to visit a Mme Couzens!
What’s next? To be EU or When we return to school in September we will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary not EU, that is of Roald Dahl. We would encourage all students to read or re-read their favourite Roald Dahl book during the summer holiday. There will be a number of different activities taking the question place in school. Year 7 will attend workshops on 13th September with a very important Sixth Form students studying English and visitor – more details to follow. Older students can also take part in the activities – Roald English Literature had a fantastic day at the Dahl also wrote books for adults – have a look at some of the Tales of the Unexpected. University of Bedfordshire experiencing If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with us: lecture style lessons on a wide range of [email protected] topics. Who knew that Shakespeare dealt Follow us at @BA_ilc with issues of the identity of Britain and its relationship with Europe – King Lear anyone? Students heard about academics they had studied in their iGCSE English coursework – David Crystal’s GR8 DB8 over text language. They even received guidance on how to reference secondary sources for their upcoming coursework. All in all an amazing day which opened eyes and minds.
Highlights - Summer 2016 05 Humanities Geography Field Trip to Kingswood On Friday 15th April 5 A-level geographers and I embarked on an adventure to Overstrand, Norfolk. were all freezing, Chloe said it was the worst learnt life skills that I know will benefit all of weather she had ever been out in whilst at them in their future. Thank you for an amazing the centre. The students were a credit to me weekend ladies and gents, you all reminded and dealt with the elements far better than me of why I love my job so much! I did; their positivity and grit meant that we Miss Potter got the fieldwork done as quickly as possible. After we all could no longer feel our fingers Students’ comments about or legs, we felt it was time to admit defeat against the elements and go back to the their experience: centre. The students carried out all methods We were welcomed by our instructor, The journey was a great start to the trip we had planned to the best of their ability Chloe, who helped us throughout the time ahead as we sung along to the charts and and really gave it their all the entire time we there with both our fieldwork and on-site even treated ourselves to a McDonalds; were out. Once back at the centre we had activities. She was really great because she it was lunch time after all. After a two time to change and warm ourselves back up, was both enthusiastic with the topic, which and a half hour drive through the Norfolk once again the students were better at this she knew a lot about, and helped guide us countryside we arrived at Kingswood centre, than me. We then got down to transferring with doing the fieldwork like pebble analysis where we were welcomed by Chloe; our all our data into a variety of graphs and then and beach profiling. We visited 3 sites which instructor for the weekend. After our tour we started analysing it. After a 12 hour day were Sheringham, Salthouse and Weybourne. we got straight down to the task at hand and we then finished the data analysis and played When we weren’t doing the fieldwork and were introduced to our study area and the a game with giant ‘Meccano’. Each team won write-ups we completed nightline, where we methods we would be using the following at least one task, however, Sanjay, Hannah and were being blindfolded outside, team building day. We finished off the day with a fabulous Vanda won overall due to their wonderful activities and also archery. Even if the weather dinner, a game of snooker, table tennis and packing up skills (it was all about the hearts). wasn’t anywhere near nice, the whole Fuss ball. The icing on the cake was carrying On Sunday, we finished looking over our data experience was something new and I feel out an activity called ‘nightline’; this involved and checking that we all knew what our data more enthusiastic with the subject; I’ve even us all being blindfolded and following a rope showed. We also looked at secondary data started to consider possible career options around a course. Sanjay was our leader and to make a comparison and to see what data as an instructor. became exceptionally good at giving out we could have collected had the weather Adam instructions for us to follow, my personal been better. We finished off the weekend by favourite was whilst going through some doing archery, at which Adam saw himself as Once we reached Kingswood, we had a tires he said ‘Get low, as in Miley Cyrus low’, Legolas, however Hannah won the archery tour of the building. After dinner, we had of which we all burst out laughing. In the overall. Sanjay lost and therefore had to carry an activity called nightline, where we were end I had to take off the blindfold and film/ out a forfeit; in this case the women definitely blindfolded and completed a course full of take photos of this funny occasion. The rain won! Go girls! obstacles. It was a bit daunting at first but made the ground muddy and so some of the Overall the weekend