News and Views from Bedford Academy Spring 2019
Bake-Off WINNERS See page 05
Inside this issue: • Head of Year profiles • Cambridge University • National Careers Week & National Page 03 Shadowing Experience Page 11 Apprenticeships Week Page 15 Welcome A message from Bedford Academy Head Teacher, Mr Deller. As the Easter break is nearly with us, now is a great time to reflect on some of the successes of the last term. Our Newsletter provides an opportunity to do just this and I hope you find the articles included give you a real flavour of what it is like to be part of the Bedford Academy community. We are delighted to announce that we achieved the Natonal Careers quality mark, the first school in the country to achieve this status with the new benchmarks. We are very proud of the careers offer we have at Bedford Academy and are now looking to forward-plan so that this quality provision can drip feed into our feeder schools. Enrichment and intervention for GCSE subjects has been a hot topic for Year 10 and 11 students this last term, with staff encouraging students to attend as many sessions as possible before GCSEs begin in early May. Sessions running before, during and after the school day continue to add massive value for students and staff and we will continue to offer these during the ‘final push’ period from now until exams end in June. You will notice a Head of Year feature on the next page, we have included this as I feel it is vital that our pastoral team are highlighted and known by parents and carers, as so many of you will have dealings with them over the next few years. Our Year system now runs in such a way that Heads of Year stay with their Year groups throughout their time at the school. An effective and open relationship between these key staff, parents and students is essential to success. The staff team have been taking part in some forward planning sessions for the next Academic year. We have looked at the structure of the school day, the current quality of teaching and learning and the ever increasing profile of mobile phones in our school community. I will have some significant new information to share with parents over the next few months, relating to changes that will improve the school for the community it serves. All of these changes will be announced appropriately in due course and have been carefully considered by myself, the senior team and the staff. Happy reading and I hope to see you in and around the BA site in the near future. Mr Deller, Head Teacher
Counselling at BA Every Monday we have a counselling service run by Angela Lawn, from Bedford Open Door. As a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) she has experience of working with a range of different issues. Counselling is a chance for students to talk • Confusion of sexuality or gender in confidence about anything that may be • Difficulty making decisions worrying them. You won’t get advice or • Difficulties with drugs or be told what to do but the counsellor will alcohol abuse give you time to explore your feelings and • Thoughts about harming help you to find a way of working through themselves difficulties and problems. Counselling provides • Problems with family and a chance for you to work towards finding relationships your strengths and live in a happier way. If, as a student, you would like help, Things you might want to talk about: please email: • Loneliness, anxiety and depression [email protected] • Just a feeling that things could be better and we will set up an appointment for • Eating disorders you. If you feel that you would rather • Bereavement talk to someone else outside of school • Lack of confidence and there are other places you can contact, social skills see posters for more information.
02 Highlights - Spring 2019 News Head of Year Profiles Abby Jordan – Carly Tarrant – Head of Year 7 Head of Year 9 Stuart Hoare – As Head of Year 7, my A typical day for me Head of Year 11 / role is to deal with the involves greeting KS4 Coordinator day-to-day needs of students in the morning, The role of Head of Year students in my year encouraging them to 11 is one of balancing group including pastoral get into form, dealing panic and promoting welfare, behaviour with any behavioural positive action. As we concerns and academic issues, speaking to approach the end of our support. I also work students one-on-one, students’ compulsory alongside external teaching PE and Child education there is a agencies who may be Development lessons moment for every able to support the and speaking to parents. student, we call it the young people at Bedford Academy, as well as their My responsibilities stretch from ensuring my year ‘Penny- drop moment’. It is where the seriousness families. Year 7 is an exciting but often scary time group are safe, happy and prepared for a day of of the impending GCSE’s and end of compulsory for students as they transition from their Primary learning to meeting parents, applying sanctions and education is felt by everyone. Recognising this is vital schools up to the Secondary setting. My job is to supporting tutors. Year 9 is a tough year where for us to reward positive action and engagement as prepare them for the next 5 years in secondary students are becoming mature young adults having well as intervene if we need to. school by building resilience, respect and strong work to cope with the stress and strain of Year 11 exams For the students this is where we have a positive ethic amongst the students before they move up to at 14 years old. Every day is different at school and drive into the exams. My role is to support the Year 8. I am learning constantly. I am looking forward to development of all students, firstly to be ready for The second part of my role is working with the seeing how Year 9 develop into adults and progress their exams and secondly to have the tools and feeder primary schools to provide transition support through their years at Bedford Academy with me tactics to ensure they are prepared for this. for students in Year 6. This includes leading assemblies as their Head of Year. The fantastic benefit of seeing Preparation involves understanding the working at the schools, meeting with students who may my year group through to the end of their School memory and individual learning styles and needs so require more support and discussing the needs of the career means that I get to understand their individual each student can be ready for their exams. needs and get to know them and their families on new cohort with the staff in the primaries. I remain as We support each student through additional directed the Head of Year 7 each year to ensure consistency in a personal level so that the support I can offer is tailored to them. interventions such as exam stress techniques, one- our transition process and it is a pleasure to see how on-one mentoring, P6 enrichment and targeted they grow, even in the first few months of being at intervention by core and optional subjects and the Bedford Academy. Charlene Camfield coordination of the end of year prom. Every new day brings new challenges within the year – Head of Year 10 Alongside all pastoral intervention through other