News and Views from Bedford Academy Summer 2019
Inside this issue: • OFSTED grades Bedford • Summer Reading Challenge • Communications Academy as Good Page 04 Page 09 Page 19 Welcome to our termly newsletter
It has been an action packed year to create a phone free environment and at Bedford Academy with some key completely changed the way we reward developments taking place. We have tried and praise our students. We also had our utmost to carefully consider and an Ofsted visit in May 2019. Pleasingly communicate these developments with the result was ‘Good’ and inspectors all stakeholders in our school community, highlighted the progress we have made so that we can all move forward on our in the short time that these systems and school improvement journey together. changes have been in place. When I started the role as Head Teacher The focus now for our staff is to ensure a year ago, I set about working with that the systems and consistency is students and staff to identify areas of our embedded, allowing our students to develop school practice and systems that needed their potential in a welcoming, supportive refreshing and in some cases rebuilding. and structured learning environment, where seeing our KS4 and KS5 students collecting This started with a real focus on two basic everyone can achieve. I firmly believe that results in August and we will all welcome an areas, building positive relationships with with the new leadership team in place, opportunity to recharge and rest over the each other and setting high standards for we have the foundations to make Bedford summer holidays. everyone involved with the school. Academy the best in Bedford. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the From this platform we have built our new The summer term is always my favourite successes that our fantastic students have school vision, developed The BA Way, term as there is so much to be positive experienced over the past term and I wish changed our school day to give students about in school. Sports Day, Year 6 you all a happy and relaxing summer break a more consistent experience at school, transition days, Discos, Activity day and when it arrives. revamped our approach to teaching, Prom all make for a really strong end to Thank you for your continued support of learning and feedback, implemented Yondr the academic year. We are excited about our school, it is much appreciated.
Mr Deller, Head Teacher, Bedford Academy
Paul House – Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning, and Curriculum)
I am extremely excited to have joined Bedford Academy at a time when it is making huge strides forward. opportunity to secure outcomes that will that they are fully engaged and play an active allow them to take their desired next role in their learning. steps in the future. Since my appointment The curriculum will also continue to in January the school has made significant evolve in the coming months. The new progress as a result of the introduction of Year 7 will arrive in September to begin a a number of different policies including The knowledge-rich curriculum which will firmly BA Way and a comprehensive feedback embed the knowledge that the students Before joining Bedford Academy I was policy. These strategies have ensured that require to be successful in each subject. an Assistant Principal responsible for lessons are calm, so that students are Teachers have worked extremely hard at teaching & learning in a large secondary focused on their learning, and that students designing and developing this curriculum in Northampton. I have also worked at are becoming clearer about how they are and I am confident the Year 7 students will schools in Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. doing in their work and what they need to thoroughly enjoy this work in September. Outside of school I enjoy spending time develop in the future. Throughout the next year we will continue with my young family. I am also a sports fan In the next academic year our work will to review our curriculum offer throughout and keen runner. focus on developing strategies that provide the school to ensure that we are offering My role at Bedford Academy is to continue the students with the knowledge and skills the students the opportunities to be the school’s drive to develop the quality required to become independent, resilient successful but also the necessary pathways of teaching and learning within Bedford learners. It is also our responsibility to to allow them to be successful in the future. Academy so that every student has the foster a love of learning in the students so
02 Highlights - Summer 2019 Extra Curricular Activities News The View From Our Window was The Rising Stars Programme has launched in the spring term. This is a new continued over the spring and summer initiative to Bedford Academy, devised by terms and we now look forward to our their social Mr Marsham, Mrs Cave, Mr Wright and Summer Celebration event with parents and consciences. Miss Potter as part of our cross-curricular students who have graduated from Years We have enrichment programme. This is a coming 6 and 8. The final session of the year saw given together of Art, Geography and Photography. students designing and building sustainable students Students will spend one enrichment slot per and durable nature bridges. The competition autonomy season landscape drawing, photographing and was strong and the students really enjoyed with some field sketching the view from one vantage the challenge. Congratulations to all those support and point within Bedford Academy – the beautiful involved and to all those who graduated Year guidance view from one of our Art rooms which looks 8 after four years of participation. It has been from Mr Marsham to create pop-up out across the entrance to the school. This a pleasure seeing these young people grow in displays around school to raise awareness work will be used to create a display within confidence year on year. of social issues that matter to them and us school showing the as a community. So far we have seen an geographical change in informative Mental Health Board pop-up our school over time. A by Hayley Wells, a Lessons from Auschwitz huge well done to all of display pop-up by Ayesha Ahir and Melissa the enthusiastic Year 7s Braine, a human rights display pop-up with who got involved! contributions from Brayden Acheson and Aaliyah Goodman and a Charity Committee pop-up display showcasing the amazing work our charity committee have done A new initiative for former Rising Stars is this year. We currently underway called the Rising Stars feel this is Public Speaking Programme. This initiative a fantastic has seen six Year 9 students take part in way to give research into public speaking, attend a public our students speaking seminar by local business owner a voice, as well as being another opportunity for all Bedford Academy’s Pre-Teaching Tim Guest (below) and plan presentations, visitors to Bedford Academy to see what our Programme, a new initiative, was launched speeches, questions and networking skills for students are capable of. last term and concludes this summer. The their upcoming Public Speaking Challenge results so far have been incredible and we are Day. This day will see these students take immensely proud of those students involved. part in four challenges that involve speaking Working alongside Bedford Girls School Working closely with Mr Marsham, Sixth in public in front of a mixture of audiences. we have been delighted to put on a project Form students Martin Roskar, Hayden Moss, They will be presenting their research on the called Write Out! for our aspiring creative Ayesha Ahir, Alisha Ahir, Forhana Begum, environment to the residents at Sharnbrook writers in Year 8 to work alongside the Sabihah Begum, Cindy Ziu, Greta Skripkaite House Care Home after networking with the Girls School’s Year 8 with sessions led by and Valentina Vancea have written six weeks parents at Sharnbrook Tiny Tots Playgroup both schools A Level English students. This Schemes of Learning and an assessment for and leading the toddlers’ story time. The project has been a wonderful opportunity Year 7-11 students to study and be tested students will then be travelling to Bedford for collaboration and follows the exciting upon as part of the Introduction to A Levels Modern School for a question and answer work we did with the same students in and Introduction to Languages projects. We session with senior staff member Sean Reid autumn at Bedford School, where our Year 8s have had students from all Years learning before leading a presentation to a Year 7 class were taught Latin by Bedford School’s Sixth Psychology, Sociology, Poetry, Media Studies, of Bedford Modern students. Form students. We are very proud of all the Italian and Norwegian. The students involved, students who have represented us so well at both teaching and learning, have made us all our fellow HEART Academies Trust schools. very proud and leave the project with graded Bedford Academy Sixth Former, Forhana certificates and references to use in their Begum described the project for Bedford future personal statements and applications Girls School’s website brilliantly as she for college and university. wrote, “For the past two weeks, I have been assisting a Creative Writing Scheme at Bedford Girls School. Alongside three other Sixth Form students, I have had the ability to plan, experience and enjoy what it would feel like to teach creative writing to a group of joyous and passionate children. This experience is ideal for Bedford Academy’s Raising Awareness those craving a stress-free and relaxing time to Through Art project has given students reflect on their future aspiration of becoming the opportunity to showcase their artistic teachers. Overall, my experience has been skills whilst also helping them to develop nothing but sublime.”