was fantastic, the by the end it was fun and there was a lot to assault course was not pleasant, however the students were a credit to me and Bedford laugh about. students just got on with it. Academy; they were polite, hard-working and The following day we did field work. It was Saturday was an early start, however showed a tremendous amount of Bedford very cold and windy. Despite our fingers we were all up and ready for the day of Academy character throughout the whole and faces going numb, we completed the fieldwork. The weather was not in our favour, weekend. Not only did they excel academically fieldwork and finished in town, drinking hot with Arctic winds travelling at 20mph and with the coastal content and analysing of chocolates and coffees. A couple of hours heavy rain; it made our job at the coast not fieldwork, but they also morphed into team after, we turned our data into graphs and only exceptionally challenging but also we leaders, became more confident and even started to apply the data we collected and apply it to processes of coastal erosion. On the last day we did archery. I had never done it before but once I learned it was an enjoyable experience. I actually ended up winning. Overall, I had a good time with memorable times. I wouldn’t mind going again. Hannah
We not only had a great time at Kingswood but it was also very educational where we were collecting geographical fieldwork as we learnt new skills and methods that we could include in our upcoming exams. Our instructor, Chloe, was very well educated
06 Highlights - Summer 2016 Humanities in that specific area of geography and was great even when things didn’t go to plan due to the weather. She was able to arrange several different activities like the nightline, team building activities and archery. The weather was continuously cold and wet while we were out doing our fieldwork on the three different sites (Salthouse, Weybourne, Sheringham), nevertheless we kept our spirits high, with an added hot chocolate to help of course. Regardless, this will be an experience to remember. Reba
Our Geography trip to Norfolk was quite an experience. We battled through 20mph fun, entertaining and would definitely we presented all our findings and team Arctic winds and freezing cold 3-degree recommend visiting Kingswood to all keen building activities. These included archery temperatures, to collect data for our Geographers who are interested in SSSI’s, competitions and nightline in which all of investigation about coastal erosion. Some of rare wildlife and the coasts. But more us were blindfolded while walking through the geographical techniques we used include importantly I learnt how to make and strip a obstacle courses that contained things Pebble Analysis, Longshore Drift Identification, bed; my mum will be so proud! like climbing walls, hurdles and tires. All of Wave Count and Cost-Benefit Analysis. Sanjay these things we completed were guided These data-collection methods were used to by our instructor Chloe who managed to prove/disprove our hypotheses and provide engage us with humour and explain all we evidence for changes in the coastline. The My geography class and I went to Kingswood questioned and our teacher Miss Potter whole fieldtrip was a success and very with our teacher for three days, as a field trip. who has actually been to Kingswood enjoyable, especially our external activities, We had compact days from 9am to 9pm before. Our group of seven together faced like the nightline and archery. made up of a combination of theory-based temperatures as low as 3°C, Arctic wind Our instructor, Chloe and our teacher, lessons to learn data collection techniques, speeds over 20 miles per hour and constant Miss Potter were very supportive and helped outings to different sites of geographical rain showers and managed to entertain us conduct our investigation to the best of interest including three SSSI (sites of special ourselves all throughout. our ability. I personally found the trip very scientific interest), IT lessons in which Vanda
Gemma’s Wardrobe June 22nd brought the wonderful Solomon Theatre Group back to Bedford Academy with the whirlwind story of Gemma’s Wardrobe. Gemma’s Wardrobe is a true story of 14 year she cope? ‘Too cool for school’ Gary had the through making the wrong choices. old Gemma, who was doing well at school. answer and it was one that Gemma would One student said it was, “really interesting to She’s had the lead in the school play and was never have expected herself to be tempted by. see how Gary treated her [Gemma], like he expected to do well in fast approaching tests; Covering the social and health issues of was her friend, but he wasn’t, he was using her however, there was a cloud on the horizon. alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use as well as to buy his drugs”. Pressure. Gemma may have taken on too the legal facts of the use and supply of illegal Another said, “it’s great getting in the hall to much or maybe she set herself expectations substances, Gemma’s Wardrobe was a poignant watch something and it made me think a lot that were too high – whatever it was, could look at the demise of a young successful girl about the choices I make”.