group but Year 7 is the key to developing skills that As Head of Year 10 agencies, the ability of being on the ground and going will benefit them as they move up the school and into I am currently to watch my year group meet this challenge and the world of further education and employment. responsible for nine grow into exceptional young people is an extremely tutor groups and rewarding part of the job. Andrew Burns – the overall welfare of 222 students. Head of Year 8 Jack Green – Head On a daily basis I After starting at Bedford of Years 12 and 13 provide academic Academy in January My name is Mr Green I have quickly learnt guidance, leadership and support for maintaining and I am Head of Years that the role of Head 12 and 13. The thing I of Year is one where a high standard of behaviour within Bedford Academy by enforcing the enjoy most about my you never know what role is that no day is each day will bring. agreed expectations concerning uniform, attendance, behaviour and punctuality. I work in close liaison the same. I consider my From supporting form main responsibility of tutors in the morning with appropriate staff and outside agencies, such as Education Welfare and Social Services, to safeguard being Head of Year is to continually striving to to ensure our students improve student engagement and ensure that all the wellbeing and academic progress of all students in my year group. leave Bedford Academy the students and staff within the Year 8 team have as functioning young the tools to be successful each day. My role requires forward planning, which adults, ready for real life. Whether our students go on Since January, my role has been reinforcing the high currently involves developing strategies to tackle to University, get an apprenticeship or go into full time expectations and trying to raise the standards of underachievement and improve behaviour. I also work, my job is to make sure the transition is as stress behaviour and attainment to make sure all students teach Business Studies at Key Stage 4 and 5, which free as possible. makes my school day very busy, at times challenging are fulfilling their potential. It is important that our Sixth Form students are able Year 8 students are making their option choices for and a fine balancing act when I strive to meet the needs of students, staff and parents. to leave us with the skills that are needed in the the first time as they prepare to begin their GCSE/ next stage of their life and therefore it is extremely BTEC courses in Year 9. Informing the students of As we as a year group move into Year 11, I am excited important that factors such as attendance, punctuality, the options process and discussing with parents about the opportunity to see my year group fulfil conduct and dressing professionally are at the has been a key responsibility in recent weeks their potential and flourish into young adults. What forefront of my responsibilities. for the Heads of Year and other staff members. I I really love about my job is that on a daily basis I am able to have conversations and interact with I have enjoyed my first 7 months in my new role and I look forward to the Year 8 students starting courses am looking forward to seeing the Sixth Form students that they have chosen and watch them develop in lots of great young people and get to know them as individuals. I encourage all students that I come into move on to the next stage of their lives as happy and subjects that they are passionate about and want to responsible adults. be successful in. Even in the short time I have been contact with to have a growth mind set, hopefully at Bedford Academy I have already seen students getting them to realise that their current ability is improving and maturing and look forward to not their final ability and with a bit of hard work and watching and helping with this progress as they move determination you can achieve your dreams. throughout the school.
Highlights - Spring 2019 03 News Knife Crime Awareness At the beginning of February we had a whole school focus on the impact of knife crime. Through assemblies and form time, students were given the opportunity to discuss and find out about the issues surrounding knife crime. We looked at the impact and choices that are made around the carrying of knives and the impact that decision can have on both us and others around us. Our aim was to educate our students about the issues, in order to help keep them safe. Working with Bedfordshire Police, we arranged for electronic detection arches to be brought into school and on the last day before half term we asked every member of the Bedford Academy team; staff and students, to go through these on their way into the building. We are very proud to say that no offensive articles were found. Many schools across the country have these as a permanent fixture and students have to use them every day. This is not something we intend to implement. As most people are aware, knife crime across the country is growing, especially within the young adult age range. It is something we take very seriously and working with the police, we wanted to raise this • Visiting many countries on holiday, including USA, Canada, parts awareness with the students. of Europe, Australia and many more, is not possible with any knife conviction. Did you know that: • It is illegal to sell a knife to a person under the age of 18. We would really encouraged parents and carers to continue • That a child caught with a knife, even if it has not been used, this important discussion at home. can face 2 years in a juvenile detention centre. Here are some websites that may help when talking to your children • 65% of people who carry knives have their weapons used about knife crime: against them. www.knifecrimes.org/000904_KNIFE_A5_LEAFLET.pdf • Carrying a knife for “protection” just puts more knives onto www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/keeping-your-child-safe-knife-crime the street and you in more danger. www.knifefree.co.uk/worried-young-person/ • There are a huge number of jobs that you cannot do if you have any knife conviction, including teacher, police officer, doctor, dentist, www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/keeping_your_child_safe/ vet, scientist, firefighter, pilot, lawyer, child-minder and many more. www.dynamicdecisions.org.uk/about-page GroupCall Xpressions App An exciting FREE app is available for parents to ensure communication between the school and home is easier and more effective. Stay informed on the go! The app’s features and benefits include: • Messaging and letters from the school direct to your phone • Attendance records • Timetables • School calendar Note: Assessments are not currently active.
The Xpressions App is available from the App Store and Google Play completely free of charge and can be installed on your mobile phone or tablet. It currently supports both Apple iOS and Android devices with a Windows mobile version to follow.
What do I need to do now? Search for: groupcall xpressions Please ensure we have your correct mobile number and email address. This will ensure you can use the new app as soon as it’s downloaded to your chosen device.