Highlights - Summer 2019 03 News
Literacy Leaders Visit to Shackleton Literacy Leaders from Bedford Academy, assisted by Laura Fordham and Chloe Dixon, visited Shackleton earlier this term. They read to nearly 100 children in Reception and Year 1 classes, who were all enthralled by the amazing pieces of narrative that these incredibly talented students had created. A big thank you to all students involved, it was a very rewarding experience.
Triumph at annual UK & Ireland Speech Contests 2019! One of our science teachers, Vinette Hoffman-Jackson, has won the Table-topics contest and came runner up in the Evaluation contest at the District 71, Toastmasters International Conference in Norwich. As the President of Bedford Speakers Club, Vinette surpassed fierce competition to win over the judges with her impromptu Table-topic speech in response to the question, ‘If a movie were made about your life what style would it be and which actor would play you?’ Commenting on her fantastic achievement, Vinette said “I look forward to sharing my speaking skills with the students and helping them to develop and become better communicators.”
Solar System OFSTED grades Bedford Academy as Good Re-Imagined Bedford Academy is delighted to announce that following a short Ofsted inspection on May 14th 2019, the school has been graded as Good. Well done to Year 7 students Amber Daly and Kenya Bill who worked hard OFSTED commented that, “the leadership aspire to. We want our school to be the best on this fantastic model of their own team has inspired confidence among staff in Bedford, enabling all students to have a made up solar system in Mrs Seed’s because they understand your vision and positive and successful education and our Science class. they want to play a role in making the school relentless focus on high standards and good a better place for pupils to learn.” relationships will ensure that we are moving Chris Deller, Head Teacher said, “We are towards this long term goal together.” delighted to maintain our Good status and The full report is available on the Bedford pleased that the inspectors commented Academy website. on a number of positives. The message to students and staff is that the hard work really begins for us all now, so that we can achieve the Outstanding category that staff, governors and the HEART Academies Trust
04 Highlights - Summer 2019 Female Apprentice News of the Year award Former Bedford Academy student, Hannah West, has won Bedfordshire Business Women’s Female Apprentice of the Year award 2019. The BA Way Hannah is an Apprenticeship Recruitment knowledge and skills further and to progressing There are 6 key themes that make Coordinator at CILEx Law School. She my career.” up our new code of conduct or was recruited in November 2017 to work Hannah presented to Year 11 students at shared values for the school. We within the team that recruits apprentices our next steps event at the University of have called this The BA Way. for the employer clients. She has completed Bedfordshire on 8th July and is also going This document is the outcome of her Level 3 Business Administration to be a guest speaker in several career months of staff and student review and Apprenticeship through Bedford College development lessons next year. consultation to bring about positive and is now enrolled on a Level 3 Human change in our school community for Resources Support everybody involved. The 6 key themes Apprenticeship. She is of Attendance, Lessons, Conduct, also an apprenticeship Uniform, Rights and Responsibilities and ambassador for the Environment emphasise and reinforce Youth Ambassador the need to be Ready, Respectful Apprentice Network. and Safe at all times. The BA Way has On receiving the been communicated intensely with “I award, Hannah said, all students and can be seen in every am delighted that my classroom around the school as well as hard work has been in communal areas. recognised by being Full details of The BA Way can be nominated for, and found on the Bedford Academy winning, this award. I website. have recently started a second apprenticeship programme and I look forward to developing my
Highlights - Summer 2019 05 News
Changes to the School Day We have made a slight change to the timings of our School Day. The students have coped with this change admirably with minor disruption. Thank you to everyone for making this implementation run so smoothly.
8.30 Start of the School Day for Students
8.30 – 9.00 Preparation
First Break 9.00 - 9.20 Yondr 9.00 – 10.20 Period 1 Second break 10.00 - 10.20 As of June 2019 we have banned the use of all mobile phones at Bedford Academy and have employed an 10.20 – 11.20 Period 2 American system called Yondr. Yondr provides Bedford Academy students with their own case, 11.20 – 12.20 Period 3 in which their mobile phone is turned off and locked. The case 12.20 – 12.55 First Lunch Year 7 and Year 8 with the phone inside is kept in the student’s possession until the end of the day and is then unlocked during reflection time. 12.55 – 13.30 Period 4 Second Lunch Year 9 and Year 10 This is a significant investment for the school and highlights our desire and commitment to achieving the very best educational 13.30 – 14.00 Third Lunch Year 11 and Sixth Form outcomes for our students. It completely eradicates the impact 14.00 – 14.55 Period 5 of social media and distraction that electronic devices can have during school time. We are only the second school in the 14.55 – 15.10 Reflection country to implement this new initiative and we are extremely pleased with the initial results. Students have also noticed the 15.10 End of the School Day for students difference: “It gives a chance for young people to see what is expected of To include: us in the real world,” said Tasmine Kaur, Year 8. 15.10 – 16.10 Period 6 Enrichment, Meetings, Sixth Form, “It helps us to focus on our education more in school,” added CPD, Detentions Tesfa Bernard, Year 8. You can find out more information about the system at www.overyondr.com. New Beginnings Every Thursday throughout June, students from various local primary schools had the opportunity to experience life at BA Partnership Agreement Bedford Academy with a wide range of specialist subject Parents, carers and families are by far the most important sessions. influences on children’s lives. We believe that where parents The first session on offer was in Physical Education, with an engaging take on a supportive role in their child’s learning, both at home softball session. Two PE teachers split the groups into two teams and in partnership with the school, their children do better and (named Stammers and Parrott!) and took turns batting and fielding achieve more. These benefits can be long-lasting and extend to in what was for many a completely new sport. better health, relationships and improved employment. It was a very competitive game with many students happy to learn To emphasise and formalise the effectiveness of this partnership something new and use the specialist softball equipment. They were we have created the BA Partnership Agreement. This outlines also very keen to know about the other different sports that would what all staff, students and parents/carers will do to ensure our be available to them in Physical Education lessons in September. students have every chance of success at Bedford Academy. The end of the session provided the students with a tour around This document will be signed by home, school and students and the facilities of Bedford Academy (where they were introduced to will be issued to all new students when they start at Bedford The BA Way for the first time) as well as an explanation of what Academy. If you haven’t already signed and returned your they could expect in next Thursday’s session. agreement, then please send it in as soon as possible. Feedback from students was extremely positive! They were all very The full BA Partnership Agreement document can be found on excited to be returning the following Thursday and they couldn’t the Bedford Academy website under Parent Partnership. wait to see more of what the school offers.
