under the

mTerm 3 Newsletter 2011 Issuecroscope Seven

03-07 Primary Phase • 08 Parents’ Page • 10-16 Secondary Phase

KSA Achieves Students Leading Healthy Schools Award A drive to help pupils achieve more, lead healthier lives and be included in school life has By Example led to KSA being awarded Healthy Schools status. The Primary and Secondary Phases both met the KSA students have been helping other pupils Principal Martin Campbell said the aim was to criteria to achieve the award, which recognises through peer support programmes aimed at establish a ‘family’ environment at KSA, saying: schools that take steps to ensure children and creating an inclusive environment. “These types of events help to create young people are healthy and achieve both in and outside the classroom. Just some of the activities going on include the a feel of a caring House system where development of the Heroes scheme, which The Academy had to demonstrate good practice students look out for and help each in four areas – a good provision of physical has seen a group of Year 10 students set up other succeed.” and run a dedicated email address for anyone education within lesson time and after school; with concerns about bullying. In addition, students taking part in a Sports a good offering of Personal, Social and Health Some of the Year 11 Heroes have also been Leaders Award will be running activities for Education; achievement of Government leading anti-bullying sessions with Primary younger Primary pupils, while dancers who standards for healthy eating; and sound policies Phase children each week (pictured right) and joined an after-school programme started a on bullying and inclusion, alongside links with have proved to be excellent ambassadors for series of workshops with primary schools in outside agencies such as the school nurse. the Academy. last month. As part of the award, 20% of students across This ethos will continue with the creation of a Read more on page 15. both phases had to be surveyed about their peer mentoring scheme which will see Sixth experience of KSA and their results fed into Formers supporting Year 11 students through the evidence. their GCSE exams, as well as helping younger Primary Phase teacher Melissa Warman and pupils with their reading (pictured below). James Leigh, the PSHE and Citizenship High achieving Year 11s will also be Co-ordinator in the Secondary Phase, put the teamed up with their peers to application together and Mr Leigh said: offer support. “The achievement of this award represents our strong commitment to our pupils’ all round development.” In Primary, efforts are being stepped up to encourage pupils and families to include healthy options in lunchboxes. Read more on page 3.

KSA got off to a flying start to 2011 with another varied and interesting term. From excellent science results to a dedicated Maths Day for gifted and talented students, efforts continue to ensure KSA students are achieving more and aiming high. There’s been lots of student participation too, from House fundraisers to numerous sporting events. We’re already looking forward to another exciting term and having more news to share about what goes on here at KSA. 1 CONTENTS

Students Lead The Way 1 LETTERS FROM Healthy Schools 1 THE PRINCIPALS Letters from Anne O’Neill 2 Dear Parents and Families, and Martin Campbell It has now been three terms since the launch of the for the House cup. House system and I am delighted to inform you that we The House points system is up Primary Phase Information 3 are making excellent progress towards the House system and running and students can being an extended family. In this edition of Microscope gain House points for regular you will read about Sixth Formers from one House attendance, punctuality, attending Nursery and 4 academically mentoring students in the same House for enrichment clubs and completing work which meets or Reception News better GCSEs, of the Heroes programme helping mentor exceeds their target grade. These new systems and the students in the Primary Phase, of sports leaders taking House points are creating a culture of competition both responsibility for coaching and co-ordinating events within forms and between Houses. Lower School News 5 and of anti bullying programmes including a dedicated The very impressive attendance of parents and families e-mail address for reporting acts of bullying. As I write at the target-setting meetings in term 2 was followed up the primary and secondary Houses are planning a joint in January with a start of year meeting for all Year 10 and Upper School News 6 assembly where students from Years 7 to 11 ‘show 11 students to discuss academic progress. and tell’ students in Years 1 to 6 what life is like in the An incredible amount has been achieved in just three Secondary Phase. terms and this is testament to the hard work of all staff Other Primary News 7 Leadership positions such as sports captains, PR captains, at the academy but especially the Heads of House. I am charity captains and house captains have also been delighted with the progress being made and the support created and training is scheduled for students running all we have received from parents and I look forward, in the Parents’ Page 8 House councils in how to manage meetings, take minutes next edition, to informing you of the continued progress and organise agendas. Sports captains are also actively of the Academy. involved in organising House sporting events and this Secondary Phase 9 will grow to include dedicated House teams competing Martin Campbell – Principal – Secondary Phase Information

House Page The International Primary well received by the children. Pupils tell us they enjoy 10 Curriculum (IPC) continues to the freedom of being able to record work of their enthuse the children and provide choice under a general title; it has certainly helped their News from School of 11 them with opportunities for visits research and writing skills. and new experiences, e.g. I wrote to you recently about the importance of hearing Core Studies Year 1 pupils learned acrobatic and your children read at home. I do hope you have been juggling skills from a visiting circus able to commit some time to this very important issue. troupe and Year 3 pupils will soon visit Kew Gardens in Staff continue to do phonics work, organise guided News from Schools of 12 connection with their Rainforest topic. Year 4 is studying reading sessions and plan unaided writing tasks so they Humanities & Business fashion in art and designing hats. may assess your children’s progress and attainment. Communications We would like you to experience this curriculum too, so Please continue to contact the class teacher if you have you will soon receive an invitation to spend an afternoon any questions or concerns about your children’s literacy in your child’s class. We hope the venture will give you or numeracy work. News from School of 13 greater insight into what and how your children learn. I’m Some of you asked for more notice about specific Creative, Expressive sure you will enjoy it and appreciate just how much the events or visits in school; I am pleased to advise you process of learning has changed in recent years. We plan that all of the term’s dates and events are on the and Physical Studies to organise this during the week of 7th March, so please website and will continue to be updated. We have would you make a note in your diary. Thank you. also ensured that letters are sent home as soon as full We also seek your views on other, more general aspects information is available. Sixth Form 14 of school life – during the same week we will send you Several new pupils have joined the school in recent a questionnaire and invite comments about some of weeks; I hope you are settling in, working hard and our more recent initiatives such as the website and this making friends. We also welcome Mrs Jan Donnerstag Academy News 15-16 magazine. We will collect them from you at the Parents’ who joined us in February as a Teaching Assistant. Consultation Evening on 17th March. Mrs Donnerstag is based primarily in Year 4. As you know, we have reviewed how we ask pupils to Best Wishes complete homework: the Learning Logs, introduced before Christmas across the primary phase, have been Anne O’Neill – Principal – Primary Phase