04 Highlights - Spring 2019 News GCSE Food Bake-Off Challenge During the penultimate week of term in December the students studying GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition took part in a festive themed Bake-Off challenge. All students had to produce a baked item with a Christmas theme aiming to win the top prize of a personalised apron, a baking set and a chocolate selection box. All 45 students worked very hard to produce some outstanding bakes which were judged by Ms Grassi and Mr Deller, Bedford Academy’s very own Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry! Well done to all that took part and a big congratulations to Ella Murley in Year 11 and Izabela Glodowska in Year 9 who won Star Baker.
NSPCC Number Day
Twenty of Bedford Academy’s best Year 7 and Year 8 Mathematicians took on Mr Marsham in the NSPCC Number Day ‘Who Wants To Be a Mathionaire’ Challenge in support for the NSPCC. Despite beating the students in the Challenge, Mr Marsham lost when challenged to a ‘Double or Quits’ offer which resulted in him having his legs waxed! As well as the Maths challenge, our Sixth Form Charity Committee were able to raise over £80 through their cake sale, ‘Guess the Age of the Teacher’ and ‘Guess How Many Sweets Are In The Jar’ competitions. A big thank you to all of our Sixth Formers involved, with special thanks to Sabihah Begum, Franka van der Kolk, Alisha Ahir and Ayesha Ahir.
Our third instalment of this year’s Rising Calling all Parents and Carers… Stars programme took place in WE NEED YOU! February with over Have you got a skill that you are willing to share with other Parents 80 students from and Carers? It can be anything ranging from knitting to weekly food our surrounding prepping, if you have any skills you would like to share with others – Primary schools I would welcome you to discuss these with me. joining us to take part in the challenge Bedford Academy recognise the important part that Parents and of designing and Carers play in their child’s education and we want parents and carers creating a model plant which has adapted to its climate. It is always to feel informed and supported and where we as a School can raise such a pleasure to host students from across so many schools and concerns and highlight achievements. We are also keen to provide it was wonderful to see their enjoyment in the model making. With you with opportunities to build supportive relationships with other just two more sessions left this year, it will soon be time to celebrate parents and carers. the Graduation of our Year 8s from the programme as they become I look forward to working closely with you in the near future. the third year group to complete the programme that most students Michelle Williamson, Director of Engagement and Behaviour Support begin as early as Year 5 in their Primary schools. Next up is our first 01234 301500 ext 703 or by email: Computer Science session! [email protected]
Highlights - Spring 2019 05 Communications WRITING TIPS Make your characters real WORLD BOOK DAY • Base them on people you know if that helps – you will understand how they will react to things that happen Author Workshops to and around them. We were very lucky to be joined by Lynda and Michael Mangora, authors • Use people that you admire or of the Dream Riders series of books. celebrities as one of your characters. You can describe them and imagine Students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 took how they would act and behave. part in one of three workshops running throughout the day. These focused on • Consider minor characters in your creative writing and were very much led by favourite book (or film) and imagine the students’ own imagination. the story from their perspective – what would their story be? Lynda and Michael began by explaining their process for beginning a story. Writing down Life is a story! brief notes, often only single words, about a Where will it take you? feeling or response to a situation. Then they are able to go back to think about their • Every time you tell someone about notes in more detail at a later time. your day or weekend it’s part of your story. This is how the characters in their books begin their ‘lives’. Lynda and Mike also • Older people have a great many develop a visual description of their of stories to tell, not just about characters’ appearance and personality. wars and fighting a friend but how communities lived together and how Book 1 Awakening of the Dream Riders is available as a they managed life without a mobile free download. Please use this link: phone or the internet. https://www.dreamriders.co.uk/free-book/ You can create Order book 2 Shadow of the Dream Riders through • New characters. Bedford Academy before the Easter holiday for £7.99 • A whole new species. and the authors will add a personalised message. • A whole new world. Please email: [email protected] REMEMBER: there are no limits to your imagination! Creative Writing Workshops World Book Day Student Activities The students worked in small groups devising The students are now working on their ILC Opening Times a list of Super Powers that their characters own short stories. These stories will be could possess. These ideas were then shared complied into a book that will be available Morning After School with the whole group. in the ILC. One lucky student will receive a Students then looked at several photographs Kindle Fire tablet. 7.30am – 3.10pm – Mon and thought about: Lynda and Michael gave special awards to 8.30am 4.10pm • What was happening in the picture the following students for their outstanding • What had just happened contributions to the workshop: Oliwia, Zara, 7.30am – 3.10pm – • What could happen next Steven, Eunice, Sarah, Jordan, Bobbie, Chelsea, Tues Victoria, Oliver, Sarah and Steven. 7.55am 4.10pm 7.30am – 3.10pm – Wed ILC Challenge 8.30am 4.10pm Write your own 7.30am – 3.10pm – imaginative and Thurs creative short story. 8.30am 4.10pm You can use these pictures 7.30am – 3.10pm – for inspiration. Fri Closing date 26.04.19 8.10am 3.20pm Open for Revision, Homework, Reading. Resources and support available!