Highlights - Summer 2016 07 Humanities
Rebekah goes the extra mile in History! As our GCSE History students await their results in August Mr Marsham would like to take the opportunity to share the outstanding and truly remarkable effort levels of one student in particular, Rebekah Thompson. Rebekah (right) is Cultural diversity explored now eagerly and, perhaps nervously, at the Higgins Museum awaiting her results As part of Refugee Week, Bedford Academy were and as her History invited to The Higgins Bedford to take part in a teacher and on behalf of range of activities relating to the rich cultural the school, Mr diversity of Bedford. Marsham shares Students were invited to conduct an analysis After delving into in these feelings, of pictures and artefacts from around the exciting world of hoping that the the world that were special, or significant, refugees, students had hard word Rebekah has put in earns her to refugees, and were even given the the opportunity to explore the A/A* grade she deserves. opportunity to speak to some of the people other exhibits in the museum including ‘Great Since 2009 when that provided these artefacts. They took part Bedfordian’s’ and archaeological aspects of Mr Marsham (left) on a variety of competitions and a raffle in Bedford, with our very own expert tour began working which many of them won exciting prizes, guide, Mrs Spencer, who actually excavated in our catchment such as maps and books, and they have been some of the artefacts herself! area, he has entered into a draw for a ‘behind the scenes It was a very interesting, insightful and never come tour’ of the museum. educational trip and fun was had by all! across a student so determined, so relentlessly focussed on Exceptional achievement in achieving the best possible grade she can than Rebekah. Making use of the History for three Year 7 Students @MrMarsham Twitter page, an online As Year 7s have now begun their Year 8 having a target of a Grade 3 and one or two support and out-of-hours teaching classes at Bedford Academy, Mr Marsham who were entered for the Level 6 English resource for anyone at Bedford Academy would like to celebrate the success of SATs aiming for a Grade 4. This makes the studying GCSE History, Rebekah produced three Year 7 students whose academic achievement of Leah Stacey, Remi Bill and over 250 pieces of homework on top of achievement in History was exceptional. Leesha Ellerker even more remarkable as the work she completed in class. That is a The average target grade for Year 7 is a all three young ladies managed to achieve a sign of grit, self-control and zest that is truly Grade 2, with some students who performed Grade 5 in their History. Well done girls – remarkable. Well done Rebekah for your particularly well in their Year 6 English SATs this is an exceptional accomplishment. hard work – no matter what your result in August, Bedford Academy are incredibly proud of your efforts.
Leesha Ellerker Remi Bill Leah Stacey
08 Highlights - Summer 2016 Arts & Sports Bedford Academy NSSW National School Sports Week was back again in the last week of June. Bedford Academy ensured that there were plenty of sports activities available for students and staff to get involved in. The Bedford Academy PE Enrichment whole school events in the school calendar timetable was transformed to include and students really rise to the occasion and a number of different staff vs students show some amazing characteristics. competitions and tournaments including The event always manages to bring back rounders and dodgeball. Students also had some old faces to the Academy, such as the opportunity to take part in alternative Wayne Instrell and Kia Glyn who help the PE PE lessons and compete against each other department with running events and inspiring in new and exciting sports. the younger students. The last two Sports The amazing week of sport finished on Day titles have been claimed by the mighty Friday with the annual Bedford Academy Arts and Sports students who were looking Sports Day. This event is one of the best to make it a hat trick of wins.
Sports Day 2016 Friday 1st July saw another great Sports Day at Bedford Academy with exciting activities taking place both on and off the field and Arts and Sports Village determined to hold the title for the third year in a row. Although the weather wasn’t as hot as last year, the rain held off enough to ensure that everyone had a great day! This year, students had the opportunity to track events such as sprints and long distance Sports off the top spot! This year Science design a new PE kit for Bedford Academy runs to different field events ranging from and Technology came out with a vengeance and take the Road to Rio quiz in order to long jump to the popular welly wang! All with students taking part in anything they gain points for their village and EVERY point students who represented their Village in could to ensure that they could get as many counted! Outside on the field, students the different events did so with outstanding points as possible! And it paid off!! showed teachers and their peers their effort and great team spirit, however, there Congratulations to Science and Technology! exceptional talent in athletics from different was one village that were to knock Arts and Who will win next time?