More Opportunities Through the Brooke Weston Partnership Two more inter-academy events are due to take place this Around 135 pupils will compete in archery, dodgeball, unite to stage an evening of dance. week, offering students the chance to work with others from rowing competitions and more. The show, which is being held at The Cube in Corby, will the Brooke Weston Partnership. The event has been organised in conjunction with feature a range of dance styles including jazz, contemporary, Year 7s from KSA, and Brooke Thrapston School Sports Development and the Kettering street, break-dancing, pedestrian and lindy hop. Weston Academy will be taking part in a Sports Festival on School Sports Partnership. These activities are the first of many which are being planned Thursday, February 17th. On the same day, students from the three academies will to encourage closer working between the academies.

2 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope PRIMARY INFORMATION

Good Fuel For Little Learners Children have been taking an active interest So I set them a challenge of trying to pack in what goes into their lunchboxes as part of a their own lunchboxes (or at least help!) for a drive to encourage healthy eating. week, and making sure they include at least Year 4 Teacher Caroline Leeming did a check one of their five a day.” of her class’ lunchboxes one day this term Now other teachers are working with their and out of 25 children, only four had any classes on similar ideas and after another check, fruit or vegetables. only one of Mrs Leeming’s pupils did not have Mrs Leeming said: “We had a bit of a any fruit or vegetables packed in their lunchbox. discussion and the children felt that they She said: “This is a huge improvement but had no control over what goes in their obviously it needs to continue permanently, lunchboxes as their parents packed them. not just for one week.”

Late Gate PE Kit, Equipment Last month staff spent a week monitoring lateness at the school gate. and Ties The exercise will be repeated in the near future and Parents are asked to ensure that children have the there will also be one-off late gate mornings on Monday, correct PE kit, swimming kit, musical instrument and February 28th and Wednesday, March 30th. all other items at school with them when required. Families are reminded of the importance of getting children KSA wants to make sure children don’t miss out on to school on time to aid learning. lessons because they do not have the correct kit and equipment. Also, an increasing number of children are borrowing school ties and not returning them to the office at the end of the day. The office has a limited number of ties to lend to children so if your child borrows a tie Term Dates and does not return it we will need to charge for it. School ties are available to buy from the school office for £3.65. Fri, Feb 18th Last day of Term Mon, Feb 28th Term 4 starts Thur, Mar 17th Parents’ Consultation Evening Academy Letters Fri, Mar 18th Staff Training Day and Newsletters Tue, Apr 5th Wendy Scales Easter Experience Letters to parents are given out to pupils at the end of the school day. If your child is absent, a letter will be placed in his/her tray; please remind Wed, Apr 6th Wendy Scales Easter Experience your child to check their tray on a regular basis. Alternatively you can check Thur, Apr 7th 9.30am Awards Assembly Lower School the Kettering Science Academy website. All letters and newsletters are available on the Primary Phase of the Kettering Science Academy website, Thur, Apr 7th 10.30am Awards Assembly Upper School www.ketteringscienceacademy.org and can be accessed by following the link below: Fri, Apr 8th Last day of Term Parent Information Tue, Apr 26th Teacher Training Day Letters to Parents Select your child’s year group Select the required letter SATs Please ensure that all authorisation slips are returned by the deadline date; Key Stage 2 SATs week is from May 9th to 13th – Year 6 parents some trips have had to be cancelled as the numbers were too low, only for are reminded that no holidays should be booked that week. more replies to be received after the deadline.

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 3 NURSERY & RECEPTION

Nursery: Food For Thought The Nursery children have enjoyed exploring the topic ‘Food’ this term. They have been busy in our Café role-play area creating their own menus and have enjoyed messy play with porridge oats, flour, jelly and noodles and vegetables. The children have created some fantastic observational paintings of fruit using watercolour paints. To finish the topic they brought their favourite snacks into nursery which they enjoyed alongside their friends during an extra snack time. We have also been enjoying the topic ‘Up, Up and Away’ and are learning about space, dressing up as spacemen in the space centre, making aliens, rockets and learning some new songs!

Tracy Sheridan – Nursery Teacher

RECEPTION: To Buy or Not To Buy Reception’s topic this term was ‘shopping’ and we It’s been a really good topic because the children have started by going on a trip to the supermarket. The learnt the value of money. children had written a shopping list before we went and they all had £1 so they had to work out what things Liz Blakeley – Learning Leader and Reception Teacher cost. It gave them a real-life experience and the topic was developed in the classroom where they priced and labelled things and made their own products, which were sold at the indoor market this week.

4 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope LOWER SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 1 Circus Tricks Year 1 has been looking at the circus this term. We had circus company Splats in to teach us some circus skills and we have been looking at how the circus was created in history as well as designing our own aerial circus map in geography. In literacy we have been thinking about traditional tales and we have even had a visit from the Big Bad Wolf himself – it was all very scary!