06 Highlights - Spring 2019 Reserve a Brand New to the ILC Chromebook Looking for a new adventure? Why not dive into one of these? Students can now “reserve” a Chromebook to use during breaks and lunchtimes. Students will need to read for 3x10 minutes in the ILC and can then book 6 sessions on a Chromebook within the following 7 school days. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THAT STUDENTS WILL BE PERMITTED TO USE A CHROMEBOOK FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN SCHOOL WORK OR HOMEWORK
YEAR 11 Reserve a Desktop PC in the ILC We now have 4 PCs in the ILC available to Year 11 students. • Students will need to reserve the PC with ILC staff • Students are expected to work independently and quietly • Students will be permitted a drink in a lidded container and/or a small snack while they are working Students are responsible for: • Keeping the area clean and tidy • ANY DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT OR RESOURCES
Design a Poster for Why not try an Audiobook? World Book Day 2019 WELL DONE TO THE WINNER Eqbal Shari
For more inspiration visit https://www.worldbookday.com/world-of-stories/#teen
Overdue Books? Please return them so that others may enjoy them as much as you did.
ASK IN THE ILC FOR MORE INFORMATION
Highlights - Spring 2019 07 Arts & Sports What’s been happening in Performing Arts? This term students have been taking part in a wide-range of extra-curricular activities from street dance to musical theatre. Within lessons students have had the opportunity to study creative arts, giving them a vast array of different pathways developing their performing arts skills for the future. Students have been studying new schemes of work from African drumming, to The Greatest Showman and Silent Movies. On 1st of April students will be heading to It has been amazing to see the students Sponsored by the Harper Trust, students Stevenage Lifestyle Centre to participate in develop as performers and we have had so worked hard to prepare for the final the Global Rock Challenge run by the Be much fun putting the production together. performance which involved singing a variety Your Best Foundation. Rock Challenge is Students have had to think about costume, of new material that had been written a global company encouraging schools to set and make-up and we hope to wow the by VOCES8. It has been a really exciting participate in an event that creates a healthy judges in April. Well done to all the students opportunity for our students to be working lifestyle with an anti-drug message. involved, we are very proud of you. with professional musicians and they have This term we launched this year’s whole thoroughly enjoyed every minute. school musical, which will be Matilda. We will be working alongside Bedford Modern to create a musical in a day. Although students will participate in workshops prior to the final performance the musical will be collaborated within a day. For most of this term we have been At the first workshop we saw over 50 getting ready for our final performance, students attend the dance workshop. It is which is based on the Irish Potato Famine. a great opportunity for students to work The students have worked tirelessly and alongside industry professionals but also have shown a very professional attitude to developing their performing arts skills. The rehearsals as we approach the final showcase. performance will take place in the summer What professionals the students have turned term so keep an eye out on the school out to be! Students from all year groups have website for when tickets will go on sale. worked together as a team; building new COMING SOON... In the music department, some of our friendships, taking on a responsibility and students performed live at the Corn • Matilda the musical having to ensure they keep on top of their Exchange in Bedford on 25th March with • Tech award performance evening behaviour and studies whilst committing to a the VOCES8 choir and all the other HEART • Creative Arts Awards evening big production. Academies Trust schools. Strictly Come American Football Development & Funding Award at Bedford Academy Dancing! The PE department have successfully applied for National Lottery Bedford Academy Funding awarded via Sport England worth £10,000. student Emanuela Zetic The grant will support the A big thank you to: Sport England achieved 2nd place in development of American Football for awarding us the grant; AFD Blackpool Platinum within the school and local Limited for the support during Open Under 16 Pro-Am community, a sport which many application stages and Ouse Valley category in Latin dancing. students thoroughly enjoy but find Eagles for agreeing to deliver the Emanuela trains 5 days a hard to access. The funding will coaching sessions. We look forward week at Northampton go towards specialist equipment, to the project starting in the School of dance Step by Step kits, coaching and more. This will Summer Term. and swims once a week to be a fantastic opportunity for BA maintain her stamina. While students working in partnership with it has been a great year of American Football Development dancing with busy schedules, Ltd as well as the local American Emanuela has also managed Football Club (Ouse Valley Eagles) to stay on top of her school who will be delivering a years’ worth work. What a fantastic of coaching sessions at the school. achievement! Well done Emanuela!
08 Highlights - Spring 2019 Arts & Sports
Year 7 & 8 Girls Futsal The new calendar year brought about the start of Year 7 & 8 girls futsal. The Football tournament’s pool games pitted Bedford Academy against tough opposition in Westfields, Biddenham, Castle Newnham, Daubeney and Goldington. Enrichment All 8 of the girls that represented Bedford to send Bedford Academy through to the Football was added to the calendar Academy did brilliantly well – winning 5 county final! for enrichment this term and I have out of 5 pool games, bypassing the quarter- The final was unfortunately one step too had the pleasure of working with final stage and qualifying straight through to far for the girls, who played their hearts out. the Year 7 football team. the semis at the county finals night held at Congratulations to a very strong St Thomas The lads have trained once per week and the Bunyan Centre. With Abby Woodward More team, who won the game 3-1 and have been involved in countless fixtures consistently difficult to beat in goal, Amarni were crowned Futsal County champions. across the term – playing Wixams, KCA, Charles putting in solid performances in Abby Woodward, Zanaira Ansari, Patty Robert Bloomfield, Lincroft and All defence, captain Helena Bossendorfer Kozbiel, Amarni Charles, Shabana Utmanzi, Saints Academy in both competitive and running the midfield with her tireless energy Helena Bossendorfer, Amelia Jameson and friendly matches. and Kyla Andrews scoring in nearly every Kyla Andrews – be proud of your efforts Having played some excellent football, game she played in, it would take a very