06 Highlights - Summer 2019 Schools out! News We are nearly at the end of term and will soon be rewarded with a well-earned break! With sunny evenings and no school, it’s natural to let your child stay up later, out for longer and have a bit more freedom. But Extra Curricular here’s a few tips to ensure you all have a great summer holiday: YEAR 7 HISTORIANS – On Friday 14th June, Mrs Spencer and Mr • Consequences still apply, as do your rules. If you have Marsham took 14 of our most enthusiastic and hardest working Year 7 requested that your child do a particular task, be in at a Historians on a Local History Tour which was organised, sequenced and certain time or help out around the house and they do not, orated by Mrs Spencer herself, our apply the same consequences they would have during the very own resident local historian. The school term. Consistency is key. day entailed many local sites including • Get to know your child’s friends parents, especially if they abbeys, churches, monuments and seem to be hanging around together more often or are sites of archeological digs over the sleeping over. Maybe go for a coffee together and swap past few decades. Mrs Spencer was numbers, show the kids you are communicating to keep able to provide a fabulous wealth of them safe. knowledge from Ancient civilizations up until the present day. The students had a wonderful day and the • Laptops, mobiles and tablets still need monitoring, late night feedback provided by students was unanimously positive. conversations don’t always end well. Ensure your child is safe online and if posting messages or pictures, that there are no CHEMISTRY AT WORK – On Thursday 13th June we were able legal repercussions. Additionally, if your child seems upset after to take 12 students to a Chemistry at Work event in Milton Keynes something that has happened online… be prepared to discuss that students from across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes attended. matters together. Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk for more The students got a full day of exposure to active chemistry through information. experiments and practicals and we were delighted to be told that our • Keep up to date with community events, public information students were the most engaged and polite students in attendance – announcements and safety advice via www.bedfordshire. something that always makes us proud. police.uk WOMEN IN ENGINEERING – On Thursday 20th June we were • If under 18, it is illegal to drink alcohol or purchase alcohol for able to send 12 of our Year 9 high flying female Scientists to a Women those under the legal age to consume. Please don’t be backed In Engineering STEM event in Cambridge. Trips like these are examples into a corner by your teen asking to get a few bottles in for of the increasing opportunities we are looking to offer our students to parties or get togethers. In addition the Law around ’legal extend their learning outside of the school and we hope to offer more highs’ has changed and it is now illegal to produce, supply or opportunities to all students next year than ever before. import the substances for human consumption. This includes giving them away to friends. These substances are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. For more info about substances visit: www.talktofrank.com Lord’s Cricket Trip • Budding relationships can move quickly during the summer On Saturday 25th May, 23 students holidays and your teen may have questions. To ensure you are attended a cricket trip to London. The aware of where you can access sexual health advice and for annual county final was to be played support to raise the issue, please visit www.nhs.uk Once on at Lord’s between last year’s winners the page, click through to Live Well then Sexual Health. Hampshire and Somerset. It was a fantastic • Summer holidays are a time where young people test the day out for the students, with a dry sunny boundaries and experiment, this is normal. Making mistakes day giving the opportunity to watch a full and getting into hot water is one of life’s lessons. Prepare your day of play. Students not only enjoyed child as best you can and these instances should lessen. Be on the opportunity to watch an elite cricket hand to offer unconditional positive regard, show your child match, but were also lucky enough to that they are loved despite the mistakes and that they are obtain some of the player’s signatures listened to and valued. It won’t always come naturally. Further whilst also having a unique insight into the support links can be found on our website https://www. Lord’s Cricket Ground museum. bedfordacademy.co.uk/parent-partnership/110.html After setting Somerset a below average Please don’t forget, you can always contact me at School total of 235, Hampshire were up against on 01234 301500 ext 703 or by email: mwilliamson@ it to retain the trophy. Unsurprisingly, bedfordacademy.co.uk. Somerset comfortably reached the Follow me on twitter for handy hints, employment news, benefits total and won the trophy, leading to all help and lots more! @BA_Families Bedford Academy students having another Enjoy! opportunity to join in with the imaginative “SOMERSET! LA LA LA!” chant for the final time.
On the drive home, both minibuses reflected on a great day out with most Michelle of the students asking what day the final would be for the trip to be run again next summer!
Highlights - Summer 2019 07 Communications
We are privileged to work in a wonderful environment in the ILC that is at the heart of Bedford Academy. As we continue this amazing journey together there is one message I would like to share: The importance of Reading for Pleasure. We do not live solitary lives and our young with the intention of ‘just reading’. people need to have the skills to succeed We wish all our Year 11 and 13 students in an increasingly complex and diverse ‘Good Luck’ and hope their results will allow society. Tolerance, respect and empathy are them to continue on their chosen journey. Year 7 Competition skills that are essential to building successful We also look forward to welcoming existing Create a Roald Dahl Story communities and these skills are greatly and new students and staff in school in enhanced by the simple act of choosing to sit September. Scene in a box! down for 15 minutes (or more) with a book TASK: Recreate a scene from one of Roald Dahl’s books in a small box; shoe boxes are ideal or you can call into the ILC to collect a box – numbers are limited Roald Dahl Day so make sure to get your box early. Be prepared! Read some of Roald PRAISE POINTS will be awarded to all Dahl’s books over the summer holiday students who enter the competition. ready to win some Praise Points and PRIZE WINNERS: A trip to the Roald other small prizes in September. Dahl Museum! At least one lucky class will win a jar of sweets or a box of donuts! (Fruit alternatives will be available.)
Special thanks go to Ann (Year 11) Ann’s support in the ILC this year has been invaluable. She has helped to create and put up some of the displays in the ILC. Ann supports the daily running of the ILC by restocking the shelves with books returned by students. Ann is always willing to help students and/or staff to Creativity is a track down books within the ILC. Her support to younger students hoping to become Library Assistants SUPER POWER! has also been amazing. Students worked with authors Lynda and Thank you from Mrs Bolter and Miss McGill Mike Mangoro on World Book Day. Students Special mentions also go to: were set the challenge of writing their own Ellie Mae and Anisha for all their help, Mrs Williamson for donating books and to Mrs Spencer fantasy short story. for donating jigsaw puzzles to the ILC. These students each wrote great stories: Daniela R11 Ines R9 Kayla R11 Mohammed R9 Don’t risk the Summer Brain Drain Jessie R8 Tasminah R10 What is Summer Brain Drain? Eva R9 Yuki R10 Summer Brain Drain describes the loss in learning that young people experience WINNER: Harvey R9 during the long summer holiday if they do not read during the summer holiday. Young people who don’t read during the summer can find their academic skills decline by two months! Solution? READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ! Just 15 minutes a day really can make a huge difference!
