News and Views from Bedford Academy Spring 2016
Activate Ambassador, Jimmy Anderson, visits the Academy See page 3
Inside this issue: • England Cricketer Jimmy Anderson • Bedford Academy gets its • Careers Team recognised visits Bedford Academy very own climbing wall in National Awards Welcome A message from Bedford Academy Principal, Mrs Smith. The Spring term has been an exciting one at Bedford Academy. We had a visit from England cricketer Jimmy Anderson, the Academy was awarded full Investor in Careers status and the Careers team won a National Best in CEIAG Practice award, students enjoyed another great ski trip and we had a fantastic new climbing wall installed in the Sports Hall! Further details are included in this Newsletter together with other highlights from the Academy. The Summer term looks set to be just as busy with examination sessions throughout April to June and culminating with events to celebrate the year. All of our students who are due to sit examinations have already been supported with advice on revision tips and access to revision classes during enrichments after school and during the Easter break. We believe that no Bedford Academy student will enter an exam room ill- prepared and I am confident that students will get the results they need. Exams are a stressful time for students. Parents and carers can also help in alleviating some of the stresses by ensuring revision timetables are adhered to, that your son or daughter has space and time to study and encouraging them to have a few early nights over the exam period. I wish the very best of luck to everyone sitting exams this year.
Mrs Smith, Principal.
Calling All Parents and Carers – We Need You! In the last newsletter, I mentioned that I would be looking to reinstate coffee mornings and the parent forum. The time has come to call upon your support for this and I would like to ask that if you are interested in becoming more involved in the School Community that you contact me with dates and times of availability on 01234 301500 ext 703 or by email: [email protected] I would also like to offer workshops to parents and carers and would appreciate feedback on whether you would be interested in attending these and any suggested topics. Additionally, if you have any skills you would like to share with others, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these with you. Bedford Academy recognise the important part that parents and carers play in their child’s education. I aim to create an environment where parents and carers feel informed and supported and where we as a school can raise concerns and highlight achievements. We are also keen to provide you with opportunities to build supportive relationships with other parents and carers. I look forward to working closely with you in the near future. Michelle Williamson, Family Support Manager
02 Highlights - Spring 2016 Bedford Academy’s new NCS provider, News Activate, bowls over our Year 11 and Sixth Form students with a visit from Bedford Academy Adds England cricketer Jimmy Anderson Climbing Wall to its List Jimmy Anderson, in his role as Activate Ambassador, took part in an of Fantastic Facilities inspirational question and answer session with students in Year 11 and Over the February half term holiday a brand the Sixth Form, encouraging them to make the most of opportunities new, state-of-the-art climbing wall was installed available to them such as The National Citizen Service (NCS). He in our Sports Hall. This climbing wall adds also took some time to answer questions from our elite cricketers and to the fantastic facilities at Bedford Academy. Students will be taking part in climbing as part christened our brand new all-weather wicket by bowling a few balls. of their Core PE curriculum at Key Stage 3, as Jimmy’s visit attracted local media, resulting • Phase 1 is a 5-day residential with students well as using it for one of their assessed sports if in a feature on the BBC’s Look East and taking part in outward-bound activities such they opt to study GCSE PE during Key Stage 4. an article in the Bedford Times & Citizen. as hiking, kayaking and climbing. We also aim to provide as many opportunities for all students to take part in climbing during Year 11 student Ravi Galsin got to face • Phase 2 of the programme is a 4-day enrichment time. Over the next term the PE Jimmy’s bowling and said ‘I will remember residential where we prepare students this day for the rest of my life, definitely’. team will complete training to enable them to for further education and the work place. deliver climbing to a high standard. Climbing is Latest employability reports show that 63% During this phase young people have the both a physical and mental challenge which we identify lack of experience as a main barrier opportunity to take the Activate Awards in to finding work. NCS helps young people hope can support the development of student Community Leadership, Digital Marketing character and confidence. Students have been overcome this by providing them with the and Sports Leadership. opportunity to work with local employers thrilled to see such an amazing addition to our and charities. • Phase 3 is a social action project that facilities and are eager to get started! students deliver in their own community. Activate are one of the leading providers of sport and activity instruction in the UK. To celebrate the launch the first 30 BA They deliver programmes to over 10,000 students to sign up will qualify for a free young people across the country, providing place (maximum cost is £50, no cost if in sport specific courses for young people receipt of FSM). during holidays, working with current and NCS can help students reach their potential, former athletes to create projects such as the so what are you waiting for? To sign up to Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy and the the programme visit www.ncseast.co.uk Louis Smith Gymnastics Academy. or for more information look on They are now delivering the NCS programme www.we-activate.co.uk/ncs/. Alternatively, to students aged 16 to 18 in the Bedford area. speak to the Careers Team or collect an The course is broken down into 3 phases: expression of interest form from reception.