good because the PE team and the rest of the the boys beat All Saints in Round 3 of team to stop the girls from becoming the school definitely are! the cup 10-3, having been two early goals county champions. behind, demonstrating great character As the girls watched the quarter finals to to overturn the score line. This set up a see who they would be playing, it became tie with Lincroft on the 21st February. clear that they would be facing a strong The boys fought tremendously, narrowing Leighton team. The semi-final between two losing by the odd goal in the county extremely evenly matched sides finished 3-3, cup quarter final – and they were meaning it would need penalties to decide understandably disappointed. They have who would progress to the final. With lots now been challenged to beat them in the of support watching on, it took great nerve district league and seek their revenge. and outstanding penalties from Helena In the remaining half term, the boys face Bossendorfer and Zanaira Ansari, followed a further 6 league matches, having swept by excellent saves from Abby Woodward, St Thomas Moore aside, winning by 3-0, thanks to two goals from She’ma Dixon and another from Kamil Serba, in the first Sports Leaders group match. Friday 8th March saw the Bunyan Centre and Bedford Academy host a multi- sports event for local primary schools. This was another fantastic opportunity for 29 Bedford Academy Sports Leaders to help coach and support Year 3 and 4 Year 7 & 8 Netball students in a range of sports. So far this term, the Year 7 & 8 The multi-sports event involved local primary Kaminska, Rojus Korolkovas, Patty Kozbiel, netball teams have been busy schools competing in tournaments within Conor Lappage, John Michalski, Chelsea playing fixtures against local scoreball, netball and football. Bedford Porter-Harris, schools. Academy leaders played a big part in the day Tanvir Radhoa, The Year 7 netball team have worked well being a major success and took on a number Leah Scott, Karolina in their first few matches of the season of important roles including; coaching, scoring Stopa, Aiesha Virdi, and have begun to work well as a team. and officiating to name a few. Freddie Williams, The Year 7s have won 1 out of 3 matches, Abby Woodward – It was brilliant to receive such encouraging losing narrowly to both Sandy and KCA. well done on doing feedback from teachers in other schools, The girls most recently won their match yourselves and the reporting that our Year 7 and 8 Sports against Bedford Girls’ School 13-1, an school proud! Leaders represented the school so well excellent result. for the whole day. It was highlighted that The Year 8 netball team have had a great all 30 leaders assisted with the day in a start to their season, winning 3 out of 3 confident, mature and enthusiastic way – matches. The Year 8s results have been three fundamental qualities that make up an close, winning 5-0 against Sandy, winning effective sports leader. 4-2 against KCA and most recently The Sports Leaders that were involved: Kyla winning against Bedford Girls’ School Andrews, Laiba Ansari, Zanaira Ansari, Kenya 11-4, which was an excellent result. Both Bill, Helena Bossendorfer, Ethan Cherry, teams have shown excellent commitment Ioana Corui, Caelan Cox, Titas Curovas, to both enrichment and fixtures, which Amber Daly, Joel Dass, Joshua Dobson, has had a really positive impact on results. Thomas Fragapane, Robertas Gaveika, Amelia Jameson, Piotr Janski, Kyle Jeffery, Jagoda
Highlights - Spring 2019 09 Primary School Placements Sixth Form News Nine Sixth Form students have been volunteering as readers at Lakeview Primary School. The students have been attending weekly Degree Apprenticeships throughout the Autumn Term and working with students from Year 1 to Year 6 to help improve their Assembly literacy skills. Year 13 had a visit from two Unilever apprentices in Annabel Bewick and Jasmin Galsin have February. Holly and Charlie shared their experiences of decided to continue volunteering for being degree level apprentices and the journey they took another term. The girls will now be to get there. Both had completed A-Levels before taking taking on further responsibilities up their apprenticeships. within the classroom and hope to soon take on the role of a Unilever is a global company behind many household brands teaching assistant. such as Dove, Magnum and Surf. They are ranked number two in the Rate My Apprenticeship list of Top 60 employers and offer apprenticeships in Business & Technology, Research & Development and Supply Chain & Engineering. Their nearest base is in Colmworth near Sharnbrook where the Research & Saajan is accepted to Development function is based. Degree apprenticeships offer an attractive alternative to full Cambridge University time university as students can study for a degree without Saajan Gill impressed at his Cambridge University interview any debt to pay off, earn a competitive salary and have and has therefore been offered a conditional place to study excellent job prospects. Natural Sciences in September. For further details visit: Saajan is currently in Year 13 and is studying Maths, Physics and www.unilever.co.uk/careers-jobs/unilever-apprenticeships/ Chemistry. We wish Saajan the best of luck in his final term at Bedford Academy and with his A-Level results!
Year 13 Next Steps The majority of our Year 13 students have received a number of university offers and are therefore making their final choice and applying for accommodation at their chosen place. Students have been accepted onto a range of different courses including Biochemistry, Nursing, Finance, Marketing, Midwifery, Criminology, Computer Science, Engineering, Sports Journalism and Physical Education. History Lecture A handful of students are hoping to take up an apprenticeship next year, so are working closely with our careers team to secure their On Monday 11th February we brought the University next steps. experience to Bedford Academy as our Year 12 and Year 13 Historians Skyped into a lecture delivered by the University of Suffolk’s Dr Louise Carter based around 16th Century Witch Crazes, a key component of the Edexcel A-Level History course Networking Event studied here at Bedford Academy. This was followed up by a Our Year 12 students recently had a ‘networking’ workshop, seminar session with Dr Carter which exposed our A-Level wherein they developed their understanding of how to students to University style learning as well as giving them network and liaise with professionals. tremendous further insight into the topics they are currently The workshop included information on first impressions, body studying. As a school we thank Dr Carter for her time and for language and interview etiquette. Following the workshop, students allowing us such a unique and were able to put their skills into action when they were given the valuable opportunity. opportunity to meet various employers and professionals. The students networked extremely well and were a credit to themselves.