08 Highlights - Summer 2019 Communications Summer Reading Challenge ILC Start the school year knowing you have already earned Praise Points! Challenge Read a book from each category listed and complete a quick book review. Call into the Take a selfie of you ILC before 16 July or Email [email protected] before 17 July for more details. reading in an unusual place during the summer break. Category Tick when read Book title and author Email: [email protected] A book that became Title: Prizes to be awarded during first 2 weeks of a movie recently Author: term in September. A book that made Title: you laugh out loud Author: A book published Title: this year Author: Miss McGill has continued giving talks to the A book that made Title: Year 7 students about the types of books we you cry Author: have available in the ILC. Title: We have now planned sessions to work with A Graphic Novel Author: Year 8 and Year 9 students in the coming year. A book with a Title: number in the title Author: New Books Title: An Autobiography We are constantly updating the books that Author: we have available, with new arrivals at least every other week. We are certain that everyone will be able to find something Book Amnesty they want to read whatever their interest. Please search bags, cupboards, wardrobes and even under sofas and beds. If you Books to make you laugh out loud or cry. find one of our books please bring it into school. There is a box at Reception or Books filled with magical fantasy worlds or bring it into the ILC to earn Praise Points. There will be a class reward for the facts about real life situations and events. class that has the greatest percentage reduction in their days overdue during the Reminder: Students are able to request first 3 weeks of the new term. There will also be prizes for the students who specific books to be bought by the ILC. return the most books to the library during the first 3 weeks of term. Call into the ILC to find out more or email: [email protected].
The Importance of Reading For Pleasure There is robust evidence that Reading for Improve Understanding Tools of Communicating Pleasure enhances academic achievement. No- The more we read about something, the more Communication is the most one would doubt that academic accomplishment we understand the subject, the details and important tool which can be is important for all of our students, but we perspectives surrounding that subject. Reading transmitted through reading. are also becoming aware that the benefits of also increases the understanding of the rules As we read we understand reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch of life, in order for us to adapt and enhance more and therefore can throughout a person’s life. our ability to be an effective member of wider communicate more successfully with others. Exposure to new things society. Connecting Your Brain Through reading, we expose ourselves to new Preparation for Action When reading, we’re in full silence, because things: new experiences, new information, new Before we take action on anything, where do we reading connects directly to our brain. This ways to solve a problem and also new ways to seek help and guidance? Reading is an essential silence trains the brain to focus and absorb achieve our goals. Who knows – our students way which can help us all. In today’s world, information at a deeper, more profound level. might actually explore one thing they really like getting reviews and feedback from other people Boost Imagination and Creativity and it may end up becoming their career and can make a big impact on decision making as we Reading exposes us to a world of imagination, success in the future. Exploration begins from explore the pros and cons of each choice. reading and understanding. showing us nothing is impossible in this world. By Gain Experience from Other People reading, we are exploring different perspectives Self-Improvement We are living in an ever increasing global and understanding how different actions Through reading, we begin to understand the community and when we are reading, we are leads to alternative results. Books are beyond world more. Through reading, we begin to have a actually gaining the knowledge and experience imagination, we can keep linking more ideas and greater understanding of a topic that interests us, of someone else who may have completely concepts to what we already know. Mentally for example: how to build self-confidence, how different life experiences to ours. This may we are structuring new solutions and answers: to plan before taking action, how to memorise shape our own opinions and ideas. enabling us to take on life’s challenges. more information.
Highlights - Summer 2019 09 Creative Writing Communications Life is a story! Where will it take you? 3 Every time you tell someone about your day or weekend it’s part of your story. Sprinkle a little bit of magic and the rest is up to you… 3 Older people have a great many stories to tell, not just about wars and fighting. They can also tell us about how communities lived together and how they managed life without a mobile phone or e-books & e-audio The Reading Well for the internet. Mental Health Free downloadable e-books and e-audio Collection There are no limits to your imagination! provides self-help reading You can create: Choose from thousands of titles. All you for adults dealing with a range of mental • New characters need is your library card number and PIN health conditions. and a RB Digital account. • A whole new species • A whole new world Love Audiobooks Month! Shelf Help is an Discover the wonder of amazing collection audiobooks. Download from of books to help our wide range of titles and listen to them children aged 13 WANTED wherever and whenever you want! to 18 to manage their mental health, well-being and emotional Your library needs you e-music resilience using recommended reading. Have you got what it takes? Free downloadable e-music Cracking Cooking is a You can now stream ARE YOU… selection of great recent music for up to 5 hours • Friendly, cheerful, reliable and polite? cookbooks from our a day! Plus, don’t forget • Energetic, enthusiastic, stock, plus websites and you can download 5 organised and full of more for inspiration and tracks a week and keep them forever. All ideas? enjoyment. Go on - have for free – just log in with your library card a go! • Keen to help other number and PIN to access over 15 million students and staff? songs and 40,000 music videos. • A good team worker? • Calm under pressure? We need you to play an exciting and important role in the running of the RECOMMENDED READS Library 3 Library Assistants work during the lunchtimes in the ILC working closely with staff and other students 3 Spend a few minutes after school checking all the ILC Chromebooks are working and plugged into the chargers within the trolleys 3 Put up displays around the ILC 3 Read and review new books and suggest new books to be bought More information: [email protected]
REMINDER The ILC is open daily from 7.30am until 4.10pm Monday to Thursday and from 7.30am until 3.15pm on Fridays Get a head start on your day, boost your revision and earn Praise Points too. Call into the ILC for more details and to pick up an Early Morning Pass.