This year’s sports day results were:
1st Place: 2nd Place: 3rd Place: 4th Place: Science and Technology Arts and Sports Communications Maths and Business 928 points 848 points 707 points 618 points
Highlights - Summer 2016 09 Arts & Sports District Athletics On Wednesday 25th May a group of students from Years 7, 8 and 9 attended the local District Athletics Competition held at Bedford Athletics Stadium. Students competed against other local Errol has completed his studies and is schools in track and field events throughout now a fully qualified PE teacher – see him the day. Major successes included a first photographed with the current Bedford A striking win place in boy’s shot putt, as well as a first Academy students below. for our young place in the boy’s pole vault. The girls had strong performances in both sprinting and cricketers high jump events. We wish Callum the best Year 7/8 Boys Cricketers produced of luck in the next round of County Athletics, an excellent all-round display, where we hope his success in pole vault will confidently beating a young continue! In the same week we were thrilled to see a Bedford Academy Alumni student, Biddenham side by 10 wickets. Errol Cornwell, at an additional Athletics After a dominant bowling display, with event run by Bedfordshire University. wickets from Kyle Hyde, Bilal Malik, Eqbal Shari and Asim Ansari, and superb wicket keeping from Arbaaz Tahir, Biddenham were restricted to 37. After a brief break to assess the situation, the batting was opened by Bilal and Eqbal and the pair looked in fine form throughout, swiftly knocking off the runs inside 6 overs. In his man of the match display, Bilal top scored with 24 from 20 balls, hitting 4 boundaries in the process. Overall a match played in fine spirits, with excellent sportsmanship shown by all Bedford Academy students – especially Sami, Liaman and Asim who brilliantly Sky Sports Living for Sport supported Biddenham in Together Sky and the Youth Sport Trust offer the free Sky Sports Living for the field due Sport initiative which involves sport stars supporting young people in learning to their player sport skills to help increase their confidence, self-esteem, engagement in and shortage late in attitudes to learning and improve their health and wellbeing. the innings. A Bedford Academy hosted an event in athlete. Pupils really enjoyed the session great first win, partnership with the Sky Sports Living for and were very appreciative of Alistair and on to the Sport initiative where Great British athlete taking the time to visit Bedford Academy next one! Alistair Patrick-Heselton came in to deliver and provide them with a great insight into a session with the Gifted & Talented pupils. how to become a professional athlete. The Alistair gave the pupils a talk about his life Bedford Academy sports department will and how he ended up representing Great be welcoming Alistair back on the 19th July Britain in the 2012 Olympics. The pupils for another fantastic opportunity for the Rounders fixtures were also given a range of fun activities in gifted and talented pupils to learn more Years 7 and 8 had a very tough order to improve their understanding of from such an inspirational athlete. season of fixtures this year, with the mentality needed to be a professional matches against schools such as Bedford Girls and Bedford Modern. Both the Year 7 and 8 teams showed fantastic character over the season. Each week the girls improved and they were rewarded with a fantastic win against Mark Rutherford in their last game of the season. A big well done to all of the girls involved – you are a credit to Bedford Academy! Training continues on a Wednesday after school – see you there!
10 Highlights - Summer 2016 Arts & Sports Sports Leaders This term at Bedford Academy, our sports feedback received from Cauldwell Primary leaders have been extremely busy. The School, with Mr Wiltshire stating “They were Academy have provided over 30 leaders fantastic ambassadors of your school and were across Years 8 and 9 this term, to assist with brilliant role models for our young children. They the running and organisation of Inclusive explained each activity clearly, motivated the sports competitions. Due to the success children and instilled confidence in our pupils”. of these events, we have been asked if He also added, “Because of your young leaders, our leaders can assist with the running of our sports day was a huge success. They made sports days for many of the local Primary a huge difference and I can’t express enough Schools. So far this term we have provided how grateful I am”. PGL Summer Trip leaders for Cauldwell Primary School and Next year at the Academy, we have had an On 25th July 2016 we will be taking Wilstead Primary School. The leaders have extremely large number of students showing a group of students to the south represented the Academy extremely well and interest in becoming sports leaders. If you of France where we are taking the good reputation of the Bedford Academy would like to become a sports leader for next part in multiple water sports and sports leaders seems to be growing across year, please see Mr Green who will explain the once in a lifetime activities in the Bedford. This has been backed up with the next steps and process of application. Mediterranean sea. After three days of catamaran sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and raft building we will then be travelling to Ardeche where students will take part in a decent down the Ardeche river. During the next few days students will have the amazing opportunity to canoe through rapids and the stunning Ardeche Gorge! We are all very excited and cant wait to tell you all about it when we get home after the summer holidays!