Claire Yarland – Year 1 Teacher

YEAR 2 Mythical Creatures Year 2 has been very busy learning all about Myths and Legends. We have found out about lots of different mythical creatures and have even created our own fantasy islands. We learnt that the Greeks like to paint their myths and legends onto pots and so we had a go at painting the story of George and the dragon on our own terracotta pots. We have had loads of fun!

Andrea Maloney – Year 2 Teacher

YEAR 3 Money, Money, Money This term our topic has been ‘Money Makes The World Go Round.’ This has involved looking at buying and trading, money from all over the world and old British currency. We began our topic by creating bags made out of recycled clothing. The children sewed, decorated and sold the bags and made a profit of £61.00! The children hope to double their money in the final week of term which will be Dragon’s Den Week! They will work collaboratively to design a new invention and then pitch it to the four Dragons (Miss O’Neill, Mrs Fallowell, Mrs Greaves and Mr Talbot!) Fingers crossed!

Melissa Warman – Year 3 Teacher

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 5 UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 4 Science Week Year 4 has been chilling out and working up a sweat as we have been working on our science topic of Keeping Warm. This has involved several investigations and activities which the children have enjoyed immensely. Do you know how whales keep themselves warm? Well 4CL found out by making and testing blubber gloves. Does a coat really keep you warm? 4AW investigated this by dressing up in their coats indoors and testing whether their temperature actually changed.

Caroline Leeming – Year 4 Teacher

YEAR 5 Space Out We have completed our exciting topic ‘Our Place in Space’. The children have enjoyed being immersed in the topic through a variety of experiences; we started with a fantastic visit to the ‘Think Tank Museum’ in Birmingham. During our visit the children experienced the Planetarium, received a workshop related to the Solar System and explored the interactive displays within the museum. The children also took part in an evening of star gazing in cooperation with the staff from the Secondary Phase. We investigated facts relating to how day and night are formed, the seasons and the relationship of these to the position of the Earth whilst orbiting the Sun.

Helen Green – Year 5 Teacher

YEAR 6 Keeping Active This term the children in Year 6 participated in a dance workshop with a company called New Ground Dance. Each class took part in a workshop that involved them working in small groups and learning a whole class dance routine. The theme of the workshop was Space and in groups the children developed their own movements and stances to show stars, rockets and planets. The session was lots of fun and allowed the children to demonstrate how creative they are. Also this term, Year 6 has received basketball coaching in the lead up to a tournament later in the year. Paul, the coach, has worked with the children on dribbling, passing and shooting skills and introduced them to some of the basic rules of the game.

Richard Hollwey – Year 6 Teacher

6 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope PRIMARY NEWS Reading Skills Parents are being encouraged to spend time those who do not. reading with their children to help pupils Deputy Principal Mike Talbot said: “Reading develop vital skills. is the key to all their other learning and KSA wants to strengthen the reading partnership anything extra that can be done at home, between home and school and recommends the better.” that parents encourage their child to read to KSA has launched a Six Book Reading Challenge them for a few minutes each evening. They can for parents who may be less confident readers, also help by asking their child some questions or want help getting into reading. about the text they read or encourage them to The aim is that participants read six books by Parents can access the library in the Secondary summarise it in their own words. the end of June and after recording their Phase, including during holidays. Children who read at home frequently are reading, they are entered in a national and If you are interested in joining the scheme call more able to access other subjects than Academy prize draw. Juliet Walsh on 01536 532700 or just drop in.

Sports Hall Athletics A group of KSA pupils did themselves proud at a recent Sports Hall Athletics competition at KLV. Children were enthusiastic as they attempted a series of challenges, including long jump. Teacher Helen Green, who took them, said: “The children were great ambassadors for KSA, worked hard and tried their best. We are very proud of their achievements having won a few races and events.”

School Clubs Galore Parents Children have been staying active and having fun which are held before school starts on a Invited in to thanks to the variety of schools clubs on offer. Tuesday morning. This term saw the launch of Futsal, which is an Children in Year 5 have been having swimming See Learning exciting version of indoor football that allows lessons at Rothwell Swimming Pool, with the players to learn tricks and improve their skills aim that every child will be able to swim before in Action and technique. they leave school. The Early Years classes have invited parents Year 3 and 4 children have taken up the In addition, the after-school Netball Club has in this term so they can see how their opportunity to attend the free sessions, also started and is proving to be popular. children learn. Nursery and Reception are teaming up for the workshop on February 17th, which will focus on one of six areas of learning. This term it’s creative development and parents will be able to see the types of activities the children take part in before watching a performance in the school hall. They will also be able to see children’s work on display and talk to teachers. Liz Blakeley, the Learning Leader for the Early Years Foundation Stage, said there is lots of emphasis on the parent voice and it is something that is being developed across other year groups.

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 7 PARENTS’ PAGE - PRIMARY AND SECONDARY