Auschwitz Trip This March, two of our Year 12 students, Ayesha Ahir and Melissa Braine, will participate in the Holocaust Educational Trust – Lessons from Auschwitz project. They will participate in two seminars which survivor share their testimony. A significant Academy, they will be running an in-school will bring them together with other Sixth part of their project is the chance to visit project to share with their peers their Form students around the country to Auschwitz in Poland, have a guided tour of thoughts, perspectives and lessons learnt examine pre-war Jewish life, make plans for the site and make connections between from the Holocaust. and reflect on their trip to Auschwitz and what they observe and their lessons from have the opportunity to hear a Holocaust their seminars. On their return to Bedford
10 Highlights - Spring 2019 Sixth Form News
SHUKRIYA SAHER Cambridge University Shadowing Experience In January, Shukriya Saher (Year 12) completed a residential placement on the shadowing scheme at Cambridge University. Applications for the ‘shadowing scheme’ opened up in September and twelve of our Year 12 students applied. Whilst Shukriya was the only successful applicant, there were over 3000 applications nationally and only 300 Sixth Form students were accepted – this is therefore a massive credit to Shukriya and her application. Shukriya describes her experience below: My mentor is a student of Newnham college, The Shadowing Scheme gave me the I was surprised when I got accepted for the which is a girls-only college and has been opportunity to see what life is like for CUSU Shadowing Scheme, I think of it as a rebuilt to give it a more modern atmosphere. someone of my religion and ethnicity and great opportunity – extremely useful to give There’s a long corridor with colourful ceiling how they balance school lifestyle with social me an insight of what uni life is like. I had the lights – apparently the longest corridor in and religious lifestyles too. We attended a opportunity to shadow a second year PBS Europe! She showed me around the gardens few Islamic talks, as well as the Friday prayer, (Psychological and Behavioural Sciences) and we headed to the terrace, where they which showed the diversity that was present student for a few days, whilst living in a have a gym. in the university as well as the expanding Cambridge college with other students. Towards the evening, we attended an Muslim community within Cambridge. It was After our introduction, she and another ‘informal’ Formal Dinner that was being held really beneficial and showed me how I can uni student took me and two other Sixth at Queen’s College. To get to the main dining balance professional, personal and religious Formers to Corpus Christi College, where hall, we had to cross the Mathematical Bridge, environments. we would be staying. It’s one of the oldest which was, admittedly, extremely exciting. The I attended a practical that was held in buildings, as well as one of the smallest, night was filled with talking to shadows and the Psychology Department, where we which I quite liked since it had a homely mentors while enjoying a three-course meal. experimented on arousal and consciousness atmosphere. My room was in the more The next morning, I attended a first year with reaction time. The professor made modern dorms and it was of adequate size. maths lecture at the David Attenborough us run a series of tests and record our Quite like living in a hotel, really. Building, where the lecturer was teaching the timings, teaching why this happened, and we My mentor took me around Cambridge for students about 3D integration. I managed then had to prepare a short presentation the first half of the day; we went to most of to catch onto the concept quickly since summarising what had been taught. Natural the colleges and visited their libraries. Some integration is part of A-Level, even though Science students also attended this practical, were old-fashioned, though the libraries of the lecturer was continuing from his previous showing the overlap that courses have with law, maths, and history had a more modern lecture on 2D integration. The lecture lasted each other. It is reassuring to know that if I structure to them. It was really breathtaking, 50 minutes and students could go to the take one subject, there is a course that may I can imagine spending hours exploring and front and ask questions if they had any since overlap with another subject. seeing what books there are! he moved on really quickly. I was shown the There were also various social events running We went through St John’s College, which Psychology Department afterwards and then in the evenings. I attended the BME (Black, has a lot of bridges because of the river. Most we headed to Fitzwilliam College for our Mixed and Ethnic Minorities) event where I Cambridge students are part of their college supervision. met shadows and mentors of various ethnic rowing club – my mentor didn’t find it her The supervision consisted of only three groups who discussed their life in university thing, but she occasionally rents out a boat students and the supervisor. In the and how they found their subjects. with her friends. supervision, we were expected to show our I really enjoyed my time at Cambridge Never having gone to Cambridge before, I essay plans on the essays we had handed University as part of the Scheme; it was was surprised with how it isn’t that big of a in and discuss the arguments we made. All really helpful in giving me an insight of what city. Majority is tourists and students, which three made fairly similar points and went into life is like after Sixth Form and the types of isn’t too bad. The format of it reminds me of depth about the concepts we had written opportunities I can get. It really has reassured Venice. Most colleges are being refurbished about with the supervisor. The supervision me and given me confidence for when I at this time of year; my mentor said she has lasted an hour and we were told to make a apply for university this autumn. never not seen a college being refurbished. presentation for our next session.
Thomas Hunter wins Sixth Form Student of the Term Each term, staff across the school are able to vote for their ‘Sixth Form Student of the Term’. Thomas Hunter (Year 12) received the Thomas all the best once he is on the road! most votes to win the Autumn Term prize. Thomas said “This is a fantastic opportunity Thomas was recognised by staff for his and is extremely appreciated, I have already outstanding attitude to learning, his progress booked my theory test and will start the in lessons and his excellent character, which lessons soon after. It has been a real boost makes him a fantastic role model. and will help get me on the roads sooner than The prize was 10 driving lessons – we wish otherwise”.