Learning Village Leaders welcome Barbara to their Team Barbara Biegun has recently been appointed as Learning Village Administration Assistant to provide day-to-day administrative support to all five Learning Village Leaders. Mrs Biegun will often be the first point of contact for parents and carers when Learning Village Leaders are unavailable and will be able to help with your initial enquires until the Learning Village Leader is available to contact you directly. Mrs Biegun can be contacted on 01234 301500 ext 603. National Internet Safety Day Following The National Internet Safety Day we would like to provide all parents and carers with a link to some excellent information for you to support your children in being ‘share aware’. The website has some practical advice for parents and young people and some great tools to ensure safe use of the internet on any device. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware to access some great resources.
Highlights - Spring 2016 03 Communications World Book Day 2016 As part of our celebration of World Book Day 2016 we held another Drop Everything and Read Day. For twenty minutes students and staff ‘dropped’ what they were doing and simply enjoyed reading a book or magazine of their choice. Students were able to take part in many students can be used at either of the Tesco different activities during the day in the ILC, Superstores, WH Smith or Waterstones in including quizzes on their favourite book/ Bedford Town Centre until 29.03.16. author as well as timed activities such as We are also promoting TEEN FEST 2016. ‘Who Am I’ with silhouettes of famous book This uses social media to encourage young characters. All participants were entered people to take part in activities involving their into prize draws to win Amazon Gift favourite authors and illustrators. Details at: Cards. Students also played Scrabble and #WBDTeenFest other word-based games as well as making Make sure you don’t miss the exciting bookmarks. live author events! You can also join the The World Book Day Tokens given to conversations on Facebook and Twitter.
04 Highlights - Spring 2016 Humanities Budding History investigators share their findings on World War I with their fellow students Groups of Year 8 History students have been has culminated in some wonderful verbal as they took over Mr Marsham’s lesson and investigating the historical belief that World and visual presentations as well as some very taught the rest of the class about the two War One was just ‘mud, blood and misery’ thoughtful essays. Special mention should opposing historical beliefs, including student and have been building evidence logs to go to Beatriz Cadete and Shenise Sparkes interaction and engagement through some support and challenge this interpretation. This for their imaginative take on a presentation very creative activities. Well done ladies!
Beatriz Cadete Shenise Sparkes
Local history grabs the attention of Year 7 students Year 7 students have been carrying out a local history project investigating Bedford’s very own Cardington Hangars (right). Students have worked hard to judge the significance of the hangars across their hundred year existence and used this research to produce essays in an attempt to persuade Mr Marsham as to when the hangars were most important. This has resulted in a high number of Grade 4 answers, with several students surpassing their Grade 2 and Grade 3 target grades. Special mention must go to Remi Bill for producing the highest graded essay, obtaining a 4+, a tremendous achievement for a Year 7 Remi Bill student. Well done Remi!
Maths & Business Real Business Challenge Maths and Business tutor groups were entered for the 2016 Real Business Challenge. We are delighted to announce that our students from M07 came third overall out of 87 schools nationally! Well done to all students who contributed to this great achievement and to Miss Robinson and Miss Lockey for all of their efforts.