Help for Parents Online Safety Parents who want to know more about Autistic Spectrum Another E-Safety and Cyber Bullying for Parents Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder course will be held before the summer following (ADHD) can attend a presentation by the Child and the success of the last event in November. Adolescence Mental Health Service, which will be held The one-hour course is run by the E-Safety Officer at Northamptonshire County Council. soon at KSA. More details will follow in future editions of More information will be available to parents nearer Under the Microscope. the time in April. Anyone who is interested should call Barbara Deviny, KSA’s Parent Support Advisor, on 01536 513088. Opportunities for All KSA is keen to encourage students in both phases to try new activities, attempt new sports or embark on new adventures. There is a wide range of enrichment activities offered in both phases which can help improve students’ self esteem or aspirations. 123 Magic Behaviour In order to encourage maximum participation there may be some financial assistance for families to enable students to take part in ICU days or Course for Parents enrichment opportunities. The most recent run of this course for parents is now complete. For further details contact Mrs D Thomas by calling 01535 532700. For all those who attended, they shared a common theme of wanting to improve their method of discipline towards their children and were also made aware of how their own behaviour influenced what was received. The next run of the 123 Magic Behaviour Course for parents starts on Wednesday, March 2nd at a different time of 4pm to 5.30pm and runs for Coffee Mornings the following four Wednesdays thereafter. A coffee morning for parents will be held on In order for this course to go Tuesday, March 8th, from 2.30pm to 4pm. ahead we shall need names and Tracy Kennedy, the Benefits Take-Up and confirmation of attendance. Social Inclusion Officer for Kettering Borough Please contact Barbara Deviny on 07595 458684 to book a Council, will be on hand to answer questions. place on this course. It will be held in the Primary Phase but is open to parents with children in either Barbara Deviny – Parent Support Advisor Primary or Secondary.

School Uniform Parents Get Involved The second hand uniform sale in Primary on the last day of term in December was very successful and raised more than £120 for general with Reading Scheme school funds. The launch of the Six Book Reading Challenge was attended by several Another second hand uniform sale will be held around Easter time – parents who wanted to find out more about the programme. look out for information about this event nearer the time. The idea is that participants take up the challenge to read six books before the summer, with access to KSA’s library and help from the librarians. The scheme is open to both parents and the wider community and the launch evening on World Book Day February 7th was attended by a To celebrate World Book Day in March, the library is holding a Bring number of people keen to sign up. and Buy sale to raise money for Book Aid International, which supports Sixth Formers helped Librarian literacy, education and development in Africa. Juliet Walsh to run the event. The sale will take place in the STAR Centre KSA is one of the first schools in the from 3.20pm to 4pm on Tuesday, March 1st country to aim the programme at and from 3.20pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, parents, with the hope it will encourage March 2nd. more families to help with their Any suitable bric-a-brac which could be sold to children’s reading. students can be dropped off at the library. To find out more call Mrs Walsh on01536 532700.

8 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope WELCOME TO THE SECONDARY PHASE

Every Day Counts: Term 3 Dates 2011 Normandy trip 17/02/11 – 21/02/11 Thur, Feb 17th Attendance Matters ICU Day ICU Day Students have been notching up Mr Richardson said: “The idea is Fri, Feb 18th House points as part of a drive to to create a bit of competition Last day of Term improve attendance. between Houses, forms and Term 4 starts Competitions have been running individuals, with the results Mon, Feb 28th Principal Question Time – Year 9 options between forms and also between displayed each week so they can information evening Houses. see the running total. Learning Mentors meet with Year 9 families Students are awarded points for “We have been sending letters Tue, Mar 1st a week’s attendance, plus their out to parents whose children GCSE Maths Modules punctuality to lessons. are falling below a certain Learning Mentors meet with Year 9 families Wed, Mar 2nd Stewart Richardson, Assistant level of attendance and there’s GCSE Science Modules (Year 11) Principal for Behaviour and lots going on to make this Learning Mentors meet with Year 9 families Attendance, said if a student has high profile. Thur, Mar 3rd 80% attendance, it is still the “We encourage parents to make GCSE Science Modules (Year 11) equivalent of one day off per week. every effort to get their child Learning Mentors meet with Year 9 families Fri, Mar 4th Research shows that students with into school.” GCSE Science Modules (Years 10/11) less than 90% attendance have Gold, silver and bronze certificates much less chance of achieving their are handed out to those with the Tue, Mar 15th Year 12/13 parents’ consultation: 3.30pm – 6pm predicted academic target. best attendance records. Year 9 parents’ consultation: 3.30pm – 6pm Thur, Mar 24th A/AS biology field work Fri, Mar 25th A/AS biology field work Year 7 Gifted and Talented event – learning styles at KSA’s New Build Corby Business Academy Taking Shape Wed, Mar 30th Year 7 Gifted and Talented parents’ event at Corby Business Academy The development of the Academy’s new building is at an exciting stage with Year 8 options – parents’ consultation the start of the steelwork structure showing the building taking shape. The main structure will be up in the next few weeks, with steelwork for Mon, Apr 4th Year 8 parent consultations with Learning Mentors the dance studio, changing rooms, kitchen, theatre and plant room already Fri, Apr 8th Last day of Term coming together. Tue, Apr 26th Teacher Training Day Once the main structure is in, pre-cast concrete plates will go down and the brick work will get under way. KSA’s Project Manager Matt Isherwood said: “From the Academy’s perspective, we’re delighted at the rapid progress that Willmott Dixon Principal’s Question Time is making on site, from what was a green field in September to the Principal’s Question Time is a regular event held three times shape of the building starting to appear. a year, with the next one held on Monday, February 28th – “It’s a fantastic time for the Academy and we’re which is also Year 9 Options Information Evening. all looking forward to Principal Martin Campbell has conducted two since starting September 2012. at KSA, with both events well attended. “There’s been a lot of It is a chance for parents to question him about any issues interest from students they may have. as they watch it go up and there’s been genuine enthusiasm from Primary Phase children who have been taking part in the enrichment programme with Willmott Dixon.”

Remembering Joanne Ready for Lessons It is a year since the tragic death of pupil A selection of stationery is on sale Joanne Watson and her friends were keen to do something to remember her. at Student Reception to help ensure A minute’s silence was held during Tutor pupils are fully equipped and Time and a basket of bulbs and plants was placed by the tree at the front of the prepared for lessons. school. Joanne is very much missed by pupils and staff at KSA.