10 Highlights - Summer 2019 Arts & Sports Creative Arts Awards Evening On Wednesday 5th June, the Creative Arts department celebrated their successes of students throughout this academic year. Mrs Hardiman organised a ‘Greatest Showman’ themed tea party for our prize winners and parents. Students from across Art, Drama, Music and Photography received prizes for their effort across the year in KS3, KS4, KS5 with each ‘Student of the Year’ receiving a £10 Amazon voucher. All students involved in enrichments such as Rock Challenge, school musicals and the school choir received badges to wear proudly on their uniform. Well done to all students. The Creative Arts team would like to wish Miss Hardiman all the best as she has now gone on maternity leave and will be missed by the team. Miss Corr will now step in as lead teacher for Creative Arts in Miss Hardiman’s absence. Art & Photography Moderation This term has been extremely busy in the Art and Photography department as we have had all GCSE, A level Photography and Level 3 Art moderations taking place. The Art department are looking forward to displaying this work in the new year after results have been verified as our Year 9s – Year 13s have worked extremely hard this year in their art courses. Well done to all! (Due to Ofqual regulations we cannot publish any work until after GCSE and A level results day)
New Beginnings Event Both Mrs Cave and Mr Wright had an exciting ‘New Beginnings’ session with our future Year 7s for September 2019. Around 40 Year 6 students were involved in making masks with different materials. Some of the masks that were produced at the event are showing some promising artists in the future!
Performing Arts This term is an exciting and busy time of the year for our Performing Arts team as they perform an abridged schools’ version of ‘ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL’ Book by Dennis Kelly. Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin. This performance starred 30 of our Year 7–10 students and took place at Bedford Academy on 9th July at 7pm. Victoria Kozbiel starred as Matilda and she was very excited about the performance. She said, “When Miss Corr read the cast list, I was so excited I was getting to perform as the lead role of Matilda. I have really enjoyed being involved in the Performing Arts enrichments during this year and couldn’t wait to perform on the night.”
Highlights - Summer 2019 11 Arts & Sports KS3 American Football Session We had a fantastic American Football Session with some KS3 students during this term’s enrichment. The following students attended and participated brilliantly: Cameron Llewellyn-Mclennan Caelan Cox Yasin Mohammed Aryan Chiarh Ellie-May Nugent Lukan Chiarh Thakur Phagura Kieran Dolan Tanvir Radhoa Piotr Janski Blazej Stankowski Remy Makima Please congratulate them, I have awarded them praise points. Hopefully we can continue to grow Rounders the sport within the school with lots more staff and The rounders fixtures for all year and fielding very well. The Year 7 students getting involved with the sessions. groups are well underway. The Year 9 team are continuing to develop their Thank you to Sam Phillips, Jack Green, Jack Stammers, and 10 teams have played very well, skills and understanding of the sport. Jordan Brade for supporting. developing further as a team and They have come together very well putting on solid performances and are continuing to demonstrate against a range of teams in Bedford. improvements. We look forward to the The Year 8 team have continued remainder of the season! to impress this year, scoring highly
Inter Milan We recently had the chance to take four students to take part in a series of football coaching sessions led by Inter Milan FC Academy coaches. The opportunity was set up and run by InspireSport and held over at Kempston Rovers Football Club. The group were put through their paces across two different one and a half hour sessions – focusing on key skills and principles in the game, looking at possession and ball control, passing, dribbling and attacking vs defensive scenarios. A huge well done goes to Tanvir R, Miguel C, Helena B and Amelia J who were fantastic role models throughout the day and positively represented Bedford Academy.
12 Highlights - Summer 2019 Sixth Form News
Work Experience Lord-Lieutenant Cadet On Monday 24th June, Year 12 students headed out on My name is Cindy Ziu and I am currently studying A Levels their work experience placements. in Year 12. In my spare time I attend police cadets and in Students have sourced their own placements in a range of September last year I was nominated for the Lord-Lieutenant different settings across the country. The idea of the placements Cadet role, which I accepted without any hesitation. is to provide students with an insight into their chosen career As a Lord-Lieutenant path as well as giving them valuable experiences in the Cadet, I have completed workplace. Some of the secured placements include positions in many duties alongside law firms, engineering companies, hospitals, schools, care homes the Lord-Lieutenant of and Manchester United Football Club. We look forward to Bedfordshire and the hearing from our students on their return back to school! High Sheriff including charity events and Royal visits. When I started as a first year cadet, I would Year 13 Leavers never have imagined Year 13 students have come to the end of their that one day I would be very busy exam season. The students have worked representing the Queen! It has been a phenomenal experience! exceptionally hard throughout their time in Sixth I would definitely recommend joining the police cadets. It’s a great Form and we are extremely proud of them. We way to socialise with members of the public whilst developing your look forward to celebrating results with students communication skills. Being a Cadet is also a great way to inspire young on A level Results Day and seeing them go onto people to participate positively in their communities. their next steps, whether this be university, an apprenticeship or employment. Sixth Form Year 12 University Preparation Days Preparation On Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th June, prospective Year Year 12 students have begun their university preparations. 12 students were invited in for Sixth Form Preparation Days. On Monday 17th June, students attended a preparation day The days allowed students to attend sessions for their 3 selected A at the Luton Campus of the University of Bedfordshire. The level subjects, as well as experience the independence that is given to a visit enabled students to participate in a range of lectures and Sixth Form student. Staff provided ‘bridging the gap’ tasks that allowed workshops on choosing a university, selecting a course and life students to fully prepare at university. for their first term as a Following this visit, students attended a UCAS fair on Friday Year 12 student. We are 21st June. This event was attended by 100s of universities and extremely impressed apprentice providers. Students were able to meet with a range with the conduct and of professionals as well as attend taster lectures. Students are enthusiasm demonstrated now encouraged to attend more open days throughout the by the students over the summer to further inform their choices. 2 days and look forward to welcoming them all back in September. We wish all Year 11 students the best of luck in their exam results – see you on GCSE results day!