Highlights - Spring 2016 05 Arts & Sports Eastern Region Prelim Gymnastics Competition In February, Bedford Academy took 8 gymnasts to Talented students in Salto Gym Club in Luton for the regional acrobatics competition. In the lead up to this event, the selected PE visit Loughborough gymnasts worked tirelessly at numerous enrichments to perfect their learned skills and techniques and put these University into their choreographed routines. In December 2015, the Gifted and Talented students Kerry Kelly and Sakura Rebec-Permo formed the pair, whilst Tia Bell, in PE visited Loughborough University for a taster day. Chloe Torode, Holly Torode, Margarita Mihunova, Sian Mills and The trip was arranged to allow our greatest sporting Maya Nicco formed the group. students to be inspired by the many different career The event was a long day for the girls, with the pair competing in the routes in sport. morning and the group competing in the late afternoon. All of the The students took part girls involved did exceptionally well against very tough competition. in a university tour that With over 36 other schools competing, the students should be allowed them to see pleased to have held their own and put in the first ever performance the outstanding sports for Bedford Academy. facilities as well as the The judges’ feedback will provide us with areas to improve ahead different accommodation of the next competition. A big well done to all of the girls in the options. They then took squad. Gymnastics enrichment will continue to take place on part in various seminars Tuesdays for all students and this is your opportunity to become led by elite athletes part of the next squad! and sports nutritionists. During the afternoon, students engaged in some field-based fitness testing sessions where they were able to use high quality technical equipment to analyse their results. Throughout the day, Bedford Academy students were able to develop their knowledge of the dedication needed to become an elite athlete as well as how this can be balanced alongside completing a degree. The students were truly inspired by the trip and motivated to work hard in order to be given the opportunity to study at such a prestigious university. GCSE PE students are All of the students involved were a credit to the school throughout the day and I look forward to our next event! climbing their way to success! This year all GCSE PE students are taking Climbing as part of their practical assessment. The students are currently visiting Kempston Outdoor Centre three times per week during enrichment time with PE staff. The sessions include learning how to boulder, belay, develop rope work and climb up to 35 different and challenging routes. The students have 2 instructors during the sessions that support them with their climbing technique in order to secure the highest possible grade towards their GCSE qualification. Well done to all students and staff involved and we look forward to next year when we can climb on our very own wall in the Sports Hall! Sports Transition Event This term saw Bedford Academy hold an exciting sports transition event for 30 Year 6 students from Shortstown Primary School. The event was organised by the PE team and was an opportunity for the pupils to see what Bedford Academy has to offer in PE, including the use of our top quality facilities. Pupils received an innovative dance lesson with a Pirate’s of the Caribbean theme which saw them perform a fight scene re-enacted to the music from the film. All pupils were fantastic and really enjoyed their experience as a pirate for the day! The event was a great success and we look forward to hosting more sessions in the future with the next generation of Bedford Academy students.
06 Highlights - Spring 2016 Bedford Academy Arts & Sports Ski Trip 2016 On Saturday the 9th of January 24 students and even some red slopes. The students bumboarding, movie night and games night. left Bedford Academy heading to Serre showed grit and determination enduring We look forward to the next ski trip in Chevalier in the Southern Alps. All students conditions of -23° at the summit on the January 2017; letters about the trip are now had 4 hours of ski tuition every day and by coldest day. The Après Ski activities were available from reception. the end of the week were mastering blue also very popular and included ice skating,
Hockey Fixtures Our U13’s boys and girls have been very busy, representing Bedford Academy playing in fixtures against Goldington A & B, Westfield, Maggie B, Lincroft, Harrold and Rushmore. Hockey has well and truly taken over the enrichment programme! The buzz A huge well done goes out to all those around hockey students who took part. Good job teams! has been overwhelming, and seeing so many of our students positively representing the school, whilst having fun at the same time, has been a pleasure to witness and be part of. Both teams have come on leaps and bounds from their first game and shown commitment and desire in all fixtures. Those involved have played with excellent sportsmanship and most definitely demonstrated Bedford Academy character.
Highlights - Spring 2016 07 Arts & Sports Sports Leaders This term our Year 8 Sports Leaders have done a fantastic job helping organise and deliver a range of sports for inclusive sports competitions. To date students have been involved in delivering goalball, zone hockey and boccia and have represented Bedford Academy extremely well. Our Year 8 Sports Leaders are Eddy Adaba, Alfie Palmer, Ben Cherry, Callum Cooper, Alex Cowley, Leah Rands, Tia Bell, Ella Murley and Shakira Maslen. In March, the Academy hosted the Bedford KS2 Multi-Sports event with over 430 primary school students participating throughout the day, competing in football, scoreball and sports hall athletics. The Academy provided over 35 Sports Leaders for this event who helped to deliver and organise the sports for the primary school students, to ensure the day ran smoothly. This was a fantastic opportunity for other students across the year groups to get involved in a Sports Leaders event and to decide if they wished to become Sports Leader in the future.