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Ernst & Young Smart Futures Programme Back in December, Year 12 had a visit from Ernst & Young (EY). EY is a multi-national professional services firm headquartered in London, is one of the largest professional services firms in the world and one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. Sam and Andi are two young people on the EY School Leavers Programme which enables students with a Level 3 qualification (A-Levels, BTEC Level 3) to obtain a degree apprenticeship after five years (one year less than the full-time university pathway). Smart Futures is a ten-month programme for Year 12 students which begins with paid work experience at Easter or the summer each year. During this time students have the support of a mentor who can assist with career choices and building essential employability skills. Upon Year 12 ‘Law completion, students are awarded with a Level 2 CMI (Chartered Management Institution) qualification in Team Leading. Student for a Day’ Students do not have to study finance-related subjects and can choose to apply to the A number of Year 12 students recently programme in a number of locations including Luton, Cambridge and London. visited the University of Buckingham For further details and to apply go to www.eyfoundation.co.uk/SmartFutures to experience a day in the life of an undergraduate law student. The day included a lecture about the use Employer Mentoring of drones, a set independent task and a In February, sixteen students from Years 12 and 13 started an employer follow up seminar with a university lecturer. mentoring programme which lasts for six weeks. The students were also able to experience Employer mentors are working with students in small groups to support them with life on and around campus as well as the their progression to higher education, career plans and employability skills. This can be students’ union. We recommend that our particularly helpful for students hoping to progress into a competitive profession and Year 12 students attend as many taster those who are underachieving. days as possible to help ensure that they make an informed decision about their Our employer mentors are Richard Cooper from RCA Business Psychologists Ltd, Tim next steps. Guest from Zoedale Electronics and Paul Jiranek, Anita Paymaster and Kamal Jaymal from the Halifax.
Big Bang Fair 2019 Access Coffee Morning This event was held in the heart of For some students College, Sixth Form and Apprenticeships are not always the most the world famous Grand Prix circuit suitable options. at Silverstone. It was the first time we had visited, bringing with us 67 To raise awareness of alternative pathways We were joined by Bedford College, Year 9 students. we invited some Year 11 students and their Moulton College, SSG and Develop, who parents to meet with people that provide all explained the types of courses that are The Big Bang Near Me is a programme of a more supported environment with available and answered questions. The event regional and local Big Bang Fairs that take smaller groups and more focus on building began with a short presentation from each place all across the UK. Together with The employability, study skills and learning that can provider and this was followed with an Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers be tailored to each student, depending on opportunity for parents to ask any questions Fair and The Big Bang Competition, their interests and ability. they had. it forms part of the wider Big Bang Programme, bringing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to life for young people. The UK needs many more scientists and engineers and equipping young people with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths is key to their future employability.
12 Highlights - Spring 2019 Careers Investor in Careers Award Success for Bedford Academy Bedford Academy is delighted to have been re-awarded The Quality in Careers Standard. The school was re-assessed in December provision (CEIAG). Careers Standard from 14th December 2018. 2018 by an external assessor for the CSW The CSW Group, trading as Investors in Ed Whitefield, Investors in Careers Group and was proud to receive the Careers, is a Licensed Awarding Body for Consultant, stated in his letter, “I would like to confirmation that it has been accredited the national Quality in Careers Standard and say how impressed we are with the continuous as “fully meeting all the accreditation criteria confirmed the decision made by the external quality of your CEIAG programme and would incorporating the Gatsby Benchmarks” for assessor, Rosemary Sutton, following her visit like you to feed this back to the headteacher, the national quality award for its careers to the school, to re-award The Quality in all staff and governors.” education, information, advice and guidance
Meet the Professionals – IT and Technology Following up on student feedback last year asking for more career events linked to computer science, we held an employer carousel for students in Years 9, 10 and 11 that are studying computer science. The idea of this networking session was to give the students the opportunity to ask questions to industry professionals and to gain a better idea of the skills and knowledge they need in order to succeed in this industry. We managed to get a good representation of roles across the IT sector and were joined by; Accenture, Kier, KPMG, MBDA, University Centre Peterborough, Google, Deloitte, University of Bedfordshire, Lockheed Martin, The Careers and Enterprise Company and Heart Academies Trust. The feedback from both students and staff was very positive and we will definitely be looking at further Meet the Professional events moving forward.
Year 11 Students impress on Mock Interview Day Year 11 students have been carrying out mock interviews this week, joined by a host of volunteers from Bedford Rotary Club, Lloyds Business Banking and The DWP. Mock interviews have been provided for All students were given personalised record of achievement (START). all Year 12 students for the last few years, feedback and have been reminded to Well done to all and many thanks to our but this is the first year that this unique photograph this and upload it to their online team of volunteers. experience has been offered to every Year 11 student too. Whilst students were a little nervous and apprehensive at first, they performed amazingly well and really stepped up to the challenge. Students themselves commented on how useful the experience had been, saying that the process was extremely useful as it has enabled them to update their CV, as well as develop and improve their interview techniques. Employers were full of compliments for both the Year 11 and Year 12 candidates, feeding back about what an enjoyable experience it had been and wishing the students all the best for the future.