Highlights - Summer 2019 13 Careers
Summer Careers Update The last few weeks of the school year is for all of our students. always a really busy time for our Careers I have also included some information on provision with visits to a number of making the most of the summer holidays workplaces. The activities are carefully with ideas on how students can build planned to help students develop their sense employability skills, an update on post 16 and running in the autumn term of self, their knowledge of life beyond school choices, details of STARTprofile.com We are still currently the only school in the and to build employability and resilience. our go to careers platform and a guide to area to hold the Quality in Careers Standard Experiences of workplaces, universities apprenticeship levels too. and achieve all of the Gatsby Benchmarks. and interactions with further education Massive thank you to Zoedale Electronics Having said that we don’t rest on our laurels establishments, employers and alumni have all who have offered a significant financial and have plenty of new plans for next been proven to increase earnings potential contribution towards the cost of a projector year including a visit to the National Skills and reduce the chance of not being in in the ILC which will improve the employer, Show, a ‘Take your Child to Work’ and the education, employment or training in the college and university talks, workshops and introduction of the skills builder framework. future – something we care very much about webinars we do. I am hopeful this will be up https://www.skillsbuilder.org/
Sixth Form College Apprenticeship Alternative Provision What? What? What? What? Staying on at a school Sixth You can go to college to A full time paid job with training For students for whom Form/Sixth Form college after study ‘vocational’ subjects like – you learn work-based skills Sixth Form, college or an Year 11 to study A Levels and /or Engineering, Hairdressing, Health on the job and normally attend apprenticeship is not a suitable Level 3 BTEC courses for 2 years. & Social Care and Construction. college for one day per week. environment, there is specialist Courses are available from Entry Often leads to a permanent job. Post16 provision available. Level to Level 3. Where? Where? Where? Where? Bedford Academy, Bedford Sixth Local colleges are Bedford Lots of employers in Bedford Providers in Bedford are: Form, Kimberley College, another College, Shuttleworth College, offer apprenticeships and training • Develop school Sixth Form or Sixth Form Moulton College, Central Beds is normally provided by a local • SSG college. College, Milton Keynes College college. • Hart Learning & Development & SSG. What grades do I need? What grades do I need? What grades do I need? What grades do I need? At least 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 - 4 Entry Level – no specific grades. This varies but usually GCSE No specific grades required. including English and / or Maths. Level 1 – Normally 3 subjects at Maths & English at Grade 4 or You can receive support with Some subjects such as A Level Grade 2 or above. above for intermediate level Functional Skills (English, Maths & Maths and Science have higher Level 2 – Normally 3 subjects at apprenticeships. Competition IT) and employability skills such as minimum grade requirements. Grade 3 or above. is fierce; determination and CV writing, interview techniques, Level 3 - Normally 4 subjects motivation is key! job applications, etc. Work at Grade 4 or above including (Higher and Degree Apprenticeship experience may also be offered. English and also Maths for some usually need A level/level 3 courses. qualifications so you would apply for these after Sixth Form or college) How to find out more How to find out more How to find out more How to find out more • Start website: • Start website: • Start website: • Look on websites for Develop, www.startprofile.com www.startprofile.com www.startprofile.com SSG and Hart Learning & • Sixth Form Open Evenings • Attend college open days/ • Request a Careers Development. • Sixth Form prospectuses taster days. Appointment • Contact them to arrange a visit. (Careers Library) • College prospectuses • National Apprenticeships • Speak to the Careers Team to • Take into account the (Careers Library) website – find out more. opportunities ‘facilitating • Look on college websites www.apprenticeships.org.uk subjects’ bring • ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk
Don’t forget - you are required to remain in education or employment with training until your 18th birthday!
14 Highlights - Summer 2019 Careers Making the most of the Summer Holidays As well as enjoying a break (and hopefully some sunshine!) the summer holidays gives young people a brilliant opportunity to do some work or volunteering. Why volunteer? Not only is it a great opportunity to develop new skills and experiences to put on your CV or UCAS personal statement, but it’s also a great way of meeting new people and making a difference to your community. Below are a number of exciting ways young people can get involved in volunteering over the summer:
Mencap & BDCPS (Bedford & Community Volunteering – Bedford Youth Cabinet District Cerebral Palsy Society) Bedford Borough Council The Bedford Borough Youth Cabinet is Summer Play schemes Want to spend more time outdoors and made up of young people from every For those aged 14 or over with an interest help to improve the environment? school (middle, upper, college, special) in working with children they can apply for Find out more about environmental and from community groups and settings a summer play scheme. Volunteers will be volunteering opportunities in Bedford: (hostels, children’s homes, in care) and responsible for supporting a young person https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure- they come together to influence decisions who has physical and/ or learning disabilities and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/ and change things for young people in and encouraging them to take part in fun community-volunteering/ their area and across Bedford Borough. activities and trips. Click on the links below to To find out more go to: find out more. https://www.bedford.gov.uk/schools- Community Voluntary Service (CVS) BDCPS: education-and-childcare/children-and- http://www.bdcps.org.uk/get_involved For a range of volunteering opportunities in young-people/youth-cabinet/ Mencap: the Bedford area have a look at: http://www.bedfordmencap.org.uk/ http://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteering/ summer_playscheme.htm
Bedford Libraries Summer Reading Challenge Part time work VOLUNTEERS WANTED! For those under 16 who are interested in finding part time work the best way Are you aged between 14 and 19 and would like to to go about this is to visit small local volunteer your time this Summer? businesses such as news agents, cafes, Join our team of Summer Reading Challenge Champions coffee shops, hair salons and barber and help younger children on their reading challenge. shops and ask if any would be willing to To volunteer see Mrs Boulter in the ILC, take on a young person. pick up an application pack from your local It will help to have an up to date CV library or email to hand in to employers – students [email protected] can come to Careers Club from 3.15 Closing date for – 4.00pm on Mondays in the ILC for completed applications support with CV writing. For those aged is Friday 5th July 2019 16 and over they can sign up to receive the weekly Jobs Hub bulletin which details all the latest full time, part time jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities. Sign up at https://www.bedford.gov. uk/jobs-and-careers/jobs-hub/ They can also use job websites such as www.indeed.co.uk
Highlights - Summer 2019 15 Careers Personal Guidance Programme All students are able to book a personal took place. This comprised of the following guidance appointment at any time during numbers: the academic year. However, students are Year 7 – 2 Year 8 – 21 prioritised at different times in line with key Year 9 – 16 Year 10 – 108 transition points, for example, Roll-over Year Year 11 – 365 (215 out of 217 students 11 are currently being prioritised to give them seen), many of which were offered follow-up sufficient time to plan their next steps. appointments) During September 2018 – end of May Year 12 – 16 Year 13 – 35 2019, 563 personal guidance appointments START – Individual Student Online Record of The priorities for 2019-2020 are as follows: Achievement Term Priority 1 Priority 2 Other https://login.startprofile.com/Login.aspx 2019 Autumn 1 Sixth Form unplanned subjects Staff/self referrals Year 11 guidance https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0Z9tc3ZtraA&feature=youtu.be 2019 Autumn 2 Year 11 guidance Staff/self referrals 2020 Spring 1 Year 11 follow up Staff/self referrals All students in Years 9 to 11 have had 2020 Spring 2 Year 11 Offer of learning, back up Staff/self referrals an induction at tutor time this year plans, transition & data sharing and should now have a log in. If they 2020 Summer 1 Year 8 guidance appointments for Staff/self referrals missed this their form tutor can easily pupil premium students. look this up for them. Introduction to Introductory appointments for START lessons for Year 7 and 8 are taking remainder of year group (15 min) place in IT lessons this term. START is an online careers platform designed to 2020 Summer 2 EHCP & RONI students Years 8-10 Follow up Staff/self referrals connect 11-18 year olds with their future appointments career potential. It combines the most comprehensive In addition to the above we will continue to see staff and self-referrals as soon as possible. source of information with a personalised RONI = Risk Of NEET Indicators (Not in Employment, Education or Training). experience and career planning tools, helping our students to make more informed decisions about their future One of our Careers Assistants, study and career options, as well as Arrun Paul, has written a review on developing their employability. Start (www.startprofile.com) which is the go-to careers website for students. START includes: Start profile is a website in which you can discover many things about different careers. It has • A student profile:students build many aspects and can design your profile to be specific to you. It has loads of information their profile and access personalised about GCSEs, A Levels, different jobs, apprenticeships, colleges/universities and much more. study and career information. The task bar (below) contains My Profile (which is your personalised experience), the World • Modules: activities to guide students of Work, What to Study, Where to Learn and Employability. through the information on Start at the right time. • Up to date information: engaging content on what to study, where to learn and the world of work. There are different • START Locker: an online record surveys that you of achievement to evidence skills for can fill out. Once future applications and CVs. completed these • Employability action plan: Students will suggest possible can set goals and stay in control of career choices based The start website offers loads of extremely their career planning. on your interests, helpful advice and could give you an work preferences, idea of where to learn, what to study or skills and qualities. employability skills. I hope you have found this update helpful. If you have any questions or feedback or would like to support any of our careers activities in school please get in touch – [email protected] 01234 301500 extension 182. Miss Green, Careers Leader The locker feature is a way of keeping track of all extra-curricular activities, clubs or projects that you take part in during your time at school. You can then go on to putting them on things like college and job applications to make you stand out.