08 Highlights - Spring 2016 Arts & Sports Bedford Academy win 3 Awards at the UK National Rock Challenge In February Bedford Academy performed in the UK National Rock Challenge competition at Milton Keynes Theatre. Students had been working endlessly in encourages students to lead a healthy lifestyle and performed professionally; focussing on rehearsals in preparation for this final and gain a ‘healthy high’ through dance and projecting both their movement and facial performance entitled ‘A New World’, based performance. Rock Challenge brought the expressions to the audience and judges. on a girl travelling from a destroyed city to a students together and they had a wonderful Bedford Academy won 3 awards for Inclusive new life in a new country. Students and staff day partying and performing the night away. Provision, Entertainment and Set Design. We worked together as a team to make the set Kaylee Young, Year 8, described Rock are very proud of every student who was and costumes for the production. Challenge as “Spectacular! And a day I will involved. Well done team! Rock Challenge is a global company never forget”. encouraging schools to participate in an Students were responsible for lighting, set, We are now preparing for next year’s event that creates a healthy lifestyle with performance and costumes and could competition, so keep an eye out for the sign an anti-drug message. Rock Challenge choose different job roles. Students behaved up sheet to become involved.
Music Videos: ‘Directors, Producers What’s been happening and Camera Crew’ in Performing Arts? The GCSE Media students are currently developing their skills in media This term students have been taking part in a wide- production by working in small groups and creating music videos to existing range of extra-curricular activities from street dance music/songs of their choice. They were given the brief of choosing a genre and to musical theatre. Within lessons students have had creating a 3 minute music video the opportunity to study dance at Key Stage 3 and to cater for the needs of a target within drama, music and dance have been preparing audience. During the lessons, performances for the Easter Eggstravaganza on the students experimented with Tuesday 22nd of March. Students have been studying different filming and editing new schemes of work from Pirates of the Caribbean techniques such as: after effects, and popular music to Parkour. the green screen studio, split In the music department, some of our GCSE students screens and much more. took part in the ‘Battle of The Bands’ competition The music videos took on in Milton Keynes on 15th March. Students worked one of three approaches: hard to prepare for this competition which involved performance, narrative or abstract and ranged from artists such as Drake and performing three songs and competing against other Chris Brown, to David Guetta. schools in the Bedford Borough. The students thoroughly enjoyed All GCSE Music students were also involved in a Jazz taking part in this project and Band workshop on 24th February which will help working together as a team towards their GCSE Music exam. to produce entertaining and Students learnt the ‘All Blues’ set technically finished products. The and performed parts of the Blues level of skills and talent in film song to help their understanding of making within this year’s cohort is Jazz Music. This was a really exciting inspiring and will encourage many opportunity for our students to of the Media students in years to work with professional musicians. follow to do just as well.
Highlights - Spring 2016 09 Careers Bedford Academy achieve Full Investor in Careers Status On the 16th of December 2015 CSW Group confirmed that, following our assessment on the 8th of December 2015, they were happy to award Bedford Academy full Investor in Careers status from December 2015–2018. Some of the highlights from our assessment included; • The careers team operates in a dynamic manner with each other, staff and students. As a result they are always looking to improve and develop the provision they offer across the Academy. • Bedford Academy has, since the stage 2 assessment, continued to develop its CEIAG provision. • Bedford Academy puts the future needs of every student at the heart of its teaching and learning and has, through strong curriculum planning and the support of the careers team, enabled a long-term strategy to be envisioned that incorporates Careers and guidance throughout the Academy. As part of the assessment students were asked for their input and commented; “School careers staff are always encouraging and take your ideas and aspirations for the future seriously. “I decided not to apply to university and changed my mind to look for apprenticeships. As a result of the careers support here, I have met with employers and the Rotary Club. As I want apprenticeships now I believe that I have access to excellent networks outside the Academy and great support in school. “I wanted specialist help in Geology and Miss Green found a geologist I could meet and talk to and he has encouraged me and given me an email address as he is now working in Mozambique. And now my geography teacher is getting National Geographic Magazine and giving me articles from it. They encourage you to express your own ideas.”