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 9 HOUSE PAGE

Sanger House: All The Right Ingredients Welcome to For Fundraising Success Socrates Students have been compiling funds for the House’s nominated recipes for a charity cookbook which charity, Macmillan Cancer Support. Why Socrates? will feature mouth-watering dishes. Sanger House is also collecting When the decision was made for the Pupils in Sanger House have been 5p pieces until the end of the Academy to go to vertical tutoring, lots digging out family favourites for the school year as a long term project of decisions needed to be made quickly cookbook which will be sold to raise for its charity. – students needed to be organised into groups, learning mentors needed to be attached to these groups, and I was asked to help lead these changes for this large group of people. How was an identity going Da Vinci House to be created that would suit the wide Da Vinci’s Tree of Responsibility is now on for its nominated charity. range of people within it? display in the main corridor, showing who’s Families have been asked to save any empty The task was made easier once I was who in the different House roles. cartridges so that pupils can bring them into assigned a faculty or two that would The House is also collecting empty colour the Academy. become my new found family. It soon cartridges that can be donated to raise money became apparent that finding the name of a famous scientist that I could relate to the subject areas was not going to be easy. We This term has been a busy term for can thank Mr Shepherd for coming up with Franklin House all students in Franklin House. Socrates! He suggested this and linked it to Inter Form Story Book research into supporting both PE and maths. A Greek philosopher and mathematician and a Brazilian Competition premature babies and support families. Students footballer who was also a doctor – inspired! This term in CAPS students in Franklin House in the House are currently It even linked to science. We also managed have been studying rights and responsibilities. raising money through to get a House colour, logo, motto and As part of this work students worked in an inter form photo House charity all chosen in the same day! mixed age groups within their tutor groups to competition of the BLISS produce story books based on an individuals’ bear. There have been Where are we now? rights and responsibilities. many excellent entries so Our identity is developing as we move The overall winners of the competition were far and learning mentors forward – we now have a House Captain Georgia Bishop and Abilasha Kapur from and I are looking forward to and Vice Captain, Curtis and Arlette, both Franklin One. judging the competition at of whom have taken to their role in a Charity Work the end of the term. professional manner. I have also been able The chosen charity of Franklin House this year to appoint Sports Captains, an Events Co- is BLISS, which is a charity which helps to fund Rosemary Reid – Head of Franklin House ordinator, a Charity Rep and even someone to do the PR for the House. Alongside this we also have a Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 representative from each Hawking’s Fundraising Plans form group to sit on the House Council. The Hawking’s charity fundraisers have been of having an event where the public can aim of this council is to allow the House to appointed and are ready to throw themselves sell things like sculptures, drawings and continue to develop and give the students into the challenge. photographs, with some of the money going an opportunity to have a voice in how this Lorna Watts (Year 11) has been appointed as to our charities.” continues alongside discussing other whole Charity Captain and Megan Marshall (Year 8) is Megan said: “The Valentine’s Day sale is a academy issues. Vice Captain for Charity. taster of what’s to come and it’s a learning Our students have taken on board the Lorna designed Valentine’s message tokens experience for the next fundraiser we do. community ethos that we wanted to which were sold and then distributed on “We’re aiming high and while we’re the main achieve by mixing year groups within a form February 14th. Da Vinci House also sold people sorting this out, we want all students and older students look out for younger Valentine’s message tokens, cards and roses. to be involved so we’ll ask them to vote on any ones. Watching them work together during Now the two pupils are looking to hold an ideas we have.” form time, encouraging one another and auction as their next event and they want to Hawking’s charities are Walking Tall, which supporting each other’s learning is great. It involve KSA’s wider community. helps orphans in India, and a charity set up by works both ways – Year 11 has been known Lorna said: “Mr Campbell wants KSA to be Megan’s mum, Dawn Green. to learn from Year 7. a community Dawn was diagnosed with a rare form of I look forward to leading the House to school so we cancer in January 2008 and told she had great things in the future and will always thought about just months to live. strive to encourage Socrates to ‘Rise how we could But following treatment she found out about above the Rest!’ involve the wider on the internet, she underwent surgery and has community. now set up her own website to raise awareness Fran Allan – Head of Socrates House “We are thinking of the type of cancer she was diagnosed with.

10 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope CORE

Maths Talent Adds Up GCSE Gifted and Talented students from the three right in the previous round. Revision Tips academies in the Brooke Weston Partnership The towers were then tested before the final came together for a day of maths challenges. challenge – an estimation round where they had With the countdown to GCSE exams They started with 15 problem-solving questions to guess the sizes or weights of items. well under way, these tips will help in a round called Maths Olympics, with the Lorraine Taylor, Assistant Director of with revision success: questions getting gradually harder. Mathematics, said: “They did very well at • Buy a revision guide, such as a science Next they tackled logic problems at 15 stations the logical thinking – the first round was revision guide which is available from the set up around the hall and for each correct very challenging for some of them and science technicians answer they were awarded ‘money’ to be spent wasn’t the sort of thing they normally • Read over your class work each week on the next challenge, which was to build the do in the classroom. and then the relevant section of the highest and/or strongest tower using materials “The other aim was to get them working revision guide such as dry spaghetti and marshmallows. in teams so that different students had the The amount of materials they could buy was chance to take on leadership roles.” • With the revision guide closed, make determined by how many questions they’d got revision notes for the areas that you have revised – this must be in a style that suits you e.g. annotated diagrams, mind map, flow charts. When you have finished compare the notes you have made with those in the revision guide and add anything you’ve missed • Display revision notes in a prominent place so you see them every day • Update revision notes each week and use your lesson objective sheets to check you’ve covered all the necessary material Author’s Story Proves • Get someone to test you on the things you’ve revised Fascinating For Year 7 • Practise answering exam-style questions. An author brought books to life for his book – his father is from Gujarat where These are available from Edexcel: with a visit to KSA. the novel is set – and how it came into fruition. www.edexcel.com/I-AM-A/STUDENT/ Irfan Master, who has recently KSA’s Librarian Juliet Walsh said: “The subject Pages/pastpapers.aspx or GCSE Bitesize been short-listed for the of his novel is not really one that’s been or www.mymaths.co.uk Waterstone’s Children’s Book touched on in children’s fiction so our • Attend all the relevant after-school Prize, talked to Year 7 students students also found out about the historical revision sessions offered by each about his book A Beautiful Lie. backdrop that it’s set against.” department It is set at the time of the Partition of India • Ask your teachers for help if you find and tells the story of a young boy who tries something difficult to protect his father from the extent of the • Remember – these are your grades. All devastation around them. the work you do benefits you. Irfan, who travelled to India to research his book, spoke to students about the inspiration