Another busy year for Performing Arts Another exciting term for the Performing Arts department this term, with lots going on and lots to look forward to. Bedford Academy hosted their first ever Easter Extravaganza, which was a huge success with over 70 students involved in the production performing dance, music and drama compositions from hit musicals to modern day dance. As the summer approached pupils prepared take place in the autumn term. significant progress. for their new option choices and as part of This term we hosted our annual summer As the department continues to flourish their new courses students were given the showcase and students showcased their and expand we look forward to offering opportunity to work with choreographers talents from Music, Dance and Drama. even more opportunities next year so if you and performers from the Buckinghamshire Students showed outstanding commitment haven’t already joined a Performing Arts street dance team and professional managers to working towards a performance especially enrichment have a look at what’s on offer. from local recording studios. This was all part when students were also working towards of Performing ensuring they were prepared for their GCSE Arts Week and examinations. Students showcased their we finished the GCSE drama, dance and music performances week with a within the production. bang launching Across the year the students at Bedford this year’s school Academy have been attending a wide range production of of Performing Arts activities and as a school High School the we wanted to reward to the students with Musical through a Performing Arts Awards evening. The a Staff Flashmob. event highlighted those students who have The musical shown commitment to the Performing Arts production will department over the year or who have made
Highlights - Summer 2016 11 Careers Careers Fair Friday 11th March marked the date of our third Careers Fair at the Academy. This year we had no less than 41 organisations present including employers, Former students training providers, colleges and universities. Students from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 Volunteer Centre • Bedfordshire Police • share experience were able to find out more about a wide Bloor Homes • Bond Bryan Architects • of Bedford College range of career opportunities and also gain Busy Bees Day Nurseries • Cartwright King experience in speaking to employers and Solicitors • CILEX • First Place Training Two of our former students who are now other professionals face to face. Gill Insurance • Hybrid Air Vehicles • ICAEW studying at Bedford College came back Year 11 and 13 students were also invited • JTL Training • KEITS • Kier Construction to school to share their experiences with to bring along copies of their CV to • Lockheed Martin UK • Moulton College Year 11 students who are considering register an interest in a number of job and • RAF Wittering • Sainsbury’s • SDC • college as their next step. apprenticeship opportunities being offered. SSG Services • Surroundcare • The Job’s Amirul Hussain and Mohammed Zakariya Our Sixth Form careers assistants and Year Hub • Toybox Nursery • UCFB • UKTD came along with their tutor from Bedford 7 hospitality assistants did an amazing job • University of Bedfordshire • University College to give a presentation on what assisting in the smooth running of the day of Northampton • Vauxhall • Viapath • it is like to study at college and to share and several employers commented on their Waitrose • Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd lessons they have learnt along the way. professionalism and energy, even taking the • YMCA Bedfordshire Both felt that they have learnt a great time to remember their names. In addition deal in their first year at College and as to this Sixth Form students also ran their Employers remarked on the positive well as encouraging the Year 11s to revise own stand at the event. Special mention behaviour of our students: they spoke about how College is different has to go to Tanalee Ashman and Narhys “Students were well prepared and were aware to school. “Whilst happy and settled now Davenport who ran the welcome desk so of what they wanted / goals” it was a bit of a shock to start off with as professionally, coming in especially early to “All students had a very positive attitude and you don’t get nearly as much help and help set up. were willing to engage and converse” support as you did at school and you have “The hospitality assistants gave very good “The students were extremely polite and to learn to be much more responsible and customer service and looked after us well personable – a credit to Bedford Academy”. independent”. – thank you to Tiana Babakan and Kuba “Students went out of their way to speak to us”. Grucelski.” ‘The hospitality, footfall and registration desk students were fantastic, I felt very welcome!’