Bedford Academy Win ‘National Best in CEIAG Practice’ Award As a result of our Investor in Careers assessment we were nominated for a CSW National Best Practise in CEIAG Award. This was the case presented by them: “I have read many IIC reports from IIC assessors but few guidance during this endeavour but, instead, the Principal have shown a school Head of Careers with such creativity and Mrs Smith, her SMT, Miss Green, and Mr Dawe have changed determination to make a difference. the face of careers in an amazingly short time. The Ofsted inspectors recognised this too in their recent inspection. I would “I know it is their first assessment for the whole award but I like to officially congratulate Bedford Academy on winning our believe that what I have seen and assessed over the 18 months Investor in Careers Award for showing ‘Best Practice in CEIAG’.” since they started the journey, that they do deserve to be seriously considered. They have an amazingly supportive SMT Miss Green and Mr Dawe collected the award at the National and have been working very hard to change their academic Careers Guidance Show on the 2nd of March 2016. results. They could have overlooked careers education and
10 Highlights - Spring 2016 Careers Trip to UCFB In February we took a group of BTEC Sport Sixth Form students to UCFB Wembley. The University and College of Football Business (UCFB) delivers degree courses in the operational and business facets of the football, sports and events industries and has campuses in Wembley and Burnley. The visit was organised due to there box and even have their photograph I am a sports enthusiast. Upon seeing the being a lot of interest in the university taken with the FA Cup! university my inspiration has been sparked and the excellent opportunities it offers even more due to the fact that it is situated This is what Lipa Nessa, Year 13 student for students to pursue careers in sport. in Wembley Stadium which, as we are all had to say about the experience: aware, is an environment of legends who The day began with an inspirational talk “The time for me to leave Sixth Form created history. UCFB has many contacts, about the vast range of career paths in and attend university is soon approaching. a key example being the FA. This amazing the sports industry and was followed by Looking at the decisions which I have made, opportunity allowed us as students to build a tour of Wembley Stadium. Students got I am certain that choosing UCFB as one relationships which will work in our favour at to see the dressing rooms, sit in the press of my options was a very wise decision, as the start of our careers.”
Highlights - Spring 2016 11 Careers What is... RPA (Raising the Participation Age)? Simply it means all young people are required to continue in education or training until their 18th birthday. This doesn’t have to mean staying in school. You can choose to study or train in any of the following ways: • Stay on full-time in a school, college or with a training provider (many young people also do a part time job alongside this). • Work or volunteer full-time, together with part-time education or training. Bedford Academy • Take up an apprenticeship or traineeship. Alumni Two of our former students who started university in 2015 recently made contact via email to talk about their journey so far... “We both go to separate universities: The University of Bedfordshire where Aamirah is studying Health and Social Care and De Montfort University in Leicester where Nabah is studying Creative Writing and Journalism. “Since we have both started university, we have found it surprisingly easy to adjust – the first year is always the best year! The subjects that we are studying aren’t as difficult as we thought they would be. “We are learning at a more advanced level but the tutors are very considerate and always make sure you understand before moving on to a different topic. Everything is enjoyable and the only negative that we can think of is that the year is ending rather quickly, but luckily we have two more great educational years in front of us! “We are glad that we chose these universities to go to because they offer us so much and really cater to our needs. Everyone is friendly so there is no need to be terrified! “ An Offer of Learning Nabah Jafri & Aamirah Nawaz Most of our Year 11 students have already applied, had interviews and received conditional offers of learning by now. These could be offers from Bedford Academy Sixth Form, other Sixth Forms, local Colleges or an apprenticeship. Some students may have more than one offer as they are undecided or have applied to a second choice as a ‘back up’ plan. If you are in Year 11, have not got a definite offer of learning, (this is a letter or email confirming the grades you need to secure your place) and need help with deciding what to do or are worried about how to cope with the change, please drop into the Careers office or request a careers interview at [email protected]
12 Highlights - Spring 2016 Careers
14th to 18th March 2016
National Apprenticeship Week is coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and traineeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. One of the objectives of National Apprenticeship Week apprenticeship ambassador. This was part of a challenge set by 2016 was to celebrate apprenticeships, especially higher and Bedford Apprenticeship Hub, part of Bedford Jobs Hub. The degree apprenticeships, showing how they offer a new work- brief was to create video case studies to inspire young people. based route into professions that have traditionally been the The online videos were shared via the Apprenticeship Hub preserve of graduates. Facebook page during Apprenticeship Week. Preparations for NAW kicked off with the help of Media Sixth We were lucky enough to film two current apprentices and one Formers Gabbie Noel, Federica Mensah and Farhana Akhtar, ambassador, who were full of enthusiasm and were extremely impressed who gave up their time to interview some apprentices and an with our student’s professionalism confidence and knowledge!