Irfan said: “The group was so attentive and engaged, and the library had a great atmosphere about it. I had a wonderful time.”

Science Results To Be Proud Of A breakdown of the GCSE Science results from last summer has shown the extent of the progress students made in this subject at KSA. It shows that from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4: • 64% of students who came in on level 5 made three levels of progress (2% above the average figure for the county and 1% below national) • 65% of students who came in on level 4 made three levels of progress (16% above county and 18% above national) • 57% of students who came in on level 3 made three levels of progress (28% above county and 27% above national.

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 11 HUMANITIES

KETTERING SCIENCE ACADEMY’s Bid For International School Award KSA is aiming for the British Council’s International School Award in recognition for the work that goes on to develop students’ understanding of other cultures. To achieve the award, KSA has to demonstrate that internationalism is embedded within the curriculum in all subject areas and show at least seven activities and events across the school year that contain strands of internationalism. KSA is already part of the Connecting Classrooms project and has linked up with schools in Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to link up with a school in Uganda and a Japanese day is being planned for May. In Art, students have been designing cityscapes as part of the environment theme (pictured), which will then be sent to the Saudi schools.

A Day in the Life of… a Humanities Teacher Thursdays start with Year 10 geography. They Next I have one of my Year 7 Humanities groups. Geography group. They are a brilliant group, full of personality as well as We have been studying a unit called the Making have just begun the being very good geographers. They are currently of the UK which has included all elements of Natural Hazards unit and studying Population and Settlement and today Humanities, History, Geography and RS. They are currently looking at we are looking at shanty towns, examining the have looked at Henry VIII up until Mary Queen volcanoes. Today they problems associated with them. The first lesson of Scots and the plot to oust Elizabeth. Today we have studied the case studies of Nevada del Ruiz had a bit of fun with scraps of material to build are looking at the UK in terms of its human and and Mount Etna. These were compared in terms a shanty house. This gave students an insight physical features. They carried out research into of impacts and why there was such a difference into the problems these homes have when some popular physical and human features in in the level of response. This went down well building with whatever you can lay your hands Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. with the students as they could transfer the on. The second lesson looked at how you can This will then be presented as an information theory to a real life example. improve a shanty settlement and they had to put booklet during their next lesson. themselves in charge of all the decisions. Thursdays always end with my Year 11 GCSE Natasha Franklin – Humanities Teacher

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

Outstanding Work By Stars of BITE HHHHHH ICT Students Business and Communication revision sessions. She is so eager to learn. Systems Year 10 Macorley Caton and Luke Pennifold for How to look after your tortoise and the rules of James Lewis for his great progress through dramatic improvement in their coursework. cricket were just two of the topics covered by the course so far. Sixth Formers who produced some very creative Applied ICT multi media CDs. Business and Communication Chloe Leigh, Chelsea Love, Sarah-Beth Year 13 students studying OCR Nationals ICT each put Systems Year 11 Preston, Elisha Taylor, Alex York, Toby Cope, together an educational CD which had to incorporate Shawnee Pearce – 1 mark off an A* in a Sky Gillett, Connor Smith, Harsh Patel and a video which they had edited, sound, graphics and recent mock exam paper. An excellent mark Shaun Spence for attending extra sessions. animation. There were some imaginative creations, and well deserved for a student who always including a guitar tutorial and a guide to using the works incredibly hard. Year 10 ICT Adobe Fireworks software programme. Jake Bates for the high standard of work Vice Principal Steve Dodman said: Year 11 Business produced every lesson, often getting to the “The level of work was Josh Green for the extra effort he put in extension tasks. excellent; several students upgrading his coursework. will get distinctions out Josh Dexter and Kayliegh Maull for their Year 10 iMedia of this.” improved focus on coursework. Ritchard Mitchell, Ranveer Sahota and Chloe Murphy and Aiden Perkins for putting Kieran Perry – for using their initiative, in extra effort. creativity, ideas surpassing levels of others Jason Holtby for brilliant written work. and effective analysis of projects.

Year 11 Core ICT KS3 ICT Lucy Hatton for the effort she put in to exceed Shaun Hammond for outstanding effort in her target grade throughout the last term. every lesson. He is always enthusiastic and is Lorna Watts – always on task during ICT always smiling!

12 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope CREATIVE, EXPRESSIVE & PHYSICAL STUDIES A Very Grave Matter

Drama students let their imaginations run wild when they were tasked with writing and filming a short play. Head of Expressive Arts Aaron Panther-Howell challenged her Year 8 class to come up with a story after giving them the starting point of the name ‘Jack Stone’ and one prop – a gravestone. The class eagerly set to work, with one group coming up with the idea that some friends dig up a zombie after stumbling upon the grave. Another group of students came up with a poignant story about a girl whose dad is an alcoholic, focussing on her battle to avoid following in his footsteps. Mrs Panther-Howell said: “We started this project three weeks ago and the pupils have been really engaged. They have been developing their characters and looking at different camera angles.”