Bedford Academy would like to thank the following organisations for their valuable contribution: • 3AAA • Activ8 • Aircraft Research Association • Albion Archaeology • Anglia Ruskin University • Army • Bedford College • Bedford Hospital NHS Trust • Bedford
Gab Stone Sport Insight into the Record Industry and Entertainment On the 23rd of March we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to find out about the music industry, the different types of jobs, what it is really like and Talent Manager what it takes to succeed. Gab Stone paid the Academy a visit on the Richard Martin, Digital Manager for Cherry Many students were surprised at the number 29th of April and spent the day sharing his Red record label joined us for the day and of different roles available and how many of career journey with Sport and Business gave a series of presentations to seven music, them linked to business and IT. One of the Studies students. He is now a partner in media and performing arts classes. Sharing key messages to students was how important a successful Sports Agency and manages a information about his role, his career journey enthusiasm, motivation and determination is. number of household names including Luis and answering questions from students. He felt that part of his success was due to Smith, Freddie Flintoff and Jimmy Anderson. him being prepared to go the extra mile and Gab explained what his role as a Sport always doing above and beyond what was and Entertainment Talent Manager involves expected of him during the early stages of and how he is responsible for looking his career. after the day to day arrangements, media relations, profile and sponsorship for the Richard has recently been part of designing people he manages. Whilst at university and writing a digital marketing qualification he got involved in a lot of fundraising and which Bedford Academy students taking organised many events which he felt gave part in the National Citizen Service over the him the edge when developing his career summer will have the opportunity to achieve. as he had spent so much of his time talking and interacting with people.
12 Highlights - Summer 2016 Year 9 trip to Cambridge University Careers On 4th May a small group of Year 9 students were lucky enough to attend a visit to Cambridge University. The purpose of the trip was to raise students’ aspirations, learn Mock Interviews about university and the value of higher To prepare those of our Year 11 and 13 education. Students were based at Pembroke students wanting to do an apprenticeship College for the day and also had the as their next step, we invited the Rotary opportunity to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum. Club to conduct some mock interviews Students gave a lot of positive in school back in April. Students were feedback about the visit: given the opportunity to discuss their job “I enjoyed having my views on Cambridge changed interests, talk about their key strengths for the better. I feel enlightened after the visit and and qualities and what they could offer grateful for the experience”. an employer. The Rotary Club also gave feedback on student CVs. Several “I enjoyed the tour and finding out information students remarked on how much they about the university and life when studying there”. benefited from the experience and the Rotary Club volunteers commented on how well our students came across Introducing our Sixth Form during interview. careers assistant press team! Our press gang did a fantastic job of covering males” Tofara Nyaruwanga, former Bedford Volunteering their first careers event. They were asked to Academy student, now an Apprentice Are you looking for something exciting cover all aspects of the Year 7 World of Work Engineer with Interserve Construction. to do this summer? The summer holidays event and report back on it in less than a “I want them to find what they’re passionate are approaching and volunteering is a week. They were respectful, professional and about and go down that route, to be able to fantastic way for students to have fun, gain reliable. I am looking forward to their support talk to employers openly and pick up the skills valuable experience, make new friends and at future careers events throughout the next needed for interviews” Michael Callaghan – contribute to society. academic year, thank you, Miss Green. Driver with the Army Royal Engineers. So, what opportunities are out there? Year 7 World of Work Other activities included students exploring Below are two examples. jobs by playing a careers top trumps game On Friday 17th June, the Academy hosted Bedford Mencap Summer and ‘jobs jargon’ exercise to help them the Year 7 World of Work event for the Playscheme understand terminology used in employment. second year. “I remember when I was in Year 7, For students the only jobs I knew of were Mum and Dad’s!” They were then tasked with creating a ‘Dream Cloud’ representing their dream aged 15 Farhana Akhtar, Year 12. lifestyle and had to work out how much and above, Year 7 have recently taken part in WOW this would cost in reality and whether they the Mencap Day, or to newbies, World of Work Day could afford this based on income from an Summer Playscheme offers a fantastic and took part in a number of activities. The imaginary job. opportunity for young people to make aim of the event was to improve students’ “From our perspective the day was a success a difference in the lives of children with understanding of the world of work, to and I have never experienced children of such special needs and have a lot of fun at the encourage them to attain their potential and a young age taking an interest in finding out same time! aim as high as possible in their aspirations. information about different careers. I know for a This year the play scheme is based at One of the activities was ‘Guess the fact that if I was to go back in time I would ask Springfield Lower School in Kempston Job!’ where employers from all sorts of my teachers to create an event as lively and and will run every weekday from 26th July professions came into school to take part interactive as the World of Work Day!” – 11th August inclusive. Students do not in speed interviews. Year 7 students had to Farhana Akhtar, Year 12. have to commit themselves for the whole guess the employers’ job in 5 minutes whilst three weeks but can do as many days as Bedford Academy would like to thank all the the employers only answered yes or no. A they would like. individuals who gave up their valuable time to number of the employers said why they inspire our students and to our Sixth Form Bedford and District Cerebral thought this was good for the students: Careers Assistants who helped ensure that “I think this is good for the students as it helps Palsy Society (BDCPS) everything ran smoothly. them to learn and understand about the BDCPS run youth clubs and play schemes different job roles available.” for children and young people with Liam Reekie, former Bedford Academy cerebral palsy and associated disabilities student, now an Electronics Production aged from 0-25. The ‘Skool’s Out’ Operator at Axis Electronics. programme is held during school holidays “Meeting and talking to employers gives and they require volunteers aged 14 and students a better picture of what they want to over to help run activities throughout do because as a kid you don’t know a great the summer holidays. To find out more deal about career paths. Hopefully today about the above or any other volunteering female students will be more interested in opportunities please visit Miss Green or construction and realise it’s not just a job for Mr Dawe in the Careers Office.