This is what William Dilling and Mahi Thoufique had to say:
William Dilling recently started as an IT/Engineering Mahi Thoufique is an apprentice IT Helpdesk apprentice with Abacus Leewell in Langford: Technician at Bedford Hospital: Could you describe what you do in your apprenticeship? Could you describe what you do in your apprenticeship? Because my apprenticeship at the NHS is well orientated, unlike I have a varied role within my apprenticeship – I control managed most apprenticeships, I have a feel for every aspect of IT and work spaces remotely and also do on-site and workshop repairs Tele-Communications in my department, from logging calls for with computers and printers. I also do all consumer sales, aid with staff who are having problems with virtual applications to being an marketing strategies and write up proposals for new clients. integral part of a successful roll out in a project to introduce new What do you enjoy most about your role? technology the staff would be using. The best thing about my apprenticeship is that I’m learning valuable What do you enjoy most about your role? trade skills relevant to what I enjoy but also get to be the first My department is really diverse; I am able to communicate with to use pioneering technology and be in control of businesses IT people from different cultures and backgrounds, which is great for data and systems. Another thing that is great is that my ideas are getting to know more about people as well as external visitors deemed valuable and are often put into practice. who we work with to deliver our services as a ‘Trust’. This would What advice would you give another young person be my favourite bit about my role. wanting to do an apprenticeship? What advice would you give another young person University is not for everyone and don’t just follow the crowd. If wanting to do an apprenticeship? you’re unsure whether the course you have looked at suits your I would say you have chosen a fantastic opportunity, not only will needs then look to see if there is an apprenticeship that focuses it give you professional qualifications to get you into industries but on your area of interest. An apprenticeship offers a journey of you will have ‘hands on’ experience and both the qualifications experience which can be a great opportunity in itself and can place and experience complement each other, which is exactly what you ahead of the game in the industry. most employers look for now. But also to work as hard as you can, balance out your work life with your social life and come up with Why did you choose an apprenticeship? bright ideas whilst your mind is still fresh because that is how you Opportunity to join a rapidly growing company, that focuses on will be recognised as an apprentice and how you will be five steps the areas of IT that I like and enjoy but also that offers a good closer to where you want to go. working environment, management opportunities and a wide array of experience. Why did you choose an apprenticeship? I chose an apprenticeship because I didn’t want to study the theoretical side of my career at university for 3-4 years, finish my degree and carry on trying to sell ‘bags for life’ at Sports Direct whilst looking for a job… No! I wanted to make the most of my current qualifications, apply it in an actual working environment and begin to develop my career in IT whilst I’m still young.
Highlights - Spring 2016 13 Sixth Form News Sixth Form have had a very busy Spring term! It’s been a great time for students across both years, exploring their careers and university aspirations. Many of our Year 13 students have attended university interviews, leadership and participation outside of subjects. We have had some applicant days and have been able to confirm their first and insurance fantastic success stories, including the recent achievements of our choices for their undergraduate degrees starting in September. We Young Enterprise teams, as well as the participation of many of our have also had a host of opportunities for our Year 12 students in Year 12 scientists in the Lockheed Martin Techbox Challenge. preparing them for higher education, from a taster day at Pembroke College, at the University of Cambridge, to Russell Group application talks aimed at students looking to apply to the most competitive Having fun institutions for 2017 entry. All students in Year 12 have also been on World introduced to their work experience programme that will be taking Book Day place in July this year. We are really excited to see the placements that students secure, particularly with so many of our students being so proactive in organising their own placements to match their aspirations in a range of sectors, including finance, law and medicine. Students are also busy preparing for their final exams this year. Our students are incredibly motivated and it is inspiring to see so many spend much of their time outside of lessons preparing both independently and in enrichment study groups. Students will be supported throughout the coming weeks to maximise their potential in both A Level and BTEC subjects, with a lot of support being provided on revision strategies, independent study techniques and really giving a big focus to them recognising their own potential. We are really looking forward to seeing all their hard work pay off when those all-important results come in during August. Finally, we have had a great term full of extra-curricular activities that have been successful in engaging students with developing their
End of Year 13 Celebrations! It has been a really valuable experience to begin organising our end of year event, which we plan to be a Masquerade Ball. We have had to ring possible venues to enquire about costing, dates and what they include in the asking price. After this, we visited these venues in order to have a look around and ask further about menus and how they will lay out our event; soon followed by comparing the pros and cons of each of these venues. It has been a fun, new experience, whilst also aiding us in becoming more independent by organising the event ourselves… with some assistance from Mrs Lovett and Miss Warner, of course.