Tommie Basketball Update A recent match saw KSA’s Year 8 basketball team put in a good effort Helps Out against Latimer Arts College. Man of the Match was A Year 7 student lent his talents to the Primary Malcolm Zimuto. Phase after impressing his Drama teachers. PE Teacher Michael Tommie Elliott filmed the Primary’s Christmas play Oldershaw said: and helped with the lighting at the end of last term. “Although they lost He was asked to help out after showing enthusiasm for the technical the game, it was a side of things in his drama lessons. good performance because Latimer are the current district Year 9 Rugby champions.” The Year 9 boys’ Boys from Year 9 have been taking part in a district rugby tournament that basketball team narrowly has been introduced to raise the profile of rugby in the Kettering area. lost 32-26 to Bishop The tournament is being held at Tresham College and involves five schools Stopford last month. – KSA, Kettering Buccleuch Academy, , Latimer Arts After a tough start they College and . pulled it back in the KSA’s Man of the Match against Prince William was Josh Clubley and fourth quarter. although the boys lost, they put up a brave performance and are looking Man of the match was forward to their remaining games this month. Harry Camozzi. Michael Oldershaw – PE Teacher 3 Runners Selected For Regional Championships A group of KSA students have been picked for the Northamptonshire cross country team following success in a county-wide competition. Gabe Smith (pictured) and Hannah Winstone from Year 7, Jake McAllister from Year 11 and Sixth Former Jason Underwood competed in the County Cross Country Championships in January after being selected to represent the Kettering and Corby District. In their respective age categories, Gabe came 6th, Hannah came 17th, Jason came 13th and Jake came 29th. Gabe, Hannah and Jason have now been selected for the county team and are looking forward to the regional competition in February. PE Teacher Michael Oldershaw said: “The KSA athletes were a tribute to the Academy as they achieved some excellent results. Well done to all involved.”

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 13 SIXTH FORM

Sixth Form Profiles We spoke to three Sixth Formers about their career aspirations.

Tanya Stirmey, Year 13 Studying: A Levels in English, Leisure and Health and Social Care. Sixth Form Committees What are you hoping to do next? Making Their Mark I’d like to do either an apprenticeship in health and social care or go to college to do Sixth Formers have embraced the chance “Being on a committee helps to get your a health and social care course. I want to to take on leadership roles and get involved voice across about any issues you might have work with people, whether it’s the elderly or with Academy life with the formation of about the Sixth Form.” people with disabilities. several committees. Another idea the Environment Committee The Environment Committee – made up of Year is looking into is helping out in elderly Hannah Sutherland, 12 students Adelle Northern, Lauren Stevens, people’s gardens. Year 13 Naomi Entiriwaa and Autumn Barnes (pictured) The Business Committee has undertaken Studying: A Levels in – is looking at ways to improve the Sixth Form some market research with a view to setting Business, IT and Health area and has already met with Principal Martin up and running its own after-school tuck and Social Care. Campbell to discuss their ideas. shop for younger students who stay behind One suggestion is to transform the area outside to attend clubs. What are you hoping to do next? the common room into a garden setting. They plan to present their business plan to I’m hoping to go to Adelle said: “We thought it would be good Mr Campbell soon. university to do something in childcare. to get other Sixth Formers involved so that There are also Charity and Social Committees. everyone’s working together on it. Josh Farey, Year 13 Studying: A Levels in Spotlight on Sixth Form Courses IT, Business and Performing Arts. Two students talk about some of the courses they are studying in the Sixth Form. What are you hoping to do next? Andrew Garrod, Year 13 Ryan Grove, Year 13 I’m having a gap year to go travelling Course: History Course: Politics because I’d like to volunteer in Africa. Then I want to go to university to do Why did you choose this course: It’s a very Why did you choose this course: It was primary school teaching. interesting course and has always been new and interesting to a post-GCSE student. extremely well taught at this school. It presents Understanding the workings of government a challenge; however it remains a fun and is an important skill to have, especially when captivating study. approaching the voting age. Topics covered so far: The late Tsarist Russia Topics covered so far: People, Politics and up until the revolutions of 1917 and life in Nazi Participation in Britain, Governing Modern Germany, 1933-45. Britain and Politics of the USA. Most interesting thing you’ve learnt: The factors Most interesting thing you’ve learnt: The scope that led to the collapse of Russia’s autocracy and extent of the government’s influence on the in 1917 and the events that culminated in common people and the differences between UK Communist rule. and US governments. Best bit about the course: Enjoyment, Best bit about the course: Being able to high standard of teaching and the sense of participate in political debates and being achievement stemming from your work. able to understand power and politics. To do well in this course you need... To have It also complements other subjects such as an open mind, to view things objectively and to History and Sociology. have good literacy abilities. To do well in this course you need... Good Any future careers ideas? Teaching, law, politics analytical techniques, a willingness to learn new – anything’s possible! things and an interest in the area.

14 Issue Seven • Under the Microscope ACADEMY NEWS

Dancers Perform At Holocaust Memorial Day A group of dancers were part of a campaign to raise awareness of the Holocaust at a special event. The Year 10 BTEC dance students worked on a piece to perform at the Holocaust Memorial Day at Wicksteed Park on January 26th. As part of the Hope Not Hate project, the students also ran a workshop for younger children from schools across Kettering, teaching them part of their dance during the afternoon. The group of KSA students then took to the stage later on to perform their piece of contemporary dance. Young people who were invited to the take part in the event were asked to use any art form to raise awareness of the Holocaust and promote unity.