Highlights - Summer 2016 13 Maths & Business
Business & Enterprise Update BEW Enterprise Challenge Well Organised Biz Bedford Academy students competed Michele Rigby, Director of Well Organised nationally against other schools in the BEW Biz, will be working with students Enterprise Challenge. Students were tasked across the school through enrichment to investigate and design a new healthy programmes to set up and maintain a social eating product/drink. Students researched enterprise project that will be owned and UKMT Challenge the market and Miss Lockley’s tutor group operated by Bedford Academy students. At Bedford Academy we were came third out of 87 entries. Michele is an award winning, highly extremely proud to hold our first creative and dynamic third sector leader. in house UK Maths Team Challenge She is passionate about social justice and Chamber of Commerce Links (UKMT) in June 2016. The Business department recently social impact and is a leading figure in the social enterprise sector with an excellent The UKMT Challenges promote mathematical undertook a working partnership with ability, teamwork and communication skills. the Chamber of Commerce. They have attention to details and resilience. Student places are limited and places will It also gave our pupils the opportunity to provided a valuable network of support compete with their peers. In total 65 students including business mentors for those be offered on a mini interview basis. I am incredibly pleased with the number of where involved with the challenge with a mix students thinking of starting a business now from both x and y band, competing for top or in the future. They have also provided applicants who have already registered an interest. This is a fantastic opportunity that place. The Activities include: Group Round, an array of resources to support the new Crossnumber and a Relay. During the group curriculum and students will be provided will allow students to learn new skills and develop existing ones. challenge students where given ten questions, with opportunities to attend workshops which they had to solve in groups of 5. All throughout the year. the questions had different levels of difficulty. Each team had to decide on their own group strategy, whether to work in pairs, individually or as a team on each question. I am proud to Pi Day say that our Year 9s rose to the first challenge On Friday 18th March 2016, over three hundred students from all different and demonstrated outstanding teamwork year groups took part in the Pi challenge set up in the atrium. and strategic planning skills. The second challenge required pupils to One of the oldest and the most So how did we at Bedford Academy complete a task which is very similar to a recognizable mathematical constant in celebrate Pi Day? crossword but with numerical answers. Teams the world, Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the Students were challenged to recall as many worked in pairs; one pair had the across clues symbol used in mathematics to represent digits of Pi during break time in the atrium. and the other pair had the down clues. The a constant, the ratio of the circumference Students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge pairs worked independently to complete the of a circle to its diameter. Its value is and a fantastic interest in Pi was generated grid using logic and deduction. Teams split off approximately equal to 3.14159265. It is an throughout the Academy, as well as in into pairs, with pairs taking it in turns to solve irrational number, which means it cannot lessons. problems. Strong communication skills where be expressed as a ratio of whole numbers essential for the success of this task and our and its decimal representation never ends Year 12 student, Year 9s excelled, demonstrating just how or never repeats. It is usually celebrated Saif Amir, (right) focused they can be. The competition in the around mid March. also took on the Pi Challenge. He room was getting hot! Last year’s date – 3.14.2015 – was has since been The relay round was the final part of the especially significant because it matched the added to the Pi challenge, it involved lots of movement as well first four digits after the decimal point. This World Ranking list as mathematics: a race against the clock with year, some math lovers had started calling as he successfully lots of lively activity and excitement. Students 3.14.16 “Rounded Pi Day,” rounding up recited 1000 thoroughly enjoyed all parts of challenge. The those first four digits. digits in under level of challenge was extremely high but our ten minutes!! Year 9s took it in their stride and the results Something for where nothing but outstanding. other students at Well done to all students who took part in the Academy to strive towards! the challenge and helped make it a success. You showed real grit characteristic when the It is evident that we have many pupils with level of work was difficult; Social Intelligence fantastic memory skills. Well done all! whilst working in a group and during the On behalf of the mathematics team, we feel challenges, the atmosphere was full of zest, it is extremely important that we promote optimism and curiosity. The overall results the passion we share for our great subject were really close: the x band scored a total of to all our students. Thank you to all the 218 point. The y band managed to take the students who took part in the International winning place by scoring a total of 232 points. Discovering PI day. Many Congratulations to the y band.