Russell Group The University of Cambridge – University Talk Year 12 Visit Wednesday 9th March My visit to Cambridge has enlightened me subject, as grades alone is not enough to On Wednesday 9th March, 10 selected Year about the everyday routines of student life. guarantee a place at my chosen university. 12 students attended a talk at Redborne This experience has allowed me to discover We got a lot out of the visit and it has really School that gave them an opportunity to the requirements for a place at the infamous helped to get us thinking carefully about our develop their knowledge and understanding Cambridge University. forthcoming university applications and the of the application process to Cambridge, During my time there, we were given the demands that top universities require. Oxford and Russell Group universities. opportunity to talk to a few students and We look forward to the challenge ahead! The students had been selected as a result gain their insight on life at university. By far of their recent progress and attainment. the most significant fact I There was an opportunity for the students learnt was that in order to ask questions and find out information to secure a place at a about potential course choices and personal top university, it is crucial statement writing. Well done to the selected to show interest and students! exuberance in my preferred
14 Highlights - Spring 2016 Sixth Form News Young Enterprise Young Enterprise was a great and enjoyable experience for everyone who participated. It was a chance for us to develop our team working and entrepreneurial skills. It empowers young people in a business setting, allowing us to not only learn business skills, but also how to interact with customers. There were two teams from our school that and showcase skills we had acquired from just over 50 schools participating in Young had qualified for the finals: ‘Titan’ and ‘The the experience. Enterprise and it was an honour to compete Gadgets’. We as a team, had to generate Both teams have won awards: The Gadget with them. It was a lot fun interacting with all ideas for our product, along with pricing and were awarded with ‘The Best Customer the teams and customers, and had the added advertising which would lead up to two trade Service’ in Bedford Trade Fair and Titan benefit of teaching us business skills we could fairs, in which we would be able to sell to received ‘The Best Tradestand Award’ in apply to life later on. actual customers interested in our product the Milton Keynes Trade Fair. There were
Applications for Student Finance We received an assembly by a the application were reiterated, furthermore, maintenance grant. Repayments of the representative from the University of advice on budgeting was also provided to student loan were also clearly explained, Bedfordshire, who provided us with useful help us understand how to manage finances i.e. only start after you begin earning above links and a detailed explanation of what the effectively while at university. £21,000 and how much that would be on a application entails. We were advised on the We were given figures of how much monthly basis relative to future earnings. things that we would need to set up/apply financial support (maintenance loan) we If students require any additional assistance for, if we previously hadn’t, for example could receive to manage our living expenses they can contact Mrs Lovett (Head of a bank account or passport, to ensure in relation to household income, moreover, Sixth Form) who can the application could be completed and changes made by the government that guide them with their processed smoothly. Key dates in regards to affect our year, like the scrappage of the application.
Highlights - Spring 2016 15 Diary Dates
Summer Term
April June July 11th Staff Training Day 9th New Beginnings 1st Sports Day 21st Year 8 Parent’s Evening Transition Enrichment 1 7th Transition Day/Evening 16th New Beginnings 8th Transition Day Transition Enrichment 2 May 14th Year 11 Prom 23rd New Beginnings 22nd End of Term 30th Half Term Transition Enrichment 3 29th Target Review Day 30th New Beginnings Transition Enrichment 4
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