16 Highlights - Summer 2019 Save the Date! Careers Plans are already underway for Careers events during 2019 and 2020! If you or the company you work at are able to support or you would like more information please email [email protected]
03/09/19 CV Presentation to Year 11 Guest speaker to present to all Year 11 students on how to create a school leaver CV 17/09/19 Interview skills presentation to Year 11 A guest speaker to share tips and advice on how to prepare and perform at interviews All students in Year 11 to have an individual mock interview with volunteer employers – we need at least 25 25/09/19 Year 11 mock interviews people to do this so if you can help please email me – [email protected] 10/12/19 Year 8 – Meet the professional Carousel Opportunity for Year 8 students to meet a representative from industry Visit subject stands and talk to teachers to find out more about subject choices, the topics you will study Year 8, 9 and 10 Options and 30/01/20 and how you will be assessed. There will also be representatives from industry, colleges, university and work Careers Evening based learning 02/03/20 to National Careers Week As always there will be lots of visitors to school and a careers competition with fab prizes on offer 07/3/20 Parent University and Apprenticeship As part of National Careers Week we are hosting an event to inform parents from all year groups about 05/03/2020 Information Evening Higher Education options available, including university finance and information about degree apprenticeships A really important information evening for parents of students in year 11 that are leaving us to study 29/04/2020 Post 16 Transition Evening elsewhere or take up apprenticeships To help prepare our Sixth Formers for graduate recruitment and degree apprentices they will be preparing, 17/05/2020 Sixth Form individual presentations panels practising and finally presenting to a panel of employers and university representatives 22/06/20 to All Year 12 students are expected to complete one weeks work experience. If you are able to offer a student a Year 12 Work Experience 26/06/2020 placement please email [email protected]
Year 8 Employer Visits In line with the Gatsby Benchmark 6 – The students were met at the Bedford office/ Challenge’. This involved working in teams to Experiences of Workplaces, all Year 8 factory by the Managing Director, Chris create the most secure way of packaging a students are offered a visit to a place of work. Murphy, and were taken around the premises mug given limited materials – students were So far, visits have taken place to Dunster where they got to see a range of structures then able to test their packages by dropping House, Ark-H Handling in Bedford and and met some of the staff. They were also them from a balcony. Several mugs were Lloyds Bank offices in Stevenage. given a demonstration of a pedal-powered broken in the process! Further visits planned so far include Amazon car that the company are developing as a “It helped me to learn how the things we order Automated Distribution Centre in Dunstable, form of ‘green’ transport. get shipped and packaged to us.” Ecotile, Bedfordshire Fire Service, Network The trip ended with a visit to the boardroom “I learnt how work is done and the importance Rail, Zoedale Electronics and Willmott Dixon. where students were able to ask questions of time management.” Below is a summary of the visits that have about the company. Students gained a lot Lloyds Bank taken place to date: from the visit: “It helped me understand what a working Students were taken to Lloyds Bank offices Dunster House environment is like.” in Stevenage which houses a call centre and Dunster House was founded in 1994 in client relationships team for commercial “[A good first impression] could get you the job Northampton as a family business and is a banking customers. if you have a positive attitude.” leading manufacturer of garden log cabin They learnt about the history of Lloyds and climbing frames. The business now Ark-H Handling Banking Group, businesses owned by the owns several sites in the UK and factories Ark-H are a group such as Halifax and the Royal Bank in Estonia, Hungary and Poland. Previous distribution of Scotland and were given some key customers include the likes of David and fulfilment statistics such as they have around 30 million Cameron and Jason Statham who purchased company which customers in the UK which is nearly 50% of a climbing frame and log cabin respectively! handle goods the total population! ordered from Students were then split into smaller groups the likes of and taken to meet the Client Relationships Amazon and Managers to find out about their job roles, EBay. Students how they got into the industry and what were shown their favourite parts of the job are. first hand how Students were surprised to see a table tennis the company operates from the goods being table and dart board in the office to help received and dispatched to customers. staff unwind during a stressful day! They learnt the importance of working One student commented that “It helped me to strict timeframes and under pressure. as if I decide to work at a bank I now know The most fun was had during the ‘Drop what is involved.”