Dance Workshops Chocolate Factory Countdown Primary children were treated to a performance by a group of secondary Preparations are well under way for KSA’s next drama production, students who have been working with a professional dance company The Golden Ticket. for 10 weeks. The adaptation of Roald Dahl’s popular classic, Charlie and the Chocolate The keen dancers signed up to the course at the end of last year and Factory, will be staged at the Masque Theatre in Barton Seagrave in May. after putting together a piece for a showcase at The Cripps Theatre in Rehearsals have already been running for several weeks after auditions Northampton, they are now working with primary schools in the area. for the main parts were held by Sixth Form Performing Arts students. The students, who are from different year groups, have been taught by Lines are being learnt, musical pieces are being fine-tuned and artwork the New Ground Dance Company. is being designed – we look forward to seeing the result of all the hard They performed to the Primary Phase and then helped to run space- work in May. themed workshops with the younger children.

Heroes Programme Back With A Bang The second year of the Heroes programme Brittany said: “Some pupils might feel more to support them through the transition to the has seen pupils spread an anti-bullying comfortable talking to us and they can Secondary Phase. message at KSA. speak to us about anything; it doesn’t have Five girls taking part in the programme, which to be just about bullying.” was introduced to raise aspirations, have even Year 11 Heroes have been working with set up an email address for anyone who might younger pupils in the Primary Phase, talking have concerns about bullying. them about what to do if they think someone The Year 10 pupils – Charley Wood, Bronwyn is being bullied. Ryan, Karis Millen, Kirsten Marshall and Primary Phase Teacher Caroline Leeming Brittany Whitham (pictured) – take turns added: “The Heroes have set a good to monitor the email account example to the children who really look [email protected] up to them.” throughout the day and have been given The Year 10 Heroes will also start working special training in confidentiality. with Primary Phase children in the summer

Under the Microscope • Issue Seven 15 ACADEMY NEWS

A Letter from KSA’s Black Belt Success Chair of Governors An ambition has been realised by a Year 10 student who achieved Welcome to this edition of his black belt in karate. Under the Microscope. Michael Steele started attending karate classes two years ago and goes I am reliably informed 3 or 4 times a week to the Rokakai club in Kettering and Corby. that we are on track To be awarded his black belt, he had to perform a sequence of moves and with the building. The demonstrate his fighting abilities in front of a panel of judges. extensive works that are Michael said: “It’s something I’d been working towards for a while and I was really happy to get taking place are causing it. Karate has really boosted my confidence and I’ve made lots of friends outside of school.” some disruption to the local area but we are Michael takes part in local competitions and has also competed in Manchester and Birmingham. attempting to minimise this as much as possible. Now he is eyeing the next goal – achieving the Dan rank as a senior when he turns 16. Anybody travelling down Deeble Road will have noticed the steel framework towering above the fenceline. At a recent governors’ meeting, it was noted Students Invited To Decommissioning that the standards of dress were being maintained in both schools. Ceremony at RAF Base I would like to report that we have a local Two Sea Cadets were invited to a poignant authority representative on the governing ceremony to mark the decommissioning of the body, Duncan Mills, who joined us at the last Harrier jump jet last week. meeting in January. We are still looking for Myles Tew and David Bilsby, who are members parent governors from both phases. If you are of the TS Pytchley Sea Cadets, went along to interested, please contact me via the school for the ceremony at RAF Wittering on January details. At the last meeting, discussions were 28th to mark the decommissioning of 800 held on various subjects including the need for Naval Air Squadron and two other squadrons. governors to become involved in curriculum David said: “There were quite a few people work and to report back to us on progress. crying and it was a bit sad. Another important part of our work is updating “There were TV crews there – there was quite policies and this is now underway. a strange mood.” Some members of the governing body have The Cadets were also told that because of Myles, who was recently awarded the recently undertaken training on safeguarding their group’s affiliation with 800 Naval Air Commodore’s Pennant from his District Officer children – another very important part of Squadron, it would be taking on the name of and would like to join the Navy when he’s our work. the now disbanded squadron – which they older, said: “We’re the future of the squadron Just before Christmas, it was my honour to said is a real honour. now and we’re proud to take on its name.” attend a small awards ceremony in the primary phase, those there gaining certificates for various achievements and I congratulate them. Should you wish to speak to myself or any of the Apprenticeship Award other governors please approach us through the schools and we will be only too pleased to meet A former pupil was nominated for an award KSA – Jess is also a champion in the martial with you. for her apprenticeship success. arts, Tang Soo Do. I look forward to talking to you again in the future. Jess Sanderson is currently undertaking a She recently won first place for sparring at the food, preparation and cooking apprenticeship German Nationals competition and she counts Alan Short – Chair of Governors at Northampton College and she’s a familiar her biggest achievement as winning silver in face in KSA’s restaurant. her first World Competition in 2009. She was nominated for an award at the Now she’s looking forward to the next World college’s Annual Apprenticeship Award Competition and has been working hard to Ceremony at the start of February. secure a place on the national team. The 19-year-old has always been interested in catering and when someone suggested Feedback she speak to the staff in the restaurant while she was in We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Under the Microscope. the Sixth Form, it led to her To put this magazine together we rely on information from landing a job. students, staff, parents and carers so if you have anything It’s not the only thing that you would like to feature or have any feedback then please she’s known for at email the editor Steve Dodman at [email protected] / 01536 532700

Kettering Science Academy Primary Phase Windmill Avenue, Kettering, NN15 7EA. Tel: 01536 513088 Kettering Science Academy Secondary Phase Deeble Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire. NN15 7AA. Tel: 01536 532700