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APPRENTICESHIPS – Cups of tea or opportunities? Tayla Blackman is a Communications Officer at SEMLEP (South East & Midlands Learning Education Partnership). She wrote an article on LinkedIn to a qualification, talk about her experience of being an earning a wage and apprentice: getting invaluable When starting an apprenticeship, you’d real life hands- be amazed about the amount of people on experience. I that ask “how many cups of tea do you also came runner make a day?” up as Apprentice Growing up, taking on an apprenticeship of the Year in was never an option for me. Every the Bedfordshire member of my family (cousins and all) had Business Women ALUMNI all gone to University and I thought that I Awards (an would follow in everyone’s footsteps. achievement that Serena Buckingham After being accepting into all 3 universities I confirmed to me Serena left Bedford Academy in 2016 to start applied to (to study fashion), I decided that that I was doing the right thing!). a Hairdressing apprenticeship with Europa maybe university wasn’t the right route for Although my apprenticeship hasn’t Hair salon in Bedford. me. I didn’t really know what I wanted to been plain sailing (with 3AAA going She came into school during National do with my life, which made me even more into administration) I have always had Apprenticeships Week to share her nervous about spending £9,000 a year to the support I needed to continue my experience of being an apprentice with pursue a career I wasn’t 100% sure on. apprenticeship, quickly moving across to students. I had always thought that apprenticeships Babington group to finish my Level 3, and Here is what Serena had to say about her were for boys who wanted to study will hopefully continue onto Level 4. journey so far: construction or for people who didn’t get I have often been faced with the general the grades to get into a good university. It apprenticeship stereotypes. But now, What made you apply for an knowing that this couldn’t be further from apprenticeship? wasn’t until I started research into the possibilities that I quickly realised the truth, I have made it my personal I wasn’t planning to do an apprenticeship but this was completely wrong. Using the mission to show what being an apprentice an opportunity came up in the summer and I GOV.UK website I applied for a Level 3 is really like! decided to go for it. Also because it is ‘hands Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. By sharing my apprenticeship journey, I on’ you learn more quickly than you do at I started at a company called SEMLEP hope to inspire other people to embark college. (South East Midlands Local Enterprise on their own. Although it can be daunting What is a typical day like on your Partnership). Having no real marketing to not follow the trend and go to apprenticeship? experience, I believed (like everyone else) University, following what YOU WANT to do can change your life for the better. The Very intense and busy most days! I do that I would spend most of my days making opportunities through apprenticeships are a mixture of things so there is always cups of tea and coffee for my colleagues. endless, and I want more people to know something different to learn every day. But I can say that in my time at SEMLEP I have never once made a cup of tea or what I know. What advice would you give to students coffee! (I don’t drink them, so I never If you have any questions about who are considering an apprenticeship? do the rounds). Instead, I found that my apprenticeships or my journey, Stay focussed! If you want to do something colleagues were very supportive in helping please do not hesitate to get in touch: practical and learn while earning a wage this me to develop my knowledge and get a [email protected] would be a great option. better understanding of the overall If you could go back in time to Year 11 organisation. what would you do differently? Throughout my apprenticeship Revise more! Find out more about I have developed hugely apprenticeships early on. I was lucky to get within my career and as this apprenticeship. an individual, I have never looked back and thought I What are you planning to do after your made a mistake not going apprenticeship? to University. I followed I am due to finish in January 2020 and am what I thought was best planning to take on full time employment at for me, and no-one the salon after this. else, and I couldn’t be happier in my career. I’m getting
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National Careers Week & National Apprenticeships Week 4th – 8th March 2019 To celebrate National Careers Week and National Apprenticeships Week this year we had a range of activities taking place at tutor time, in lessons and at lunchtime throughout the week. Running alongside this was an A-Z of Apprenticeships competition and an Apprenticeship Information Evening on Thursday the 7th March for Parents and Students. In addition, staff completed door cards showing skills they had picked up from current and previous roles. During lunchtime throughout the week taking place in lessons with activities going on a range of employers, apprenticeship in Geography, Art and Maths lessons resulting providers and some former students joined in some wonderful feedback from both staff and to our winner and runners up. us too. Many thanks to Daniel Gaskin from and students! On the Thursday evening, we held our first SSG, Holly Sturgess from the National We were inundated with some fantastic Apprenticeship Information Evening and Apprenticeship Service, apprentices from entries for our A-Z of Apprenticeships were delighted with the number of parents Lockheed Martin, Wayne Instrell from Sky competition, where students were asked to and students that came along. We were Sports, Serena Buckingham from Europa design a poster promoting apprenticeships joined by the National Apprenticeship Hair, Samuel Henson from Ark-H, Rebecca or explaining the difference between Service, Bedford College apprenticeships, Heppingstall from MK College and Alice from the different levels of apprenticeships – SSG and Kier Construction who all gave a Mini Mapmakers. intermediate, advanced, higher and degree. brief overview of how they support with We also had some great careers learning Well done to Cameron Llewellyn-Mclennan apprenticeships and answered questions.
This is the fourth year we have visited the National Apprenticeships Show at Stadium MK and, whilst the group we took was smaller than usual, the six students we did take more than made up for this by the way that they conducted themselves and networked with the local and national apprenticeship employers that were exhibiting. They showed genuine interest and enthusiasm, asking relevant questions and making the most of the opportunity. Well done to Esaan Choudhury, Chirag Patel, Lewis Damon, Gabriel Drewek, Dominik Hornak and Jakir Islam.
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