Highlights - Summer 2019 17 Careers
Alumni Apprenticeships explained After Year 11, Lenny Buachie What is an apprenticeship and where • Gain official certification of your skills, went on to Bedford College to can it take you? equivalent to a qualification ranging from study Level 3 Computing. An apprenticeship gives you hands-on Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to degree Below is a summary of his journey so far: experience, a salary and the opportunity to level – see chart below. So far, my experience of college has been train while you work. All of this with some • Start a long-term career path with the an excellent one. Before I started, I had high quality, prestigious companies in loads of possibility of higher earnings. my doubts and was quite sceptical about different industries. it. However, having finished my first year An apprenticeship is a real job. It’s a way to: When can I start an apprenticeship? I am now satisfied with my choice about • Earn a wage and learn at the same time, From age 16 (after Year 11). There is no going to college and enjoy it. Personally, with at least 20% of your time set aside upper age limit. I feel as though there haven’t been any for learning – normally at a college, times where college has been bad or university or other training provider. low for me. If I had to say one though, it would probably be the times where I had What are the different levels of apprenticeships? lots of work to submit and the deadline was very close! One of the high points about college is that you can easily make APPRENTICESHIP CAREER PATHWAY friends with the people in your class since you all probably have an interest in the ENTRY POINTS* subject you are taking. Another high point for me at college is that there is a 15 minute break between lessons which is very useful after sitting down for 1 hour DEGREE LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS and 30 minutes! HND LEVELS 6,7 - EQUIVALENT TO A If there are any Year 11s that are BACHELOR’S AND MASTERS DEGREE considering going to college, one thing I would say is that you can still go to university after college if you are taking a Level 3 course, so don’t worry about not HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS getting into uni because many universities A LEVELS accept BTEC qualifications. & HNC/D LEVELS 6,7 - EQUIVALENT TO A FOUNDATION DEGREE Stacey Law left us in summer 2018 and went on to university. Below is her story so far… I am currently studying Special Needs LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS and Inclusive Education at the University GCSEs & of Bedfordshire and am really enjoying A LEVELS LEVEL 3 - EQUIVALENT TO it. I have just finished my first year and 2 A LEVELS have passed which is such an exciting
feeling. Throughout my first year I have PROGRESSION found that the content you learn is so much more in depth than previous INTERMEDIATE LEVEL studying and it opens various elements of your chosen subject. One struggle I GCSEs & APPRENTICESHIPS found with university at the beginning A LEVELS LEVEL 2 - EQUIVALENT TO is the assignment writing and academic 5 GCSEs A*-C reading. However, as the year progressed I gained more practice and skills to produce assignments of a passing level. One other positive to university is the TRAINEESHIPS opportunity to GCSEs ENGLISH AND MATHS make new friends QUALIFICATIONS AND UP TO who share similar 6 MONTHS WORK EXPERIENCE interests to you, who are essentially becoming your *Entry requirements may differ according to the particular sector, profession, employer, best friends as you apprenticeship level or trainee’s age. study.
18 Highlights - Summer 2019 Communications Communication is key to supporting our young people to be the best that they can. Here’s all the ways that we can get in contact with each other. How you can contact the school: • Text Messaging – all of our group messages will come from • You will be able to find important information on our website Group Call. We will use this for emergency announcements www.bedfordacademy.co.uk such as school closures, quick reminders about attendance, meetings, trips and events. The Xpressions App is a messaging 01234 301500 • You can ring us on between 8am and 4.30pm, tool that will allow you to send free text messages to the Monday to Thursday, 8.00am to 4pm on Friday. school and will provide you with up to date information on • You can email your child’s Head of Year. The email addresses are your child’s lesson attendance, achievements and behaviour. on our website under Contact Us. You will also receive student exam timetables via this method. • We encourage students to make contact with their teachers too. The Xpressions App can be downloaded from Google play or They all have a Bedford Academy email address which they should the App Store, see more details below. use to contact their teachers about their work. • Evolve Email – this is our preferred method of • If you would like to meet a specific member of staff in person, communication for gaining consent for school trips. We use a please phone or email in advance and make an appointment. system called Evolve which is where the message will come Teachers are not widely available and you will need to email/ring from. Please ensure that we have an up to date email address. ahead to ensure you can be seen. • School Newsletter – This will be sent as an email at the end of every term. How we will contact you: • Email – Individual teachers will send you messages directly • With the progress of technology, we are keen to ensure parents from their email account if they need to. and carers receive information from us promptly and efficiently. We • Phone – We will phone when we can, during normal working are aware that telephone numbers and email addresses do change hours and if we cannot get hold of you, we will leave a and so it is important that we are informed of any new contact voicemail message. details as soon as possible. This will help us should we need to • We will do our best to reply to a voice message or email contact you in an emergency. within 24 hours. • Please send any change of contact details to: • We take safeguarding very seriously, please be understanding [email protected]. Please include in the email your as we will protect young people’s information over the phone child’s name, tutor group, your full name, relationship to child and and by email. the new telephone/email contact details.
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.
Highlights - Summer 2019 19 Diary Dates
Key Dates 2019-2020
September 13th Staff Training Day April 3rd Autumn Term starts 20th Last Day of Autumn Term 3rd Last Day of Spring Term 12th School Photos January 21st Summer Term Starts 12th Open Evening 7th Spring Term starts 29th Post 16 Transition Evening October 16th Year 12/13 Parents’ Evening 30th Year 7 Parents’ Evening 3rd Meet the Tutor Year 7 30th Options and Careers Evening May 17th Meet the Tutor Year 12/13 February 25th – 29th Half Term 21st – 25th Half Term 6th Year 11 Parents’ Evening July 31st Meet the Tutor Year 11 17th – 21st Half Term 2nd Transition Day November 27th Year 8 Parents’ Evening Transition Evening 14th Meet the Tutor Year 10 March 3rd Transition Day 21st Sixth Form Open Evening 5th Apprenticeship and Higher 7th Year 10 Next Steps 28th Meet the Tutor Year 8 Education Information Evening 16th Activity Day 12th Year 9 Parents’ Evening 17th End of Summer Term December 26th Year 10 Parents’ Evening 12th Meet the Tutor Year 9
SCHOOL UNIFORM Thank you to all parents The school does not hold stocks of uniform for sale other than jumpers, backpacks and that have continued to ties. If you require uniform items for your child/children, these will need to be ordered via the online shop linked to our website https://www.totalclothingshop.co.uk/bacad/. support our drive for Back packs can be purchased from Reception at £12.00 each. Payment must be made outstanding uniform. through Parentpay or by cheque, payable to HEART Academies Trust. Please continue to ensure that your Ties can be purchased from Reception, at £7.10 each. Payment must be made through child arrives at our school in full Parentpay or by cheque, payable to HEART Academies Trust. Bedford Academy uniform so that Jumpers can be purchased from Reception, size and prices below. Payment must be they can start their day positively, made through Parentpay or by cheque, payable to HEART Academies Trust. eliminating the need for a direct conversation about their appearance Price £8.00 £9.00 £10.00 with a member of staff. Size 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 Can I also remind students that a strapped backpack is an ideal way Please label all your child/children’s uniform items so that if any of carrying books and equipment to items turn up in Lost Property they can quickly be returned. school. We will not tolerate fashion bags, large handbags or strapped UNIFORM POP UP SHOP shoulder bags, this is not appropriate On Tuesday 13th August, our uniform supplier Total Clothing will be at Bedford Academy school wear and should be kept for from 12-3pm to provide a Pop Up Shop where uniform items can be purchased. the weekend.
Bedford Academy Mile Road Part of the Bedford MK42 9TR T: 01234 301500 F: 01234 301501 Bedford @bedford_academy www.bedfordacademy.co.uk Academy