14 Highlights - Summer 2016 Sixth Form News
Sixth Form Rewards Sanjay earns a Trip – Go Ape Last term, a number of Sixth Form students placement with went to Go Ape at Woburn Safari Park. The trip was organised as a social event KPMG for students who had worked extremely Sanjay Bangerh in Year 12 has earned hard in all subject areas to date. The trip himself an invaluable experience to was a huge success, with many students complete an internship placement with (and Miss Warner) conquering their fear of KPMG. In July, Sanjay will stay at Queen heights! The students had to work well as a Mary University and use the residential team to overcome all of the obstacles and experience to shadow an employee complete the course. We are now looking to through tax, auditing, cooperate finance, plan the next social event – students should assurance and advisory tasks. Prior to see Miss Warner if they have any preferences this, Sanjay will have the opportunity to or ideas on where to go! work in the office at Canary Wharf as an introductory day to this placement. We wish Sanjay all the best with this Good bye to our Year 13 students experience! As we come to the end of the academic a rewards assembly and barbecue for the year, we extend a well done to all of the Year 13 students. With just a few exams Sixth Form students who have worked very and BTEC deadlines remaining, the Year 13s Auschwitz visit hard over the last year. As we approach final have now began to take their next steps in Maxime Cabo and Daniele Basso have exams and deadlines, we wish all students their career paths. Many students are off to always had a keen interest in war and history. the very best in their results. We begin the university, whilst a number of students have It therefore comes as no surprise that the next academic year and look forward to already secured apprenticeship placements opportunity to visit Auschwitz was taken by working with the current Year 12s to prepare and jobs. A big well done to all students; you both students. On their return from the trip, them for higher education and careers, as have worked exceptionally hard and we hope Maxime and Daniele are now working hard well as welcoming the new cohort of Year 12 you all secure the grades that you deserve. to develop a whole school project to further students into Bedford Academy Sixth Form. We wish you all the best in your future! promote equality – watch this space! On Friday 27th May, the Sixth Form held
Higher Education preparation events Year 12 students have visited the University the Bedford Campus on Monday 20th June of Bedfordshire on two occasions recently for the UCAS fair. This exhibition hosted to take part in a range of activities to help to a variety of universities, apprenticeship and prepare them for Higher Education. internship providers. Students were able to On Tuesday 14th June, the students visited talk to a range of providers as well as get a the Luton Campus for a taster day of lectures feel for the university life. Again, a variety of and a campus tour. Lectures and seminars lectures were put on to help advise students including media production, sports therapy, on course selection, entry requirements and psychology and law were well received by choosing the right university. Students will Year 12 Work the students as they provided an insight to now continue with their higher education degree level qualifications. planning in PPD lessons – a very exciting Experience Following on from this, students then went to time of year for all students! Monday 4th-Friday 8th July saw year 12 students complete a week of work experience. A range of choices were available for students, as well as an opportunity for self-initiated placements. This opportunity will allow students to gain valid experience towards their career paths. We look forward to visiting students on their placements and hearing all about their experiences on their return to Bedford Academy.
Highlights - Summer 2016 15 Diary Dates
Autumn Term
September October December 5th Staff Training Day 20th Year 8 Movie night 1st Year 12/13 Parents’ 6th Year 13 Induction Day 24th Half Term Evening 7th Year 12 Induction Day 31st Staff Training Day 7th Staff Training Day 8th Year 7 Caldecotte 12th Year 7 Grandparents’ Experience Day Christmas Dinner 9th Year 7 Caldecotte November 15th Year 7 Christmas Disco Experience Day 10th Sixth Form Open Evening 15th School photos 17th Year 8 Parents’ Evening 21st Target Setting Day 25th Year 7 Prison Me No 22nd Open Evening Way
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